[rainbowspongefactory]

Mark with british badger!

[0Zero0]

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Username: 0Zero0
Cat Name: ScatteredSoul
Gender: Male
Rank: Dragon Fire [Warrior]
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Clan: Tailless Comet
Age: 120 moons
Animal: Red Panda
Prompt: The Name of RedRiver
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[ethium]

pulling out, goodluck all contestants!

[xem]

Username: xem
Cat Name: Smokeweaver / The Emperor
Gender: tom
Rank: Emperor
Clan: The Empire
Age: 41 moons
Animal: Coyote/Spirit Coyote (due to size scale you certainly don’t have to add them to the ref if you don’t want to)
Prompt:

This is the story of a beginning. The beginning of something great to come, from the eyes of an outcast. See the world with him, see his strength as he grows and changes from his youth to adulthood. Follow his pawsteps on this journey, and make yourself welcome. As in The Empire, everyone is welcome.

Click on the ✩’s to view music that may go along with the story. At the very end, view Smokeweaver’s progress from being a kit to his current stage. Take in the story like a misty morning, embrace it like the tug of a mother’s warmth. Allow your mind to wander, and fill in the pieces.

A loud crash, a dark sky. Rain that instantly soaked the pelt of any who dared to step outside the luxury of an enclosed space, that provided shelter to those lucky enough to have found it. A young kit's blue eyes stared out into the storm, shaking slightly as they pressed against their mothers belly. The wind blew into the stone cave they resided in, other cats pulling close to one another to shield themselves from the cold force that blew in from the north. The rain began to turn to icy sleet, covering the ground in a cold wet slush. Storms were common in the upper mountains, where these cats congregated. But it seemed, there was something else odd about this storm. He sensed something unusual, and that something rather frightening was going to happen. But until it happened, no one would know.
-
Oddities and strange things were the magnet of his life. Why the creek would flow a certain direction on a flattened ground, why the sun was warm but the moon was cold. If the moon was cold, why did it shine like the sun? It shined like the sun, but didn’t give off as much light as the sun. Why?

Kits were curious of course, but none seemed to be as curious as him. The oddball of the group, the one who didn’t accept a simplified version of a complex question. That was who he was, an outlier, an oddity, someone different than the average cat who strived to be the best hunter or guardian there was. You might think that with someone so willing to learn, someone so intrigued with the world would want to be a healer. But in truth, he didn’t know what he wanted to be. Actually, that wasn’t true. He knew who he wanted to be. He wanted to be himself. Smokekit

---

The storm continued to lash out against the world, the air becoming colder. But there was something else sinister in the air. Even through the cold and damp air, Smokekit caught a scent in the air. The scent was so slight, so unnoticeable, that it seemed he was the only one who caught it. A creature the hunters had reported seeing more recently, an animal that was smaller than a wolf. An animal that could fit into their dens, unlike the bears and wolves. They were larger than the fox, and more viscous than the cunning dogs of red pelts. He had never scented the creature before, but knew what it had to be just as quickly. A coyote. Well, more specifically, the coyotes. Plural.

He lifted his head, gently nudging his mothers pelt, trying to wake her. But she seemed careless, still sleeping soundly despite the destructive noises of the storm. Then he saw it. A dark shadow, passing by the dens at a lightning pace. Then another, and another. His small heart began to pound in his chest, but the scent became so dampened by the rain, he was sure no one had caught the scent of danger. “Oh mother, please wake up.” He whimpered, continuing to nudge her. A sudden bark from the outside world sounded, giving Smokekit a chill down his spine, a chill that was colder than the wind itself. He wasn’t sure if he had woken her, but the bark certainly did. His mother was soon on her feet, eyes wide with fear. The bark woke everyone instinctively, the siren of death having just gone off. The storm howled, but oh how those coyotes howled louder.

---

“The mark of death! Destined for poor quality of life, for a fate so severe, one would rather put himself away before living!” A crazed cat yelled from his bed of moss, frothing at the mouth, his eyes pale and sickly. However sightless the old cats’ eyes may have been, he clearly saw something terrible in the face of the 3 moon old kit. He trembled under the elder cats’ gaze, before being nudged away by his mother as the healer moved closer to the sick cat, giving him something to eat.

He was different. The mark on his face, the mark of destruction, and bad things altogether. The way his muzzle stretched out as if he were part candid. When he was young, it took a while for others to get used to him, before they finally no longer stared at the dark patch of fur that marred his face. No one stared at your extended muzzle, and eyes that seemed to become different as he aged. Everything was like a big scar, really. Except, no one ever prided you on it. They only gave you hell.

It took him a while to get used to things, and even longer to be accepted by those around him. His mother loved him of course, his siblings. But even the leader, the one who was supposed to be noble and true, always gave him strange looks. But time was supposed to heal things. It may not have healed the dark patch, but it did heal the way the others looked at him. Eventually he became normal, and no one seemed concerned about him anymore. But if others were concerned about him, it was about the way he acted.

Exploring and venturing was what he loved most. He had escaped his home through the thorn wall barrier many more times than he could count. A troublemaker he was, but so were the other kits. But they were brought down by punishments for causing such disturbances. But to Smokekit, punishments were only opportunities.

---

All the cats were on their paws now, the kits shoved to the back of the den. He didn’t protest at first, but then realized he wanted to see what was happening. The back of the cave was dark and safe, but he wanted to be in the light of the storm, and in the chaos of fear. He pushed past the others, and came up beside the adult cats that stood in the mouth of the den. He expected to be shoved back, but they were too focused on the threats outside.

A sudden shriek cut the air, the warning signal, given by the leader. The masses charged from their dens, the cats’ pelts soon slick with rain as they charged at the coyotes. His own mother soon pushed past the others, forcing her way out into the battle. Not much could be seen through the flurry of fur and raindrops, hisses and growls cascading into the night. The kit sat there helpless and disturbed, nearing closer to the edge of the den. And suddenly, without thinking, he was in the middle of the battle scene. He was knocked to his paws by another cat accidentally, thunder striking the air, the bright light streaking through the sky. And just for a moment he saw the massacre that had unfolded between the trio of coyotes, and his own group of mountain cats.

But oh how the coyotes were quick, the largest one easily knocking down the ones in front of her. The two smaller coyotes were even more nimble, streaking through the night, faster than the lightning itself. Their eyes glowed with a sense of unfed rage, the sounds of terror clouding the air like a thick mist.

“Run!” A cat called from the distance, and as he turned back around, he saw the rest of the kits tumbling in after each other, deeper into the caves. The deep caves that were as dark as night itself, where prisoners were held. But surely, the coyotes wouldn’t be able to fit in such a small gap. But he couldn’t run away. He was intrigued, yes, but also terrified. His paws were stone, held to the ground with a force stronger than gravity.

But something caught his eye. One of the smaller coyotes was simply charging at cats, and backing off. His jaws held teeth as sharp as jagged river rocks, but his eyes held something unusual. But it wasn’t until the kits’ eyes traveled slightly to the left, that he noticed something even stranger. The coyote didn't have a tail.

Strange! Unusual! Different! The image stuck out to him now, as the coyote jumped and ran about clumsily. His paws seemed so displaced, as he struggled to keep up a false act. He wasn’t trying to hurt them, just have the cats believe he was. But the other coyotes were attacking… Why?

Suddenly the coyote caught his eye, the tailless creature bounding at him with viscous appearing jaws. But the kit did not move, remaining still. Perhaps it was an act of bravery, or maybe even, an act of stupidity as his frozen paws didn’t move.

But as the coyote charged him, he stopped as the kit didn’t move. His eyes seemed to soften, his jaws twitching into a grin rather than a snarl. It looked like he tried to say something, but another coyote quickly came over, barking and growling at the smaller tailless coyote.

“They’re getting the kits!” A cat suddenly called, as everyone’s attention was turned towards the caves where the kits slept. The smallest coyote was making his way into the hole, the sounds of squealing kits could be heard from within the guts of the cave. The cats that still stood all immediately rushed to the cave, realizing the location they thought was safe, was no longer so. The larger coyote left the tailless coyote alone, heading off to attack the cats that had now cornered themselves in the cave.

And here he was, alone in camp as sounds of fear and death filled the air from his starboard side. Alone, but alone with the enemy that seemed to not wish for any harm.

“Look now,” A gruff sound came from the tailless coyote, throwing his head upwards to the stars. The kit did as he was told, looking up. And to his astonishment, the once glowing moon had turned a solid shade of black.

“Dark times have come, of starvation and manifestation of those willing to cause evil. Your kind will be okay, but you, you must leave. Or the evil will consume you. Come with me. Away from your homeland, the spirits that dare tread upon the lands of tyranny. You must be veiled by the acts, or you will become one.” The voice came from the coyote.

The kit was more in awe than confused, having not realized other animals could communicate with one another. But was additionally, in shock. He couldn’t leave his family and friends! It wasn’t fair! “I don’t think I can do that… My kin, my friends, they would miss me so dearly!” He said, his voice full of exasperation.

A sad sigh came from the coyote, “The stars have spoken to me, and now they speak to all of us. The darkening of the moon, as dark as the mar on your face. Your pelt and spirit are a sign off this event itself. I’m afraid I cannot let you stay here.” The coyote said, his tone not angry, but rather suppressed. Suddenly he grabbed the young kit by the scruff, before taking off towards the exit of the thorn barrier. But this time, the kit did not struggle. His eyes were only looking up at the dark moon, cascading impurities down on them all.

-

Suddenly, the coyote stopped in his tracks, dropping the kit down on the ground roughly. He grunted, shaking out his dampened pelt. “Please, coyote, I don’t under-” The kit started.



“My name is Lamar.” He snapped, his eyes seeming angry for a moment, before he settled down again. The coyote seemed to clear his throat, “I know, little one. I’m so sorry. I do not wish to cause you any harm. I will do my best to explain things, but for now, we must find a resting location.” He said, pointing his nose towards a tunnel that headed underground. It was only now that the kit seemed to notice, they were no longer in the mountains. Some sort of forest, in flat land. “I assume you are familiar with sleeping underground. Now come, let’s wear the stress off your small frame with some rest.”

-

Rest did not come easy, though. The kit was in too much awe and fear to ask any questions, still stunned by everything that had happened so quickly. His mind wandered, but he also craved fresh air. The tunnel in the ground was not shallow like the caves of his home, but rather deep. The starlight did not kiss his nose, and the ground felt damp beneath him. The gnarled coyote did not seem interested in sharing his warmth, and instead slept pressed against the edge of the dirt.

A while seemed to pass, but how long, he was unsure. The kit crawled out of the hole, before looking back up at the sky again. The moon was back to normal! Did that mean things were alright? That he could head back home? But as he looked around, he could not figure out which direction home could possibly be. His small tail drooped, and he instead sat down in defeat. He found himself enjoying the fresh night air instead.

“You’ve got a sensible mind, sticking close.” The coyote's voice droned from behind him, the shallow candid moving up to seat himself beside the kit.

He looked over at the coyote, seeming to burst with pride. “The moon is normal again! That means you can take me home!” He exclaimed.

The coyote chuckled sadly, “No, not yet. You still have things to learn, and things to accomplish. You will return home one day, I promise.” He said gently. “Now, are you up for a story?” He asked, watching the kit’s ears perk up in excitement. He grinned, “Alright then.”

“When I was a pup, I grew up with my mother and sister. But you see, I was quite strange. I did not have a tail. My mother took a favoring to my sister, and it remained that way. I even seemed to stay smaller than my sister. It wasn’t fair, not at all. I did my best to seek my mothers approval, but you see, my sister always was better at everything she did. But I was weak, and I did fight back. My sister and mother snuck off hunting by themselves, and I was left alone in the darkness. I invested myself in the stars, memorizing, and watching the moon change over time. These were such interesting concepts, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed them before.” He said, shaking his head as if he were still in such disbelief. “Now, I want you to listen up, and see if you notice anything familiar from this part of the story. As I continued to grow, I noticed something unusual. Even more unusual than my tail, you see. The woods were filled with things such as bears and wolves, much larger predators. They didn’t take an interest in eating us, no. But just chasing us out of their land, to keep the prey to themselves. We were chased out often. But just because they didn’t want to eat us, didn’t mean they wouldn’t kill us, just to create less of a nuisance. There had been several close calls, and my sister was almost taken by one. But everytime, moments before we would notice something bad would happen, I could sense something in the air. Not a smell, no. But a strange, heavy feeling, that tugs at my pelt and makes my belly sick. It’s a special sense, to predict danger.”

“Wait a minute, I think I have that too! Before you guys came, before all that I- I knew something would happen!” He exclaimed in astonishment, “Wow… That’s incredible!” The kit said in disbelief. The coyote seemed pleased with the kits’ revelation, “But you see, this is not the only ability you have been gifted with. You have something more too, a connection to those of another species. You can share tongues with your enemies. Foxes, bears, wolves, coyotes. You can speak to them all, and understand their dialect. If another cat were to listen to us, they would not be able to understand a word I’m saying.” He said with a dip of his head. The blue eyed kit still sat in awe at the realization, this was so cool! “I can’t wait to go home and tell everyone about this!” He exclaimed once more.

But the coyote shook his head, casting his gaze away from him. “You need time to hone in your abilities. You have more than you realize, but they won’t make any appearances until you have trained both your heart, and your mind. You will struggle, and deal with things that seem too awful to bear. But trust me, one day, you will be great. Greater than those around you, both in mind and spirit. But you can’t go home. Your family and friends will turn against you, it is inevitable. Things will turn sour faster than the blink of an eye. You will live here with me, train, and learn how to live a proper life. You may see them again, but I can’t promise you they will be the same. It may be hard to hear, coming from me, but believe me. The stars only speak the truth. One day you will talk to them too, I promise.” He said, his voice beginning to fade into a slightly sadder tone.

The young kit began to pout, “No! I-I don’t care about being great and powerful, I just want to live normally with my family! Even if it means not being special or anything. I don’t care about any of this, no matter how cool it sounds! You said I would be able to go home, but now you say not for a long time! The moon is normal again, don’t you see? It’s safe! Just, bring me back home, and go back to your family! Please…” He begged, sniffing quietly. Lamar sighed, “Hush now, it will be alright. How about you go rest, and we will speak more in the morning.” He said, nudging the kit back towards the hole. But Smokekit hissed slightly, “I want to sleep out here.” He growled. Lamar’s shoulders relaxed, “Very well. I will stay up here with you, then.” He said, moving to lay down beside the young cat. The two fell asleep after a while, the stars watching over them.
-
Smokekit opened his eyes. The world around him was a dimmed blue, his paws light in the ground beneath him. He stood, taking a step forward as the land around him quivered ever so slightly. Whispers sounded around him, a breeze shaking his pelt. “What’s going on? Who’s there?” He called, his voice shaking.

“Do not fear, the time has come. Your double life will shake all into one. Your prayers won’t be answered, but you will become a leader. A leader to those who may not be all the same creature. Beneath the stars you will pray, become strong if you don’t disobey.” A voice sounded, thundering across the entire state around him. The sudden voice was loud enough and terrifying enough to cause the dream to shatter, as he entered the real once more.
-
He awoke with a gasp, shaking as he jumped to his paws. Lamar was already awake, observing the kit with great curiosity. He didn’t bother to ask about the kits dreaming, already having an idea of what it may have been about. “Ready to begin training?” He asked, his jaws twitching with excitement. And if he had a tail, Smokekit was sure he would have been flicking it in excitement. He shook out his pelt before nodding, “Yes, I think I’m ready.”
-
✩
-
The days came and went, Lamar teaching the young cat the basics for survival, and defensive maneuvers. The coyote reminded him that he would have much ability training in the future, and it was best to know everything an adult cat would know at a young age. They worked well as partners, leading hunts together. Lamar of course was always the one to deal the blow and do much of the damage, but (name) came in handy when it came to chasing the prey a certain direction, sending signals, and being stealthy due to his small size. It took some getting used to, living with the coyote. But after the dream, he decided that maybe it was best to live like this. Lamar never looked down at him with anger or any sort of diminishing look. They were completely different creatures, with completely different differences. But that was what (name) truly liked about Lamar. He was different, but in the best way possible.

Every night, Lamar talked to him about the stars, helping him trace the patterns in the skies, memorizing stars, and the different changes of the moon. Lamar was so wise, the young kit admired him greatly, wishing one day he too could hold such knowledge. (Name) worked incredibly hard to train and become the cat he was. He grew larger as he aged, no longer a stumbling kit, but a well muscled apprentice. There was no ceremony, no honor. But it was just a single morning that Lamar began to call him Smokepaw instead of Smokekit. Smokepaw realized that Lamar was quite familiar with their group customs, and he claimed to have known an older clan of cats that followed very similar practices. But it didn’t seem Lamar was very fond of the way the cats followed their rules.

“Imagine a place where cats could live in harmony, a place where food isn’t a struggle, and the stars always bless them? A place where they help each other, there are no arguments, predators, or famine. A utopia, essentially.” Lamar explained. “A place where a cat could choose his own name, his own destiny. They could be independent when they needed to be, but also have others to fall back on. A place where there could be excitement, and peace. Wouldn’t you want to live in a place like that?” Lamar asked him. Smokepaw agreed it sounded nice, but it didn’t ever seem possible. Lamar only nodded at that, and the ideas of utopia were put to rest. For now.

The two became closer through the following months, an inseparable team that could easily fend for themselves. The basics were now easy, and Smokepaw knew he was far more advanced than his other fellow apprentices in the mountains would be. Lamar knew how to make things fun and interesting, allowing the cat’s taste for adventure to be quenched from their countless expeditions and travelling. It almost seemed forgotten, as Smokepaw grew into an adult, that there was anything special about his life. He could sense danger, and talk to predators. It didn’t seem unusual anymore. But finally, Lamar felt like it was time. Smokepaw was ready to advance to a new level of greatness.
-
Smokepaw awoke one morning, to find himself in quite an unusual place. An unfamiliar cave, the dampness of the enclosed space giving off a unique smell. “Hello? Where- Where am I?” He called, his voice sending echoes through the damp halls.

A sudden glow appeared in the distance, and it slowly began to advance towards Smokepaw. But the presence did not feel evil, but rather calming. His jaw fell agape as the light came closer, a shimmering silver blue silhouette of a coyote- Lamar! Before Smokepaw could say anything, Lamar began to speak.

“Hello young one, or should I say, Smokeweaver.” He said with a toothy grin, dipping his head respectfully. The cat was still shocked into silence, having always imagined his leader naming him Smokeface, after his odd marking on the face. But Smokeweaver? That was such a cool name! “B-But Lamar, why are you like this? Why am I here?” He asked, slightly worried. Lamar only chuckled, “Don’t worry, this is only an illusion. An illusion based on something that will happen in the far future.” He said, and suddenly more light blinded the cat, as he was suddenly thrust back into the real world. Smokeweaver stood dizzy for a moment, before seeing Lamar again. Normal, non-glowing, tailless Lamar. He sighed with relief, “That’s incredible! How did you do that?” The cat asked in excitement. Lamar was rather pleased with himself, “You will learn, eventually. All the powers you withhold. I have raised you and trained you to be able defend yourself without your abilities, so you could learn things special abilities would not help. Your honor, pride, and respect. I do believe you are finally ready to learn new things about yourself, and what your future may hold. And, there is more I must tell you as well. But we will get there eventually. For now, come with me.” Lamar said with his last breath, before dashing off into the forest.

Smokeweaver wasted no time in going after him, eyes wide with excitement. His mind wandered back to the dream he had had, long long ago. He silently promised himself he would never stray from Lamar’s insight.

A whirring sound came up ahead, Smokeweaver’s ears picking up the sound with ease. They arrived at a rushing river, a soft mist laying across the water that slipped between smooth rocks. He could only imagine being caught up in the heavy currents, lapping at his pelt until he was sucked under. He shuddered slightly, turning his head to look back at Lamar. Lamar, the animal he had never imagined he would grow so close to. He was like his mentor, only not just to the basic skills, but to life. They had such a bond that Spokeweaver never wished to break. He showed so much admiration for the tailless coyote, and he wished he could do more for him. Afterall, Lamar always took care of him, helped him out, and was the kindest anyone had ever been to him. It almost felt as if Lamar was a fatherly figure towards him. He didn’t often think of his past life in the mountains anymore, fearing it would bring up too much emotion for him to bear. Long ago Lamar promised he would return there, but at this point, he didn’t even know if he wanted to go back. He remembered begging as a kit to return home. But now? His life was truly a great one.

His thoughts were cast aside as Lamar nudged him. “From this point on, I want you to realize that your abilities have limits. You are powerful, yes. You already know about your ability to sense danger, and I have hinted about another illusion casting power. But, there is much more you don’t know about. You will be greatly surprised, I’m sure. I have raised you to be humble and respectful without power, and I expect you to act the same with power.” Lamar said, his voice no longer in a playful tone, but in a rather serious one. Smokeweaver puffed out his chest, understanding what he meant. But at the same time, he held a relative shock about how much power Lamar seemed to think he had. Surely it couldn’t be that much more? But the way Lamar had casted the illusion, that was incredible! It all felt so real. It was so hard to imagine that he too would be able to harness a similar ability. But he felt his confidence begin to flounder, looking to his mentor. “Lamar, are you sure I can really do all these things you say? I mean, what if I can’t?” He asked with a frown. Lamar gave his shoulder a lick reassuringly, “Trust me, Smokeweaver, I know you can. You were destined to be powerful, a leader. Tell me, have you ever had any dreams that meant something to you?” He asked, raising a brow. But Smokeweavers ears perked up immediately, “Yes, yes long ago. The first or- maybe second night I was with you. Someone told me some sort of omen thing? It scared me, and I still remember it. Mostly, anyways. It reminds me of the things you say, of how I will hold power. The voice also said something about how my prayers wouldn’t be answered? It was strange. But that was the only dream I had.” He said with a slight huff.

Lamar seemed pleased with this, nodding. “That sounds about right. Trust me, you’ll be learning a lot more as we go along. It may not make sense at first, and things may seem not quite right, but I’ll have your back. Forever and always.” He promised with the nod of his head. Stormweaver relaxed slightly, at ease with Lamar's words. He always knew what to say to make him feel better. “Thank you, I hope I can live up to your expectations.” He said, regaining his confidence. But as Lamar nudged him closer to the water again, he felt himself falter once more. “Lamar, what exactly are we doing so close to the rushing water?” He asked, feeling his heart begin to pound. Lamar continued to encourage him forward, “Have confidence, young cat, go forward. You will be fine.” He said, urging him along. But Smokeweaver felt his breathing begin to pick up, tense as he slowly moved closer to the rushing water. “Lamar I don’t think I can do this!” He cried out, his paws nearing the edge of the bank. Lamar let out a sigh, “I’m sorry, young cat. This clearly wasn’t meant to be.” He said, the words taking Smokeweaver off guard as he suddenly plunged into the cold depths of the water.

What?! In his seemingly final moments of air, he couldn’t comprehend. Was he betrayed? Did Lamar decide he was done toying with him, and ready to get rid of him? Emotion flooded through him, unwilling to believe his best friend had done this. His body sank like a rock, and he squeezed his eyes shut. The world became black for a few moments, water flooding his body, and mind.

But his body began to resurface shakily, as he floated above the water. But as his head resurfaced, so did the rest of his body. Until it seemed his paws were the only thing left grazing the water below him, his body wrapped in the mist that covered the water. His eyes were wide, in shock, his body shuddering as he began to cough ever so slightly. It appeared he was floating above the water now, his paws no longer touching the rushing water beneath him. He looked to the banks for Lamar for any sign of guidance, for any hint as to why the heck he was floating above the water in a cloud of mist. But to his surprise, Lamar wasn’t there. He looked around in a panic, fearing he would drop back into the water at any second. “Lamar, where are you?!” He called in such a state of anguish, panicking. But he felt like he might lose it as he turned his head to the left, seeing Lamar floating above the water, shrouded by the mist. Lamar was grinning cheekily at him, moving swiftly in the mist above the water. “Lamar?!” He yelled, his paws fumbling in the air as his body began to move more over the water. Lamar moved closer to him, “Don’t stumble around, let yourself float like the air! Think like the mist, become one with it!” Lamar said, his voice full of excitement as he moved with great speeds above the water, even moving higher into the air.

Smokeweaver did his best to remain calm, but the swirling water beneath him seemed too threatening to let go. “Lamar I can’t do this!” He said, his paws continuing to move awkwardly beneath him. But as he took a deeper breath, he allowed himself to relax. He let himself float idly for a moment. Lamar moved up next to him again, “Stormweaver, you’re doing great! You won’t fall, don’t you worry.” He said, his voice as soothing as a spring morning. The cat let himself stay still as he slowly began to float in different directions around the water, letting his mind become one with the mist. “Lamar this is crazy!” He said, his voice slowly fading into a chuckle as he got the hang of moving around the mist. And that is how the two friends spent the day, learning the controls of the mist, and having the time of their lives.

-
A while passed as Lamar did his best to explain the ability of the mist to the cat, and his limits. “You can fly and glide around as much as you please, but mist or smoke must be present. What did I say, you were destined to be. Of course you would be named after one of your greatest abilities! But be careful, if it is smoke from something like a fire, and the smoke begins to fade, you will fall. So heed this warning, to only enter mist or smoke that is heavy, and has no chance of fading away.” Lamar had said to him, in his most strict tone. Of course, Smokeweaver promised to do so, giving a nod of approval. With the ability still in it’s training period, Smokeweaver still wasn’t the greatest at controlling it. He was getting better, yes, but his curiosity wandered. If he was able to do this, what other great powers did he hold? He yearned to ask the wise coyote about it, but was afraid he would be turned down. So he remained humble and did what he could to learn this new ability of the mist and smoke.

But as the days came and went, Smokeweaver almost felt as if everything was too good to be true. His life was more than amazing, but why? And it truly dawned on him to finally ask Lamar about how he knew he had these abilities, and why they both shared the same ones. And as he asked the question, he could see the look in Lamar’s eyes change to an emotion he had never seen before. Fear.

He hesitated in such a way that it made Smokeweaver’s own heart begin to race. But Lamar sat down with a heavy sigh, “I will do my best to explain everything to you. It was poor of me to do this so late in meeting you, but now seems like a good time.” He said, allowing the cat to sit beside him as he began to speak.

“I have told you before of the way I was born, and the way I lived. We wouldn’t necessarily know why we were born this way, me without a tail, and you with the most unique face I have ever seen. But the truth is, I know. It’s because we are a curse. Unwanted by the spirits of the stars, for being different. You see, the stars pride us on being the same thing. To follow their strict beliefs, and to be normal. Those are the mountain spirits, anyways. They help the strong, and the ones that can fend for themselves. This may be hard to hear, as I assume you worshipped the stars and the mountain spirits back in your group of cats. Maybe you still even worship them now. But the truth is, they didn’t want you. They cursed you with something that would lead to your downfall within your group. Have you ever noticed anyone weak or with disabilities in your mountain home? There isn’t any. And if there is, they remove of them. Because they weaken the group. It’s sick discrimination. Had you grown up, you would never become anyone powerful. A low rank, without any hope of growing higher. They will always look at you as if there is something wrong with you.” Lamar said, his voice becoming thick with emotion. He paused his speech , looking away for a moment. It seemed the topic had been enough to spar with Lamar’s feelings of the past, and the way he was treated. Smokeweaver moved in close to him, gently nuzzling his side. “I’m sorry Lamar, you don’t have to talk about this if you don’t want to.” The cat said softly to his friend, brushing his tail along his back. Lamar looked back at him, his eyes filling with slight happiness just at the action of Smokeweaver moving in to comfort him. “Thank you, young one. But I will continue, as it is best you know, sooner rather than later.” He said as he took a deep breath.

“Anyways, the mountain spirits. They abandoned you, they abandoned me. But there are the gods of the skies. You see, there are many, in all shapes and forms. Much like the spirits of the mountains,yes, that come in many different animal forms. But the gods? Not only are they animals, they are also the waters, the fires, the air, the trees. They are in everything around you. They do not just give privileges to the animals, but to everyone. And you and I? We are blessed by them. The outcasts, but accepted by the even greater spirits that hold peace and love. I can teach more about them, and I suppose I should have in the first place. I just didn't want to intrude on your beliefs. I understand religion had a very powerful impact on your life back in the mountains. It just seemed too soon to speak about when you were younger.” He said with a defeated sigh. “There is so much more for you to learn and understand, and I promise one day you will know just about everything. But with knowledge comes training. So as we go on, I will teach you more. I know I make a lot of promises, but I do assure you that they will all be fulfilled.” He said, laying down in the grass. Smokeweaver joined him, nodding. “I know you will, Lamar. You always do.” He purred.

-

The two friends grew even closer within their time together, Lamar doing as he had always done, teaching him the essential skills. But, Smokeweaver couldn’t help but feel that Lamar wasn’t telling him something. Or perhaps, was holding something back. He saw the look in his eyes, a look of guilt. Sometimes instead of answering his question about the future, or a rather confusing question on how the powers came to be, he brushed it off. Or would say he would tell him in due time. He even considered it even more unusual as Lamar began to sneak off at night without saying anything, and when Smokeweaver questioned him about it, he simply said he had never left. There was something going on, but Smokeweaver didn’t have the slightest clue. Instead of confronting him about it, he decided he would try the next best thing. Follow Lamar.

Smokeweaver laid beneath the stars, eyes closed, but ears alert for the sound of movement. The night air blew silently, and finally, the rustling of grass could be heard as Lamar rose from his sleeping position, before darting off into the night. Smokeweaver waited a moment, before getting up to follow him. He couldn’t possibly imagine why Lamar would be leaving almost every night. But his curiosity was at its peak now, as the coyote’s scent led off into an unfamiliar direction. He walked and walked, assuming Lamar would stop at some point. But the night droned on, and his paws grew weary. How far was Lamar going? But suddenly, a strange scent filled the air. It began to make his lungs feel heavy, until it became recognizable. His danger sense kicked in, and his pelt felt thick and weighted with an idea of something that had gone horribly wrong. The heavy scent of smoke. There was a light in the distance that soon turned into a very bright one. Fire. The trees were in a blaze, charred and hungry for more. He could see Lamar’s silhouette in the distance, looking up at the trees. Before suddenly he bounded upwards, into the smoke, and above the blaze, flying forward. Smokeweaver still couldn’t comprehend how massive the fire was, or why Lamar was going above the blaze. He had never seen a fire so large, nor had he seen a coyote fly above the fire. But he knew what he had to do, as his curiosity continued to lead him on. He would do what he was named for. Smoke weave.

He let the surrounding smoke take his body upward, soon swiftly flying above the flaming trees, body encased in smoke as Lamar moved farther north. But suddenly, Lamar stopped, looking down at something. He didn’t understand what he could possibly be looking at, as everything looked the same. But then he saw it. There was a patch of land that wasn’t burning, a decently sized circle of unscorched land, and he then dove down towards it, a single smoke trail leading behind him. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched Lamar go down, knowing how badly he wanted to follow. So he allowed himself to float in the sky, trying to ponder on a decision as he moved in a bit closer to see more. But there was something odd that was seeming to happen, the circle of unburnt trees, it was… Getting bigger? The amount of trees with life was beginning to grow bigger, and soon enough, blooming green trees were just beneath his paws, the smoke fading. He was in so much awe, that he didn’t consider the fact of his limits. The smoke beneath his paws was soon fully gone. And now, so was he. His body no longer floated, but sank. Pulled down by a weight he couldn’t control, as he fell to the ground. The world tumbled before him, before becoming dangerously still.

-

The world suddenly bloomed around him, like a flower in the spring. Slowly it unfolded into many colors, as he soon became very aware of the ground beneath him. His body was numb, but his eyes finally focused on something. Someone else, lying on the ground. A cream colored pelt. Lamar.

He tried to move his paws, his jaws parting, a soft cough escaping him. “Lamar?” He choked out, eyes wide with fear as he tried to sit up. But Lamar’s body was still. Soft embers and light smoke moved across the scene before him, as someone else stepped forward. A cat. The cat’s pelt was dim in the night, only lit up from the glaze of the fire in the background. It seemed so strange, but oddly familiar. And as Smokeweaver moved his gaze up even more, his eyes caught something that sent a chill through his spine. A collar. A red, spiked collar. This was no strange cat, it was his former leader. Buckstar. His lips twitched into a grin, “You’re an idiot, Smokeface. You never should have come here. Or have trusted a low life coyote. I thought you at least had some wits on you, but apparently I was wrong. You think you were special, to be born with such abilities? You think these abilities are given to the good ones? Well you’re wrong. Because I have more power than you. And I can’t say I’m the greatest around here, am I?” He asked with a chuckle, staring down at Smokeweaver with eyes of destruction. “I am here to burn the forest, and the lands all around. My mountains will lay untouched, and we will thrive. No one else deserves anything else, and we deserve the best. The mountain spirits deserve the best. My kind deserves the best. Everyone else will be left to rot. Enjoy the flames, young one. Your silly coyote can’t help you now.” He purred before stalking off into the fire, untouched by the flames. The smoke began to clog Smokeweavers lungs, but the smoke began to lift him off the ground unwillingly, trying to save him. But his eyes didn’t leave Lamar’s body, limp, and lifeless. No, he couldn’t leave him! He tried to stop his body from leaving the ground, but the smoke pulled him upwards anyways. “Lamar! Lamar!” He cried out in sadness, his body still numb as he tried to extend his paws. But he couldn’t reach his friend. And soon enough he was high in the air, the smoke carrying him away to safer grounds as he continued to cry out, his eyes welling with tears. His voice cracked and crumbled as he continued to call out, and his voice did not die out, even as he was safely on the ground. But as he was safe, the smoke inhalation, the stress, and the pain from the fall were too much for him to bear. His body fell limp, as he became unconscious.
-
No. He refused to believe the truth. It was his fault. Lamar was dead. Buckstar hated him, and planned to destroy all the lands around. The leader had some sort of fire ability. Something so much more powerful than a smoke and mist power. He was alone, abandoned. A cat with a face so unusual, it seemed not even his mother seemed to care to come looking for him after he was stolen by a coyote. Lamar was keeping this secret, about the fire, about Buckstar. He knew, didn’t he? He told him the powers were given to the unique creatures, but Buckstar? He was an ordinary cat, how had he gained such a power? So many questions. But now, here he was, with no one to ask. What was he to do, other than cower in shame? All he had done and known had been dependent on Lamar. And now here he was, alone. A cat that had never lived independently. Was he to go back to the mountains? He had no idea where that even was. But perhaps, if he followed the stars? He would know the way then surely, he could figure it out. He remembered watching the night stars as a kit, perhaps it was the way. No, but he couldn’t go back. Could he? He couldn’t help but begin to choke on his sadness once more, so lonely and pathetic he was.
-
✩
-
His paws found the way eventually, the land elevated before him. He had no idea what he was doing. Other than walking in anger, and sadness. Lamar had not told him the whole truth. And now he was dead. And here he was, trying to avenge his mentor, best friend, dare he say fatherly figure. He wanted to give up, and drop to the ground. He should’ve burned in the fire with Lamar. Or, at least he should have. Lamar was always the better one, wasn’t he? The wise one. The brave one. Smokeweaver could follow in his footsteps all he wanted, but he could never be Lamar.

His paws felt like stones, but still he trudged onward. The day turned to night. He rested. Day came again. He climbed the rough terrain, leading up to the mountains. His former home. And here he was, trespassing. He grit his teeth as his eyes laid on the thorn barrier ahead of him, but his paws no longer felt heavy. They felt light, and his claws were heavy now. Heavy with revenge.

He moved through the thorn barrier with rage, eyes ablaze as he took in the sights. Not much had changed. But he seemed to freeze time, as every cat that laid eyes on him no longer moved. “Buckstar, where are you?!” He hissed in anger, looking around, his tail flicking behind him. Everyone was dead silent, until a lingering figure appeared from a cave. He grinned sickly at him, and he could see the fire behind his eyes. No matter how dead they seemed to be. “You’re going to pay. For killing Lamar.” He snarled, his muscles tensing. This wasn’t going to be pretty.
-
✩
-
The two cats clashed like the ancients of old, at first, only using claws. Until it appeared that Buckstar’s abilities were not limited like his own, as fire began to form on the ground around them. They tostled and struggled, but Buckstar dominated all too easily. It was over within moments, a short yet dramatic fight coming to an end as he was dragged off to the caves. The prison caves, the death caves. Whatever you wanted to call them, but there was no chance of coming out of them alive. He was shoved in at his weakened state, stumbling amongst the dark rocks. Here he was, a fool walking. Buckstar chuckled behind him, “As I said before, you’re stupid. Stupid for thinking that you could ever be anything more powerful than fire. You made me reveal my truths to the others, that I hold something more powerful than every cat combined. The tides are changing, and I must tell them of my plans. And now you are one less thing to get in my way. Thank you for making it easy, by coming to be. You fool, Smokeface.” He said, his laugh echoing through the caves as he turned to leave. And now he was alone. Again. But now, it was dark.
-
Everything was still for a moment. He could run, but would be stopped all too easily. There would be a guard sitting at the opening of the cave. “Oh Lamar, I’ve failed you.” He mumbled to himself, suppressing sounds of sadness. Lamar had trained him and raised him to be great, he was supposed to be something great. And now he was a pathetic pile of fluff alone in a cave. But suddenly, something caught his eyes in the distance. Some sort of glow? His eyes widened, unable to help but feel he had been here before. And as the light came closer, he remembered it. His jaws parted and he struggled to comprehend the sight before him. It was the illusion Lamar had cast on him before showing him how to weave the mist. The illusion of the future. And the light? The light had to be Lamar. And sure enough, it was. The tailless coyote was beautiful in a coat of shimmering stars, his eyes glowing softly. Smokeweaver couldn’t help but quiver in shock as Lamar approached him, the small twinkling stars moving around Lamar as he stopped in front of him. He grinned at the cat before him, “I promised I would always be there for you, young one.” He said, gently touching noses with Smokeweaver. A chill rippled through Smokeweaver’s pelt, “Lamar I- I’m so sorry. I should never have followed you- it’s all my fault!” He whimpered, dipping his head, feeling such an utmost respect for Lamar.

Lamar nuzzled him gently, “Don’t you worry, you’re doing just fine. My death was inevitable, but you see, I am immortal in spirit. As are you. But it’s not your time, young one. There is still an ability you have, and I that I had, that resides in you. The ability to trap his element. His power. His fire.” Lamar said, “All you have to do is use your mind. I tried, but failed. Buckstar is strong, but you, my friend, can take it from him. All you have to do is use something you have that Buckstar doesn’t. A strong mind.” He said, just as he began to fade away.

Smokeweaver’s eyes widened, “Lamar! Please don’t go!” He cried, watching as the light faded before his eyes. Lamar only smiled at him, “I’m always here for you, just obey me, and you will prosper.” He said with the dip of his head.

A new anger filled Lamar, not only from killing his friend, but from causing him to be so doubtful of himself. He wasn’t going to let Buckstar push him down. Fire fueled his legs as he ran through the cave, and out towards the light of day. His pelt rippled with anger, and the air seemed lighter as his eyes met with Buckstar, who was waiting outside the cave. The tom grinned at him, “Don’t look at me like that, Smokeface. I’ll put you in your place, and you’ll go right back into that cave. But come at me like the stupid cat you are. We’ll see who the true winner is.” He hissed, as flames begin to move around Buckstars paws. “You may be a fireweaver. But not for long. Smokeweaver growled, before lunging at the large cat. His mind was strong, pulling at Buckstar as their eyes met. As the flames arched around them, every other cat that stood around them was in shock. Buckstar was finally showing his true colors. The beast of flame and evil he was. But not for long, because Smokeweaver was headstrong. In body, mind, and now in spirit. He yowled in anguish, his eyes wide with anger as he held his post. Despite the fire lapping at his paws, he inhaled, absorbing something from Buckstar. The flames began to weaken, and Buckstar’s flames began to weaken. His eyes widened in fear, as his powers began to fade, until they were nothing but cooling ashes on the ground. “You- what have you done?!” Buckstar snarled, lunging at him. But Smokeweaver used the faint smoke of the faded fire to lift himself higher, “I have put you in your place, Buckstar.” He growled, holding his chest high. “You are not a leader, you are a tyrant. I have taken your pride, and your power. And now I must leave you, and I hope the others do as well.” He said with a low growl, before using the remaining wisps of smoke to move over the thorn barrier, and escape his home of the mountains. And then he ran. Away from a home he hoped never to return to.

As he ran, Lamar soon appeared beside him, trotting with his head held high. “You did great, my young prodigy.” He said, praising the cat in utmost honor. Smokeweaver chuckled, his heart still pounding slightly fast. “Thank you, Lamar. I couldn’t have done it without you.” He said, dipping his head. Lamar moved his head to the west, “Come with me now, there is somewhere we must go. Now that you have taken Buckstar’s powers, and showed everyone how he truly was, it’s time you meet The Ruins.” He said, bounding forward once more. “Okay!” Smokeweaver said, having no idea what The Ruins may be, but the thought of traveling with his starry friend excited him.

The sun rose and fell in the sky, and they arrived at a strange location. White crumbled structures and pillars rose from the ground, small rooms and places that seemed to have been aged over time. Moss and vines grew amongst the pillars and white concrete, a beautiful location. Lamar looked at him, “Smokeweaver, this is all yours. This is the land promised to you, as you will lead a new life as leader. And I promise, there is so much more to teach you, and I will fulfill my past promises to you. But for now, I have a question for you. You have this, your future empire.You are a leader now, and must choose your name.” He said, watching the cat with pride. “My empire?” Smokeweaver asked with a confused glance. Lamar turned, looking back in the direction they had come. And in shock, he realized in the distance, there were cats. Cats coming to him. Cats that left Buckstar behind, and sought to seek a new life.

Smokeweaver held his chest high, watching as his new followers came to him. “If this is my empire, then I will be their leader.”

“I will be The Emperor.”

-

The cats will flourish, under a new leader, new laws. Under the guidance of The Emperor, and the guidance of a star based coyote. Buckstar still lived, and perhaps, one day he would make a reappearance. But for now, everything would be peaceful, under the reign of a non-tyrannical leader. The Emperor.

-

“The beginnings of all things are small.” - Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman Statesman.

[9,411 Words]

(Past)
Smokekit’s Stats:
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Independency: ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □ □
Pride: ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

(Present)
Smokeweaver’s Stats:
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Strength: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □
Agility: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □
Curiosity: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □
Courage: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □
Determination: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □
Perseverance: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □
Independency: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □
Pride: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □

[miraphoenix]

Username: miraphoenix
Cat Name: Sunshore
Gender: Nonbinary [they/them]
Rank: Scout
Clan: The Timelost
Age: 37 moons
Animal: A Cryodrakon flapling
Prompt:
Strange Friends in Stranger Places
(Linked for length ^ ^)

[mothbrainz]

mark

[EchoIre]

Username: EchoIre
Cat Name: Milan
Gender: Tom
Rank: Scout
Clan: LakeClan
Age: 53 Moons
Animal: Pied raven
Prompt: X

[Mythz]

As requested this will be extended until June 24th, same time!

[ToraOkami303]

Username: ToraOkami303
Cat Name: Bumblegorse
Gender: Male
Rank: Elder (Veil Walker)
Clan: Eagle Camp
Age: 11yr
Animal: African Grey Parrot
Prompt:
Familia

[Mythz]

This is now closed! Any edits made after now will disqualify your entry.