[mal du pays]

Username: Kris Dreemurr
Cat Name: Amos
Gender: Female
Rank: Loner
Clan: The Veil
Age: 60 moons
Prompt:

From a very early age, Amos was told that her fate was connected to that very special someone.
Now, she was never very superstitious - all she knew about this was a bunch of tales she was told as a kitten, and she had never been given any sort of proof to validate this belief. Her parents and grandparents simply assured her that fate would play its course in connecting her to the one she was meant for at some point in her future.

The whirring of machinery outside of her home caused her to stir, and she sat upright. Nobody had told her that people were coming around to work, and they were usually diligent about that! She scrambled to her paws as she felt the place she was in - the place she called home - begin to rumble with an intensity she’d never felt before. Panic overwhelmed her and she immediately scrambled to get out of there as fast as she could, not thinking to grab anything else - what was going on was clearly more important than a couple of trinkets scattered around her home.
She peeled out of the hollow just as the tree creaked and gave out, collapsing onto its side with an incredibly loud thud. She felt her back arch as she saw what was going on, and as soon as one of the people saw her, she peeled off in whatever direction she thought would take her far, far away from this.
And soon she had been running for what felt like miles.
Her legs gave out from under her, and she skidded to a stop in front of a large patch of brush. She didn’t have the energy to keep running further, so she dug her heels and crawled into it, thinking that it was good enough to rest in for the time being.
Why’d it have to be my home? She rested her head on her paws as she mulled over her thoughts, feeling a little distressed. Amos had picked that spot since it’d been safe for as long as she remembered - why did that have to happen now? Can’t I have somewhere safe?
Before she passed out, she could’ve sworn she heard the sound of a bell chiming from a place she couldn’t discern.

A bizarre hiss snapped her awake, and she noticed immediately that she was not where she had fallen asleep.
Scrambling to her paws, she came face to face with the most horrifying creature she’d ever seen - a large, writhing mass of pitch black fur, lined with an uncountable amount of eyes. It seemed to be staring her down from every direction, and she pinned herself back, trying to back away from the creature.
It followed.

Amos could only let out a whimper as it advanced, but as soon as it seemed to be drawing close enough to cause damage, it faltered back - and she caught sight of a large red tabby, who seemed to be fighting the creature back.
It let out another hiss before it retreated, and the red tabby let out a breath. “Don’t you folks know not to interfere with those?” She asked, before she turned around. “Oh. I don’t think I’ve seen you before. The hell’re you doing over here?”
Amos blinked, just sort of staring at her. She couldn’t help but be enraptured, but she was drawn out of her thoughts by the other clearing her throat rather loudly. “O-Oh! I just woke up here.. I don’t know how I got here, honest!”
She managed to straighten herself out, calming down from her sudden encounter with the large beast, and the red tabby sat herself down. Amos couldn’t help but feel somewhat small compared to her, although her thoughts drifted elsewhere..
“Is that so..” The other mused, and Amos wondered if she believed her at all. “Interesting. Best watch your step over here. The anomalies are no pushovers. One wrong step and someone might not be there to save your skin from becoming a pile of meat.”
“O-Of course!” Amos replied, giving a nod. “I’ll be more careful now that I know.”
The red tabby seemed to find this answer satisfactory, and she got to her paws. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I should let Garion know one of her ‘precious creatures’ escaped again.”
“Wait--!” She was surprised by the tone she gave, shrinking down a little. “Wh-What’s your name?”
The red tabby gave an amused trill, looking over her shoulder towards Amos. “The name’s Kali.”
“..Thank you for saving me, Kali.”
“Don’t do that again.”
And Kali was gone, and Amos couldn’t help but watch her leave.


Amos spent the next few days wandering around the island and getting acquainted with more of the cats who lived on it, although each time she was alone her thoughts kept drifting to Kali. Part of her wanted to thank her more than just verbally for saving her from the beast - Big Bird is what she’d heard it be called, from members of the Veil - but she couldn’t really think of anything..
She wasn’t paying attention as she was walking, and she collided with something with a soft “oof”. She took a few steps backwards to gain her bearings again.
“Watch where you’re going.”
Amos blinked. “Oh! Kali!”
Kali almost seemed surprised, taking a moment to sit herself neatly in front of Amos. “Oh, it’s you. You been keeping an eye on where you been walking?”
“Y-Yes, of course! Most of the time…” She looked to the ground a little sheepishly. “Oh, right, I’m Amos..”
“Well, not too much of a problem if you’ve been staying clear of L Corp, anyways.” Kali replied after a moment, looking to the grey tabby with a quirked brow. “I assume you’ve been handling yourself?”
Amos gave a nod. “Th…The other cats around here have been nice enough.”
“That’s good.” Amos could’ve sworn she heard something else in her tone, though. Was she jealous? She didn’t dare ask, though.
Amos looked up to Kali’s face, trying to see if she could get a read on her. Kali looked back to her, and she gave an ‘eep’, looking to her paws. This seemed to net an amused reaction from the larger tabby, and she flustered.
“Well, I have things to get back to.” Kali got to her paws again. “Don’t get yourself into danger.”
“...Before you go..” Amos said suddenly, looking up at Kali again. “W…. Will I… I want to see you again.”
Kali seemed genuinely surprised at this, her eyes widening. Was she surprised that someone had wanted to spend time with her? Her expression shifted back to her usual, though, and she gave a faint sound. “I suppose we’ll run into one another at some point. It’s a small island.”
“I mean, more than just coincidentally running into each other..” Amos replied, her tone serious. Was she really going to say something? “L-Look, I can’t.. I keep thinking about you.”
Kali looked away, and Amos couldn’t get a read on her expression. Was she going to say no…?
“...In three days, meet me back here.” she said after a moment. “I’ll be waiting. Don’t disappoint me.”
Amos blinked. “O-Of course! I’ll try my best not to!”
Kali smirked, before she got to her feet and took her leave. Amos stared after her, her heart fluttering. Wow..


One meeting turned into several, and Amos could feel herself falling deeper and deeper in love with Kali. Perhaps her family had been right, that fate had led her right to meeting Kali.
Of course, she couldn’t spend all her time around Kali - she’d said herself that she had business around the island, and that she didn’t want to risk Amos getting involved with the wrong people. Amos had understood, knowing that Kali had her best interest in mind - after the first incident, she certainly had wanted to avoid another one, right..?
The grass brushed against her underbelly as she walked through the woods, only stopping when she heard a fight going on. She crouched low, fixing her gaze on the scene ahead of her - a dark brown cat had attacked Kali. Her heart sank for a moment, but she relaxed as Kali managed to get them off of her, and the larger tabby let out a snarl.
The two in the clearing began to discuss. Amos strained her ears to hear, although she couldn’t pick up much. She could pick up the Veil being mentioned, and Kali offering to lend a hand, although she couldn’t tell what she’d agreed to do. She thought it’d be in her best interest to walk away, and see if she could run into Kali without seeming like she’d been eavesdropping..
She slowly backed away, deciding to loop around and see if she could catch something.
A couple of minutes later, she was carrying a shrew, and she trotted through the woods, trying to see if she could find Kali again.
Kali hadn’t gone far, giving herself a wash in the clearing, and Amos gave a trill as she bounded over to her.
“Kali!” She purred, setting the shrew down by the larger tabby. Kali blinked in surprise before she purred in response, and Amos leaned up to touch noses with her. “I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time..”
“Of course not.” Kali replied softly. As far as Amos knew, this was the first time Kali had spoken in such a way, and she was enamored. Amos moved to sit next to her, leaning against her gently after a moment or so. Kali looked down to her, almost surprised.
“Mm?” Amos blinked as Kali made that noise, and she flustered.
“O-Oh, sorry! That might be too sudden..” She shifted, pulling back from the gesture, and she looked to her paws.
“You didn’t have to move, you know.” Kali said after a moment. “Just a little surprised, is all.”
“O..Oh..”
She leaned back against her, and she felt Kali rest her chin on top of her head. She gave a soft purr, her eyes shutting as she took in Kali’s warmth.
She wasn’t sure when she’d dozed off, but when she woke up, she was surrounded by the fluffy coat of Kali. It looked like Kali had also fallen asleep, a faint rumble coming from the larger tabby. Amos settled back down, nuzzling herself back into her fur.

After all this time, however, Amos had still not said anything about her crush on Kali. Part of her was worried that Kali would reject her, and she didn’t want to risk losing what she had with the tabby. So, she said nothing, simply enjoying the quiet times they had when they met again.
She was lost in thought for a while before she heard people talking, and she ducked out of the way to try to hear who it was.
“Carmen is over here.”
Kali! Amos’ ears perked, and she slowly crept forward. She was with someone else, a brown & white cat. The other cat seemed a little nervous, although she followed along with what Kali was saying. As the two walked, Amos followed from a distance - she wanted to know what was going on, but she didn’t want Kali to see she was there.
“If you say so..” The other replied, voice clearly reluctant. “It must be important if she wanted to speak with me, right?”
“Of course.” Kali let out an amused sound. “It’s very important.”
Amos followed as Kali led the stranger to a clearing, and the two stopped. The other girl seemed confused when she didn’t see anyone else.
“I thought she was here?”
“Hm. She must be running late.” Kali mused, looking around. She seemed to see something, but Amos couldn’t tell what. Kali sat down, and the other cat took a few steps into the clearing.
“I-I suppose I could wait..”
“That’d be a good idea.” Kali nodded. “Wouldn’t want to leave, only for Carmen to show up.. It’d be very bad on both sides.”
Amos saw the other give a nod, shifting on her paws. Kali’s tail flicked in a peculiar way and she nodded to seemingly no one, and she pressed herself down further as she suddenly heard the rustling of the bushes on the other side of the clearing, and the brown cat who’d attacked Kali lunged from the bushes directly on top of the strange girl. She didn’t stand a chance as she was ambushed, although she certainly tried her best - to no use, as she soon fell still, and the attacking cat backed away once it was done. Kali looked toward them, giving a nod, and she turned to take her leave, although she didn’t get the chance to.
“What… What did you do, Kali?”
Amos’ tone sounded almost heartbroken as she came out of hiding, and Kali seemed genuinely surprised as the munchkin walked over to her. “Amos--”
“I thought you weren’t like this!” She responded, clearly seeming upset. She couldn’t bring herself to look at the cat lying still in the clearing, knowing just moments earlier she was still alive.
Kali took a step back, unsure of what to say. Amos took this as an admission of guilt.

“Th-This isn’t.. This isn’t who I thought you were, Kali.” It took everything she had to keep herself together, although it wasn’t working. “This isn’t what I fell in love with..”
“I guess it’s not.” Kali replied after a few moments of silence, silence that seemed to stretch forever for the munchkin. “I’m sorry, Amos.”
Amos only barely stifled a sniffle as she took a few steps back, watching as Kali turned away from her and began to leave.
And it was in that moment that Amos’ heart broke. And so, she turned and ran.

[northie]

MARK

[I Like Bees]

Mark


Found by lovage

[canadianhowl]

Username: DasCanadianSparkle
Cat Name: Magpiewhisper
Gender: female
Rank: warrior
Clan: galactic skies
Age: 30m
Prompt:
There was this clan cat she had been seeing almost everyday walking past the fence of her home. He carried a different prey item almost each time. She’d been curious about him and today was the day she would finally say hello to him. Magpie waited for him to walk past before stopping herself. Oh what was she thinking she couldn’t do this. She wasn’t the best at making friends and maybe this wild cat didn’t want anything to do with-

“Hey gorgeous. I see ya looking at me. What? Ya like what you see?” Magpie squeaked and fell over the fence forwards before landing right on the tom. Thankfully for him, he easily caught her and laughed, “I know I’m charming but don’t go falling for me just yet.”

Magpie just grumbled before sliding off of him and looked up. “Wow, you’re kind of tall.”

“And you’re kind of short.”

The two stayed silent for a bit before he finally spoke up again, “Names Firestrike. How about you?” Magpie didn’t answer for a few seconds before meowing, “I’m Magpie. Are you… not supposed to be here? You’re a wild cat and I’m a house cat.” The tom blinked and was silent for a bit before chuckling. “Yeah that is true buuuuut… I never was one for the rules anyways. So do I gotta blend in and get a collar on me?” He laughed softly.



That got a small laugh out of her before shaking her head no. “No you don’t but I mean if you want to you can.” She then watched as the tom pretended to have a collar on and walked around all prideful. “Oooo man I look snazzy haha! Does the color bring out my eyes?” Firestrike joked. Once more Magpie giggled before giving him a gentle shove, “Okay mr fancy we get it. Haha I’m glad I finally got to know you. You’re pretty funny.”

Firestrike looked around before answering, “y’know how about this. My leader isn’t too harsh on cats from outside joining. Just show you can contribute to the clan and he doesn’t mind. Sooooo you maybe come with me for a day to my home and we’ll see where it goes okay?” Magpie’s eyes brightened up. A clan? A clan of cats a bunch of cats? Her house life was a bit boring anyways maybe this would be a good chance of pace.

“Sure! I don’t mind! I’d love to see what life is like for a wild cat!”

“Great! Come on follow me. Be quick though I ain’t slowing down for no cat. I’ll race ya!” He laughed and began bounding off. Magpie rolled her eyes and laughed quickly racing after him.

//////////

That was a few days ago. By then Magpie or now Magpiewhisper had been accepted into the clan but it wasn’t all what she thought. Some cats bullied her for how short she was and she wanted to see for herself if that was true. The she cat ventured out from the clan and walked over to a river with a fallen tree over it and a bunch of rocks. She hopped onto one of the rocks and sat over and area that could show her reflection ish and… she just looked. Her legs were so… small. Almost not even there. She didn’t look like a cat. Magpiewhisper just sighed and sat down.

“Magpie- what’s wrong?”

She jumped and looked to her side seeing Firestrike on the log beside her. “Stop scaring me like that you goof! Ah it’s… it’s nothing but at the same time… Firestrike?”

“Yeah? What’s up birdy?”

“Are… are cats supposed to be this short like me? Am I really a cat? It explains why I have trouble doing some things I’m so short.”



“Hey look you’re still as much as a cat like the rest of us. Now if you were barking and not meowing we would be having a problem here but you meow so you’re a cat.”

Magpiewhisper laughed softly before finally standing up. “I… thank you. You’ve always been one of the kinder cats to me since I’ve stayed here.” She purred before giving him a friendly nuzzle. “Well you and Crabspots of course.” She added on before turning to look back at the direction to camp.

“Hmm why don’t we go hunting instead? That will take our minds off of things.” Firestrike suggested before bounding off with a laugh. “Last one to catch a bird is a pile of badger dung! Oooo haha I think I hear one tweet tweet~” he teased before racing off followed by the she cat.

///////////

“You are sure your stomach hurts because you ate something bad? I don’t think so. All the prey here is fine. If so I’d sure of seen someone else here too.” Lotusbreeze mumbled as she gave the little she cat some water in a leaf. Magpiewhisper lapped it up and sighed.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m just so worried and I get all nervous and sometime sick and… all around him mostly. You know Firestrike right?”

“Oh please tell me about him.” Lotusbreeze groaned and went to organize the herbs. “He’s an arrogant mousebrain. Guy flirts with every she cat he lays his eyes on. No wonder he can’t find a mate yet haha. Ain’t none of the she cats give him a chance because the next day he’s off chasing another.” Lotusbreeze laughed but stopped seeing Magpiewhisper looking nervous. She was silent and darted her eyes back and forward. Oh… oh she understood now. “You like him don’t you?”

“I… I guess I do. I… didn’t think I would but he’s just been so nice to me and so caring and everything. He understood me and listens to me. I didn’t expect to fall in love so fast but yeah, he has that charm to him.” The she cat sighed realizing she was sure in a mess now. He was arrogant and flirted with every she cat? What if… she was just another? Just another thing to flirt with? She didn’t know now. Oh she wanted to cry right now but she stopped herself before any tears could fall.

“See now here’s the thing. I think he may actually like you back. Not as just a flirt thing but… genuin. He ain’t ever shown his soft side to just any cat. If he’s that kind to you then you must of cracked some shell on him. Usually he ran away from any she cat who showed affection back but if he’s not running… I think you have a chance. How about this, next time you see him go and tell him. Just don’t think about it and just go for it okay?”

He… he liked her back? Her heart pounded hard thinking about the idea of Firestrike acrually liking her. Oh it was a wonderful feeling though! She smiled and nodded and slowly got up. Right. She was going to do this. She nodded thanks to the medicine cat and raced out of the den a lot more hopeful.

///////////

It’s been more evident to Magpiewhisper over the weeks she’s been here that, she’s started to grown to like Firestrike a lot. As in, way more then as a friend. He was sweet and funny and very charming. Maybe she should tell him soon? Well it was hard when he’s been out and about so often recently. Where has been going anyways? There’s no way he’s been assigned patrols so often or hunting or anything. He wouldn’t leave for an adventure without her that’s for sure. Sure she was worried but she kept thinking about what Lotusbreeze had told her. Magpiewhisper sighed before she began to pad out of camp and tried to catch a whiff of his scent. Hmmmm ah, there it was. He wasn’t getting away this time mr sneakyhead. The she cat smirked and began to follow the scent but grew more and more weary as the path began to look… familiar. Now it clicked, this was her old forest area by the… the twoleg place. She was close by to her old home now when the scent stopped by a fence. She looked up before deciding to maybe find a little hole to peek through instead.



Magpiewhisper began to dig a bit and pushed through a bush before getting a good enough view going where she saw Firestrike in the backyard. He sat there before being greeted by… a she cat. A kittypet and she… she looked pregnant. The two cats nuzzled each other before laying down in the grass and Firestrike began to groom her fur up. The two shared a few exchange of words and laugh before getting up and began to tussle a bit. Magpiewhisper just kept watching. She wanted to look away but she couldn’t. She felt cold and her heart was raving fast. Is this what was really playing out in front of her? Should she tell the clan? She didn’t know and just blanked out. She didn’t know for how long but snapped back when hearing pawsteps land behind her. She looked up seeing Firestrike was back on her side of the fence and shaking off any grass. He hadn’t seen her yet or… least till he heard a set of paws and turned around. His face fell before he just stared at his clanmate, his best friend.

“Magpiewhisper! Uh how… how nice to see you uh- look there’s a very good explanation to all of this! Oh yeah haha you haven’t meet Hana yet huh? Haha yeah she’s the kittypet that lives right here… please don’t tell Ramstar I swear once the kittens arrive I’ll stop okay?” The tom responded almost begging at the last sentences. The she cat just kept looking before nodding softly. “Yeah yeah of course. That’s what uh, friends do yeah?” She gave a fake smile but the tom seemed to of bought it.

“Thank you Magpiewhisper! I’ll repay you someday I promise! Well I better head to camp now. See ya later!” And off he ran…

“Haha yeah! I’ll uh… see you later too.”

Kittens? A she cat? He… he had a family now without even telling her. He didn’t like her. He liked another she cat and it was forbidden too. She wouldn’t tell still but that night she cried herself to sleep in her nest.

///////////

Moons passed… Magpiewhisper was laying in her nest in the warriors den before she heard a frantic meow suddenly burst out. She and a few clanmates ran out seeing Firestrike with two newborn kittens in his mouth. They were mewing, hungry and cold. He looked terrified… Magpiewhisper was stunned but stopped from saying ANYTBING when Ramstar leapt down from his den and approached the worried tom. “Where did you find these kittens Firestrike?”

Firestrike was silent before lowering them on the ground and mumbled, “I found them at the border of our territory sir. I was out patrolling the border and ran across these kittens in a bush. Please sir, they’re hungry and cold and we have a rule about not helping a kitten no matter where they come from right?” He almost sounded too desperate. Magpiewhisper was hesitant before it clicked in her mind. These must be the kittens that the she cat he was visiting must of had. These were his kittens but he was trying to hide it up. He saw Ramstar looked skeptical as well but she had to do something. The she cat took a deep breath in and stepped up.

“I’ll take the kittens in Ramstar. I might not be a nursing queen but I will help look after them. I’m sure Berrybreeze would be happy to nurse them alongside her own kitten.” She didn’t even wait for anyone to say anything before taking the crying kittens and brought them into the nursery. Berrybreeze looked up alongside little Dewkit. Magpiewhisper set the kittens down beside the queen and they began to feed right away. Berrybreeze smiled and wrapped her tail around them to keep them warm. The little she cat saw the clan disperse after a few more lines back and forward with Firestrike running right to the nursery.

“It’s okay, your secret is safe with me. You’ll be a wonderful father to them.” Magpiewhisper spoke softly to the tom. Firestrike smiled warmly before laying down and watched the little kittens.

“Maybe, you could be their mother? You seem so keen into protecting them, why not. I’m sure you’d be an amazing mom.” He offered. Those words made her heart flutter. She knew she would never have an actual family with him but hearing those words… this was the closest she’d get. The she cat nodded before laying down beside the tom and watched the little kittens nurse. “I’d be happy to be the mother to them. I’ll raise them as if they were my own. What do you plan on naming them and asking for guidence?”

“I was thinking Pepperkit for the little gray one. Not sure about the guide yet. Here, I’ll let you name the second one.”

“I like Cinnamonkit. We’ll ask Phoenix for guidence for her. I’m sure she’ll have a fiery spirit… just like her father.” She leaned in and rested against the tom. Oh if only these were their actual kits but, this was far better then nothing.

[Izutsumi]

Username: fallendownut
Cat Name: borealis
Gender: genderfluid
Rank: Medicat
Clan: Meteorclan
Age: 23 moons
Prompt:
um uh wip
i have 2 ideas

[xem]

Username:
Cat Name:
Gender:
Rank:
Clan: (Please link)
Age: (1 year or above)
Prompt:

He was long, cream and handsome.

But what was she? Barely a morsel, a polar opposite.

wip mark

[Griff]

Username: Griff
Cat Name: Rosenose
Gender: Female
Rank: tbd
Clan: https://toyhou.se/griffhighwind/charact ... er:2507939
Age: 13 Moons
Prompt: Rosenose sighed softly, with a dreamy look on her face as she faced the rest of her clan in front of the fire. "I remember my first crush pretty darn well," she admits. "He was tall, strong, brave... a bit rough on the eyes however. His bark was worse than his bite, but... he was there for me when nobody else was..." She smiled faintly.

"You see I was thrown out of a car when my family determined I was too... expensive to keep. Rodney found me almost right away, despite me being so small and weak. He brought me prey, licked my fur clean, reassured me that it would be alright. He watched after me, told me stories... gave me a reason to live. And with him I thrived!" She laughed. "His sense of humor was awful, but he tried poor fellow. And he made me laugh just the same."

"Wait... what kind of name for a cat is Rodney?" Crowcall asked, confused.

"...I never said he was a cat. Rodney was a dog, you see." All eyes stared upon her, as if she had just grown a second head. "You know, I like to think he loved me too. But I never got to find out, as the Two-Legs one day stole him away. He made me promise to hide and so I did... and that was the last I saw of him. I still think of him... you know? One never forgets their first crush..." For once Clan Ember was speechless. What did one say to a cat who just admitted they loved a dog?

[Swishy & Broken]

Y'all have an extra week now,,
Mostly because I forgot to officially close this
And a little because someone asked for an extension 💖

01/04 at rollover to 01/05

[Knickknacks]

Username: Knickknacks
Cat Name: Pigeonplume
Gender: female
Rank: warrior/campguard
Clan: Knollclan
Age: 1 year, 2 moons
Prompt: [1270 words]

Pigeonplume was in love with her best friend. Had been, for as long as she could remember.


-----


She had never considered herself one for nicknames. At least, not until meeting him.

"Hey, Pidge!"

She almost stumbled over her own paws at the call, glancing around to see who might have spoken. Surely they were referring to someone else, right-? She was a new apprentice, and didn't properly know any of her denmates yet. But sure enough- as though in answer to her confusion, one of the apprentices gathered with their mentors bounded over to her, beaming-

-and there he was. Everything about him seemed warm, from his bright orange coat to his friendly manner and even his name. Sunpaw. He looked the part- a ray of light, bright and encouraging, inviting her over and offering to introduce her to his friends, because he knew it could be awkward getting to know a new group of cats, and oh, Pigeonpaw was completely smitten.

He was so bright, in every sense of the word. Overflowing with enthusiasm and humor, making her feel better just by being around. It wasn't that the other apprentices were mean- they were quite nice, helping her along despite her being younger and smaller. But she couldn't help but feel patronized, sometimes. When it came to Sunpaw, though- she felt seen, and valued, and couldn't stop herself from falling.


-----


She remembered her first successful hunting assessment- she'd padded sheepishly into camp, shadowed by her mentor and clutching a pair of mice in her jaws- and Sunpaw had been there, yowling his congratulations, bumping her shoulder, and causing an overwhelmingly warm fuzzy sensation to spread all throughout her, filling her up with a feeling like liquid sunshine.


-----


Fighting had been tough for Pigeonpaw, at first- but Sunpaw always volunteered to partner with her, insisting that she had to keep trying if she wanted to improve. She remembered the first time she'd beaten him in a fight, slipping around him and pinning him to the sandy ground, leaving him with a stunned expression that caused her to freeze for a split second. And then he had broken out into a purr, telling her that he would have been so scared if he was an enemy, and she couldn't help but feel overwhelmingly fond of him in that moment, thankful for his friendship.


-----


She remembered when he got his warrior name, Sundance, and how proud he had looked in the moment, eyes shining with the same enthusiasm they always did. How fitting the name seemed to her- both because it expressed the vitality he possessed in everything he did, and because that was what he did to her: made her feel like the sun was dancing inside of her. Even when he sat vigil, still and silent, his fur seemed to glow proudly in the moonlight. Pigeonpaw slept soundly that night.


-----


She missed him, for the remainder of their training- but they weren't that far apart in age, and he continued to stop by, promising that they'd be able to patrol as full warriors together soon. When she received her own name, Pigeonplume, he was the first to shout it to the stars.

"Have a good vigil, Pigeonplume," he had said, the last one to bid her goodnight, and again that happy feeling had lit her up inside, carrying her through the long night of her vigil.


-----


Pigeonplume had always cared about Sundance. His warmth drew her in from their very first meeting, and she was sunk. She'd heard some of her denmates scoff about the notion of love at first sight, or loving one cat their whole life- but if that one cat was Sundance, she supposed it might not be such a bad thing. It was Sundance, after all- her very closest friend.

Even when he spotted other couples amongst their clanmates, wrinkled his nose, and declared that having a mate and kits was not for him. Those offhand statements threatened to dash her hopes- but ultimately, Pigeonplume reasoned, she loved him regardless. She would be by his side as a friend, even if he didn't love her in the same way. And that would be okay.

It would be fine, she told herself.


-----


The day Pigeonplume fell into the river was the day everything came apart.

Swimming had never been her strong suit, with her shorter stature and the strength and depth of the current in certain parts of their clan's territory. All it had taken was one spill during a patrol for her to be swept helplessly along, to finally be dragged out by her frantic clanmates and ushered off to the healer's den.

Sundance wasn't there. He had been on a separate patrol. She would later learn that, as she shivered and sunk into a state of delirium from her chills, she had asked for him, called out his name in her half-asleep state, saying that she wanted her friend by her side.

She remembered waking up, sick and tired but mysteriously warm, with familiar orange fur curled around her.

"Go back to sleep," someone said. "I'm here. You're safe."

And Pigeonplume was ever so tired, and felt so comfortable, that she listened.


-----


When she awakened for real, the first thing she saw was Sundance. He was by her side, sleeping fitfully, fur a mess.

"He came as soon as you heard," the healer sniffed disapprovingly. "Refused to leave, even when I threatened to kick him out. That one's a pawful."

"I know," she responded, biting back a purr. "Thank you for everything," she murmured earnestly, grateful for the watchful eyes of the healer. "I'm sorry for giving everyone a scare like that."

"I think he's the one you scared most," the healer muttered, flicking his tail at Sundance. Pigeonplume glanced down at him, filled with the familiar warmth that Sundance brought by being near.

As if awakened by her gaze on him, her orange tabby friend stirred, blinking sleepily.

"Pidge-?" he asked, looking up at her. "You're-" straightening up frantically, he leaned forward to give her forehead a lick, purring uncontrollably.

"You're awake," he gasped, "thank the stars, I was so worried, I'm sorry I wasn't there-"

"You stayed," Pigeonplume murmured, voice tight with emotion. "Thank you."

"Anything for my- my best friend," he responded, voice cracking. "I-"

Pigeonplume buried her head in his fur, inhaling deeply. She had just survived a fall into the river, and a fever, and she had loved him all her life, and she told herself that maybe that was why she couldn't stop herself from bursting out and saying-

"I love you," she said, softly, muffled by his fur. Sundance stilled. Pigeonplume dared not look, didn't dare speak, afraid that he would pull away, that she had scared off her best friend by saying something so reckless-

"Hey, no fair," Sundance laughed shakily. "You beat me to it."

"You-" Pigeonplume chanced a look upward. "But I thought-"

"I love you too," he said, earnestly. "I'm sorry I was such a furball about figuring it out. I'm sorry it took me so long. But you're my best friend, and I didn't want to mess things up, but I also never want to lose you, and-"

He was cut off by Pigeonplume's laugh, high and relieved and happy, as she reached up to touch noses with him.


-----


"Furballs, the both of you," the healer scoffed, watching the two young cats and their sudden outburst of emotions. But he was smiling.


-----


Pigeonplume was in love with her best friend. Had been her whole life- and better still, he loved her as well.

[wildsight]

Username: wildsight
Cat Name: starling
Gender: male
Rank: rogue
Clan: kingdom of khafra
Age: 14 moons
Prompt:

That fateful, dreadful night. It seemed as if there would be no hope for the small tom, fleeing from his homeland only to be stranded among the golden sands of Altan, injured and helpless. One could see the very life draining from his eyes, once a bright shade of pink, now becoming duller and duller by the second. Everything was quick to become hazy, muddled, murky...hope was fading quickly. Eventually, the small feline fell into the dark realm of unconsciousness, aware of his surroundings and situation no longer. But all had not been lost.

When Starling awoke, he was met with light. Surrounding him were various felines, concerned and worried expressions placed upon their faces, as they gazed at the injured creature before them. The small tom soon gathered his senses, flinching at the knowledge he was once again surrounded...only this time, there were no angry faces or those that sought out his very being. And another thing...a paw was poised upon his shoulders, keeping him from rising.
"Relax." came a soft, quiet voice. Pink eyes blinked as he inhaled, searching for the source of the voice. One of the opposing felines padded forward, placing one of their own paws upon him. Now, the one who'd spoken came into view. And it was a face he remembered, just slightly. Before he had fallen into a state of darkness, Starling had caught sight of a group of felines approaching him. And the one who stood before him...she'd been at the head of them all.
"Feeling any better? It's good to see you're awake, you were in pretty bad condition." she mused, looking the tom over. Starling watched her for a moment, pink eyes admiring the feline before him. Now that he had a closer look - and a clearer look - he found the healer to be rather...pretty. And she was caring for him. A look of concern was among her face, warily reaching out a paw to place it upon the tom's head. "Are you?" she urged once more, momentarily breaking the trace he'd been in. Was he alright?

The tom nodded slowly, a quiet sigh escaping from him. Whatever they'd done to his pain seemed to be working. "He'll be fine." came the healer's reply, turning to those who surrounded them. "Let him rest and he'll be healed up in a couple of days." As the felines turned to leave, one large tom remained. "He's awfully small..."
"He might just be a small cat...he doesn't seem skinny or anything. Just a little chubby if anything." the molly replied, glancing at the tom in question. Starling batted a paw at her in a playful manner, which made the female laugh a bit. "Oh sorry, I didn't mean to offend you if I did." with a quiet sigh, she turned to the larger feline. "Thistlesnap, gather some food and water for him. We'll be keeping him company for the next few days and he'll need the best care. I'm not letting another cat die..."

For the next few days, Starling stayed with Speckledsparrow and Thistlesnap, healing. The molly rarely ever left the tom's side, talking to him for long periods of time before being pulled away by her brother. Starling enjoyed the company, yet he couldn't help but notice the feline's worry. It was in her voice, movements and even dreams as he watched her sleep fitfully some nights, only to wake up in exhaustion. He could only offer her a pat on the shoulder or resting his paw upon her own. He wanted to help her...after all, she'd helped him.
The longer the two stayed together, the stronger their bond seemed to grow. But soon enough, the days came to an end, and it was time for Starling to leave the healer's den. "I think you're better now. Though, I have no idea where your home is...I'm sure Thistlesnap can take you to one of his friends among the hunters...you can show them the way then, to get you home." There was no reply from the tom, only a sad look on his face and eventually, a drop of his head. He leaned against the molly's leg, ears drooping. "O-Oh are you not feeling all that well then? I-Is there something wrong?" He could sense the panic in his voice and realized that his actions might've come off wrong. Stepping back, the tom shook his head frantically. "No? As in 'no, you're fine?' Or 'no, you're not fine?'" Uh oh...how to answer. He blinked, eyes large and worrying over his response and newfound companion. Eventually, the molly sighed and began to lead the tom back into her den. "A few more days wouldn't hurt..."
And so, Starling stayed with the healer for a few more days...though, they weren't as peaceful as when he first arrived, surprisingly enough. Thistlesnap, Speckledsparrow's brother, seemed hesitant with allowing the small feline to stay with them for a couple more days. His nature had seemed to change, once being that of slight concern to that of suspicion. He even seemed to make this known to his sister one night, who spared him an anxious glance. He'd tried to comfort her once she and her brother had parted ways, but she didn't seem to notice his efforts. Alas, once more, the day came for Starling to leave...but he found himself in the same position as the first time.

"He is not staying for a third time. He's been here for nearly a moon now...no more." came the gruff reply from Thistlesnap. His sister glanced at the tom by her side, turning pleading eyes to her brother. "This'll be the last time, I promise. I mean...he doesn't even have to stay with us, he can join the Kingdom. But until then...just a few more days. Please...?"
"You're becoming attached...what did I tell you about becoming attached to your patients?" Speckledsparrow grew irritated at his response, perhaps even defensive. "W-Who said anything about becoming attached? It's called caring for them! I know what happened to my last patient and how I was but...I want to give them the best life I can, so if it happens again...they know they're loved."
Those words stuck with him for the following days. His pink eyes often found the molly and would cause that sentence to come back to him, a warm feeling resting over him. The tom knew he felt something for the healer, though he didn't know what. Even so, he realized the mood of the den had worsened since the siblings argument. Perhaps, he could fix things...or at least, make Speckledsparrow feel better.

It began with games. He attempted to play with her to cheer her up, then began helping out around the den. And at last, the gifts came. He brought her anything that he thought was pretty, rocks, feathers, flowers. Beforelong, the molly had a small collection of things he'd brought her, one she happened to be rather fond of. It seemed like he was getting the message over...that he cared for her, too. And yet, he'd hit the last straw with her brother.

It was late one night when it happened. Starling was busy collecting things for Speckledsparrow, when a sudden shadow blocked out the only source of light. Before he could lay eyes upon the creature, a heavy weight fell upon him. He was stunned instantly, but with the larger tom upon him, it wasn't like he'd be able to put up much of a fight regardless. Unable to scream or yell for help, he merely struggled...until he didn't.
A scream sounded from behind him and suddenly, the weight was gone. Scrambling away in fear, he whipped about to see the tom squirming about on the ground. His gaze grew wide as he watched the feline, his yowls and cries echoing through the night. He was petrified, unable to move for a long moment. Alas, he finally dared to approach the screaming tom, to figure out what was wrong. At the same moment, Speckledsparrow appeared.
"Thistlesnap!?" Speckledsparrow called out, horrified. She rushed over to the scene, only to nearly collide with Starling. "Wh- What're you doing here?" she inquired, wide eyes darting between each tom. "He did this! He did this to me!" Cried Thistlesnap, attempting to lash out at the smaller tom. "I knew he only meant harm to us! I knew it! Sahar can never be trust-" a pained cry sounded from him, cutting off the tom. His eyes were wide and foam was beginning to appear.

"Sahar? What does...?" A gasp. "The blood of Sahar...you." she said to Starling, her voice suddenly changing. "How do we stop this? Stop it!" she cried, fear clear in her voice. The tom's own gaze was wide with fear, he had no idea he'd done this. He tried to summon whatever power he had prior, the tom before him's condition flashing before his very eyes. Tense moments passed. One...two...three... He could sense the tension rising in the air, catching a glimpse the molly's lips twitching, just the tip of a fang visible for a mere moment. And finally...the tom before them stopped squirming and yowling...and he laid still.
"Thistlesnap!? Thistlesnap, are you okay!?" Speckledsparrow cried, reaching the tom's side. He laid there unmoving for a long moment, before he shuddered violently. His gaze slowly met his sister's before spotting Starling, causing the tom to leap back in fear. "Cursed creature! Get him away from me, he's nothing but a monster! Curse those of Sahar!" the tom yelled, hiding behind the molly in an uncharacteristic manner. Speckledsparrow's gaze fell upon Starling and for once...they lacked friendliness, replaced with pain and betrayal. "Why...? Just why?"
Tears threatened to fall from the tom's pink eyes, stumpy tail twitching once. He'd ruined everything and all because he wanted to be with her. He hadn't even known he possessed such skills...he was just scared. It reminded him of that day when those other felines had chased him...that day which led to meeting Speckledsparrow. Cursed creature. It was all he'd ever be. A pang of sadness went through his chest. If only he could tell her...if only. As tears fell from the tom's eyes, he padded over to the flowers he'd been collecting before the whole event transpired. Slowly approaching the healer, he gently placed them down at her paws. It wasn't a gift to show her his love for her...but one that served as an apology.

Stepping back, Starling attempted to meet the molly's gaze, but tears merely clouded his vision. His time with her was over. It was time to move on...he'd cause less harm that way. Whipping about, the tom fled from the scene. He'd miss her...but it was for the best. She deserved better than a tom who would only destroy her life. She deserved the best. And he was far from being such.