Username: Mythz
Cat Name: Firespark // Sparkfire
Clan: WishclanRank: Skirmish
Gender: Tom
Age: 21 Moons
Prompt: Yellow eyes surrounded by golden fur stared back at Firespark as he stared into his reflection. He tried to keep his eyes level, but they slowly slid down to his scars, and further down to his missing leg. Firespark tore his gaze away, letting his eyes travel across the river to the far bank.
Ever since the fire, nothing had been the same. It was ironic, wasn’t it? He had been destroyed by the fire he was named after.
Firespark shook his fur out, trying not to think back to the forest fire – it brought back too many horrible memories.
Turning away from the river he slowly made his way back towards camp, limping heavily. As he cleared the trees, he spotted Russetheart sitting on lookout. The tomcat smiled but Firespark could see that Russetheart’s blue eyes kept sliding down to his missing leg.
“Hello Firespark.” The tom called happily.
Firespark nodded in return, padding past the larger cat and into the camp. He didn’t miss that most of the cats who were in camp looked up and watched as he padded through the entrance. Firespark gritted his teeth, grinding them together as he avoided everyone’s gaze and stalked into the camp.
The golden-furred tomcat made his way into the Battle Den, which consisted of a large sandy ground and two nests – one for the Battlemaster and the other for the Skirmish. Firespark circled a few times before plopping himself down on the mix of moss, pine needles and feathers. He sighed, bringing his remaining front paw up to lick at the sore pad.
The den entrance rustled, and he looked up to see Bumbleheart gazing at him.
“Yes?” Firespark asked, a bit harsher than he meant to.
Bumbleheart swallowed nervously before replying, “Oh, um, I was just… just wondering how you’re doing.”
Firespark’s pelt bristled in annoyance. “I’m fine Bumbleheart. I’m
completely fine. Not like I’m missing a leg or anything! Thanks for asking!”
Bumbleheart flinched like he had been struck and stepped backwards. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t…” He avoided Firespark’s gaze as he quietly murmured, “Never mind.” And backed out of the den.
Firespark slumped down, head nuzzling down into the bedding.
“Why does this happen to me?” He rasped. “I don’t mean to be rude… but no one understands that I just want to forget about it.”
The next morning Firespark was lying in the sun, letting the warmth soak into his pelt. As he felt a gentle tap on his rump. Lifting his head to look around, he spotted Foxkit, holding a sparrow in her jaws.
“I brought this for you.” She mumbled around her prey, but it sounded more like, “I brou-gh gish ‘or you.”
Firespark smiled gently but tightly, he was grateful for Foxkit, but he didn’t need her to help him.
It was also partly her fault for what had happened to him.
The smoke was thick and choking as the group of coughing, tired cats raced through the forest. Finally, their leader signalled them to halt and many collapsed, glad for the brief break. The quiet sound of cats gasping for breath was broken by a wail of grief.
“Foxkit! Where’s Foxkit?” It was Simba, he was looking around the group of assembled cats, eyes wide. Following his gaze, Firespark glanced around the group of cats, not spotting the small kit.
“I have to go back for her!” Simba cried, but Bluestorm pushed in front to block his way. “I’m sorry Simba, but we need you here to look after the cats here.”
Simba squared his shoulders and Firespark butted in before a fight broke out.
“I’ll go… It’s not like you need me here.”
Bluestorm looked over before nodding. “Is that okay with you Simba?”
The large tomcat nodded and Firespark dipped his head.
“Don’t worry Simba. I’ll find her.”
“Foxkit!” Fire cackled threateningly and the billowing black clouds of forest fire smoke forced Firespark to take small breaths.
A quiet mew of fear brought Firespark’s attention around and he perked his ears, eyes swivelling through the smoke he spotted a small bundle of orange fur hidden among the flames. Firespark was immediately racing towards the small kit and scooped her up. He had to stop himself from gagging by the acidic taste of ash that coated his tongue upon touching Foxkit.
As he started back the way he had come, there was a creaking sound before a large snap echoed through the dying forest and the last thing Firespark remembered was throwing Foxkit out of the way before the tree came smashing down.Gentlestar had summoned him to her den and he sat inside the shady interior, glancing up at the pretty she-cat.
“Firespark… I know things have been hard since the accident… but you need to move on.”
Shaking his head, Firespark responded. “I just don’t feel like I’m pulling my weight.”
Gently, the she-cat replied. “It’s fine – we all understand.”
Firespark avoided her gaze, and roughly he replied, “I'm sick of everybody telling me that everything's going to be okay! it's not okay and it never will be!”
Gentlestar stepped forward, pressing her head against his.
“You have to be
confident. Too many days are wasted comparing ourselves to others and wishing to be something we aren't. Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses, and it's only when you accept who you are - and aren't - that you will truly succeed.”
As Gentlestar took a step backwards, Firespark drew in a ragged breath and hesitated before he replied. “It’s just the price I have to pay for the decision I made.”
Gentlestar looked up sharply. “But you saved Foxkit’s life.”
“Yeah, in return for my own.”
Gentlestar stood abruptly. “You must accept your past with no regrets, handle your present with confidence, and face your future with no fear Firespark. I will not sit around and watch one of my best warriors fade away to nothing.”
Firespark looked away, blinking hard.
Maybe...maybe Gentlestar is right. Maybe I should just accept what's happened and move on...[989 Words Total]
