Username: ~Arokai*Rokuo~
Cat Name: Honeyfang
Gender: Male
Rank: Warrior
Clan: CavernclanAge: 30 moons
Prompt: To swear ones life to another is both an honorable task, and an arduous one.
Honeyfang had lived recently knowing only claws and teeth, fighting for ones life and trusting the words of another as much as you trust a fox with a kit. Being alone was safe, it meant that no one could heart you in any way that truly mattered- your heart was safe. He lived this way for many moons, darting about the woods as though nothing in the world mattered- his existence was pure reckless abandon, his life seemingly mattering little outside of causing some chaos. He had no
purpose.
Once he had known peace, warmth. A comfortable place among a small clan, sunning among the rocks and chasing prey through the fields, and ending the day slumbering among the wavering willow tree boughs with his trusted companions. His mother was all Honeyfang had left for family, a dainty chocolate she-cat brimming with love and honor. She taught him lessons of keeping his word, and paying that which is due.
This was, of course, until the day that the dogs showed up.
His clans makeshift camp had settled too close to the twolegs, something he had been adamantly against, and for that they paid the price.
Gnashing jaws, frightful barking, clanmates scattering about like mad, and all while Honeyfang sat unaware during patrol.
This was many, many moons ago. And now he is alone. And that is how it will stay.
Being free of the burden of others is better, he tells himself as he strolls along. It's safer to focus on the survival on just yourself, others will make it harder to stay alive. Leafbare is coming, I have to find a way to stay warm. And fed. And out of the jaws of hungry beasts. Did I already pass this tree? Where have I even wound up? Oh! Is that a bird I hear-
And then, a glint of metal among the trees.
A small, unassuming, wire. With it comes unrelenting pain, white hot fire licking up his legs. The tom yowls, struggling against the unseen foe as though swatting and gnashing will stop the snare from its constant tightening. The stake driven into the ground wiggles but never gives, holding strong against his desperate attempts at survival.
The tom blacks out in his rage, thrashing until his claws find something solid to finally grasp- something... Furry?
Like something straight of a starclan, a blessing stands before his prone form, panting with exertion.
She's sleek and chocolate brown, tabby stripes swirling about her belt, and smiling faintly despite the new trail of blood trickling down her nose from his swat. The light behind the trees seems to frame her perfectly in the moment, and time slows to a crawl as she slinks closer, approaching as though he may snap.
"I can help you, if you hold still."
The words ring in his ears for a moment, and all Honeyfang can manage is a small huff of air as he slumps into the ground, twitching. The she-cat takes this as a sign to proceed, and makes quick work of removing the entangled trap, as though with practiced ease.
"My name is
Ripplestar, what can I call you?"
Silence for several moments, the tom staring off into the tree line with hazy amber eyes.
"Ill just call you.. Clumsy. Alright, can you stand clumsy?"
Now this, this was enough to cause the tom to sneer in distaste. He rose on wobbling legs, only to find putting pressure on one of them sent agony searing up his hindquarters- that leg was promptly lifted, his face scrunching in silent pain. Despite this, though, the tom began to limp forwards. He had to leave, this was dangerous, he couldnt stay around her-
"Hey! Not even a thank you? Come here, let me look at that leg-"
"My name is Honeyfang. I do not need your help. Thank you. Goodbye."
Ripplestar appeared taken aback at his hostile response, for only a moment, before she began to lash her tail in discontent. The she-cat stalked forward with purpose, rising to her highest height in order to reach eye level with the stubborn tom before her. She sat stubbornly in front of his path, neck craned upwards defiantly.
"My pleasure, Honeyfang, now you're going to let me look at that! I saved your life! You owe me!"
These words seemed to freeze the tom in place, his eyes widening a fraction-
What had become of him. Turning his back on someone who had offered nothing but help? What would his mother have thought of him?
With this newfound realization weighing heavily upon him, Honeyfang rose and began to wordlessly follow the she cat as she blabbered on and on about how she had heard him yowling like a 'frightened kit' and come running, and he couldnt help but offer a playful roll of his eyes- something she would not let slip past. Smiling knowingly, Ripplestar lead him home to her clan.
-------
The friendship was slow, starting out. Rocky on a good day and downright bitter on a bad one, but the she-cat had wedged her way into his heart well and good once a few moons had passed. Her clan was small, but careful, and this was something that Honeyfang respected deeply- almost as deeply as he had come to respect Ripplefang herself.
A kittypet turned stray turned leader, all in the midst of leafbare by herself. Absolutely admirable, through his eyes.
Honeyfang knew, now, what his
purpose in life was.
Protecting this clan, and Ripplestar herself, was his new oath. He would breath his last breath for the clan, without hesitation or question.
When he told Ripplestar of this she had laughed it off, telling him not to be quite so dramatic.
She and the clan had saved his life, and he will die for them all in return. There is no risk he would not take to ensure their safety.
(1000/1000)
