⚓ The Tribe of the Black Pearl ⚓ • Tides of Betrayal

[V.Vulpes]

𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐋𝐘
(rank. Surgeon's Apprentice)▶(gender/prns. Molly, She/Her)▶(age. 8 Moons)▶(tagged. Whisper / Leaf / Tempest (mostly just standing by) )
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It all happened so fast.

One moment, the tribe was gathered under the Crow's Nest, tense but orderly for the most part, as Tempest delivered his announcements. Brambles sat near the edge of the crowd, ears perked and front paws tapping on the deck, her eyes flicking back and forth between the two rogues and her Captain. Occasionally she'd look to Whisper; she always stood calm and composed. It was something that Brambles clung to like a raft on stormy waters.

But storms have lightning and it was time for lightning to strike.

Brambles didn't see Leaf moving until it was too late. She heard the rumble of a snarl, something like rage and heartbreak twisting into something unrecognizable. And then, Brambles saw the flash of claws, a streak of a warm spotted pelt lunging forward.

"Leaf?" Brambles called in confusion. Then she gasped as she saw claws meet flesh and blood staining the pristine white fur of her mentor.

Then Brambles moved without even thinking. Her lithe legs carried her forward in a blur, pushing through a few cats around her. She skidded to a halt beside Whisper just as her mentor hissed and the surgeon apprentice froze for just a moment. Her pale blue eyes went wide as she watched her mentor stand her ground with a sharpness she rarely saw from the older molly. Brambles couldn't help but stare for a moment, stunned, a bit scared, and a little in awe.

Brambles snapped back to focus when she saw Ripple move to help and Tempest angrily coming towards. She gingerly stepped towards Whisper, wanting to get a look at her wound and see how she could help but not wanting to bother any of them.

𝐒𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐂𝐀𝐕𝐄
(rank. Sailor)▶(gender/prns. Sam, They/Them)▶(age. 17 Moons)▶(tagged. Open)
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Bat sat between the gathered tribe, their tail curled tightly around their paws. The fair breeze of the ocean ruffled their thick pelt, but they simply stared up at Tempest with their bright orange eyes.

When the announcement came, Moth's name, Bat didn't flinch. Of course, it would be her. She had always been the reliable one, the one cats listened to without needing to raise her voice. She's smart, generous, eager to please, and everything a lieutenant was supposed to be. They also knew that she avoided them like they had fleas. Bat's claws flexed against the wood of the deck once. They didn't like being avoided like that. But what did he know, he was just a young sailor.

Tempest's next announcement sent Bat's ears flattening. Lily, a rogue? In their camp? His orange gaze immediately snapped to this new molly and tom; battered, bruised, and resting in their camp like they belonged there?

No.

Tempest's explanation was firm, deliberate. Some story that Lily was betrayed and injured and didn't choose their camp to be dragged back to. It made Bat's tail flick against their paws. For once, Bat felt themself agreeing with Snarl, of all cats. They felt that same heat rising under their pelt.

It didn't matter if she'd been cast out, she had stood with them. She had chosen them at some point. And now she was here, in their camp, being offered protection? Trust? Bat's gaze flicked back to Tempest in disbelief. He stood tall, unmoving, resolved. It made Bat's stomach twist.

They adored their former mentor and Captain. But they couldn't stand beside this decision, not after those rogues killed their father. Yet they didn't say anything, not yet, because what was the point now? Tempest wouldn't change his mind, he'd already decided to give her a chance. Bat stalked off the deck, their shoulders tense.

Fine.

Let her stay. Let them pretend she belonged here but Bat would be watching. And if Lily so much as looked at someone wrong, they'd be the first to call her out. There were no second chances; not for them.

[winx]

tᥱmρᥱst────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
( eighty-four moons old ✧ tom ✧ captain ✧ pansexual ✧ location: deck ✧ tags: leaf, ripple, whisper, brambles )

Tempest’s eyes swept over the young faces before him—Leaf trembling, Ripple ashamed, Whisper steady in the face of her own pain.

He said nothing at first. Let the silence do the work. Let them feel the weight of the moment.

Then, slowly, his gaze settled on Whisper.

"You shouldn't have had to be the one to step between them," he said, voice low but even. "But I respect that you did."

He turned to Leaf next, his expression unreadable.

"Grief makes ghosts of all of us, Leaf. And I won't pretend to know what it feels like to carry yours. But you can't let it steer the ship. You're better than that."

A pause. Then, more gently:

"You will learn from this."

And finally, to Ripple—still half-hidden behind Whisper, looking as if he might disappear into the deckboards.

"You're not the only one afraid, Ripple." His green eyes softened, just a flicker. "But fear isn't the same as failure. You stood your ground today, even if your paws shook. That matters."

He let the moment settle, like mist on the tide.

"I expect better. From all of you. But I also see your hearts. And there’s still time to steer them true."

He looked between them once more—at Brambles nearby, silent and watchful—then flicked his tail, signaling the end of his judgment.

"Please tend to Whisper's wound. Then return to your duties. The day isn't done."

His gaze lingered on Ripple a moment longer.

"Ripple, you’ll remain in the surgeon’s den for now. Until I’ve spoken with the triad and we decide what comes next. Leaf, you are not to visit him in the meantime—your bond is not in question, but it cannot sway what must be done."

And with that, the storm passed—for now.

sɴᴀʀʟ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
( sixty-seven moons old ✧ tom ✧ sailor ✧ demisexual ✧ location: great hall ✧ tags: shadows )

Snarl's claws dug deeper into the cracked wood beneath him, his breath steady but heavy. Shadow's words reached him, and for a heartbeat, he considered them. But his mind was too clouded, too sharp with the anger and betrayal that had been stirring inside him ever since he first saw the rogue cat at their camp.

He paused just long enough for her words to sink in before turning back to face her. His expression, though stern, softened a fraction when he saw her pregnant belly—a reminder that there were still things worth protecting, even if the world felt like it was breaking apart around him.

“I don’t trust her,” he growled, his voice low but firm. “Not yet. Maybe not ever. She might’ve been turned away by them, but that doesn’t erase what she’s been a part of. What they’ve taken from us.” His tail flicked in agitation again, but this time, there was something in his eyes that wasn’t just anger.

“I want to believe in Tempest's choice. I do. But it's hard when everything in me says this isn’t right.” He took a step closer to Shadow, the storm still brewing behind his eyes but now with the weight of his doubt pushing down on him.

“You know what it feels like to lose someone. To not know where they are. Or if they're ever coming back.” His gaze softened slightly, flicking to her rounded belly before meeting her eyes again. “We can't let that happen again. Not while we have a choice.”

He let the silence hang for a moment, before turning to continue his way down the stairs. But he didn’t go far. Instead, he looked back over his shoulder at her, his voice quiet but unwavering.

“I don’t expect you to agree with everything I say. But I need you to understand, Shadow—this isn’t just about her. It’s about the tribe. Our future.”

With that, he began to walk further into the Great Hall. His steps were slow, as though he was waiting to see if she would follow. If she would be there, just as she always had been, offering her support despite the storm between them.

𝓁𝒾𝓁𝓎──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ( eighteen moons old ✧ molly ✧ rogue ✧ bisexual ✧ location: deck ✧ tags: snow, dark )

Lily felt a strange mix of relief and unease settle in her chest as Snow spoke. His words, though gentle, didn’t make the weight around her neck any lighter. The wreath of bilberries, a constant reminder of the betrayal she had carried out, pressed against her skin like a secret too painful to share. She didn’t feel deserving of the kindness they were offering, not when she knew the truth of why she had come here, but she couldn’t afford to let that stop her.

Dark’s words, too, settled on her like a soft breeze, comforting yet distant. It takes time... He was right. Time was what she needed, but also what she feared. Time meant more opportunities to slip up, more chances for them to see through her carefully constructed façade. Still, she would hold on to his words, trying to glean something to hold on to as she struggled to find a way forward.

She swallowed, her voice quiet but steady as she spoke.

“I’ll prove myself, no matter how long it takes,” she said, forcing a small, fragile smile. It wasn’t much, but it was the best she could do for now. “I’ll do whatever it takes to show that I’m not the cat I was... not the one they think I am.”

Her gaze flickered between Snow and Dark, reading their expressions with an intensity that made her heart race. She had to be careful with them—careful not to let the cracks in her resolve show. She didn’t want to push them away, but she feared that her very presence might already be a burden.

“Thank you for your patience,” she added softly, her tone almost a whisper. She wasn’t sure how much patience they had left, but she had to make it seem like she believed in the chance they were giving her. If she faltered now, everything would fall apart.

Taking a deep breath, she hesitated before speaking again, her voice more uncertain this time.

“So… what should I do next?” she asked, looking between the two of them. She knew she couldn’t just wander off on her own, not yet. She was still under their watch, still a stranger in a strange place. She had to wait for them to tell her where she could go, what she could do, what role she had in this tribe.

“I… I want to be useful, if you’ll let me. But I’m not sure where to start.” She waited for their response, hoping that they would give her something to hold on to—something that would tell her she was on the right path.

[Spiritstar3]

Snow on the Summit- m- 60 moons (5 y)- Field medic- app: Nautilus- homosexual- scent: most likely lily- crush: Tempest- mate: open- would adopt some kits, or get a surrogate- Ice in the Grass (missing), Wind on the Mountain (missing), Tempest at the Dawn- Tags: Dark, Lily

The beautiful but also somewhat handsome white cat

Dark dipped his head towards Tempest, smiling. "Thank you Tempest." He said with a small smile, "It's always great to work with you Snow." His gaze turning to Lily as she approached him and Snow. He nodded softly, listening to the young cat's words. “It takes time to earn the trust and belief of cats, especially the tribe when you were once against us." He told her gently, glancing over at Snow. Dark nodded his agreement with the other tom, “The ways of the tribe are learned best watching and listening."

Lily felt a strange mix of relief and unease settle in her chest as Snow spoke. His words, though gentle, didn’t make the weight around her neck any lighter. The wreath of bilberries, a constant reminder of the betrayal she had carried out, pressed against her skin. Dark’s words, too, settled on her like a soft breeze, comforting yet distant. It takes time... He was right. Time was what she needed, but also what she feared. Still, she would hold on to his words, trying to glean something to hold on to as she struggled to find a way forward.

She swallowed, her voice quiet but steady as she spoke. “I’ll prove myself, no matter how long it takes,” she said, forcing a small, fragile smile. It wasn’t much, but it was the best she could do for now. “I’ll do whatever it takes to show that I’m not the cat I was... not the one they think I am.” Her gaze flickered between Snow and Dark, reading their expressions with an intensity that made her heart race. She had to be careful with them—careful not to let the cracks in her resolve show. She didn’t want to push them away, but she feared she might already be a burden.

“Thank you for your patience,” she added softly, her tone almost a whisper. She wasn’t sure how much patience they had left, but she had to make it believeable. If she faltered now, everything would fall apart. Taking a deep breath, she hesitated before speaking again, more uncertain. “So… what should I do next?” she asked, looking between the two of them. She knew she couldn’t just wander off on her own, not yet. She was still under their watch, still a stranger. She had to wait for them to tell her where she could go, what she could do, what role she had in this tribe. “I… I want to be useful, if you’ll let me. But I’m not sure where to start.” She waited for their response, hoping that they would give her something to hold on to.

Shadow Of Burning Fire- f- 48 moons (4 y)- Maiden- scent: Lotus most likely- crush: Snarl Of Angry Dog- kits: two- Flame of the Forest (presumed dead) x Shade of a Tree (presumed dead), Shade in the Forest- Tags: tribe mates

The red and black and white calico noticed the claws digging into the wood. She was close enough to see it happening. She very nearly purred then, when he turned to face her. She tilted her head as she looked at him, knowing her words must have sunk in. She felt warmth flood her at the softening of his expression. It was only a little bit of a softening, but it was there. She continued to quietly watch him, before nodding at him. She said “I know,” as that’s all she could say to him reiterating not trusting the younger cat.

She nodded again, when he continued to speak. She wanted to believe in their leader too, but Lily had been a rogue… Though she’d clearly been attacked within sight of Tempest or a patrol. It seemed believable, but rogues were good at lying and acting.

She sighed and looked down at her paws when he spoke again…Thinking of the father of her kits, whom wasn’t around anymore. They’d all assumed he’d gone missing, but what if he’d become a rogue? She couldn’t fathom why he would…but maybe he had.

She looked at Snarl, noticing him look to her belly then back to her face. She nodded as she said “I do agree…though I wish we could give the benefit of the doubt. She’s so young…but she’s a rogue. That whole supposed attack could have all been faked.” She shook her head a couple times. Then watched as he continued along his way, after he’d paused to look back at her. She noticed he seemed to be walking slower now. She trotted after him, no hesitation this time since it seemed like he might want her to go with him.

Fin of the Orca- Orca/Finn- goes here once born

X

Nyx- f to m trans- 48 moons (4 years)- rogue leader- apprentice: X- scent: ash trees and some water- homosexual? Yeah- crush: open- mate: open- offspring: Lily- has parents, descended from cat Swashbuckler- Tags

The silver-black blotched tabby and high white cat