Rise Summer Event: Dark Skies

[NaCl]

Writing Prompt!
Username: NaCl
Clan Thread: Celestialclan
Prompt Writing:
Tallpine opened his eyes to a small she-cat calling his name from the base of his tree, he sighed and looked down to see Hectate, a cat he had only briefly spoken to before agreeing to stay away from each other. Gracefully, the bulky tom jumped from branch to branch until he reached the base of the tree where Hectate and Oracle were waiting for him.
"You come into my camp unannounced and disturb my sleep? what can possibly warrant a rude awakening such as this one?" he snapped, he hadn't even had the time to adjust the feathers behind his ear, and while he listened to what the two cats had to stay he reached up with a hind paw and fixed the feathers into their place before curling his tail over his paws.
"A danger, hm? what is it this time?" the Ursa Major rose to his paws and began to pace around the two of them, rambling.
"If it's a danger threatening my clan, Starclan would have personally spoken with Stargazer Shatteredraven in her dreams, and she has not woke me to warn me of a grave danger" he began, cutting off an ignoring Hectate and Oracle when they attempted to speak.
"but what could it possibly be? a storm crashing over our island from the waters south of our land? the rivers flooding and destroying our fishing spots? or is Fadedclan going to cross the Ocean Stones in an attempt to get us back for "stealing" valuable cats?" Tallpine went on and on and on, eventually drawing cats out of their dens to watch their Ursa Major ramble while circling the two strange cats. When Ursa Minor Feathertrance came up to him and nudged him, was the point where he finally stopped.
"yes, Ursa Minor?" he questioned to the dark fluffy tom who turned his head to bring Tallpine's focus to the gathering and worried cats.
"ah, thank you Ursa Minor Feathertrance, I'll take this discussion outside of the camp"
"Do you want me to send an escort with you, Ursa Major?" Feathertrance questioned as he stepped forward.
"No, I will be alright" Tallpine nodded and began to leave, nudging both of the strange cats and beckoned them to follow him. Feathertrance, though, blocked him.
"Ursa Major Tallpine, are you sure? I have never seen these cats before and I advise you to take caution when walking alone in the territory with them!" the younger cat protested and in response, Tallpine thanked him for his worry and pushed past him.
Once out of the camp Tallpine sighed and sat on a rock, looking down at the two cats.
"Now, the theory of a storm blowing across the ocean is plausible, but we have dealt with storms ever since our founding, I think we can handle another one" he paused and looked at his paws, realization dawning on him.
"unless!!" he jumped down from the rock "Starclan tends to punish us for something I don't know about, I need to speak to them!" he hollered and began to run towards Ancestor's lake, yelling over his shoulder for Hectate and Oracle to follow him.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I cannot let my clanmates get hurt because I neglect a message from those connected to the ones above us!"
[554/600]

[Birchii]

Writing Prompt!
Username: Birchii
Clan Thread: GealachClan
Prompt Writing:

Morningstar stared at Hecate, allowing the small she-cat’s words to form meaning within her sleep-clouded brain. Her eyes widened as they became more coherent in her mind, and she sat up rather sharply. Aches from the previous day hummed over her body. If there was danger, she wanted to hear more about it as soon as possible.

Of course, it irritated her that they had interrupted her slumber without even knowing what the danger was, and they didn’t lend themselves much credibility with it. It had been her predecessor, Ravenstar, that Hecate created a peaceful treaty with during the last green-leaf. As a result, she’d had fairly limited interactions with any of them. She didn’t know them. It was enough to cause doubt in any new leader, whether the decisions made by those before were correct. However, she could feel they were trustworthy; the twisting knots in her belly told her as much. Neither Hecate nor The Oracle were felines for making light conversation from what she had heard from her clanmates, and she trusted Ravenstar’s ability to judge character.

Their sudden and abrupt arrival still bothered her. Why hadn’t Thistlegaze, or the warriors on vigil, woken her up, rather than letting two strangers into her den whilst she slept? A frown began to form upon Morningstar’s brow as she pondered the notion. It made her feel a little on edge. Hecate was small, but her aura and personality were large enough to fill an entire forest. As for The Oracle? Well, one look at him, one exchange with him, and it was obvious enough that he had knowledge and connections with the deceased that even Medicine Cats would envy.

“I can see you frowning, you know.”

Morningstar jumped at the voice, and shifted her gaze back to Hecate. Her expression was a mixture of disinterest and frustration, but she could see the concern in the small feline’s eyes, even in the dim light.

“Sorry. Today was… busy, to say the least.” Morningstar gave a small, clearly-fake laugh as she rose to her paws. ‘Oh stars, my legs ache,’ she groaned mentally. “Let me get my Deputy and Medicine Cat, I’m sure they’ll want to hear this.”

“Your nervous, fluffy guard said he was going to collect them when I said it was urgent,” Hecate replied smoothly. ‘Fluffy guard…? Ah, Flickerfeet. That explains why it was these two who woke me.’ A small wave of relief hit her then; the nervous tom was easy to forgive. He was doing what was best.

She poked her head out of the den to see if Thistlegaze and Littleburr were on their way. Sure enough, they were approaching the den, accompanied by an anxious Flickerfeet.

“I’m sorry Morningstar! They said it’s urgent so I wanted to help with getting Thistlegaze and-”

“Hush, Flickerfeet, you did what was right. Next time though, please wake me so I can compose myself, okay?” She smiled softly at the tom, who nodded several times before scampering back to his guard post.

It was silent as they headed back into the den, apprehensively waiting for the prophecy. What was the danger? A natural disaster, perhaps? Sudden thunderstorms were common during green-leaf, but the most danger they posed was felling a tree or making hunting difficult. Anything beyond that was a mystery to her. Predators? Twolegs? An enemy group? Or was there something more sinister and spiritual occurring? The Oracle did present that type of vibe…

“Ready to hear it?” Hecate’s voice broke her train of thought. Not that she had any ideas of substance forming anyway.

“Yes.”

[Word Count; 599/600]

[liightning]

Writing Prompt!
Username: liightning
Clan Thread: DeltaClan
Prompt Writing:

On a cool summer night, with the wind whispering through the reeds lining the river and the moon full and round above, Wrenstar found herself faced with two unexpected visitors.

At first, her reaction had been a mix of shock and fear that then melted into anger; in the past moon she'd been more jumpy than usual, and it seemed anything and everything could get her fur bristling. Her new... problems had also made her more snappy, it seemed - her usual mask of calm was weakening against the gnawing of raw anger. Anger at what, she didn't know, but perhaps it was the feeling of betrayal. Not to mention she didn't appreciate being woken up in the middle of the night and greeted with nosy visitors.

Reluctantly, she'd listened to their words; perhaps they'd leave quicker that way, and maybe they even had something to explain about why her mother had stopped appearing to her.

Every night she would follow the river downstream to the delta, where her mother's spirit would appear to her. Wrenstar would confide in her, share news with her, and ask for her advice. She'd never really gotten over her death, even if it had been seasons upon seasons. In the chaos of running a rapidly growing Clan, it seemed her mother was her savior.

Then, her mother began appearing less and less; first, it was every other day, and then she'd only visit once a quarter moon... until she stopped appearing entirely. Wrenstar had traveled all the way to the delta each night, desperately searching for the familiar glimmer of starlight lighting up the night, like a beacon of hope, a light to guide her way. Her mother was everything she needed... and now, without her, she was nothing.

As Hecate and Oracle spoke, her mind drifted as she wondered what they were warning her of. What danger could be so great that they had to come to warn her, and in the middle of the night, of all times? They'd faced foxes, flooding, fires, and storms; what else could there be?

Perhaps... perhaps there was a reason why her mother wouldn't visit anymore. Perhaps the ancestors had lost connection. Perhaps some great evil was soon to be upon their Clan. As her visitors spoke with grim urgency, she realized that whatever the problem was, it would be important.

Or... I'm the problem.

She'd grown impatient, reckless, and destructive after losing her mother's guidance; she'd snapped at her warriors, dismissed concerns and directed them to her deputy instead, and neglected her duties.

She shoved the thought away. I'll have Buzzardflight hear about this once Hecate and Oracle are done. He'll know what to do.

Trying to hide her trembling paws, she struggled to focus her attention back on Hecate and Oracle as they explained the danger.

Whatever the problem... I might not be a strong enough leader to guide us through it.

[487 words]

[WolfTales]

Writing Prompt!
Username: WolfTales
Clan Thread: Howlclan
Prompt Writing:
Ebonystar opened one eye with a yawn. Hecate and the Oracle couldn't have come at a worst time.

"We need to talk, Ebonystar." Hecate mewed calmly, though even in the darkness Ebonystar could see her slightly bristling fur and raised hackles. He stretched once more and let out another tired yawned, to the annoyance of the already upset Oracle.

"You seem to be really relaxed for a cat who's clan is in danger" The pale elder said with obvious annoyance and sarcasm dripping in his voice.

Ebonystar paid no heed to the older cat and simple flicked an ear looking toward Hecate. "How do you know of such a danger?"

Hecate looked toward the Oracle and Ebonystar's eyes followed. The mangy tom grumbled as he stepped forward. "Your ancestors told me. We came here because they spoke of a danger that would harm both of our groups."

The sleek tom listened intently to the words that the Oracle had to say. His tired brain racked through different ideas landing on a few as his brain slowly awoke.

Could it be the coyotes again? They had been really quiet after their spoken agreement several moons ago. Ebonystar wondered if the coyotes could be causing trouble. But even so...

He couldn't imagine having to deal with them again. A pack as big or bigger than Howlclan ravaging through the territory and scared cats fleeing. Even with all nine of his lives at the moment he couldn't deal with them. The wild canines had already taken one of his friends. He couldn't see it happening again. Though, that time Butterflywish had lured them to take down Ebonystar. But she was a changed cat. Right?

Ebonystar's usual calm manner slowly slipped away as he tried to think of the danger that his ancestors could have told these strangers. Why hadn't they come to Ratwhisker or himself? What was this danger?

"What is this danger? Neither I or Ratwhisker has heard of any danger."

Hecate's tail waved slightly. "I am not sure. You, yourself, should know that the words spoken by ancestors are riddles and their reasons are unknown at times." She mewed coldly. Ebonystar lowered his head in apology.

"You're right, I apologize for my haste. I just want to know what might befall my clanmates."

Hecate nodded toward Oracle who looked away in response. "He knows more than I do."

Ebonystar once again turned toward the Oracle expectantly. "Well, what is it? Should I watched out for Butterflywish? Are coyotes going to attack us again? Will they break our treaty?"

Oracle glared at Ebonystar who kept rambling on about the wild dogs. "Enough! Calm yourself 'respected leader.'" He scoffed. "Let me speak and you shall know all."

Ebonystar calmed himself and stopped rambling. "R-right! What do the ancestors have to say?"

468 words

[legolas the elf]

Writing Prompt!
Username: lucifer morningstar.
Clan Thread:
Prompt Writing:
snowstar opened one eye to see hecate and the oracle through the fog of sleep that slowly grew lighter.
'hecate?' he yawned. 'oracle? are you here with hook?'

hecate shook her head. 'no, you see. that's part of the problem - '

she was cut off as greystorm rushed into the den, lichen rustling. 'snowstar, i'm so sorry!' he growled, shooting a venomous look at the two rogues. 'i know you said no castaways in the camp, but they said it was urgent so i asked where hook was, and they said not here, so i tried to block them, but - '

snowstar shot his mate a look to shut the tabby up, and the deputy shuffled his paws, embarrassed. snowstar was completely awake by this point and he turned back to hecate and the oracle. 'what is this urgent business? and why are you here instead of hook?' he shot a look at the oracle. 'especially you?'

'what we were telling you before we were so rudely interrupted,' started hecate, casting a pointed glance at greystorm, 'is that we come here with urgent news from the stars. and well, the news that two days ago, hook went missing, and we didn't realize until we were all on the boat to this island.'

'what now?' asked snowstar, unsure if he had heard correctly. 'explain. and greystorm, please fetch heronstep for me. i want to know if she has been spoken to.'

as greystorm bounded off, hecate and the oracle explained how hook had been leading them onto the boat one minute, but wasn't there when the boat pushed off - and was nowhere to be seen on the beach or docks, either. this snowstar found odd - hook would never miss a chance to come to the island. the oracle also explained that the stars had warned him of a huge danger yet to come - to gullclan and to the rogue group themselves. by this point heronstep and greystorm had arrived and listened to part of the story.

'i've heard nothing from starclan.' worried heronstep, looking slightly distraught (though she almost always looked distraught or worried).

'what could this threat be?' questioned greystorm, glancing at hecate.

'how am I supposed to know?' she asked, sounding exasperated. 'the stars have a tendency to be unnecessarily vague.'

snowstar frowned for a moment while contemplating this. 'a flood, maybe?' he dismissed the thought immediately. 'there hasn't been enough rainfall to fill the river, much less the whole ocean. the wolves, maybe?'

heronstep and the oracle shivered, but greystorm shook his head. 'juniperclaw, hollyfur, and i all renewed the peace treaty three days ago. the wolves are happy.'

snowstar shot hecate a look. 'none of the castaways have set paw on wolf territory, have they?'

hecate shook her head, looking slightly outraged. 'none of us are that stupid! besides, the wolves didn't take hook - didn't cause her to disappear. i'm sure this danger has something to do with her disappearing!'

snowstar nodded before turning his eyes to his medicine cat. 'heronstep, what do you think?'

the molly took a breath before saying, 'i know it does. i haven't even seen starclan territory in a moon - but hook's face is always looming in my dreams. evil spirits are awakening, that's all i can guess.'

well that was worrying.

[572 words]

[weegeestar5]

Writing Prompt!
Username: weegeestar5
Clan Thread: duskclan
Prompt Writing:
Stormstar felt his blood turn into ice. This was serious, that was for sure. But what could the danger be? DuskClan was a peaceful clan, and there were relatively little threats on their territory.
A sudden crash caused the already anxious leader to leap about 2 ft into the air. He spun around, expecting it to be the danger, yet was greeted by his deputy.
"What's up, Stormy boy? You having a party in here?" She meowed, squeezing to sit beside him. Her gaze was friendly and relaxed; she clearly hadn't heard of the dangerous prophecy.
"Peachblossom, you remember Hecate and Oracle. Hecate and Oracle you reme--"
"Oh, yes, I remember her. Called me short if I recall," Hecate growled; her fur fluffing up.
"Good to see you again, short stuff," Peachblossom replied, clearly unfazed by Hecate's rage.
Hecate's tail lashed once more. "Look, this is no time for insults, idiot. Like I was telling Stormstar, Oracle received a prophecy about a grave danger." She spat back.
Peachblossom suddenly tensed. "Grave danger? What is it?" She meowed, her tone suddenly serious.
"If I knew, I would tell you, mouse-brain." She growled, flicking her tail contemptuously.
"What if it's about an illness? Or... Maybe it's about Two-legs? Or maybe some evil cats?" Stormstar fretted.
"I will beat all of them up, personally," Peachblossom boasted.
A new voice came from the entrance, "You can't beat up a disease, idiot."
It was Swiftpaw, the Clan's medicine cat. Their serious expression made it clear that they had heard all of it.
"Swiftpaw, have you received words from StarClan?" Stormstar asked; ears perking up.
Swiftpaw sighed slightly. "If I did, you would know. They've been quiet, so I'm guessing they have no idea what's going on either." They replied.
Peachblossom stuck her head in-between the two cats. "That's all dandy, but what is the danger?" She snapped; clearly stressed.
Swiftpaw pondered thoughtfully. "A new disease could be possible, but that would usually come with prey we haven't contacted before, which we haven't seen. Two-legs is also a possible danger, although they don't really do much in the moorland. Another Clan could be a danger, but it's not like we provoke anyone..." Swiftpaw trailed off, furrowing their brows.
"So, you don't know."
"Of course I don't know, Peach. If I knew I would've just said it!" Swiftpaw hissed.
"Arguing late at night won't help anyone," Stormstar meowed peaceably; stepping in-between the two quarrelling cats, "let's go to sleep and work it out in the morning." He paused to turn his head to the two outsiders. "Hecate, Oracle, you're welcome to rest here tonight if you want." He purred; an attempt to hide his anxiety about the current situation.
He sighed and turned his gaze to the entrance of his den. Softly, he walked out and leaped on top of his den to look over his sleeping Clan. It all seemed so peaceful right now. Yet that was about to be shattered. And no one knew why or how.

[502 words]

[Knickknacks]

Writing Prompt!
Username: Knickknacks
Clan Thread: NorthClan
Prompt Writing:

Lynxstar was missing out on much-needed sleep right now.

Before Hecate and the Oracle had shown up, he’d been in the midst of a deep, comfortable sleep and a dream in which the sun was warm, the tundra flowers were blooming, and the Clan’s nutty apprentices weren’t driving him mad.

But the rogues’ words of a coming danger served to wake him up a bit. He knew that, though relations between NorthClan and the rogue group were more settled than before, that feelings on both sides still weren’t entirely friendly. He knew Hecate and the Oracle wouldn’t be here unless they had to be.

That meant, though, that this danger the grizzled white tom spoke of was real, which was another sobering thought. Lynxstar frowned contemplatively, turning over the Oracle’s warning in his head. No doubt things would become clearer after he’d heard the prophecy itself, but he couldn’t help wondering what it might allude to.

A natural disaster, perhaps? Avalanches were possible, he supposed, though the main camp was far enough from the base of the mountains that no cat would be in danger unless they wandered too far. He’d have to give Wolfcall a warning if that was the case; with his luck the wiry scout would end up right in an avalanche’s path on accident. And, most likely, survive to tell over-dramatized tales to the rest of the Clan until they all lost their hearing.

Focus, Lynxstar, he reminded himself sternly. This trouble, whatever it may be, seems pretty serious. This wasn’t a time to be dwelling on Wolfcall’s ridiculous antics.

Could be a natural disaster. Avalanche, possibly. A shortage of food? Particularly bitter blizzard? Hm, maybe. Or another enemy- a pack of wolves, or a bear. Wolfcall hasn’t reported anything, though… whatever his other flaws, he’s good at his job. He wouldn’t miss something like this.

I should talk to Cloudgaze at least. Maybe he’s heard something and hasn’t gotten around to telling me yet. Maybe I can convince him to take a trip up to the Starpeak… I wonder if I can get him to come with me on nothing but the Oracle’s word. He’s never been a huge fan of the rogue group.

He gave a small, decisive nod. That was what he’d do. Hear everything the rogues had to say, consult with Cloudgaze, then with the Ancestors. Check back with the rogues afterward.

Maybe they’re mistaken, he thought hopefully. He knew internally, though, that they weren’t. The Oracle didn’t look happy to be here, but there was a certainty in his green eyes- and a seriousness in Hecate’s that hadn’t been there in his previous dealings with her- that made him certain that this trouble… whatever it was… wasn’t something to be ignored.

[NightWolf950]

Writing Prompt!
Username: NightWolf950
Clan Thread: WolfClan
Prompt Writing:

For many moons now, WolfCLan had nothing but peace. The clan had been thriving well with their numbers slowly climbing and prey running plentiful. However with the last few days passing Wolfstar kept having the same recurring dream, with nothing but chaos and looks of fear on his clan mates face. The large gray tabby awoke suddenly in his nest, his heart racing a million miles an hour as he looked around his den. 'It's that same dream...What does it mean?' Wolfstar though as he let out a heavy sigh and rest his head on his paws. The only thing that came to mind was possibly the twolegs traveling to far and discovering his clan or maybe even a new disease.

A small cough followed by a quiet hello echoed through Wolfstar's den like a loud boom of thunder. Lifting his head once again the tabby tom found himself starring at a pair of familiar pale blue eyes. Before him stood Violetpetal, the shy she-cat had a look of confusion and worry on her face. "I don't mean to wake you, but..." She paused for a moment, her eyes darting behind her at something or someone. "But it seams like Hecate and Oracle have come..." No sooner did the two names slip out of Violetpetal's mouth did Wolfstar jump to his paws. The last time the duo had come to visit the threat of war was on the horizon. With a heavy sigh, Wolfstar shook moss from his pelt before doing a quick grooming. "Send them in." He meowed. With a small nod, Violetpetal left Wolfstar's den. A few muffled words where spoken before both Hecate and Oracle entered into Wolfstar's den.

Wolfstar forced a smile upon his face, dipping his head a bit to the two cats before him. "Please. Have a seat and tell me why you decide to visit my clan during the middle of the night." Wolfstar meowed, a hint of annoyance in the tom's voice. Hecate let out a small hiss and went to speak, but was silenced by a small glare from Oracle. The white tom then looked to Wolfstar to speak. "Something is coming. The ancestors haven't told me exactly what it is, but something is coming and it not only will effect us, but your clan as well. I believe with the whatever is coming we should work together.." the tom spoke. Wolfstar gave a small nod, his nightmares where slowly making sense. He had seen another group mixed in with his clan, but could never make out who the mysterious cats where until now. With Hecate's group living near by peacefully, his thoughts of a war breaking out between them again slowly disappeared. However Wolfstar was never to sure about her and her group. "Alright. Whatever it is, I'll join forces with you that way both of our groups may survive what ever is coming."

Word Count: 484

[Neah]

Writing prompt 1 is now closed. I'll be awarding points shortly.

The art prompt will remain open for the rest of the event.

[Neah]

The stars have spoken; your mysterious neighbors have brought their message.
A great disaster is set to befall you and yours. Which path will you tread?

Remember, once you set your paws down a road there's no turning back.

[The Earth Rends] [Pestilence Roams] [The World Burns] [Water Rises]