Larch's Advance
All saplings should be able to thrive, nurture that life and let it grow!
Number of Cats: 14
It was time. The celestial bodies that were used as a guide in the darkest nights began to awaken in the almost eerie winter moon, casting their protective glow over the tall larch trees of the clan's territory.
Three cats were walking, hardly a force to be reckoned with compared the the vast amount of stars, ancestors ready to show them the way on a very special night. The moon was full, and it was time for a true leadership for Larch's Advance. Tipwhisker and Birdsong flanked Simon, reassuring smiles on their faces as they walked along the bank of a frozen river, snow crunching under their paws. The scrawny black cat had a nervous smile on his face too as quietly pondered what he was going to do when he met the ancestors. His two friends had explained a leadership ceremony (or rather Tipwhisker had, with Night Breeze also chipping in nervously and Birdsong loyally trying his best) and Simon was ready to become a true leader.
They approached the Darkened Pool, and Simon gave a shiver as he saw the shadows darker than a wolves mouth surrounding this place - he felt more certain that he was about to get jumped by a group of rouges rather than that this was becoming a sacred place to his clan. The river led into it ominously, sloping down beyond his vision. It was eerie and the faint glow coming from the tunnel in the darkness made his pelt ripple with nerves. Birdsong seemed to sense his fear, and pressed to his side reassuringly. Tipwhisker smiled gently, a glow brightening her eyes with awe of the spirits, ready to welcome Simon properly as leader. Her fur had fluffed up (because of the cold) and she too seemed slightly scared of the darkness surrounding them, but she lead the way, into the mouth. The river thinned down here and had a sheet of ice over the top, enough to make all the cats shiver. "Is this really the place?" Simon asked, his tail twitching nervously. Birdsong's
Light bounced off the walls, providing just enough light to see so that the scrawny black tom had to adjust his eyes to the light before he could properly look. The source of the light seemed to be emanating from the walls, or rather from the entrance and maybe even the thin river that lead into it. The space was large cavern to Simon, and his footsteps echoing around the space underground made it feel even bigger, and there was enough room for a group of cats to gather and it was a fairly sizeable place. Birdsong and Tipwhisker hung back at the mouth of the tunnel, as if they were waiting, with just enough space for them to avoid walking in the river.
"What happens next?" the little black tom asked his friends, turning towards them for help. Birdsong looked slightly panicked and didn't say anything, while Tipwhisker gave him a look and muttered softly, "Wait and see, it happens soon," she looked behind Simon, her eyes reflecting the light, "I think so, anyway." Simon nodded, but didn't really get what the laid back Council member was saying. "It usually happens on nights like these." Simon looked confused. "So you're saying these star cats might not turn up?" he looked panicked too now. Birdsong leapt to his paws (being increasingly careful of the stone floor and any remotely jagged bits) and looked around. "Night Breeze says it happens on these nights, you'll be fine. He was a leader once so he knows this things," the tabby said, his tail twitching. Suddenly Tipwhisker pulled out a paw and tapped his wagging tail. "Stand back!" she ordered, her eyes lighting up in wonder. Birdsong clumsily swerved as he saw what looked like a mushroom on the cave floor. Simon looked at the two cats, who were staring behind him in a mix of awe and wonder as they tucked themselves into the tunnel, avoid the river running through it. He followed their gazes, and gasped in surprise, his pelt standing up at his shock.
Cats. Everywhere there was space, all of them arranged in a semi-circle to leave some space. Some were faded, others were heavily scarred, and some were young while others looked ancient. All of them had an unnatural gloss to their fur, like they had bathed in the moons light for many moons. The glow around the cave was brighter too: it seemed to emanate from the watching crowd, as abnormal as the bright fur that shone with stars. "Where did you come from?" he gasped, eyeing the small hole at the back of the cave where the water dipped and disappeared into the abyss beyond. They surely couldn't have crept through there, could they? It seemed likely though - they clearly hadn't streamed though the entrance, as he had just been looking there and talking. He had forgotten everything Tipwhisker had said, the only events unfolding in his mind being the ones before his very eyes.
"We are your ancestors," meowed a voice, not as loud as some of the cats that could have yelled and filled the forest, but still having a dignified air.
The cats parted, muttering among themselves in disbelief at Simon's question, as a cat stepped out from the many against the cave wall. He had shining but faded sleek dark grey fur, large and shining golden eyes, as well as a torn ear tip. He walked gracefully along the stones until his paws settled in front of Simon, a tail length away. Simon looked at him with great respect, and he could sense that the other cats had that for the grey tom. The cat who stood before him held his head high, and certainly seemed like less of a battler as some great heroes were, but he had the intelligent eyes of a great thinker, and among the golden depths was a gentle tom, who clearly had more respect for the cats around him rather than drawing attention to himself. The voice spoke again, softer, but still drawing in every pair of eyes when he was speaking even so.
"I am Grey Wing," he continued, dipping his head to Simon. Simon dipped his head back to the tom, who gave him an amused smile before continuing. "You can know us as StarClan," he continued, gesturing with his tail to the cats behind him. " StarClan!" Simon breathed, mystified by the name, and how magical it sounded rolling off his tongue. From behind him, he could hear Birdsong gasp in wonder, and one quick glance over his shoulder confirmed that, as well as Tipwhisker's excited gaze staring intently at the StarClan cats, but she gave him a reassuring nod even so.
A dainty tortoiseshell she-cat boldly walked up until she was a few pawsteps behind Grey Wing, and added, "Some of us are known as the SpaceColony, while tribes' ancestors are the Tribe of Endless Hunting. All of us watch over the different clans tribes and groups. Some groups even have different ancestors, but it depends on what you believe in." She had ginger and black fur that was much brighter than Grey Wing's, and her eyes burned with bright, emerald green fire. The black fur was much more predominant on her pelt but light ginger dots here and there were scattered like stars on the short-haired pelt. She had a few more scars than the tom, with most of them predominantly on her left side, stretching towards her broad shoulders. She didn't seem to have as much respect as the grey tom had, but cats stared at her in wonder and admiration. She had a more leader-like air surrounding her, but she seemed to be a more passionate warrior judging by the scars on her side, and the way she held her head.
"As Cosmo said," Grey Wing began again, starting slowly at first to make sure she had finished do that he wouldn't have to interrupt her, "There are many different beliefs cats may have. We have come to you as you are new to our world, I suppose, and both StarClan and the SpaceColony can help you. Even tribal ancestors are ready to help your quest." Simon nodded, taking it all in, before dipping her head to Cosmo as well. She returned his welcome, an amused smile springing up on her face just like Grey Wing had done before.
"Simon, are you ready to recieve nine lives and become the leader of your group, and to protect the clan you will govern?" Grey Wing asked, casting his great golden gaze behind him, as seven cats raised their heads and tried to look important, despite that they were already wonderous in Simon's eyes. The tom took a hesitant step forward, and began to open his mouth.
A leader was a position of great power, and seemed like glamour compared to being a warrior. You didn't have to do as much work. Or did you? The leader was the head of the clan, and Simon had first paw proof of such qualities a leader should have, displayed in the eyes of the gathered cats of both StarClan and the SpaceColony, united to help him. Would he ever be able to have such dignity, to lead cats into battles like Cosmo had and gain scars that told tales of successes and failures, or make wise decisions that would reflect from his eyes with such intelligence like Grey Wing? Everyone before him reflected these qualities, their heads lifted with pure confidence Simon felt that he could never muster. He wasn't sure he would be able to do such successful things.
Cats relied on him. Without the support of nine lives they still looked up to him as a founder of the clan and a fairly intelligent, if a little cowardly cat. With cats he knew he could let himself go a little ,and with his friends, the group of cats that had gathered purely because of him being there to support others, he would be confident. His friends were the ones who had helped him be in this place right now. They expected him to become the leader, as as more cats joined them, so did more support on the young cat. They didn't see him for what he looked like, but rather how he treated them with kindness and respect that kept them together.
"Yes," Simon meowed with a little smile. He could almost hear Tipwhisker and Birdsong's supportive spirits from just behind him. "Let us begin," Cosmo said, beckoning with her tail to the seven cats who had previously been noticed by Grey Wing. Both Cosmo and Grey Wing stepped back into the semi circle of, nodding at eachother.
Cosmo went first after a negotiation of discreet nods and flicked tails, her eyes shining like green beacons."Simon, you should know that the SpaceColony is proud of you. You are a great cat, and I am honoured to be giving a life to you." the tom was surprised that the light-hearted she-cat spoke with such seriousness, and was even more surprised by the trust she placed in him. "Simon, I give you the life of trust. Not only stay truthful to yourself, but stay truthful to others. A cat does not need to be big or strong to have a large heart, and I place my trust in you to know that you will be able to fulfil this life." they touched noses, and Simon felt a zapping feeling spread through his limbs, bringing him to attention at the sudden shock. Then it passed, and another cat stepped forward.
This cat was small, possibly a kit and maybe four moons at most, with faded fur that shimmered purely, like the snow on the land above. She had large luminous eyes that swirled and sparkled as she looked at him. "I am Misty of CloudClan! Everyone falls down one day, but don't be remembered for the faults you had, but rather the things you did do. I know that I may not have done much when I was alive, but I am remembered for what I do now, helping cats find their feet. I give you the life of having Endless energy to do as much as you can while you are alive, and to help others as much as possible." the kit touched noses with Simon, bit rather than being shocked by a zap, energy flowed through his limbs, making him ready to run through meadows and gallop over rivers, even jump over the moon if he had to. His tail twitched as he had the rush of the energy, and the only thing holding him in place was the moment to recieve the next life.
He at once recognised the next cat, her dark fur, her bright, pale green eyes that glinted yellow and gold in the light and her small size that mirrored Simon's own. His mother, Onyx! He purred, his heart filled with love. They had been separated far too soon when he was a kitten crawling through the snow and the twolegs had found them and taken them away from each other, but she was here before him, making him feel happy by the mere sight of her. "My son," she purred with delight, her eyes shining. "I'm so glad I can see you again!" he meowed, rubbing his cheek against hers. "I'm so happy as well, my little Simon. We have so much to catch up on!" her vibrating purr told him as they stared into eachother's eyes, united once again. "I'm sorry to say though, we can only be together for a short while," his mother said sadly, her tail brushing his flank reassuringly. "Oh," Simon sighed, bowing his head. "Stay positive, my son. I do not have to go just now. Simon," she meowed, looking into his eyes, "I give you the life of compassion. Love others and make them feel welcomed when others won't, and care for them with equal respect. I was not always there for you, and it may hurt to know that, but even if wasn't there for you you should be able to be there for others. I love you Simon, and I hope you carry that love with you for everyone to know. You have made me so proud in more words than I can describe, and I know you will make me even prouder." they touched noses, and a warm feeling spread though Simon, making his heart swell with happiness. The strength of the feeling overwhelmed him, but he managed to meow, "I will, I promise!" as she turned and began to walk away, leaving her lingering gaze for him to smile.
Another cat, quite large in size but with gentle steps came forward next. The tom in front of Simon who had emerged from the semicircle of cats, had large, tufted ears turning towards the black tom as he approached, and the brown-furred tabby looked a little uneasy, as if he wasn't used to the whole ceremony thing, but even so he continued. "I'm Bramblingtuft," he meowed, looking at Cosmo. She nodded in a reassuring manner in a way that reminded Simon of himself looking towards Tipwhisker and Birdsong. Simon smiled at him, and the tom looked a little more at ease, then continuing with the ceremony. "I give you a life, the life of Loyalty to your friends, yourself and your clan. Your clan must be your first responsibility, and you must listen to everyone to know what is right." Bramblingtuft touched noses with Simon, and instead of any kind of pain, he at once saw a vision.
He saw the tabby before him, as a new warrior (if that was the correct term) standing in front of a old cat, with honey ginger and white fur. All around them was a mysterious forest, and they were in a large clearing with cats all around them. Bramblingtuft pledged his loyalty to the clan; then Simon saw flashes of patrols, laughing with friends, still putting his clan first. Then he saw heavy rain. The tom in front of him had his fur plastered to him, and he was running, running to a rocky place with a few cats surrounding him, while there were wails from the trees. Bramblingtuft ran to the edge of the cliff, and a narrow path (which Simon recognised, despite not going there, as the Sunjaw) but he was hit by a rock collapse.
Blinking it out of his eyes, Simon knew that the warrior in front of him was very loyal to his clan, even if he had spent a short time there. Bramblingtuft dipped his head to Simon and walked away again.
A black and white cat with a very long tail stood before him, lithe and swift on his paws. He too, had a leader air about him, and Simon dipped his head to the leader. "I am Tallstar, of Windclan," he began, his eyes shining with the stars. His pelt also was quite faded, but even so it was clear that this cat was respected. "I give you the life of Confidence and Courage, to be able to guide the ones you lead with faith in your leadership. Be able to know that if you stray from your clan, you will have the confidence to make things right in times when it is hard to do so. Be adventurous with your decisions, and be sure you can carry them out for the good of the cats around you." They touched noses, and Simon felt a bolt of energy take him by surprise once again, so that he had to close his eyes to absorb it. It carried the strength of all the cats around him, confident and sure in their abilities, and at once he felt braver, stronger, ready to face the next life.
He opened his eyes again to see a slim smoky grey tom approaching him. Two blue eyes watched him as he faced the tom, intelligent and observant. Then he spoke, still watching Simon in a slightly unnerving way. "I am Crowfeather. I give you the life of Determination. If it is what your heart feels it right, then follow it. Do the best for your clan, and they will give the best to you." They touched noses, and at once Simon felt like a spark of fire had lit his nose alight.
He saw a journey through snow with five others, a feeling of dislike towards most of his companions. Pain as the one he loved was killed in a brave mission. Determination to push on, bringing many cats through the mountains and arriving at a lake. Then he heard the name Crowfeather, in memory of the one who had died. Determination paying off eventually, as a few more sights passed his eyes. He saw a pretty tabby with amber eyes, three cats, ignored. Another cat, a shadow of Crowfeather
only with black fur and amber eyes, growing up, betrayal, and at last forgiveness.
The eyes of Crowfeather flashed and he dipped his head. Simon knew he had intended to share those memories, as locked away as they were in this cats mind, to show determination through out his life, and Simon could feel that they were delicate memories. Whenwfeather looked back he could see complex emotion in the depths of his eyes, and knew just how much those memories meant. He dipped his head back, and blinked to see another coming forward.
The next cat had dark grey fur, and when she opened her mouth to speak he could see snaggly yellow teeth, as well as her fierce eyes and frazzled whiskers. She looked fearsome but her eyes were full of wisdom. "Simon, eh? I'm Yellowfang of ThunderClan. I'm here to give you the life of Intelligence," she rasped, watching him as he squirmed under her sharp amused gaze. "I recall you being a kittypet, is that right? I know a kittypet like you, he came many moons ago. Young and a little headstrong, but a leader when it came to it. You do StarClan proud, and use your mind to lead your clan, rather than brute strength alone. Let others come to admire the wisdom you possess, and know when it is right or wrong to do certain things. If decisions are hard trust your head to work it out, and listen to others opinions as well as your own," Yellowfang's eyes reflected many emotions, and Simon knew these words were just as important to her as they were to him, she touched noses with the black tom, and he felt like a wave was swamping his body. He staggered on his paws a few steps backwards, trying to stay upright until it had passed.
A large tabby she-cat with many blends of grey, white and black in her fur stepped forward. She looked a little out of place, but had the same confident look to her, and green eyes that were sharp and perceptive. This cat also looked more suited to snow, with her long, thick fur and wide paws, but she was fine in the cave, looking at it with a sort of longing like she had once lived in it. "I am Ash with Quivering Branches, of the tribe of Shimmering Dawn." she smiled, looking a lot more friendly then some of the cats in the semi circle. "From the mountains?" Simon asked in awe, his eyes shining. "Of course! I have come from the Tribe of Endless Hunting. Not many of us come to clan ceremonies, so thank me for this rare occasion. Some of us are among you now in this cave," her eyes twinkled happily as she spoke, and he could definitely see why she seemed a little out of place now. "Thank you for coming," he meowed, a little hesitantly, causing her to chuckle. "I give you the life of Adaptation. Be able to change yourself and others for what is right, and know that change is not always a bad thing. When these changes happen, be able to follow what you believe in and adapt to every situation." He touched noses with her, and he felt an icy chill spread through his veins, making his teeth chatter as images of mountains with snowy peaks appeared, but then feeling like once again fire had engulfed him. He jumped from paw to paw, pain spreading across him as he saw arid deserts and felt the hot sand on his delicate paws. "You will do great things," she muttered to him, her green eyes shining into his with pure hope, before turning, her long black tail swaying behind her.
It was no surprise to see Grey Wing again, looking just as dignified as before. The tom spoke once more, his golden eyes alight with sparks as they caught the glow, still flowing in the cave with the strange light. "I give you the life of honour," he began, blinking warmly. Use it to lead the cats in your care, belonging to your clan or otherwise. We brave and strong and noble in your decisions, ignoring the differences between you and others to accept them for who they are, uniting for what is right in the face of any danger." he touched noses with Simon, and the glow of the starlight in the air dazzled Simon as he felt a lion's roar shake his body, and the agony of the life take hold of him. He was bathed in pain, forced to close his eyes until it would fade. When his eyes opened again, his paws were shaking.
Grey Wing continued to speak, their eyes locking. His new was quiet, but it was enough for Simon to hear. "You are unique, Simon, and you do not have to be someone else to be an excellent leader for your clan, and everything in this forest. You are stronger, smarter and braver then you think, and everyone here respects you. Every blow of wind or blade of grass will listen when you speak, and we all know you we will be very proud of what you accomplish." Simon nodded slowly and carefully, feeling all eyes on him now.
Then all the mouths opened, and an ancient voice spoke through the cats of the stars.
When the walls of trust are newly built,
They are still able to crumble and fall.
Use your heart to guide you
Through the right and wrong, the good and bad.
Simon listened carefully, blinking. When he opened his eyes again the cats were gone, but he could still feel eyes on him, watching him proudly as they waited for his next move. The words were cryptic (like he would come to know that all prophecies were that way) but he knew he would have to trust himself, like Cosmo had said.
Simon turned round, his eyes shining with a new light as he looked at his friends. They stared at him in wonder, nervous smiles on their faces. He smiled back, taking confident pawsteps on the old stone. Birdsong and Tipwhisker flanked him as they began to start the walk up the tunnel, not minding where they stepped, ready to go. Simon looked back one last time, and thought he saw the cats again, but it was only the starlight, still lighting the cave. He shared a smile with the empty cavern just behind him and meowed, content with everything at the moment,
"Let's go home, to Larch's Advance."
[Birdsong, Pebblesong, Wavecall and Night Breeze hunt]
[Copper, Tipwhisker, Silver Sun and Simon patrol]
[Birdsong and Cedar train: climbing]
[Tipwhisker and Evening Star search for herbs]
[Simon recieves his nine lives!]
[Larch's Advance consumes 4 servings]
(Silver Sun and Cedar were received from the advent calendar, and Bramblespirit was received from RoseClan, Rainwing was received from BearClan)
Chief:
Simon "Raven"
| 22 Moons | Tom | X
Lives: ★★★★★★★★★
→ A smart and cautious young cat
Council:
Birdsong "Sparrow"
| 40 Moons | Tom | X
→Supportive and clever friend
Tipwhisker "Tip"
| 37 Moons | She-cat | X
→ Kind and calm healer
→ Formerly of LilacClan
Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
→Council Role
Warriors:
Sunflower "Sunny"
| 40 Moons | She-cat | X
→Mischievious warrior and nicknamer
Copper in Cavern Walls
| 32 Moons | She-cat | X
→Skilled and head-strong hunter
→ Formerly of BasinClan
Night Breeze "Night"
| 43 Moons | Tom | X
→A quiet and helpful tom
→ Formerly of RavenClan
Pebblesong "Pebble"
| 29 Moons | She-cat | X (left)
→Quiet and resourceful
→ Formerly of OceanClan
Wavecall "Wave"
| 33 Moons | Tom | X (right)
→ Brave fisher and fighter
→ Formerly of OceanClan
Meadow "Cloud"
41 Moons | Tom | x
→Down to Earth and resourceful explorer
Silver Sun "Stream"
| 25 Moons | She-cat | X
→A clever and cheerful cat
Bramblespirit
19 Moons | She-cat | x
→ A light-footed and smart young cat
→ Formerly of RoseClan
Rainwing
| 76 Moons | She-cat | x
→ Sensible and reliable
→ Formerly of BearClan
Apprentices:
Cedar
| 7 Moons | Tom | X
→ A dreamer and wonderer
Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
→ Description of developing traits
Queens:
Evening Star "Dusk"
|27 Moons| She-cat | X
→ A swift, cunning she-cat
Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
→ Description of role and traits
Kits:
Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
→ Description of developing traits
Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
→ Description of developing traits
Elders:
Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
→Description of role and traits
Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
→ Description of role and traits
Ally Clans:
Clan Name | Username
Clan Name | Username
Enemy Clans
Clan Name | Username
Clan Name | Username
Borders
North | Clan Name | Username
East | Clan Name | Username
South | MoorClan | Dinolil1
West | Clan Name | Username
Medicine Store
Borage | x1 | Usage
Catmint | x1 | Usage
Chervil | x1 | Usage
Cobwebs | x1 | Usage
Comfrey Root | x1 | Usage
Dock Leaves | x1 | Usage
Herb | x0 | Usage
Herb | x0 | Usage
Fresh-Kill Pile:
Haddock | x2 | 3 servings
Brambling | x1 | 3 servings
Snow Hare | x0 | 3 servings
Rainbow Smelt | x2 | 2 servings
Mouse | x3 | 1 servings
Vole | x1 | 1 servings
Mentors:
Birdsong | Cedar | training sessions | Moves
Mentor | Apprentice | training sessions | Moves
Deceased Cats:
Cat Name | Cause of Death
Cat Name | Cause of Death
Family:
?? and ?? | Birdsong, Sunflower and
Butterfly
Pebblesong and Wavecall | No kits
Evening Star and ??? | Due in 1 Moon