The stories of legends || Rise. Warrior stories

[Chimericect]

Squirrelkit danced excitedly in the corner of the nursery den, tumbling around with the other two kits that she had stayed with for the last moon.

"Do you really have to go?" Tinykit, her adopted brother, asked loudly. He had grown used to curling up with her and wolfkit at night, he didn't want that to end so soon. After all, Squirrelkit is quite warm.

Squirrelkit nodded. "Yeah! I'm going to be an apprentice soon, but so will you guys! You don't have much longer either, you'll come soon!" She purred, grinning widely at the two. Tinykit seemed hurt, but proud. Wolfkit, on the other hand, simply seemed upset that her "sister" was leaving. "Hey, its okay! I'm just gonna be in a different den, it's not like i'm leaving forever." she murmured. Her heart skipped a beat as she heard Thunderstar calling attention to the clan. That was her cue to take her place. "Bye guys, I'll see you in the apprentice den!" She purred, darting off to sit beside Thunderstar.

Squirrelkit watched as the clan gathered before them, a happy surge of power and pride coursing through her veins. This was it, she was about to be a warrior, she knew she could do it. This was what she’s been waiting for for so long, and looking at the clan mates around her only made her excitement and anticipation grow by the moment. Please mom, just get on with it. She pleaded, her tail twitching in excitement as the young red she cat twitched with anticipation. Who would be her mentor? Who would be the one to show her everything, to once again take her out into the wilds of the area around, the area she could only barely remember now. Her history faded into the wind, she wasn’t a rogue anymore. This proved it. She would be a warrior, and the best warrior that the clan has ever seen.

"Squirrelkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Squirrelpaw Your mentor will be Fidgetstrike, I hope Fidgetstrike will pass down all she knows on to you." She paused, the cats before her yowling in excitement and approval. Squirrelpaw noticed that the apprentices were grinning ear to ear, ready to welcome her in. She felt much better about it, she feared that they wouldn't accept her because she was so much younger. Silly squirrelpaw. Her attention was focused back to the ceremony as the clan quieted down and Thunderstar began to speak once again.

"Fidgetstrike, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from your friends from before the clan, as well as the other warriors here, and in the short time you've been here, you have shown yourself to be resilient and a natural born leader. You will be the mentor of Squirrelpaw, and I know you will pass on all you know to her. You will be an excellent mentor for my daughter." She mewed, Fidgetstrike puffing her chest out proudly as she trotted up to meet her new apprentice.

The clan cheered loudly, leaving Squirrelpaw with a mended sense of belonging and excitement. She turned to her new mentor. "I'm going to be the best warrior that this tribe has ever seen"

[ 566 words ]

[Chimericect]

"Fidgetstrike, Squirrelpaw, Ferretfur, and Softpaw, you guys go on a hunting patrol by the river direction. Me, Crowpaw, Brokenpaw, Owlhoot, and Pebblepaw will all go in the opposite direction." Adderbite mewed. Fidgetstrike nodded in understanding before trotting over to round up her small group, parting ways with adderbite as he did the same. Owlhoot and Pebblepaw were training as usual, the two rarely taking breaks or letting up. Crowpaw and Brokenpaw were together as usual, curled up with one another in the apprentices den taking a nap. Adderbite almost always had brokenpaw come out when he went off with Crowpaw, knowing that Crowpaw would try harder if she were there, and Brokenpaw would actually pay attention. He couldn't help but grin a little at the two, who were a little too close in his opinion to just be best friends.

The apprentices trotted out of camp excitedly, although Crowpaw appeared to be a bit more tired than usual. Nothing uncommon, though. At least not in Adderbites opinion.

When the patrol made it to their destination, Addrbite simply sat and grinned. "Apprentices, show me what you got. Owlhoot and I will go up against you three, whoever can catch the most prey will win. If you win, you can have bragging rights around camp. If either of us win, you'll have to do something of our choice." he wagerd, the three apprentices looking around and grinning. "It seems easy enough, lets go you two we can beat the old ancestors." Crowpaw teased before taking he two females and having their own mini hunting party. "Old ancestors, eh?" Owlhoot chuckled. "Why don't we teach these three whippersnappers what 'old ancestors' can do."

--

A few hours had passed, the apprentices catching a hefty load of prey themselves, mostly made up of mice and voles, while the older two had caught a decently sized pile, but didn't quite add up to the amount that the apprentices had done. "Well," purred Adderbite proudly, looking at crowpaw and pebblepaw. The two were beaming with pride. "you are certainly quick. I'll give you that." he murmured,looking around quizzically. "Where's brokenpaw?"

Before the two apprentices could speak, Brokenpaw darted through the bushes and crashed into Adderbite, knocking him back in alarm. "Brokenpaw, Brokenpaw calm down. What's wrong?"

"Cat... Hurt.. we have... to go." She heaved, clearly out of breath.

"Crowpaw, Pebblepaw, start bringing prey back to camp. Owlhoot and I will go with Brokenpaw."

"But Adderbite-" Crowpaw argued, although the glare from Adderbite made him shut his mouth immediately.

--
Brokenpaw led Owlhoot and Adderbite past the border and to a large black brute who lay unconscious in the bushes. "We have to get him to Boneshaker and Mousepaw," Adderbite said, trying to get under the cat to lift him up. Owlhoot nodded in agreement and aided Adderbite in his efforts, Brokenpaw watching intently.

When they made it to the camp, Boneshaker and Mousepaw were already preparing to help. He was scratched up and clearly injured, so they tended to the wounds the best they could before carrying him off into the den to rest up. Hours had passed, and he had not waken. "He's going to be okay, isn't he?" Brokenpaw asked nervously.

"Yes, he just needs rest." Mousepaw replied.

--
As the moon began to show and the sun began to set, the black tom finally rose up and into consciousness.

"You're awake!" Boneshaker mewed, clearly pleased. He trotted out of the den, leaving him alone to retrieve Adderbite and Thunderstar.

When he returned, the brute was sitting there with a frown on his face. "Where am I?"

Thunderstar trotted into the stone den. "Tribe of Roaring flames! We're a tribe that resides here, in the mountains. What is your name?"

The tom frowned, but decided to comply. "My name is Spider, and I would very much like to join your clan."

[ 645 words ]

[Chimericect]

"What are we going to do today, Owlhoot?" Pebblepaws squeaky voice piped up. The small grey and white cat trotted next to her mentor, who was easily about twice her size. The massive tom gave a wide grin, flicking his tail out proudly. "You'll see when we get there, don't get too excited. Ferretfur told me that this was an excellent place to train, and that he takes softpaw there all the time. So, I figured it was your turn!" He purred. The two trotted past the large pines that scattered through the area, providing a nice shade in the summer heat. As they trotted, Owlhoot stopped and looked around. "Whats wrong?" Pebblepaw asked, tilting her head to the side. Owlhoot smiled awkwardly, indicating that there was something he wasn't telling her. "To be honest, I haven't yet been there myself. It's okay though, we'll find it."

"Would you just tell me where it is?" Pebblepaw begged. What was so bad about keeping it a secret from her? She just wanted to know, and besides, even if he told her it couldn’t hurt. She had no idea what he had planned, anyway.


"Never." The stubborn tom purred, leading them out to only the goddess knew where. Pebblepaw was anxious, but excited.

Unfortunately, that excitement soon faded. Pebblepaw sighed, the two roaming around until the sun was at its highest point until finally, Owlhoot let out an excited shriek. "It's this way! Here, follow me. We're going to practice fighting," Owlhoot said, darting off into the foliage. Pebblepaw followed, confused and concerned. "What do you mean by fighting? Why couldn't we just do that in the hollow?"


"Because the hollow doesn't have running water, there's still water but this? You have to be prepared for anything and everything. You have to be prepared for this, even if there isn't any running water by us. You never know where you might find yourself." Owlhoot murmured, giving a small nod, as if confirming this for himself. Pebblepaw stared at him for a moment, her ears pinned against her head. "But, that sounds dangerous." She whispered. "Nonsense, Ferretfur and Softpaw do it all of the time. Don't worry."

"You remember the last time you said that, right?" She muttered darkly, a feeling of guilt washing over Owlhoot. "I mean, I do, but... but this is different! It's safer." he promised. "I won't let anything happen to you."

---

The two trained for hours, splashing around in the water. Fighting, the current making Pebblepaws legs weak and tired. "One more kick, come on, give it all you've got." Owlhoot encouraged, getting in position right in front of some reeds. Pebblepaw gave a nod before lunging, her full force knocking into Owlhoot with everything that she had. He hadn't expected her to hit him so hard, and he flew back behind the reeds. "Owlhoot?" Pebblepaw called frantically, her eyes widening in horror as the tom didn't return. "Owlhoot, Owlhoot where are you?" She cried. She hadn't seen the current pull him under and drag him away. He couldn't cry out for her, because before long his world went black. [ 523 words ]

[Chimericect]

[ moon 3 of the clan existing ]

”I cant believe he’s gone,” Pebblepaw cried, sitting next to he high rock as Thunderstar hopped up. “All cats who are able to patrol, please come forth. One of our warriors, one of the newest, has gone missing. We have to find him, I want three patrols out immediately. Three or four to a patrol, let’s not waste any time.” She shouter. The clan below her wasted no time into getting into their own patrols, no shouting necessary to find who would go where. “Split up,” Thunderstar yelled. “Make sure you search the entire area.” Thunderstar added, hopping off of the high rock and settling next to a crying Pebblepaw. “We’ll find him, don’t worry. It’ll be okay.”

The leader didn’t want to admit that she, too, was terrified. The clan was terrified. The cat is a strong one, Thunderstar reassured herself, although the fear that gripped her heart refused to go away. The goddess will guide him home, or... If needed, she will guide him to earn his place amongst the ancestors.

—
Adderbites Patrol

“He couldn’t have gone too far, Owlhoot mentioned earlier he was going to the fishing rocks. I hate to say it but...” Adderbite trailed off, looking back at his other three classes that joined him. “Crowpaw, Brokenpaw, you two stay out of the water. Search the area around it. Spiderweb and I will search the water in case... well, the worst has happened.” He sighed. Brokenpaw grinned a little, giving a small nod to her partner in crime, who didn’t seek to respond to her affectionate action. “Can do, sir.” Crowpaw murmured flatly, the dark cats splitting off.

The two older apprentices trotted past large pines, in almost complete silence. Eventually, Brokenpaw sighed and decided to speak up. “Crowpaw, what’s your problem? For the last moon you’ve been... off. What’s going on?” She asked. The dark apprentice shot a glare at her for a moment, causing the female apprentice to jump back. “Nothing, I’m not different.” he spat, his ears now laying flat against his head. He wore a scowl if malice, not the same soft and calm cat Brokenpaw knew. She opened her mouth to speak, ready to shoot a response back at him before a small and faint “help.” was heard. “We’re speaking later, got it?” she growled. Crowpaw roleld his eyes, not really caring for her concern.

They happened upon a two leg trap, which appeared to have worked. “Help, please, I can’t get out.” the cat inside cried. He looked scared, and slightly malnourished. Crowpaw gave a long and exhasperated sigh, while brokenpaw trotted over to help. “You can open it from the outside, just... just flip up the- yeah, yeah that there you go. You got it!” The tom purred, delighted to have finally been set free from his metal prison. “I’ve been there for a day or two, my twolegs... they left me here. My name is Charlie.” He introduced. The poor, rugged tom has matted fur and tired eyes, Brokenpaw couldn’t help but feel bad for him. “Come with me, we can help you. I’m Brokenpaw, and this is Crowpaw. We can take you to a place where you’ll be safe.”

[ 534 words ]

[Chimericect]

Crowpaw thrashed about in the apprentices den, not even sleep allowing him to be saved from the dangers of warrior life. His eyes were squeezed shut, as if in pain. He was away from the other apprentices, hoping to not wake them as his seemingly endless nightmare continued on.

”Welcome back, Crowpaw.” A dark brown cat with piercing yellow eyes purred. He had scars across his throat, and a nick in his ear, things that a crowpaw never dared ask about. Crowpaw dipped his head in respect, uttering a slight “hello” under his breath. “We brought a friend for you, she is also in your clan.” The tom hissed, flicking his tail impatiently. Crowpaw flattened his ears in horror, thinking it to be Brokenpaw at first. He wouldn’t know what to do if she were here- she wasn’t supposed to be here. However, another cat, a large grey brute with a limp, dropped the tiny fur ball he knew as Wolfkit in front of him. She stared at Crowpaw coldly, but said nothing. “You two are ours, we as, ah, starclan cats, have a special prophecy for you. It was given to us by the one you call the starry mistress.” The tom purred, his voice melodic and could easily lull you to sleep. He seemed nice, so Crowpaw trusted the spirit cat. “You two will restore the power we once had,” he murmured, Crowpaw and Wolfkit both nodding lazily, almost half heartedly. Crowpaw found he was barely listening, yet understood the commands perfectly.

“What do you want us to do, we are young. We have no power.” Crowpaw protested. “She is barely a kit.”

“A kit, yes, but both of you will be trained into something great. Listen to us and we’ll teach you all you need to know.” The brute promised, his eyes glowing in the darkness of the forest around them. It was cold, the air seeming to chill the longer they stayed. “It is time for them to go. You two will be back tomorrow, our training starts then.”

Crowpaw woke up in a dead sweat, the other apprentices staring at him nervously. “Are you okay, Crowpaw?” Brokenpaw asked, softpaw and squirrelpaw pushing their way next to him.

“Yeah,” Crowpaw said coldly. “I’m fine.”

The angered tom stalked out of camp, heading the the pole of fresh kill that a patrol had brought in. He could feel the heat from the gases of the cats around him, although he seemed to pay no attention to them. I have a mission that you guys will never understand. Crowpaw thought, puffing out his chest slightly. He couldn’t let them know, and even if he told the others, they wouldn’t understand. Who could?

“Are you tired?” Wolfkit mewed, her eyes sunken in and voice soft. She sounded as if she could sleep for another eon. “I am,” Crowpaw sighed, ripping off a small piece of meat for the kit to try, before realizing she was still a bit too young to try it just yet. She didn’t seem to mind. “I’m scared.” Wolfkit admitted. For the first time since meeting her, Crowpaw saw true emotion in the traumatized kits eyes, even her stance was that of a terrified animal ready to fight for her life. “It’s going to be ok, we’re going to do something amazing. We will do it.” Crowpaw promised, nuzzling the small shecat tenderly before finishing his meal. “We can’t talk long, i almost never go near the kits. I’ll see you around. If your mother asks, you were asking what it’s like to be an apprentice.” [ 601 words ]

[Chimericect]

[ Moon 4 starts here ]

”Thunderstar, it’s almost been a moon since his disappearance. I think we should allow the cats closure, allow... pebblepaw and fidgetstrike a chance to say goodbye, even if his body isn’t anywhere to be found. I’d hate to say it, but-“ Adderbite was cut off by the heavy expression the chief had formed within mere seconds of Adderbite bringing up the subject. He knew this pained her, being the first loss of a warrior that she had ever experienced. It was heartbreaking. Thunderstar walked past the broken stones, and past the brambles as she walked to the high rock. She felt as if her paws were boulders, dragging along the ground slowly and painfully as she had to make the inevitable announcement: searches for Owlhoot must end. He was gone, and was likely not coming back.

Hes not gone, he can’t be. Boneshaker protests echoed in Thunderstars mind as she hopped up theatre cracked boulders that sat quietly in the camp, cats already beginning to draw near in confusion. “There’s no new apprentices, and it’s not time for the warriors,” she heard Spiderweb murmur. “I wonder what it could be?” Hawkhunt added. He wasn’t among the starclan cats, neither Mousepaw nor I had seen him. Boneshaker added before Thunderstar left his den only the night before. Still, it’s been almost a full moon, and given that he hasn’t come back yet was indication he might not be coming back anyway. “C-Cats who are able to hear my voice, please, join us under the rock.” She called out, her voice cracking midway and carrying the tone of anguish. Everybody within camp suddenly knew what was happening.

“No, You can’t do this, he isn’t gone, he can’t be, he...” Pebblepaw cried out, running to fidgetstrike, who had only the expression of someone who was lost. The two had journeyed with the tom for a long while, thinking of one another as family. The family that Pebble never knew, the family that fidgetstrike finally had. In an instant, it was ripped apart by a mistake. The two females, although showing their grief in different ways, could agree on one thing: this was the most devistating pain they’ve ever felt, and even before the announcement they knew what was about to happen.

“Owlhoot hasn’t come back, it’s almost been a full moon, and we should give him a proper goodbye, even if his body is not here to be properly buried. To those who wish to sit vigil tonight, we will mourn as one in the middle of camp. Pray to the goddess that his soul makes it, and that he is welcomed by the spirits of the ancestors.” Thunderstar said quietly, but with the unusually dead silence of the camp, everyone could hear.

Everyone could also hear the cries of his apprentice, and friend. Pebblepaw was engulfed in a sea of sadness, one that’s been raging inside and finally able to surface, she could no longer hold back. Without warning the shecat ran through the high foliage and into the darkness, softpaw and fidgetstrike both running after her. She was gone, no trace of her anywhere. Not even her scent could be followed, just the last sentence she spoke made fidgetstrike and Softpaw both decide it was best to leave her. “I’ll be back. I need to be alone.”

[ 556 words ]

[Chimericect]

Pebblepaw was always good at disappearing, she did it when she wished to be left alone. It wasn’t often, but when she needed it she had a talent of being able to vanish almost into thin air. Perks of being a quick climber, and good at staying silent. With the news of Owlhoots official ‘death’ being announced, she couldn’t do it. “I know you’re still out there.” she cried, her voice shaky as she spoke to herself. She ran. She was unsure of where she was going, but she found her paws carrying her away to a familiar place, a place they once came from. The two leg place. It was a small town, but big enough for her to take shelter, at least that’s what she thought. It was a day or twos journey to get there, and she promised she’d be back. “I never said when.” She murmured, slightly disgusted. She eventually made it past the towering pines and could hear the rush of he rapids nearby. Stay away from those, she thought, narrowing her eyes at the deadly waters.

She couldn’t help but take a few moments to stare, as if trying to search for the deadly nymphs that could have dragged him under. A disturbing part of her wondered that, if he were truly gone, if he was stuff under, trapped by some terrifying creature, or tangled in the plant life hat thrives in the murky waters. Or maybe he had been taken by a fish, swallowed without a chance to cry out for pebblepaw to help him. Dont be foolish, she scolded herself, forcefully ripping her gaze away to continue down to her destination. He didn’t die, he couldn’t have. He’s still out there, you know it. He has to be. He’s hoot, the defier of death! The one who brings life. There’s no way the goddess would’ve taken him, not yet. Stop being so negative, Pebble.

The young apprentice trotted a distance away from the rapids, however she followed them to where they could take her. Part of her hoped she would simply fade away, she would be done with everything. Another part of her told her to turn back and find solace in her new family, but that part of her was hurt. Hoot was her family too, and was he one to lead them there. “This isn’t near where I wanted to go,” she scolded herself. She would have to walk along the sea now, not that it mattered too much for her. ashe didn’t want to go back.

Hours passed, though, and the moon began to rise above. He moon, along with her bright friends, illuminated the way. Pebblepaw always admired the way the moon would shine off of the water, glistening peacefully. “Owlhoot, if you’re gone, please come to me. At least tell me what happened.” She pleaded, taking a seat in front of the calm waters. The wind howled quietly behind her, and crickets sang a song beneath their forest of grass. Nothing else, though, other than the quiet breaths from Pebblepaw.

The grieving apprentice sat there for what felt to her like an eternity. At last, though, she rose from her spot, having cried out all that she could. As she turned to head back, two pairs of gleaming eyes were focused right on her, and with that, she screamed. [ 562 words // to be continued ]

[Chimericect]

Pebblepaw let out a screech to loud and full of terror, fearing for her life. “Please don’t kill me I have to get back to my tribe. They’ll know i’m missing! they'll come for you, they’ll... they’ll..” Pebblepaw stammered, trying to find the right words to try to inspire fear. It seemed to be working with one of them, at least, but the other wasn’t having it. The slimmer of the two seemed terrified, her dark pelt barely visible in the dark of night. The other was muscular, and Pebblepaw learned within mere seconds of her threats that the cat was strong too. The slightly bigger she-cat with gleaming green eyes rammed into Pebblepaw, sitting on top of her with a forceful weight pressing on her chest. “Cove, she said she was from a tribe.” The darker one murmured, her voice shaky and low, almost a whisper.

Pebblepaw felt the cats weight shift slightly, realizing she could easily make the small cat fall into the sea near them and allow her to escape. However, the cat called Cove spoke, catching Pebblepaws attention. “I understand that Panther, that’s why we need her!” Cove exclaimed, lowering her head down next to Pebblepaws. “I thought you would’ve put up more of a fight, wildcat.”

“Pebblepaw,” Pebblepaw corrected, her tail swishing angrily behind her. “My friend here is curious, she wants to see your home. Do me a favor and tell me just how scary you guys are, and we’ll be on or way.” Cove purred. Pebblepaw narrowed her eyes, quickly shifting and pushing Cove right off of her, pinning her within seconds. The two stared at Pebblepaw, eyes wide. Panther seemed to have a mix of terror and amazement, while Cove was just terrified. “Please don’t eat me,” she cried.

“Eat you? You two are kittypets, aren’t you. It’s ok, I was too. The rumors aren’t true, we don’t eat cats. We aren’t cannibals.” Pebblepaw laughed, allowing Cove to stand up. “Wait, you don’t?” Panther asked, looking to her friend, who looked as if she lost a hard battle. “Of course not.” Pebblepaw mused. “Why don’t you come back with me to my camp, you can meet the others. I wouldn’t be surprised if they allowed you to stay, too.” Pebblepaw purred, turning around and trotting along the rapids once again. She didn’t trust these two, not yet. She did see that they were young, though, and not exactly skilled in the art of fighting, so if she had to she could easily take them on.

“What’s it like, living like you?” Panther asked enthusiastically. She was a nervous one, from the way she trotted with her head low and ears pinnned to her head, to the sweet and careful way she spoke, carefully choosing each word before they’re spoken out loud. Pebblepaw liked her already. “Well, I suppose you’ll have to see that for yourself. I enjoy it, it’s like having a family that will love you forever, kind of. It’s hard, there’s nothing about survival that would be easy. There could be wars, there could be...” Pebblepaw stopped her sentence, now straining to get the word out of her mouth.

“Death.” Cove finished for her. “There could be death in a clan, panther, so we should keep moving and see the world, rather than sit here like trapped mice.”

“But there’s family, there’s love. Cove, don’t you want that?” Panther asked, looking to Pebblepaw as if asking for her help in some way. “Please, just give it a chance if it is offered to us, I beg of you. For me? For your littermate, and the one who’a stuck by your side since it happened?”

Cove stared at panther a minute, then shot a glance back at pebblepaw, who widened her eyes and gave a small shrug. Cove, clearly defeated, gave a disgusted sigh before trotting begins the two to mumble to herself.

“It’s a little while away, so if you’re tired let me know, but we’ll be there before you know it!” pebblepaw mewed.

[ 674 words ]

[Chimericect]

”She’s been gone for hours,” Fidgetstrike sighed, glancing at Hawkhunt. She had gotten to know the new tom after he seemed to get better, regaining strength and weight, ultimately having his warrior ceremony. After a few hunting sessions, the cat showed promise in being a hunter, giving him the name Hawk that hunts in the valley. He wore it with pride, and wanted to express his gratitude to the clan the best that he could.

“I know,” He replied, stretching out before standing up next to the distressed feline. She couldn’t lose pebble too, she just wouldn’t be able to bear it. “Should we g-“ Hawkhunt was cut off by Pebblepaw bursting into camp, her eyes wide with a sudden excitement. Had she already forgotten that Owlhoot was gone? Given the excitement she showed, Fidgetstrike believed she had found owlhoot, alive and well. There was a small and brief glimmer of excitement that welled up in her chest at the thought. Unfortunately, the excitement of the possibility didn’t last long, as two young apprentice- aged she cats nervously trotted into camp only moments later.

“Pebblepaw, who are they?” Fidgetstrike asked unsuccessfully trying to mask the disappointment in her voice. “Panther and Cove, they both wished to meet you all! Where is the chief?” Pebblepaw asked, glancing around. She gave a small smile as she spotted the tiny leader slowly walking out of her den to see what the commotion was about. It didn’t take long for her to see the two new cats, trotting over to the two with excitement.

Panther cowered behind cove, however the curiosity that shone in her eyes was apparent, and Softpaw was already over to them trying to introduce himself. Cove, however, clearly wasn’t listening to the apprentice, and didn’t seem as thrilled to be there.

“Hello!” Thunderstars excited meow made both of them jump, and the fear on their faces grew as Adderbite approached next to her. “I’m thunder that rumbles in the night, but you can call me Thunderstar! It’s a normal chief name in a clan. Who are you two?”

“Cove, and the one behind me is Panther. The other is yours, i think.” Cove responded sarcastically.

“Well you two, Pebblepaw says that you are interested in being a part of our tribe, or at least interested in seeing everything?”

“Yeah!”
“No”
“Cove!” Panther shot a cold glance at her comrade, flattening her ears. You know how much I want this, I’m too scared to go any longer on these journies. Please, please just understand that. Panther thought, looking to her friend with pleading eyes.
“Sorry.” Cove murmured, lowering her head. She didn’t want this, hers was the life of a travelled, one who should not be held down to just one area. Her wanderlust would get the better of her one day, but she did love Panther like a sister, and wished for her happiness over her own. Sucking it up would be hard, but if it was for Panther, she would do it.

“So... what do you guys say, would you like to see how tribe life suits you?” Thunderstar offered as more cats joined in to watch. Panther shot a pleading life at Cove, who simply rolled her eyes and let out a long, exasperated sigh before nodding. “Yes, please!”

“Fantastic, and if you enjoy it, you will be made apprentices of our tribe. If not, I’m afraid to say but you will have to be escorted to back from where you came from. Deal?”

Cove glanced at Panther one last time before giving a defeated shrug. “Deal.”
[ 599 words ]

[Chimericect]

"Cove, is this not exciting for you? We're a part of a tribe!" Panther purred, walking beside her blue furred friend.

"We aren't a part of the tribe yet, Panther. We can still leave you know. They gave us the option to see how it goes. We can just sneak out at night and flee here, we can be on our merry way!" Cove argued. She had been against the whole clan idea since the start, ever since the first story they had heard of wild cats who consume the bones of their fellow cats, and that brave the elements. Cove liked the idea of living as a wild cat, but with others? The only one she decided that she needed was Panther, however Panther seemed to have other ideas. "We can still sleep under the stars, we can follow the rapids. That'll take us somewhere." Cove added, her eyes pleading for compliance from her nervous companion.


"Nope, I want to try this out. If I like it, I..." Panther trailed off, glancing at her paws. She stayed silent, and instead seemed to be much more interested in a plant that was further away.


"You what, Panther? You..." Cove stopped, her eyes widening in horror. "You can't be serious. We don't even know them, how can we trust them? They could be barbarians for all we know, savage cats that are gaining our trust so they can turn on us later on. What if you're wrong about this Panther? What if-"


"Stop it!" Panther cried, crushing the flower she had just been inspecting so thoroughly just moments before. "What if they're not, what if they like us? What if they like me? I don't know if I'll be able to make it out there with you, I don't thrive off the adventure feeling, I fear that. I am terrified of it, actually. But here? We have a whole tribe, one that we can call family, don't you want that?"

"The only family I need is you Panther." Cove sighed, her voice lowering as she spoke. Panthers shoulders dropped. "Cove, I didn't mean... You know I... Cove you're like a sister to me. I would die for you, and I know you would do the same for me, but travelling the world isn't my kind of thing. If we have to, we can part ways. You can come back and visit, I won't be mad at you. This isn't your kind of lifestyle, and there isn't anything wrong with that."

"I would go through a hurricane for you, jump in front of a rabid fox for you, Panther. I don't want you to be upset. If I must stay here, then so be it. I just have my concerns, is all. While I am riddled with Wanderlust, I can always go about that on my own. They have patrols, and messengers I think. I am positive I heard one of them call themselves a scourer or something. I can live with this." Cove mewed. Her voice was choppy, and she didn't sound so convincing. Nonetheless, it made Panther smile. "If this makes you happy, then I can deal with it. Come on, we'll miss our first hunt. The big brute was going to get us at sun up, it's almost coming. Lets go see how we like this, okay?" [ 558 words ]