⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Username: Plaga
Clan: тнє ηєω мσση вяιηgєяѕQuest Number: #1
Response: 
—No powers version—Plume of The Ashes, at his current position as the Highest General of Bringers' troops had many occasions to... Hurt others in his life. How his cold and unapproachable personality has though developed started from his days as a kitten. The little furry kit with long, bushy fur was primarily named Ash, after the tiny spots on his coat and bright amber eyes that resembled incandested cinder, soon to turn into a pile of ashes.
Ash's parents were not exactly the reason why is he this way, as they didn't abuse him in any way, but they seemed to never really notice his achievements and always have been busy. He constantly attempted to impress them, always feeling imperfect and not worthy enough for them to do something as simple as just to hug him into their fur or praise him a little. It also made him touch starved and appreciating the positive attention towards him even more than most cats who never struggled with similar thing in their lives and never had to work for even small bits of affection. It was a bit depressing that the molly who seemed to love him the most, wasn't even his mother but a kitten named Pine. It was too late though for him to be changed by her anyway.
It wasn't heading into a good direction...
─•~❉᯽❉~•─
In order to show off his strength, Ash started to treat sparrings with other kittens who only "fought" for fun more seriously. He wanted to show everyone he's not a weakling, which led him to commit the first act in his short life that was
hurtful for other.
When one of the kittens pressed onto him with her paws, trying to pin him down with her weight, he suddenly bit her arm so hard his little sharp teeth pierced the skin, and Ash could feel as his mouth is filling with blood's metallic taste. He didn't find it pleasing but... It felt just
right to keep digging into her arm with his exceptionally large fangs. She was completely dumbfounded, and let him go letting a small cry in pain which he has used in his favor to hit her face with unsheathed claws. Before he has done anything else, the Molly's parents stepped in. He almost doesn't remember what happened, adrenaline and blind rage still pulsing in his vains, but he was brought to consequences, the Commander and his parents scolding him and punishing with having to hunt for the other kit when she was in recovery state. He also had to do duties like guarding the smaller animal companions who were left at the camp. Certainly, the parents of his were not pleased which drove him even more mad, feeling like he can't do anything to impress anyone truly.
He feels humiliated and embarrassed at the very thought of this event and though he tries to forget about how unfairly and thoughtlessly he has acted that day, he still remembers it even more than the molly and it fills him with insecurity about being useful and good New Moon Bringer.
Nobody good would hurt their own kinsman, after all... And he was the one who played dirty. ─•~❉᯽❉~•─
However, it
wasn't the first and last time Plume of The Ashes has been hurtful in his life. Sadly, it was only the begging of something worse, of the new, rising circle of suffering in his heart. Moons passed as little Ash was growing, heading to choose a path in his life and start to choose his place between the Bringers. He still hasn't chosen the profession he will train himself in as an apprentice, he wasn't sure what he was really good at and... Yes, also didn't know with what kind of life choices and achievements could he impress his family and other New Mooners, with what kind of thing would he be the most useful in. It might seem like Plume of The Ashes was a vain kit, looking for anything that could bring him praise and acceptance, but in fact, those were things he almost never got for his entire life in his childhood days, thus he wanted to at least feel and experience how is it like to be appreciated.
He didn't make any choice until he would think something out, but then... He noticed that one of the apprentices aiming at position in the military was particularly good at fighting and magic control for his age and thus appreciated already by the Generals and Officers other than his mentor. This
made Ash feel the purest, most vile jealously in his life, developing even stronger when his own abilities were not standing a chance for him. He exactly knew what he has and he does not. He chose to be a soldier too, overtraining himself to the point of his body being bruised almost all the time, and even his mentor, a very experienced and demanding cat, couldn't understand why such a young kit even wants to strain himself with duties of apprentices way older than him. Ash also met up with cats other than the assigned teacher though, as he wasn't satisfied at all with what one cat could offer. He wanted to know and learn every and each of the elements of energy a cat can possibly posses, being not only the most powerful physically, but also make his energy bend to be used for both destruction and creation. Both water and fire, black and white.
He wanted to posses the same power and versatility comparable only to the gods. ─•~❉᯽❉~•─
After all his lifelong training, the moment of his rank raising from an apprentice to a Higher Private was probably the best in his life so far. Cats cheered and bowed their heads in a show of respect to him, which made him feel fully appreciated for the very first time. He stood here, looking at the kinmen of his, feeling as if all of them saw them as their future hero. His paws trembled, Ash trying to keep himself from falling into his emotions. It was so... Refreshing. It felt so good, almost like a dream too good to be true.
And indeed,
the euphoria couldn't last forever. And more specifically, Stream ruined it again, stealing his moment away from Ashes. More specifically, the ceremony was not only his, all to himself, but also the time Stream was advanced to a Sergeant. The attention shifted almost fully towards him, leaving Ash feeling that his shine has overshadowing him. He gritted his teeth, trying not to fully get into his fury.
After their ceremony has ended and all the cats including Ceremonial Master and their mentors got back to their regular duties, Stream has decided to hunt a bit in the depths of New Moon woods. He didn't know yet, though, that he's not here alone, and he was followed the whole way back...
Suddenly, he heard a snap from between the bushes and something has jumped on his back, pinning him down to the ground with its weight. The gray tom writhed under the other cat, hissing in fear and anger, but something has just stopped him. He was grabbed by the neck, then pinned to a nearby tree, completely in shock when he saw his oppressor is one of his kind,
more exactly Ash. He widened his eyes, breathing heavily and instinctively pushing him away with a kick to the stomach.
"
What are you doing?! Are you crazy?! " - he screamed, feeling betrayed by his own colleague. Did he want to
kill him? What was going on here? The brown furred tom only looked at him with a mix of disgust and some weird kind of... Admiration. He tried to take the pain with showing no signs of it, and then loomed over him, resting the front paws on the tree. Stream looked to be ready to hit him anytime, but was stopped when suddenly felt his leg hurt as if it was burned, apparently because Ash wanted to discourage the idea of kicking him again. The sensation faded as soon as Ash shifted his thoughts on responding to his questions instead of channeling his energy to further hurt him.
"
You've been ruining my entire life all this time. Why do you always get in my way? I'm not going to.... Hurt you, but I can't deny you make me want to when you get into any of my achievements...you..." - he growled in calm tone, trying to not get even harder on his anger. Stream's jaw has dropped, him not even knowing what to respond. He didn't even expect Ash to feel this way, always treating his rivalisation as healthy, him trying to just improve together with him. He stared into the amber eyes emptily, showing his fangs a bit. They stood there in silence for a second, then calmed down and just left without a word. Both of them held some aversion for each other since this, and Stream always felt followed in a way.
─•~❉᯽❉~•─
Currently, Plume of the Ashes earned his full title by the achievements he got and by climbing on the position of The Highest General. He has his own division of troops under him to command, he also takes a part in discussing most important strategies. He has felt satisfied and at peace by this achievement, also intimidating Stream enough that he will not reach the same position as him. Of course, Stream has reached an important position too but be had no privilege comparing to the Ashes.
Soon, though, Plume started to feel emptiness and it stopped to satisfy him. What kind of an achievement it was to impress his own kind? It was a bit... Biased, him being respected at least for the sake of being a Bringer himself, believing in the same thing, the same culture. The true success would be to... Be bowed to by strangers. The other clans, who's honor would never let them to submit to a Bringer. When he just heard that on their territory, there is a dormant volcano who's fires soothed long ago, he came up with a sinister idea.
More exactly, he wants to get enough power to rise the lava back again by his energy solely and force them to give their land and fate into his paws. He wastes no time to train his fire and earth energies to bound up and do this, even though he still fails to make this little dream come true. No mortal, probably, could ever do such a thing, but it doesn't discourage Ashes. His moment will come, sooner or later...
Deep down, he wants to become a god of creation and destruction, to be above any mortal who was ever born but never admitted it openly, fearing the real gods would torture him his whole afterlife or even right and there, tear him into pieces. Word Count: 1 8 2 3
Quest Number: #3
Response:Plume of The Ashes seemed to never stop working. And by never - I mean it. As literally.
Never. He woke up from the very first minutes of new morning just to check on his troops. He never let them know when he is going to do his check up so nobody could even know where and at which moment he can just walk up from the least expected place and loom over them. Of course it also helped the soldiers keep themselves more loyal and prone to hold their discipline in good shape, but it could be… frustrating at times.
He came down his troop’s den with very quiet, stealthy steps, not to wake anybody up and just stood there at the entrance. His piercing, judging and cold gaze stared impassively at his subordinates, all in their sleep. He mumbled something to himself, looking at his front paws when he seemed to contemplate on something, then he came closer to kneel over one of the soldiers of the higher rank.
“
You know what, Pike?…” — he purred into his ear, in a whisper like voice. His tone was seemingly caring and sweet, almost like a father whispering a lullaby to his kit’s sleep. Just to turn into the usual, cold and menacing voice of Ashes… who was obviously disappointed in some way. “YOU WOULDN’T JUST LAY THERE AND SLEEP WHEN YOUR NATION IS ATTACKED AT THE LEAST EXPECTED TIME, WOULDN’T YOU?!”— the tom’s hiss was enough for the soldier to open his eyes immediately and stand up on straight feet. He breathed heavily, afraid of the punishment he may face, pupils slit from the unpleasant… ‘surprise’… The rest of the troop also seemed to be concerned about their fate, waking up from their beddings and trying to remain as alive as they could have been when being knocked off from their sleep.
Plume of the Ashes looked at them from up and down, twitching the tip of his tail just like if he was about to pounce on a fragile, small prey, clearly thinking of something. Nobody was sure what was going on his mind and what will he do next. His deep voice grumbled something, which only he could hear.
“
I’ll let it pass by today. But remember. You are needed to protect our territory and cats at any time and any cost, and the enemy can attack at the least expected moment. Just like when you are… uh… asleep. I will not punish you, but keep that in mind. I think we should make two shifts for you, so always someone will be watching. Is that clear?” — he spoke surprisingly softly for what he was capable of, but he was very… unpredictable to say at least. He gave them one last look of his amber, cold eyes and then just turned back, not waiting for their response. “
Today we are going for a patrol at the Borders of The New Moon Woods, near the swamp.” — he purred in a voice as soft as silk. He then was gone for good, leaving the soldiers’ den without any further words. They didn’t seem to respond at all but it was undeniable he left them speechless.
─•~❉᯽❉~•─
The wind ruffled fur of the New Mooners soldiers, spreading cold air between the strands of it. The wet snow creaked under their feet, leaving an unpleasant, wet feeling between their toes. It was the time when all the leaves have fallen, leaving trees as just bare wood covered in white sheathing. Each of their warm breath left a thick layer of mist, disappearing and evaporating as soon as it left their mouths and noses. They marched on the borders between the Forest and the Swamps so long they almost could feel how tiny crystals of ice started to form their way on their whiskers. Plume of The Ashes also could feel as his paws are almost going to freeze off but he didn't seem to care. Or at least pretended to be unshaken not wanting to show even a small sign of weakness in front of his companions. He walked in the first line, raising his tail and chin proudly, even though it was almost painful when wind with bits of snow hit him right into his eyes. Also, he didn't even bring his strong fire energy he has developed to warm himself up, insecure about if he could've been considered weak for being unable to resist the cold. Also nobody wasted their own on similar thing, thus he decided not to try it.
"
Stop! We're on the place!" he suddenly stopped by some point, trying to hold his ground and stand with all his muscles ready to react at any time. He turned himself towards the rest of the troop, highest of the officers joining him by his sides, almost instinctively. Everyone turned their eyes and ears on him.
"
Now, as we already got here... It's time when we start our searches. Look carefully for the herbs around, to aid our medics in their need. You can also hunt if you stumble on the prey smell and I'll allow you to eat on your change today. The officers, on the other paw, together with me, you'll guard the rest. If there's any loner around just tell me. Everyone understood?"
- he traced the troops with his eyes, looking for any hint of approval. They seemed to be a bit lethargic but anyways nodded in agreement and already got to their duties. He and the Officers stood up and followed him, watching his back and checking if anyone got onto the territory around.
─•~❉᯽❉~•─
Everyone was busy with what they were assigned to. Most of the soldiers were packaging the herbs and prey they collected into small packages they could later put out to the bags of theirs and their companions. Bird pets even tried to spy on the territory and guard them too, sitting on the bare trees. Suddenly one of the Bringer's raven started to screech so loud every if the patrolling cats could hear. Soon, other of the companions joined to the chorus of warning scowls, chirps and croaks. It was surely concerning Ashes. And... He noticed a silhouettes of strange cats on the way, leaping to the other side of the swamp. He clenched his teeth and bared his claws already. His gut feeling told him it might end in a way far from pleasant... Officers also seemed to think the same, talons of their already unsheathed and ready.
"
Follow me. " - he ordered, trying to remain as calm as he could, then started to run towards the intruders together with them.
"
Stop it! Don't even dare to cross the border!" - he growled, then leaped just in front of their noses, closing the distance and closing their way to the Woods. His eyes were feral and showed no fear, at this moment he resembled more of a tiger than a regular domestic cat he was. No wonder he got the respect he had and it was uncommon for his subordinates to not listen to his demand.
The Officers joined him, surrounding the enemy from every side their could. Five cats stood no chance, especially considering they were restrained by their baggage and not as well trained as the Bringers. They clearly... Didn't expect they could stumble on a patrol so early, New Mooners being known to prefer the night.
"
Well, well... Enough with this. Open your bags or else..." - he threatened, a small flame escaping his mouth as he breathed out. It was something... Unsettling about the unwanted 'guests'. They didn't seem to react anyhow, their red, swollen eyes staring emptily at him. Then, one of the mollies coughed right at his direction. She was about to shout something, but she just cough up a thick stream of blood mixed with saliva. She bared her fangs, and suddenly lunged at Plume, her colleagues following her without a second thought, which other Bringers took care of. He instinctively hit her right in her face, his claws leaving a nasty wound behind them. She was more skilled than expected though, managing to grip her teeth into his paw right after. He already was grossed out by being bit with her dirty fangs, but managed to eventually fight her off, leaving a marking on her tail, almost burning it away. The bags of the enemy also turned into bare ashes, Bringers not willing to keep something soaked in cough and illness.
They'll remember them for sure, at least. ─•~❉᯽❉~•─
After successful patrol, the troops got back into the camp, leaving the packages near healer's dens. Most soldiers seemed to come back in good shape, but Ashes could feel something isn't... Right. He could feel something like... Tingling inside his nose, his whiskers twitching at the weird feeling.
"
Is everything okay, General?..."— one of the Officers asked him shyly, not wanting to make him mad at the sole suggestion of him showing a weakness. Plumes already frowned his brows in annoyance.
"
Of course it is! Ugh. I swear I a-... *achoo!*"— he suddenly sneezed which embarrassed him a lot. What the....? Did that little rat just spread her filthy disease onto him?! B-but he is healthy as ever! He is strong enough to resist any stupid cold! He though to himself, immediately covering his face with his paw, pretending that nothing has happened. "
... Excuse me, I have to go..."— he said as boldly as he was capable of in this state, but it didn't seem to drive the officer away.
"
Indeed. You have to go, Plume of The Ashes... To a doctor. " — he frowned as well. The amber eyed tom opened his mouth, about to say something but got interrupted by him.
"
If you won't, then you'll just spread the illness further. Ugh, please, just go with me and at least check yourself up. If you are not sick then what do you have to be afraid of, Hm?"— Ashes sighed, turning himself in. He was right... He should check himself, but it didn't mean he didn't feel... Weak and humiliated. He could argue even more with the other cat, but it seemed pointless at this point, when he was aware of what's going on here. He hung his head a bit, not letting anyone see his slowly reddening eyes, slowly going to the medics den.
The overwhelming smell of so many unknown herbs wasn't what Mr General was used to, making him wheeze and cough once again from it solely. The tom could feel everyone's eyes on him, even though it wasn't necessarily true. He wasn’t the only sick cat there, and the den resembled more of a buzzing hive of bees. Bare leaf season brought a lot of sick cats, but it made Plumes no less ashamed that he, the great Highest General will be unable to serve his duty. Sneezing, coughing, rumbles of herb leaves were almost driving him mad at this point, and what if he’ll have to spend here even a couple of days more!? Suddenly, he heard a crow’s croak. It was clearly directly at him which meant… it was HIS turn already.
─•~❉᯽❉~•─
“
Alright… let me see…” — blind tom of red-yellow eyes and beautiful, cashmere-like fur with leaves braided into it approached him. A big, dark-feathered bird sit calmly on his shoulders, from time to time giving his cat friend’s patient a curious look. Plume of The Ashes was tense, trying to look away. The Cliff of Eternity maybe couldn’t see how uneasy he was but he was almost sure he
felt his insecurities in some way.
“
…I…I cough a bit from time to time. And I was attacked by some sick rogue today. Her eyes were clearly red… and uh… But I am not that sick. Just give me some herbs and I’ll leave.” - he found some courage to explain what is going on, but Cliff seemed what to be a bit annoyed how he tried to hide his little “weak” spot. Huh, he was his medic after all? Does he really think he’ll fool him?
“
Enough.” - The Cliff rolled his eyes impatiently. He already knew what was the matter and what herbs to use and this kind of thing won’t help him at all. — “
You are sick. Right? Stop acting like you’d have a god complex and just lay on your bedding if you don’t want to cough your lungs up. Okay…? Uh, I really don’t mean to offend you but please, Ashes… you draw the line too far sometimes.” — the voice of Cliff didn’t have a hint of mockery, but it was clear he is done with the General’s attempts to be seen as perfect.
Nobody is perfect and he couldn’t understand why does he still do this. Plumes on the other paw, was visibly stinged by his words, his nose frowning. He looked as if he would just slap him into the face if he wasn’t another Bringer and a doctor, but… it was undeniable, even he felt Cliff’s words have some truth to them. And that was what hurt him the most.
“
Drink this three times a day. Take care.” — Cliff put a bowl of some herbal brew next to his bedside then walked away to take care of his other patients. He sighed, trying to sip some carefully but he just coughed right onto the liquid which stained his whiskers. Ugh…
“Mr. Ashes!” — he then heard familiar voice, and when looked down, he saw a tiny ball of white-brown fur and beautiful, shiny, orange eyes. The young molly tilted her head in a bow-like way, paying him respect at the very sight of him.
“I heeeard you are sick too so I wanted to help you a bit! You know, I was sick recently too and know what to do!” — she tilted her head and smiled warmly. He was just speechless and unsure what he even was supposed to do with himself. The little kit then got onto her paws, wiping off the soup off his face. “It will get better, you’ll see, Mr. General! I know a lot of stories and can show you my stone collection too if you are bored!… Oh, and we’ll probably see if I run out of ideas, too so don’t worry” — She almost chirped in her sweet, high-pitched voice, then gently snuggled under his bushy, fluffy tail.
He didn’t want to admit that, grumbling under his nose but deep down, but Pine always melted his heart. After all, he’d never let her touch his fur if he considered her dirty or more annoying like most of the kits. It also stroked his ego when she always took his rank into account and listened to him whatever he’d say. Deep down, he already planned to make her one of his Officers and train her personally, but now, they just laid there and snuggled (with more of the initiative from Pine’s side), Ashes making sure he won’t crush her with his weight accidentally and not to cough at her.
She was like a precious, fragile flower to him.Word Count: 2 5 4 1
Quest Number: #2
Response: 
⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
