Stars V.2 • Catvent 2024

[faelyn]

welcome to day one of catvent! it's time to bring the tree back to life with your stories!!

woahhh its getting chilly outside! it seems like the water is already starting to freeze over :o it appears one of your kitties is on thin ice! how did they end up here? intepret as you wish (can be metaphorically, literally, etc)! prompt by vivika! ©

**this is a long prompt! by writing over 250 words, you will earn an additional raffle ticket for a giveaway cat that will be released sometime during catvent!

Code: Select all

[b]↬ catvent day:[/b] one

[b]↬ username & id:[/b]
[b]↬ clan archive:[/b]

[b]↬ word count:[/b]
[b]↬ prompt:[/b]

[Hazelfang]

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: Hazelfang + 941669
↬ clan archive: The Blessed Lupus

↬ word count: 320 words
↬ prompt:

Her heart pounded loudly in her ears, drowning out the whistling wind wrapping itself around her. Teeth gritted together as the frosty ice beneath her paws slowly crawled its way up her legs. It was as if her blood was slowly turning to ice, freezing from the inside out. "St-stay still, Maise! Don't move a muscle!" Her words echoed atop the ice, drifting towards the trembling brown figure hunched near the center. The creature stared at her with wide eyes, brimming with absolute terror.

She folded her ears back against the wind as she slowly inched her way forward towards her companion. The wolf cub hadn't meant to get stuck on the ice. She was only chasing the stick Amyra had thrown, neither realized that it had landed on the frozen pond. Nor how thin the ice really was. All that mattered now was that the pair get off the ice safely.

"Almost there," the cream-colored cat meowed, softening her voice so as to not panic her friend any further. She was nearly touching the pup, her whiskers grazing their large trembling paws. Once close enough, she pressed herself against the pup, what little warmth she had seeping into the other's fur. "There, there Maise. Let's get out of her together. Follow my lead." Now that the two were together, she could lead the young wolf out of the ice. The two followed the same path, pawstep after pawstep- keeping aware of what parts of the ice were thinner than the rest. Until, finally, the two managed to get back to the land.

Amyra let out a deep sigh of relief, gently lapping her tongue against the top of her friend's head. "We're safe now, Maise. Let's go back for now and warm up. We can play fetch some more another day." With a warm purr, the two unlikely friends walked off together. Never wanting to step on ice again.

[Hush]

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: Hush #256165
↬ clan archive:The Clan of Roaring Silence

↬ word count: 626
↬ prompt:
Winter is the one season where cats in The Clan of Roaring Silence rely mostly on sight than their other senses, something apprentices aren’t quite use to as they get easily distracted by the height of the trees, beauty of hearty fresh moss and cat made sculptures of stacked rocks and scratched out wood from years ago that often times get forgotten until stumbled upon again. Birds are usually a prey item these cats are unable to hunt properly due to how agile they are. So when Blueberrypaw saw one who didn’t fly away immediately it was too good to pass up. It wasn’t quite cold enough for him, Frogpaw and Peachnose to travel to Hana’s barn to spend the winter warm inside, however as soon as the apprentice pounced from soft moss to the bird it sent a harsh shiver down his spine. Normally they listened for the sound of running water to know how to avoid the many rivers that branch out throughout the clan, but in the cats excitement he hadn’t even considered that they had frozen over as a possibility, the bird’s feet freezing to the ice being why it didn’t fly away. A loud crack could me heard as he landed and the blue hairless tom froze in place, crouching down to distribute his weight. “Apricotpaw, don’t come get me and go get help instead quickly! I think we’re near banshee’s bog, so hurry.” He said as his heart pounded, trying to stay calm, knowing a cat so poorly adapted to the cold like him would have a hard time if he ended up in the water.

His sister ran as fast as she could to the home of the outskirts member of their clan Grimdawn, having no time to be scared of them as she ran right to the dead tree they called home. The air around the bog was much warmer than the surrounding, it taking longer to be affected by winter than the rest of the clan, a tunnel in Grimdawns den leading to an underground hot spring that affected the bog but it was also another source of rumors making the eldritch cat more mysterious. She actually startled the cat who sat up and seemed to hide something with their larger size and fluffy tail before nodding and running off to help without a word.

The ice continued to fracture as Blueberrypaw waited for rescue. He had slid farther out onto the ice when he jumped making jumping back impossible as a small apprentice, though he was only a cats length away from safety. Grimdawn arrived as fast as they could, leaving Apricotpaw chasing after them. By the time they arrived Blueberrypaw was looking more blue that usual as his squirrel kit wrapped herself around his neck to try and warm him up instead of getting to safety on her own. “Grab my tail kid and jump, even if you get wet I have a way to warm you up so don’t worry.” Grimdawns gravely meow reassured the younger cat before pulling him to safety. The ice had drained the heat from his body quickly so Grimdawn put him on their back before running back to the hot springs to warm him up, grabbing Apricotpaw by the scruff and carrying her there as well since she was exhausted from running back and forth. They warmed up, both their bodies and their hearts towards the cat whom they once told scary stories about as they soaked in the water, noticing signs of an outsider and kit in the den but saying nothing to repay the cats kindness. From that day on they’d make sure to be nicer to Grimdawn and do what they could to keep their secret.

[feather ']

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: feather ' + 979911
↬ clan archive: xx

↬ word count: 313 words
↬ prompt:
compassrose tiptoed across the empty corridor, pausing every few seconds to wince at the horrible screech of his claws against the slippery marble floor. it was almost like the sound of a metal utensil scraping at a glass plate, excruciating and horribly agonizing to listen to.

screech. schreeecchhh. schreeeecchhh.

even the sound made his heart clonk against his ribcage as he made his way toward his… destination.

colorless, almost dizzying lights poured from the screen on the control panel as he eyed the tower of inconspicuous cardboard boxes that mocked him from across the room. metal tin cans lined the insides of the boxes, each one brimming with the fragrance of seasoned chicken and smoked salmon.

one taste wouldn’t hurt anyone would it?

he took one glance to his right, nibbling on his lip to withhold a shriek in the common occasion that someone was indeed staring back at him.

but there was nothing.

to the left?
also nothing.

excellent.
but even with his confirmed results, he still felt the odd sensation that he was being watched— or worse, being watched by one of his teammates. those fools were bound to snitch on him and put him on mechanic duties for a year.

he scoffed, shaking his head. ridiculous.
perhaps… it was just the captain’s caution was rubbing off onto him.

he took toward the heap of cans again, paws just barely skimming the floors as the space between him and the food became smaller, and smaller, and smaller.

he reached toward a lone rusted can, a grin playing on his features as he took in the tiny printed writing on the label.

smoked garlic salmon.

but the feeling of dread rushed along his spine again, and this time he was prepared when an ominous voice reverberated in the silence.

‘’well, well, well. ‘’ a pause, ‘’i think we’ve found our thief.’’

he was doomed.

[feverrr]

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: feverrr + 412872
↬ clan archive: link

↬ word count: 251
↬ prompt:

"he's on thin ice," beau murmured to himself, untying the laces of his boots with a huff. the dust of the day clung to his fur, and the faint sound of blitz’s guitar drifted in from outside. beau flicked his tail, irritation prickling along his spine.

eolwyn glanced up from the stew she was stirring, her ears twitching knowingly. “he’s tryin', beau,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “it’s not easy for a loner like him to fit into our world overnight.”

beau grunted, setting his work boots by the door. “he’s got to pull his weight. earn his keep.”

outside, their daughter aderyn was hauling a bucket of water across the yard. nearby, blitz leaned against the fence, strumming lazily at his guitar. aderyn paused, wiping her brow, and shot him a sharp look. “hey, slacker. you gonna help, or just serenade the dirt?”

blitz’s ears flattened to his head, and he set the guitar down reluctantly. “alright, alright, i’m coming.” he picked up another bucket, wobbling under its weight as aderyn rolled her eyes.

by the time dinner was ready, beau had calmed down, though his eyes lingered on blitz’s slouched posture at the table. as they ate, beau cleared his throat. “blitz, how about you start with something smaller tomorrow? feedin' the fowl, maybe?”

blitz’s ears perked slightly, reluctantly meeting beau’s gaze. “i’ll try,” he muttered.

beau sighed, his stern facade softening as he met the younger cat's eyes. “we ain’t asking for perfection, kid. just effort."

[harvestberry]

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: harvestberry + 1022572
↬ clan archive: The Marshland Settlement / The Alliance

↬ word count: 487
↬ prompt:

Leafbare, sunrise. It was nigh three days into the season; fresh frost clinging to every leaf, every surface, cold claws hugging the life of the Settlement. Three sets of paws lay their mark in the equally young snowfall, tiny, innocent; alone. Indeed, it was the mistake of their mother to glance away. The mistake of the camp’s night guards to doze off at the end of their shifts. Moreover, it was the mistake of their curiosity to lead them out here, in the open, to the fabled river. The one that rushed in greenleaf, the one used as a bragging right for their elders. The fishtail, as it was called so proudly. Many lives it had near claimed. Today, another could join those beneath the ice.

Three pairs of ears, two tufted, silver reflecting gold in the face of the rising sun. A trio of colorpoints, extremities growing dark in the changing weather. The bravest extends a paw, splaying her pawpads out across the mirror-like surface. Cold. Danger. Vague words fill her mind as she steps out onto the frozen expanse. Huge for a kitten her size, legs slipping bow-legged as she struggles for grip on the ice. She hears a snicker behind her, a hushed murmur between her siblings. She turns, tuft-less ears pinning furiously in the face of their amusement.

“What’s so funny?!” Her squeaky voice rolls out as a demand, tongue nearly catching on her tiny fangs.

“You look so frightened, Dark Flower!” The she-kit’s brother shouts a taunt, his short black-striped tail flicking in the air. A challenge. Her sister snickers again next to her brother.

“I am not! See, look! Drifting Mist, Silent Sea, Look at me!” As Dark Flower’s words tumble out of her mouth angrily, she jumps up and down, ignoring the slight cracking of the ice beneath her. Two light-colored pelts catch the eye of the feisty kit on the ice; Swamp Lily and Laved Cypress. Easily identified. The older cats pause at the edge of the river, murmuring to the other kits. Dark Flower can’t understand a word, but she sees Laved Cypress nudge her siblings away from the ice. She huffs angrily, claws in the ice. Swamp Lily steps to the edge of the ice, projecting her normally soft voice.

“Dark Flower-“

“I’m not scared! I’m not! Not scared! Not scared!” The kit continues bouncing on the surface as she speaks, tail flicking.

“Dark Flower, you need to-“

Ccrrraaaaaacck. Cold water swallows her whole, the thin ice buckling beneath the tiny she-kit. Voices project loudly, panicked, water filling her ears and muffling the noise. It’s loud. Stars above, so loud. She closes her eyes, letting out a quiet gasp and drawing in water in a writhing choke. It’s so loud.

Pressure in her chest, a sense of suffocation. Drowning. She’s drowning. Teeth in her scruff. A sharp tug. More ice cracking. Silence. The comforting talons of unconsciousness.

[Macabre.]

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: Macabre. + 653516
↬ clan archive: BirchClan

↬ word count: 363
↬ prompt:

When CloudPaw was a kit he was playing on the iced over stream that flows through camp.

"Look at me, HorizonKit! The ice is so slippery." CloudKit squealed in amusement.

"Careful CloudKit." HorizonKit called from the bank, too scared to step more than one paw on the ice.

Once he finally slid to a stop CloudKit noticed a leaf stuck in the ice towards the middle of the stream, crouching down he wiggled his little tail and pounced! Unfortunately as he pushed off, his paws slid out from underneath him, sending him spinning around in circles again.

“CloudKit!” HorizonKit gasped. CloudKit yowled back “I’m ok HorizonKit, come on out and play.” HorizonKit just paced the stream bank anxiously, watching his brother play.

CloudKit continued to scrabble and pounce at the leaf sticking out of the ice oblivious to his brother's worry. It wasn't until there was an ominous creak coming from beneath him that CloudKit felt a shiver run down his spine. Freezing in place CloudKits gaze snapped up to meet HorizonKits.

“Spread your weight out” a voice called from behind HorizonKit, “SpiderStar!” CloudKit wailed, frozen in fear. “It’s ok Cloudkit, just copy me.” Crouching down she splayed her legs out, “keep your weight on every paw, slide them forward just like how you were playing earlier.”

CloudKit shakily crouched down and splayed his legs out just as SpiderStar was doing. “Just keep your eyes on me CloudKit” SpiderStars voice was calm betraying no emotion.

CloudKit kept his gaze locked into SpiderStars as he began shuffling towards her. Every time the ice creaked and groaned under him he froze, until his heartbeat calmed down enough to keep moving. After what felt like forever he finally got close enough to the edge that SpiderStar darted forward, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck, and dumping him back on the dirt floor of the camp.

HorizonKit pounced on CloudKit the moment he touched the camp floor, “I can’t believe you CloudKit! You could have fallen through.” CloudKit just looked up at SpiderStar in awe. “Thank you SpiderStar.”

SpiderStar just looked down at the two kits fondly, “accidents happen CloudKit, I’m just glad you're safe.”

[changeling.]

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: honeyfinnz + 756856
↬ clan archive: hsiin’al

↬ word count: 377
↬ prompt:
“…and I just don’t know what to do about it!” Coast-pearl is complaining to xyr closest confidant, Hen-call. The old Chrii has been doing her best to help xem out with xyr Burning-shadow problem, bless her heart, but she doesn’t quite seem to get the predicament Coast-pearl is in.

After a moment, it’s clear xe’s done speaking, exhaling a large frustrated sigh and settling xyr head on xyr paws. Hen-call ‘hmm’s, then flicks her tail over xyr shoulder. “Sounds t’ me like it turns out ya both like each other. Sure, ya had a rocky start, but if ya talk things out— give ‘em a lot more patience—“ at that, she gives them a meaningful glare— “then there really ain’t no problem at all.”

“It’s not just me being irritable!” Xe insists immediately. “They’re not exactly nice to me most of the time, either! It’s obvious they’ve been trying to get under my skin. You have to know that!”

“Not saying’ ‘s’all your fault!” Hen-call says, raising a paw in surrender. “I get it! But they’re much more willin’ to open up now, so ‘s up to you to take that olive branch an’ do somethin’.”

Coast-pearl groans. Xe know she’s right. Despite xe and Burning-shadow’s bitter rivalry at the start, the other Chrii really has been starting to pull away from the taunts and insults. After the two were forced to stay away from each other by the Vrea following a fight that got physical, xe would be lying to say xe didn’t find xemself… missing them. It was an odd, stupid, completely nonsensical feeling. But it was true, and it seemed the other really did feel the same way, seeing as they’d broken the no-contact order to admit it. The tension of the new shift in their relationship was weighing on both of them, and since Burning-shadow already initiated the honesty… it was up to Coast-pearl to reach back and do the same.

With another sound that’s half sigh and half groan, xe hides xyr face in Hen-call’s shoulder. “…Spirits, it’ll be really embarrassing if I’ve spent all this time fighting them just to end up best friends or something.”

She clicks her tongue, playfully shoving xem. “Oh, you’re on thin ice, kid! Go talk!”

[literal.swag.]

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: literal.swag. + 1047454
↬ clan archive: wayward

↬ word count: 251
↬ prompt:
on thin ice you say? i know someone who is on thin ice. despite, literally living in a volcano. lychee is on thin ice. and since, he is living in a volcano labyrinth, you may be asking yourself "what ice that is thin that he is on?". and let me tell you...it's his sanity. despite knowing that by playing sudoku for just ten minutes a day can lower your brain age score and increase your IQ, the tenuous grip on that thin shred of reality he had been able to put up a facade that he held on to, is about to snap. wandering these endless twisting cavernous halls of the ancient blazing stone appears to be detrimental on one's mental health. so is the possibility of sudoku puzzles that are rapidly dwindling. in fact, lychee has taken to scratching his own onto the walls. sharp grating numbers ate at the stone, their sloppiness and scrawling strokes growing more frantic the further they stretched, a reflection of the thinning of their creator's sanity. nasi continued to silently sleep, perpetually unaware of her spiraling companion, the cat she had been fated to, the cat whole she was deemed the trusty steed of. she didn't feel the threads shaking and vibrating, palpable in the air. if lychee could hear it, he did not care, the cracks sprawling and skittering in the unseen floor of reality beneath him. branching and growing, growing darker and more cavernous the deeper he wandered into the basalt labyrinth.

[crexmii]

↬ catvent day: one

↬ username & id: crexmii + 1056107
↬ clan archive: softclan

↬ word count: # 282
↬ prompt: RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN

her legs were weak.
she didn’t know if she could continue running any longer.
but the beasts were relentless.

they didn’t tire, didn’t even slow down.
they just kept chasing her.

belladonna felt like she was treading on a frozen lake, the fine layer of ice, thin as paper, about to crack under her weight.

hunger seemed to gleam in their empty, soulless eyes. there were no remnants of their past selves, no memories of the cats they once were.
only one thought,
to corrupt.

cheeto squawked angrily, doing his best to drive them off with his flames, but they ran right through them, their dripping ink-like pelts unblemished.
crack.
 crack.

every step she took, the ice broke away.
and they got closer and closer.

she could smell their putrid breath, glanced back and saw their gaping maws.
belladonna was going to die here, wasn’t she?

one tried to snap at her bushy tail.
too close.

RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN
CRACK.

panting and nearly out of breath, her pace slowing, she wondered whether she should just give up and let herself be turned into one of them.
voidlurkers.
mindless, insatiable monsters.

cra-ck.

in front, she saw the shifting, colour changing chrysalis.
the paracosm.

they wouldn’t be able to get in there.
but…

was she really willing to go insane?

her mind or her life.

she felt a claw brush her fur.
crack crack crack crack crack
the ice was giving way and she could feel herself falling through.

falling.
sinking
and drowning.

closer and closer.
closer and closer.

just
one
final
sprint

…

the ice gives way
and mottled paws reach out
desperately grasping thin air.