⚓ The Tribe of the Black Pearl ⚓ • Tides of Betrayal

[V.Vulpes]

𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐋𝐘
(rank. Surgeon's Apprentice)▶(gender/prns. Molly, She/Her)▶(age. 8 Moons)▶(tagged. Whisper / Leaf / Tempest (mostly just standing by) )
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It all happened so fast.

One moment, the tribe was gathered under the Crow's Nest, tense but orderly for the most part, as Tempest delivered his announcements. Brambles sat near the edge of the crowd, ears perked and front paws tapping on the deck, her eyes flicking back and forth between the two rogues and her Captain. Occasionally she'd look to Whisper; she always stood calm and composed. It was something that Brambles clung to like a raft on stormy waters.

But storms have lightning and it was time for lightning to strike.

Brambles didn't see Leaf moving until it was too late. She heard the rumble of a snarl, something like rage and heartbreak twisting into something unrecognizable. And then, Brambles saw the flash of claws, a streak of a warm spotted pelt lunging forward.

"Leaf?" Brambles called in confusion. Then she gasped as she saw claws meet flesh and blood staining the pristine white fur of her mentor.

Then Brambles moved without even thinking. Her lithe legs carried her forward in a blur, pushing through a few cats around her. She skidded to a halt beside Whisper just as her mentor hissed and the surgeon apprentice froze for just a moment. Her pale blue eyes went wide as she watched her mentor stand her ground with a sharpness she rarely saw from the older molly. Brambles couldn't help but stare for a moment, stunned, a bit scared, and a little in awe.

Brambles snapped back to focus when she saw Ripple move to help and Tempest angrily coming towards. She gingerly stepped towards Whisper, wanting to get a look at her wound and see how she could help but not wanting to bother any of them.

𝐒𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐂𝐀𝐕𝐄
(rank. Sailor)▶(gender/prns. Sam, They/Them)▶(age. 17 Moons)▶(tagged. Open)
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Bat sat between the gathered tribe, their tail curled tightly around their paws. The fair breeze of the ocean ruffled their thick pelt, but they simply stared up at Tempest with their bright orange eyes.

When the announcement came, Moth's name, Bat didn't flinch. Of course, it would be her. She had always been the reliable one, the one cats listened to without needing to raise her voice. She's smart, generous, eager to please, and everything a lieutenant was supposed to be. They also knew that she avoided them like they had fleas. Bat's claws flexed against the wood of the deck once. They didn't like being avoided like that. But what did he know, he was just a young sailor.

Tempest's next announcement sent Bat's ears flattening. Lily, a rogue? In their camp? His orange gaze immediately snapped to this new molly and tom; battered, bruised, and resting in their camp like they belonged there?

No.

Tempest's explanation was firm, deliberate. Some story that Lily was betrayed and injured and didn't choose their camp to be dragged back to. It made Bat's tail flick against their paws. For once, Bat felt themself agreeing with Snarl, of all cats. They felt that same heat rising under their pelt.

It didn't matter if she'd been cast out, she had stood with them. She had chosen them at some point. And now she was here, in their camp, being offered protection? Trust? Bat's gaze flicked back to Tempest in disbelief. He stood tall, unmoving, resolved. It made Bat's stomach twist.

They adored their former mentor and Captain. But they couldn't stand beside this decision, not after those rogues killed their father. Yet they didn't say anything, not yet, because what was the point now? Tempest wouldn't change his mind, he'd already decided to give her a chance. Bat stalked off the deck, their shoulders tense.

Fine.

Let her stay. Let them pretend she belonged here but Bat would be watching. And if Lily so much as looked at someone wrong, they'd be the first to call her out. There were no second chances; not for them.

[winx]

tᥱmρᥱst────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
( eighty-four moons old ✧ tom ✧ captain ✧ pansexual ✧ location: deck ✧ tags: leaf, ripple, whisper, brambles )

Tempest’s eyes swept over the young faces before him—Leaf trembling, Ripple ashamed, Whisper steady in the face of her own pain.

He said nothing at first. Let the silence do the work. Let them feel the weight of the moment.

Then, slowly, his gaze settled on Whisper.

"You shouldn't have had to be the one to step between them," he said, voice low but even. "But I respect that you did."

He turned to Leaf next, his expression unreadable.

"Grief makes ghosts of all of us, Leaf. And I won't pretend to know what it feels like to carry yours. But you can't let it steer the ship. You're better than that."

A pause. Then, more gently:

"You will learn from this."

And finally, to Ripple—still half-hidden behind Whisper, looking as if he might disappear into the deckboards.

"You're not the only one afraid, Ripple." His green eyes softened, just a flicker. "But fear isn't the same as failure. You stood your ground today, even if your paws shook. That matters."

He let the moment settle, like mist on the tide.

"I expect better. From all of you. But I also see your hearts. And there’s still time to steer them true."

He looked between them once more—at Brambles nearby, silent and watchful—then flicked his tail, signaling the end of his judgment.

"Please tend to Whisper's wound. Then return to your duties. The day isn't done."

His gaze lingered on Ripple a moment longer.

"Ripple, you’ll remain in the surgeon’s den for now. Until I’ve spoken with the triad and we decide what comes next. Leaf, you are not to visit him in the meantime—your bond is not in question, but it cannot sway what must be done."

And with that, the storm passed—for now.

sɴᴀʀʟ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
( sixty-seven moons old ✧ tom ✧ sailor ✧ demisexual ✧ location: great hall ✧ tags: shadows )

Snarl's claws dug deeper into the cracked wood beneath him, his breath steady but heavy. Shadow's words reached him, and for a heartbeat, he considered them. But his mind was too clouded, too sharp with the anger and betrayal that had been stirring inside him ever since he first saw the rogue cat at their camp.

He paused just long enough for her words to sink in before turning back to face her. His expression, though stern, softened a fraction when he saw her pregnant belly—a reminder that there were still things worth protecting, even if the world felt like it was breaking apart around him.

“I don’t trust her,” he growled, his voice low but firm. “Not yet. Maybe not ever. She might’ve been turned away by them, but that doesn’t erase what she’s been a part of. What they’ve taken from us.” His tail flicked in agitation again, but this time, there was something in his eyes that wasn’t just anger.

“I want to believe in Tempest's choice. I do. But it's hard when everything in me says this isn’t right.” He took a step closer to Shadow, the storm still brewing behind his eyes but now with the weight of his doubt pushing down on him.

“You know what it feels like to lose someone. To not know where they are. Or if they're ever coming back.” His gaze softened slightly, flicking to her rounded belly before meeting her eyes again. “We can't let that happen again. Not while we have a choice.”

He let the silence hang for a moment, before turning to continue his way down the stairs. But he didn’t go far. Instead, he looked back over his shoulder at her, his voice quiet but unwavering.

“I don’t expect you to agree with everything I say. But I need you to understand, Shadow—this isn’t just about her. It’s about the tribe. Our future.”

With that, he began to walk further into the Great Hall. His steps were slow, as though he was waiting to see if she would follow. If she would be there, just as she always had been, offering her support despite the storm between them.

𝓁𝒾𝓁𝓎──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ( eighteen moons old ✧ molly ✧ rogue ✧ bisexual ✧ location: deck ✧ tags: snow, dark )

Lily felt a strange mix of relief and unease settle in her chest as Snow spoke. His words, though gentle, didn’t make the weight around her neck any lighter. The wreath of bilberries, a constant reminder of the betrayal she had carried out, pressed against her skin like a secret too painful to share. She didn’t feel deserving of the kindness they were offering, not when she knew the truth of why she had come here, but she couldn’t afford to let that stop her.

Dark’s words, too, settled on her like a soft breeze, comforting yet distant. It takes time... He was right. Time was what she needed, but also what she feared. Time meant more opportunities to slip up, more chances for them to see through her carefully constructed façade. Still, she would hold on to his words, trying to glean something to hold on to as she struggled to find a way forward.

She swallowed, her voice quiet but steady as she spoke.

“I’ll prove myself, no matter how long it takes,” she said, forcing a small, fragile smile. It wasn’t much, but it was the best she could do for now. “I’ll do whatever it takes to show that I’m not the cat I was... not the one they think I am.”

Her gaze flickered between Snow and Dark, reading their expressions with an intensity that made her heart race. She had to be careful with them—careful not to let the cracks in her resolve show. She didn’t want to push them away, but she feared that her very presence might already be a burden.

“Thank you for your patience,” she added softly, her tone almost a whisper. She wasn’t sure how much patience they had left, but she had to make it seem like she believed in the chance they were giving her. If she faltered now, everything would fall apart.

Taking a deep breath, she hesitated before speaking again, her voice more uncertain this time.

“So… what should I do next?” she asked, looking between the two of them. She knew she couldn’t just wander off on her own, not yet. She was still under their watch, still a stranger in a strange place. She had to wait for them to tell her where she could go, what she could do, what role she had in this tribe.

“I… I want to be useful, if you’ll let me. But I’m not sure where to start.” She waited for their response, hoping that they would give her something to hold on to—something that would tell her she was on the right path.

[Spiritstar3]

Snow on the Summit- m- 60 moons (5 y)- Field medic- app: Nautilus- homosexual- scent: most likely lily- crush: Tempest- mate: open- would adopt some kits, or get a surrogate- Ice in the Grass (missing), Wind on the Mountain (missing), Tempest at the Dawn- Tags: Dark, Lily

The beautiful but also somewhat handsome white cat nodded to the other cats. He watched as Tempest headed off. He sighed and shook his head a couple times. Then turned his attention back to the other cat, and the former rogue who would now be treated as an apprentice. Basically. He purred as he nodded at the other male. Saying “Likewise,” then looking to Lily. He listened as the other male spoke to the young she cat. Then Dark was looking over at him as well, and he nodded to him.

Before glancing to the young she cat again, and purring at her a bit. It was as if he were trying to give her some sort of comfort. He could still sense the emotions from her. All animals could sense things from one another, as well as even from humans. He remembered the day the storm had come…His humans and his family had been terrified, especially when they’d been swept off the boat. He was the only one to seem to make it to shore…Oh, how he missed them every day.

Shaking the memory away, he nodded as he looked at the young she cat. He said “We believe you, I’m sure you’ll prove yourself.” His tail gently flicked back and forth a couple times. He watched her put on a smile, though he could see it was forced. He nodded to her a second time, and said “Good. That’s what you should strive for, to show others that you can be good.” He glanced to Dark a moment, then back to Lily. He watch her flick her gaze between them, and he could sense…nervousness or unease from her now.

He tilted his head at this, but didn’t ask her about it. He didn’t want to scare or upset her, as maybe she was still nervous of them. She had every right to be nervous, among their group. She’d been part of an enemy group, so it only made sense. He nodded a third time, saying “You’re welcome.” He then listened as she continued to speak, or rather asked a question. He nodded his head to Dark now. Figuring he could let him make the decision on what they should have the young she cat do first. He purred quietly when she spoke once more. He said “That’s good, that’s really very good. The fact you want to be useful to us is a very good thing,” he said. He glanced around the area a moment, then shook his head a bit.

Shadow Of Burning Fire- f- 48 moons (4 y)- Maiden- scent: Lotus most likely- crush: Snarl Of Angry Dog- kits: two- Flame of the Forest (presumed dead) x Shade of a Tree (presumed dead), Shade in the Forest- Tags: tribe mates

The red and black and white calico noticed the claws digging into the wood. She was close enough to see it happening. She very nearly purred then, when he turned to face her. She tilted her head as she looked at him, knowing her words must have sunk in. She felt warmth flood her at the softening of his expression. It was only a little bit of a softening, but it was there. She continued to quietly watch him, before nodding at him. She said “I know,” as that’s all she could say to him reiterating not trusting the younger cat.

She nodded again, when he continued to speak. She wanted to believe in their leader too, but Lily had been a rogue… Though she’d clearly been attacked within sight of Tempest or a patrol. It seemed believable, but rogues were good at lying and acting.

She sighed and looked down at her paws when he spoke again…Thinking of the father of her kits, whom wasn’t around anymore. They’d all assumed he’d gone missing, but what if he’d become a rogue? She couldn’t fathom why he would…but maybe he had.

She looked at Snarl, noticing him look to her belly then back to her face. She nodded as she said “I do agree…though I wish we could give the benefit of the doubt. She’s so young…but she’s a rogue. That whole supposed attack could have all been faked.” She shook her head a couple times. Then watched as he continued along his way, after he’d paused to look back at her. She noticed he seemed to be walking slower now. She trotted after him, no hesitation this time since it seemed like he might want her to go with him.

Fin of the Orca- Orca/Finn- goes here once born

X

Nyx- f to m trans- 48 moons (4 years)- rogue leader- apprentice: X- scent: ash trees and some water- homosexual? Yeah- crush: open- mate: open- offspring: Lily- has parents, descended from cat Swashbuckler- Tags

The silver-black blotched tabby and high white cat

[heresalittlefaith]

☁︎ 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 ☁︎
⋅>> Rank: Boatswain ⋅>> Gender/Prns: Tom - He/Him ⋅>> Age: 51 moons ⋅>> Tags: Lily, Snow

The black tom smiled and nodded his head, listening to Lily speak. He glanced at Snow for any ideas before he'd shift on his paws a bit. "Well I think what would do some good is helping the clan first and foremost. Maybe we could take her hunting or gathering herbs?" He suggested to Snow, "Snow is a field medic, he knows all the skills of a sailor as well as healing for when we are in battle, truly an important role in our tribe." His eyes sparked with pride as he spoke about his tribe mate. "I'm the boatswain, which means I organize patrols and tasks for me tribemates. I help keep things moving so our captain Tempest and now our Lieutenant Moth, can focus on more important things." There was a softness in his tone when he spoke of Moth, a gentle twinkle in his eyes as his gaze searched for her for a moment before he turned his attention back to Lily and Snow. He nodded his head towards the entrance of the camp, signaling for them to follow him.

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⸙ 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐥𝐲 ⸙
⋅>> Rank: Apprentice ⋅>> Gender/Prns: NB - They/Them ⋅>> Age: 10 moons ⋅>> Tags: Ripple, Whisper, Tempest --> Open (Lightning?)

Leaf swallowed hard, nodding, "Yes Tempest, of course." Their voice had a chill to it as they spoke, still not daring to look at their brother. "I will be better," With that they dipped their head respectfully towards their leader and padded away, their tail dragging on the ground a little. They glanced around, searching for their mentor. "Lightning?" They called out softly to their mentor in the group of cats that was now walking away after the meeting.

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⸙ ʀɪᴘᴘʟᴇ ɪɴ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ᴡᴀᴛᴇʀ ⸙
⋅>> Rank: Rogue⋅>> Gender/Prns: Tom - He/Him ⋅>> Age: 10 moons ⋅>> Tags: Leaf, Whisper, Tempest, Brambles

Ripple's pelt started to soothe as he smiled softly, but nervously at Tempest, "O-Of course Tempest. Thank you..." He spoke softly, dipping his head in respect as he stepped back to give Brambles the space she needed. As he looked at her, he felt his heart skip a beat a little, his whiskers twitching as he looked at the pretty surgeon's apprentice. Shaking his head a little, he felt his ear tips get warm as he looked away, "I will remain here and if I can, help..." He said softly, his fur fluffing up a bit as he sat down beside the entrance to the surgeon's den.

[Queen of flames]

Lightning that Burned the Cherry Tree | Cherry
nonbinary female - surgeon apprentice - crush on Bat - tags: open

She kept her distance from the others, still not truly understanding what was going on in their leader's head. Why could he be so dumb to let those two traitors inside their home? If they were able to betray once, then what stops them from doing it again? She did' trust them a bit and didn't even want to help them with their injuries, so it was their luck that the tribe had more than one surgeon, as if it were only her, they could rot with their injuries. In her mind, those cruel lowlifes who didn't care for anyone else didn't deserve anything good to happen to them, so she still questioned her leader's mind about allowing them here. Her tail flicked to the ground for a moment before she stood up to walk to the storage den. Her eyes looked at the herbs, mostly at the berries, which were edible, not poisonous. She narrowed her eyes a bit as the dark thought of death berries came to her mind, shaking her head away from the thoughts, and instead of doing something irrevocable, she decided to wait and see. Those rogues will eventually show their true selves and ruin those plans, whatever they are.

Wolverine that hunted hares in a barley field | Wolverine
male - apprentice - crush is open - Strike is mentor - tags: open

He stayed near the apprentice's place, or in a place where he could see what was going on inside the tribe at the moment. He had a rather odd, nervous, even a little scared feeling for those two rogues the tribe got in, and he seriously thought, why? He gave a sigh as he kept looking at the Leaf and the male who called himself a Ripple. Those two knew each other, and if he didn't hear wrong, the male was from the tribe once, but why didn't he remember him at all...He shook his head as he felt like he would get a headache for thinking too much about things he didn't know the answers to, and was too nervous to ask about them either. He didn't want the tribe to think he was an idiot or that something was wrong with him, so he kept silent and only looked at them. Thought he could not escape the little jealous thought of how welcoming the tribe took the Ripple in, almost like he was never going to go, and almost like he never betrayed the tribe. He shook his head once again, looking for his mentor, who again was nowhere to be seen, and he was bored. What could he do now?

Frozen Leaf that flew over the Sea | Frozen
female-sailor-crush is open-mentor to none - tags: open

She listened to the meeting as it was being held, not really giving any reactions to the new lieutenant as it didn't come as a surprise to her, actually, it was either her or Snarl, those two were the best choices for the lieutenant rank in her mind anyway. Then there were these rogue's issues, which made her rather uncomfortable as she was not truly sure if that was a good choice for the leader to let them join them or stay inside their home. Of course, there were only two of them, and one of them was nothing more than an apprentice, so the tribe could have the advantageous position if they started brawling, but then again, could this be only a diversion to bring more of those rogues here? She didn't know, and didn't really want to think about it either, but still they could be alert of the two, as they meant problems like the rogues always did.