medicine cat

MOON 10 (Greenleaf) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant Skypatch- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. KITS Guppykit ; A pale tabby tom with grey eyes. Attention-seeker. Son of Halffoot. Condorkit ; A tortie she-cat with icy eyes. Lonesome. Daughter of Halffoot. Walking out into the clearing one day and looking around, her runny nose now gone, Mantisstar looks at the cats around her; Bunnyshade and Skypatch lay outside the medicine den, broken legs splinted, and looks to Halffoot, somberly watching his kits play. Jumppaw did a lot more for the clan that we gave her credit for, she thinks to herself. Splashbumble came to sit beside her leader, looking over at her. “You okay?” “It’s just getting hard to keep hope,” Mantisstar sighed before looking over to the she-cat. “Have you spoken to Lavendergrass?” “He’s not taking it well,” confessed Splashbumble. “He said there’s still cats he trusts he can rely on, but I know it’s hurting him. He relied on Jumppaw more than anything.” “I’ve never seen an apprentice be so dedicated,” said Mantisstar. “She will certainly have a great reward in Starclan…” “Yeah.” Splashbumble rested her head on her paws. But all in the clan is not lost- new relationships are beginning to form. Condorkit, Skypatch and Splashbumble sunbathe on some rocks in the newleaf sun. “So, you excited to be an apprentice?” Skypatch asked Condorkit, leaning in close to the tortoiseshell she-cat. “It’s about time I get to do something around here,” Condorkit said, puffing out her chest. “I’m going to be the strongest warrior of them all, y’know?” Skypatch smiled. “I bet you will.” “Say, Skypatch, do you have a mate?” Condorkit asked inquisitively. “It seems like nobody around here does, but dad said he used to.” “Well, answer the question,” Splashbumble teased Skypatch. “Do you?” “U-Uh… Um… No, I do not,” Skypatch stuttered out, shuffling a weak paw over the other. “I’m… without a mate, Condorkit.” “And you, Splashbumble?” Condorkit asked. “No, Condorkit, I can’t say I have one,” mrrped Splashbumble with laughter at Skypatch’s reaction. “Maybe one day.”

MOON 9 (Greenleaf) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant Skypatch- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. APPRENTICES Jumppaw - White-and-brown kit with emerald green eyes. Sweet, compassionate KITS Guppykit ; A pale tabby tom with grey eyes. Attention-seeker. Son of Halffoot. Condorkit ; A tortie she-cat with icy eyes. Lonesome. Daughter of Halffoot. Lavendergrass dragged his shrew from the fresh-kill pile over to Jumppaw, holding it in his paws as he took a bite. She’d been given Frostbite from collecting herbs when it was too cold, leaving her incapacitated with Skypatch and Bunnyshade in the medicine den. But today, she wasn’t eating. “Eat, will you?” Lavendergrass nudged her. “You’re not going to get any better sitting there taking in nothing.” “I don’t know, Lavendergrass. I’m Just thinking,” she said quietly. “About what?” “Have… you heard anything from Starclan?” Lavendergrass shook his head. “Not a word.” Admitting it pained him; he never expected to hear too often from Stemstar, but the fact Weedpelt hadn’t sent him any messages gave him a pang of sadness in his chest. Was she angry that he couldn’t save her when she was dying? “Me neither,” Jumppaw sighed. “And that’s what’s worrying me. I’ve never heard anything from Starclan. What if they’ve been telling me something and I’ve… just missed it somehow?” She asked. “What if that’s why I got hurt? What if it’s why we lost Weedpelt or why Skypatch or Bunnyshade broke their legs? What if-” “Stop right there,” Lavendergrass hissed. He was doubting himself, but he refused to let Jumppaw be hard on herself, too. “Prophecy’s a very delicate matter. Jumppaw. You’re not some failure or committing some sin because Starclan hasn’t sent you anything yet. Heck, even if they had, what they say doesn’t make sense half the time anyway.” Mantisstar brought fresh-kill to Halffoot in the nursery. “Here, it’s rabbit. Your favorite, right?” Halffoot looked up at his leader. “You didn’t have to do that for me.” “I did,” Mantisstar said. “It’s the least I could do.” She came to sit beside him. “How are you?” “Struggling,” confessed the tom. “But I’m worried about Guppykit. He seems to be really shaken up with the deaths and sicknesses lately. Keeps asking if Weedpelt’s coming back.” He tucked his head into his fur. “I don’t know what to do sometimes.” “We’ll figure it out,” Mantisstar said softly. “It’s hard, but.. We’re going to find a way. I know it.” Mantisstar developed a runny nose, and Lavendergrass began watching her closer. The last thing he needed was losing another warrior.

MOON 8 (LEAF-BARE) Unfortunately, Weedpelt died in kitting along with her kits, despite Lavendergrass’s best attempts to save her. All of the clan’s warriors took the death hard, especially Halffoot, who became grief-stricken with the loss. He found it hard to even look after his kits, and the other warriors teamed up together to help take care of them. “Dad’s not playing with us much anymore,” Guppykit complained one day to Gillshiver while Gillshiver helped give him a bath. “Ever since Weedpelt went away, it’s not the same. Why’d she go?” He looked up at Gillshiver with wide, grey eyes. Gillshiver was quiet with thought for a moment. “...Sometimes, Starclan takes cats up to Silverpelt. Nobody really knows why,” Gillshiver said. “I think your Dad is wondering why too, and it makes him sad.” “Well, doesn’t he get that it makes me sad too?!” Guppykit shouts. “I miss Weedpelt. I want her to come back, Gillshiver!” “When Starclan takes a cat, they don’t give them back, Guppykit,” Gillshiver said softly. “But where they take them is somewhere wonderful; it’s always warm and sunny, and there’s always food.” “I want to go too!” “You will, one day,” Gillshiver explained. “But for now you’ve got to take care of your dad and sister, okay? Sometimes the bravest thing a warrior can do is be there for others.” “...I guess so,” sighed Guppykit. Jumppaw went to check on Halffoot one day amid his grief. “Hey, Halffoot. I brought you some prey,” said Jumppaw softly. “Hungry?” “Not particularly,” Halffoot said. “That’s fine. Take your time, I’ll leave it here in case,” Jumppaw said soothingly. She moved to sit beside the old tom. “I know you’re taking Weedpelt’s death hard.” “I don’t even know why. That’s the stupid part,” grumbled Halffoot. “I never really spoke to her before she joined the nursery. I didn’t even like her that much. But seeing her interact with my kits, and getting to know her… She was like a daughter to me. And it makes me all the more angry that I didn’t get to know her when she was a warrior, too. And I’m angry she lost her kits. We can’t even have that piece of her? How is that fair?” "I... I don't know," confessed. "But I'm here for you, Halffoot." Lavendergrass, too, silently took the death of Weedpelt hard. Being a medicine cat, he never let her know how he felt, but he was in love with her. Who wasn’t in the clan, though? He asked himself. She had a pure heart, and she was beautiful. And he would never have her. “I miss you, Weedpelt,” he said quietly, whispering up to the stars. To make matters worse, Bunnyshade is hit by a monster crossing the thunderpath with Mantisstar. She receives a broken leg and joins Skypatch in the medicine den. Jumppaw receives Frostbite and is also incapacitated.

MOON 7 (Leafbare) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Weedpelt - Gray she-cat with yellow eyes and a medium pelt. Righteous. Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant Skypatch- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. APPRENTICES Jumppaw - White-and-brown kit with emerald green eyes. Sweet, compassionate KITS Guppykit ; A pale tabby tom with grey eyes. Attention-seeker. Son of Halffoot. Condorkit ; A tortie she-cat with icy eyes. Lonesome. Daughter of Halffoot. Lavendergrass paced through the medicine den before sunrise. Jumppelt slowly roused from her nest. “Good morning, Lavendergrass,” she meowed. “Have you been up all night? What for?” “Oh. No reason. Just things on my mind,” Lavendergrass confessed. “Nothing to do with you or your training. Don’t worry.” “I want to help,” Jumppaw insisted with a yawn in between her words. “Have you heard from Starclan?” “It’s a personal matter,” Lavendergrass shut her down. “Please. Don’t worry. It’s nothing to do with Starclan.” He finally went to sit at the door of the medicine den. “Weedpelt’s coming in this morning for her kits to be checked on,” he finally said after a moment. “Make a nest for her to rest on for her examination.” Skypatch, still recovering from his broken leg, raised his head. “Good morning.” “Good morning, Skypatch,” purred Jumppaw. “Can I get you anything?” “Focus, Jumppaw,” ordered Lavendergrass. Before the morning patrols returned, Weedpelt entered the den and Lavendergrass felt his heartbeat quicken as she saw her. “Good morning, Lavendergrass.” “Hiya, Weedpelt. How are you?” he got close to her, flicking his tail. “Looking healthy.” “Tired a lot of the time,” confessed the she-cat. “Splashbumble didn’t want me to go on patrol today, but I thought I’d ask you first.” “Come here, then.” Gesturing Jumppaw over with his tail and patting the nest for Weedpelt to rest on, he felt Weedpelt’s belly with his paws. “Tell me what you feel, Jumppaw.” “A small litter,” Jumppaw said. “But definitely coming along. At least one pretty big kit.” “Well done,” said Lavendergrass. He then turned to Weedpelt. “You need to move ahead to the nursery, Weedpelt.” “But I want to continue to help the clan! We’re already short two warriors this leafbare with both Halffoot and Skypatch unable to patrol.” “You’ve got to be careful!” Lavendergrass scolded her. “Please. We’ll take care of you. Just for a moon, move to the nursery. Relax.” Begrudgingly, Weedpelt obeyed, settling into the nursery with Halffoot. “Gosh, her belly is huge!” Condorkit whispered to Guppykit, and Weedpelt flattened her ears. This was going to be a long moon. Weedpelt woke up the next morning to little shouts. Opening an eye, she saw Guppykit at the door of the nursery. “Hi Gillwhisker! Hi Splashbumble!” He meowed, waving a little paw.” “What’re you doing, Guppykit?” she asked sleepily, yawning. “Saying hi to the dawn patrol! They’re so brave,” he meowed. “I want to be like them one day.” “If you work hard, you will be,” Weedpelt meowed, amused by the kit’s enthusiasm for something so mundane as going on patrol. As the days passed, Weedpelt got better used to the presence of Condorkit and Guppykit. Condorkit padded up oo her one evening while Halffoot was napping. “So Halffoot says you’re gonna be a mom,” she said. “You’re gonna have kits.” Weedpelt nodded. “I am. I have to wait a bit, but they’ll be here soon.” “I’m a little jealous,” Condorkit confessed. “I want a mom, too.” Weedpelt flattened her ears, a pang of guilt in her chest. She’d judged Halffoot for having these kits, but she’d never considered the effect of being half-clan would have on Condorkit and Guppykit. Smiling softly, she took Condorkit by the Scruff and placed her between her paws. “Well, I can be your stand-in mom, for a while. I’ll be here in the nursery still by the time you’re an apprentice.” “That’d be nice…” Condorkit said, yawning. Weedpelt sat with Halffoot later that day as Condorkit and Guppykit played. “Your kits are very sweet,” purred Weedpelt, finally deciding to talk to him after mostly days of awkward silence. “They’re something else,” Halffoot said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “There’s so much unique about the both of them, though their upbringing’s been identical. Condorkit’s so curious and brave- and pretty smart, too. Always asks how I’m doing. But a very independent little she-cat. Wonder what goes on in that head of hers.” He twitched a whisker. “And then Guppykit stays close to me most of the time. If it weren’t for Condorkit dragging him out to play, he’d probably be content to bat at my tail all day. He’s got a soft heart.” “I hope my kits turn out like yours,” meowed Weedpelt. Over time, Weedpelt finds herself bonding with Halffoot and his kits- she tells his kits bedtime stories, teaches them the code, and shares bad jokes with Halffoot. They come to find themselves unexpected friends.

A little collage of Mantisclan's warriors (and Skypaw!) First row; Mantisstar, Halffoot, Lavendergrass Second row: Weedpelt, Gillshiver, Splashbumble Third row: Skypatch, Jumppaw, Bunnyshade

MOON 6 (leafbare) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Weedpelt - Gray she-cat with yellow eyes and a medium pelt. Righteous. Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant Skypatch- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. APPRENTICES Jumppaw - White-and-brown kit with emerald green eyes. Sweet, compassionate KITS Guppykit ; A pale tabby tom with grey eyes. Attention-seeker. Condorkit ; A tortie she-cat with icy eyes. Lonesome Weedpelt nervously paced back and forth in the middle of camp, tail thrashing wildly in thought as she talked to herself. The she-cat flicked a golden ear and tossed her gaze over to Weedpelt. “Hello, Weedpelt. What’s troubling you?” Weedpelt flattened her ears. “Something… unexpected has come up, Splashbumble. I.. I might be expecting kits.” “Really? Oh my,” mewed Splashbumble. “What makes you say so?” “Lavendergrass was checking up on the warriors today, and I’d mentioned to him some nausea I’d been having. He put a paw on my belly, and… well…” she said quietly. “I’m not moving to the nursery yet, I want to continue helping the clan. We’re already a set of paws down with Halffoot and his kits. But I have responsibilities, Splashbumble. Who’s going to help the clan? I was hoping to apprentice Condorkit or Guppykit this Newleaf.” “You’ll have plenty of opportunities,” said Splashbumble, huddling up as a cool breeze hit her. “Who’re you having kits with?” “I’d.. I’d prefer to disclose yet. I spoke to him and he wanted to wait until the kits are born,” she said. “But the kits are full MantisClan kits, I’ll tell you that much.” Splashbumble’s whiskers twitched in interest. “Huh. Okay. Well, you’re at least a little excited, aren’t you?” “Of course I am,” said Weedpelt. “I want to raise strong warriors. I just want to do it right. But Jumppaw was being annoying about it, I have to admit. Asking me all sorts of questions of what carrying kits feels like. For research, she says. But I’d rather not talk about it and act as a warrior for now.” Skypatch limps home from a patrol one day, having been attacked by a large dog. Lavendergrass rushes over to him, inspecting the young warrior. “He’s going to have to stay in the medicine den until he heals,” asserted Lavendergrass. “This is going to be a hard leaf-bare with so few warriors…” whispered Mantisstar. “I hope he heals alright.” Condorkit and Guppykit’s personalities slowly emerge as they get a little bigger. Condorkit grows into an energetic she-kit, constantly trying to wrestle and play with Guppykit. Meanwhile, Guppykit is an eager-to-please, sensitive kit who cries a lot.

MOON 5 (leaf-fall) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Weedpelt - Gray she-cat with yellow eyes and a medium pelt. Righteous. Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant Skypatch- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. APPRENTICES Jumppaw - White-and-brown kit with emerald green eyes. Sweet, compassionate KITS Guppykit ; A pale tabby tom with grey eyes. Attention-seeker. Condorkit ; A tortie she-cat with icy eyes. Lonesome. Skypatch grew quickly into his warrior build, his muscles thickening as he took on more responsibilities of protecting and fighting for the clan. He began to even notice a she-cat looking at him now and then. Emerging from the den one day, though, he stretched in the leaf-fall sun and was interrupted by the sounds of loud chatters and gossip. He tilted an ear in the direction of the commotion, and heard Weedpelt talking with Lavendergrass. “I can’t believe he did that.” “Well, how can we be sure they’re even his?” Lavendergrass said, tilting his head to one side. “I mean, it’s not like he’s a looker…” “Come on, Lavendergrass. Just look at those kits, it’s obvious they’re his. And you know if any other cat had brang strange kits to camp, he would’ve been the first to criticize him. It’s hypocritical.” Skypatch’s tail twitched with curiosity. Who could Weedpelt be talking about? He looked around camp, to notice that Halffoot was uncharacteristically absent. Could he… no way. “Where’s Halffoot?” Skypatch decided to ask, approaching Weedpelt and Lavendergrass. “In the nursery,” Lavendergrass said uncomfortably. “He’s got two new kits. He brought them into camp today and refused to discuss where they came from.” “Can you believe it? Our stickler-for-the-rules deputy has Half-clan kits,” hissed Weedpelt. “I hold nothing against those little kits, but Halffoot’s hypocrisy leaves a bad taste in my mouth. How on earth are we supposed to trust him?” “Just wait until Mantisstar gets hold of him…” mumbled Lavendergrass Just then, Mantisstar returned from patrol with Gillshiver and Splashbumble. Loud mutters of discomfort from the clan bubbled up. “I’m going to go talk to Mantisstar,” Lavendergrass volunteered. “This is a mess.” Upon being updated on the situation, Mantisstar took a deep breath and decided to speak to Halffoot herself. Padding into the nursery, there she saw Halffoot, curled up with two kits- one tortoiseshell, and one marbled and light grey. She couldn’t help but stare for a moment as she saw the kits curled up against him so tenderly. He was softly telling the kits stories, stories of Starclan. He stopped when he looked up and saw Mantisstar in the doorway, ears flat and unsure. The tom flattened his ears, as if he were bracing himself, ready to bare his teeth. “Mantisstar.” But Mantisstar’s eyes were softer, and she slowly approached him. “Halffoot… You know I love you.” She smiled, cautiously approaching him. “You’ve been the closest thing to my father since I lost him.” She spoke with genuine care in her voice, curling up beside the old warrior and leaning close to the kits. “What are their names?” “The tortoiseshell is Condorkit. The marbled tom is Guppykit.” Halffoot remained guarded. “Guppykit?” Mantisstar giggled. Halffoot was not amused. “Look, I’m not here to punish you,” Mantisstar said softly. “I just… Please tell me what happened.” Flattening his ears, Halffoot let out a low grunt. “...If you tell a soul, you’re never going to see me or my kits again. But I met their mother while we were looking for a territory. That rogue you chased off those moons ago.. That was her.” He sighed. “So do what you want with me. But I’ll protect my kits.” “I’m not doing anything to you, Halffoot,” began Mantisstar, “...But I think it might be best for you to go back to the role of a warrior.” Halffoot sighed. “Suppose you’re right. I’m getting too darn old to be a deputy anyway.” So that evening, Mantisstar called a clan meeting. She had a decision to make, and she sent a prayer up to Starclan. “Halffoot has decided to step down from being a warrior,” Mantisstar explained. “Therefore, I hereby declare the new deputy of Mantisclan to be… Splashfoot.” She waited anxiously for her clan’s approval. Splashbumble was her best friend, but was the least prepared probably to be a leader. But the warrior code stated she was the only one fit for the job, since she was the only cat to have an apprentice. “Splashbumble?!” Are you mousebrained?!” Halffoot scolded Mantisstar as she brought him fresh-kill that evening. “You might as well have picked Skypatch for the job! She’s only been a warrior for barely over a year!” He hissed. “I trust her more than any other cat!” Argued Mantisstar. “You can’t just pick cats because you like them, you pick them because you think they’re fit for the job!” “She’s the only cat who’s had an apprentice!” “And you’re going to have two fresh apprentices right here,” hissed Halffoot, gesturing to his kits. “You’re a fool, Mantisstar.” The kits slowly grew, their personalities slowly beginning to show. Guppykit clung close to Halffoot, not wanting him out of his reach for more than a couple seconds. Meanwhile, Condorkit often walked around following her brother, watching him. This made Halffoot secretly favor Condorkit. One day during a patrol, Gillshiver and Mantisstar come across a kittypet who’s interested in joining the clan. Her name is Bunny. “That’s not a very intimidating name,” says Mantisstar. “How about Bunnyshade?” “That sounds awesome!” says the kittypet. “It’s a pleasure.” Bunnyshade is surprisingly prepared to be a warrior, and is an impressive climber so she’s often used to hunt prey in trees. She’s a bit naive and a little overly curious sometimes, but is great for conversation. She takes great interest in hearing Lavendergrass talk about his herbs and hearing about Starclan.

MOON 4 (leaf-fall) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Weedpelt - Gray she-cat with yellow eyes and a medium pelt. Righteous. Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant APPRENTICES Skypaw- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. Jumppaw - White-and-brown kit with emerald green eyes. Sweet, compassionate Skypaw nervously groomed his fur, fixing his reflection in the stream by the grotto. Did he look dazzling? Not too dazzling, hopefully. He flattened his ears with dismay. “What’s up, kid?” Gillshiver’s voice shook Skypaw from his thoughts, and the apprentice looked back to see him standing there. “Just nervous. My warrior ceremony’s tonight,” Skypaw sighed. “I don’t know what I’m doing, and Halffoot is already barking orders at me. He requested I get him some fat mice on the next hunting patrol.” “I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” meowed Gillshiver, sitting down to look at his reflection beside Skypaw. “You’re being named a warrior at only 11 moons. That’s something, isn’t it?” “I just want to be a good warrior,” Skypatch sighed. “But I’m still figuring myself out.” “You remind me of myself when I was your age,” said Gillshiver. “Your confidence will come. And when you’re unsure, I give you permission to copy me,” he winked. That evening, Mantisstar called together her warriors. “Skypaw, you’ve served well and trained hard under your mentor. Despite a few rough patches in your training, you’ve stayed optimistic and helpful no matter what. You’re a kind and adventurous young warrior, and I will name you Skypatch.” “Skypatch! Skypatch!” cheered the warriors. Despite his uncertainty, Skypatch couldn’t help but beam as his clanmates exploded into shouts and congratulations. The next evening, Mantisstar looked as if she was going to fall asleep right there as she ate dinner with Lavendergrass and Gillshiver. “You look like you’ve been hit by a monster,” Lavendergrass said. “What’s the matter?” “Leading’s just… exhausting sometimes,” sighed Mantisstar. “I love my clanmates, but it’s scary having everyone under my responsibility.” Lavendergrass seemed to stare off for a moment, in thought, then he looked over at Mantisstar. “Maybe with Skypatch as a new warrior, we’ll have more support. Have you talked to Halffoot about it?” “Halffoot is Halffoot,” Mantisstar said quietly. “He’s all business, and he’s not the easiest to open up to.” “He’s always been like that,” Lavendergrass said. “Starclan help us if he’s ever leader. Nobody will ever have any fun. You alright, Gillshiver?” The tom suddently asked, and Gillshiver raised his chestnut brown head. “H-Huh?” “You were staring off.” “O-Oh, yeah,” mumbled Gillshiver. Mantisstar watched him- he’d been staring in the direction of Weedpelt.

MOON 3 (leaf-fall) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Weedpelt - Gray she-cat with yellow eyes and a medium pelt. Righteous. Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant APPRENTICES Skypaw- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. Jumppaw - White-and-brown kit with emerald green eyes. Sweet, compassionate “Splashbumble?” Jumppaw asked her one day, poking her with a little white paw as she sunbathed. “I have a question.” “And I have an answer,” purred the warrior. She looked over at Jumpkit with a smile as she swished her tail. “What’s on your mind?” “What’s the life of a warrior like?” she asked, scooting closer. “What do you do?” “Oh, it’s an exciting life,” said Splashbumble. “You hunt prey bigger than you are, you get in tough fights, and you protect the clan. You can even be a warrior one day!” “But what if you don’t want to be a warrior?” Jumpkit asked, lowering her head. “Like as a medicine cat?” “Y-yeah.” She looked down at her paws. “I don’t like the idea of fighting. I like just regular helping…” “Well, why don’t you asked Lavendergrass?” Splashbumble responded, tilting her head to one side. “I’m sure he’d be happy to talk to you.” “Maybe..” she said quietly. “I don’t know if he’ll like me.” Mantisstar took a walk with Splashbumble one evening. “I’m wondering what to do with Jumppaw, Mantisstar confessed as they strolled under the moonlight. “She’s such a gentle kit. I don’t know what warrior would be compatible with her.” “Well… Actually, I talked to Jumppaw today,” meowed Splashbumble. “She mentioned some interest in being a medicine cat.” “A medicine cat?” Mantisstar thought. “We need more warriors, so I hadn’t really considered that.” “I think Lavendergrass would like an apprentice anyway,” meowed Splashbumble. “Just something for you to think about.” The next day, Splashbumble padded over to Lavendergrass at dinnertime. “Hello, Splashbumble,” he said without looking around. “How’d you know it was me?” she asked, sitting beside him with her prey. “Could recognize your pawsteps. How are the fleas?” he asked, expecting that was the reason for her visit. “They back?” “Nope. Completely cured, I think,” purred Splashbumble. “Clean and fresh now,” she said. “Thank Starclan. I hated crushing those herbs I gave you.” He grimaced at the thought of the bitter herbs’ taste. “What were you doing last night? I saw you and Mantisstar come back really late,” he commented. “Is everything okay?” “That’s actually what I was coming over to you about,” she said. “She was thinking of giving you Jumpkit as an apprentice.” “I wouldn’t be opposed,” he shrugged, before eyeing her a moment further. “As long as you trade prey with me. That grouse looks delicious.” So Mantisstar holds Jumppaw’s ceremony, naming her as Lavendergrass’s apprentice. Her eyes beam with pride. Meanwhile, Halffoot is getting old as well. He wonders what it'd be like to be leader, but is content being with a deputy.

MOON 2 (greenleaf) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Weedpelt - Gray she-cat with yellow eyes and a medium pelt. Righteous. Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant APPRENTICES Skypaw- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. KITS Jumpkit - White-and-brown kit with emerald green eyes. Sweet. “And then… I took down a whole pack of rabbits that day,” mrrped Splashbumble proudly, telling Skypaw stories of before she joined Mantisclan as they waited for the medicine cat. “I tell you what, I was one of the most talented cats in the old clan! When you get more experienced, I’ll show you all my secrets.” Lavendergrass rolled his eyes as Splashbumble told Skypaw her tall tales to her apprentice. Even so, he said nothing, continuing to wokr on his herbs until finally interrupting her. “Alright, alright, let me get a look at those paws,” he said to Skypaw, coming closer to the young apprentice. Skypaw’s pads looked much better now. “Looks good. But you’re gonna have to be careful from now on. Don’t try to run like a herd of deer.” “Understood. Thanks, Lavendergrass!” “And as for you,” Lavendergrass said, turning to Splashbumble. “You’re going to be in quarantine for a few days while I treat you with herbs.” “What? Why?” Splashbumble asked, almost offended by Lavendergrass’s statement. “I just have a rash. It’s greenleaf allergies, I tell you.” “It’s fleas,” Lavendergrass corrected her. “You can’t be in close quarters with other cats. You’re going to have to sleep separate and can’t go on patrols willy-nilly. Got it?” “Does that mean I can’t get training?” Skypaw flattened his ears, distressed. “I’m sure there’s someone who’s willing to help you,” the tom said comfortingly to the apprentice. “Why not ask one of the other warriors? I’m sure they’re itching for an apprentice.” Skypaw’s nodded and sighed as he walked outside of the medicine den. He’d missed out on valuable training time in Greenleaf’s peak. One specific cat could tell it was getting him down, and therefore she approached him one day. “Hey there, apprentice.” Skypaw looked up to see Weedpelt, and he meowed a greeting at the she-cat. She sat down beside him. “Your paws sure look a lot better.” “They feel a lot better too, he responded, looking down at them. “I finally feel like going out and training again.” He flattened his ears. “But Splashbumble has fleas so I can’t patrol with her.” Flattening her ears, Weedpelt thought for a moment. “Well, that’s no good.” Skypaw was already a little behind, and having an incapacitated mentor wasn’t going to help his case. Her ears perked up after a moment, and she looked over at him. “I know! Why not go training with me? I’d be happy to help you catch up and get you back in training.” She smiled over at him. “Really?” Skypaw was unsure; he’d only ever worked with Splashbumble, and attention from Weedpelt made him flustered. She was a very pretty she-cat! “Of course. It’s a warrior’s duty to help everyone in their clan,” she explained. “I’m by no means the best in the clan, but I don’t think it’s fair to have you sit by. Some training is better than none, right?” “I guess you’re right.” Skypaw trotted behind her, following her out into the forest to train. “Now,” Weedpelt sat down across from Skypaw. “We’re going to practice battling. We can’t have you getting beat by some silly neighboring clan, now can we?” “..No, we can’t,” Skypaw said. “Exactly,” said Weedpelt. Now, you’re a pretty quick cat. You’re going to use your speed to your advantage because that’s probably going to be your biggest help in battle, okay? I’m going to pounce at you, and you’re going to roll out of the way. And… Go!” Halffoot set up a patrol the next day with Skypaw, Weedpelt, Gillshiver, and himself. They paced along the border when they found a strange patrol, seemingly renewing their scents over the border. Skypaw’s fur fluffed up with tension. “Calm down,” Halffoot hissed at him. “It’s PopClan. They’re on their side of the border.” “But I’m not excited to talk to them…” Weedpelt mumbled. It seemed inevitable they were going to cross paths, and Skypaw was not ready for the thought of his first battle. Finally, the cats met each other, and there was an awkward stare between the two groups. Finally, Gillshiver piped up. “Hey there. Beautiful greenleaf this season, isn’t it?” he asked. Oh no, Skypaw thought. But Gillshiver kept going. “I’m Gillshiver, and these are Halffoot, Weedpelt, and Skypaw. And you are?” The cats began to converse with them, and after a short conversation, they returned to their tasks. “That was actually really good, Gillshiver,” Weedpelt said. “I think we’ve actually improved our relations with another clan for the first time.” “No problem. Just the art of negotiation,” he winked.

MOON 1 (greenleaf) LEADER MANTISSTAR ; White she-cat with light gray spots. Gloomy. DEPUTY Halffoot - Gray tom with stripes and heterochromia. Strict. MEDCAT Lavendergrass - Short-furred tom with heather blue eyes and a speckled light ginger coat. Childish. WARRIORS Weedpelt - Gray she-cat with yellow eyes and a medium pelt. Righteous. Gillshiver - Tom. Brown ticked coat with silver eyes. Charismatic. Splashbumble - She-cat, Warrior. White-and-gold pelt with golden eyes and long fur. Arrogant APPRENTICES Skypaw- Rosette tom with white patches and gray eyes. Charismatic. KITS Jumpkit - White-and-brown kit with emerald green eyes. Sweet. Splashbumble sauntered through camp, casting side glances at her clan members as she walked. She padded up to Mantisstar, sitting beside her friend. “How are things, Mantisstar?” She asked, brushing a friendly tail against the leader’s. “We haven’t talked much at all since you took over this clan, you know.” Stretching out, she basked in the Greenleaf sun shining down between the leaves of the trees. “Tell me what’s been going on, why don’t you?” “Well, I chased off a rogue today…” Mantisstar began, her fur still bristiling a little at the thought of the event. “I didn’t get a good look at him, but he looked all white. It’s disconcerting to think we’ve already got cats checking out our territory when we just got here.” “It’s just because we’re not on the map yet,” asserted Splashbumble, fluffing up her fur. Once they get their fill of MantisClan’s claws, they won’t be messing with us anytime soon. Hmmph.” “How about you?” Mantisstar asked, looking over at her friend. “How’s apprenticing Skypaw going?” “Ah. Skypaw’’s injured,” Splashbumble commented uncomfortably. “Injured?” Mantisstar flattened her ears. It seemed like he was a pretty clumsy cat. “He’s sweet, but can be rather clumsy. His problem is he gets overexcited about being a warrior and pushes himself too hard. He ran too fast over harsh ground practicing with me this afternoon and he’s hurt his paws. I’m hoping Lavendergrass can do something to treat him before he hurts himself even worse.” She shrugged. “But I think he can still practice stalking if he’s careful. He doesn’t seem too excited about patrols now that he’s hurt his paws, but he’s been doing great until now.” “I’m sure Lavendergrass will take good care of him,” said Mantisstar. Indeed, the two cats looked over toward the medicine den and Lavendergrass walked with Skypaw, seemingly having put some crushed herbs against his paws to soothe them. “Don’t push yourself,” Lavendergrass said, speaking with a surprising softness in his voice. “If you want to be a strong warrior, it’s going to take you longer to get there if you keep winding up in accidents like this.” “I’ll be more careful,” Skypaw sighed, tiredly flopping on his side on a comfortable-looking patch of moss. Mantisstar smiled as she watched the interaction. “You know, Splashbumble, I was pretty worried about Lavendergrass being a good medicine cat. You know how he is. But.. He seems really dedicated to his job. It’s like he’s a different cat when he’s working. Makes me excited to see how our clan develops as warriors.” “Me too,” confessed Splashbumble. She beamed with pride, especially proud at her own development as a warrior as of late.

Sorry to restart the playthrough, I just didn't check the game itself for updates so I've been missing out on a few features. Therefore... We will be participating with Expanded mode! Here are our starters; MOON 0 (GREENLEAF): Mantisstar’s ears twitched as she surveyed her clan, satisfied with the camp she and her loyal clanmates had curated together over the last few days. She looked over as a familiar raspy voice cleared its throat, and she saw Halffoot limping over to her. “Report on the clan activities,” Halffoot started as he sat beside her. “Everyone is settling in well. Skypaw is getting treated for a small scrape from sparring and practicing with Splashbumble this afternoon.” “Sounds like they work well together,” stated Mantisstar. “I’m sure it’s been hard for him to adjust having to move clans after just being made an apprentice.” “You look like you’re thinking about saying something,” Halffoot said. “Well…” Mantisstar twitched an ear. “I spoke with my father last night.” “Stemstar?” Halffoot raised a brow. Stemstar was the leader of the clan Mantisfoot and her followers had come from. He was killed by rogues, forcing Mantisstar’s new smaller clan to flee. “He said he’d be watching me. And he’d help me lead with tireless energy. But… I don’t know, Halffoot. I already feel so tired.” “A common feeling for being so young and leading a clan,” Halffoot said. “But you can’t let that stop you. A tired leader will make for tired warriors. They need you to be strong, Mantisstar.” Mantisstar flattened her ears. “I… I guess so. But I just hope to do a good job.” “You could always be doing worse. The clan seems happy, despite their circumstances. Gillshiver he’s in love with the new territory.” Mantisstar shifted uncomfortably. How could Gillshiver be so happy when they had all lost their clan so recently? It made no sense to her. She almost envied the joy that he had. “Anyway,” Halffoot continued matter-of-factly, “I’m curious about whether there’s other clans around here. We should be setting up patrols to see what we’re dealing with. I don’t want another situation where we’re ambushed by rogues we didn’t even know existed.” “That’s a good point,” sighed Halffoot. “Would… Would you mind organizing a few for me?” “Already worked on it,” Halffoot said. “They’ll be leaving momentarily.” Meanwhile, Lavendergrass sat at the entrance of the medicine den and watched as Skypaw bounded back to Splashbumble to continue practicing. He smiled with satisfaction, feeling grateful that Starclan selected him as medicine cat. Not much could stop him. “Lavendergrass!” called Weedpelt excitedly, coming toward him. “Did you hear?” Lavendergrass jumped at the voice, his heartbeat quickening as the pretty gray she-cat approached him. “Hear what?” “I was listening to Mantisstar earlier as she spoke to Halffoot. She heard from Stemstar last night! Isn’t that amazing?” she asked. “I think.. I think Starclan approves of what we’re doing.” “Yes,” Lavendergrass said with a smile. “I think so too. But I don’t think they’d approve of you eavesdropping on our leader.” He winked at her jokingly, and she rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine. But you can’t blame me for being excited!”

... okay it deleted my save so let me just make a new post for a new story. sorry guys 😂

Ooh, it looks like I have! I'll have to update it. Let's hope it doesnt delete my save, haha

I might be? I downloaded this back in march. Am I missing out on some features? :0

MOON 5 (Greenleaf) LEADER SUNNYSTAR - Male ; Responsible DEPUTY HOOTPELT - Female ; Playful MEDCAT Quickfur - male, cold WARRIORS Deerblink - female, ambitious Gorgemark - female, loving APPRENTICES Shimmerpaw - female, lonesome Heatherpaw - female, ambitious, bossy Bleakpaw - male, adventurous, noisy The time finally comes for Bleakpaw to become an apprentice, and he anxiously awaits Bleakkit anxiously awaits his apprenticing ceremony, pacing back and forth around the clearing. He wondered to himself who Sunnystar would choose as his mentor. He looked about the clan. Sunnystar himself? Would he give Bleakkit his aunt, Deerblink? Or would he get to work with Gorgemark? Bleakkit definitely hoped for Gorgemark, but he was at the mercy of Sunnystar. At sunset, Sunnystar called the clan together for a meeting. “Bleakkit, I gather the cats of Duskclan to give you your warrior mentor. I believe she will train you well in the ways of a warrior. You will be working with Gorgemark.” “Bleakpaw! Bleakpaw!” Cheered the warriors of the clan. Bleakpaw smiled, and settled into the apprentice’s den that night. “I hope Gorgemark takes me on all sorts of adventures,” he meowed. “Gorgemark’s pretty good,” Shimmerpaw commented, stretching out over her nest. “I think she’ll teach you to be a great warrior. But if you ever have space for another apprentice, invite me along, will you?” Meanwhile, Sunnystar was telling stories to Heatherpaw. “What was my mother like?” She asked him all of a sudden, looking up at him. “I… I really don’t remember,” she confessed. Sunnystar twitched his whiskers in thought. “Hm. Your mother… was a brave she-cat, just like you. She wanted more than anything to join me when I went off to find a clan. You were her pride and joy, as well. I remember the day she told me to go. She… She didn’t want you to see her when her illness got bad, and didn’t want me to see, either. So she braved the last of it alone.” “I remember you saying she was very sick,” Heatherpaw said. Sunnystar nodded. “She came over to me, carrying you by the scruff. She said, ‘Sunny, I want you to make sure Heatherkit becomes a founding member of your clan. Show her how to be a warrior.’ But I’m sure she’d be just as proud of you.” “I’m.. I’m scared of not making her proud,” Confessed Heatherpaw, shifting a bit. “I want to save cats. I feel like if a good medicine cat had her, she could’ve been saved. I want to save cats like she should’ve been saved, Sunnystar. I want to learn every herb I can.” She looked up at her leader. Sunnystar simply smiled, dipping his head. “I don’t think there’s anything you could do that would have made her more proud of you, Heatherpaw.” “I feel safe telling you,” Heatherpaw confessed. “I’m friends with Shimmerpaw, but I’m not sure if she’d get it. I feel like… I feel like you do.” Sunnystar rested his head on Heatherpaw in a fatherly manner. “I miss her too, Heatherpaw. I appreciate you being able to come and talk to me about her.”

MOON 4 (GREENLEAF) Shimmerpaw sat in the clearing, watching Heatherpaw across camp as she sat near Quickfur. Specifically, she was looking at the rabbit that Heatherpaw was eating. Shimmerpaw sighed with dissatisfaction as she looked at the mouse between her paws. Maybe Shimmerpaw would be up for a trade..? Quietly, Shimmerpaw padded over to Heatherpaw. Heatherpaw seemed a lot more reasonable since becoming an apprentice… maybe she’d actually be a bit more tolerable to talk to. “Hey, Heatherpaw. Would you like to swap prey?” She twitched an ear, trying not to suggest too much that Heatherpaw’s prey looked tastier in case Heatherpaw got protective of it and refused the trade. To Shimmerpaw’s surprise, Heatherpaw lit up at the prospect, eyeballing the mouse at Shimmerpaw’s feet. “That sounds great, actually! I like mouse better, anyway.” She grinned over at Shimmerpaw, nudging the rabbit over to her. Shimmerpaw happily plopped down beside Heatherpaw and the two began to eat next to each other. Heatherpaw eyed Shimmerpaw; as much as she enjoyed talking to Quickfur or sometimes Sunnystar, Heatherpaw wanted a friend her age. “So.. How’s your training going?” “Eh, fine. It’s hard sometimes getting the time to go out training since the clan’s still kinda small and Hootpelt’s busy as deputy and all, but I’ve been working with Gorgemark some so that makes me feel a bit better.” She took another mouthful of rabbit, savoring the taste for a moment before looking over at Heatherpaw. “I’m more interested to hear about what medicine cat training is like. I’ve never really looked around the medicine den too much.” Heatherpaw seemed to light up for a moment, genuine interest sparking in her eyes. “Oh, it’s actually really fun!” She said. “I really like learning all of the herbs a medicine cat needs. It’s a lot more interesting than it sounds, and it’s really satisfying to give someone a treatment and it work for them so you see the results of your studies shining through. I hope to be the clan’s best medicine cat one day.” She raised her head proudly. Shimmerpaw raised her brows, surprised at the change in Heatherpaw. Maybe the bossy kit she once knew just needed something to occupy herself with to be more tolerable. And Shimmerpaw had to admit, it was nice talking to another apprentice. “Do you get to go on patrols, then?” “Yes, but not quite the patrols you get to go on. It’s more just Quickfur and I looking around for herbs together. It’s actually pretty fun sometimes.” She smiled. “You don’t see any enemies or anything to fight off, but sometimes you’ll find something neat while looking for herbs.” This resulted in the two going off in a long conversation even after dinner was over, comparing their roles and getting to know each other. “You know, it’s nice to actually get to know you,” Shimmerpaw said. “It’s pretty lonesome sometimes as the only warrior apprentice, but it’s nice to have someone around my age who gets it.” She smiled over at Heatherpaw. “It’s nice to have you around too.” Heatherpaw smiled in return, a genuine friendship beginning to form between the two of them. A few days later, Heatherpaw came into the warrior apprentice’s den and approached Shimmerpaw. “Shimmerpaw! Check out what I found while looking for herbs!” Rousing from her sleep, Shimmerpaw rolled over to see Heatherpaw holding a brilliant red cardinal feather in her jaw. “Oh, that’s cool, Heatherpaw.” She got up onto her feet, sniffinf the feather. Heatherpaw seemed very proud- it sounded like she didn’t see much exciting on her patrols, so finding a feather must have been a bigger deal for her. “It almost matches your red fur,” Heatherpaw commented. “Would you like it?” “Who? Me?” Shimmerpaw’s ears perked up, and she was surprised that Heatherpaw would think to give her a gift. She smiled as Heatherpaw nudged the feather over to her, just happy to have a friend. “Thanks so much, Heatherpaw. I’ll wear it on my pelt,” she grinned. Bleakkit, meanwhile, pouted in the clearing. He watched Heatherpaw and Shimmerpaw trot around camp, watching and learning from their mentors, and he felt a bit of anxiety in his stomach. He was almost six moons old, and no doubt would be joining the ranks of apprentices soon. The thought filled him with anxiety. Bleakkit was a fan of the nursery, of being comforted and fussed over by the other cats. Therefore, he decided to take out this feeling on his clanmates. Plodding around camp, he looked at all the cats- Deerblink was preparing for a hunting patrol, and Sunnystar was reinforcing the camp with brambles. His eyes finally traveled over to one of his favorite cats- Gorgemark. Gorgemark was the most like his mother aside from Deerblink, and always made him feel comforted. Deciding to make himself known, he trotted up to her and yowled loudly. “Gorgemark!!” The dark-furred she-cat looked down at him. “Yes, Bleakkit? Are you alright?” “Nobody’s talking to me!” He stamped a paw on the ground. “I’m sad!” Smiling, Gorgemark approached the kit and sat down beside him. “Alright, alright, Bleakkit. Why don’t we bask in the sun? It’s a pretty day, and no better time of year than greenleaf.” Nodding, Bleakkit went to lie in the sun with Gorgemark, flopping onto the warrior’s paws. “I don’t want to grow up, Gorgemark.” “It’s scary, isn’t it?” Gorgemark asked, looking down at him. “But you’re going to grow up to be a great warrior, Bleakkit. I think you’re brave, and fast, and Sunnystar will put you with a great warrior to work with.” “But I like the nursery! It’s quiet, and it’s warm, and I get to listen to you tell stories.” “I think you can still tell plenty stories as a warrior. I tell stories with Deerblink all the time,” she smiled. “Well… If you say so,” grunted the kit. “I’ll trust you, Gorgemark.”

MOON 3 (Greenleaf) Sunnystar was chattering at birds in the trees, craving the taste of prey when he saw out of the corner of his eye Heatherkit plodding by. Her head was low, along with her tail. “Heatherkit, what’s the matter?” Sunnystar asked, coming to sit beside her. “You should be excited; your apprentice ceremony is soon.” “But… I don’t know what I want, Sunnystar.” “Well, as an apprentice, a warrior mentor will be assigned to you. You don’t have to worry about choosing.” He smiled at her, but his smile faded when he saw his sentence made her even more upset. “It’s not that,” Heatherkit sighed. “I don’t want to be a warrior. It doesn’t sound any fun.” She looked over at the medicine cat’s den, where Quickfur was napping at its entrance. “I want to be a medicine cat,” the kit confessed. “I like watching Quickfur work. I want to be the best medicine cat that the clan’s ever seen.” She looked up at Sunnystar. Smiling, Sunnystar looked down at the kit. He dipped his head in understanding. “Well, Heatherkit, I’ll have to talk to Quickfur. But I’m sure he would appreciate an extra set of paws working with his herbs. And he’s not the most warm and fuzzy cat, but he’s an excellent teacher. I’m sure that he could teach you to be great.” I’ll go talk to him.” Lighting up, Heatherkit’s whiskers twitched with excitement. “Thank you, Sunnystar!” Sunnystar approached the den of Quickfur, swaying his tail. “Quickfur, I’d like to talk to you.” “Yes?” Quickfur asked, not looking up from his work. “I think I might have an apprentice for you. Heatherkit is interested in training in the ways of a medicine cat.” Quickfur looked over to the gray-and-cream tom, seemingly taking interest but his stoic face not expressing anything. “Sounds fine by me. Assign me to her at her apprentice ceremony, and I’ll take care of her.” So Heatherkit is promoted to Heatherpaw. Quickfur and Heatherpaw form a bond from Heatherpaw’s eagerness to learn and quick wit, with Quickfur having to occasionally tone Heatherpaw down when she tries to be bossy to her patients. “You’re a very smart cat, Heatherpaw,” Quickfur said. “The only critique I have is your bossy behavior. The more forceful you are, your patients aren’t going to want to listen to you. The quicker you break out of that kittish behavior and quit trying to boss others around, the better off you’ll be.” He smiled at her, a rare expression on his face. “Get that down, and you’ll be a grand medicine cat. You’re doing a great job.” Hootpelt, meanwhile, was on patrol with Gorgemark and Deerblink. “Why didn’t you take Shimmerpaw with you?” Gorgemark asked Hootpelt. “Sunnystar wanted someone to watch Bleakkit today,” Hootpelt said. “I volunteered Shimmerpaw.” “...Hootpelt, don’t you think she needs to be getting experience out on the field?” Gorgemark flattened her ears. “Watching kits is a warrior or an elder’s job.” “I take Shimmerpaw out nearly every day,” Hootpelt stated, looking over at Gorgemark. “I don’t think a day of watching Bleakkit is going to kill her.” “I think you’re having her miss out on valuable training time,” Gorgemark confessed. “I would’ve been happy to take her patrolling with me if you needed someone else to watch Bleakkit.” “How I mentor my apprentice is my business,” Hootpelt said, not aggressively but firmly enough to make Gorgemark sigh. “I assure you, she’ll enter the field as a fine warrior.” So when Gorgemark returned to camp, she came over to sit with Shimmerpaw. “Hey there. How about I take you out and practice sparring with you?” She smiled. “All the warriors are back from camp, I’m sure I can get Deerblink to watch Bleakkit for you.” Shimmerpaw raised her head. “Really? You’d do that?” “Apprentices like you aren’t appreciated enough,” Gorgemark said with a smile. “I think you work hard, and your eagerness to learn should be rewarded. C’mon, I’ll take you out of camp.” As the two practiced different moves, Shimmerpaw felt comfortable enough to open up to Gorgemark. “It just… It makes me anxious about being a warrior,” She confessed as they batted paws. “I don’t know what I’m going to do when I’m promoted because some days I just feel invisible.” “You have plenty of time,” Gorgemark reassured her. “And no warrior feels ready when they’re promoted, either. It’s something you’re going to learn as you go.”

MOON 2 (NEWLEAF) Shimmerpaw rolled her eyes as she patrolled with Hootpelt and Deerblink, as Deerblink rattled on and on about hunting tips. Isn’t Hootpelt supposed to be the one mentoring me? Deerblink asked within her mind. Some of the things she said contrasted directly with what Hootpelt had told her. Hootpelt seemed to have already checked out, though, staring off to space and simply humming along in agreement when Deerblink asked things like, “Aren’t I right?” Rolling her eyes and trudging into camp, she sat down near Sunnystar. “I pray Hootpelt doesn’t take Deerblink on patrol with us tomorrow…” She mumbles to herself. The leader looked over at her, raising a brow. “Why’s that?” “She says stuff that contradicts Hootpelt. I think Hootpelt thinks she’s crazy or something and just zones out, but it’s really annoying to hunt the way Hootpelt taught me and then be corrected by Deerblink. It’s frustrating, you know?” The dark ginger she-cat flattened her ears in dismay. “It makes me so overwhelmed by the time we get back to camp.” “Well, how about sometime I show you some hunting tips?” Sunnystar puffed out his chest in a joking manner. “They say I’m the most fantastic hunter in Duskclan.” “I guess a third party opinion would do me some good…” Shimmerpaw said, looking over at him. “What have you got?” “Well, first of all, when you’re hunting, feel the ground under your paws.” He extended his claws, running them through the soil. “See? Try it. It gives you a feel for what patches are sturdier to hunt and where you should place your feet as the most sturdiest places to stalk.” Giving it a shot, Shimmerpaw ran her paws in the dirt. It gave her a new sensation and perspective she hadn’t felt before. “You know, I’d never thought about it like that! Thanks!” “Just follow your instincts. Cats don’t all learn the same way, you have to try what works for you.” Sunnystar nodded, feeling a warm feeling in his chest as the apprentice he was so recently arguing with seemed to really appreciate his input. Meanwhile, Bleakkit had been following Sunnystar, and he noticed out of the corner of his eye- he, too, was feeling the earth, copying the positions that Sunnystar took, even twitching his ears the same way. “What’re you doing, Bleakkit?” Sunnystar asked, smiling. “I’m practicing,” Bleakkit explained. “I’m like you. I’ll be the next Sunnystar.” Smiling, Sunnystar raised a brow. “Alright, Bleakkit.” He took a breath. He felt especially blessed by Starclan to have such inquisitive young clanmates.

MOON 1 (NEWLEAF) Heatherkit trailed into the medicine cat den, stamping her paw. “Quickfur!” The tom twitched an ear in the kit’s direction, tending a thorn in his paw. “Yes?” He felt the kit’s paw pressing into his side. “My belly hurts! Make it stop!” The she-kit flattened her ear. “Well, what happened before it started hurting?” The tom asked, cursing under his breath as he finally removed the thorn. “Let me know that first.” “Nothing!” “What did you eat?” The kit hesitated, shuffling her paws into the dirt. “.... A bug.” “And that’s why we don’t eat bugs, Heatherkit. That’s no food for a warrior, now is it?” He raised a brow, his cold voice softer towards younger cats but still firm. “But I wanted to hunt my prey like a warrior does! And no one lets me leave camp to hunt. It’s no fair!” “And it’s no fair on your stomach to feed it bad things. Come here. I’ll give you some parsely.” Quickfur gestured his tail to where his herbs were stored. “You sure have a lot of these…” The kit commented. “What are all of they?” Quickfur twitched his whiskers, delighted to talk about his work to someone for once. “This here is catmint….” Meanwhile, Hootpelt woke up from a frightening dream about the rushing river near the clan, as if she was drowning. It was enough to shake up her typically sunny disposition, and it affected her so much that she didn’t feel like eating at dinnertime. She simply sat alongside Quickfur and Gorgemark, resting her head on her paws. “Quickfur, what are the significance of dreams?” She asked him. “It depends on the dream. Some dreams have no meaning. What sort of dream are you talking about? I can’t just read your mind.” “..Well, I had a dream about drowning in the river. I usually don’t dream, so it just.. it really shook me up.” “Not all dreams have symbolism, Hootpelt. It could just be the stress of moving to a new place,” Quickfur explained as he ate some prey. “And you’re not going to feel any better if you go without dinner,” Gorgemark piped up. “Be sure to eat something, Hootpelt. You’re going to feel even worse without some food in you.” Hootpelt smiled at her friend. “Thanks, Gorgemark. It means a lot that you care.” The next day, Sunnystar organizes a patrol- one with Hootpelt, Gorgemark, and Quickfur, but not Shimmerpaw. Shimmerpaw argues with him about this. “But I should be learning!” “You can watch the kits,” Sunnystar explained. “Gorgemark needs a break from watching them, Shimmerpaw.” Shimmerpaw flattens her ears. “I’ve been training extra hard recently, Sunnystar. I wish I had at least some respect for being an aspiring warrior who puts in the work.”

I saw some other folks doing some Clangen playthroughs, and since I've been doing one and you guys always liked my stories, I thought I'd share them here. I'm playing Classic Clangen, so this will be much more focused on story than anything else here. I already have about three chapters done, so I'll post those and add more as I go after! Our Starting Cast: MOON 0 (Newleaf) “This seems like a safe place. I grew up near here,” Sunnystar hummed, letting the breeze of the ocean run through his pelt. “Seems lovely, right?” He asked Quickfur. “As long as I get a quiet place to work, I’m not picky,” the white tom shrugged and made his way to a small den tucked away from the rest of the clan. Sunnystar sighed, watching Gorgemark across the clearing. Perhaps he’d get to share tongues with her at dinner that evening. If he was lucky. “Gorgemark, would you mind patrolling for herbs with me later today?” Quickfur questioned. “I need to get some stock up in case somebody in the clan falls ill.” “No can do today, Quickfur. I’m watching the kits today,” The she-cat shook her head. “Why not ask Deerblink? I think I saw her napping in the son earlier.” She held Heatherkit softly in her paws while Bleakkit groomed his fur after running into a bush despite Gorgemark’s advisories not to. “I don’t like this place,” Heatherkit complained. “I miss the barn Deerblink used to stay in with me.” “But Deerblink is here,” Gorgemark whispered comfortingly, nuzzling the kit. “It’s alright. You’ll get used to this old place in no time, Heatherkit.” Meanwhile, Hootpelt, who was working at reinforcing the brambles on the camp wall, nodded with satisfaction at her handiwork. This would protect the kits nicely. “Did he have to pick this place? Shimmerpaw asked, flattening her ears as she trotted over. “The Apprentice’s den seems so cramped.” “You’ll have to get used to it,” winked Hootpelt. “It’ll be all the more crowded when Heatherkit joins you in there this greenleaf.” Shimmerpaw shuddered at the thought of the bossy gray-and-white cat. “Lucky me.” “Why not go out with some of the others for patrol? I heard Sunnystar was organizing a patrol soon. Go stretch your legs.”

DAY 32 PACK LEADER: Starcedar - a lilac-furred she-wolf with tan patches and beady black eyes. Mate of Clawlock. HERBALIST: Light - a thin, cream-pelted wolf with brown eyes and silky fur. Mate of Shortstag. SCOUT: Primefire - a bright-red she-wolf with dark eyes and an intimidating stare HUNTER: Clawlock - a handsome golden wolf with dark eyes and brown patches. Mate of Starcedar, pack breeding male. HEIR: Shortstag - a smaller white wolf with red patches and beautiful blue eyes. Mate of Light. SCOUT: Puddlespring - A golden she-wolf with dark eyes and lighter spots. HUNTER: Burningstar - A she-wolf with a pelt the color of flames and dark eyes. HERBALIST APPRENTICE: Goldsnout - A gold-and-lilac wolf with dark eyes. PUP: Fallberry - A brindle she-wolf with a long snout Fallberry grows into an optimistic and friendly young pup, much to her older sister's annoyance. From a young age, she declares an interest in being a hunter. "I see potential in her," Clawlock says, wagging his tail. "She looks like a strong young pup." "She can't take anything seriously," grumbles Burningstar. "She'll scare off all the prey by getting too excited. Clawlock flattens his ears. "Burningstar, she's just a pup. I don't get why you hold such animosity toward her." "I can hardly get my mother's approval, and Fallberry seems to soften my mother entirely. I don't get what she does that I was never able to do as a pup." Meanwhile, Goldsnout grows into a full adult, remaining an apprentice under Light. Starcedar soon becomes pregnant once again with her mate, Clawlock. When she comes of age, Fallberry asks Starcedar to assign her as a hunter. "Lovely." Burningstar grumbles under her breath. "Isn't this going to be great? We can hunt together!" Fallberry says, getting into a playful bow in front of her sister. Clawlock nudges Burningstar and smiles at Fallberry. "I'll teach you to be an awesome hunter," the male wolf says with a smile. Finally, Starcedar has her third son; a light cream wolf covered in dark red patches. He opens his eyes, and they're beautiful and blue. "He's perfect," Starcedar says proudly as she nuzzles Clawlock. "We have the most perfect sons in the territory." "Let's call him Mudpaw," says Clawlock. Mudpaw grows especially close to Shortstag, who he wants to be closer with than he was with Goldsnout when he was younger. Fallberry grows into a talented hunter, and Mudpaw grows into an apprentice. He asks to be placed as a hunter also.

DAY 27 PACK LEADER: Starcedar - a lilac-furred she-wolf with tan patches and beady black eyes. Mate of Clawlock. HERBALIST: Light - a thin, cream-pelted wolf with brown eyes and silky fur. Mate of Shortstag. SCOUT: Primefire - a bright-red she-wolf with dark eyes and an intimidating stare HUNTER: Clawlock - a handsome golden wolf with dark eyes and brown patches. Mate of Starcedar, pack breeding male. HUNTER: Cloudwatch - a light gray she-wolf with dark eyes and a small build HEIR: Shortstag - a smaller white wolf with red patches and beautiful blue eyes. Mate of Light. SCOUT APPRENTICE: Puddlespring - A golden she-wolf with dark eyes and lighter spots. HUNTING APPRENTICE: Burningstar - A she-wolf with a pelt the color of flames and dark eyes. PUP: Goldsnout - A gold-and-lilac wolf with dark eyes. Goldsnout becomes old enough to become an apprentice in the pack. "What would you want to be?" Starcedar asks her son. "You can be anything you want!" "Well, I think I should be the heir to the pack, but it seems you've already picked out Shortstag," snorts Goldsnout irritably. "It's a matter of him being older than you," Starcedar assures him, smiling and rolling her eyes. "I guess I could be an Herbalist. They seem pretty important." "Perfect! You can work with Light," Starcedar says. She brings Goldsnout to her longtime friend. "Light, I think Goldsnout wants to work alongside you," Starcedar says. Light's facial expression doesn't change, so Starcedar can't tell his opinion of the young wolf, but he nods. "That can be done. I'll teach him, Starcedar." Cloudwatch was getting older. She had trouble keeping up in the hunts, and her bite was increasingly weak. She contracted an illness, and Light grabbed Goldsnout one day when he was sunbathing on a rock. "Come here. We need to show you how to mix medicines," barked Light. Goldsnout tentatively followed the wise herbalist, hoping to impress him. "Cloudwatch has an infection. She's very old already, and I don't think she has much time." He flattens his ears. "Our goal is to make her as comfortable as possible. Go get me things for her." Goldsnout flattened his ears and nodded. He sniffed desperately in the tall grass surrounding the territory. Finally, he found one herb Light had instructed him on- Oregano! More searching, and he found another. Feverfew. Perfect. He knew he was missing something, but Light could help him fill in the blanks. He returned to the Herbalist's den to find a weak Cloudwatch lying in a heap in the middle of it and Light still working. He didn't look up. "What did you find?" "Feverfew... and... oregano." Goldsnout pushed the herbs forward with his paws. Light raised a brow. "You're missing wort, but I already have it. Good job." He crushed the herbs in his jaws and gave them to Cloudwatch, speaking softly now. "...Here." Cloudwatch feebly took the herbs and groaned beside him. "That helps the pain... Thank you both." She smiled softly. "I believe it's time for me to join the ancestors soon." "Just rest for now," Light said, nuzzling the she-wolf. Goldsnout watched, surprised. Light walked out of the den, gesturing for Goldsnout to follow with his tail. "I had no idea you were so close with Cloudwatch," Goldsnout commented as soon as they were out of Cloudwatch's weakening earshot. "I'm not," Light said, his voice returning to his original coldness. "I simply know when someone needs care." Members of the pack came into the herbalist's den, visiting with Cloudwatch. Most all of the founding members of the pack came to visit except for Primefire, and Puddlespring stayed close by her mother. Soon enough, Cloudwatch joined the ancestors, and it was left to Cedarstar and Shortstag to bury their pack member. "The hunting party won't be the same without her," Clawlock said to Burningstar. But with grief, good news came eventually; Primefire became pregnant once again via Clawlock. The pack fully explored their initial island and on the full moon decided to discuss the possibility of moving to a new territory. They near unanimously decide to move east. "We'll have to clear out enemies on the path to the new territory for the new territory to be safe for us to settle in," said Starcedar. "Puddlespring, have you scouted how many enemies we might have to fight?" "Likely four," says Puddlespring. "Sounds doable. Wolves, be vigilant!" says Starcedar. "We'll take this new territory in no time." Finally, Primefire has her pup- a female, who she names Fallberry. "She's so pretty!" brags Puddlespring. "I'm not that impressed," says Burningstar, flattening her ears as she watches her mother with a new pup.

Burningstar! Goldsnout!

DAY 20 PACK LEADER: Starcedar - a lilac-furred she-wolf with tan patches and beady black eyes. Mate of Clawlock. HERBALIST: Light - a thin, cream-pelted wolf with brown eyes and silky fur. Mate of Shortstag. SCOUT: Primefire - a bright-red she-wolf with dark eyes and an intimidating stare HUNTER: Clawlock - a handsome golden wolf with dark eyes and brown patches. Mate of Starcedar, pack breeding male. HUNTER: Cloudwatch - a light gray she-wolf with dark eyes and a small build HEIR: Shortstag - a smaller white wolf with red patches and beautiful blue eyes. Mate of Light. SCOUT APPRENTICE: Puddlespring - A golden she-wolf with dark eyes and lighter spots. PUP: Burningstar - A she-wolf with a pelt the color of flames and dark eyes. As much as Primefire hated to admit it, Puddlespring was a talented young Scout. She was quicker on her paws than most any wolf in the pack, only rivaled by Clawlock. Her positive attitude grated heavily on Primefire but Primefire couldn't really complain when her scouting work was getting done nearly twice as fast. "I hope your Mom thinks I do good work," Puddlespring said to Burningstar while they shared prey one evening. "Mom's not easily impressed, I wouldn't worry 'bout it," garbled Burningstar mid-mouthful. "Just focus on Scoutin'." "What do you think you'll do as your pack role?" Puddlespring asked Burningstar. "Whatever. Maybe a hunter, pack can always use more of those." "My mom could teach you to hunt!" Said Puddlespring. "If you work hard, I bet you could hunt with the best of 'em." So when Burningstar was old enough to become an apprentice, she began to work with Clawlock and Cloudwatch as a hunter. She had a great rapport with Clawlock and Cloudwatch, and therefore greatly improved the teamwork of the hunting parties. Clawlock became primarily a Chaser in their hunts, and Burningstar became a Finisher. Finally, Starcedar's second son was born; he had a lilac and golden pelt, and his mother's eyes. "We'll call him Goldsnout," Starcedar said, licking her son proudly. Goldsnout grew to be especially close with his father, admiring Clawlock's hunting skill. "The key is confidenece," Clawlock said, raising his tail and puffing out his chest. "If you know you're the best and you've worked to be the best, there's near nothing that can stand in your way from your goals," he instructed his son. Goldsnout grew to be the opposite of Shortstag. "I'm worried about my brother's ego," Shortstag confessed to Light, resting his head on his mate. "He's so young and already so.... proud." "Maybe you could take a page out of his book," Light said. "You're so unsure of yourself, Shortstag. I think you could use a boost in your confidence." Puddlespring grows into full adulthood, awarding her the position of the pack's second Scout.