medicine cat

I'm using a mix of challenge rules and gens I made up, and it's kind of evolved over time to how I form stories! Here, I'll show you what I use. It involves a lot of random generation and Pokemon. It's a little convoluted I have OCD so I make these things way too specific, so if you have any questions feel free to ask me! Most of the gens are negotiable, so if I really don't like what is generated, I'll bend the story a little. I have a clan generator I found, and then I've made an injury generator, a personality generator, and a prophecy generator. BASIS My basis for my rules was this thread I made back in 2018. The rules I use now are the same (except for the rogues, I just decide whether I want them in my clan or not now). CLAN GEN Now when I play, I use a mix of my own perchance random generators and premade ones by other people. My starting clan is named based off of this Clan Generator I found. From there, I name cats either what I want or based off of a name from this gen. THE PERSONALITY GEN (AKA my backbone) I originally had a lot of trouble coming up with personalities for every generated cat, so I made this generator. This one is the magic behind my playthroughs/stories I write. It's used for a lot of things since it's easier to just press "randomize" than make six extra gens!! Cat personalities, gem colors, aspirations, and (loosely) mutation genes are chosen by this gen and by Pokemon natures. So for example: "Lonely Nature" refers to the cat's personality, based off the Pokemon natures. The gem color in this example is pink; this is important for the generated personality since the Pokemon natures have different likes/dislikes. If the pokemon nature LIKES the corresponding color to the cat's gem, the cats are more likely to be friends, and then if they DISLIKE it, they're more likely to be enemies. The gem colors aren't an end-all, be-all; story events or things like jealousy can make cats hate each other anyway. You'll see "pattern b, velvet paw, or poison fangs"; The generator gives me three possible mutations to give to cats when they're born or inducted into the clan; I try to stick to them, but if I'm given genes that won't help the clan, I will go against the rules and give the cat a better one that fits the situation. Next, you'll see "Warrior"; this is the cat's aspiration in life. Possible choices are Warrior, Parent, Medcat, Leader, or Loner, with "Warrior" and "Parent" more likely to be chosen by the generator than the others. This is a newer feature that I added to add more conflict and depth to the stories, since in the books you'll often see cats called to be a medicine cat when they wanted to be a warrior or vice versa. This is why Petalblossom wanted to be a mom so much! The "Maybe" refers to "Yes/No/Maybe"; this is used for clan voting as well as for when cats ask other cats to be their mates or to have kits. The star is a generation of 1-4 stars, and it's used when cats get sick, injured, or, more recently, when they give birth. One star means bad things happen to the cat. Four stars means good things. It goes like this: Occurences with one star when they happen to a leader cause the leader to lose one or more of their nine lives. The numbers at the end of the generation are simply used for when a leader loses a life. When a clan leader gets to around 70 days old, I hit the generator and subtract a randomly generated 1-50 days from their life span. I used to have it so I completely reset leaders' ages to young adult one day from their death, but I found it made leaders' lives impractically long and also made it so I'd forget to reset them and they'd die. THE GOOGLE DOC So for instance, this is the google doc I've got going for the clan. It's short and sweet and keeps track of living cats' personalities as well as leader lives left so I can deem who's socially compatible when a new cat arrives. So for example, since Flamestar was generated an "Impish" personality, she's more drawn to cats with yellow gems and dislikes blue gemmed cats. Lizardkit's "Likes" is white because her personality was generated as Bashful. The pokemon natures chart doesn't have any color likes or dislikes for Bashful, so cats without likes or dislike colors are set to be drawn to other cats without preferences and set to dislike cats in the section that they're in in the natures chart. Bashful is in the blue section of the natures chart, so she dislikes cats with blue gems. You'll also notice that I have the active couple, Embercoat and Beestone, listed a second time with one heart. Every day in-story I hit the personality gen for a yes/no/maybe. Every day I get a yes (or a maybe if the cats haven't had kits before) I add to the hearts, and once it hits five hearts the couple has a kit. The hearts reset after a kit is born and the cycle continues. THE INJURY GEN When a cat is injured by a bearyena/wild dog, I use this gen to determine where the injury took place on the cat. THE PROPHECY GEN Another relatively newer one in my last few playthroughs, I've made it so my medicine cats can get prophecies! I tried to come up with as many prophecy prompts as I could with this generator. I generate a new prophecy every gathering, every half moon (aka ten days), and every time a new kit is born or becomes a warrior. Since a lot of the prophecies are hyper-specific, only a few prophecies generated actually make sense and get fit into the story. This is how illnesses come about, and how Crowstorm died of greencough; the prophecies that inspired this one I believe were "Misfortune comes for the brown-eyed cat" and "Beware of the bushy-tailed cat". I originally planned this to mean Crowstorm (who has brown eyes) was to be killed by Petalblossom (who has a bushy tail), but I really like Petalblossom and I didn't think it would fit her timid personality. I instead made it so that Petalblossom would spread a disease to Crowstorm which killed him. This also brought misfortune to the clan's OTHER brown-eyed cat, Flamestar.

Thank you so much! And ooh, I'll have to check RemnantClan out!!

DAY 20 - CHAPTER 3 A breakout of greencough hits the clan, as the medicine cats prophesied. Petalblossom is the first cat to catch the disease. Crowstorm addresses Flamestar from the nursery. "Crowstorm, you can't keep me from seeing you," hisses Flamestar. "I'm still clan leader." "I promise I'm doing this to keep you safe," says Crowstorm. "I can't risk you being killed by this disease, and I can't risk Lizardkit being hurt either. Please understand, Flamestar. Stay safe in here. I promise I'll have the medicine cats bring you the best of the fresh kill every day." Flamestar avoids her mate's gaze, her eyes staying fixed on Lizardkit sleeping at her side. She sighs. But Crowstorm catches the illness next. Petalblossom lives, but Crowstorm is taken quickly by the disease and dies. "We have to tell Flamestar," Skipperfang says to Graypaw, shaking his head as he can't feel a pulse with his paw. "She knows how sick Crowstorm was, but nobody knows he's dead yet." Graypaw feels a lump form in his throat, wondering how he's going to break that kind of news. But luckily Skipperfang takes the lead in telling Flamestar. Lizardkit sleeps beside her, and Graypaw watches her expression harden as her hope is taken from her. "...Then I have to go back and lead the clan." She rises to her paws, Lizardkit still sleeping soundly. "But what about-" Graypaw looks at Lizardkit, and then looks at Flamestar. "You're the medicine cat. You should know what to do. You take care of her." Flamestar's voice is cold, and Graypaw flinches at her gaze. She pads out of the nursery, her tail lashing. Graypaw looks up at Skipperfang. The ginger tom's dark eyes twinkle with rage. "How could she just do that, Skipperfang?" "Cats respond to grief in different ways. They'll cut others off because they don't know what to do with themselves. Flamestar's always been hardened, so she doesn't know how to show grief." Skipperfang looks at Lizardkit, the chocolate she-cat's body rising and falling softly. "Pity that she has to hurt others in the process. It's pathetic, if you ask me. I don't know anything about raising a kit. Medicine cats don't do that." Graypaw goes over to sit beside Lizardkit. He's quiet for a minute, then he springs to his paws. "Wait, Skipperfang. We don't have to raise a kit- I know a she-cat who would love more than anything to have a kit." Skipperfang raises an eyebrow, and Graypaw goes on. "Petalblossom has always wanted kits. We should ask her!" Skipperfang thinks for a moment, and upon further consideration, nods. "That could do. You stay here, and I'll go find her." The ginger tom pads back out into camp, and the warriors are all discussing the death of Crowstorm and the sudden return of Flamestar. "I wonder who will be chosen as deputy," Embercoat says. Skipperfang comes up behind Petalblossom. "Petalblossom, may I speak to you?" The dark-furred she-cat's eyes widen, and her fluffy tail swishes curiously. "Um. Sure, Skipperfang." She follows the tom to a quiet side of camp. "It's about Lizardkit. Flamestar.. Well.. She's not seeming to want to raise kits after Crowstorm's death. I think it's grief. But Graypaw mentioned you've always wanted kits. And we're desperate here. I ask that you consider raising-" "I'd be honored, Skipperfang," Petalblossom cuts him off. Her eyes are glittering with excitement, as if a dream for many moons has come true. "I'll raise her as my own." Petalblossom quietly pokes her head into the nursery, where Lizardkit is sleeping. She wraps her tail around the kit, and Lizardkit curls up happily in the warm fur. Graypaw sees a smile on her face like he'd never seen on her before. "She'll remember Petalblossom as her only mother she ever had soon," says Skipperfang to Graypaw. "Kits that age have very short memories." "I still can't believe Flamestar just.. dropped her." "Flamestar was very close to Crowstorm. Some cats just go cold under pressure. Maybe she'll realize her mistake in leaving her kit, maybe not." Skipperfang inwardly doubts that she'll be humble enough to ever admit it. Flamestar later leaps upon highrock and calls to her cats. "Before Starclan and before the spirit of Crowstorm, I select Embercoat as my deputy. You're a strong fighter and I hope you continue to serve us well." Her voice seems dry and insincere, but the cats of the clan smile and nudge Embercoat in congratulations. Lizardkit grows up happily in the nursery with Petalblossom, and Petalblossom beams proudly when it's time for Lizardkit's apprentice ceremony. Graypaw watches curiously at the ceremony to see if Flamestar will mention anything about Lizardkit being her daughter. Graypaw watches Flamestar stare directly at the young she-cat seemingly without shame or remorse. "Lizardkit, you will be now called Lizardpaw," asserts the ginger she-cat. "You will be mentored by Embercoat. May he train you to be a strong warrior." "Lizardpaw! Lizardpaw!" cheer the cats.

I am, thank you for asking! I jsut had a tubal ligation. Super easy procedure and recovery

Sorry helo I had surgery DAY 10 - CHAPTER 2 Graykit pads up to Skipperfang one day in the medicine den. "Graykit? You should be in the nursery." Skipperfang purrs with amusement. "Well, I'll be an apprentice soon enough!" Graykit puffs up his chest proudly. "The nursery is for babies." "I suppose so," says Skipperfang. "What brings you here?" "I want to be your apprentice when I get older. Mom said to ask you." He flicks his tail curiously. "Can I?" Skipperfang sits down beside the kit. "Well, being a medicine cat takes a lot of responsibility. And you won't be able to fight in big battles like your parents do. Is that okay?" "We have plenty of warriors already. Being a warrior would be boring." "Well, if Starclan wills it, I'd love to teach you to be a fine medicine cat." He is interrupted by Beestone appearing in the medicine den. "Is he bothering you, Skipperfang? Come here, Graykit. Leave him be." "He was discussing being a medicine cat one day," says Skipperfang. "I'd find him a good addition to the clan's ranks." "If you think he's fit, I'd be honored." Beestone looks at her son and smiles. In the early days of leaf-fall, a wild dog attacks the clan. The warriors spring into action, with Embercoat leaping at the creature first. His impressive claws manage to take down the creature without assistance, and the cats of the clan applaud him. Graykit grows old enough to become an apprentice, and he is renamed as Graypaw. "I assign you to work under Skipperfang as a medicine cat apprentice," says Flamestar. "Serve Flameclan well." Graykit and Skipperfang forge a close, brotherly bond together. "So when do we hear from Starclan?" Graykit asks him one day. "When they believe the time is right. I haven't heard from them in a few moons, but they are always present," meows the ginger tom. Meanwhile, Flamestar announces that she is pregnant at the beginning of Leafbare. Crowstorm sits proudly beside her. "Crowstorm will take on the responsibilities of leaderhip while I am in the nursery with my kit," meows Flamestar. "Respect his orders as you would respect mine." Flamestar's kit is soon born- she names her Lizardkit. The kit is born healthy, curling up close to her mother. Lizardkit becomes the pride and joy of her father, and Crowstorm vows to protect her from all harm. Petalblossom watches from outside the nursery and feels envy burning within her. At the gathering, Crowstorm looks over his clan cats. "Lizardkit is doing well, and Flamestar is healthy. I believe Lizardkit will grow to be a strong warrior. Our food is plentiful, too." Crowstorm looks over at Skipperfang and Graypaw. "Do you have any words from Starclan, Skipperfang?" Skipperfang dips his head. "I do." His voice is not relaxed and friendly as it usually is- it is stifled and tense. "A sickness is coming, and life will be lost." Crowstorm flattens his ears- illness is the one thing he can't protect his kit from. "Then no one is to visit the nursery to see my kit save for the medicine cats. Flamestar and Lizardkit need to be kept healthy and safe."

DAY 0 - CHAPTER 1 The cats of Flameclan settle upon a small island together. Skipperfang takes a deep breath and feels the wind in his fur. "This seems like the perfect spot. Any word from Starclan, Skipperfang?" Flamestar sits down, stretching her aching paws. Skipperfang shakes his head. "No word, Flamestar. But I say it's perfect to set up a camp here." He flops down on his side. "I'm gonna start looking for herbs around here later." "We ought to get some food before we settle down," says Beestone. "Would you like to come hunting with me, Embercoat?" she smiles at her mate, and the red tom trots over to her to follow. The first few moons are slow ones, spent hunting and gathering materials to build proper dens and nests. After a few moons in the new territory, Beestone is happy to announce that she and Embercoat will be having a kit soon. "I envy you, Beestone," purrs Petalblossom when she visits Beestone in the den one day. Petalblossom curls her fluffy tail around herself and sighs. "Don't worry, Petalblossom," meows Beestone. "I think Crowstorm will ask you to be his mate soon enough!" "I sure hope so." Petalblossom sighs. "I don't have the nerve to ask him myself." "That could be a part of your problem," says Beestone with a smile. "I had to ask Embercoat to be my mate, you know." Petalblossom shifts uncomfortably and changes the subject. "What do you think your kit will be like?" "I hope they have Embercoat's beautiful pelt," beams Beestone. "I always loved his red fur." Beestone has a son, and to her surprise, the kit looks nothing like her or Embercoat. He is a brown kit with golden eyes and striking silver mane and stripes. She names the kit Graykit for his markings. Graykit is a rambunctious kit, often enjoying chasing his mother's tail. The kit takes a particular liking to Skipperfang, watching him sort herbs and enjoying listening to his stories. The day of Graykit's birth, the clan is struck with a challenge. They are attacked by a wild dog. The combined efforts of Petalblossom, Flamestar, Crowstorm, and Embercoat manage to fight it off, but not without injuring Flamestar badly. Her right shoulder is badly broken, making her walk with a limp from this point onward. She loses a life. Crowstorm spends more time with Flamestar in her recovery, helping her stretch and get back to health- Flamestar won't ever be able to run like she once did, but with Crowstorm's help, she is still able to fight and hunt. "I'm so glad you're okay, Flamestar," Crowstorm says quietly. He rests his head on the she-cat's fluffy shoulder. Flamestar smiles. "I care about you dearly, Crowstorm. I would spend my life by your side, if you'd let me." "Do... Do you mean that?" Crowstorm asks. Flamestar nods. "Be my mate, Crowstorm; we can start a life together." Crowstorm agrees, and they announce to the clan soon after that they are mates. Petalblossom is quiet and Beestone places a paw on hers.

Yet another warriors playthrough! Introducing.. Flameclan! Forged together after a wildfire struck their old home, the cats of Flameclan value red and orange pelts with the occasional black pelt. They are a clan of honor and vow to never strike first on cats weaker than themselves unless trespassed upon. They were brought together after a fire destroyed their old clans and came together as the survivors. Starclan resurrected Flamestar from the ashes and named her leader of the clan. (Left to right: Crowstorm, Skipperfang, Beestone, Flamestar, Petalblossom, and Embercoat) Flamestar is the clever, hot-tempered leader of Flameclan. She is fiercely proud of her title as leader, and is fiercely proud of her clan becoming a group of strong warriors. She wants to protect her clan, but this often makes her harsh and strict upon her warriors to ensure that they are prepared enough to protect the territory if needed. She is closest with Crowstorm out of all of the cats in the clan. She is a tall she-cat with a busy tail and thick coat. Crowstorm is Flamestar's deputy and trusted confidante. Crowstorm originally wanted to be a medicine cat in his youth, but found himself unable to remember herb names and found himself too queasy dealing with wounds. Crowstorm is a gentle and kind cat and is skilled with diplomacy with outsiders. He is considered the most attractive tom in Flameclan. Skipperfang is the medicine cat of Flameclan. He is a relaxed and easygoing medicine cat, enjoying getting to know all of the members of Flameclan and becoming their friend. Flamestar considers him not serious enough. He is a slim ginger tom and is known in the clan for being considered handsome. Embercoat is a bright red tom with flaming amber eyes. He recently became mates with Beestone, and he hopes to have kits with her soon. Embercoat is the strongest warrior in Flameclan and is famous for his sharp claws. He has a secret dislike for Crowstorm and thinks that he is too soft of a warrior to be clan deputy. Beestone is a tabby she-cat with a tall build and copper eyes. She is a relaxed she-cat with a keen sense of smell, making her a great hunter. Finally, there is Petalblossom- a dark furred she-cat with a bushy tail. She has dreams of becoming a mother to kits one day- she has recently began courting with Crowstorm in hopes of becoming his mate and starting a family.

(I might try a single-clan story again for a bit, running two clans is hard) 💀

CHAPTER 4 - DAY 40 GOLDCLAN Goldenstar (Leader) - Dark golden she-cat with a slim build and golden eyes Harepatch (Deputy) - Cream-colored tom with bristly fur and dark eyes Loachear (Medicine Cat) - Dark golden tom with bristly fur and dark eyes Lilyfur (Warrior) - Golden she-cat with dark eyes and sharp claws Rainbowgaze (Warrior) - Bright golden she-cat with bristly fur and bright, golden eyes SILVERCLAN Silverstar (Leader) - Silver colored tomcat with platinum white mane and yellow eyes Mistclaw (Deputy) - Bulky gray she-cat with a busy tail and thick pelt Mothstorm (Medicine Cat) - Blue, thinly built tomcat with dark eyes Troublepaw (Apprentice) - Dust-colored she-cat with white paws and a stripe across her tail The clans start their journey eastward. Slugfang unfortunately dies on the way of illness, and the cats of Silverclan mourn him. Silverstar names Mistclaw his new deputy. "But who will mentor me?" Troublepaw asks quietly, her ears flat. Silverstar smiles. "You are a brave warrior now, Troublepaw. I think you don't need to be named Troublepaw anymore. You will be called Troubletail, and I declare you a full warrior of Silverclan." "Troubletail! Troubletail!" cheer the clan cats. Upon arriving to the new territory, Goldclan and Silverclan convene to determine which clan gets which part of the island for territory. Silverclan takes the north, and Goldclan takes the south. "I think we should have taken the north," Lilyfur says to Harepatch. "I don't like the huge thorn patch in our territory. It could be hazardous for kits." "It serves as protection for us," Harepatch shrugs. "I don't think Silverclan will want to battle us if they have to travel through all of that bramble." Loachear dies of an illness, and the cats of Goldenclan are left without a medicine cat. Grieving the loss of her uncle, Rainbowgaze is shortly after approached in a dream by him. "Rainbowgazez, Starclan calls you," says Loachear. "You have a duty that you must fulfill." "Loachear!" Rainbowgaze runs towards the old medicine cat, his pelt shimmering like the stars. "I'll do anything. What do you ask of me?" "Goldclan needs a medicine cat," says the tom. "It is your responsibility to take my place. Starclan will give you knowledge of herbs and treating illness." Rainbowgaze stops in her tracks, her look of excitement flashing to one of horror. "...No!" "Goldclan needs you, Rainbowgaze," says Loachear assertively. "I'm Goldclan's strongest warrior!" hisses Rainbowgaze. "You're setting us up for failure if you do this to me!" she hisses. "You have a destiny you have to fulfill, Rainbowgaze. You will accept it in time." Loachear fades, and Rainbowgaze wakes up in her den, a pit in her stomach.

(Apologies for my absence, I'm prepping for a move overseas and it's been crazy. Expect a new chapter today!)

CHAPTER 4 - DAY 31 GOLDCLAN Goldenstar (Leader) - Dark golden she-cat with a slim build and golden eyes Harepatch (Deputy) - Cream-colored tom with bristly fur and dark eyes Loachear (Medicine Cat) - Dark golden tom with bristly fur and dark eyes Lilyfur (Warrior) - Golden she-cat with dark eyes and sharp claws Rainbowpaw (Apprentice) - Bright golden she-cat with bristly fur and bright, golden eyes SILVERCLAN Silverstar (Leader) - Silver colored tomcat with platinum white mane and yellow eyes Slugfang (Deputy) - Oddly-colored, gray speckled tomcat with a bushy tail Mothstorm (Medicine Cat) - Blue, thinly built tomcat with dark eyes Mistclaw (Warrior) - Bulky gray she-cat with a busy tail and thick pelt Troublekit (Kit) - Dust-colored she-cat with white paws and a stripe across her tail Goldenstar approaches Rainbowpaw one morning. "Wake up, Rainbowpaw." Rainbowpaw flops her head to the side and opens one eye for her mentor. "Good morning, Goldenstar." "How would you like to go on patrol with me?" Goldenstar smiles at the young she-cat. "I can show you Goldclan borders." "Really?" Rainbowpaw springs to her feet, stretching. "I'd love to!" Goldenstar takes Rainbowpaw out of camp, and smiles at her apprentice as she pads alongside her. But halfway through the patrol, Goldenstar's ears perk up. "Rainbowpaw, do you smell that?" Rainbowpaw tilts her head to the side. "A cat. But not a cat I'm familiar with..." "Exactly," says Goldenstar. "It's a Silverclan cat. Stay close." A speckled tom walks along the Silverclan and Goldclan border, his whiskers twitching. It's Slugfang, the Silverclan deputy. His eyes meet with Goldenstar's, and then with Rainbowpaw's. Rainbowpaw steps forward curiously. "Greetings, Goldenstar," Slugfang says, bowing his head with a smile. "And... friend." he raises a brow at Rainbowpaw. "This is Rainbowpaw, my apprentice," meows Goldenstar. "She's on her first patrol. Rainbowpaw, this is Slugfang, the Silverclan depu-" She looks down to see Rainbow hissing at Slugfang, batting a claw at him. Slugfang is not amused. "Rainbowpaw!" says Goldenstar. "But aren't we supposed to challenge cats of other clans?" "He's on Silverclan's side, Rainbowpaw..." Goldenstar sighs. "He's not trespassing. My apologies, Slugfang." "No worries, Goldenstar." Slugfang smiles. "I will see you at the next gathering." He begins walking in the other direction, continuing his patrol, without looking at Rainbowpaw. "We are cats of honor, Rainbowpaw," says Goldenstar, walking alongside her apprentice. "We only challenge cats violating the warrior code. We fight to defend Starclan's word alone." Rainbowpaw bows her head. "I'm sorry, Goldenstar." The two finish their patrol and return to camp, where Loachear is waiting for Goldenstar. "Goldenstar, I have word from Starclan and the medicine cat of Silverclan," says the medicine cat. Her ears pricked forward, Goldenstar follows Loachear into his den. "Starclan wants the clans to move territories," says the tom. "It's time for us to move on. Mothstorm is mentioning the matter to Silverstar, and they want to discuss the move at the next full moon." "A move?" Goldenstar tilts her head to one side. "Interesting. If it's the word of Starclan, I am willing to go. I'm not attached to this territory anyway." Troublekit grows old enough to be an apprentice, and Silverstar calls a clan meeting for her. "Today, cats of Silverclan, we are gaining one more apprentice. Troublekit, from this day on you will be known as Troublepaw. Your mentor will be Slugfang- I trust him to teach you everything he knows." Silverstar smiles. "Troublepaw! Troublepaw!" Cheer the warriors. Rainbowpaw comes of age to become a warrior, and Goldenstar holds a ceremony for her. "Rainbowpaw, you have trained hard to become a strong warrior of Goldenclan. You are one of the strongest warriors I have seen, and I'm excited to see the great things you go on to do. You will be called Rainbowfur. Starclan honors your strength and outspokenness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Goldclan." "Rainbowfur! Rainbowfur!" cheer the cats. The cats come together for another gathering. The rumor of moving territories has reached all the cats by now, and everyone attends the gathering. Troublepaw sits close to her father, intimidated by all of the warriors around her. "Goldclan has a new warrior," says Goldenstar proudly. "I would like to introduce Silverclan to Rainbowgaze." "We have an apprentice growing into a warrior soon," says Silverstar, looking down at his daughter. "This is Troublepaw." "Sure looks like trouble," mutters Harepatch to Lilyfur. "Why would they name a kit that?" "Hush," Lilyfur says to her mate. "She looks sweet." "It's time to address the elephant in the room, though," says Goldenstar. "Starclan has ordered Goldclan and Silverclan to move territories, and it's time to decide in which direction we head." "I believe Starclan calls us east," says Mothstorm. "I trust my medicine cat," says Silverstar. "I say we go east." "I want to simply go where Starclan tells us," says Goldenstar. "We can go east."

CHAPTER 3 - DAY 25 GOLDCLAN Goldenstar (Leader) - Dark golden she-cat with a slim build and golden eyes Harepatch (Deputy) - Cream-colored tom with bristly fur and dark eyes Loachear (Medicine Cat) - Dark golden tom with bristly fur and dark eyes Lilyfur (Warrior) - Golden she-cat with dark eyes and sharp claws Rainbowkit (Kit) - Bright golden she-cat with bristly fur and bright, golden eyes SILVERCLAN Silverstar (Leader) - Silver colored tomcat with platinum white mane and yellow eyes Slugfang (Deputy) - Oddly-colored, gray speckled tomcat with a bushy tail Mothstorm (Medicine Cat) - Blue, thinly built tomcat with dark eyes Mistclaw (Warrior) - Bulky gray she-cat with a busy tail and thick pelt Mistclaw gives birth to a she-kit- a gray cat with white socks and a stripe on her tail. "What a pretty pattern," Mistclaw purrs. She looks proudly at Silverstar. "What shall we call her?" Silverstar thinks for a moment, and in that instant, the kit swipes at him with her tiny but sharp claws. He winces. "...How about Troublekit?" Mistclaw laughs. "Really?" she shakes her head. "Fine, we'll call her Troublekit." As Troublekit grows, Rainbowkit in Goldclan grows old enough to become an apprentice. "Goldenstar?" LIlyfur approaches her leader, bowing her head respectfully. "I have a favor to ask of you." "What's that, Lilyfur?" The leader twitches an ear towards her warrior. "I would like you to mentor Rainbowkit. I know that's a lot to ask of you, but I feel like Harepatch and I would be biased mentors, and I feel like you could shape her into a great and mighty warrior." Goldenstar smiles. "That's not a lot to ask of me, Lilyfur. I'd love to mentor Rainbowkit." So Goldenstar calls a clan meeting together. "Cats of Goldclan, we are here to celebrate a kit being promoted to an apprentice." She smiles at Rainbowkit. "Rainbowkit, you will no longer be known by that name. You will now be known as Rainbowpaw, and I will be your mentor. I will do my best to teach you everything that I know and shape you into a strong warrior of Goldclan." "Rainbowpaw! Rainbowpaw!" cheer the cats of Goldenclan. Meanwhile, Mothstorm and Loachear meet one night for a half-moon medicine cat meeting. "Greetings, Loachear," says Mothstorm quietly. Loachear approaches the tom cautiously, distrustful of the Silverclan medicine cat. Mothstorm continues. "I have word from Starclan. I need to consult with you." "What have you heard?" Loachear asks. "The Stars have called to me. Silverclan and Goldclan are to move territories, of all things..." Mothstorm casts his eyes down to his paws. "Have they spoken to you?" Loachear is quiet for a moment. "I have been told that change is coming. Perhaps your idea is what that means. I'll discuss this with Goldenstar, and I expect you to bring it up to Silverstar." "Will do," meows Mothstorm. SILVERCLAN STATUS GOLDCLAN STATUS

CHAPTER 2 - DAY 11 Love is not only blooming in Goldclan with Lilyfur and Harepatch, but in Silverclan, as well; Mistclaw is approached by Silverstar one day, the regal tom bringing her a flower in his jaws. He lays it before you, his ears flat. The usually strong leader seems shy and scared before Mistclaw. "Mistclaw, I would like to be mates with you." He fluffs up his fur, trying to look handsome. "I understand if you reject, but-" Mistclaw smiles at the tom. "I'd be happy to be your mate, Silverstar." A gathering occurs, and the cats of the clans meet. "We have a new couple in Silverclan," Silverstar announces to the cats of the gathering. "Between myself and Mistclaw. We are hoping to have kits by Newleaf." he smiles proudly. "Goldclan has a new couple as well," meows Goldenstar. "Has your medicine cat heard anything from Starclan?" Silverstar shakes his head. "Nothing as of late." Goldenstar feels a slight tinge of relief at this- Loachear, her medicine cat, hasn't heard anything from Starclan recently either. A moon later, Lilyfur is proud to announce that she will be having a kit- the first kit born in either of the clans in many moons. "I hope that we have a kit with a beautiful, golden pelt," Lilyfur purrs to Harepatch. "They have to be trained t o be the best of the best." Harepatch flicks his tail. "However our kit turns out, I'm sure they'll be wonderful," he meows. Lilyfur gives birth to a kit- a female with a beautiful, bright gold pelt unlike any other cat in Goldclan's. "She's beautiful," meows Harepatch proudly as he nuzzles Lilyfur. "What shall we call her?" "Rainbowkit," purrs Lilyfur proudly. "Her pelt is of the brightest color." Meanwhile, Slugfang, who had been watching the Goldclan camp, lurks back to Silverclan camp and rushes to Silverstar. "Goldclan has a new kit, Silverstar. Their population is more than ours now." he flicks his tail. "You snuck into Goldclan territory?" Silverstar flattens his ears, concerned. "That could've incited a battle or gotten you injured, Slugfang." "I had to find if the rumors of Lilyfang having a kit were true," asserts Slugfang, flicking his tail. "Aren't you proud?" he smiles. "More relieved that you weren't caught than proud," says Silverstar. "But this is valuable information. It's no matter, though- Mistclaw is also pregnant and will be having a kit of her own in three moons." Rainbowkit develops into a curious and loud kit, enjoying practicing battling with her mother. "She's very fierce," meows Lilyfur proudly to her brother, Loachear. "I think she's going to grow up as an even stronger warrior than me!" SILVERCLAN STATUS GOLDCLAN STATUS

CHAPTER 1 - DAY 1 The first moons on the island are quiet and uneventful ones, focusing on gathering food and nesting material. Mistclaw comes to sit beside Silverstar a few days after the gathering. "What do you think about those Goldclan cats?" Mistclaw asks Silverstar curiously. "That was my first gathering, so I've never met them before." "It's hard to share an island with another clan," Silverstar begins, flicking his tail. "But it's the order of Starclan for us to do so. One clan can't exist without the other, and we have to each preserve our own traditions. This was the prophecy handed down to Goldstar and myself many moons ago, Mistclaw." "I think they're noble," meows Slugfang. "They're no Silverclan, but I have respect for them. They're rather friendly." "Easy for you to say," says Mistclaw, rolling her eyes. "You were flirting with both of Goldclan's she-cats." Slugfang flattens his ears, glaring at Mistclaw. "Conversation with other clan cats for the sake of diplomacy during a gathering is in no way flirting, Mistclaw." Meanwhile in Goldclan, Lilyfur sits exasperated beside Goldenstar. "I don't believe Harepatch will ever notice me, Goldenstar." Goldenstar raises an eyebrow, looking to Lilyfur with a smile. "I don't believe Harepatch notices too much of anything, Lilyfur. He's a pretty airheaded cat at times." "But I've liked him since I first became a warrior. It's like he's so focused on being deputy that he won't even look at me. And it's not like there's any other options in this clan! It's just you, me, him, and Loachear." Goldenstar smiles. "You go for everything else you want, Lilyfur; why not go for this?" Lilyfur sighs, resting her head on her paws. "It's just not that easy, Goldenstar." But Goldenstar's words stick with her, and Lilyfur decides to take a deep breath and ask Harepatch to be her mate. "Harepatch, I need to speak with you." "Sure, Lilyfur," the tom says politely. He smiles at her, and Lilyfur feels herself already getting flustered- but she can't back down now. "I think it's about time you noticed me," she says assertively. "I've liked you for... quite a long time, Harepatch. And I think we could be a great team." Harepatch is shocked, but after a moment of quiet, he smiles. "Of course, Lilyfur. I'll be your mate." "Great!" meows Lilyfur, smiling. She feels excitement for the future rush through her- she and Harepatch together could raise kits to become Goldclan's strongest warriors. SILVERCLAN GOLDCLAN

Hello everyone it is time for your regularly scheduled medicine cat story™ to fill the void in my soul! Apologies for disappearing for a couple weeks, my job got extremely stressful and it ended with me moving back to my old job which I enjoyed a lot more. With my fresh new start, I wanted to make a fresh new story Same concept as prior playthrough going on here. Except I'm going to be trying to run two clans, which I haven't tried in ages. Here's to hoping I can keep up! I'm also making gatherings every 20 days instead of every 25. It makes half-moon calculation easier. We start with Goldclan and Silverclan. Goldclan cats sport bright pelts, with gold pelts being the most valued color. They value honor and being pure of heart, and are staunch followers of Starclan. They often watch the sky and weather closely in search of omens. They control the east half of the starting island, and focus on building strength. Silverclan cats' pelts are typically a gray, white, or black color. Above all else, they value safety and protecting their young. They control the west half of the starting island. They focus on building stealth. Goldclan is led by Goldenstar. Goldenstar is a middle aged she-cat known for her beauty. She has bright yellow eyes and a ginger-goldish pelt. She often compulsively looks for omens from Starclan to see if they have any direction for her, worried as to whether she is doing the right thing. She is a strict enforcer of the warrior code, and has lost three lives before. Goldenstar's deputy is named Harepatch, a tom with light gold bristly fur. Harepatch is the fastest cat in the entire territory, hence his name. He keeps a calm and collected exterior to reassure his clanmates, but often doubts himself inwardly. He has a dislike for Silverstar, taking his silence as pride. Goldenstar secretly envies Harepatch's confidence and cool exterior, and wishes that he would be more strict about the warrior code. The medicine cat of Goldclan is Loachear. Loachear is a golden tom with dark eyes. Loachear is careful with his words and listens far more than he speaks, even when other cats don't think he does. Lilyfur is a regular warrior of Goldclan. She is the best fighter of Goldclan, and she knows it- she is confident, and when she wants something, she'll give all she can to get it. The youngest cat of Goldclan, she is the sister of Loachear; the two couldn't be more opposite in personality. She has feelings for Harepatch and thinks of him as a brave and noble warrior. Meanwhile, Silverclan is led by a young warrior named Silverstar. He has eight lives, having lost one from greencough a few moons ago. He has since regained his strength. Silverstar is a quiet and observant leader, who comes off as timid to cats who do not know him. Silverstar simply wants his clan to be left alone and for them to be safe. Goldstar distrusts him. The deputy of Silverclan is Slugfang. He is a uniquely-colored speckled cat with dark eyes and silver mane. Slugfang is a relaxed and friendly tom, and tries to be friends with everyone, though cats in Goldclan wonder why such a relaxed and easygoing cat was chose as deputy of a clan. Silverclan's medicine cat is Mothstorm. Despite his name, he is a very gentle cat and all cats of Silverclan come to him for advice and assistance. His voice is a deep rumble. Mistclaw is the warrior of Silverclan. She is smart and strategic, and is the strongest fighter in Silverclan. The cats around her hold high respect for her. Silverstar secretly holds feelings for her. The clans hold a gathering to mark the new island's settlement (because that's all I can bear to write in this post after developing the characters).

Putting this story on hiatus to start a new one!

DAY 409 - CHAPTER 33 LEADER: LONESTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) DEPUTY: TROUTFANG (Tortoiseshell she-cat with sharp fangs and dark eyes) MEDICINE CAT: EVENINGCLAW (Blue she-cat with dark eyes and a muscular build) Meadowclan settles into the new island, and soon after settling into the new territory, Troutfang is patrolling with Lonestar one day when they find a young she-cat barely old enough to be an apprentice. "What're you doing here?" The she-cat approaches her curiously. "My name is Briar." "Briar, you're going to get killed out here alone. What're you doing here without a mother?" Lonestar flattens his ears. "She was hit by a monster some moons ago," says the she-cat quietly. "I'm alone." "Why not come with us, then?" Lonestar asks. "We're looking for warriors. My name is Lonestar, and this is Troutfang." "Really? I'd love that!" says the she-cat, her eyes sparkling." "Your new name will be Briarpaw. Troutfang, would you like to train Briarpaw to be a warrior?" "I'd love to," meows Troutfang. "Welcome to Meadowclan, Briarpaw." "I lost my mother too, you know," says Troutfang to Briarpaw. "When I was just a kit. She died of an illness. But you can still be a great warrior; when you live with us, the whole clan has your back." She smiles at her apprentice. "I sure hope so," meows Briarpaw, crouching low to the ground. "I want to be the best warrior in Meadowclan." Briarpaw grows into the age of a warrior, and Lonestar calls a ceremony for her. "Briarpaw, You have proved yourself that you will be a loyal warrior to Meadowclan. From this day on, you will no longer be called Briarpaw; you will be called Briarwing. Starclan honors your cleverness and your strength, and we are happy to call you a full warrior of Meadowclan." "Briarwing! Briarwing!" cheer the warriors of the clan.

DAY 400 - CHAPTER 32 LEADER: LONESTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) DEPUTY: TROUTFANG (Tortoiseshell she-cat with sharp fangs and dark eyes) MEDICINE CAT: EVENINGCLAW (Blue she-cat with dark eyes and a muscular build) Troutfang learns how to be a deputy and a stronger warrior alongside her father. Eveningclaw later receives a dream from a golden she-cat with brown spots. "Hello, Eveningclaw," says the she-cat. "My name is Birdstar. I'm Lonestar's mother." Eveningclaw feels her heart beat fast. She is face to face with a Starclan cat- the mother of the tom she was breaking the warrior code by being with. But surprisingly, Birdstar smiles at her. "I have a message for you, Eveningclaw. Meadowclan has enjoyed peace on this island, but there are few warriors here. You need to move and find a new home." "I... I'll tell Lonestar," says Eveningclaw. "And another thing," says Birdstar, "You're due to have another kit." she fades before Eveningclaw has a chance to respond, and the blue she-cat awakens anxious in her nest. She was having another kit- and Birdstar wanted her to tell Troutfang that she was her mother! She relays this news to Lonestar. "How are we supposed to tell Troutfang?" Eveningclaw asks. "We don't tell her you're having another kit," says Lonestar to his mate quietly. "She'd never forgive us if she found out the truth after telling her a different story her whole life. We'll tell her we found it." The cats come to meet at the gathering, and there is a tense silence from Lonestar and Eveningclaw. "Any word from Starclan?" Troutfang asks, trying to strike up a conversation after sensing the tenseness in the air. "We are to move territories," says Lonestar slowly, trying to push the thought of Troutfang finding out who her mother is out of his mind. "We're going to decide tonight where we're going. I, for one, think we should head west." "I agree!" says Troutfang. Personally, Eveningclaw thinks everyone should head south, but she follows the opinions of her mate and her daughter. But on the journey north to the new territory, Eveningclaw has to give birth to her kit. Due to the lack of a proper nutrition on the journey, Eveningclaw's kit is born unhealthy in the middle of the night one night and dies shortly after birth, before Troutfang ever even sees him. Eveningclaw falls into a depression as she walks with Troutfang and Lonestar. "I'm sorry," Lonestar whispers to her. "It's a cruel joke from Starclan," hisses Eveningclaw. "They promised me a kit and this is what happens." "What's wrong?" asks Troutfang, looking at Eveningclaw's tail hanging low. "Nothing, Troutfang," sighs the she-cat. "I'm just tired." Troutfang runs up alongside the medicine cat and nuzzles her supportively. "Don't worry, Eveningclaw. You're doing a great job- we'll get to the new territory soon, I'm sure." Eveningclaw feels a rush of emotion as she nuzzles Troutfang in return. "You've always been like a daughter to me, Troutfang." Meadowclan arrives on a new island together, one much larger but still promising.

DAY 387 - CHAPTER 31 LEADER: LONESTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) DEPUTY APPRENTICE: LIGHTMOUSE (Albino tomcat with a thick coat and long legs) MEDICINE CAT: EVENINGCLAW (Blue she-cat with dark eyes and a muscular build) KITS TROUTKIT (Tortoiseshell she-cat with sharp fangs and dark eyes) Troutkit stays in the medicine den with Eveningclaw as she grows, and Eveningclaw and Lonestar tell her that her mother died of an illness. "Dad, what was mom like?" Troutkit asks Lonestar one day while he is relaxing in the medicine den with she and Eveningclaw. Eveningclaw shifts uncomfortably as she looks at her daughter- she wishes that she could tell her the truth. But Troutkit has to learn the warrior code. "She... looked just like you," Lonestar says slowly, seemingly making it up as he goes. "She had your fangs. And your patches. But your personalities are very alike." he smiles at Eveningclaw after this, and Eveningclaw smiles back. "Are you sure you're okay with telling her this story?" Lonestar asks Eveningclaw later. "You looked sad when we were talking to her earlier." "I wish that she could know the truth for her sake, but as far as I'm concerned, I'm fine," says Eveningclaw. "It'd only hurt her if she knew. I need to keep distant from her." Troutkit grows into a relaxed and friendly kit, and Lonestar has to begin considering who will mentor his daughter to be a warrior. As much as he would love to mentor her, Lonestar knows that he would be biased in mentoring his own daughter and therefore asks Lightmouse to mentor her. "Lightmouse, I have an important task to ask of you." he flicks his tail. "I want you to be the mentor for Troutkit when she becomes of age to be an apprentice." The white tom raises his brows. "Are you sure? She's your daughter, Lonestar." "I want you to mentor her because you'd be fairer towards her, and as a deputy, it's your responsibility to have mentored another cat at least once." "Then it's an honor, Lonestar." Lightmouse smiles. "I'll be excited for her to become my apprentice." Soon, Lonestar calls an apprentice ceremony for Troutkit. "Troutkit, from this day on you will be known as Troutpaw. Your mentor will be Lightmouse, and I trust him to train you well." "I'm very proud of her," Lonestar purrs warmly to Eveningclaw. "I just hope Lightmouse can handle training her." "Lightmouse will do fine," meows Eveningclaw. "He's a fine warrior." A wild dog attacks the clan shortly after Troutpaw is made an apprentice. It goes for Lonestar, who raises his hackles and attacks the creature. "Now's your chance to prove yourself, Troutpaw! Remember how we've trained!" instructs Lightmouse as he runs towards the bearyena. Troutpaw feels excitement rush through her veins, and something that feels like fear. But she knows she has to protect her clanmates. Charging towards the wild dog, she finishes it off alongside her warriors in a swift prounce. "That was spectacular, Troutpaw!" praises Lonestar. He feels pride flow through him as he looks at his daughter; she may one day become an even stronger warrior than him. An illness strikes the clan, however, and shortly before Troutpaw is due to become a warrior, Lightmouse dies. This forces Lonestar to make a rash decision. "Since Lightmouse has died, I am forced to choose a new deputy," asserts Lonestar. "Troutpaw, you have served bravely as an apprentice and I will give you your name as the new warrior and deputy- Troutfang." Troutfang raises her head proudly, flicking her tail. After the ceremony while Troutfang is performing her warrior's vigil guarding the camp, Eveningclaw approaches Lonestar. "Lonestar, are you sure this is a good idea? She's so young to already be a warrior, let alone a deputy." "I'd like to remind you you were her age when you were made Meadowclan's medicine cat." Lonestar smiles at his mate. "Give her a chance, Eveningclaw."

DAY 368 - CHAPTER 30 LEADER: LONESTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) DEPUTY APPRENTICE: LIGHTMOUSE (Albino tomcat with a thick coat and long legs) MEDICINE CAT: EVENINGCLAW (Blue she-cat with dark eyes and a muscular build) Eveningclaw begins spending more time with Lonestar. Lightmouse is curious, and he asks Lonestar about this. "I thought you taught me warriors weren't supposed to be with medicine cats," meows Lightmouse. "What are you talking about?" "You and Eveningclaw." the white tom grins widely. "We're not mates, I simply enjoy her company," says Lonestar. I don't see why you need to make it your business who is mates with who." "I mean... it's your choice," meows Lightmouse. "It's kind of hard to ignore when the clan only has the three of us." But to Lonestar's surprise, Lightmouse turns out to be right; Eveningclaw asks Lonestar to walk with her one night. "I need to share word from Starclan with you. Alone." Eveningclaw gestures Lonestar with her tail, and Lonestar leaves camp with her. "What word do you have?" Lonestar asks. Eveningclaw hesitates, and then smiles apologetically at the leader. "I don't have word, Lonestar." she smiles. "Then what do you want to speak about?" Lonestar flattens his ears. "I was concerned." "Well, Lonestar.." Eveningclaw smiles. "I'm not supposed to tell you this. But I want to be your mate. I find you smart, and brave, and you took me in as your medicine cat when I was sorely inexperienced. I'm in love with you, Lonestar." Lonestar thinks about this. Eveningclaw is beautiful; but should he take the offer of being mates with a medicine cat?" "...We can't tell Lightmouse," says Lonestar. "But I accept." He smiles at her. Two moons pass, and the clan holds a small gathering. "I want to find more warriors," orders Lonestar. "We're going to have to recruit more cats, even if it means recruiting rogues or kittypets. Nearly a year passes, and Eveningclaw nervously approaches Lonestar one day. "Lonestar..." she whispers quietly. "I.... I'm expecting kits." She places a paw on her belly nervously. The reddish-brown tom flattens his ears. "Eveningclaw..." "What are we supposed to tell Lightmouse?" she whispers. Lonestar paces back and forth next to his mate. "We...." he sighs. "We tell him the truth." Lightmouse reacts well to the news, but smiles smugly at Lonestar when Eveningclaw walks away. "I knew it." Lonestar rolls his eyes. "But I'll never tell anyone." he smiles. "If any other cat asks besides the three of us, we'll say she was born from an old mate of yours who died. Raise her to stick to the warrior code." Eveningclaw has her kit- the kit is born sickly. She worries that her daughter won't survive, and she prays to Starclan that she'll survive, trying to birth her kit by herself. But her kit luckily survives, and she names her Troutkit. Lonestar dotes on his daughter from the moment she is born and bonds with her.

DAY 351 - CHAPTER 29 LEADER: LONESTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) DEPUTY APPRENTICE: LIGHTMOUSE (Albino tomcat with a thick coat and long legs) MEDICINE CAT: BLAZEBERRY (Light ginger she-cat with a bulky build) Within the next few moons, Blazeberry is found dead with a dog's scent on her pelt. "Starclan was right," stutters out Lightmouse. "Of course they were right!" hisses Lonestar. "I'm tired of playing these games with them. This is ridiculous." He digs his claws into the dirt furiously. The once-timid tom has been hardened and enraged by loss. But in the coming moons, Lonestar finds an unexpected new medicine cat to join them. He finds a blue and tan she-cat, her dark eyes shimmering. "What's your name?" "Eveningclaw," says the she-cat. "Eveningclaw? That's a warrior name. You don't look big enough to be older than an apprentice." He raises an eyebrow at her. "I'm a medicine cat, not a warrior," hisses the little she-cat. "I was separated from my clan when I was kidnapped by twolegs. I was given dreams by Starclan to take me back home, but I was led... here. I don't know where I am." she surveys the land suspiciously. "It's like I've been told to be here, but..." she looks at Lonestar, then to Lightmouse, then back to Lonestar. "You two don't look like any form of a clan. "We're Meadowclan, actually," says Lonestar, flattening his ears. "Our clan members were lost to disease and to blood. We need a medicine cat. I'm Lonestar, and this is my deputy, Lightmouse." Eveningclaw isn't impressed, but she sighs. "I can stay with you until I find my clan again." Lonestar and Eveningclaw initially have a tense relationship; Lonestar doesn't like Eveningclaw's sass, and Eveningclaw wishes that she could go back to the clan that she's from. But the two form a friendship over time, and become close. A wild dog attacks the clan some moons later, and Lightmouse and Lonestar fight it off- but at a cost. The wild dog tears out a piece of Lonestar's ear, and goes for his neck. He falls. Lightmouse, enraged, takes down the wild dog and then turns to his leader, who is lying still. "Lonestar!" Lightmouse cries in horror. But Lonestar begins breathing once more, and with a gasp, the wound on his neck closes and forms a scar. "Amazing!" yells Lightmouse. "It's Starclan," says Lonestar, bowing his head. "As a leader, one receives nine lives." "I mean, you taught me that, but I never knew that it happened like... that." "Starclan works in mysterious ways," meows Eveningclaw. "Come on, Lonestar. Let me go look at your wounds in the medicine den." Lonestar follows the she-cat into the den, and she inspects his wound. She rubs some herbs on the area, and Lonestar winces, still sensitive from the fight. "Hold still! This'll keep it from getting infected," she says, squinting at her friend. "Thanks." Lonestar is quiet for a moment. "Eveningclaw... are you still thinking of leaving Meadowclan if you find your old clan?" Eveningclaw is quiet for a moment. "Why do you ask?" "Lightmouse and I have gotten used to you being around here..." Lonestar says slowly. "You're a great medicine cat, but you're also a good friend. I know you must miss home, but I ask that you consider staying." "I think I am home, Lonestar," meows the blue she-cat. She smiles at him.

DAY 326 - CHAPTER 28 LEADER: LONESTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) DEPUTY APPRENTICE: LIGHTPAW (Albino tomcat with a thick coat and long legs) MEDICINE CAT: TURTLESPOTS (Tortoiseshell cat with sharp claws and brown eyes) BLAZEBERRY (Light ginger she-cat with a bulky build) Blazeberry kindles a friendship with Lightpaw, taking on a motherly role for him. "I don't know, Blazeberry," says the snow-white tom. "I'm just a kittypet. I don't know the first thing about leading a clan." "By the looks of it, I think the clan would take anyone as leader," meows Blazeberry, licking her paw. "You're too hard on yourself, Lightpaw. I see a lot of promise in you; you might have been raised a kittypet, but you're young and you have so much time to learn. Give yourself a break." she smiles at him. Meanwhile, Turtlespots begins feeling a lump in her stomach- a painful one. She has lost her appetite, and she finds it hard to keep food down. She approaches Lonestar one day. "I don't think I'm going to be around much longer, Lonestar." the she-cat winces as she lays beside her half-brother. "I feel a sickness coming on me. One that I can't fix." Lonestar looks at his sister and wants to protest, but he can see that she's telling the truth- her eyes are tired, and she looks weak. "I think that I'm going to be joining the rest of the clan. I can't walk alongside you much longer, and I'm sorry. But you still have an eager to learn deputy and a tough medicine cat when I'm gone. I'm going to be watching out for you all that I can." she smiles at him. "Turtlespots..." Lonestar flattens his ears. "I can't lose you." "You'll still have me," says the she-cat weakly. "I promise I'll still have your back. I'll find a way." Turtlespots dies the next moon, Blazeberry finding her. All three remaining cats of the clan attend her vigil and help bury her together. Lonestar feels a strong jaw rest on his shoulder. It's Blazeberry. "I know what it's like to lose family," says the she-cat, her raspy voice low. "I'm sorry, Lonestar." Blazeberry's usually gruff voice is soft and considerate. "Thank you, Blazeberry," says Lonestar. Lightpaw progresses as a warrior, hunting alongside Lonestar and even reaching his skill level in combat. As much as Lonestar hates to admit that he is on the same level as a former kittypet, he is impressed. "Lightpaw, it's time for you to be declared a warrior and to fully become my deputy," says Lonestar. "Really?" the tom smiles, his red eyes shining with pride. "Of course. From this day on, you will be known as Lightmouse. Starclan honors your agility and stealth, and we welcome you as a full member of Meadowclan." Lightmouse isn't sure about how he feels about mouse as a suffix, but he supposes it won't be so bad if he one day becomes Lightstar. Despite the clan's small numbers, they make themselves comfortable on their island and find it peaceful. Lonestar wonders how many moons his clan must have wasted on the old swamp island when they were meant to stay here all along. The clan holds a gathering after a relatively peaceful period. "I'm looking for more warriors," asserts Lonestar. "I think that the more cats we find, the stronger the clan can get like it used to be- when I was young. Blazeberry, do you have any word from Starclan?" he asks. Blazeberry looks ill. "Blazeberry?" "I saw blood," the she-cat mutters. "Blood is coming." "Blood? I've seen enough blood," hisses Lonestar. "What could Starclan want more from me?"

DAY 299 - CHAPTER 27 LEADER: LONESTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) MEDICINE CAT, DEPUTY: TURTLESPOTS (Tortoiseshell cat with sharp claws and brown eyes) The two begin to explore their new territory, hoping for any cats to recruit to join Meadowclan. And after a year and a half of wandering alone, their prayers are answered- They encounter a rogue she-cat with light ginger fur and dark eyes. "You there!" Lonestar says, excitedly approaching her. "What're you doing here? Are you alone?" "I have no clan nor a family," the she-cat says, flicking her tail. "My name's Blazeberry. I was a medicine cat and I lost my clan." "We lost our clan too," says Lonestar. He is a bit disappointed that the she-cat is not a warrior, but he supposes he could use another medicine cat. He wishes that she was a warrior, though; she is a beautiful she-cat. "My name is Lonestar." "Oh, you're a leader? Where's your clan?" "Lost to wild dogs. It's just me and Turtlespots." Turtlespots looks at the she-cat and smiles politely. "Would you like to join us?" "Sure," says the she-cat. "I will join you. But I bring no one else with me; I'm alone." But the clan won't be alone for much longer- a new tom joins the clan the day of a gathering. He has snow white fur, and piercing red eyes. He walks into the group where the three cats are holding their gathering, and they are surprised to see him. "I've never seen a cat like you before," says Lonestar. "My name's Light," says the tom. "I was with my twolegs, and I... I got lost. I'm not sure what to do." He looks around the territory nervously. "I think I'm stuck in the wild here. "You've come to the right place," says Lonestar. "I can train you to be a leader beside me. I'll teach you how to be a warrior. We're in desperate need of strong cats here in my clan." Light flattens his ears, unsure. "I've never been a good fighter, but I'm happy to join you." "Then you'll be named Lightpaw until you're deemed at the level of a warrior. And once you receive your warrior name, I'll make you my deputy," says Lonestar. Lightpaw smiles. "I'm honored." Lonestar finds Lightpaw's kittypet ways annoying, but LIghtpaw shows potential for being a strong warrior in battle, so Lonestar continues to work with him.

DAY 277 - CHAPTER 26 LEADER: BIRDSTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) DEPUTY: RATWHISKER (Tan tomcat with ginger patches and golden eyes) MEDICINE CAT: TURTLESPOTS (Tortoiseshell cat with sharp claws and brown eyes) WARRIORS: DOTMUZZLE (Pretty cream-colored she-cat with a petite build) LONEHEART (Reddish-brown tom with a muscular build and sharp claws) The following moons are hard and grueling in the new territory. "It hasn't always been like this, I promise," Birdstar says to Loneheart. "Starclan told us to move here from our old territory. We had disease in our old territory, but food was plentiful, and there were far less wild dogs. I'm not sure why we were told to leave. This has been harder than anything we faced in the old territory." Yet another wild dog attacks the clan, scratching Loneheart's back and right shoulder. But Loneheart still manages to defend his clan. Ratwhisker dies of old age, and Birdstar leaps upon the highest tree branch she can climb upon. "I say this before the body of Ratwhisker so that his spirit may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of Meadowclan is Dotmuzzle." "Actually, Birdstar, I think Loneheart should be deputy." The cats of the clan gasp- no cat has ever refused deputy before. "LOneheart is younger, and stronger. I don't have much time left, Birdstar. But Loneheart does." Birdstar is quiet, but after a moment of being silent, she speaks up. "...Then so be it. Loneheart is the new deputy." Loneheart's ears flatten in surprise. "But I've never had an apprentice!" "No matter," says Birdstar. "With the way things are, we have no apprentices to train. You will train one one day. Accept your position to guarantee the future of your clan." Loneheart sighs. "I accept." A wild dog attacks and kills Birdstar and Dotmuzzle, leaving Loneheart and Turtlespots. "I don't know what to do, Turtlespots," says Loneheart. "We're getting you your nine lives," says Turtlespots. "Starclan left you and me for a reason. There can still be a Meadowclan. "You're insane," hisses Loneheart. "This will never work." "Please, Loneheart. You have to give Meadowclan a chance. Meadowclan's been around for almost three hundred moons. You have to become Lonestar." Lonestar hangs his head. "Fine." Turtlespots goes to the moonpool, where he receives his nine lives from cats both familiar and unfamiliar- Birdstar, Ratwhisker, Dotmuzzle, and Warmpelt- then Hemlockstorm, Nightpelt, Groundstorm, Thistlefern and Deerstar himself. "Your ancestors made a mistake in staying at this island," Deerstar says to Lonestar. "Lonestar, you need to leave this island. Keep going. Take Turtlespots and leave the island. Lonestar awakens feeling envigorated and inspired to carry on the clan. "What did Starclan say?" Turtlespots asks. "We need to leave. This island was never the last destination." "I'm scared, Lonestar. But I believe in you. I will follow you." The two take the nearest path out of the territory and head west. "Are you ready?" Lonestar asks. "Let's get out of here," says Turtlespots. Neither brother nor sister look back as they head for a new life. Lonestar and Turtlespots arrive on a small, quaint territory. "It's rather small," says Lonestar. "I don't care how small it is, it's safe," sighs Turtlespots. "And there's only two of us for now. How much space do we need?"

DAY 257 - CHAPTER 25 LEADER: BIRDSTAR (Golden she-cat with brown speckles) DEPUTY: RATWHISKER (Tan tomcat with ginger patches and golden eyes) MEDICINE CAT: TURTLESPOTS (Tortoiseshell cat with sharp claws and brown eyes) WARRIORS: DOTMUZZLE (Pretty cream-colored she-cat with a petite build) WARMPELT (Cream-colored tom with red patches and golden eyes) KITS LONEKIT (Reddish-brown tom with a muscular build and sharp claws) A wild dog attacks the clan in the new territory. Warmpelt challenges it, having gained confidence from his prior battles. The dog bites his head, and Turtlespots carries him to the medicine den. Ratwhisker, enraged, manages to fend off the dog, and eventually the dog gives up and runs away. Turtlespots looks at Warmpelt, and upon further examination, he's received a permanent scar across his face. He's lost his right eye. "Warmpelt..." Turtlespots says. "I'm sorry. You're going to have to recover here for a few moons." "I was wanting to mentor Lonekit," he says. "Warmpelt. Please. You'll be able to mentor another kit. This is life or death if this gets infected." Warmpelt sighs. "Fine." Lonekit grows old enough to be apprenticed, and Birdstar leaps upon a tree branch to call to her clan. "Lonekit, today is the day that you will receive your mentor. From this day on, you will be known as Lonepaw." Lonepaw smiles shyly, looking around at the clan. Who would become his mentor? "Dotmuzzle, I want you to mentor Lonepaw," says Birdstar. "Understood," says the she-cat. She smiles at Lonepaw. Lonepaw progresses through training as a strong and promising young warrior. Ratwhisker keeps his mouth shut about Lonepaw's parentage, and Warmpelt thanks Starclan for making his father keep the peace. Another wild dog comes into the clan, bursting into the medicine cat's den and killing Warmpelt. Enraged, Turtlespots fights back, defending her den the way Thistlefern once taught her to. Lonepaw hears her cries of distress and bursts into the medicine cat den to help her, taking down the wild dog. Once it's all over, Turtlespots buries her head into her half brother's pelt. "I couldn't save him, Lonepaw. I feel terrible." "You did everything you could," says Lonepaw. "I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner. A vigil is held for Warmpelt, and Lonepaw and Dotmuzzle bury him. BIrdstar calls a clan meeting for Lonepaw. "Lonepaw, I believe you have proved yourself a brave warrior. From this day on, you will be called Loneheart. Starclan honors your ferocity and your perserverance, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Meadowclan." "Loneheart! Loneheart!" cheer the cats. Yet another wild dog attacks the clan, but Loneheart manages to take down the creature by himself. A gathering is held. "I appreciate the valiance of our warriors recently, but I feel abandoned by Starclan," Birdstar says to Turtlespots at the gathering. "Have you heard any word from them?" "To expect new clan members. That's it." Turtlespots hangs her head. "But when?" "I pray soon. I'm not sure how we'll last like this."