Fandom A Runaway’s New Home [Private 1x1]

[Chill Alley Cat]

DewSpring didn’t seem to hear her as she began hacking up her chewed dock, not hearing her question of scarring.


RobinFang sensing the confusion and uncomfortableness that oozed off her brown pelt in the awkward silence. "Nothing is wrong with DewSpring. She's just.. like that." The tom huffed, disapproving of the faded nature, his black muzzle subtly turning to the she-cat's ear without the notice before retreating to his original position.

The small cat spat a wet mixture of green onto her paw, the poultice seeping through her long claws as she held it under her torso, hobbling over to the injured cat. Her brown paw swiped over her cheek lazily, but her movements were certain as the herb sunk into the open cut as she carefully rubbed a long claw against the sliced skin. Once done with treating the wound, smiling with hum while observing her work, she turned away rummaging in through the supply with a paw outstretch upwards.


The tortoiseshell look to the den entrance, tempted to leave but the thought of being out with clanmates with no duties deterred him from the chance. RobinFang hunkered down at the realization, slightly bitter at the fuss HoneyPool caused, now having to wait till he feel comfortable to sleep in the warrior's den, the clearing now full of loud untrusting cats.

"I should fetch some fern soon, it sooth those terrible cat scratches right up." DewSpring spoke out loud, revealing the cause HoneyPool's mangled cheek, RobinFang rising a brow at the information but having no other reaction. The cat's shaggy fur draped over her back as she bent her neck to look at the Windclan cat with green eyes, a tilt to her head.

"Why run all the way out here? Is something wrong with the your own healer?” DewSpring asked obliviously.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool's ears flattened a bit when she didn't get an answer back from the medicine cat, fearing the worst she felt her stomach turn slightly, her white claws digging into the mossy ground before them. Thier spat had been on purpose, that much she knew but she wondered if the scarring had been on purpose to? Was his intent to permanently scar her? To teach her a lesson? Or had he been so angry with rage that he wasn't thinking clearly and acted out.

She signed and closed her eyes not really wanting to know whether it was an accident or not. She would possible never know the truth even if she did ask. She turned her head back to the ginger and black tom as she spoke before looking over at the ShadowClan medicine cat. "I see." Honeypool sounded unconvinced and slightly uncomfortable, but she said nothing more for she seemed to be as slow as a snail, if not slower, but as long as she was getting some help, she would have to let it be.

ShadowClan cats were very different from WindClan cats. Her clan seemed to always be very quick on their paws, never slowing down for a second. Their demeanors were both very off. I guess that's why there are different clans. She never really stopped to pay attention to the other clans outside of her own before. Her thoughts wondering only for a second before her eyes widened and she winced roughly feeling the medicine sink into her exposed flesh. She held back a hiss and instead let out a muffled grunt.

She instantly lifted up her paw to touch her wounded skin but quickly putting it back down not wanting to make the feeling worse or mess up whatever it was Dewspring was doing to her. Despite her being gentle with Honeypool the cut hurt bad, but she knew the mental pain would linger for a bit longer. No amount of herbs would herbs would heal that.

Her tail waved back and forth hearing the sluggish female speak out her other scratches. She shot a quick glance at Robinwing but said nothing and instead was hoping they wouldn't scar her body or hurt as bad. Turning her attention back to Dewspring she quickly shook her head. "No, no! There is nothing wrong with him at all. Sunpatch is great." Honeypool said quickly defending the only cat in her clan who possibly knew what was going on with her. "It's just complicated." Her voice came out as a whisper that time. "It's all just so...complicated." She huffed really tired of the questions she was getting asked.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

"-Is it now?" a cold voice entered the den, his tone higher pitched but the growl that rumbled through his tone made it sound like he had gurgled stone. A ghostly white cat stepped into the burrow, his pale skin naked without a heavy shadowclan coat and his wiry build allowing every breath and motion of muscle to be seen under his flesh, his pink eyes squinting sharply at the Windclan cat. His very presence oozed mentally off his spindly tall form.

"Oh, hi CoalStar! Good to see you ThornMask." DewSpring responded with a bumbling chirp, the medicine cat along with the others seeming to not register the tom's terrifying appearance, ThornMask popping her head into the den soon after. The talkative tabby trotted beside the leader with ease, the she-cat motioning to HoneyPool with a paw.

"This is the Windclan she-cat RobinFang found." She reported respectfully, making way as the skinny tom stalked to the resting she-cat. His muzzle got close to her, his crooked whiskers brushing against her face, his scent gamey, inspecting her like a fox sniffing around a rabbit's den. His long neck craned backward and his eyebrow arched, as his thin lips chapped as they parted to speak.

"What exactly are you doing here 'Windclan she-cat'? Be blunt and quick. " His large scarred and crusted ear flicked, as a clawed waved about exaggerating the already stern order. ThornMask looked eager for her response, her eyes big and attentive as they pointed to HoneyPool, RobinFang rolling his eyes at her enthusiasm and readiness to fulfill her inane curiosity. The healer sat unresponsive to the growing tension, gazing past the dust that fell from the moonlight seeping from the entrance.

The leader, CoalStar, remained, unwilling to take an excuse.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool nearly jumped out of her skin. Her claws sinking deeper into the soft moss as her head whipped around to meet the white leader. Her breath catching in her throat as her eyes widened in fear as she made eye contact with him. Her amber eyes boring into his pink one.

Coalstar. Her mind echoed out his name. If his name wasn't enough to scare you, his appearance truly was. She had seen him a pawful of times at the gatherings but he looked much more haunting up close. Her head ducked slightly not wanting him to touch her for a number of reason but she stayed put and stood her ground. Her eyes never once leaving his as her body slowly began to tremble with fear. Her nose twitched slightly as he inspected her. His whiskers tickling her face slightly in the process.

Her mouth opened as he questioned her. What could she say? What would she tell him. Her eyes flickered over to Thornmask and then to Robinwing before landing back on Coalstar's pink ones. Her mouth turning dry as she slowly tucked her body into itself. He wouldn't take her "It's complicated" answer as well as the other's. He had made that clear enough. She swallowed hoping to expel her dry mouth before speaking. "I- um," she started to speak unsure of what to say as her mind ran with excuse after excuse but none sounding good enough to work on him.

Panic set in her stomach as she quickly blurted something out without thinking twice about it. "I came to join your clan." She said with way too much confidence. As quickly as she said it, she wished she hadn't.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

ThornMask gasped at the she-cat exclamation, a paw covering her muzzle dramatically, the tortoiseshell looking ready to swat her ears but forcing his sled not to take any attention away from the leader. Coalstar’s odd eyes flickered back to the warriors, keeping them in check, before returning his gaze to the injuries warrior.


“ShadowClan is a harsh clan for any newcomers, you do realize what you’re promising? What you’re willing to do to prove yourself?” His triangular face remaining expressionless but his tone implying he’s done this millions of times before. He sat down, the space enclosing around the she-cat as Coalstar looked over her, examine the cat closely.

“—it wouldn’t be the first.” DewSpring mused, continuing to sleepily stare into the moonlight, a lazy shrug lifting her shoulder. CoalStar narrowed his eyes at her, the shadowclan cats seeming to understand her reference not meant to be shared with outsiders.

RobinStar felt his pelt bristle as the familiar situation, turning away preparing to leave to avoid the rising discomfort in his pelt, but the leader’s interruption stopping him.

“You wouldn’t be able to run.” CoalStar huffed, his glare to the cinnamon cat turning to the soft pelted she-cat, insinuating Windclan as cowardly. RobinFang sat hesitantly back down, spacing himself away from his clanmates, his green eyes settling on HoneyPool a few tail lengths across him.

 

[Honeypool]

Her tail flashed back and forth anxiously; her trembling had not stopped yet. How do you always manage to get yourself into messes like this? She mentally sighed in her head unaware of what to really do about anything. She felt like a small speck now and wish she would've just kept moving through the marshy terrain rather than stopping. Her dead leaned over to one side slightly as she gaze followed it not wanting to look at the leader anymore. At least he had bought her lie, but for how long. She looked nodded her head once listening to his words for a few moments before sitting up, trying to look confident.

She would just play along for now. Her claws flexing underneath her tail, digging up the ground as she felt the panic set through her legs. If she did run right now how far could she get? Would she be able to make it to another border in time before anyone catch up or would her body fail her?

Her eyes narrowed, filling with disgust and bitterness. Nothing would be as harsh as what I've already gone though. She wanted to snap back but remained silent. Would ShadowClan be as oblivious as WindClan if she found herself in a similar situation? Would she find herself in a similar situation? Her chest fur fluffing up with doubt before she licked it down. She knew better now to believe any male cat. She blinked slowly. "I think I have enough to prove, just test me." Her fake confidence flowing from her voice like a stream, as she turned to him unknowingly showing off her injured cheek. She was bluffing. While she had some skills at a warrior, she was in no shape to do anything except sleep for probably a moon. "Run where?" She cocked her head, amber eyes glowing with confusion. "I have nowhere to go." She spoke honestly.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

“You’d have to learn our ways, how we hunt at moonrise and fight in the shadows. You abandon your home.” CoalStar spoke tauntingly, his eyebrows arched and facial features pinching together creepily. He clicks his tongue in consideration, the sound echoing into the deep corners of the mossy den.

“You’ll be helped and cured of your injuries for the night. Me and my deputy will figure out what to do with you in the morning.” He sat up, his height towering over the brown she-cat, having to duck down to avoid hanging supply of herbs. CoalStar stepping outside, the murmur of the clan silencing above ground at his appearance, Shadowclan finally able to sleep for the night.

ThornMask paced out behind him, yawning, but pausing to wave the WindClan cat goodbye politely. “Hope you enjoy your stay-“ her smile faltering as she headed out, realizing she never caught the she-cat’s name.


RobinFang peered out of the den, sinking back into the burrow when still seeing his clan mates out and about. He hunkered down, loafing on the moss ground to wait out the crowd.

His green eyes squinted at DewSpring, who continued to stare it into the abyss, the tortoiseshell having to cough to gain her attention. The dark calico only now coming into reality in response to the news.

“Oh right sorry.” Her shaggy fur jostled as she laughed wetly, dragging her claws to the corner of the den to collect cobwebs.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool said nothing more watching the two cats leave. Her tail tip waving back and forth. She felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, and just tired. She yawned again for the second time that night. Her eyes barely open before she blinked. At least Coalstar was able to buy into her lie without too many questions. That made her feel at ease only for a moment. Escaping here wasn't going to be as easy as WindClan. She would have to learn their routine for a few moons. Figure out which cat wasn't as nosy as the rest. Which cats wouldn't question her as time went on.

She looked over at Dewspring already crossing her off as a non-threat. She probably would've have even noticed if she had slipped out of the den right now. How would she handle a large group of cats in here? Honeypool wondered for a moment watching the calico she-cat stare off at nothing only to be awakened by Robinfang.

Honeypool turned to him as she curled up where she sat. He now seemed like a challenge for her. She blinked slowly figuring out that he was observant enough to pose as a possible threat as well as a few of the patrol cats he was with. Best to keep my distance. The other she-cat was harder to read with her switching personalities and she couldn't figure out the other two toms. At least. not yet. Her whiskered twitched. This would be something she would have to think about more much later on.

"You don't have to stay here with me." Honeypool spoke, still not taking her eyes off the tortoiseshell. He hadn't left her side since halfway through the journey back here, and while she was thankful, he showed her some kindness it'll be better now to try and shut him out the best she could, not wanting to draw even more attention to herself within this clan than what was already resting on her shoulders. She would try to become the outsider until it was her time to leave from here.

Shouldn't be too hard. I seemed to have done it in WindClan. She rested her head in her paws and closed her eyes for a bit. She was just hoping she could lay low enough here and that no cat would report her as missing.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang's tiredness was starting to rack on his form but forced his green eyes to stay sharp in the presence of an outsider as he waited for the quickly dispersing crowd. The warrior had to swallow down a yawn to keep his composure, looking over to DewSpring who finished up lacing the she-cat's injury in cuts with a gentle paw, all the while the cat's amber eyes darted about in thought.

The cats sat in tense silence, the above-ground's loud disputes softening to a low murmur as clan mates headed their way to the den. RobinFang, despite his vision wavering in exhaustion, couldn't relax on the soft moss without his clanmates settling to complete silence as the night's events and various sounds left him nerved wracked. An orange paw placed the bridge of his nose, groaning softly as his own annoying pet peeves and ticks made it impossible to rest.


"You don't have to stay here with me." Honeypool spoke, her eyes not leaving the tortoiseshell. RobinFang gaze looked up, surprised to see that cat still awake, but understanding relatively quickly her lack of rest as paranoia still swam about in her eyes dancing with vague underlying feelings of pain and utter exhaustion. His square shoulders shrugged, stretching out his paws, as he settled only a moment more.

"I'm just waiting for the crowd to clear." He regarded her flatly, the statement's blunt truth hoping to stop any further questions. He watched as HoneyPool finally was able to set her head down on her crossed paws, her amber eyes fluttering down as her thoughts carried her away to sleep, envy souring RobinFang's coat.


Only a few minutes after was the tom able to hear the complete lack of speech, only the occasional annoying chirp of crickets disturbing the warm night. He sat up with great effort, his body was willing to collapse under him but not rest, stalking his way out of the medicine den. DewSpring eyed him as he left, sighing as the loner ventured out into the night before continuing to haphazardly sway her paw about to sort her supply.



Trailing up to the warrior's sector, a patch of false bushes was overtaken by various ferns and twisted thorns. He wandered into the dead shrub's skeleton, thorns holding the den in place as fluttering green leaves provided coverage. RobinFang settled with a plum of air escaping him as he plopped down on the soft bustle of pine and feathers, outstretching in his corner away from his peers to pop his back with a satisfying click in place and sigh.

The tortoiseshell rested on his back, his green gaze on the skylights that peaked their way through the dead shrubbery's frame as sleep finally welcomed him into blissful darkness.

 

[Honeypool]

//I hope it's okay there is a time skip!

It was warm. Honeypool crouched down. Her tail still as her amber eyes peered out through the tall grass. The scent of heather and morning dew fluttered by her. The familiar scents of WindClan soothing her as she crept forward, inching towards her main target. She could already feel the animal's warm body and soft fur beneath her claws. Her heart slowed down as her eyes grew into slits. Her tongue swiping across her light muzzle as she peered out at the gray fur fluffing in the wind. She was out for blood.

Shifting through the grass with light paw steps she halted. Long ears perked up as the creature froze. Her heart now thumping lowly in her ears as she waited, her claws digging into the soil. It was only moments before it looked down again. She began to move again, closing in on her prey. A large black and silver rabbit.

Once she was a good jump away, she froze. Her eyes widening in horror as the creature shot back up and turned to face her. It's yellow eyes digging into eyes. She took a step back. Snap. Her back leg lifted, and she looked behind her. A fallen birch twig rested beneath it. She turned sharply ready to chase the rabbit only to notice it darting towards her. It was now much bigger in size. Nearly the size of her. She left out a startled gasp before turning and racing off in another direction.

The rabbits loud thumping of feet echoed behind her. This wasn't normal! She raced on. Her heartbeat drowning out the other sounds around her, the wind racing through her fur as she sored through the plainlands heading towards camp. "Honeypool!" Her blood rang cold. Not that voice! Anything! Anyone but him!

She peered over her shoulder to now see a large male cat. His black and silverish fur matching that of the rabbit from earlier. His bright yellow eyes dark as he raced behind her with long outstretched forelegs. Her stomach filling with fear and she could feel her legs starting to give out below her. He had found her.

Both cats raced down the slope, Honeypool breathing hard and shaky. She could see the birch trees up ahead. She was heading back to WindClan camp. She was so close. She felt a bit more at ease until the sound of something launching into the air and the sharp pain of nails digging into her shoulders cause her to scream out. Her face collided with the now sandy ground, scraping it slightly. Her forepaws bending underneath her.

He was heavy and much larger than many of the other cats in her clan. She tried to wiggle away but his claws sunk in deeper. She wailed and turned her head to face him. His eyes cold and blank. He was mad. She knew that look all too well. "Go on. Scream. No one can hear you out here." His voice was low, monotoned.

"But camp-" she turned her head to see the familiar birch trees were gone. Replaced with just the pale blue sky. She looked around. There was nothing around them. She couldn't see any more trees. Just grass. She whimpered out, tearing pooling in her eyes.

"Now, tell me where you've gone." He spoke again. The same deadpan face looking down at her. What? But he had her? Her face twisted in confusion. She looked around unsure of how to answer him. "No? Okay. I'll find you myself." The last word leaving his mouth caused the tom to push her claws in deeper into her shoulders. Her breathing hitched as a pool of blood formed below her. Her vision turning spotty as she tried to pull herself away but that just made him force more weight onto her. He lifted a paw and placed it on her head. The tips slightly piercing her skull. "Watch your back." His voice low in her ears before her vision fully blacked out.



Her head instantly shot up. Her amber eyes full on panic as she jumped her. Her shoulders burning as her heartbeat quickened, feeling like it was going to burst out of her chest. Her whole body shaking as if she was made out of ice itself. She looked around, feeling the soft moss on her paws and the smell of herbs suddenly hit her. She was still in the medicine cat's den. She was still in ShadowClan. It was a dream. She breathed in and out loudly feeling her eyes water up. She was safe, for now. Still shaken. but not officially ready to get up. She laid back down. Her eyes still tired, but she knew now it was at least dawn. The faint sounds of bird and some cats stirring told her that. She sighed feeling as if she hadn't slept at all. Her body still feeling heavy with want as she rested her head on the soft ground and covered her face with a paw. She wrapped her tail around her shaking frame just wanting to be left alone for the rest of the day, but she knew that was not going to happen just as well as she knew she wasn't going back to sleep again.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

No problem, I was setting it up for a time skip anyhow so good tone reading! BTW if you feel the need to, you can control Shadowclan cats outside of RobinFang, as long as it’s in character.//

The sun rose over the pine trees, the camp still heavily shaded, only slivers of sunlight seeping into the camp’s clearing. The breeze of green leaf warm and welcoming as Shadowclan stirred from their nest. RobinFang was one of the last to wake up, his back arching as he stretched in the almost empty den.


His green eyes blinked groggily, a yawn shudder through his entire form. He shuffled getting back to his feet, peering hesitantly to the den’s entrance. The tortoiseshell flicked his split ear, standing to walk into the lit camp.

The clearing was filled with dancing orange and shadows as the sunset flutter about on the rustling trees, hot air blowing through the leaves. RobinFang stayed in the comfort of the warrior’s court, looking from cat to cat, giving himself a long list of task to keep him busy and away from camp.

Spotting BushPoppy, Shadowclan’s only Queen at the moment, in the purple thistle patch under the coverage of newly young pines RobinFang made his first task to hunt for the nursery. With a deep breath, he set out into the light reading to wade himself silently though the clearing for a morning solo hunt.


His tail flicked, his face remaining stern despite pressure and uncertainty settled in his heart amping clan mates. Despite being in Shadowclan for most his life, the group filled with the misfits and leftovers of other clans, the Tom still felt out of place. He knew it was childish to think every cat was out to get him, whispering behind his back, but every little noise made his fur bristle in distrust and isolation.


“RobinFang!” A deep voice called out, the warrior having to resist the jolt it caused to rack his lean frame. The tom turns, annoyance setting in as he recognized the voice.

A large muscular brown she-cat that was striped and splattered in gray and blacks stood beside CoalStar. He scowled as KestrelFall, his once mentor and now deputy, waved him over sternly. RobinFang, feeling like a scolded apprentice again, made his way over to the leader’s den.

 

[Honeypool]

//Will do! Thank you for letting me know.

Honeypool had managed to fall back asleep for a few moments, but the fear of her nightmare from earlier had been resting in the back of her mind and hadn't given her a moment of peace. Her amber eyes hung heavy with exhaustion and grief as she laid on the medicine cat's floor, her back towards the entrance. Her tail was wrapped around her body as if it was trying to comfort her, but nothing was really working.

A few cats had poked their heads into the medicine den, she assumed to glance at her, as a few whispers arose from them.

"Is she a prisoner?"
"She smells like grass!"
"Are we really wasting our herbs on here?"

Her dark brown eyes flattened slightly as she stirred a bit and tucked her body more into herself. She had finally began trying to clean off her fur, but the mud had now hardened and made it impossible to get off all the way. She had given up and decided to let it be for now. Dewspring had taken care of her cuts along her body, the strong herbs flowing from off her brown pelt, and now the dark calico seemed to be sleeping. Honeypool could never be too sure exactly what she was doing.

She sighed just wanting to leave. Her body was still slightly aching as she shakingly rose to her feet and sniffed around the den, hoping to pick up on a familiar scent without bugging the ShadowClan healer. Her amber eyes scanned the dark den for a few moments before giving up and laying back down in her makeshift nest.

"What are you looking for?" Honeypool jumped, her fur bristling. She wasn't sleeping. Her amber eyes turned to meet Dewspring's half opened green ones. Honeypool blinked trying to make out if the she-cat had been asleep or not, but she may never know.

Calming down a bit Honeypool shook her head, "S-sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." Her paws lightly pawing the ground before her as an uncomfortable feeling flashed through her. She didn't want to ask for anything but looking down at her paws she sighed as a cloud of tiredness hung over her head. She would kill to get a few more moments of sleep and hoped it wasn't going to torture her. "Poppy seeds." Her voice was quiet, but loud enough for the other she-cat to hear.

Saying nothing Honeypool watched as Dewspring turned around and slowly made her way towards the back of her den. Honeypool's whiskers twitched amazed that the cinnamon-colored cat didn't leave a trail of slime behind her with how sluggish her demeanor truly was. Poppy seeds were possibly the only herb Honeypool knew well enough, along with marigold as back home she wouldn't have been able to escape them even if she tried.

A hum was heard. She jumped again noticing Dewspring was back at her side with an outstretched paw. Had she been lost in thought for that long or had the she-cat managed to get quicker without her noticing. Honeypool looked down. "It's just one." Her voice was laced with confusion as she starred down at the single small black seed resting on top of a leaf.

Dewspring nodded her head a few times, a few times too many. "You just need one. You need to eat something before taking more." She placed the leaf down and turned away from the soft she-cat. Honeypool blinked, her eyes never leaving the leaf or the single black seed. This wasn't going to be enough to put her for sleep. Make her drowsy, yes, but that isn't what she wanted. Food. She couldn't remember the last time she had actually ate something, hunting at night had been her go to and while she wasn't very good at it. She had only managed to catch a few mice from time to time. She felt her stomach tighten before turning and letting out a low rumble. Guess she was hungry, but the thought of leaving the den and walking into the clearing was enough to cause her to panic again. The tips of her claws digging into her opposite paw. Not enough to draw blood, but enough to make her feel it.

She didn't move to get up anymore and instead she lapped up the seed and rested her head back on her paws. She would have to leave eventually, but not now. Her eyes closed as she breathed in deeply before breathing out.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

I've been (and probably will continue to be) quite busy with the holidays, so apology in advance if I don't get back to you as quickly as usual.//

RobinFang felt tense as he crossed into the leader's threshold, stepping over the patch of ivy and bramble that acted as a moat. The warrior followed quickly and respectively behind CoalStar and KestralFall, the two stepped into the darkness cast by the mighty boulder, long vines and roots draping across their pelts as they entered. The tortoiseshell breathed in a shaky breath, trying to level his head, before following suit.


As the tom bowed his head into the entrance, his eyes adjusting to the darkness, he placed the two, CoalSar sitting just out of range from the sneaking sunlight, KestralFlight stood face to face with the entering warrior her face stern but not unfriendly. The warrior makes quick work finding his place in front of his ex-mentor, silencing hanging over them for a moment as the warrior thought over what to say with the she-cat waiting patiently.

"What is this about?" RobinFang spoke in his normally gruff voice despite feeling meek for being pulled aside from hunting by the two high-standing cats. The deputy looked over to CoalStar, the shorter she-cat turning to him to provide context. The spooky-looking tom seemed surprised at the gesture but quick to cough out his silence to speak to his warrior, his pelt rising at his leader's cryptid way of speech.

"RobinFang, you've been a warrior for... how long now? A couple of moons, yes? While we do appreciate your consent service and loyalty you have shown us I think-" "Why haven't you taken an apprentice." KestrelFall interrupted bluntly, the sphinx stopping mid-sentence to glare at his deputy.


"That's what this is about?" He barked, his nervousness immediately disappearing in the swam of annoyance that dumped onto his pelt. RobinFang never understood KestrelFall's insistent pushing, demanding more of him every turn he took, the stripped-coated deputy copying his grimace at his response.

 

[Honeypool]

//It's perfectly okay! I understand I will soon grow busy myself but not until probably after Christmas! Thanks for letting me know in advance, nonetheless.

Honeypool laid on her side. Her amber eyes staring out at the poorly lit camp as random pelts flashed from side to side. It felt stuffy and cramped to her. WindClan's camp was as open as the territory was, a few dens had been dug out to make room for the queens and medicine cats, as well as for when it would rain or during leaf-fall, but normally cats would sleep outside in their respected groups under the stars in small patches of grass and moss.

It was always so brightly lit up instead of dark and gloomy. She was starting to feel homesick as her amber eyes hazed over with a look of grief and drowsiness. The poppy seed has worked, only a bit, making the aches in her body slowly fade away. She could hardly feel the faint throbbing in her cheek as she blinked. Her cheek! Her ears twitched suddenly remembering why she was out here and in this mess in the first place. Her claws dug into the ground before her eyes flashed. For a moment she could see the silver and black fur underneath her. She could feel his warmth against her paw pads but all too soon it faded, and the flashbacks of her nightmare was enough to chill her spine.

She huffed and sat up, brushing off bits of moss that clung to her pelt. The scent of something flooded her nose as she turned to look towards the entrance to the medicine cat's den. Meeting gray striped fur Honeypool instantly noticed the female from last night. Her tail fluffed with nervousness as she eyed the cat. A limp blob of green blocked her mouth and Honeypool almost flinched noticing the creature to be a frog.

Thornmask said nothing as she dropped the cold and smooth creature down before looking up at Honeypool with bright golden eyes. "Thought you might be hungry."

While she was hungry, she didn't know if she was hungry enough to eat a frog. Honeypool looked at her unsure if she was being serious or pulling her fur. She swallowed unsure of what to say. She dipped her head once. "Right, thank you." She said trying to hide the disgust in her voice. She reached out a paw to touch it and felt her claws flex against its skin. Quickly moving the frog over to her side, she left it alone before turning back to the gray tabby who hadn't left yet. What did she want now?

Without missing a beat Thornmask spoke. "So why join ShadowClan?" Her head tilted as curiosity dripped off of her pelt. Without the rest of her clanmates to bother her she figured now would be the best time to pry questions from the brown outsider.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang's ear flatten against his skull as KestrelFall berated him, switching between reprimanding his stubbornness and calling him lazy as a queen would scold their kit for sneaking out. The young warrior scowled at the deputy's constant pushing, his sharp canines baring out his jaws unconsciously as he grinned his teeth as he occasionally gave a verbal swat back to feed his and KestrelFall's bickering.

"-I just think you'd be able to get over yourself RobinFang-" KestrelFall was interrupted as CoalStar rose a white paw from the shadow, creeping out into the sunlight groaning and a claw rubbing his temple. The leader's long lanky form stepped between his deputy and warrior, his pink eyes casting a glare at both of them.


"We know you been sneaking off during the ceremonies RobinFang." CoalStar growled at the warrior, the tortoiseshell wanting to mouth back stubbornly but knowing it is best for him to shut up as the leader spoke the truth. "Normally I would punish you for neglecting your duties and failing your warrior expectations, but you already take any excuse to keep yourself busy and I won't have a perfectly fit cat trapped in the camp.-" The furless cat went with his eyes closed, his high tone going down an octave in anger and disappointment.

"I have a fitting task for you instead that will satisfy both as my deputy's wants-" KestrelFall gave a curt respect nod at her leader's acknowledgment. "-and a fitting disciplinary measure." RobinFang sweated at the implications of CoalStar's words, the lanky cat turning to boar his pink pupils into his.


"A meeting will soon start welcoming our newest member of ShadowClan, that Windclan she-cat, and I expect you to be there. Dismissed." RobinFang felt the courage to speak up again, wanting to question if CoalStar meant what he thought he meant but was too late as KestrelFall shoved him out of the den leaving the orange and gray tom flabbergasted among thorns.

 

[Honeypool]

"Sooooo?" Thornmask spoke up again. Her eyes seemed to be glowing as brightly as the sun as she eyed up the brown she-cat. Honeypool has been lost in thought for a few heartbeats unable to come up with what was her reasoning. Thornmask had scooted closer to her, enough for them to whisper if they pleased. Not that whispering was needed as Dewspring was probably too busy with her own duties to even be paying attention to the other two she-cats.

Honeypool turned her head away from her to stare off at nothing in the distance, hoping that if she ignored the tabby for long enough, she would eventually get the hint and let her be. But that didn't work as suddenly she felt a shove nudge her slightly and she whipped her head to look meet her. She had flinched not liking the feeling of a strange cat touching her, or really any cat touching her. "Do you have the wind trapped in your ears or something?" Thornmask spoke up, her voice laced with annoyance.

Is she always this bothersome? None of the other cats had bugged Honeypool as much as she had. Her pelt bristled with uncomfortably as she felt her nerves slowly began to bubble up inside her. "It's none of your concern." She finally spoke up, annoyed herself with how persistent the ShadowClan warrior was being. Not that she really blamed her, how many times had this happened? A cat switching clans. Curiosity would be eating her up as well if she was in their paws.

"It's not like I won't find out. Rumors spread fast around here." Thornmask got up to leave but not without glancing over at Honeypool once more before her frame disappeared out of sight. Why did that sound like a threat? Honeypool swallowed before laying back down, her paws tucked beneath her. Her paranoia had slowly begun to grow, and it felt like all eyes were on her. She felt uneasy and shaken up. Her stomach turning with anxiety as she looked down at the frog Thornmask has left for her.

She mental gagged, feeling too unsteady to eat it now, she pushed it away still feeling squeamish about the unfamiliar texture of it, and rested her head back on her paws. She just wanted to get out of this camp soon and she needed a good plan and a lot of excuses to get to that point.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang stayed out on the ground for only a moment too long stunned by the leader and deputy’s scolding, his pelt lighting with embarrassment when he realized clanmates started turning heads to the Tom. He quickly, almost clumsily, got back on his feet, recomposing his stature as he walked out of camp.



ThornMasked stepped out of the burrow with a huff, the nosy cat so distracted with her disappoint at the lack of information she bumps into a lean tom.

“DustWatcher?” She tilts her head in confusing, the warrior staring at the camp entrance interrupted mid whisper at the tabby’s accidental head butt. He turns to her with a questioning gaze, “What is it?” He scrolled grumpily.

“Nothing much, what are we staring at?” She replies sitting down as light and wind ruffled her pelt, the sun now finally lifted above the horizon.

“RobinFang running from a scolding.” He smirks, the sly cat giggling at his mean heartedness.

“Oh.” ThornMask sighed, feeling curious but bad for the tortoiseshell. While the warrior wasn’t well know beside the fact he was stern and snappy, no cat was more harsh and temperamental than the deputy.

She wished a KestrelFall on no feline, still listening in on DustWatcher as he made up theories on RobinFang and KestrelFall’s bickering.




RobinFang smashed the snake’s skull harshly to the ground with a heavy pounce, taking out his aggression on the prey by sinking his teeth into its scales. The warrior waited til he felt the fresh-kill stop struggling between his toes, it slowed to a stop as the warrior continued to clutch onto it’s windpipe.

He was still pretty close to camp, the smell of Shadowclan still strong but far enough for the hot winds to silence any murmur of camp.

The tom’s green eyes blinked himself back to reality, the viper long dead as his fangs stuck and almost tore off the poor thing’s head. He took a moment to relax himself, I flexing his paws and releasing tension from his square shoulders, pulling himself up with the fresh-kill dangling from his jaws.


RobinFang always made a point to get the worst of his suitors over with first, heading back to camp with what was once intended to be the queen’s, BushPoppy, prey. He may as well pay a visit to HoneyPool, having a feeling he’d be stuck with the she-cat.





“How long have you’ve been out of Windclan?” DewSpring blinked as she treated HoneyPool’s pads with yarrow, which were cracked from travel and thorns.

 

[Honeypool]

"Some moons." Honeypool answered the medicine cat. She wasn't aware of how long she had been gone herself, but it had been a while. She felt heavy, wanting to go back to her camp and try to smooth things over with her ex-mate, but she knew that now it was hopeless, and she feared him growing more and more aggressive with each passing moment. She blinked; her tail twitching uncomfortably. She wanted to know where things had gone so wrong for the two of them, but nothing could easily fall into place as to why he had began to turn on her.

It felt like a large list of things that just never happened had plagued Mistletuft's mind and made him accuse her more and more. First it was just small things that bugged him, but things quickly began to snowball and with each passing moon or question she would avoid out of confusion made things worse. Maybe he's losing his mind? Honeypool questioned herself. But he's still young? She signed unsure of what the real answer was. She looked down at her worn paw pads. Maybe he was just a bad choice for you. Her ears pricked up slightly as her eyes grew wide. Was that it? Were their personalities just not compatible? It wouldn't be the first. She had known of some cats to split from their mates after a few moons, but still even that was rare. Maybe you're just cursed. Another thought crossed her mind, and she quickly shoved it away not wanting to think about the issue anymore.

She had bigger things to worry about than why they had split up with him. She breathed in deeply, holding it to calm her body before exhaling and closing her eyes. Peace was her biggest goal as well as laying low long enough to plan her escape.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

A minty good smelling leaf fluttered on HoneyPool’s forehead as she was stuck in thought. The thyme was soft on her felty pelt, the aroma alluring calm.

DewSpring hung over the she-cat, her tangly long fur brushing past hers. “Why are you down?” The healer asked with a tilted head, offering the she-cat herb.

 

[Honeypool]

Do I look down? Honeypool blinked, slightly embarrassed that she had been called out. She shook her head and slimed slightly. "I'm okay, just thinking about home." She openly admitted before turned her attention to the den entrance hoping to take her mind off of her thoughts for a moment. She watched a few cats sitting around the camp clearing. Things seemed to have calmed down now as the day went on and the clan found things to do to keep them distracted. She looked over at Dewspring for a moment as well. Despite her weird nature Honeypool did feel safe with the stout she-cat. Maybe I just have a thing with medicine cats.

She turned her attention to the den entrance once more getting lost in thought. Sunpatch's den was very different from Dewsprings. It was covered in soft sand and leaves and Honeypool would often find herself in his den drawing random lines on the sand, not wanting to be bothered by her mate. He never seemed to bother her when she was in there so it had become her hang out when she wasn't busy and it seemed like Sunpatch enjoyed her company from time to time when there were slow days for him as well. Guilt flooded her chest as the thought of the ginger tom. He must be worried sick.

She looked back over at Dewspring as a question entered her head. "Are you close with the other medicine cats?"

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

“Of course! Most cats feel safe telling me just about anything, not sure why.” She shrugged, her eye blinking as slow as dust falls. The she-cat’s soft smile was comforting like a Queen nest, but something about her expression gave way the fact that if a centipede was placed in her ear it would crawl endless in search of a brain.

“Windclan’s medicine cat is SunPatch right? You miss her?” Her green eyes softened as they closed, resting her haunches. Her cinnamon pelt curling on the moss floor.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool was unsure of how to answer that question. While yes, she did miss him, but she wasn't sure if casting her worries out loud would be the best in this situation. She now regretted even bringing up the question as an uneasy feeling ran along her spine. She opened her mouth to answer but quickly closed it. Despite how nice Dewspring may be she was a ShadowClan cat through and through and her loyalty would always be with her clan. What was stopping her from telling Coalstar how she was feeling if he asked.

In reality Honeypool just wanted to let the WindClan medicine cat know that she was okay, and alive. But that was impossible to do right now. Maybe in the future she would be able to do something about it. Maybe meet him at the border or sneak back into her old territory to tell him. Her tail fluffed up at the thought of going back there. She mumbled a few words to herself before deciding to leave the subject alone.

"Sorry." The brown she-cat finally spoke something. A word that she has said countless times over and over. The word almost sticking to her mouth as she did say it, unsure of why she had said it so many times in the past when most of the time there was nothing for her to apologize for. Was she sorry for being distant? She had every right to be around these new cats, she didn't know them well enough to spill out her problems to them and she wasn't trying to get that close to them either.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

DewSpring's ear's faltered at the response's odd tone, Honeypool's apology a weird mix of unneeded guilt and paranoia that made the short cat queasy. The healer's smile fell to a curt straight line, as she stood up to return to the she-cat to continue her aid on the brown cat's worn and blistered paws.

"I don't understand why any cat would apologize when they haven't done any wrong." She laughed with an awkward smile, the sick in the medicine cat's stomach deepening at the attempt of being pushed away. She licked the yarrow flowers she's gathered from her supply to chew into a paste, humming as she groomed the cat's pads with the liquid herb.
The thyme left at HoneyPool's feet.


DewSpring passed back and forth between her patient and the many herbs that hung about the burrow, checking between the she-cat's pelt for every minor gash and small wound to soothe the aches of travel with the lapping of herb. Her long claws pluck all sorts of things from her supply, from familiar common plants that could be recognized from all the forest to odd shadowclan supplements sourced from their dark marshes or fields of sharp thistle. All the while, she hum and sang a rhythmless tune.

As she finished up, she was just gathering bundles of herbs to be eaten later ensuring the cat's growing strength. DewSpring's long claw paused as reached for the thyme to place among the cocktail, knowing the herb to reduce stress but forgetting why HoneyPool needed it. The patchy stout cat turns to the she-cat, a bank look of veiled confusion blinding her eyes for a moment.

She smiled again, the weird look passing. "I'm sorry, but what were we talking about again?" She awkwardly smiled with a crooked grin. The honest but clueless dull look in her eyes revealed why cats were so keen to trust the healer.





Four orange paws paced their way to the medicine den, the tom's legs weaving him in and out of shadows to curve around clusters of cats without notice. RobinFang wasn't ashamed of the soon-to-be unjust duty handed to him, but he preferred for his clanmates to know as little for as long as possible.

The tortoiseshell ducked his head into the burrow as prey dangled from his square muzzled and long fangs, his green eyes greeting what he was sure to be his new trainee.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool tried to sit still while getting her treatment done. Small winces and hisses had managed to get to her though. You would think by now she would be used to this type of care but it all hurt nonetheless. She felt better once it was all over with and she now just wanted to eat something. Her amber eyes flicking towards the frog she had left unattended and wrinkled up her nose. StarClan would have to hold her down themselves to get her to eat that.

Hearing Dewspring speak again she quickly turned to look at her. Honeypool shook her head, her eyes looking back at the frog and the patchy she-cat. "N-nothing important." She sighed almost relived that their conversation had left her mind so easily but that also caused a bit of worry to rest itself in her stomach. "Are you hungry?" She questioned jumped to a new subjected. Reaching for the frog, not wanting it to go to waste she nudged it closer to Dewspring in hopes she would take it. She really couldn't stand it being so close to her any more.

She would make a mental note to try and see if she could get something better to eat later on, until now, she would hold off on eating a bit longer. Her ears twitched as the scent of blood filled her nose. Hearing the rustle of the vines overhead she turned to meet another pair of green eyes. He was back? She went to open her mouth but quickly caught sight of the snake's limp body in his jaws. A sense of fear rushed though her. "What's with the snake?" Her voice was slightly frantic and pitched. "Where you bit?" Concern laced her voice as she sat up, her legs slightly buckling underneath her.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang's dark muzzle poked into the mossy-drenched den, the smell of dried herbs and wet grass always hitting him as if it was the first time. The warrior wrinkled his nose and pressed on into the healer's home, his head dipping under the ivy and bramble that hung from the ceiling.


His green gaze turned to meet Honeypool's orange eyes, his ears flattening at the thought of having to train the helpless outsider. The tortoiseshell tried to shake those mean-hearted thoughts that tug at both his guilt and self-doubt away, the she-cat's high pitch of concern chasing them from his mind to plant irritation instead.

"Calm down you pampered house cat, it's prey." He huffed, the irritation of the noise making him quickly snap out of proportion. RobinFang walked to the brown cat, who now smelt of herbs instead of the fearful sweat and blood aroma she arrived with, but paused as his eyes landed on a gray frog a foxtail away from her nest in disregard.

Slowing to a stop a tail away from HoneyPool, his eyebrow pinched together in confusion and annoyance as he spoke. "Where did you get this? And how come you haven't eaten yet?" He spoke with the curt authority that always stuck in his throat when irked, confused on how the she-cat got her paws on the fresh-kill only to push aside for ants to get.


DewSpring turned to the taller warrior with a blank look, RobinFang paused as gears turned over in his mind never once seeing the cat leave her nest, certainly not smooth enough to get in and out of the clearing. He took a whiff of the amphibians, the vague smell of soot and dirt made him narrow his eyes as if her very presence stood before him.

He craned his neck back up and away from the slippery prey, the viper still stuck in his teeth, turning to she-cat not waiting for a response of a story he already knew too well from experience, ThornMask's nosiness knowing no bounds since they were apprentices.


RobinFang shook his head with a groan as he figured out the poor bribery attempt, moving on as he tossed the roughen-up garden snake into HoneyPool's paws. "Ugh, Neverminded that. Eat." He ordered, sitting down a few paces away from the she-cat.

DewSpring tilted her head at the two, the cold tortoiseshell tom and paranoid she-cat contrasting each other sharply just being in the same space. She sighed as she went back to her herbs, just hoping the two wouldn't cause a ruckus.