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Rikaistar clawed his way to his perch, high upon the High Branch before calling out, "All cats old enough to climb the highest tree, gather beneath the High Branch!" Mutters and moaning were cut off abruptly as his clan mates realised the reason for his calling. Rikakitar tried greatly to stop himself from narrowing his eyes at his groaning clan mates. The time has come, for me to choose the deputy of Omoideclan he drew a breath in quickly before continuing,
I call upon Starclan to approve of my choice Whispers broke out, circling the bright clearing.
Mikapelt shall be the deputy of Omoideclan! He faced the delicate she-cat, his tail swishing elegantly.
Omoideclan thanks you for your wisdom and kindness. I am sure I have made a worthy decision. Rikaistar allowed the clan to begin welcoming her as the new deputy. He knew she was ready.
As the sun waned in the sky, a cry was heard echoing through the clan boundaries. Mochi heard the call of Rikaistar and watched as many other clan mates began to stir and make their way towards the great tree. She slowly stood up from her spot, stretching out her front legs in front of her, extending her claws to catch onto the wooden floor of the temple's porch. Her muscles stretching and moving under fur as her pale eyes became more alert. She heard whispers and conversation going on as she herself started to make her way towards the highest tree and the sacred High Branch. Mochi didn't consider herself so special among the clan that she should rush to the call of Rikaistar, if anyone should be rushing it should be the clan healer. However as Mochi looked around the crowd forming she couldn't manage to see the healer anywhere. She shrugged it off, figuring that they must be busy and like everyone else she was curious as to what was so important that the clan leader had called for a gathering of the clan.
She sat among many of the others as Rikaistar spoke to them all announcing Mikapelt was to be the new deputy of Omoideclan. Mochi blinked a few times, she was too familiar with Mikapelt she knew that she was fairly new to the clan but had proved herself quickly. There were whispers and grumbles among some of the clan mates, but Mochi had never really been the type to worry about things like who's picked or who should have been picked. She herself had lived a life with the two-legs before she was left on her own so how could she disagree with Rikaistar's decision on picking a deputy that many others liked to call 'outsider'. It would be like disapproving of herself being in the clan. As the moon began to take it's place in the sky, and the crowd began to clear out Mochi, decided she should seek out the clan healer. After a swift hop down from the highest tree, she went off searching for her teacher and mentor.
Mikapelt sat down next Ukitail, the masculine tom dipped his head in greeting, flickering his tail in interest, Mikapelt had known the tom since she had joined Omoide Clan, he had been one of the cats who had actually treated her with kindness. It was no secret most of the cars here thought she was just a kitty-pet and she didn't deserve her spot her, honestly she acted likes he didn't care although a he had to admit it bothered her a little. Although she loved living her Clan life, she missed her past owner with all her heart, shaking her head before signs of weakness seeped out she heard Rikaistar call her name out.
Mikaplet shall be the new deputy of Omoide clan!
Shock ran through her the way electricity ran through a cat when the hunt was on, cats all around her dipped their heads in welcome and respect, although she could only she a blur of different colors she could feel herself sit up a little taller with pride. Next to her Ukitail purred at her and nuzzled her face.
Well down Mikatail, you deserve it.
After most of the cats had left Mikapelt slowly made her way up to Rikaistar she dipped her head in greeting and respect as so many cats had done to her in the past hour.
Rikaistar, I want to thank you for picking me to be the Clans deputy, it means a lot.
Allowing herself in nuzzle his shoulder showing her affection she let her intelligent eyes scan him.
I- I am sorry I was late to the meeting it won't happen again- I was just- just dealing with something.
Mikapelt felt a little embarrassed about her excuse, Mikapelt didn't want anyone knowing about her past, it was her secret and she wanted it to stay that way.
The voice of a fae broke his brief daydream. Rikaistar opened his eyes, dragging a paw over his delicate ear. The lithe frame of the new deputy was in front of him. Rikaistar, I want to thank you for picking me as the clans deputy, It means alot
she told him, looking into his own eyes. As he was about to reply, Mikatail lent forward, and quickly nuzzled his shoulder. I knew you were ready to be the deputy. I actually had my eye on you for quite a while. he admitted, a slight breeze rustling the fallen cherry blossom petals. When you joined Omoideclan, I saw a fierce, gentle warrior in you. Rikaistar, dipped his head, his tufted ears perked. I-I am sorry I was late to the meeting, It wont happen again-I was just..dealing with something she said, lowering her cranium to the earth submissively. Rikaistar narrowed his eyes What were you doing? I need to know;since I am the leader. he gave his chest a quick lick, and wrapped his elegant tail neatly around his delicate paws. When she didn't reply, and instead looked at her paws; Rikaisstar realised his hackles were raised. Im sorry Mikapelt. I just need to make sure you are okay; I don't want anything bad to happen he stretched his neck out, and gave a reassuring lick on her cheek.
Slightly worried she decided she would go and visit the cats within the clan that were soon to give birth and see if the healer had become caught up with them. Her first stop was a young cat by the name of Gekkō she was having her first litter and was just barely out of her second spring. She approached the stoop where Gekkō had chosen to make a nest for the kits.
"Hello, Gekkō how are things coming along for you?", Mochi bowed low to her in greeting.
"Oh hello Mochi, just trying to make sure everything will be just right for the kits.", said the soon to be mother.
"You wouldn't have happened to receive a visit from the clan healer when the sun was high today did you?", Mochi turned her head slightly to the side in question.
Gekkō shook her head, "No I'm afraid I haven't seen the healer at all today, even though a visit was promised two moons ago.
Mochi nodded but was obviously concerned, "All right then I'll check you over Gekkō, you're too close to whelping to just leave you be for a couple more days."
Mochi went over all the steps in her head that she had been taught by the healer when it came to she-cats on the verge of birthing. First she had to get the general smell of the young cat, Mochi touched her nose to Gekkō's and the rubbed her cheek against her.
"Okay now lay on your side for me please?", Gekkō listened and turned on her side so the apprentice healer, could pad her stomach in order to feel the kits inside.
"They seem to be moving along nicely, lots of movement, at least.... five maybe even six in there. I would say, you have at least till the end of the week, and those little ones will be ready to greet the world. Maybe a little bit longer, but it's best to find out that it's longer instead of sooner. I'll come and check on you again tomorrow if the clan healer hasn't popped up. Mochi moved back from Gekkō as she stood up once again.
"Thank you Mochi, and I hope you find the clan healer soon." said Gekkō bowing low as Mochi began to move away.
Mochi nodded back, "Yes, I hope I find the clan leader as well. Come and find me if you need anything, I'm usually at the temple.".
Mochi went all through the clan's lands visiting various patients that she knew the clan healer had been visiting. It was the same story, the healer had not been seen in almost three days. This was not good in Mochi's eyes and the only thing she could think of to do was to speak with Rikaisstar. She knew that she was just an apprentice and that she really didn't have much ranking within the clan. But she was honestly at a loss as to what to do, and the clan leader is the most wise of all the clan, who else would she point this out to.
She headed towards the tallest tree, once again as the moon shone in the sky her she would dip through shadows cast by homes, till she made her way to the bottom of the tree. Looking up she could see that Rikaisstar was there along with the newly appointed deputy. They appeared to be in conversation, but Mochi felt that with so many she-cats in the clan about to whelp that it was important for the clan leader to know the clan healer was missing. Calling up to the high branch she hoped they would hear her out.
"Clan leader Rikaisstar and Deputy Mikapelt, there is something that is distressing me. Would you hear me out? The clan healer has not been seen in almost three moons, I am worried the healer has never been gone this long at least without telling me or anyone else.", her calling was quiet and respectful
What is wrong Mochi?
the lithe tom propels himself onto the petal covered ground, a few stirring in his presence. He sits down, wrapping his tail neatly around his front paws. Rikaistars intelligent emerald optics scan the Healer apprentice, waiting for her to continue.
The clan healer has not been seen in almost three moons, I am worried the healer has never been gone this long at least without telling me or anyone else."
He flicks his ears and draws a slender paw over his finely sculpted muzzle.
I thought the Healer has been gone. I just thought they went on a trip to the Spirit tree, to see if there was a prophecy from starclan
Rikaistar stands up, flicking his tail towards Mochi, gesturing for her to follow. We should check the Healer den, to see if they left any evidence. We also need to seriously discuss this, I may need to call a clan meeting.
They pad across the clearing, to a small weeping willow, separating the heart of the camp from the privacy of the Healer den. The hanging tendrils from the willow brushed gently across his back, parting the leaves so the lithe apprentice could go in before himself. The small tunnel led into a grassy clearing, with spiralling stepping stones, leading into the middle. Cherry blossom petals had been purposely placed there, leaving a fresh fragrance in the air. A small pool of water ran around the edge of the cave. There were nest made out of briar, leaves, feathers and petals, for sick cats to stay in there while they were recovering. A frail fae elder, named Kishay, was laying in one of the nests, her brown tabby coat was dull, and her muzzle was covered with specks of grey.
Mochi leg him into a small crack in the wall, which spread wider. Cracks in the walls held all sorts of herbs, that all you could smell was freshly picked herbs. The roof of the herb carven was made out of tendrils of vines, that allowed sunlight to fall into the cave. Rikaistar turned to the apprentice, You know the healers scent best; how old is this scent? he pointed his blotched paw to the healers scent, where obviously they had rolled around on the cool stone.
After his wash, he padded over to the stream that surrounded the camp. Careful not to fall into the water, he dipped his paws in, liking the way the cool water ran between his toes. Koi raised his large paws, kneading the lush green grass to dry them. Nightfall had fallen, and the camp was dark apart from the lamp that was in the middle of the camp. He never liked it, it was to manmade, along with the bridge.
Where is Rikaistar? Koi thought to himself, padding up the small hill that led to the Warriors den. I saw him go into the Healers den with Mochi. I wonder if he is still in there.. he sat down on the edge of the hill, that overlooked their territory. The moon light's rays beamed onto the water, making it glow a beautiful aqua, illuminating the whole territory. Koi let out a sigh as he overlooked Omoideclans beautiful territory. The cherry blossoms flowers were still, despite the small breeze that plucked a few petals off.
Koi lie down in his nest of feathers and petals, listening to the rhythmic snoring of his den mates. His nest was in the back, next to Ushi's, who was in a deep sleep. As much as he wanted to slip into a slumber, he was afraid of the horrors that lay waiting in his dreams. The horror of his own father killing his mother still haunt his dreams; even though the incident happened w hen he was no more older than two moons.
He lie on his stomach, his paws tucked neatly under his soft belly, looking out at the river. It was still glowing naturally, the pebbles lighting up underneath the moon light. Fish were visible, swimming around and leaping joyfully out of the water. Suddenly he felt awfully tired, and his eyelids could no longer hold themselves up. He tries to resist, but gave in, knowing he would have to sleep at some point. Quickly, he was led into a deep sleep.
"Mum, where's dad?" the kit asked the silky grey she. "Hush child, he will be back soon." the rough feeling of her tongue rasping over his head made him sleepy, and he buried into her soft fur.
Koi yowled, and realised that he was thrashing in his nest. All of the warriors were around him, trying to calm him down. Koi, it was just a dream voices said, trying to reassure him.
The cool night air ran through her soft black and white as she neared the Warriors den, inside she could hear throwing and voices, she turned in and saw Koi, she didn't know much about the tom, only he was here around the same time she was found, possibly before. She also knew a little about his past, she overheard a warrior once saying Koi's father had gone insane and killed his mother. Although she had never meet the tom she felt sort of connection, most probably because he had gone through she same thing as her, losing things he cared about and sadness and those two thing, Mikapelt know a lot about. She softly crepet up to the den sticking her head in, she took in the toms masculine build and slowly approached him.
Koi? Are you ok?
Mikapelt had known the tom for a while, they quite often went out for little chats, she couldn't see him but she could feel his presence.
I saw some squirrel down by the lake earlier this morning, wanna come?
She asked softly, she titled her head to the side letting her emerald eyes glimmer in the moonlight. She waited till he was by her side before she slipped on into the night with Koi at her paws.
The moonlight gleamed on the River making the exotic fish that lived their seem even more beautiful. The cold night air wrapped around Mikapelt send chills through her body, slowly she nuzzled up to Koi and let his warmth surround her.
I've missed you these past days, and you... You seem to bet getting worse, what is it exactly that haunts your sleep?
Her tail tightly wrapped around her white paws and she tried to look over the River but all she could see was a dim blue, she tried to imagine what it would look like if she could actually see. Sorrow climbed through her but she shook it away, she enjoyed spending time with Koi and rarely got to see him. She looked up at Koi and whispered to him, her voice filled with kindness.
You don't have to tell me, I understand, it's fine.
She gently nuzzled Koi making sure he was ok and looked at the landscape, all though she couldn't see much.
Hey, I am starved, wanna catch some squirrel I saw some this morning, they should be easy to catch, we could even bring some back for the clan.
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Im fine he whispered, his ice blue eyes glazed, and his body shuddering. It had been many years, since his mother had died, but the scene still haunted, his dreams, some nights worse than others.
I saw some squirrel down by the lake earlier this morning, wanna come? Mikapelt asked; tilting her head to the side.
Koi nodded and stood up, wanting to take his mind off his night mare. He padded after her, his tail drooping and his eyelids heavy. Perhaps the cool night air would calm him.
He looked up at the starless night sky, the slight breeze tugging at his cheek fur. He noticed that Mikapelt was sitting at the waters edge, peering into the river. Silently, he padded up to her and sat at her side, letting her lean into him.
He sighed, letting the warmth of her body surround him, and he breathed in, letting her sweet scent fill his scent glands. I've missed you these past days, and you... You seem to bet getting worse, what is it exactly that haunts your sleep? Mikapelt looked up at him, her eyes reflecting his reflection in them. Koi swallowed reluctantly, looking down into the river. The moons rays shun on his pelt, making the scars from his father more visible. Koi was covered in them, but the most noticeable one was the one running down his throat. Missing fur would never grow back on that one.
He realised that she was looking up at him, waiting for him to respond to her question. My father killed my mother in front of me.. when I was a kit he took in a deep breath before continuing slowly,
He had been gone for days, supposably hunting.Thats what my mother said, but I knew she was scared of him. When he came back, Mali, my mother ran up to him. He didn't seem happy at all..
Koi looked into the river, wrapping his raccoon like tail around his paws.
I was a kit back then, and I thought that my mother was bowing to him, wanting to play. But he was pinning her to the ground..
he gazed at his reflection, looking at the awful scar that was planted on his chest. Koi frowned, and splashed the water, disturbing his reflection.
He told me to look away, and I looked into his eyes. They were almost white, and had no pupil. I didn't obey.. and then he killed her. I tried to get out, but my paw was caught in our nest..when I managed to break free, I tried to wake her up.
Mikapelt was listening intently to his story, not taking her eyes off of his I looked around for him, then he pushed me down. I was a mouse tail away from her blood...then he made me drink it.. Koi looked away, pausing from his story and to catch his breath. My dream always end there, sometimes it has him drinking it, his mouth covered in her blood, and my mother still awake.Now you know why I am always tired. he chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.
He would then intrude into territories, and kill innocent warriors. He would then show me, and say they were his friends. a deep growl rumbles in his throat, the image of it coming back into his mind.
He had a cave.. where he piled the bodies of the cats he killed. He would sit in there every night, and drink their blood, or just stare at them..I don't particularly want to describe it
He whispers, standing up.
Hey, I am starved, wanna catch some squirrel I saw some this morning, they should be easy to catch, we could even bring some back for the clan. Mikapelt nudges him, standing up as well.
That would be great, he purrs, leaving a quick lick on her cheek.
"Hmph! Gotcha!"
Ginfur bounded off with her prize, intertwining through low growing shrubs and brilliant pink sakura blossoms dappled with sun-beams. Her mind buzzed with her own voice.
'I should be getting back soon I suppose. Wait, won't the new deputy be picked today? Or was that yesterday?! I hope I didn't miss it!'
The past few days Ginfur had spent on a self-ordered hunting mission outside of camp. Her whole conception of reality had been muddled. She slept in trees at night and tracked prey during the day, and being her forgetful self, she had completely lost track of time. Slowing her bound to a paced trot, Ginfur rounded familiar land marks and crossed a wide cobblestone Twoleg path. Her home wasn't far, and she couldn't feel rushed on such a sunny day.
The warbler uncomfortably smothered her nose, and the downy feathers blew into her face and made her sneeze. Ahead Ginfur noticed a tall cherry tree peeking over shrubs. With no regard for who or what lay on the other side, the greyish blur burst through the bushes, snagging her fur and even dragging a sharp thorn across her ear.
"I made it! Who's deputy? Am I late?!"
The overexcited she-cat yelped louder than was she originally intended. Ginfur's entrance was met with different expressions ranging from amusement to downright annoyance. Her ears immediately flattened in embarrassment as she picked the now dusty bird into her mouth and walked it to the fresh-kill pile. Her eyes apologized as several cats re-curled into new sleeping positions. A painful sensation swept across her ear and she trotted to the medicine den between two tall willow trees.
'maybe I could get something for my ear, I've officially got nothing else to do'
Her head brushed it's way through the entrance to see Rikaistar himself, speaking with the medicine apprentice Mochi. She didn't want to disturb them, but her ear began to feel hot with pain.
"He-hello, sorry to disturb you, but m-my ear it's"
The small cream cat looked thoughtfully at her leader and turned to the shelf of herbs, grabbing a wad of cobwebs and dandelion-leaf poultice.
"Hello Ginfur, I can't say I've seen you for a while. Where have you been off to?" Rikaistar's voice maintained it's usual coolness.
"Oh, around. Hunting mostly." Ginfur heard her own guilt in her voice. She didn't acknowledge her absence the day prior.
While waiting, the injured cat examined the small hollow. Long willow branches draped from a sky-light that illuminated various beds of cherry blossoms and a winding stone pattern. A trickling pool made her thirsty, but she didn't move. Her leader sat in a sunbeam gingerly licking an ebony paw. Though he had his general relaxed demeanor, something about his bright emerald eyes were unsettled. Mochi turned and gently pressed a wad of cobwebs to Ginfur's ear. It absorbed scarlet fluid from her cut. Before thinking, the young warrior spoke, if any more thought was given she would have known it was out of turn.
"Where's the healer?" She said in an innocent voice.
Rikaistar froze, and Mochi's paw hesitated with dandelion leaves, which resumed and were stuffed into Ginfur's mouth. She chewed, swallowed and shuttered at the bitterness.
"Out"
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