Badgerfang

Badgerfang is a big, fluffy black tom with white stripes, green eyes, and a scar on his belly.
Badgerfang was born to Fernshade and Wolfstep in ShadowClan as Badgerkit. He grew up alongside Mintkit and Marigoldkit, and their later death saddened him. He became an apprentice early at 3 moons under Brokenstar's rule, and was mentored by his uncle, Flintfang. He nearly died during a battle against WindClan, but was saved by Copperleaf and Blossompaw. He later became a warrior early named Badgerfang, and became mates with Blossomtail. Badgerfang supported Copperleaf against Tigerstar and became the unofficial leader of CopperClan after Copperleaf's death.
==History==
===Burning Thistles===
====Prequel====
Badgerkit is seen playing with Mintkit and Marigoldkit as Dawncloud reflects that she was not much older than them and already locked in battle at their age.
When Copperpaw returns from a patrol that resulted in Frogtail's death, the three kits run up to him and Badgerkit asks him if they ran into ThunderClan, to which Finchflight responds angrily that they did. When Brokenstar appears from his den, Copperpaw whispers to the kits to return to their mothers. Badgerkit looks like he might argue, but follows Mintkit and Marigoldkit when they leave.
Later, when Copperleaf earns his name, the three kits are flocked around him again. Badgerkit pounces on Mintkit's back, who is noted to be younger than him. The three begin tussling while Copperleaf and Dawncloud talk.
====Into the Wild====
When Swamppaw and Blossompaw are made apprentices, new but older apprentice Badgerpaw is there to greet the 3 moon old apprentices, as well as the newly made warriors Tallpoppy and Whitethroat. When the battle against WindClan occurs, Badgerpaw is being cradled by his mother, Fernshade. Littlepaw, Wetpaw, Blossompaw, and Swamppaw are also being worried over. Badgerpaw participates in the battle, and is severely injured. Copperleaf and Blossompaw rush to help Flintfang with his bleeding apprentice, and manage to talk him out of WindClan's camp.
Outside of WindClan's camp, Copperleaf sends Blossompaw to fetch heather for Badgerpaw's wounds. Badgerpaw speaks weakly to Flintfang, and laughs when Blossompaw makes a joke. They then carry Badgerpaw back to camp where Yellowfang and Runningnose treat him, and his black and white fur is noted to be matted with blood.
Later, Badgerpaw is said to be faring worse than Swamppaw, who was also injured in the battle, so much so that Brokenstar has not forced him on patrols. Copperleaf, Flintfang, Fernshade, Wolfstep, Blossompaw, and Dawncloud take turns watching over the injured apprentices. Mintkit and Marigoldkit go missing while Badgerpaw (who is noted internally by Copperleaf to still be a kit) and Swamppaw are resting in the medicine cat den.
At a Gathering, Badgerpaw has healed enough to go. He walks alongside Blossompaw and Brownpaw.
====Fire and Ice====
The next time Badgerpaw is seen, he has his warrior name of Badgerfang, despite only being nine moons. When Copperleaf's patrol returns to camp, Badgerfang nudges Blossompaw before running up to Copperleaf and Oakpaw. He asks if they caught anything in WindClan's territory, but Oakpaw responds that the rabbits are too fast.
Later on, Copperleaf calls Blossomtail for a hunting patrol with him, Oakfur, and Tallpoppy. Blossomtail and Badgerfang were grooming each other's pelts. Blossomtail reluctantly pulls himself away from Badgerfang, who is happily resting in the wet snow of leaf-bare. Badgerfang laughs at Blossomtail and tells him to bring him back a toad.
During the next battle between WindClan and ShadowClan, Blossomtail is clawed down his face, and Dawncloud, Badgerfang, and Oakfur rush to his side. When Blossomtail claims it doesn't hurt, Badgerfang huffs at him and tells him that he is confining him to the medicine cat den himself. He calls Blossomtail crazy for attacking a senior warrior, and Blossomtail responds that he did it because she killed Ashfur. Blossomtail then says, more cheerily, that it will be "just like old times, but instead of you being in the medicine cat’s den, I’ll be, and then you’ll have to cuddle me and give me prey and visit me every day." Badgerfang tells him to shush, as he won't pamper him for his stupidity. Badgerfang and Oakfur lead Blossomtail to the medicine cat den.
====Rising Storm====
Badgerfang is chatting with Blossomtail, Oakfur, and Littlecloud on their way to a Gathering. Badgerfang and the other young warriors are noted to finally be the age of a warrior.
Copperleaf sees Badgerfang swatting a mossball to Blossomtail while Swampfur watches. Copperleaf thinks about the scar on Badgerfang's belly, and how much trauma he and the other young cats had endured. He also thinks of Badgerfang as one of his kits when Dawncloud is talking about Oakfur being quiet. Oakfur starts playing mossball with Badgerfang and Blossomtail.
Badgerfang is taken with the other ShadowClan cats to talk to WindClan about getting ThunderClan to kill Brokenstar. Badgerfang is greeted by Storkpaw, who says it's nice to seem him again, implying they have talked before. Storkpaw introduces him to her brother, Quailpaw and Badgerfang greets him. Badgerfang also looks at Ravenpaw, but turns to talk to Airleap and Tornear instead. Badgerfang tells them that he can't believe ThunderClan would refuse them (ShadowClan and WindClan) their revenged (in reference to Brokenstar being alive), and trembles in fear. The warriors talk more, and Badgerfang agrees with Tornear when he complains about Bluestar having compassion for a kit murderer.
When Ravenpaw tries to speak, Badgerfang is the one that is focused intently on him, and translates his words. While Ravenpaw panics, he realizes Badgerfang is looking at his scars, then Ravenpaw takes note of Badgerfang's own scars. Ravenpaw wondered what happened to him, but he remains silent and the conversation moves on. During it, Tornear looks guiltily at Badgerfang, hinting that Tornear was the warrior who attacked Badgerfang. Badgerfang sadly mentions Mintkit and Marigoldkit as kits who lost their lives under Brokenstar's reign.
Feathercloud internally reflects that Badgerfang's name was easy to translate in pawspeak while he and Brackenfur are talking to ShadowClan warriors at a Gathering.
When Tigerclaw and his rogues show up at ShadowClan's camp, Badgerfang is sitting beside Swampfur, Blossomtail, and Littlecloud. Badgerfang is noted to be towering over Blossomtail, and glares at all of the exiled rogues, and gives an audible hiss at Finchflight in particular.
Badgerfang is on a hunting patrol with Tigerclaw, Russetfur, Ashheart, Whitethroat, Blackfoot, Stumpytail, Snag, and Mogli. When Tigerclaw says they will be hunting in ThunderClan territory, Badgerfang is shocked alongside Whitethroat, Russetfur, and Ashheart. Badgerfang claims that that is stealing, and continues that it doesn't feel right to hunt on ThunderClan land when Tigerclaw tries to convince him otherwise. Badgerfang reflects that Copperleaf had told Whitethroat and Littlecloud to seek help from Spottedleaf in ThunderClan. Badgerfang does not like how Tigerclaw treats Whitethroat for this reason as well. Though, Badgerfang does stare in admirance when Tigerclaw takes down a bird.
When a ThunderClan patrol appears, Badgerfang is fearful and regretful, then shocked when Tigerclaw orders them to attack. Tigerclaw attacks Runningwind and nearly kills him before Ashheart demands he stop. Runningwind runs off, then Rosetail appears. Tigerclaw attacks her, and she dies. Badgerfang is horrified, and yells, but Tigerclaw claims he hadn't meant to kill her, but that she was an elder and elders were frail. Badgerfang and Ashheart trade uncertain looks, but follow Tigerclaw's orders to keep hunting in ShadowClan's territory. He wonders where his friend, Whitethroat, had disappeared too.
On the funeral for Cinderfur, Whitethroat, Hollyflower, and Nutwhisker, Badgerfang is eating prey with Dawncloud, Swampfur, Blossomtail, and Littlecloud. When Tigerclaw is appointed leader after Nightstar's death, Badgerfang bristles and protests that Copperleaf showed more initiative to be a leader.
At this point in time, Badgerfang is noted to be mates with Blossomtail.
When Tigerclaw becomes Tigerstar, Badgerfang is among the cats who are uncertain or disapproving of his leadership. Copperleaf joins Badgerfang, Dawncloud, Ashheart, Blossomtail, Fernshade, Flintfang, Wolfstep, Tallpoppy, Oakfur, and Swampfur as they worry over Tigerstar's leadership, though Swampfur and Oakfur seem to be in approval of it. When Wolfstep asks who else could be leader, Badgerfang looks pointedly at Copperleaf, who ignores him.
Badgerfang is at the Gathering where Tigerstar is announced as leader. Fireheart thinks of him as friendly despite his lumbering size and mean scar.
====A Dangerous Path====
When Ravenwing speaks up at the Gathering against Tigerstar, Badgerfang shifts beside Copperleaf and recognizes Ravenwing from when they met in WindClan's camp. When Tigerstar calls Ravenwing a liar, Copperleaf and Badgerfang exchange a shocked look. Copperleaf and Badgerfang share another look when Ravenwing starts struggling to speak. Badgerfang also gives a disbelieving snort when Tigerstar claims he was the only warrior fit to lead. Badgerfang and Copperleaf both go to Tigerstar when he calls ShadowClan to him. Swampfur comes to walk beside Badgerfang when Copperleaf thinks that she's being suspicious.
Later, Badgerfang brings prey to LeopardClan's secret camp past Carrionplace alongside Copperleaf, Dawncloud, and Blossomtail. Badgerfang is confident and defiant, and Copperleaf lets him lead the way. When the LeopardClan warriors worry over Leopardfur leading a patrol to support ThunderClan against ThistleClan, Badgerfang makes a comment that "it depends whose leading RiverClan’s fight" as to who LeopardClan is fighting for. When the LeopardClan warriors question Tigerstar not knowing about the ShadowClan rebels sneaking prey to them, Badgerfang claims that Tigerstar is too focused on BloodClan.
When Tigerstar and his followers leave camp, Copperleaf and Badgerfang organize a secret gathering of cats against Tigerstar's rule, consisting of them, Badgerfang's apprentice Quietpaw, Blossomtail, Dawncloud, Tallpoppy, Wetfoot, Bubbles, Littlecloud, Wolfstep, Fernshade, Flintfang, Turtlepaw, Ashheart, Swampfur, and Oakfur. Copperleaf, Dawncloud, and Badgerfang exchange a dark look as they ask Littlecloud about the night where Tigerstar recieved a sign to become leader. Badgerfang asks Littlecloud if there was any blood on the claw, to which Littlecloud confirms so. The group realizes Tigerstar lied about the sign.
====The Darkest Hour====
Badgerfang comes closer to protect Bubbles when Finchflight tries to approach, though he is warded off by an angry Dawncloud. Later, after this, Badgerfang disappears from camp, and Fernshade and Flintfang worry over him. But Badgerfang returns to camp and apologizes to Fernshade for worrying her. When Tigerstar questions where Badgerfang was, suspicious, Badgerfang claims he went for a midnight hunt, but caught nothing. Copperleaf realizes he knows just where Badgerfang went---LeopardClan. Tigerstar dismisses Badgerfang reluctantly.
Badgerfang is half-asleep when Copperleaf awakes him and tells him that Ravenwing is in WindClan. When Badgerfang is confused, Copperleaf explains that Tallstar hates ShadowClan, then continues that Tigerstar is bad news. Badgerfang promises Copperleaf he won't tell anyone what he tells him, and, as Copperleaf speaks to him, Badgerfang pieces together that Tigerstar killed Redtail and Ravenwing saw it. Copperleaf also tells him that Tigerstar laid a trap for Bluestar, but that it hit Cinderpelt and Cricketheart instead. When Badgerfang questions why Copperleaf would tell him, Copperleaf says it's because he has a good head on his shoulders.
Badgerfang wonders if its worth it to risk going to WindClan for allies, and Copperleaf agrees Tigerstar is too suspicious of them sneaking out of camp already. Badgerfang suggests talking to WindClan at a Gathering, and Copperleaf agrees. At said Gathering, Badgerfang and Blossomtail run up to greet Ravenwing and Barley.
On the day ShadowClan attacks WindClan, Badgerfang is amongst the group of cats to ignore Tigerstar's order to attack. When Runningbrook of WindClan tries to attack Badgerfang, the tom backs off and bows his head, confusing the she-cat. She sees the other ShadowClan rebels not attacking and backs off.
After Copperleaf's death, Badgerfang mentions that it seems Tigerstar does have StarClan's blessing of nine lives, but that he and the others refuse to accept it. He says Copperleaf was the real leader they believed in, then names themselves CopperClan. The ShadowClan rebels yowl the name, then ThunderClan and WindClan too. Afterwards, Tallstar nods deeply to Badgerfang and professes their allyship between their three clans. Badgerfang agrees and says he will speak to LeopardClan after Copperleaf's burial.
At Copperleaf's funeral, Badgerfang sits on one side of Copperleaf's body with his tail intertwined with Blossomtail's, and Dawncloud and Oakfur beside them. Badgerfang agrees with Spottedleaf that Tigerstar would have killed another if not Copperleaf, so there was nothing Firestar could have done to stop it. Badgerfang continues that Tigerstar was there to make a point and wouldn't have left without doing so. When Creekflower is upset Tigerstar would murder one of his own, Badgerfang growls that Copperleaf and they were never Tigerstar's warriors.
Badgerfang says none of them will forget Copperleaf, and his name will live on through them.
==Personality and Relationships==
===Personality===
As a kit and apprentice, Badgerpaw was very energetic and playful, and held a great admirance for cats like Copperleaf and Flintfang. He was always confident, outgoing, and not afraid to be loud. When he recieved his injuries, he was became temporarily more quiet and withdrawn, but Blossompaw quickly brought his spirits back, and Badgerpaw returned to being humorous and charismatic.
He is very friendly with everyone he meets, even from other enemy clans, as seen from his friendships with Ravenwing and Brackenfur. He also seems to know many cats that he is on good terms with, and most every cat in the clans knows him even if they have not spoken with him.
Badgerfang has a natural sense of leadership, and, "a good head on his shoulders," as Copperleaf put it. While he was a bit nervous to openly speak out against Tigerstar at first, he was not afraid to be against Tigerstar behind his back, and quickly became the most confident and defiant of the ShadowClan rebels. He also has a good-natured heart, and risked getting in trouble just to help LeopardClan.
===Relationships===
====Marigoldkit & Mintkit====
Badgerfang played with Marigold and Mintkit a lot as they only had a moon or so difference between them. He was older than them, but viewed them as siblings as all the other kits were made apprentices early and he could not play with them. He was noted to follow after them and not want to leave their sides. They were always seen together up until Badgerkit was made an apprentice early and then their subsequential deaths.
While his reaction to their deaths is not shown, he later reminisces sadly about their deaths and how he misses them.
====Fernshade & Wolfstep====
Badgerfang is very close with his parents. Fernshade is especially worrying and protective over him, while Wolfstep gives him more space. Fernshade is shown to be a lot more coddling and comforting to Badgerfang with Wolfstep being more distant but still loving.
====Flintfang====
Badgerfang is very close to his uncle and mentor, Flintfang. The two are very close and Flintfang worries over him just as much as a parent would. Though, he also knows Badgerfang is strong, and respects that Badgerfang can take care of himself. Flintfang is very proud of Badgerfang, and Badgerfang enjoys being named after his mentor who he admires.
====Copperleaf====
Badgerfang has admired Copperleaf ever since he was a kit. As Badgerfang grew older, he became closer to Copperleaf as friends, and Copperleaf often trusted him with secrets and leadership of the rebels group. Copperleaf also thinks of him as one of "his kits," and Badgerfang can be assumed to think of Copperleaf, similarly, as a father figure.
====Blossomtail====
Badgerfang and Blossomtail have gotten along ever since they were both kits, with Badgerfang being roughly two to three moons older. They were often seen comforting one another after they received severe injuries. They were stated to be best friends, then became mates into their warriorship. They enjoy sharing prey, grooming, cuddling, and joking with one another. They are both very close to each other's families.
====Swampfur, Oakfur, & Littlecloud====
Badgerfang seems to be the closest with Swampfur, Oakfur, and Littlecloud after his mate. He hangs out with them frequently.
His relationship with Swampfur has become strained as she refuses to leave TigerClan.
====Dawncloud====
Badgerfang and Dawncloud were only a few moons apart in age, but she was made an apprentice before he could walk. They were stated to be friends, and that Badgerfang found it weird she was already pregnant when he was still a kit. Revealed on the Burning Thistles tumblr (in tags)
Badgerfang and Dawncloud are now close friends and are often seen working together as rebels.
====Tigerstar====
Badgerfang had been suspicious of Tigerclaw from day one of his arrival, though he begrudgingly respected and admired him at the start. In return, Tigerstar was just as suspicious of Badgerfang. Badgerfang is quick to denounce Tigerstar as his leader as he believed Copperleaf should have been leader instead of him from the start.
====Finchflight====
Badgerfang has expressed a repeated, deep hatred for Finchflight despite not holding many personal interactions with him.
====Quietfoot====
While Quietfoot was Badgerfang's apprentice, they have not been seen together too much. Though, it can be assumed they had a good relationship.
====Leopardfur & LeopardClan====
Badgerfang was dedicated to helping LeopardClan, and merged CopperClan with LeopardClan's forces after Copperleaf's death. He and Leopardfur get along well thanks to shared goals.
==Family Tree==
===Biological===
Mother:
Fernshade
Father:
Wolfstep
Mate:
Blossomtail
===Adopted/Foster===
Adoptive daughter:
Ivytail
==Ceremonies==
Badgerfang has had no shown ceremonies.
==Leader info==
Badgerfang unofficially gained leadership of CopperClan following Copperleaf's death.
==Killed victims==
TBA
==Fanart==
TBA
==Trivia and Notes==
===Trivia===
TBA
===Notes===
*While Badgerkit is listed in the first allegiances list, he is not actually born yet.
==References==
Category:Leader
Category:Warrior
Category:Rebel
Category:Rebel leader
Category:Canon dead/different character
Category:CopperClan
Category:Shadowclan
Category:LGBTQ+
Category:Homoromantic
Category:Homosexual
Category:Male character
Category:Black cat
Category:Black and white cat
Category:Green eyes
Category:Character