Blackhawk

> "StarClan has commanded me to take things into my own paws, and I must not fail them. The actions I take now are not a means to an end, but a destiny set in motion by the stars themselves."
>
> Blackhawk to Stormpaw about taking the deputy position from Foxfall, *On Winds of Change (graphic novel)*

### **Blackhawk** is a smoky black tom with blue eyes.

**Blackhawk** is the current deputy of ThunderClan in the lake territories. He was born as **Blackkit** to Corvidscreech and Moonfall in ThunderClan with his brother Duskpaw. As an apprentice, **Blackpaw** was mentored by Firebolt. He stayed close with his brother and supported him despite ThunderClan's disapproval, as Duskpaw was born with a cardiovascular disability, teaching him how to walk and fight. He also became close friends with the ShadowClan apprentice Marshpaw. As a warrior, **Blackhawk** fought in a lengthy war against ShadowClan over territory. Eager to prove his worth, Duskpaw decided to fight alongside him despite the danger. During a scrimmage, Marshpaw, now Marshleaf, attacked Duskpaw, trying to drive him off. To Marshleaf's horror, Duskpaw began to cough up blood, and quickly collapsed, dying before help could reach him.

Blackhawk blamed Marshleaf for Duskpaw's death, and grief and guilt with him for the rest of his life, along with his hatred for ShadowClan. He became the mentor of Honeypaw a time later, and became reknowned as a powerful and notorious senior warrior. Blackhawk later discovered that he had an affinity for speaking with the dead, specifically StarClan, and began to make frequent secret trips to the Moonpool in an attempt to speak with his family. Several spirits began to haunt his dreams, telling him that a great disaster was on the horizon, and that he was destined to stop it. They urged him that he was correct to not only blame ShadowCLan for Duskpaw's death, but the Code itself, as it's proven to only hinder his Clan and cause preventable deaths. Blackhawk began to grow increasingly paranoid, and, urged on by his spirits, he took the life of Foxfall, ThunderClan's current deputy, in order to take his place.

## History

### *Before Starfall*

> "If anything, I'd wish that I wasn't cursed with such visions. But knowing that so many cats are at risk...some immoral things must be done--sacrifice a few to save hundreds."
>
> Blackhawk to Stormpaw, *Before Starfall*

Blackkit is born to Moonfall and Corvidscreech along with his brother, Duskkit. His father shortly rejected his children when he found that they were born weak. It is eventually discovered that Duskkit has a kind of heart condition, and although Blackkit was born prematurely, he was healthy. Blackpaw completes most of his apprenticeship without issue, but quickly assists with Duskpaw's training when it becomes clear that the clan will not teach him. Duskpaw is offered an early retirement, which infuriates Blackpaw. He helps Duskpaw train to become a warrior like he wants to be, starting with teaching him how to walk properly and even run in short bursts. Blackhawk also befriends Blizzardpaw and Foxpaw, although he disagrees with their views on clan laws and his brother. Eventually, with Blackpaw's help, Duskpaw is able to perform so well that he surprises his clan. Blackhawk receives his warrior name, and eventually joins the fight against ShadowClan concerning territorial disputes.
Duskpaw, frustrated that he is still being kept an apprentice despite his improvement, decides to follow Blackhawk into the fight in order to prove himself. He is quickly met with Marshleaf, who attacks him like he would any other warrior, unaware of his condition. Having never fought in a real battle before, Duskpaw quickly became overexerted and collapsed, dying within minutes. Blackhawk, in his rage, attacked his old friend Marshleaf in revenge for taking his brother's life, but was stopped by both clans calling a truce. It was here where Blackhawk earned his defining scar over his left eye. Blackhawk, in his grief, blamed ShadowClan for Duskpaw's death, and also resented the Warrior Code itself for trying to define Duskpaw's role for him, and for causing his clanmates' discriminatory behavior.
### *Starfall: On Winds of Change*

> "Blackhawk, I trust that you're telling the truth, and if StarClan truly wants it done, then so be it. You have always been the most clairvoyant of cats with a connection to StarClan that medicine cats would envy--so I what you are told must be fact."
>
> Violetshade to Blackhawk, *On Winds of Change*

A group of StarClan spirits, who have chosen to interpret the recent prophecy as referring to Blackhawk, chooses him to carry out their wishes. Blackhawk begins to communicate frequently with StarClan, often making the long journey to the Moonpool at night. He is eventually told that a terrible fate will befall all five Clans, and that the generation-long fued between ShadowClan and ThunderClan are the key to instigating it, or preventing it. He is told that he and he alone must steer ThunderClan in the right direction, lest it faces disaster, and that time is already running out, implying that he must do whatever it takes to claim the leadership position.

Blackhawk becomes close with one of his trusted friends, Violetshade, and reveals to her his plans and worries. They become mates out of an agreement that ThunderClan needs more kits, and that his kin may be connected to this prophecy as well. He is also given mentorship over Honeypaw, an orphaned ThunderClan apprentice. Under the leadership of Blizzardstar and the deputy Foxfall, Blackhawk tries to stall certain events, waiting for one or the other to step down, fearing that he may have to remove them himself. Eventually, encouraged by frequent nightmares and paranoia, Blackhawk lays a trap for Foxfall in the form of a fox den, tricking him into thinking that the foxes weren't present. Blackhawk pushes Foxfall into the den, then goes for help as a final test of StarClan's will. Foxfall is killed, and in the ensuing fight the warrior Daypetal is also killed while trying to save her apprentice Thicketpaw, and Blizzardstar loses a life. Afterwards, Blizzardstar makes Blackhawk his deputy.
### *Starfall: A Storm of Darkness*

> "Do not strive to be remembered through violence. Do not hold a hatred long-dead in your heart until your body gives in. Do not trust those that promise an easy way out of all your plights. Those were my mistakes, and now I am paying the price for it."
>
> Blackhawk to Darkpaw, *A Storm of Darkness*

(Information not yet available).
## Detailed description

Blackhawk is a huge and muscular smoky and solid black tom with blue eyes. He has thick, long fur, short, blunt claws, scars across his left eye and a long scar on his left shoulder.
Blackhawk is regarded as the perfect example of a ThunderClan cat. He is extremely large and powerful, towering over most cats. He is more stocky than he is lean, and most of his height comes from his torso. He has a wide face with small ears. He has a thick, full tail, with much of his fur fading into a darker black at the edges.
### Scars and injuries gained

* Long scars over left brow reaching down to cheek caused by Marshleaf during the battle that killed Duskpaw.
* Scars on left shoulder caused by a badger while defending the ThunderClan nursery.

## Character art

\*Note: Fandom does not allow me to upload certain images and I'm not sure why. There is more character art but unfortunately I cannot show it.

## Killed victims

* Foxfall *(Instigated, with foxes)*
* Daypetal *(Indirect, instigated the confrontation)*

## Ceremonies

> Blackkit, you and your brother are of age to become fully-fledged apprentices. From now on you shall be known as Blackpaw.
>
> Firebolt, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of great skill and quick thinking. I'm sure that you will pass on all you know to this young apprentice.
>
> Fallowstar to Blackkit, *Before Starfall*

> I, Fallowstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Blackpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?
>
>
>
> I do.
>
>
> Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Blackpaw, from this moment you will be known as Blackhawk. StarClan honors your courage and your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.
>
>
>
>
> Blackhawk! Blackhawk!
>
> Fallowstar to Blackpaw, *Before Starfall*

> I am afraid we now must name ThunderClan's new deputy. I say these words before the spirits of our ancestors, and the spirit of Foxfall so they may hear and approve my choice in these troubling times.
> Blackhawk will be the new deputy of ThunderClan.
>
> Blizzardstar to Blackhawk, *On Winds of Change*

## Personality and Relationships

Blackhawk is a quiet and solitary warrior, but he is astutely loyal to ThunderClan and his StarClan ancestors. He has a soft spot for young cats, and often takes them under his wing when he feels like they are being neglected, taking up his role as the older brother once more.
## Family

Blackhawk's parents are Moonfall and Corvidscreech. His mate is Violetshade. He was also the adopted father to Honeypaw.
## Trivia

Did you know Blackhawk is the only black cat in all of ThunderClan? Or that his suffix is derived from his piercing eyes?