SoulClan/Roleplay/Archive 4

Thunderblaze would pin a murder on Creekfrost, and rip Orchidbloom out of his paws. But how...? He thought on it as he walked, keeping a close eye on Orchidbloom as she started stalking a shrew. Hmm...that Talonfang always seemed somewhat shifty, close to her brother, but not at the same time. Maybe he could talk to her, learn some secrets about Creekfrost...and then ruin his life.Silverstar  16:42, November 11, 2017 (UTC)

Squirreltail sucked in a deep breath through her teeth. She had forgotten about Stormpaw. *He is* not *going to be happy.* She kinked her tail over her back before glancing worriedly back in the direction of camp. "I have to go the kits," she told her mate softly. "I don't want them to be alone." She nodded curtly to Skippingstone, before spinning around and trudging back into camp, where she made a beeline for the nursery. She ducked her head under the small den entrance and pushed her way through the lichen only to find Creekfrost curled up around them. She dipped her head to him and smiled sweetly, nudging her way between him in the kits and curling around them, the two cats' bodies making a barrier with the kits protected in the middle. They weren't touching, thank StarClan, but Squirreltail felt Creekfrost's hot breath on her ear as he muttered to himself. They exchanged glances before Squirreltail asked dryly, "Do you want to stay with them? I think they've found a fondness for you." She laughed softly, just as Driftkit clambered over her back and on to Creekfrost, the tiny she-kit mewling. -

Stormpaw felt Whitepaw's pelt brush his and he looked at her, asking, "do you want kits when you're older?" He blushed, but kept it well hidden in his thick cheek fur. It wasn't quite a... wrong question of sorts, just a little... eh. He flicked his tail lightly as they reached the SunClan border.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 08:30, November 13, 2017 (UTC)

Creekfrost jumped with surprise at Squirreltail's voice, not even noticing she was there. "O-oh, uh, you can stay with them. I-I think I might go hunting," he mewed, glancing at the little kit on his back and nuzzling her awkwardly. He thought the kits were really cute, and he wanted to protect them and take care of them, but it kind of felt... weird... having this responsibility, like, just about a day ago he was just a newly named warrior, now he was taking care of kits. Weird.

Larchstoneskippingstar nodded. "I'll talk to you later." His paws twitched as he wondered if he should look for Stormpaw now, or wait until later... He was expecting Stormpaw to probably scratch his muzzle, which he knew he kind of deserved.

Whitepaw gave Stormpaw a baffled look and started laughing. "Haha! Kits are gross pigs. But if I did have kits, I'd be a pretty rock'in mom, don't you think? I'd show them how to be *extreme*," she mewed, then tripped over a root and fell, getting a mouthful of earth.

Rainwisp swallowed uncomfortably and changed the subject, guilt washing over him. "J-just be careful with that eye, okay? I don't want you to go crazy blinking it," he let out a loud awkward laugh. *Ahh... please don't hurt me.*

"Whatever," Aspenwhisker muttered, then stalked out of the den, her eye covered in the plaster. She hoped everyone would see that a Clanmate attacked her. She was determined to get Talonfang's secret out, even if she died trying.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:31, November 14, 2017 (UTC)

Orchidbloom failed her attempt to catch her prey, and scowled bitterly under her breath. She was surprised to see Thunderblaze so eager to go, he was practically *nudging* her back to camp. *StarClan's sake...he* asked *to tag along, I didn't require him to!* She thought dryly as she followed the energetic warrior back into camp. They'd be sitting their vigil soon...

...why was Thunderblaze so eagerly looking around camp for someone? Had Orchidbloom missed something?Silverstar  00:19, November 17, 2017 (UTC)

Creekfrost saw Orchidbloom and Thunderblaze and padded over to them, already planning to leave camp anyway, and he kind of wanted to talk to Orchidbloom. "Hey, Orchidbloom, congratulations on becoming a warrior," he mewed, still a bit downcast, then nodded to Thunderblaze. "You too." He turned back to Orchidbloom. "I was wondering if you want to maybe go hunting again? Like w-when Mothwhisker took us? I mean, not like, now, but later, maybe tomorrow? You could show me how to fish," he mewed, stammering and a bit uncomfortable with Thunderblaze. He seemed kind of werid.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 00:54, November 17, 2017 (UTC)

Thunderblaze cast Creekfrost some sort of distasteful glance, although he couldn't help but to bask in his praise as he always did. He was too busy plotting to bother with arguing with the dark warrior, so he simply grunted his response and slithered off. Let that Creekfrost enjoy basking in the company of Orchidbloom while he could...because he wouldn't see what he had planned coming.

Orchidbloom gave a small shuffle, still in somewhat of a temperamental mood, although she retained her respectful and kind nature. "Sure, I'm up for a hunt tomorrow, if I'm not too tired after my vigil." She responded with a small, almost forced smile. "If you're not too busy with your kits." She added quickly.Silverstar  01:00, November 17, 2017 (UTC)

"Oh, I'm not their real father, I'm helping Tal - oh, Squirreltail take care of them, since Skippingstone is gone..." Creekfrost flinched when he nearly said Talonfang. Why was he so bad a keeping secrets? It was sooo painful though, keeping such a big thing like that, but he had to for his sister. He wished he could tell Orchidbloom the truth... "Have you seen them yet? They're really cute."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:09, November 17, 2017 (UTC)

Stormpaw eyed the she-cat curiously, before replying boldly to Whitepaw, "I want kits, but no more than one litter." A bitter taste rose on his tongue as he thought of Squirreltail. *Traitor.* He glanced around across SunClan's beautiful, empty lands, spotting a familiar pelt. *Ravenpaw? She's with a patrol... This ain't gonna go well.* "Whitepaw," he warned, flicking his tail towards the patrol coming at them.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 06:16, November 17, 2017 (UTC)

"That's cool. Having one pesky litter sounds okay," the peachy tabby trailed off at the sight of the SunClan patrol. "Ooooh heck no!" Whitepaw yowled and began racing towards them in a fit of rage.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 15:45, November 17, 2017 (UTC)

Squirreltail tucked Driftkit back at her side and rested her head on her paws as the kits suckled. She heard a light mewling as Snakekit clambered over to her blindly and settled down, curled against her neck. *They are truly beautiful.* She licked each kit's head affectionately in turn, before letting sleep take her into a long, peaceful rest.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 19:41, November 19, 2017 (UTC)

Waterkit already opened her brilliant kitten blue eyes. She stared at the glittering morning sunlight dancing through the entrance, then announced to her siblings with a shrill mew about her achivement. "I want my eyes open too," Stormkit complaned, struggling to peel them open. The corner of one eye cracked open and he let out a squeak of fear, hiding his face within the mossy nest. Waterkit climbed over to him, stopping to sit on her shoulders and ordered him. "Try licking your paw and pawing at your eyes. It worked for me!" she mewed, words almost too jumbled to make out. Stormkit clumsily tried licking a paw, but it stuck him in the nose and he let out a whimper and hid his face again.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 14:55, November 20, 2017 (UTC)

Lostkit hadn't succeeded in opening his eyes... at least not yet. But he could already see? Or, at least in his sleep. It was strange, really, how vivid and puzzling they were, tied to so many numerous cats, yet all so different. It had felt as if Lostkit was walking into their dreams... But that was impossible, or so a young kitten thought.

"All kittens are cute. " Orchidbloom had blurted out, before an unsettling feeling of hot embarrassment seethed from underneath her coat. Trying to recompose herself, the new warrior cleared her throat. "But, uh, I bet they'll be great warriors. They've got a patient... step father. "Silverstar  00:01, November 24, 2017 (UTC)

Waterkit giggled and swatted Stormkit in the head, before climbing off of him and antagonizing her other siblings. "Have any of you opened your eyes yet?" she squeaked, feeling a little surge of pride warm her pelt. *Mine opened first. I'm the biggest and best. I can help them all!*

Creekfrost gave Orchidbloom an awkward smile, dipping his head slightly as if embarrased. "Well, I'm going out. Have a good vigil," he mewed, nodding to her, then more coolly and a little uncomfortably to Thunderblaze.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 03:36, November 24, 2017 (UTC)

"Thanks," Orchidbloom replied in a smooth yet silent voice to the black warrior, giving him a small nod before she turned back to Thunderblaze. The ginger warrior seemed disturbed by her conversation with Creekfrost, but he uttered not a word and remained still as a stone. He stood close by, offering his thick coat as a source of warmth if she saw fit, but Orchidbloom was yet to budge. They started their vigil, Violetpetal sitting a distance away from the two.Silverstar  23:57, November 24, 2017 (UTC)

Snakekit lay, smooth and silent as Waterkit climbed over his back. *She thinks she opened her eyes first... Ha! She's dead wrong. I did! I'll be the* perfect *leader, I can feel it.* He flattened his ears to his head as Waterkit slipped and her paw smacked his face, hard.

"You-" He leaped to his paws, his startling amber eyes brighter than the sunset. He fixed them on his surprised sister, who glared at him. He curled his lips back, stepping forward a little, making sure to not stand on Driftkit, who had huddled up at his side. Snakekit's eyes had opened a few minutes before Waterkit's. *Yeah, it might not be a big difference... But still! It's a difference*. -

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 03:59, November 25, 2017 (UTC)

Waterkit grinned at Snakekit. "You opened your eyes!" she exclaimed, pleased. "We can help everyone else open their eyes!" she trampled back to Stormkit and shoved him. "Open your eyes now, do what I told you to do. It'll work. One eyes might open first, and it'll be a bit weird, but it'll be worth it in the end, I mean, look at all these colors!"

Creekfrost left camp quietly, scenting the dark forest for prey. He glanced up at one of the many trees and flew up the trunk like a squirrel, disappearing among the branches.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 15:54, November 25, 2017 (UTC)

(@Patch ur the med cat, right? Well, at least the mca, right? When do you think Embersong should wake up?) Sprucewind walked around, seeing if anything needed help with. *Nothing so far*, he thought. He walked up to Sandynose. "Anything I can do?"

***Courage*** is resistance to ***fear.*** 17:41, November 25, 2017 (UTC)

Snakekit stayed put where he was. "They can open their eyes when they decide it's time," he snarled softly, dangerously. -

Sandynose nodded thoughtfully at Sprucewind. "Perhaps you could help with some hunting? The prey pile is rather low."

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 20:13, November 25, 2017 (UTC)

(she should probably be healed by now) Waterkit stared at Snakekit, hurt sparking in her blue eyes. "I was only trying to help them. You should stop being mean," she murmured, stumbling on her wobbly legs to the edge of the nest, turning her head away from her sibling and peering over the other side. *What if they don't know how to open them? What if their eyes stay shut forever because I never should them? The big sister should help and look out for them, I'm a big sister, I think, so I'm supposed to help.*
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 00:55, November 26, 2017 (UTC)

Snakekit rolled his eyes at his sister before padding over to her and swinging his paw over her ears, ruffling the tufts. "I'm not being mean," she told her firmly, eyes fixed on something in the distance, something that wasn't in this world. "I'm simply suggesting we leave it to nature. It's not like they're never gonna open their eyes." -

Mothwhisker paced nervously in front of the medicine cat den, his worry for Embersong overwhelming. What if she didn't wake up? He tried not to think about that. -

Stormpaw left Whitepaw to go back to camp on her own, as he needed to use the dirtplace. After he finished he made his way back to camp and almost head butted Larchstar. He felt his heart grow cold as a growl rose in his throat.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 03:36, November 26, 2017 (UTC)

"You don't know that. You're as old as me. You know as little as I do about the world," Waterkit mewed sulkly, still refusing to look at Snakekit. She turned back to the nest and viewed her siblings, and for the first time saw her mother, Squirreltail. She was so pretty! "Mama, I opened my eyes," she announced proudly, giving Snakekit a rueful sidelong glance. "So did Snakekit."

Whitepaw was still pretty mad at Stormpaw, but she played it cool until he left and began savagly attacking a bramble thicket to release her anger, but that wasn't a good idea, once her fur got tangled in thorns. Madly, she thrashed around like a fish out of water, but that made her more tangled. Whitepaw stopped, breathing heavily.

Larchstar nearly let out a yelp of surprise when he almost ran into Stormpaw. Anticipation prickled his tabby pelt. "Oh, Stormpaw. I was looking for you. I must speak with you in privite," he mewed, casually, trying not to seem weird, but he was pretty sure he was doing the opposite.

Creekfrost stalked a bird within the browning leaves of the tree. He watched it closely until a new scent tickled his nose, Talonfang. How was she? He should check on her. He had high hopes for their relationship now. Perhaps she would see how foolish she had been and they could be siblings again! But a fresh wave of resentment and guilt washed the hope away. Why should he forgive her so easily? She had killed Clanmates, lied, and hurt him. But to his annoyance he just couldn't hold a grudge. *Why am I so dumb?* he thought, then without realizing it, stepped on a dried leaf on the branch, which crackled loudly, and the bird fluttered away, letting out an alarm call. He leaped backward, squeaking, then lost his balance on the branch and fell to the forest floor.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 04:30, November 26, 2017 (UTC)

Stormpaw couldn't help but flinch away from the tom, a little unsure. "We talk here," he snapped, still shocked he dared talk to his leader like that. He planted his butt down. "Otherwise we don't talk at all. Besides, I have to meet up with Whitepaw."

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 02:29, November 27, 2017 (UTC)

Larchstar would have prefered to talk farther from camp, but if this was the only chance he had to take it. With a light sigh, the leader sat down, curling his tail over his paws, looking graceful. "Very well... Stormpaw, you obviously know of Skippingstone's sudden disappearance," he began carefully.

Stormkit eventually got his eyes open, the same kitten blue as his siblings. He looked around him at the den, the mossy nest beneath his paws, the sunlight gilttering through the entrance, his brothers and sisters, his mother. Waterkit's eyes birghtened when she saw his open eyes. "Stormkit! You did it!" she yowled, scrambling over to him, not caring if she jabbed the other kits in the face with her paws. "How does it feel?" Stormkit only stared at her, frozen like a stone, frightened and yet amazed to see Waterkit.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 03:13, November 27, 2017 (UTC)

Snakekit trained his amber eyes on his brother, a little harsh as he said, "another one." He glanced at his youngest sister, Driftkit, who was mewling softly, "I can't see." She whimpered a little as she bumped against Snakekit's paws and recoiled. Snakekit spyed Lostkit, but said nothing. -

Driftkit felt her sealed eye lids give a little flutter and she heard Waterkit and Snakekit bickering in the background, Stormkit joining in every now and then. Why was she taking so long to open her eyes? She let out a low hiss of annoyance, before her eyes were forced open when she batted them with her paws.

"I can see!" -

Stormpaw bared his teeth at his leader. "Don't mention my father. I know you did something to him!" He unsheathed his claws and clamped his teeth hard, desperately trying not to tackle Larchstar and give a little bite to the throat. -

Sandynose glanced around camp, his eyes automatically searching out Mothwhisker, who was pacing nervously in front of the medicine cat den. Poor thing. Sandynose made his way over to the warrior and murmured, "go in. I think Embersong would be glad to see you." The dark warrior gave him a look that plainly said: 'if she kills me, my spirit will blame you', before stalking inside the den, worry flashing clearly in his eyes.

Sandynose watched him go, realizing something that had not happened to him for a long time.

He had nothing to do.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 06:28, November 27, 2017 (UTC)

"Driftkit!" Waterkit's attention zipped to her sister and she scrambled over. "You did great! What do you think of everything? The world is really huge, isn't it?" Stormkit trailed behind her, saying nothing.

Larchstar sighed and forced his amber gaze to be strong as he faced his son. "Larchstar is dead. I killed him and took his place," he said, just wanting to get it out. "Skippingstone just vanished into the wind that day, then I acted completely different, and have been since. I am Skippingstone." He streched out a forepaw and turned it over so you could see his pink paw pads. A jagged scar ran through the center, one he got from his first battle, one he showed Stormpaw as he told the story to him as a kit. "No one can match that."

Creekfrost landed with a loud thud, landing on four paws. His body shook and it took him a moment to get over the shock. Once his head cleared he scented the air for his sister, following a faint trail. It winded around a few times, then left SoulClan onto the Gathering spot. He glanced around unsurly, still following the trail. Why would she be here? He soon left the towering trees and found himself edging closer and closer to AshClan's forest. *Why is she so close to the border? Why is she* over *the border?* He halted a few tail-lengths from the scent marker. Talonfang's scent led right over it. What would she need from AshClan? Doubt nagged at his belly. *Is she planning something bad? Maybe this is where the father of her kits is from... I need to find her.* Desperation made him pad on, crossing the border and being careful to remain hidden among the thick brush. He had to know what she was doing. *She can't be, after everything, I thought things would change, she can't keep... You don't even know what she's doing yet. Don't be so quick to judge.*
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 15:34, November 27, 2017 (UTC)

Eyes, eyes, blah blah blah...Lostkit wanted nothing to do with it. Not just because he was yet to open his eyes, but mainly because it seemed dumb to him. Who cared if he opened his eyes today or not? Sleep sounded much more inviting, anyways. He'd take last place, whatever...just have pity on his poor ears. With a tiny mewl of annoyance, Lostkit blindly squirmed closer to Squirreltail, begging for some protection and a warm place to drift into further sleep.

By the time their vigil was over, Violetpetal was snoozing in the corner of camp in a light sleep, while Orchidbloom leaned up against Thunderblaze for support, because she was on the verge of passing out. As for him...well, Thunderblaze was too busy going warm from nose to tail tip because Orchidbloom was exhausted and leaning against him, and he was also busy plotting. He was hoping that Talonfang would return before he hurried off to sleep, so he could discuss...matters with her.Silverstar  21:36, November 27, 2017 (UTC)

Stormpaw smacked the leader hard in the face. His fury was so clear the leader flinched and Stormpaw yowled, "YOU'VE LIED TO ME FOR MOONS!!!!" He turned to a tree and clawed at is furiously. "Who even are you? A devil?" No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 03:04, November 28, 2017 (UTC)

Larchstar watched Stormpaw, feeling guilty. He should never have hid the truth from his family. Or the Clan. He should never have made himself leader, he never should have broken the warrior code. "I was doing what I believed to be right. Larchstar was going to destroy SoulClan! He was causing so many reckless battles, causing our Clanmates to argue and so much drama... I had to stop him. He had worse plans in mind for the future. I know what I've done is wrong, and I could have done so many things differently, and better, but... I didn't."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 03:16, November 28, 2017 (UTC)

Once more, Lostkit fell into the depths of his unique dreams, and the kitten found himself walking through that same golden, sunny field. Odd...why did he always end up here? He had met so many different faces, varying in transparency and appearance, as well as scent. Were they all real? Unbeknownst to him, the mottled kitten found himself approaching Violetpetal in a dream. She was near that scary dark foresty place...why? Of course, he didn't know it was actually her and that she was actually a Clanmate: he hadn't actually opened his eyes yet. Seeing that this was somewhat suspicious and frightening, the mottled kitten remained hidden in the dream-world grass. Silverstar  03:57, November 29, 2017 (UTC)

Stormpaw pushed down his anger, as deep as it could go. "I'm sorry for snapping, it's just... It's been so long." He saw he was trembling a little. "I have to catch up with Whitepaw. Maybe you and mum can talk for a bit? I assume she already knows, but I think she'd like to know more." He hurried to catch up with Whitepaw. -

"It's... bright." Driftkit answered shyly, her gaze sliding to her paws as he littermates approached her. -

Mothwhisker entered the dark medicine cat den and froze near the entrance when he saw Embersong. He managed to scramble forward a little, until his muzzle touched her warm forehead. "Embersong," he breathed, inhaling her scent. No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 07:29, November 30, 2017 (UTC)

Larchstar nodded, watching him go, a weight being lifted from his chest. Thank StarClan it went better than he'd expected. He decided to do just what Stormpaw said, talk with Squirreltail. He padded back into camp and stopped at the nursery, poking his head inside. "Squirreltail?" he called, quietly. "Would you like to talk?"

Waterkit purred and crawled around her sister affentionately. "We'll be out of camp, walking around in no time," she mewed. Her purring died when she saw the head of a large tabby poking into the den. She stiffened up and crawled protectively in front of her siblings, and she growled warningly, but it came out being more a fearful whimper.

Whitepaw had managed to get halfway out of the bush, her shoulders and head still snagged in the bush. She wasn't as angry now, just carefully untangling her fur from the thorns, one by one.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 14:04, November 30, 2017 (UTC)

Stormpaw caught up with Whitepaw hastily, panting. "Sorry for taking so long," he mumbled apologetically. "I ran into, literally, into Larchstar." -

Squirreltail raised her head off her paws stiffly and noticed the kits bristling at Larchstar/Skippingstone. "It's okay, kits," she told them softly. "This is your leader." She nodded to Skippingstone and told the kits she'd be back soon. Another queen offered to take in the kits for the time Squirreltail was away and Squirreltail left with Skippingstone, but not before nuzzling each kit affectionately.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 05:40, December 1, 2017 (UTC)

Whitepaw was almost free when Stormpaw arrived. "Oh. Did he try killing you like he did to your dad?" ---- Larchstar watched as Squirreltail nuzzled the kits, affection for her swelling in his heart. When she finally came out, he couldn't help asking, "You really love those kits as your own, don't you?"

Creekfrost followed Talonfang as she made her way back to camp, feeling sick. He had to stop her, he had to talk sense into her! Taking a quick deep breath and emerged from the bushes, spooking Talonfang. She stared at him with huge green eyes. "What were you doing with that AshClan cat, Talonfang? I heard what your planning, why are you doing this? Sandynose and Larchstar are leading the Clan fine, and if something happens to the other, we'll get a new deputy who'll be fine, even if it's not you!" he blurted out so fast you could hardly understand what he was saying. Talonfang said nothing, watching him very close, looking thoughtful. He took a gulp of air and went on. "You can't make plans to hurt your own Clanmates, you can't hurt the other Clans, you can't do this! And if you won't listen to me, then..." he paused, looking for something to say. Could he really beat Talonfang in a fight? He could just tell the Clan... But he still felt a twinge of loyalty to his sister. He just wanted her to be a fellow warrior, not an exiled tratior. But if it came to that. "...I'll - I'll stop you."

Talonfang padded forward, a small, half confused frown on her face. Something about her eyes looked crazy. "Well, you think what I'm doing is wrong, but it is right. I know it is, and I'm not letting you get in the way again." Her relaxed face turned into a snarl and she sprang, Creekfrost froze up as she slammed into him, knocking him to the ground. He lie on his back, staring up at her face looming above his. "You can't stop me, and you're crazy to actually think you can. It doesn't matter if you tell the Clan," she mewed, as if reading his mind. "I'll still get them, I'll get everyone you love. The kits." A picture of Orchidbloom, Sandynose, Embersong, and the kits came to mind. Talonfang wouldn't hurt her own kits, would she? That sick feeling in his gut answered that. *I can't risk their lives! I can't let them get hurt! Would telling hurt them, or silently trying to stop Talonfang be better?* Creekfrost hissed in her face and she frowned again. Like a flash of lightning, her paw zipped across his face, barely missing both eyes. He swallowed a yowl of pain, clencing his jaw tight. Pain throbbed in his face from where she cut it. Talonfang stepped away, leaving his frozen body to curl into a ball. Her eyes glittered sadly. "I can't kill you, and I won't. You just needed another scar, so you'd know better in the future. You have a good heart, Creekfrost, but you'll see in the future that I'm right, and I'll forgive you. But remember what I said, if you tell, they're gone in a snap." He didn't hear her pad away. He felt dizzy, and he felt the cut on his face bleeding. He wasn't sure how bad it was, but it hurt bad, so he was sure it wasn't pretty. His eyes closed and he wasn't sure if he fell asleep or was resting his eyes.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 15:39, December 1, 2017 (UTC)

"Yes," Squirreltail answered Larchstar quietly as they exited the den. She lifted her muzzle to the air and noticed Talonfang entering camp. "Where's Creekfrost? He said he's be back by now." She hoped the kits wouldn't be too frightened by a new queen. But, Squirreltail was more concerned about Creekfrost. What had happened to him? Was he okay? She cared for him as a friend, as she used to help train him as an apprentice when Sandynose couldn't do hunting.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 20:09, December 1, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang stopped at Squirreltail's voice. Guilt stabbed her. She was obviously right, but was wounding him the right thing to do? *Of course it was. He'll realize that he's powerless against me, since I hurt him, and threatened them.* She put a concerned look on her face and shook her head. "I passed him while I was hunting, he was fine," she mewed. She made sure to wash any remains of Creekfrost's blood from her paws, so there was no way they'd suspect her. She shrugged. "You know Creekfrost, gets himself in trouble a lot. Probably got his tail stuck in a thorn bush."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 21:07, December 1, 2017 (UTC)

(okay) Embersong opened her eyes. "Hello?" she asked, still sleepy. She suddenly realized she was in the medicine den.

***Courage*** is resistance to ***fear.*** 01:26, December 2, 2017 (UTC)

"Embersong!" Mothwhisker breathed, brushing his muzzle against the trembling she-cat's.
No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 02:30, December 2, 2017 (UTC)

The new warriors were dismissed from their vigil. Thunderblaze stalked off, muttering that he wasn't tired just yet. Truthfully, he was down-right exhausted, but he needed to catch Talonfang as soon as she returned, so he could discuss his...important matters. Violetpetal was getting a lecturing for falling asleep during the vigil, but she simply yawned and ignored the older warrior. Meanwhile, Orchidbloom flopped in her new nest in the warrior's den and passed out immediately, but woke not long after. She felt refreshed, but she wasn't able to sleep. Why?

Lostkit was shaken from his sleep as his mother moved away, and was replaced by a stranger queen. Ew, ew, no, go away! The dappled chocolate kitten squirmed away from the replacement queen with a squeal of protest. And, in his outrage, the kitten managed to crack open a single eye. It was strange, though, unusually *dark* kitten blue. Much darker than his littermates. Would his other eye be the same? Well, he wouldn't know yet, Lostkit hadn't managed to open the other eye. Just one. Oh well, maybe he'd just be that way forever.Silverstar  16:45, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

Wishfoot heard Squirreltail's voice, asking where Creekfrost is. "Hmm? Oh, I'll go search for him," she lazily murmured, always stuck in camp, always searching for new gossip to keep her occupied, just like before she had kits. They were still the best thing in the world, but they were feisty and hard to keep occupied. She even forgot how old they were! So she tromped off into the forest, calling out Creekfrost's name every once in a while. Still it was hard to see through all the murk with only one eye. forget *honesty*~~i wanna see you be BRAVE 16:46, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang nodded, watching Wishfoot leave camp, forcing her pelt not to prickle. "I'm sure he's fine," she murmured quietly, before leaving Squirreltail and Larchstar and stopping at the fresh-kill pile, picking a scrawny finch and casting the new warriors a glare and inwardly laughing at Violetpetal, who she believed to be the biggest idiot in all the Clans. Her thoughts fluttered to the nursery and she wondered with a pang how the kits were. And who was taking care of them? For a moment, she regretted attacking Creekfrost. Squirreltail wasn't in the nursery, and her brother was probably still curled up in the forest passed out. So some random queen was looking after her kits? *If she does one tiny thing wrong I'll rip her guts out.*

Creekfrost blinked open his eyes when he heard Wishfoot's voice, which sounded a bit far away. He put a paw to his face and felt the gash wasn't bleeding as heavily now, but still a little. Most of his face felt dry and crusty, which gave gave him a bit of an idea of what he currently looked like. Not very pretty, that's for sure. Creekfrost sat for a moment, even though he heard Wishfoot still. He was still upset with everything. Would Talonfang really hurt her own kits if he told the Clan? He would have been completely sure she never would, but now he wasn't. She had looked kind of crazy, and was acting really crazy. Finally, he dizzily got to his paws and followed the sound of Wishfoot's voice. "I'm here," he called, very softly.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 17:28, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

In the corner of his vision, the ginger brute caught a flash of gray. *Talonfang.* Thunderblaze turned to confirm his suspicions, and noticed the fluffy warrior hovering around the freshkill pile. Hm, she seemed somewhat distracted...Thunderblaze glanced away from her, coolly sitting in the corner of camp and waiting for her to finish. He'd confront her afterwards.Silverstar  17:43, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang ate her prey, wondering if she did the right thing, convincing herself she did the right then. *Would I actually kill my kits?* She didn't want to have to do that, but maybe if she had to... she shrugged it off and finished eating, getting up and began padding toward the warriors den, trying to shake off the feeling she was being watched. Did someone know what she did? Fine then! If they knew she'd just get rid of them to! Her thoughts zipped to Aspenwhisker. She knew that blue she-cat didn't trust her, Talonfang would do something to her soon enough though.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 17:54, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

While he waited, he cleaned his face off to remove his 'bed-head' from laying around camp. He didn't want to look like he'd just woken up, especially when discussing such important matters. He needed to look *somewhat* intimidating, otherwise Talonfang couldn't possibly taken him seriously. When Thunderblaze had finished with his grooming, it appeared that Talonfang had finished eating. Rising to his paws, he approached her, taking his time as he walked. "Talonfang? Could I talk to you in private?"Silverstar  17:59, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang's eyes landed on Aspenwhisker, who sat nearby, glaring at her. She glared back for a moment, but Aspenwhisker's one wide eye didn't waver. Her other eye was still plastered with herbs from Creekfrost's claws. *Should be easy to beat.* Thunderblaze's voice made Talonfang rip her eyes away to gaze at the new warrior. What did this pebble-brain want with her? She swished her tail and made herself look a little kinder. "Of course," she gesteured her tail toward the camp entrance. If he wanted a privite chat, they needed to leave camp. The Clan was obsessed with gossip and would evesdrop, and she had no doubt Aspenwhisker would.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 18:10, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

(Really don't know how to do this part. owo What should he ask?) Thunderblaze was somewhat surprised by how willing she was to talk to him. Huh...but this probably wouldn't be so easy once they got outside of camp and out of earshot. "Alright," he responded, turning and leading the way out of camp. Orchidbloom's suspicious gaze followed the ginger warrior as he disappeared from camp. What was he doing?Silverstar  18:14, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

Wishfoot heard a soft reply from Creekfrost, probably "here" or something. She called out the tom's name once more, before finding a figure sitting upright, dried blood on his face. "Creekfrost?" she asked. "Is that you?" She couldn't tell out of her one good eye. "What . . . happened?" the queen asked warily, hoping it was Creekfrost and not a random stranger. forget *honesty*~~i wanna see you be BRAVE 18:17, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

(not sure. maybe he could make up a lie about creek, how hes got some evil plan, so thunder wants to stop him?) Talonfang slowly followed Thunderblaze, wondering what he could possibly want to talk to her about in the first place. All she knew about him was he had been a cocky apprentice the other day and now he was exactly the same, but a warrior. "So what did you want?"

Creekfrost halted when Wishfoot came into view. "Yeah, it's me. Um..." He wasn't going to tell her about Talonfang. Fear lurched in his belly as he thought fast. "I was running, and got hit in the face by a really sharp stick. Is it bad?"
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 18:24, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

He turned to her with a sort of urgency in his voice. He had to make this *real* good. "It's Creekfrost, Talonfang. He wants to *hurt* Orchidbloom. He wants to use his kits to do it, too." Thunderblaze swallowed, refusing to act nervous. He couldn't be a coward, because he *wasn't* coward! He needed to do this. "I overheard him talking to some SunClan cat about it, a friend of his, I'm assuming. He was angry that she keeps hanging out with me."Silverstar  18:29, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

"Hmmm..." Talonfang sat back on her hunches and tipped her head thoughtfully, pretending to put some shock into her eyes. She wasn't completely sure she believed Thunderblaze, her brother was very cowardly and would probably be too scared to even look over the SunClan border. But then again, she had noticed him hanging out with that flower cat. She seemed to be his only friend, and if she prefered to be with Thunderblaze, maybe Creekfrost would be upset enough by rejection to hurt her. She didn't know for sure though. "That's terrible!" she mewed, in a shocked voice. "Well, we have to stop him." An idea came to her mind. Even if this wasn't true, perhaps it could be useful. Another way to stop Creekfrost from getting in the way. "You know, he is very mean on the inside. He hides it very well."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 18:35, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

Was she faking it? She never seemed to act this concerned, so he was a little anxious now. But he was quick to swallow his fear: fear wouldn't make him believable. With a glint of worry in his round eyes, Thunderblaze spoke up. "What do I do, Talonfang? You seem like such a great *leader* within the Clan, I thought you could help me. I don't want Orchidbloom to get hurt."Silverstar  18:41, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

"Hmmm..." *Leader*. Talonfang liked the sound of that. "Well, we obviously have to stop him," she mewed, as the image of a blue cat danced across her vision. She narrowed her eyes at Thunderblaze as beautiful ideas clicked together in her head. But could she really trust Thunderblaze. "You'd do *anything* to keep Orchidbloom safe, would you? *Anything?* Even if it meant breaking the warrior code?"
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 18:47, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

"Yes, I would. I'd die for her." *And kill*. Of course, he didn't mention that part, at least not yet. He wanted to be convincing, not convincingly insane. Thunderblaze was eager to hear her idea, although there was a prick of hesitation within his heart. Talonfang seemed to be darker than he had expected...something bad was going to happen.Silverstar  18:50, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

"Well... we all know how the Clan already thinks - knows he's a murderer... well, it would be very horrible for him if there was another murder, and his fur is stuffed in their claws? As if they were fighting and ripped some of his pelt out. We could frame him," Talonfang said, very fast, almost excited. She had done it before, and the careful process of it was amazing and beautiful to her and she wished to do it again, but better. She already knew who'd be the lucky cat.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 18:57, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

Oh, wow. Maybe he should have mentioned that he'd be ok with a murder...seemed like she wanted him to commit one, after all. Well, whatever it took to frame Creekfrost and win over Orchidbloom, he supposed. Thunderblaze gave Talonfang a vigorous nod. "And whom do you suggest we, uh...'sacrifice'?"Silverstar  22:55, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

"Well... there's one cat I don't trust," Talonfang meowed, seriously. "Aspenwhisker. I feel she's up to something. I feel like she might be planning to hurt me, or the kits..." she said, truthfully. She felt the blue gray tabby was a threat to her future, and to her kits. "I think it should be her, whether she wants it or not. I can help you," she shuffled, wondering if she should reveal she's done this before. She didn't have to say it was to a Clanmate, or who she did it to. *Why am I helping him? What if he's trying to catch me and take me to Larchstar, for the things I've done? It's unwise to offer this sort of help, so eagerly too. He probably suspects me already.*
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 23:41, December 3, 2017 (UTC)

He was already flexing his claws. Thunderblaze never committed murder, but he knew it'd happen someday. Rules were created so that they could be broken, and death had to happen at some point. "Then I suppose it's time she's removed from the picture. When should we begin?"Silverstar  00:16, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang couldn't help a tiny grin that came to her face. Finally, for the first time in her life, someone who kind of understood her. He didn't seem at all frightened at how well she was taking this, or the obvious fact she had probably done this before. "We must wait until night, when there aren't any warriors around. Preferably a misty or rainy night, or at least near a body of water with a cloudy sky," she paused, a quick thought coming to mind. "If we have to do it as soon as possible, perhaps we could tonight, while the Clan is at the Gathering. Aspenwhisker is injuried, so she won't be going, we can request to stay and guard the camp."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 00:36, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

Hm. He might have an *actual* friend on his hands! She seemed just as crazy as Thunderblaze, although...maybe in a different kind of way. The ginger tabby warrior grinned widely, although he spoke in a low, serious voice. "This'll be our little secret, alright?" Thunderblaze shifted, cocking his head. "What about Creekfrost? Our plan is to pin it all on him, after all. I need to keep Orchidbloom safe."Silverstar  00:39, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang nodded. "Of course. I'm not an idiot," she flexed her claws, already mapping out what would happen in her head. It was probably good that she had slashed Creekfrost's face earlier, so he'd be forced to stay in camp. If he went to the Gathering, she knew that it would be harder to believe he'd done it while he was at the Gathering. "So, tonight? Perhaps you can ask her to go out on a night hunt, while I hide and wait."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 00:46, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

"Of course you're no idiot. It takes a genius to come up with such a perfect plan." Thunderblaze complimented, watching as the warrior flexed her claws. Hopefully he hadn't gotten into something he couldn't handle...Talonfang kinda scared him. "I can do it tonight, easy. I'll say I have a belly ache, then ask her to come with a hunt for me to distract my mind. I'll roll in some mushrooms to hide my scent, first."Silverstar  00:55, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang nodded. "Good idea. Let's do it by at the stream, by the FrostClan border," she yawned, glancing up at the sky. Cats should be leaving in at least a few hours. "Have you ever killed before?" she asked, curiously.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:01, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

Wishfoot shifted her eyes suspiciously. After hanging around cats for so long, and sneaking around as a kit wondering who was lying and who wasn't, she'd gotten good at detecting lies. And this was most likely one of them. "Creekfrost, unless you're blind as a bat, no cat just straight up runs into a stick. No, it's not bad, but I know lies when I hear one. I grew up hearing them, and you can't lie to me." *At least, I hope not. What if he* is *telling the truth and I'm being an idiot?* "C'mon, what happened? And hurry up, because I need to get back to my kits." *I'm such a terrible mother. Accusing Creekfrost of lying, not spending time with my loves . . . what kind of a she-cat am I?* forget *honesty*~~i wanna see you be BRAVE 05:22, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

Sandynose glanced around nervously for his mate. *Oh StarClan, don't let her get into trouble.* His thoughts always travelled back to horrible dreams, of Wishfoot lying in a pool of blood and Creekfrost dead in the middle of camp, and the kits... He felt a shiver run up his spine. -

Mothwhisker brushed his muzzle lovingly against Embersong's. "How are you feeling?" He asked, breathing in her beautiful scent. *How perfect can a cat be?*

*No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 08:27, December 4, 2017 (UTC)*

Creekfrost twitched a little, nervously. He lowered his gaze to the ground and began leading the way back to camp. "Let's go back to your kits," his voice was rough as he spoke. "I'm sorry, you're right, I was lying, but I just really don't want to talk about it."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 14:56, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

"No, but I have to start somewhere, don't I?" Thunderblaze responded with a creepily wide grin. It was true, though. Hopefully, he wouldn't get a horrible taste for blood and go on a murder-spree...Silverstar  23:33, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang studied Thunderblaze for a moment, then nodded. "We should prepare ourselves," she meowed, coolly. She wanted him to be ready for this - if he was anything like their Clanmates, he'd curl up in a ball and cry at the thought of killing someone. "I suppose I'll go to the stream now and wait until you arrive."

Creekfrost padded into camp at a fast pace, blood still on his face and glanced around, anxiously. Had Talonfang done any harm while he was out? Everything looked peaceful. No one was in a panic. That was good.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 23:59, December 4, 2017 (UTC)

"We'll be seeing you soon." With that, the ginger warrior hurried to camp with an agonizing expression. When asked, Thunderblaze explained his stomach ache, so he could be excused from the Gathering.Silverstar  00:24, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

The hours went by and Larchstar took the Clan to the Gathering. Creekfrost stayed behind, at Rainwisp's fretful orders. He could still hear Rainwisp's high-pitched squealing as he freaked out while trying to fix Creekfrost's face. Rainwisp said he didn't know if it would scar, only time would tell. Now Creekfrost guarded the kits in the nursery, sitting nearby the tumbling litter, but reluctant to cuddle with them. He still found Stormkit huddled up next to him, purring quietly, and Waterkit clumsily stalking his tail. Creekfrost was on edge now, at Talonfang's threats. She couldn't hurt her own kits, could she? Well, he could and would protect them if she tried.

Talonfang was under water. She had her paws planted firmly in the mucky floor of the stream, only her nose, eyes, and ears sticking out of the water. She waited patiently for Thunderblaze and Aspenwhisker to arrive.

Aspenwhisker lie outside the warriors den, still moody about her eye. She rolled a pebble around with a small paw. *I wish I could have gone to the Gathering,* she thought, ruefully.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 00:39, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Squirreltail made her way out of the nursery and found Waterkit and Stormkit huddled against Creekfrost, mewing quietly. She purred inwardly and sat down softly next to Creekfrost, their gaze's meeting. "Are you okay?" She asked him. "What's wrong? You can come inside the den, you don't have to cuddle with the kits. It's just these two little ones will freeze out here!" She added softly to her last statement, "and you can tell me what's up without anyone over hearing. Wishfoot went to the gathering, so there's no one to eavesdrop."

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 00:44, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

"They followed me outside," Creekfrost told her, a little guilty for leaving them out in the cold. They were snuggled in his fur, but it was still cold out. He led them into the nursery and sat down near the nest. "I don't want to talk about it," he murmured, guilty once more that he was keeping something from her.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 00:56, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Thunderblaze approached the blue warrior with a forced warm smile. "Hello, Aspenwhisker. Looks like you could use a walk, huh? I could go with you, if you want."Silverstar  01:01, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Squirreltail nodded, huddling Waterkit and Stormkit next to her with their littermates. "I understand, more than you know," she murmured.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 01:03, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Aspenwhisker lifted her bored gaze away from the pebble and gave Thunderblaze an odd look. She kind of did want to strech her legs, but why did he want to go with her? She shrugged, standing up. He was her Clanmate, afterall, maybe he wanted a friend. She was totally up for friends. "Sure, I guess," she blinked her good eye at him. "Congratulations on earning your warrior name, by the way," she mewed, already heading for the camp entrance.

Creekfrost jerked his head toward Squirreltail, very fast. "O-oh, what do you mean by that?" he asked, shaking his pelt, and gently nudging Stormkit away with his tail as the kit tried to snuggle again.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:13, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Squirreltail sighed and whispered, "you have to promise not to say *a single word* to anyone about it. But-well... Skippingstone isn't dead. I never wanted anyone to find out after I did, but keep in mind I only found out *today*. I was scared... Scared they'd kill him for what he did..." She shivered. "I can't say anything else."

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 01:17, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

"Great! Follow me, I know a great place to go when I'm feeling down." Thunderblaze meowed, eagerly leading the blue-based she-cat out of camp with his tail waving high. Why did he feel so...excited about committing a murder? Oh, right, it was because he was framing Creekfrost and stealing Orchidbloom out from underneath the tom's nose. No wonder he felt so giddy.Silverstar  01:22, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

"Oh, uh, hi, Mothwhisker," Embersong said.

***Courage*** is resistance to ***fear.*** 13:23, December 9, 2017 (UTC)

Creekfrost gave Squirreltail an alarmed look. "W-wha-t? He's alive?" he fluffed out his fur uncomfortably, tempted to ask where he was, but she had said she could say no more. He understood she wanted to keep it to herself, just like he wanted to keep this to himself. "... I don't want to endanger anyone," he replied, looking away from her.

Aspenwhisker followed the tom, oblivious of what was about to happen. "Okay, that sounds cool," she mewed, having a hard time figuring out where he was leading her, with only one eye. It was really uncomfortable, having a blindspot now. She picked up the scent of clear water mixed with FrostClan. "We're getting a little close to the border," she warned, slowing down.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:36, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

"I know, but we aren't crossing it, no worries." Thunderblaze assured her with a small grin, prancing closer to the river. *But really, you should be worried.* He turned back to the blue warrior and waved her over with his tail. "Come on over here to the river! There's a lot of pretty shells in here."Silverstar  01:40, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang remained motionless in the water, her head blending in the the few stones that jutted out of the water. She kept her eyes narrow to stop them from glinting in the dim moonlight. She spotted Thunderblaze's pelt within the trees, Aspenwhisker close behind. Talonfang tensed beneath the water, eyes following like a hawk. Aspenwhisker's blind side was facing her.

Aspenwhisker cautiously approached the river, watching the calm water roll smoothly along. Then her pelt prickle with unease at a sudden sense of danger. "Uh, Thunderblaze, I think -" she stopped when a splash came from the river and something soaking wet and heavy rammed into her side. She opened her mouth to let out an terrified screech, but it was muffled when her attacker covered her mouth with a paw. Jaws closed around her throat and teeth dug into her. Fiery pain ran from her neck to the rest of her body and she tried to wail, but only blood came out of her mouth.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 02:01, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Wait, wait, he wanted to get in on it, too! While Talonfang worked on draining Aspenwhisker's life away, Thunderblaze made certain to aim for the one-eyed warrior's legs, to ensure that she couldn't get away. Better to be safe than sorry, after all. Couldn't risk having Aspenwhisker running off and spilling all the beans.Silverstar  02:10, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Finally, Aspenwhisker went limp in Talonfang's jaws. She relaxed, releasing the blue she-cat and watching her body sink to the ground and her blood well onto the river shore. Talonfang remained silent, just staring at Aspenwhisker's body for a few moments. The first time she had killed, Talonfang had had many emotional breakdowns and wished she could undo it, had been so sad and guilty, but now, it was sort of satisfiying to see her dead Clanmate, knowing she had done this, with some help, of course. She turned to Thunderblaze, nodding. "Well done. Wash the blood off in the river," she ordered, while she picked her gray fur and his ginger from Aspenwhisker's claws. She carried the the water, placing them in and watching them float away. With a sigh, she sunk into the water and cleaned her fur. "After we are clean, we will go back to camp and go to Creekfrost's nest and get his fur off of it and place it in her claws."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 02:19, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

Wow, she seemed so...cool and collected. Thunderblaze hadn't really been expecting it, he had somewhat expected Talonfang to be a 'chicken-she-cat' and have a breakdown. To admit, he did feel somewhat bad for ending the she-cat's life, seeing she had no impact on him. But...it was for the better good. *His* betterment, really. With a small nod, he obeyed the dappled gray she-cat and slid into the river to clean. Ewww, water....Silverstar  02:29, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

After she was sure she got all the blood off, Talonfang climbed out of the water, shaking her pelt out and giving it a quick grooming so she wasn't soaked. Thankfully her fur dried fast. No one would wonder why she was all wet. "All right, final step. Fur gathering time," she mewed, staring at Aspenwhisker one last time, then began the trek back to camp. Once on the outer wall of her home, she heard faint voices coming from the nursery. Even from this distance she knew it was Creekfrost and Squirreltail. *Just have to be quiet. Hopefully Creekfrost will leave camp, just for a little bit, enough time for it to look like he could do that to Aspenwhisker.*
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 04:53, December 5, 2017 (UTC)

He followed the try warrior to camp after tirelessly trying to dry out his bright coat. Thunderblaze swallowed his eagerness and entered camp with a composed, basic Thunderblaze-walk. Nothing to see!Silverstar  00:52, December 6, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang slipped inside of the warriors den, very quietly walking over empty nests and careful not to wake the few cats who had stayed behind. She collected fur from Creekfrost's nest, then hurried out the den, nodding to Thunderblaze. "Let's go."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:37, December 6, 2017 (UTC)

His heart was pounding now, but not out of fear -- it was out of excitement. It felt like he was finally alive, the thrill of setting up such a cruel plan that would ruin the life of another (not to mention take a life). Thunderblaze hurried after the secretive she-cat, moving light yet swiftly on his paws.Silverstar  03:38, December 6, 2017 (UTC)

It was really easy, the rest. They got back to the stream, placed the fur between her claws and that was that. Talonfang stared at Aspenwhisker again, reminded of Smokewhisker for a moment, but her memories went away as soon as they crossed her mind. It was now just oddly entertaining to stare at the work the two warriors had just done. "Well," she said, after a moment. "All we have to do now is wait for the dawn patrol tomorrow." She glanced at him and nodded. "You did very well." *Orchidbloom must mean a lot to you, for you to kill your own Clanmate for her.*
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 05:03, December 6, 2017 (UTC)

Wishfoot was busy getting some fresh-kill for herself while she saw Talonfang and Thunderblaze walking into the warriors' den. "Hey, where ya been?" she asked casually. Her voice was light and airy, like it usually was when she kept her ears open for gossip. Not like she did that all the time . . . forget *honesty*~~i wanna see you be BRAVE 00:40, December 7, 2017 (UTC)

(They're already outside of camp, as of Patch's post) Thunderblaze stretched his neck as he settled down beside the stream, casting Talonfang a satisfied glance. "As I told you, I'd do anything for dear Orchidbloom." He pointed out before offering the gray speckled warrior a surprisingly warm grin. You'd think that after a cat committed a murder, the last thing he'd do be to would smile so thankfully. "Thank you for helping me, Talonfang."Silverstar  20:39, December 7, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang nodded. "She is a lucky she-cat." *Would Smokewhisker have killed his own Clanmate if it meant saving me?* She returned him a cool grin. "Not a problem," she blinked kindly at him. "If you ever need someone else killed, I'm here."

As the night went on, Creekfrost began to relax a little. He lie down with his paw tucked underneath him, wondering how the Gathering was. Waterkit was struggling to crawl up his back, letting out grunts of effort, but failed everytime, sliding off his pelt and rolling onto her siblings, then trying to climb again.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 23:37, December 7, 2017 (UTC)

Thunderblaze let out a hearty laugh. "I'll be sure to contact you if I have any more requests." He could almost see a very strange and very dark relationship blossoming. How cute. "I have to admit, I'm very impressed by your work. Creative and sneaky."

Lostkit had worn himself out with his fight to open his other eye. One eye was good enough...maybe he just didn't have a second one, that would explain why he couldn't open it. Or maybe he just needed someone to scare the living daylights out of him again. Oh well, too late to find out now, sleep was screaming Lostkit's name.Silverstar  00:19, December 8, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang looked away, watching the river flow by. "I've had experience," she admitted, shamelessly. The image of those first two apprentices she killed flickered into mind. She didn't think they had deserved what she brought them, but their deaths was for good interest. Smokewhisker also had to die. Sadness weighed on her shoulders at the thought. Talonfang shook out her pelt. "We should go."

Waterkit fell off of Creekfrost flank again and gave up, panting. It was like trying to climb up a mountain! She walked over her siblings and burrowed her way through the moss to lie between their warm bodies. They could *all* climb Creekfrost later.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 00:44, December 8, 2017 (UTC)

Larchstar padded into camp, tired from the Gathering and disappointed in himself. The sky was growing creamy pink with dawn sun and cats were stirring around camp. "Anyone who is up for dawn patrol, please go out now and check on the FrostClan and SunClan border." He felt over defensive towards the other Clans right now. He knew it had been wrong for so many reasons to start a thing at the Gathering, but what worried him most was the fact he may have made his Clan sound weak. *I mentioned some of our cats nearly died... what if the Clans take advantage of that?*

Evergreenpaw plodded out of the apprentices den, yawning hugely. "I'll go," she offered at Larchstar's voice. She wished she could lead the patrol... ah well.

Talonfang lifted her head from grooming and cast Larchstar with her sharp gaze. This was it. The cats who went on that patrol would uncover the "truth".
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 02:45, December 26, 2017 (UTC)

Mothwhisker looked up from his seat next to Embersong as his apprentice voluntered to go on the dawn patrol. The dappled tom and yawned and stretched his legs before he told Larchstar, "if she goes, I go." He gave a little grin in Evergreenpaw's direction and couldn't sworn her cheeks flushed red. He was that charming... it surprised him and he knew it showed in his eyes as he padded over to his apprentice. Berrypaw soon asked to go, and Sandynose also joined, offering to take over Talonfang's job with her apprentice. Talonfang didn't object. -

"Let's head out," Sandynose snapped quietly to the patrol, his thoughts darkened by the admiring look Larchstar gave him. *I hate the attention, especially after last night.* He stiffled a yawn and nodded to his leader, bones sore as he swaggered out of camp, the patrol on his heels.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 08:15, December 26, 2017 (UTC)

Talonfang watched them leave, feeling oddly protective of Berrypaw. She had considered calling him back but decided against it. She liked the little guy and she didn't know whether the sight of a dead body would disturb him. *Oh, quit thinking like an overreacting queen. It'll be good for him, he must get used to the idea of death, lots of death.* Her belly fluttered with excitement as she thought about the patrol, marching closer and closer to Aspenwhisker. *There's no scent for them to argue it was us. And Creekfrost's fur he in her claws, plain as day.*

Evergreenpaw returned her mentors grin and trotted eagerly after Sandynose. She grinned at Berrypaw behind her. "I hope this is an exciting patrol for once. I'm fine with doing the normal, everyday, boring patrols, but it'd be awesome if something great happened."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 15:56, December 26, 2017 (UTC)

Mothwhisker nipped his apprentice's ear playfully, as if to tell her to stop, before he called up to Sandynose, "We should check the river!" Sandynose glanced back and nodded to the dappled warrior, who beckoned for everyone to follow. They made their way to the river, Berrypaw and Evergreenpaw bouncing ahead, before Mothwhisker heard a screech.

"Evergreenpaw! Berrypaw!" He yowled, darting forward through the bushes, into one of the mosty gory scenes he'd ever laid eyes on. Aspenwhisker lay, dead, *blood* pooling around her, her flank ripped open... *So much blood,* he thought, already grabbing the two apprentices, before throwing them behind him. "Any idea who did it?" He asked Sandynose, who stilled as he approached Aspenwhisker's body. "He was framed again..." the deputy whispered, showing Mothwhisker the fur between Aspenwhisker's claws. "It can't have been someone framing him," Mothwhisker snapped. "It's as plain as ever what he did."

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 20:29, December 26, 2017 (UTC)

Evergreenpaw peered over Mothwhisker's shoulder, large eyes fixed on the blue gray tabby's mangled body. It made her feel dizzy... She gave Berrypaw a worried look then she heard her mentor and Sandynose say "him". "Who?" Evergreenpaw demanded, pushing her way out from behind Mothwhisker and staring at Aspenwhisker's body. It was disgusting and horrorfiying to look at. Aspenwhisker had been such a good cat, a loyal warrior, kind hearted... she had her rough edges, but everyone did. She saw the bite and claw marks on her flank and throat. Aspenwhisker had been murdered, and Evergreenpaw knew all too well who the two toms meant by "him", she had be warned to be careful with him, told stories about his past... she hadn't really been sure she actually believed any of it until now. Evergreenpaw nodded to the black fur between the she-cat's small claws, nose wrinkled in fury and disgust. "Creekfrost did this!" she hissed, siding with her mentor. It was obvious, Creekfrost's scent was the only one here, and that was his fur between her claws. "Larchstar needs to exile him, or kill him before he kills someone else! What if the kits and queens are next?"
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 16:59, December 27, 2017 (UTC)

Wishfoot heard the commotion and decided to ignore it, for now. Right now she had kits to attend to! She swished her tail above them, watching as they tried to catch it. *I wonder where Sandynose is,* thought the tabby queen. *Probably doing deputy stuff. Ah, well he has that to attend to. And I have my precious kitties!* She curled around them, relaxing and wishing she could do this forever. Soon they were asleep. "Is this all they do?" she muttered. "Play, eat, and sleep?" Then she shrugged. "Well, they'll be hunting and fighting soon enough." The queen strode on to where the yowling was. There was Mothwhisker, her mate, Evergreenpaw, Talonfang, and Berrypaw. And there, in the middle, dead, was Aspenwhisker. She bounded over to her mate, licking him briefly, then glanced at the cats. "All right, who did this?" forget *honesty*~~i wanna see you be BRAVE 21:24, December 27, 2017 (UTC)

Sandynose cleared his through roughly before saying, "we don't know-" -

"Creekfrost did it!" Mothwhisker snarled, his voice louder than the deputy's as he faced the broad shouldered tom. He fur spiked and his lips were drawn back as he faced the deputy. "It is clear that *he* was the one to do it! Just look," he spat at Larchstar, not caring as his Clanmates slowly slid away from him, terrified by his outburst. Mothwhisker remembered, he had *never* confronted Sandynose before, he had never spoken like this to anyone... And it horrified himself. "We found Creekfrost's fur between her claws, and his unholy stench was the only one there." His eyes met Embersong's across the clearly and he made his eyes say, *I'm so sorry. It's the truth.* He turned away. -

Squirreltail stomped past Sandynose, even shoving the deputy aside and crooned in her mocking tone at Mothwhisker, "oh? Feeling guilty, are we? Maybe, just maybe, you feel guilty?" She lashed her tail and pulled back her lips in a snarl, revealing her bared, deadly sharp teeth. "Not guilty because you killed Aspenwhisker," she drawled, "but because, deep down, you know he is innocent." Mothwhisker spat in her face. "He is *not* innocent!" -

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 00:42, December 28, 2017 (UTC)

(i'm assuming they've returned to camp) Creekfrost bounded out of the nursery to the sound of yowling. His pounding heart slowed for a moment at the sight of Aspenwhisker. The patrol must have found her. "You did this!" Evergreenpaw was snarling in his face. "You killed Aspenwhisker!" Creekfrost didn't say a word, instead gazed around in a shocked silence. Last time this happened, fear had risen up in him and he didn't dare try defending himself, at least not that hard, but this time, anger boiled in his belly. He gave a sharp glance to Mothwhisker, his fury making him icy calm. "And what makes you think that I caused her death?" he asked, voice quiet. "Your fur is between her claws! And how do you explain that mark on your face?" Evergreenpaw butted in, pointing a claw at the snaking mark that sliced across his face, covered with a poultice.

Talonfang didn't bother joining the argument, instead sat farther out in from the group, watching with hawk like eyes. It was pleasing, to see her Clanmates were still dumb enough to believe it, but it was also sad to see Creekfrost in trouble for something he didn't do. But unlike last time, she didn't cry, she stayed very quiet and had an appalled expression.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:41, December 28, 2017 (UTC)

Sandynose stood between Evergreenpaw and Creekfrost and snarled, "break it up! Creekfrost might be guilty, he might not be. I personally believe his innocence." His eyes met Creekfrost's and he said, more to the tom than anyone else, "you are innocent. That scar... Aspenwhisker wouldn't have been able to do that. She wouldn't have enough strength to gorge it in that deep."

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 09:31, December 28, 2017 (UTC)

Embersong looked at Mothwhisker. She slowly padded over to the group of arguing cats. "Guys, it's no use arguing like this! We need some better proof about who did this before anyone makes a conclusion," Embersong shouted firmly over the group of cats. "A better, more solid proof then just scent and fur. Who knows how sneaky some of these cats can be!"

***Courage*** is resistance to ***fear.*** 12:39, December 28, 2017 (UTC)

Creekfrost didn't notice Sandynose's words, cold anger blocking it out. His eyes searched out Talonfang, in the back of the crowd, watching. She did this. He knew she had. She did the same exact thing as before. *I'd imagine she'd be more original than that.* "I didn't kill Aspenwhisker." Was there a point defending himself? The proof was obvious to them, but they didn't think like Talonfang. Why did she do this? She had nothing more to gain, surely?

"It's enough proof," Larchstar calmly adderessed the Clan in a quiet and tired voice. "No one else scent was there expect Creekfrost's. He will be punished." He frowned at the black tom, who made no reaction. Larchstar wasn't sure himself if Creekfrost had done it. He didn't seem like the type of cat. But this had happened before, and his scent was the only one there.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 14:43, December 28, 2017 (UTC)

Commotion, commotion, what was with all the *commotion*? There had been an argument at the Gathering, as she had explained to Thunderblaze, but it couldn't possibly carry out here. After all, SunClan wasn't here. So, what was all that chatter about? Orchidbloom pushed her way out of the Warrior's den, blinking the sleepiness from her vision before spotting Creekfrost surrounded by his Clanmates. They seems hostile, very upset, what were they doing to him? "Creekfrost? Leave him alone!" Orchidbloom leaped forward in efforts to charge towards Creekfrost to protect him, but she was quickly cut off by Thunderblaze.

"Stay back, Orchidbloom." He spoke in a gentle but stern voice, redirecting the young warrior away from the black tom. She desperately glanced back over at Creekfrost before staring directly into Thunderblaze's eyes without flinching. She demanded that he let her through, but Thunderblaze shook his head slowly. "Orchidbloom, Aspenwhisker is *dead*. The patrol found Creekfrost's fur on her claws."Silverstar  15:03, December 28, 2017 (UTC)

Squirreltail pushed herself in front of Creekfrost, motherly instincts kicking in for the younger warrior. Her glare met Larchstar, and no matter who or what he was, she let the hate and disbelief and love shine. *How dare you accuse him? You know he's innocent,* she made her gaze tell him, curling her lips back at Mothwhisker, who looked ready to kill someone. *Talonfang did this.* "SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU!" She screamed, her voice reaching breaking point as all those around her fell silent, even Sandynose, who had been seemingly going to make a calmer statement. "How *dare* any of you accuse Creekfrost? He was in the nursery with me the entire night with the kits!" She hissed at Evergreenpaw, who seemed ready to object, "and *no*, I did not fall asleep once." -

Sandynose watched the infuriated queen snarl wildly at everyone, and he dipped his head to her in thanks as she stepped down, casting one more glare at Larchstar. He stood protectively in front of Creekfrost next to Squirreltail. "Squirreltail has a fair point," he meowed loudly, making everyone glance his way. "Let me and Larchstar discuss this, *alone*." He looked once at Wishfoot and nuzzled her gently, before following after his leader, up into the leader's den. The shadows embraced him and Sandynose hissed softly to Larchstar as they settled down, "you know Creekfrost and Squirreltail are telling the truth."

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 03:05, December 29, 2017 (UTC)

"I know Creekfrost didn't do it," Embersong whispered to herself. "I was once his mentor, after all. I know that he wouldn't do such a thing."

***Courage*** is resistance to ***fear.*** 13:06, December 29, 2017 (UTC)

Creekfrost watched Larchstar leave with Sandynose, disappearing into the leaders den. His anger died to a dull throb and was replaced by an unwanted twinge of guilt. *I hurt Aspenwhisker. I probably blinded her eye. I don't blame them for blaming me. If a different cat were in my place - with all the proof, I would believe they killed her.* He wished he could have told Aspenwhisker he was so sorry for losing his temper and hurting her, she had hit a very sensitive nerve. Even though she wasn't the kindest cat, she never deserved to die in such a way. *Why did you kill her?* he silently asked Talonfang, closing his eyes briefly. He blinked open his eyes to swiftly search his Clanmates faces - supportive, shocked, frightened, hostile. His eyes landed on Orchidbloom and he turned away, terrified on what she may think. He turned to Squirreltail with a haunted look and briefly rested the side of his muzzle to hers. "Thank you for defending me," he whispered, then pulled away with a tiny shake of his head. "But there's no point." Why had Talonfang done this again? Hadn't she done enough? What was there *possibly* to gain from this? *I'm most likely going to be exiled, I think, since this has happened before and I got off very lightly, although Larchstar seems easy-going, and Sandynose is in there, talking to him. He wouldn't make me get exiled, would he?* But if he did get exiled, would Talonfang keep killing? Well, yes she would, from what he heard, from her chatting with that AshClan she-cat. *I need to tell Larchstar and Sandynose.*

Larchstar led the way to his den, tail trailing on the ground and he reached his nest, sitting down gracefully and curling his tail around his paws. "What should we do?" he asked his deputy. He had no, no clue at all. His mind was blank. "I don't think he did it, but we have the proof to say he did. I believe Squirreltail," he murmured, heart twisting. "But one cat as a wittness isn't enough to prove anything."

Evergreenpaw watched Squirreltail, suspicion glittering in her green gaze. What if she was working with Creekfrost, trying to take over the Clan or something like that? Squirreltail had never been the kindest cat. *But she was like a mother to you,* reminded a little voice in the back of her head. *You know she would never do that.* She turned to Mothwhisker, looking troubled. She wanted him to reassure her about everything, but knew that wouldn't help.

Talonfang cast Thunderblaze a sidelong look, an emotionless expression plastered to her face. *We did it. Orchidbloom has to believe he did it.*
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:07, December 30, 2017 (UTC)

Squirreltail breathed in the youthful tom's scent for a second as she brushed her muzzle against his in return and murmured, "it is never too late, there is never no point, unless you make it so. I know you aren't guilty," she paused, before adding, "so that gives me something to fight for." She nodded to him, before casting a hateful glare Mothwhisker's way, bwfore saying to him in her normal voice, "I'd better care for the kits." -

Mothwhisker laid his tail comfortingly over Evergreenpaw's back, his voice straining as he said, "it'll be ok. Everything will settle down eventually." He locked gazes with his tiny apprentice, a silent vow glistening in his eyes. He glanced towards Talonfang and nodded. He knew Creekfrost was guilty and Talonfang's gaze plainly said the same thing. -

Sandynose felt a snarl rise up in his throat, but kept it back, fearing it would damage his leader worse than anything he could do in battle and instead said in a slightly cold voice, "we prove that Creekfrost is not responsible for this. I don't *care how* we do it, but we **have** to prove his innocence."

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 07:47, December 30, 2017 (UTC)

Creekfrost nodded, anxitey tighening his chest. He glanced towards Larchstar's den, feeling a tug in his paws to march over and tell them Talonfang's plans. If a one cat died in the process, it'd be better than an entire Clan, if you asked him. *We can stop Talonfang before she can do it!* he told himself, chilling with anger. But something else in the back of his head reminded him of the cat Talonfang used to be. Was that cat truly gone? *I can bring her back! I know I can... If I tell them, what if they try killing her?* Now he was torn.

With a controlled voice, Evergreenpaw said, "Perhaps you could stay in the warriors den, with a gaurd, until Larchstar and Sandynose return." She didn't think it was a good idea to have Creekfrost be with queens and kits right now. His kits would probably be frightened by him, actually. "Is that reasonable?" she cautiously asked the Clan, looking longest at her mentor, hoping he'd approve.

Larchstar found a pebble on the den floor and mindlessly fiddled with it while Sandynose spoke. "How? We have proof he's done it, what could we do to discard that?" he asked, eyes glinting when a sudden ray of sunlight broke through the trees and slanted into his den. "Why are you so willing to believe he is innocent, when everything points to him?" he added, softly.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 15:37, December 30, 2017 (UTC)

Mothwhisker nodded to his apprentice, but told her, "Squirreltail could easily deal with him if he decided to make a move on the kits." -

"Because he's like my *son*," Sandynose snarled, slashing his unsheathed claws through the den floor in anger. "Because I *know* he's innocent. Squirreltail said he was in the nursery with her the whole night, and she didn't fall asleep once." He tried to leash his temper, but even as he did, the leash was about to snap. "I don't know how we'd discard the 'evadence', but if you want help, I'll find a way to prove his innocence.

No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 20:41, December 30, 2017 (UTC)

Evergreenpaw twitched uneasily at the thought of Creekfrost attacking the queen out of no where; or the kits. "I think a gaurd should stay outside the den, anyway, just in case...."

Larchstar looked thoughtfully at the slashes in the sand his deputy left in the floor of the den. "I don't know what to believe at the moment. But I trust your judgement. I am willing to help you."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 03:09, December 31, 2017 (UTC)

Wishfoot could hardly believe her ears: *Creekfrost* killed Aspenwhisker. No. That wasn't possible. He never seemed like the type to do it; besides, she had the slightest inkling of who might've done it. "Evergreenpaw, that's not necessary," she announced in a slightly irritated, clipped tone. "Creekfrost did not murder Aspenwhisker; I've known him long enough to know that there is no way he'd do this. He'd be a bit more rational in his temper; he'd talk it out. Anyone's who known Creekfrost for a bit knows this is not what he'd do. And even if he does go crazy and attack us, I'm still a pretty good fighter," she added, flexing her claws. Even as she defended the tom, she started to doubt herself. What if the evidence was right and Creekfrost was guilty? The queen shook off those thoughts. They wouldn't help her; only truth and facts would. In fact, that was what would help the whole Clan. The tabby stared at Sandynose and Larchstar, deep in conversation. Her mate had seemed to briefly lose his temper, but that was nothing new. Somehow, they would clear Creekfrost and find the true murderer. forget *honesty*~~i wanna see you be BRAVE 06:19, December 31, 2017 (UTC)

"He'd never--!!" Orchidbloom backed away from Thunderblaze with her ears pinned against her skull, her facial expressions screaming 'disturbed'. On the otherhand, the ginger warrior held his position, standing strong and continuing to block the pale warrior. "Orchidbloom, he attacked her face earlier. We have to be safe, wh-what if he targets you next? Or me? Or even his own kits?"Silverstar  14:42, January 5, 2018 (UTC)

"Creekfrost wouldn't hurt us!" Waterkit burst away from the grip of a queen in the nursery and rushed to stand protectively in front of Creekfrost, who pelt bushing out and back arched. She glared around her Clanmates in defiance. She didn't know any of these cats, she realized after a moment, then once again realized this was her first time to really leave the nursery. But she forced herself to remain focused on supporting her father. *Why do these cats think he'd hurt us? Or them? They're stupid!*
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 22:05, February 6, 2018 (UTC)

Embersong stared at what was happening. "Why would you guys think Creekfrost would do such thing! I've known him for such a long time, and I know it's not the thing Creekfrost would do! He's never done anything like this before anyway, so why would he want to start now?" She walked closer towards the center of the action. "He's innocent, I tell ya!"

"I accidentally did it on purpose." *- Hollywhisker* 12:37, February 7, 2018 (UTC)

"How do you explain Aspenwhisker?" Evergreenpaw lashed her tail to point to the blue she-cat, where others were already rubbing mint and rosemary on her cold fur to hide the scent of death. "His fur was there! This has happened before!" Anger boiled in her belly. Why couldn't everyone see *she* was right?

Creekfrost blinked in surprise when little Waterkit leaped to his defense. He wasn't an expert, but he didn't think this was the best way for her to meet her Clanmates. He pulled her away with his tail, back into the nursery, she thrashed and protested the whole way. Once inside, he let out a breath of relief to be out of the center of attention, then looked down at Waterkit, trying to look stern, but just couldn't master it like everyone else. "You have to stay in here until tensions die down." Waterkit began to protest again, but Creekfrost cut her off, more softly. "You'll have the chance to go out there again, soon. But not now."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 15:38, February 7, 2018 (UTC)

Wishfoot grew tired of listening to Evergreenpaw argue that Creekfrost was guilty. Her patience had just ran out, and she stuck her face in front of the tortoiseshell's. "Creekfrost is *innocent*!" she snarled. "He is, I know it! This isn't him, anyone who knows him knows that." She recoiled, speaking to all the cats. "I know some of you have known Creekfrost for a fair amount of time. If you did, tell me, is this what Creekfrost would've done? I know the answer is no." Her voice grew louder as her anger rose. "Why do you think Creekfrost murdered Aspenwhisker without thinking it through? Why do you accuse such a level cat of straight-up murdering another cat he quarreled with? Why can't you think of other explanations? He's innocent! I don't care if you point to his fur, what if he was framed? Think!" she cried. She sat down, her eyes still blazing with fury. "Creekfrost is the calmest tom I know. He would never ever resort to murder just to solve a problem he had with another. As for the fur in his claws, think about it? What if it was *deliberately* placed there? I've dealt with lies, deceit, and trickery far too much. This seems like a framing if you think about it." The tabby turned away, back to the nursery. shine for me and think of the stars that shone for you 01:49, February 8, 2018 (UTC)

Talonfang watched Creekfrost drag Waterkit back to the nursery, feeling a longing to do it herself, but she pushed it away and focused on what was going on around her. "Who would be *that* cruel and want Creekfrost in trouble, that badly?" Talonfang stepped up, looking concerned. "I don't want to believe he did this. Perhaps we can search the area where Aspenwhisker died, see if there are any clues." She knew her Clanmates wouldn't be able to find any sign of her and Thunderblaze there. *I always hide myself, and Thunderblaze did well for his first time killing. I'm almost proud of the kid.*

Evergreenpaw had to control herself from swiping at Wishfoot when she leaned in to her face. *Be loyal to your Clanmates! Don't hurt them. Don't be like Creekfrost,* she recalled the black tom slashing at Aspenwhisker's eye. Then the idea hit her. "If he's so good and calm, why did he hurt Aspenwhisker? It'd make sense for him to want to *get rid* of her, since they didn't seem to get along." The tortoiseshell turned to listen to Talonfang's idea. She gave a little nod. "I think that makes more sense then fighting among each other."

"I think everyone should calm down first and pay their respects to Aspenwhisker," Rainwisp spoke up, looking sternly at his Clanmates. "It's not honorable to fight over this when a Clanmate; someone who vowed to protect us with her life, has fallen." He carried more mint over to Aspenwhisker's body and cleaned away some of the crusty blood from her soft fur. He felt a small pang in his heart at the sight of her. She looked beautiful, in a peaceful, but almost creepy way. "Once she has been buried, then we can sort out who did this. Right now, Aspenwhisker needs our attention."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 21:29, February 8, 2018 (UTC)

"I know it's hard to accept, Orchidbloom." Thunderblaze lowered his voice to a much more soothing and understanding tone, his eyes glistening with concern for the pretty young warrior. He hated seeing her so troubled like this, so disturbed, but it needed to happen. It was for her own good. The ginger warrior took a bold step forward, so close to Orchidbloom that their whiskers practically brushed, but she didn't budge. Fire burned so intensely in those beautiful sea-blue optics of hers, but he held on just as fiercely as she did. "But sometimes, things happen. Cats change, Creekfrost did. All you can do is be accepting of what's happened, don't fight it. It'll only make things worse."

With that final comment from Thunderblaze, Orchidbloom turned slowly from the ginger warrior, her ferocity seeming to fade into a dull ache. "You're so accepting, Thunderblaze, too much. Like a big pushover." Her voice was quiet, no longer holding that powerful ring from before. "I'm going to mourn for our lost warrior." She said this as she swayed away, turning towards Aspenwhisker's crumpled figure.Silverstar  22:51, February 8, 2018 (UTC)

"I agree with Wishfoot," continued Embersong, after letting her Clanmates speak. "It's obvious a cat would've framed Creekfrost with such a crime like this!" She scanned her eyes at her Clanmates, giving a hardened glare for those against Creekfrost. "I agree with Rainswisp as well. It is key here to calm down and let the situation unwind a bit, and *then* we can let our opinions come out."

"I accidentally did it on purpose." *- Hollywhisker* 22:58, February 8, 2018 (UTC)

Relieved his words seemed to sooth ruffled fur, Rainwisp went back to cleaning Aspenwhisker's fur. *May you have good hunting, swift running, and a warm place to sleep, Aspenwhisker.*

Evergreenpaw flattened her ears reluctantly, she wanted to find out the truth! But she realized Rainwisp was right. It was disrespectful to Aspenwhisker. Shame burning her ears, Evergreenpaw went to help Rainwisp, picking up some rosemary and rubbing it into the warriors fur.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 01:12, February 9, 2018 (UTC)

Thornpaw sat in the clearing, her eyes narrowed. She had the same annoyed look on her face as she always did. The she-cat was clearly lost in thought, though she was sure no one cared what it was about. 'I should find something to do..' She thought, standing up. {{SUBST:User:Bluestar340/Sig}} 20:36, February 24, 2018 (UTC)

After a while, Evergreenpaw left Aspenwhisker's loved ones to grieve. She noticed Thornpaw across the clearing and bounded over to her. "Hey, Thornpaw," she greeted. "Want to go hunting?" Evergreenpaw couldn't bear the thought of staying in the depressed camp any longer.
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 20:39, February 24, 2018 (UTC)

"Hi, Evergreenpaw.. and sure, we can hunt. I don't mind.." She replied, pushing herself to her paws. She walked out of camp and into the forest. "What happened anyways?" She added, looking confsued, she'd never really kept up with anyting in the clan but she knew this was serious. {{SUBST:User:Bluestar340/Sig}} 03:45, February 25, 2018 (UTC)

Evergreenpaw's nose wrinkled as she recalled the events earlier, following her sister out of camp. "I can't believe you didn't hear. Creekfrost killed Aspenwhisker! ...well, we *think* he killed her - I know he had to have done it."
—Patchfeather**From**the pinnacle to
 the pit 22:32, February 25, 2018 (UTC)

(Again, Patch, what happened to your sig?) Duskpool stared at Evergreenpaw from the corner of her eye, turning around to face her completely. "How could you think such thing? Where is the proof? The fur could be easily put there by another cat! I've never talked to Creekfrost, but I know him enough to know that this crime wasn't by him."

"I accidentally did it on purpose." *- Hollywhisker* 00:48, March 1, 2018 (UTC)

Lostkit had finally opened his eyes, much later than his siblings. Awkwardly watching the scene from a distance, he sat within the nursery, one of his eyes already abnormally darker than the other. Both were still kitten blue, but clearly one of them wasn't going to stay that way. They cringed when they looked at him. What'd he ever do to them?Silverstar  01:00, March 1, 2018 (UTC)

(Sorry if I'm a bit rusty. I've forgotten half of my characters xD) Sandynose lay out in the middle of SoulClan's camp, his bones still aching from the Gathering. He was so tired these days... *Age*, he thought. *I just hope I don't get old too quickly.* He glanced out of the corner of his eye at Evergreenpaw and Duskpool, rolling his eyes. "Stupid cats. They act like kits." He stood up, a bone actually cracking in his back, but he called over to them anyway, "Evergreenpaw, Duskpool! Settle down, that matter is not of your concern." -

Squirreltail paced back and forth inside the nursery, snarling and growling as her paws caught on bracken and moss. *Creekfrost is guilty, he isn't guilty... Argh! Why can't these idiots I call Clanmates accept that he was framed! This isn't even their fight, anyway.* She glanced down at the kits, curled up innocently in the nest. *I'll probably scare them to death soon enough.*

*No matter how many times we fought, love will always conquer hatred. 03:35, March 7, 2018 (UTC)*