Decayingbelladonna

***Spoiler warning:** Plot and/or ending details follow.* *"...."*
**Decayingbelladonna** is a pretty, thick-furred black tabby molly with blue eyes.
**Cat** was born to ....

## Relations

Crush:

Friendships: Acacialight, Brightskip

Enemies: Dawnstar

Mentors: Lavendersnow, Twilightplume, Halfdusk

### Brightskip

*"...."*

Decayingbelladonna first meets Faithe after Dawnstar had lead the loner into the territory, promising her placement as soon as the clan troubles are sorted through. The pair interact and find kinship in one another, formally becoming friends sometime soon after. The pair share several meetings and interactions before Faithe enlists her friend to help her select a new name for herself, despite Decayingbelladonna's unease about the situation, she suggests 'skip for her suffix, seeing as she was always quite bubbly and happy, she had a skip in her pawsteps. Faithe, liking this idea, opened the conversation up to a seemingly already irritable Dawnstar, who side-lines Decayingbelladonna but takes the suggestion. Decayingbelladonna is disheartened and upset by this interaction, especially after Dawnstar sends her away. Faithe is renamed Brightskip by Dawnstar, where she later returns to Decayingbelladonna, insulting the leader with unique nicknames in an effort to comfort her friend. The pair seem to bond more after this general distaste in their leader is recognized. The pair share another scene later on where Decayingbelladonna helps her weave flowers together as an accessory, Brightskip is ecstatic and wears this around for several days before the petals wilt and require discard/refreshing. The pair later are concerned for one another admist the badger attack that threatens their lives.

### Dawnstar

*"...."*

Decayingbelladonna and Dawnstar never seemed to be on the best of terms. After an interaction alongside Petalpaw, Decayingbelladonna fails to do her duty as a Mental Medicine Cat to comfort the young molly and repeat the story she'd given her earlier about a vision the molly had supposedly seen, instead forcing Petalpaw to make herself sick in an attempt to explain while still injured from an earlier spat. Though Decayingbelladonna never explained why she was unable to speak during this time, Dawnstar seems to assume it's because she's incapable of her work, something she didn't seem to need much convincing of. From this point on, Dawnstar is passive-aggressive and overtly dismissive of the molly, leaving Decayingbelladonna more often than not furious with her. Dawnstar takes the suggestion Decayingbelladonna had for her friend's name, seemingly only to save face with Brightskip, but she claims her to be little more than moral support and dismisses her quickly, which impacts Decayingbelladonna quite negatively. She takes off to sulk, which Dawnstar doesn't seem to take much care and or mind to. Decayingbelladonna often bad-mouths the leader and thinks negatively of her, even joining in when others do the same.

## Interests

*Likes*

Flowers, night-walks, gifts, sweet berries, and mint

*Dislikes*

Arguing, very loud noises, or Starclan [a love-hate relationship]

## Skills/Faults

*Skills*

Decayingbelladonna is able to sympathize with others, as well as understand other's emotions very well. She can see what's wrong in an instant and fix it without a worry. She works really well with kits and other cats, despite the fact her demure is rather off-putting. She is an amazing teacher as well, even if it comes with downsides, she knows how to get the point across in a healthy way. Decaying can also climb pretty high, and is a decent swimmer at best. Her claws are also rather sharp, which is pretty cool.

*Faults*

Her sense of smell is awful, and she's unable to detect what the difference between normal and poison is. She also tends to get distracted A LOT, and ignores things that aren't relevant to her current mission. It's not like she does it on purpose, but her thoughts swirl out of control and she can only focus on one thing at a time. She's got a serious issue with obsession as well, Belladona will go do something and won't stop until it's over or done. Or she'll see a cat she likes to be around and will constantly pester them. Again, it's not like she means to, but she's an amazing observer and loves to know everything about every cat. Mainly to help in her field. She also tends to overthink things, and is sometimes just unable to work through it. So she'll sit and contemplate the entire day on it, which wastes her time and makes it difficult for her to make connections. The last thing is that once she is upset, she is upset, you can't stop that. Everyone around will be engulfed in her fury as long as she stays that way.

## Personality

Decaying is a sweet molly who sympathizes with others and is able to stand up for herself. She speaks her mind and is able to snap very harshly if needed. She's got a long patience-span, however, does get rather bothered by certain things. Though that sounds like she's brave or confident, she's quite the opposite. Belladonna constantly overthinks things and lets her fears get the best of her, she's unable to go two seconds in a conversation without worrying about what she's saying and stumble. She's very kind and understands how to act, but is unable to get rid of the crawling anxiety that seeps through the cracks.

## Detailed History

*Dawnstar's Reign*

Decayingbelladonna is introduced upon being woken by Acacialight as the Bengal steals prey from the fresh-kill pile. The two share a short interaction, with Acacialight growing very fond of her even after just the one scene. She later appears in the medicine den where Littleflame brings her herbs before inquiring about treatment for his sister, Bayblossom. Decayingbelladonna accepts and, finding the molly pretty, decides that she believes the silver tabby to be fine as she explains her trouble. She is seen again when Smokestone visits her, finding a way to communicate with the mute molly to figure out her needs without the usage of words.

She is later involved in a scene with Petalpaw and Sharpsun after the former is heavily injured during a spat with the tom. She has hints of being openly disdainful of the tom for this, as if she was in disbelief any cat could lay a claw on Petalpaw. Lavendersnow instructs her to take over as she searches for Dawnstar to tell her what happened, and she helps Petalpaw by resupplying the herbs she keeps stored on her tail. While trying to soothe her, the Sentinel apprentice begins to plead with her that she's seen something horrible. When Lavendersnow returns without the Bengal, she informs the mental medicine cat that Petalpaw has recieved a concussion, asking if she'd missed anything. Petalpaw continues to insist on what she'd seen, pleading for the older cats to believe her. With encouragement by Lavendersnow, Decayingbelladonna softens it out of Petalpaw, who explains the omen she saw. Petalpaw pleads to know if Decayingbelladonna believed her, which the molly tells her she does. Lavendersnow however, grows openly hateful. She begins to argue with the injured apprentice on it and leaves her untreated, upsetting Decayingbelladonna immeasurably. The group decide to wait for Dawnstar before they decide on what to do about the news.

Dawnstar enters the den, and Lavendersnow begins an entire argument against her the second she enters, slandering Petalpaw and implying she was trying to stir trouble within the clan. Dawnstar, however, is thoughtful on the idea and invites Decayingbelladonna and Petalpaw to her den to discuss it privately without Lavendersnow sticking her muzzle in. While following the Bengal from the den, Decayingbelladonna imagines herself brutally killing Lavendersnow, she is completely infuriated by how Petalpaw was treated by her, and just how unprofessional she had been acting. This thought results in her being too distracted to help Petalpaw explain her vision, causing the apprentice to make herself sick while trying to stress over the thought once more. Dawnstar chooses to dismiss them after this, telling Petalpaw specifically rather than the both of them that she will find her to discuss the vision once she's healed more. Decayingbelladonna sulks away, so hung up on her own emotions that she doesn't realize Petalpaw's growing disdain for her after she'd failed her so harshly.

Upon returning to the medicine den Peachpurr requests herbs from her to use to treat Petalpaw's injuries. She complies, but feels uncomfortable hanging around where she doesn't feel she's necessary. She leaves to the Variegated Lagoon to clear her head. While there she meets Faithe, a loner that Dawnstar had allowed to join the clan. Decayingbelladomma chooses to introduce herself as Crow, choosing to keep her true name a secret for the time being due to it's negative connotations. Faithe introduces herself as well, though currently unnamed as she is to be named later in the day once Dawnstar is available. Decayingbelladonna gives the molly orchids, and Faithe requests they be tied into a wreath for her to wear and keep. Faithe attempts it, but is unsure how. Decayingbelladonna takes the flowers from her, tying her one and putting it on her. Faithe is pleased and thankful, and the two begin to chat. They're playful and have easy chemistry with one another. The two chat before Decayingbelladonna teaches the molly herbs, departing after that.

She is mentioned in reference to Petalpaw when Peachpurr thinks on how the molly will need to be seen for her concussion. She is thought of by Acacialight the whole way the molly returns to camp as well as the molly fawns over her. When Decayingbelladonna returns to camp, she is greeted by Faithe, who enters the medicine den in the start of conversation, asking about the herb storage inside. Faithe offers the molly help if she needs it, and finally shares her name with Decayingbelladonna after realizing she hadnt. Decayingbelladonna shrugs off the offer, and compliments the molly on her name. Faithe speaks of an interaction she had with Ptarmiganquill, referencing that she felt brushed aside and unimportant in the tom's eyes. Decayingbelladomna doesn't make much of an effort to soothe her.

Decayingbelladonna chooses to accompany Faithe as per the molly's request to speak to Dawnstar about the former loner's new name. When prompted about name ideas, Decayingbelladonna suggests 'skip as part of it. Faithe, deciding she likes this idea, leads the way up the Tall-Rock where the pair meet Dawnstar. The Bengal is curt and dismissive of Decayingbelladonna, simply calling her by her prefix upon her arrival, and brushing the molly off, calling her simply the "moral support" as she echos Faithe. Decayingbelladonna falters, feeling as though she is unwelcome in Dawnstar's presence. She tries to comfort Faithe, telling the loner she does not need to change her name, but Dawnstar interrupts her. Dawnstar accepts the name request, and chooses the prefix Bright for her, implying that she has a bright future in the clan. Decayingbelladonna sulks in her own misery upon Dawnstar's dismissal of her, feeling useless, rejected, and hurt. She's comforted by Faithe's warmth until Dawnstar sends her on her way. Decayingbelladonna leaves, escaping to the medicine den where she vents her frustration.

Decayingbelladonna has a fit, swiping the grass and bristling while pacing until Brightskip pads into the den to check on her. Brightskip offers the molly a listening ear and support, telling the molly she shouldn't have been subjected to how Dawnstar treated her just for the former to earn her name, implying she was genuinely concerned. Decayingbelladonna hides her emotions from her friend, but Brightskip attempts to prod her to open up by telling her about her own emotions. She tells her that she's concerned about her, that she's happy to have a name, and that she noticed what Dawnstar was doing genuinely wasn't okay. Decayingbelladonna avoids the topic entirely and changes the subject to her ceremony. Brightskip inquires the molly on who her mentor is, poking jabs at the Bengal leader at the same time. Decayingbelladonna tells her, repeating his name and confirming with her that the tom is kind. Brightskip questions if the tom even knows he has an apprentice, starting up more small-talk to help keep Decayingbelladonna occupied. She mentions the spirits, of which Decayingbelladonna implies she doesn't find them very useful. Decayingbelladonna talks of Starclan as if it's a made up concept by clan cats, implying to the audience she has no faith in them. Brightskip mostly agrees with the sentiment. Decayingbelladonna warns her not to speak of distaste in Starclan around any other clan cats, implying it may be dangerous to do so due to their whole-hearted belief in them, and the laws against speaking out on them. Brightskip inquires if she would be forced to take up Starclan as a religion if she fully joined the clan, implying she may not be comfortable with the idea. Decayingbelladonna just tells the molly to hide her ideals. Brightskip expresses her concern about the problems in the clan, but Decayingbelladonna shrugs it off. The clan had too many perks to outweigh the bad qualities she implies.

During this conversation is when Carrionsaunter stumbles into camp, having abandoned his patrol. Dawnstar greets him, Decayingbelladonna, Brightskip, Petalpaw, and Peachpurr all overhear the news by the tom that Sharpsun's body has been discovered at the Heather Plateau. Dawnstar shrugs this off, and when questioned by Carrionsaunter the molly tells him that the tom was of no use to her. She shrugs him away and pads off without sending a patrol, telling the tom to take the medicine cats instead. Enraged, the tom tears a hole into the wall of the den. Decayingbelladonna pads out, chastising the tom for his attitude and blocking him from entering. He requests Peachpurr, but she snaps that she isn't available at the moment. Petalpaw pads up, meowing to the tom about Sentinels, when Decayingbelladonna chooses to suggest the tom bring Frostytaiga with him. Carrionsaunter pads off, and Petalpaw inquires Decayingbelladonna on if shes feeling alright. Decayingbelladonna replies she is, questioning the molly on the state of her injury. Petalpaw shrugs it off, preferring to talk about what has happened to Sharpsun. Decayingbelladonna talks on how it was saddening the tom died on the moors, when Petalpaw replies that sure, but it was Sharpsun. She inquires if she'd rather die among clanmates, suggesting that Sharpsun may have went out like a warrior should, fighting for his clanmates. Decayingbelladonna shrugs, and apologizes to Petalpaw for not being of more help to her earlier when she'd needed her. Petalpaw shrugs it off, and when Peachpurr pads from the den, Petalpaw turns to ask Decayingbelladonna to help her sneak out of camp. Decayingbelladonna doesn't think on it long before agreeing, making Petalpaw promise not to be a mouse-brain throughout the ordeal. Offended, Petalpaw replies dismissively before relaying her idea. Since Dawnstar would be watching for them, Petalpaw suggests they leave from the back of the medicine den with Decayingbelladonna flanking her to avoid being spotted. Decayingbelladonna agrees, ans the two set off in search of Sharpsun's body.

The two arrive at the Heather Plateau where they begin searching. Dipping into the tunnels based on information by Carrionsaunter and some guess work, eventually Petalpaw scents the body. Calling Decayingbelladonna to her, the two inspect the body, with Petalpaw finding nothing evident with it to tell her what may have happened, the apprentice slips from the tunnels and begins to sniff around the moors once more. Decayingbelladonna slips out behind her, pointing out berries that were scattered at the base of a tree. Petalpaw inspects them, inquiring Decayingbelladonna on what they might be. After figuring it out for herself, Decayingbelladonna swipes the berries away from her in surprise, saying they're foxglove. Petalpaw, seemingly believing her, chides her on swiping them from her. Decayingbelladonna tells the molly she can hear the patrol advancing on them and, abandoning the poisonous plants, the two flee.

Decayingbelladonna is followed by Petalpaw until the two are seperated through the fog. Decayingbelladonna waits for her in the Grotto of Revision, believing in Petalpaw to manage without her and find her way back.

Decayingbelladonna is referenced, though unnamed, in Achlys's story that she shares with Petalpaw about the recounted events from earlier in the day. She tells her that a cat killed Sharpsun by force-feeding him nightshade rather than foxglove. Petalpaw, uncomfortable by the amount of times she's thought of Decayingbelladonna being involved and believing that she may at least have some part to play, hides Achlys away for her own safety before she begins to return home.

Decayingbelladonna is charged at by Petalpaw once the molly locates her in the Grotto, and the two are pleased to see eachother. Decayingbelladonna is playful and kind to her, though Petalpaw seems uncomfortable and unwilling to talk. When Decayingbelladonna prods and fails several times she begins to sulk, but Petalpaw apologizes and explains that she's just had a horrible day. Decayingbelladonna doesn't reply, but instead walks on silent until she slowly turns to Petalpaw, revealing to her with nightshade she'd held that she was truly the killer. Petalpaw, shocked, asks the molly if she intends to poison her as well. Decayingbelladonna, shocked, replies no. She explains that she did it to protect Petalpaw as well as any other victims the tom may have had. Despite Petalpaw's general agreement with her sentiment, she's still unsure. Decayingbelladonna promises she means no other cat harm, breaking down infront of the Sentinel apprentice and apologizing. Petalpaw comforts her, but implies she's not going to let her out of this without at least Dawnstar being told. Decayingbelladonna, terrified, exclaims she can't. Desperate to keep her silent, she retrieves an oleander, and makes a deal with the apprentice that she will gather many more for her if she kept her secret. Petalpaw, though hesitant, agrees. Petalpaw requests finally that the molly not harm Achlys before the two break off.

Decayingbelladonna returns to camp, where Brightskip pads up to greet her, calling her Crow. Decayingbelladonna snaps that that isn't her name, and though hurt, Brightskip persists. Decayingbelladonna continues to attempt to snapnat her, telling her about Sharpsun and what had happened. Brightskip, upset, explains her feelings and tries to ask whats going on. Decayingbelladonna apologizes, shrugging off her other inquires as Dawnstar's problem. Brightskip inquires on what to call her, and Decayingbelladonna chooses Crow, but warns her not to use it lest she's punished for disrespecting a medicine cat. Decayingbelladonna then attempts to return to her duties, where Brightskip then asks who she should speak to, as she only knows two other cats and is not fond of either of them.

*Decayingbelladonna's Replies*

## Detailed Appearance

A beautifully dark pale-gray molly with pearl-blue eyes whom is lean and very weakly built. She has gorgeous dark stripes that run down her body and a black spot over her right eye. She also has a rather messy scar going down her jaw from an incident while she was an apprentice. And usually has a few scratches from unhappy cats, or from going out and flower collecting. Belladona also tucks a flower behind her ear and tends to have petals and leaves in her tail often.

### Scars gained

The following is a compilation of chronological scars/major injuries that Decayingbelladonna has recieved;

* Lip scar from an incident she had as an apprentice.

## Kin

Mother: Ravenscall

Father: Sprucecanopy

Sister: Pigeonpaw

## Backstory

As a kit, Crowkit [old name] was a playful kit who always was able to get the other kits to play with her. She also enjoyed being with her sister, Pidgeonkit, who was adventurous and rather daring. As the two sisters grew up into apprentices, their parents loved them dearly. One day, on a cloudy morning, Pidgeonpaw woke Crowpaw before the other apprentices were up. She had told her that there was something she wanted Crow to see. As all the warriors woke, the two made it down to the bank of the river. There was a patch of dull purple berries folded by ice-crusted leaves. Pidgeonpaw told Crowpaw it was blackberries, and though Crow denied it and said that it didn't smell like the ones she'd smelt before, Pidgeon insisted and the two went to it. With a single bite of the bitter berry, Pidgeonpaw gaged and started to throw up violently. She tumbled around gagging helplessly as she struggled. Crowpaw ran to her sister's side swiftly when she realized she wasn't joking around, and tried to help her the best she could. That is until she heard a snap not too far from them, the rose's stems nearby had ripped and fell onto the belladonna. Crow's eyes widened as the mess crashed down on the two, and knocked Crowpaw out cold. When she woke up, she was in the mental medicine cat's care, and was told the unfortunate news of Pidgeonpaw's passing. She also was unable to smell anything at that point, only faint smells could process through her mind. When the leader caught news of the incident, he spoke with Crowpaw about her recklessness in which killed her kin. Every cat thought it was her fault, and the leader held a renaming ceremony for Crowpaw early. She would be known as "Decayingbelladonna", for the crime of letting another cat's life be taken in such a cruel and irresponsible way. Even though her parent's knew it wasn't her fault, they still decided to distance themselves from their only daughter left. Because she decided to support her kin, she lost her sense of smell, her parent's affection, and the warmth of her sister's loving embrace.

## Quotes

*The molly paused, leaving Dawnstar to keep going. Her eyes peered downward at her paws, her pupils narrowing. "How dare you ever think that this is tolerable." She said, her eyes formed a glare at Lavendersnow, barely regarding the toms presence.*

*"What?" Lavender replied, glaring back at the molly. "What did you say to me?"*

*Her paws had quavered underneath those words, they buried at the back of her mind like a toy stuck in it's box. It was melting. Twisting. Creaking. Desperately clinging out for a ping of sympathy.*

*"You're talking quite touch for a cat who believes in a liar like the apprentice you cradle in your paws." Lavender told her before she had a chance to reply. "You better get down on your paws and beg that Starclan forgives such injustice that you've caused.*

*Lavendersnow glared at the molly. "To believe one like that you make is a fool." The dame lifted to her paws, "I'll be waiting for you to come to your senses and crawl back to me like the kit you are. Do what your pathetic job requires you to do and do just that. Stop getting in the way of the professional cats who actually make a difference to this camp. Do what you have been. Slip poison under your tone like a flower. Afterall, that's all you've been doing, isn't it? It seems to have worked." The dame gave a small chuckle at her own words. "It's worked for your kin in the past, hasn't it?" She tipped her tail forward, starting to pad to the storage. "Go, pretend you're something special. I'll be waiting for when you get onto your paws and beg for Starclan's forgiveness."*

*Decayingbelladonna's eyes widened with surprise, for how could a cat be cruel as to insult not only their leader, but also insult the very cat that has been stopping the other cats in the clan from going completely insane. Her nose bridge scrunched up in disgust, her two more prominent fangs briefly gapping onto her jaw. She didn't care anymore. Her claws flexed as her haunches lowered. "I'll make you eat those words!!" She scowled as she sprang at the Nurse, with one blow, getting a large bite onto the back of her scruff and crushing down with all of the strength she could. Tugging and ripping out chunks of fur and flesh. The nurse tried to beg, but mercy wasn't to bless her this day. She knocked Lavendersnow onto her backside with belly exposed and lifted her paw up. Blood dripped down her soaked muzzle and she launched her claws down at the front part of Lavender's scruff. There was a cackled gurgle of screeching and whining until it went silent. Her world went black.*

-Decayingbelladonna's invasive thoughts on attacking Lavendersnow after the confrontation between her, Petalpaw, and Dawnstar.

## Killed Victims

Direct:

* Sharpsun

Indirect:

* Pigeonpaw

## Links

Theme Song/Voice Claim

* Never Love an Anchor by The Crane Wives
* Queen Angella from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

*End of spoiler warning*