Hollyshade

## Extra Story

When I was younger, MeadowClan was a different place, my only friends were Liquidpaw and Dirtpaw. Everyone knew about our trio. We caused a lot of mischief, and it helped us remember who we were. I saw my father kill his father, I saw my mother die at the paws of Ache. I cannot blame my father for killing his, though. I knew how abusive he was. Anyway. The three of us had no siblings, only each other.

Even though we were only apprentices, our assessment was soon, and I began to see Liquidpaw as more than a friend. So when OrbClan was created, I had a choice. Go with my father to the new OrbClan, or stay in MeadowClan with Dirtpaw and Liquidpaw.

I chose MeadowClan. I had friends. Sure, my relatives were all dead or across the border, but I had friends. And Liquidpaw. Dirtpaw too. But I guess I took happiness for granted, and I went to OrbClan. I was depressed. No friends, only my father. Just my father. And I went there because of him.

He stripped me of my mentor as punishment for staying in MeadowClan for even the few moons I did. I think he didn’t realize what he was doing. I think he felt like everything he did was the right choice. He was somewhat traumatized. Anyway. For moons, cats younger than me had their assessment and left me to die alone. I *wanted* to train, but my father said no to training. Then he died. Tailstar took over - he's younger than me, by the way - and \*finally\* made me a warrior.

Shoredawn confessed his love to me some time after that. I didn’t love him very much, and he knew that, but I wanted him to be happy. Sure, he's no Liquidpaw - I think his name is Liquidstone now - but I haven’t seen for moons anyway. I was never able to have kits, though. But that begs the question: What would life had been like if I stayed? I *needed* to know. I went to LunarRock to speak with StarClan. They showed it to me.

I would be with Liquidstone. We would've had three kits, the exact amount I'd always wanted. They'd all look like him with my eyes and cream tail tips, paws, and ear tips. How beautiful! They'd all be toms except one, also what I'd always wanted. They'd be named Lilykit, Bushykit, and Coldkit.

Their warrior names would've been Lilyrose, Bushypelt, and Coldfoot. I wouldn't've been depressed, and I'd never regret my choice to stay with Liquidstone, or have kits, or turn my back on my father. Is it too late for that life? Too late for happiness? Well, I really wanted to know, so a few moons ago, I went over to MeadowClan to see Liquidstone and Dirtfur.

I felt so much guilt. But I knew I could never stay with Shoredawn. I told him gently, though. I said to him, “I like you, Shoredawn, but only as a friend. I hope you can understand.” I can tell he was torn, but he nodded after a moment. I left to visit MeadowClan.

I arrived to see the current leader is that Gemclaw cat, or I guess he's Gemstar now. I begged to see them. I hadn't seen them since I was an apprentice right after I went to OrbClan. Those days, I'd sneak into MeadowClan through a tunnel and say hi. After the tunnel caved in, I never saw them, not even at gatherings. Because I couldn’t bring myself to go.

I was informed by Gemstar that Dirtfur had died, but I could see Liquidstone if he wanted to see me. Of course he did! He walked towards me. He no longer looked like the energetic apprentice I had been in love with. I felt nothing. Panic rose to my throat like bile. I had broken Shoredawn’s heart for no reason.

It was hard not to pay attention to how different he looked, though. Scars covered his leg. He looked older, stronger, more like an elder than a warrior. I'm sure I looked different too, but it's hard to notice it on yourself if you see yourself every day. If you don't see someone for years, seeing them can be shocking.

"Hi," I said, shyly. I was suddenly scared of making a fool of myself. "You're - you're Liquidstone, now, right?"

Liquidstone then nodded, I think, though my memory isn't getting any better. "Yes. You're Hollyshade now, right?" As soon as he said that, everything came back. I sighed from relief.

We just started... talking. The sun died, the moon came, the stars settled, the clouds faded. Nothing mattered but talking to him. We caught up, talked as if we'd talked every day of our lives. We were kits again, apprentices again, no responsibilities, no choices between friends and kin.

Then it came. "Liquidstone... I liked you when we were apprentices."

I remember clearly the look on his face as he told me he had liked me too. He asked if I still liked him. I couldn't lie. I told him the truth. I had to leave, but we started meeting up every day. We may not be young, but we could still move. I did become pregnant, and gave birth to two she-cats I named Lilykit and Bushykit.

They looked exactly like a mix between us. We decided to give them to CopyClan, where no one would notice. We left them just inside the border and watched until they were picked up.

Are we still meeting? No. Liquidstone died. I don't know how. I'll just know I'll always remember him. And I'll watch Lilypaw and Bushypaw from across the border.

Maybe life can always improve. Maybe it's not me, but my lack of optimism.

## History

### Severance

Alerts the player, Destinyworth, of an upcoming meeting.

### Fading Memories

The main character - finds Hawkpaw, mates with Shoredawn, and becomes a warrior, finally.

## Gallery

Adventures in MeadowClanFortune Doesn't Smile Down on OrbsFading MemoriesSeverance (art by moss-shadow)