Beetle

Beetle is a short-furred, dark-pelted tom with many scars. His most noticeable scars being on his legs, tail, and face. He has a large scar that crosses his muzzle, and dark blue eyes.

He is known for being a member of Frozen Heart's Group. It is implied that Beetle is somewhat clumsy and uncoordinated, making him terrible at both battle and hunting. For this reason his only worthy opponents in the rogue group tended to be young cats, making him somewhat terrified of kits.

## Personality

### Strengths

Beetle is known for being loyal to his kin, especially to his brother, Cockroach. He also cares a great deal for Raven. He is always willing to make sacrifices for the cats he cares for, but he is sure to point out the risks. He can be outspoken whenever he feels strongly that another cat's decision is a bad idea (this is sometimes mistaken for cowardice).

### Weaknesses

Beetle tends to be extremely insecure, especially on his own. He often relies on the protection and guidance of others, leading to certain attachment and abandonment issues. He often tries to please other cats even at his own expense because he fears that they might hate him otherwise. Silently he battles with self-loathing that has stuck with him since he was a kit.

## History

### Past

Cockroach and Beetle were the kits of two loners living on the outskirts of Frozen Heart's Group. It was clear that Beetle did not have the strength nor the skill of his littermate, and though Ant tried to teach him he would often lose battles against his brother or even some undergrowth. When Cockroach and Beetle were old enough to explore on their own, they ventured further than intended. Beetle accidentally loses the pebble they were playing with and goes to fetch it. Cockroach watches in annoyance as his brother stumbles clumsily down a steep slope and ends up having to go help him. But before they can recover some rogues spot them and attack. Beetle wails in fear, cowering from the massive rogues. Ant comes to his rescue, but dies in the process. Both kits are very shaken, and when they return to the den, Cockroach accuses Beetle of letting Ant die. Beetle's confidence suffers a fatal blow, and he feels responsible for his father's death.

 —Cockroach to Butterfly in Flashback

The next day Butterfly takes the kits to Frozen Heart's camp, requesting to join the rogue group. Frozen Heart orders several of his rogues forward as a "test". Beetle is terrified, cowering behind his brother as he watches the rogues tear Butterfly apart. Cockroach leaps forward to help, but Beetle wails at him, begging him not to go. Cockroach ignores this, joining the battle and quickly getting taken down by one of the rogues. Beetle fears that his brother is dead, but Cockroach manages to stand and face Frozen Heart. The rogue leader offers him a position, and with a cold glance at Beetle, he accepts.

After the battle Beetle confronts Cockroach, glad that his brother has survived the terrible battle so he doesn't have to be in the rogue group alone. But Cockroach reacts bitterly, blaming him for Butterfly's death and scolding him for his cowardice. He then disowns Beetle, saying he doesn't want a weakling for a brother. Beetle is deeply hurt by this, but he still loves his brother nonetheless.

 —Cockroach to Beetle in Flashback

### Since

Beetle is sent by Frozen Heart to check up on Raven after he had sent her to escort a Cloverclan patrol out of rogue territory. Beetle is confused when he finds Raven with two young kits. He questions this, to which Raven retorts that they are abandoned kits that she found. Beetle continues to be skeptical, asking what she plans to do with them. Raven orders him to help her take them back to the rogue group so she can take care of them. Beetle agrees, somewhat hesitantly. He picks up Fierce, who startles him with her squirming, and he drops her. Raven almost seems amused. Beetle groans, asking if he *has* to carry a kit and why they couldn't just leave them where she found them. Raven hisses sharply, still determined to present them to Frozen Heart.

Beetle: (stammers) "I uhh.. well she um, kinda jumped and I--"
[he stared at the kitten who was still squirming on the ground]
(confidently) "Yeah, the kit is alive.”
Raven: “Oh good! I nearly began to believe that you startled her to death.”
Beetle: (unhappily) "She startled me to death, though! Do I /have/ to carry a kit?"
(Groaning; continuation of his last statement; more of a whisper) "I wish you'd just left ‘em here."
 —Roleplay

Beetle points out that Frozen Heart is half mad, and not likely to take pity on two kits in need of shelter. Raven disregards this statement, urging him along. Beetle mutters under his breath, but doesn't challenge her.

Back in the camp, they are confronted by Frozen Heart, who asks for an explanation. Beetle starts to feel rather intimidated, panicking and blurting that they aren't his kits-- or Raven's. Frozen Heart ignores him, turning to challenge Raven. Raven retorts in defiance, making Beetle even more nervous than before.

Beetle: "They're not my kits! Er-- I mean-- they're not hers, or mine--"
 —Beetle in Roleplay

Frozen Heart comments about there being one too many kits, to which Beetle confusedly replies that there are obviously two. A battle ensues, and Beetle complains that it wasn't his idea and he didn't want to be a part of any of this. Raven snaps at him, placing all acountability on Frozen Heart.

Raven: “I hate you!”
 —Roleplay

## Random Facts

* Beetle was originally meant to be a side character inserted into the roleplay as a completely random rogue. However, the roleplayers soon decided that Raven and Beetle made for great ship material. Unfortunately, Beetle's death was already planned.
* Most of Beetle's development happened after his death, with Cockroach, Ant, and Butterfly only coming into existence because of this one side character.
* Beetle's death is known as the most overrated death in Broken Hearts.