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Spottedkoi
Riverclan Deputy No one could have expected her first gathering as deputy to be the Thunderclan leader threatening the other clans to surrender all their “code breakers.” There was no way Copperstar or Spottedkoi would agree to such terms, they would protect their clanmates with their last breath. Copperstar had been busy handling things with the other leaders, working on theories and strategies to handle Juncostar and Hawkstar, so even more so than before the day to day protection of the clan fell on Spottedkois shoulders. She wasn’t sure if she was up for the task but knowing Venomrose had her back the molly felt confident in her choices. The deputy had daily meetings with her warriors, she needed to be on top of anything even slightly out of the ordinary that happened on their patrols. The younger warriors were in charge of morning patrols, while she had senior warriors handle night patrols knowing they had more knowledge and experience should something happen during the night. Everyone had been affected by the delusional leaders demands, even the apprentices were no longer allowed at night, meanwhile queens and elders were too restless to sit around and often were found helping Venomrose prepare his herb storage and stocking up on items that would be needing should Thunderclan and Shadowclan attack.
Warriors were posted in different corners of their camp as guards, should they challenge her clan they were prepared. At least that’s what Spottedkoi and the rest of the clan assumed, but nothing could have prepared her for the dark cloud hanging over their heads.
The air had an eerie stillness to it, even the crickets seemed to have checked out for the night. Spottedkoi could feel something watching her, constantly glancing over her shoulder. The deputy herself decided to stand guard this night in an attempt to quiet her uneasy nerves, she found herself pacing back and forth most of the night, making sure all corners were covered. During the changing of the guard is when all hell broke loose, felines flying into their camp from the shadows, yowls from the cats jolting the rest of their camp awake. The combined forces of the two clans easily overpowering Riverclan, the fearful thoughts of her clanmates ringing loudly in her mind, their only option was clear to Spottedkoi they needed to leave. Grabbing the closest Riverclanner to her, barking orders to evacuate the elders and nursery, while demanding another to help Venomrose with his stash and meet at the rendezvous point. Spottedkoi wasn’t known for being very loud or vocal but she knew if she didn’t search for her voice Riverclan would be separated and they’d lose their clanmates, digging deep Spottedkois voice boomed within their clan. “Riverclan Retreat!” Thank Starclan they had practiced and discussed their rendezvous points during their meetings so she didn’t waste time mid battle telling them where to meet. Spottedkoi made sure she was the last one loyal to Riverclan to leave the camp, her eyes glazed over in horror as she scanned the clearing. The ground was decorated in clumps of fur and blood, friend and foe alike, the scent of blood thickly tainted the air. They might have lost their clan but she was proud of her clan, they fought tooth and claw for each other, she knew they’d be able to figure things out together.
Spottedkoi kept the pace at the back, while her most trusted warriors kept to the front and both sides of the traveling clan, in charge of making sure no one got lost or left behind. Once safely outside of clan territory, Riverclan set up a temporary camp, sheltering first their youngest and oldest. Apprentices were in charge of being the extra paws around ‘camp’ making sure the kits didnt stray and the elders were comfortable. Meanwhile the warriors were split into different groups, some guarding their temporary base, others hunting for food and gathering items to build shelters, Venomrose working hard to heal their wounded. Spottedkoi counted and counted again but she knew some of her clan was missing, panic rising in her paws as she was unsure if they were simply lost or if they chose to side with Thunderclan and Shadowclan or if…. No, she refused to think the worst. Her clan needed her here and now, she couldn’t focus on those who didn’t escape camp, not now. She’d go back for them later, but safety of the group was her first priority.
Her warriors were tired, running on pure fumes or maybe adrenaline, but whatever it was she was proud of her clan. They knew what needed to be done and were working hard to do it. They needed to address their clan, but it was clear Copperstar was in no state to do so, leaving her leader in Venomroses capable paws the deputy stepped forth, “May all cats of Riverclan join before me for a clan meeting.” Making the decision that all cats needed to hear her words, from the youngest kitten to the eldest elder, and adjusting her calls accordingly
“Riverclan, I know this is not an easy time and I know you are tired. I must thank you all for working hard and protecting our clan. Know now that no matter where we are we are still Riverclan! I assure you we will get our camp back from those false leaders, but for now I must ask you now to push forward, push past the pain, push past the exhaustion and be there for those clan mates who need us.” Standing before her clanmates the awkward and barely verbal Spottedkoi seemingly vanished and her grandmother Wisteriastar stood before the clan instead, the molly trying her hardest to channel the great Riverclan leader and ignore her own want to hide behind her mate. Her words wouldn’t fix everything but she meant every bit of it, they would get their camp back. A new blazing confidence upon the deputy, as she stood before her clanmates.
~Copperstar the reborn and resolved Leader of Riverclan~
Copperstar was truly blessed by the stars, to have such a wonderful clan, because when Thunderclan and Shadowclan had invaded not only did the elders, but the previously sick and injured cats, his medicine cat and even the newly named apprentices stood strong against the stormy sea of the bloody plague that Thunderclan and Shadowclan had brought upon their shores.
They did not give into the demands of Hawkstar, they did not sway or break, when he called upon them to exile their so called ‘codebreakers’ and instead when the time came, they fought with the strength of the might Leopardclan of old. Pride swelled like ocean waves and surged in his chest, as he realized his clan was stronger than he ever gave them credit for.
Since the moment he was named Deputy, to the day he had become Leader, Copperstar didn’t believe he could be the Leader that Riverclan needed. He thought that his leadership would have ruined his clan, left them weak and crumbling.
Yet somehow, here they were, strong and unyielding, even as they had been chased from their home.
It was here and now that Copperstar made a solemn and silent vow to himself, that he should believe in himself more, because despite his lack of belief- Riverclan still believed in themselves and in the stars above.
Copperstar would need to formally address his clan once he was in condition to do so, at current moment, he had many wounds that still burned with the fires of battle. And, more than that, though he hadn’t breathed a word, he had lost a life in the chaos of the claws and the teeth.
Even he couldn’t quite recall the moment he heard a sickening crunch in the back of his skull, nor did he know exactly when after the dark beckoning of death took him, but he knew one thing. He had indeed lost a life, and now only have eight lives left to spare.
The only ones that were perhaps privy to his loss of a life were Hawkstar, Juncostar, Venomrose, Spottedkoi and his daughter Starfishpaw, who had had tried to leap into the fray to protect her clan. Pride and fear flooded his chest, knowing just how brave but also reckless his daughter was becoming gave him pause for thought.
He would have to keep an eye out on her, so that he could correct her from becoming too headstrong, because though he did not blame her, at the end of the day if she hadn’t tried her paw in battle then perhaps, he’d still have all his nine lives.
In reality it was the fault of Shadowclan and Thunderclan that left him down a life, but Starfishpaw also played a role in it. But how could he fault her, she didn’t mean for him to lose a life, and of course Copperstar had no qualms in giving up his life for anyone in his clan.
Still, actions had consequences, and he would have to give her a stern talking to later.
As he sat there, letting his thoughts slowly settle, Copperstar knew that he should at least go around and check on his clan. Even if Venomrose had explicitly told him to stay put, he couldn’t just do nothing. Surely the clan would feel more at ease with their Leader up and about, keeping his eyes out on them and around the clearing for any possible signs that Thunderclan or Shadowclan might return to finish what they started.
Copperstar gathered all the strength he had, and rose to his paws, allowing them to carry him forward to those closest to him, Darktorrent, Honeywisp, Stormytide and Sparrowpaw. He winced inwardly as he took notice of their battle wounds, which would no doubt leave them scarred, for either moons to come or perhaps their entire lives.
“You all fought bravely today,” he addressed the group of cats, giving them an exhausted smile, “I commend you all for your part in the battle, though we may have lost, know that the battle was only lost, and the war will be won by us. Every single one of you did your best today, and you deserve a well-earned rest, especially dear Sparrowpaw. Please, if any of you need anything, do not hesitate to come to Spottedkoi, Venomrose or myself. Even if you may just need a listening ear.”
Spottedkoi
Deputy They were going to need help, it's not that Riverclan couldn't do it on their own but ever since the gathering there has been an unsettling chill in the air as if the stars themselves were trying to warn everyone of impending doom. Spottedkoi knew what she needed to do, why Starclan picked her as deputy, they needed the greatest leader that Riverclan thrived under. Not many knew where she resided anymore but Spottedkoi did, she sure Copperstar would go himself but it’d be troubling if Riverclans leader suddenly disappeared during their time of need even if it was to get help. After approaching Copperstar with her plan, the two agreed they needed her, it was too dangerous to go alone but she couldn't take too many with her Riverclan needed most of its warriors here protecting it.
Spottedkoi was glad her mate offered to come with her, she knew they should stay with Riverclan but the medicine cat refused to let their wife go without them. She gathered a small group of Riverclanners to accompany them, getting a once over from Venomrose they group set out.
It wasn’t necessarily a far journey but with how crazy these past few days had been they needed to be extra alert should Hawkstar or one of his nutbrained followers be on patrol. Coming into their sight lines was a large red building with lots of different smells, her voice broke the silence between the group as she warned the patrol about the strange animals they may see and to avoid getting under foot of any of them. Leading the patrol through the odd stenches around them, Spottedkoi guided them through a hole in the side of the barn. “Dads!” Her voice called out to the others letting them know it was her. Out of the shadows of the barns the felines who resided there made their appearances. As they gathered around Spottedkoi leapt upon a hay bale near the others.
“Riverclan has been driven out of our camp. I..I don’t know what's going on but the clans are falling apart. Hawkstar he’s delusional. He told everyone about Wisteriastar and Hornetstar. He banished his own children and anyone else who was born from half clan relations.” Her eyes landed on the calico queen, her grandmother, the leader her father always told her was the greatest leader the clans had ever seen. “We need help, we need you Wisteriastar. Please grandma help us.” The molly left the clans to live a peaceful life with her mate asking her to return to battle wasn’t something she wanted to do but they didn’t have any other choice.
“Venomrose, take the others and get back to Riverclan.” Her muzzle pressing lightly into her mate's chest wishing him well on their journey back before turning towards her grandmother. “The other leaders are gathering soon, if we leave now we can make it.” Nodding towards Wisteriastar she led the leader towards the meeting of the leaders.
S T O R M Y T I D E
Stormytide had never been selfless in his entire life. Every little thing he had done up until now had been for himself and him alone. But when ThunderClan and ShadowClan invaded, thinking only of himself and his own ventures simply wasn't an option. Even he, as arrogant and big-headed as he was, wasn't low enough to stand by and watch as his fellow feline fought for their home- their very livelihoods. Rage began to boil in his blood at the fact that Hawkstar had actually gone through with his threats to seize RiverClan. When the camp erupted into chaos, he sprung into action immediately and joined in the efforts to fight off their attackers.
The warrior had been fighting off a ThunderClanner when he heard a shriek from nearby- a sharp, shrill tone of voice that he recognized whether he wanted to or not. A quick glance over the shoulder of his opponent alerted him of the state of situation his Clanmate Sparrowpaw was in, being overpowered by a tom perhaps twice her size. The very sight of it made him even angrier than he thought he could have managed- he broke away from his adversary, tossing them down onto the ground with a mighty heave and a heavy blow of his paw to encourage them not to pursue him further.
The smoky tom came to her aide, nearly barreling into the warrior that cornered her with his shoulder into their flank, sending the tom rolling away into the dirt. "Pick on someone your own size!" He all but spat, unforgiving in his assault as he did not allow the other warrior a moment to recover from his tumble before he began pummeling him with weighted strikes. It wasn't long before the other tom cried for mercy and tore away from him- but the feeling of victory didn't last long for Stormytide. It was all but naught as RiverClan inevitably lost the skirmish and was forced to flee.
Now, they resided somewhere outside of the Clan's territorial reach. He spat onto the ground, tainting the forest floor red. Stormytide licked his teeth, sucking in his own blood and ignoring the sting of fresh lacerations that carved around his body in various places. Venomrose had done what they could, patting his cuts with whatever herbs they could spare before they moved on to the next victim. He watched with disinterest as they fed Honeywisp poppy seeds, her round little body trembling with shock. If it weren't for Darktorrent, who batted foes away from her left and right like some sort of shield, Stormytide doubted she would have survived the battle. Then, suddenly, like she had been awoken from a bad dream and she jolted upright, stiff as a board. "Darktorrent, why haven't you gotten that wound tended to?" She scolded him, sticking her nose up at the taller tom like she hadn't just been mirroring a dear in headlights. It was almost laughable how quickly Honeywisp's personality changed when it came to her mate. He wondered briefly what it was like to care for someone like that, as he had yet to become romantically attached.
As the thought formed in his mind, he recalled once more the tiny form of Sparrowpaw, who had been overcome earlier. He sat upright, nearly mimicking a meerkat as he surveyed their makeshift camp to find the tabby feline. Once he had located her, Stormytide got to his paws. He refused to wince to the sting of his muscles as they protested with loud aches in every motion of step he took in her direction. "Are you okay?" He asked her, staring down at her with icy eyes that fronted himself as cool and collected, like he wasn't physically in turmoil as the numbing adrenaline of battle began to wear off.
Venomrose's mind felt cloudy. Everything had just happened so fast, like they blinked and suddenly they were here in their new temporary camp, tending to their critically wounded clanmates. They were faintly aware of a painful stinging in their shoulder. The source? a savage bite from some brain-dead, blindly loyal foxheart from ThunderClan. The fool had tackled them from behind and probably would have done worse to them had Darktorrent not wrestled him away and taken him down to the ground. It was clear the wound was bothering the young medicine cat, but they pushed through. Their injured clanmates were more important. As they applied the last bit of poultice and cobwebs to their final patient, Copperstar himself, their ears perked. Spottedkoi's voice rang out to address the clan, clear as morning's first birdsong. They were so proud of her.
Once her speech was done they limped to her side, gently drawing their muzzle across her cheek. "You're doing so well, love," they purred softly, twinning their tail with hers. Across the clearing, they couldn't help but notice Darktorrent. The dark tom had been injured in the scuffle with the invaders, but instead of seeking treatment, he'd elected to go without, at least for now. Currently he was curled around Honeywisp, clearly trying to comfort her. Venomrose frowned a bit, making a mental note to check in on the pair later and offer some lavender or chamomile to the poor she-cat. They knew how sensitive to this sort of thing she was.
Sighing softly in dismay at the pain around them, the medicine cat beckoned one of the apprentices towards them. "Please go around to the rest of the clan and ask if anyone else needs to see me. I need to stay near the cats that were severely wounded to keep an eye on them," they instructed gently, dipping their head in gratitude as the younger cat confirmed his understanding and dashed off to complete his task. They watched him go, tail tip twitching. They needed to find an apprentice of their own, especially if more tragedies like this were on the horizon.