Desertstar
Leader of Windclan
Flames surged upward, reaching hungrily for the stars and casting a hellish glow over the moorland. It had spread so quickly that they’d scarcely had time to recognize the peril before the flames had engulfed their home. Panic swept through the camp, sending cats fleeing from their dens, wide-eyed and fearful. Towards the center, Desertstar choked on the acrid smoke as it filled her lungs, her agile form dodging falling embers and jumping over patches of scorched earth.
Through the haze, she spotted Hailgaze, and relief washed over her at the sight of her deputy. "Hailgaze!" she called, sprinting towards him. "Get everyone across the border to the river. I will stay behind to gather everyone that I can and meet you there once everyone is out.” Unlike her deputy and fellow clanmates, she had lives to spare, and with Hailgaze leading the evacuation safely from outside, she could focus on ensuring no cat was left behind. Time and again she had trusted him with the lives of their clan mates, and he had always kept them safe. Windclan was fortunate to have a cat like him as their second-in-command, and so was she.
Golden eyes watched him disappear into the swirling tendrils of smoke before redirecting her attention to the fire. She had to make sure everyone was out, had to lead them to safety. She was their leader, and she would not leave anyone behind. One by one, she checked each den for stragglers, her strong legs carrying the weight of her clan mates as she half-dragged, half-carried them to safety. The smoke was thicker in the heart of camp, and she took a stumbling step forward, then another, her legs growing heavy and sluggish with each trip.
As the last of her clan fled into the night, Desertstar staggered towards the edge of camp and collapsed, the smoke taking its toll. It was then that a pair of haunting cyan eyes emerged from the smoke, causing her to freeze. She knew those eyes. “Kaelan,” she snarled, scarcely recognizing her own voice. It was raw, dangerous. She tried to crawl towards him, to fight him, but her limbs felt like stones; heavy and unresponsive. “Why don’t you come a little closer so that my fangs might find your throat?” she panted, and though she bared her teeth in a fierce display, her words slurred slightly as exhaustion crept over her, her strength quickly fading.
Amusement danced in Kaelan’s eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting, his grin turning into something more menacing. “There’s no need for all that, my dear Desertstar. It’s already over,” he responded casually with a languid drawl, not a single step closer than he was before. He had no intention of approaching. Instead, he watched with an unsettling calmness, as if savoring the very moment when her limbs would inevitably give out. She’d stayed to help her clan exactly how he’d hoped she would, and now, he only needed to wait until the smoke rendered her unconscious.
Cerberus
A wave of relief washed over him. He hadn't expected the young tom to follow him, to defy Kaelan’s orders and risk his father's wrath. Yet, here Dorian was, running into the flames to help save Spark regardless of the consequences, just as Cerberus had. A flicker of admiration sparked in Cerberus' pale green eyes as he met Dorian's gaze, and a quiet warmth settled in his chest. They were in this together now, come what may.
"Dorian," he breathed out, and as he locked eyes with Dorian, Cerberus felt the walls he had built around himself continue to crack, giving way to a side of him he didn’t even know he possessed. As the fire roared around them, his jaw tightened, his gaze burning with a fierce intensity as Dorian’s suggestion coiled in his stomach. The thought of seeking help from Windclan, of being forced to beg them for aid, made his fur bristle with revulsion. His grandmother, Desertstar, was the last cat he ever wanted to ask for help from. The animosity between them had existed long before Cerberus even drew breath on this earth, and he vowed never to forget the injustices his mother endured as a result of Desertstar’s negligence.
Every bone in his body screamed at him to reject the notion outright, to find another way, but one look at Spark's limp form draped across his shoulders, and he knew Dorian was right. The journey to the other clans would take too long, and Spark didn't have that kind of time. He nudged her limp form with his nose, feeling the shallow rise and fall of her chest, the terrible burns that marred her pelt. For Spark's sake, he was willing to set aside his hatred and swallow his pride, if only for a moment.
"Fine. We'll go to Windclan," he spat begrudgingly, his lips curling in distaste. With great care, Cerberus shifted Spark's weight on his shoulders, ensuring she was stable and secure. "Stay close,"Cerberus murmured to Dorian before following Windclan’s scent, his ears twitching at every sound. "I doubt they’ll be very welcoming of us."
As they approached the river, Cerberus could feel the heat of the fire fading, replaced by a growing sense of unease and the sound of running water, and on the other side, he could see Windclan, and shouted loud enough for them to hear. “Help! Please,” he called out, a rare note of desperation creeping into his voice, betraying the calm indifference of his usual self, “Our friend is badly burned and will die without a medicine cat.” He knew the risks they were taking, the potential for everything to go wrong, but he also knew that Spark wouldn’t survive otherwise. Windclan was their only hope.
Desertstar
The Leader of Windclan
The world around her began to fade, colors blending into a swirling mist, and as she struggled to remain conscious, she caught choppy glimpses of a figure attacking Kaelan. Her vision blurred and darkened at the edges, and she felt an unexpected calm wash over her, as if a gentle paw had laid itself upon her back, urging her to let go. She felt herself drifting, weightless and free. The roaring fire faded away, replaced by a profound silence. She sensed the life within her slipping away.
Then, darkness consumed her.
Soft grass gently caressed her face as her awareness slowly returned. It was lush and vibrant, cradling her body as if welcoming her back from a long journey. Blinking, she found herself in a breathtaking meadow, a place that felt both familiar and otherworldly, where the stars shimmered brightly against a deep indigo sky. The air was warm and rich with the scent of wildflowers, their colors bursting like a painter's palette— vibrant yellows, purples, and reds. In the distance, she spotted the shimmering silhouettes of her ancestors, their forms glowing softly in the moonlight. It had become clear to her then that she was in StarClan, and that she’d lost her third life.
They gathered around her, forming a circle, their pelts like starlight. As the moon shone brightly above, she felt a pull, a gentle tug back toward the living world. When she opened her eyes again, the air was cool and still, carrying the faint scent of damp stone and moss. She found herself in a dimly lit cave, the walls glistening with moisture. Confusion washed over her as she raised herself up to look around, her gaze landing on Orion, then Novafall and little Viperkit.
With a deep breath, she released a long sigh of relief, the tension that had gripped her easing at the sight of them. "Orion," she quietly breathed, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke his name, still weak from losing a life.
Dorian sat slightly behind Cerberus, eyes narrowed as they waited for Kaelan to return. Unlike Cerberus, it took a few moments for the young tom to realize the failure that had taken place. Shifting uncomfortably, the russet tom watched as Cerberus questioned where Spark was, and his father, Kaelan callously dismissed the thought. Dorian felt his breath hitch when Cerberus flashed a hardened glance his way and announced his rescue mission. The young tom felt torn - he wouldn't dare offend his father or even make a decision without seeking his approval, but his friendship towards Cerberus also bore loyalty. Would Kaelan leave me behind if it were me out there? The question forced itself into his mind, solidifying his decision.
Avoiding his father's scrutinizing gaze, Dorian dipped his head awkwardly before running after Cerberus, feeling his heart drop to his stomach as he ran further from his father. As the young tom ran closer towards the flames, he felt fear bubble in his throat, causing him to hesitate for a moment. However, hearing his friend's voice call for Spark caused a surge of adrenaline in his body, and Dorian pushed further into the flames.
"Cerberus!" Dorian called out, finally catching sight of the toms body. However, his gaze fell to Spark, who was sprawled on the forest floor, unconscious and burned. Unable to find his voice, Dorian watched Cerberus softly comfort the she-cat - he had never heard his friend use such a tone before, so gentle and certain. He stared at his friend for a moment in surprise, before shaking himself to bring himself back to the present. The young tom helped stabilize Spark on Cerberus's body, careful to not put too much pressure on her.
Dorian glanced back in the direction they came, a frown growing on his face as he began to realize the impact of what they had just done. "We can't go back, Cerb. He'll kill her... and maybe you as well." He hesitated, trying to think of a solution. He knew his father well enough to know that going back wasn't an option. "Windclan is close. We should go there." Dorian suggested, his voice becoming hoarse from smoke.
Cerberus
Atop the hill, grass swayed gently beneath Cerberus’ paws as he and the rest of The Immortal Ones waited for Kaelan’s return. In the distance, the fire raged, sending plumes of dark smoke swirling into the sky. The plan was to retrieve Desertstar when she was at her weakest and bring her back to their camp, but when Kaelan finally returned, flanked by a few other members, it didn’t take long for Cerberus to understand that the mission had failed. It also didn’t take him long to notice that Spark, the one tasked with igniting the flames, was nowhere to be seen. His heart sank, a tight knot forming in his chest as he turned to Kaelan, urgency lacing his voice. “Where’s Spark?”
Kaelan barely glanced back, too absorbed in his own frustration, and waved him off, his tone dismissive. “She understood the risks. It’s too dangerous to search for her now.” The words felt like ice, chilling Cerberus to his core. How could he leave her behind, leave her to die after everything she’d done to help them?
Anger flared inside him, hot and fierce, and he shot a glance at Dorian, silently conveying his intent to rescue Spark himself. He would not forsake Spark to the flames. He would find her. No matter the danger, he wouldn’t abandon her, especially not when she could still be alive. “If you won’t go back for her, I will,” he spat, and without waiting for a response, he ran down the slope towards the burning camp.
As he raced into the night, the flames ahead danced wildly, sending embers spiraling into the sky like fireflies. The intense heat hit his face like an invisible wall, forcing him to squint. Gritting his teeth, he ignored the discomfort and wove between fallen branches and burning debris, his paws light and agile, narrowly avoiding the crackling flames that threatened to swallow him whole. The smoke made him cough, and he ducked down to escape it, moving low to the ground, his belly gliding across the fallen ash.
After what felt like an eternity, he spotted a motionless figure amid the flames. His heart raced, pounding in his chest as he desperately called out, “Spark!” but there was no response—only the roar of the fire that surrounded them. She lay unconscious, her body badly burned, and her chest rising and falling with each shallow, ragged breath. Hurrying, he reached her side, finding her surrounded by fallen branches. “I’ve got you. Don’t worry, I’ve got you. You’re safe now,” he softly reassured her, his voice firm and steady as he cleared the debris and carefully lifted her onto his shoulders, her fragile body draped over his back.
Orion’s dark green eyes were narrowed slightly as he was looking at the flames ahead, a small sigh escaped him before turning back to go towards Goldenrose and the rest of their clan mates who made it out. The massive black Maine Coon had helped his mate with their kits early on in the evaluation, along with Blackfire and her litter of kits. Thankfully Cactusbloom’s kit was almost old enough to become an apprentice, she was quite stubborn about leaving but it didn’t take long after. Pacing back and forth, he was listening to Hailgaze’s orders towards everyone until Goldenrose sounded alarmed as she couldn’t detect Viperkit which caused his ears to perk up. Ah yes, his youngest son.. The black and white kit had always been interested in the smallest things, which meant he was curious about on the ongoing fire.
Going towards Goldenrose, his dark green eyes looked into her own for a moment before leaning down to kiss her softly “I’ll get him back, promise” Orion promised quietly before starting to make his way towards the direction of the Windclan camp. “Dad!” A voice said behind him, turning around.. It was Novafall, his first born. The golden molly went towards him and gave a small smile “You really think that mom would let you go alone?” She questioned to which Orion was silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. The black Maine Coon didn’t want anyone to come with him to not risk more lives.. But Orion never underestimated any of his children, if they believed they were up for the task.. Orion wouldn’t stop them.
Upon entering the inferno that was Windclan camp, Orion was squinting his eyes and began coughing as the smoke hit his lungs “Take the nursery side of the camp, I’ll check Desertstar’s den.” He coughed, before his daughter nodded and quickly made her way towards the nursery. It wasn’t until Novafall had spotted the familiar black and white pelt of Viperkit that caused her to almost let out a sigh of relief but he was looking at the scene ahead of him thaf caused her blood to run cold. Desertstar had collapsed to the ground, Kaelan watching in front of her with a pleased expression. Looking around, she spotted her father who had witnessed the same scene. The black tom was silent for a moment before Novafall had pointed towards herself before pointing towards Kaelan, and pointing at her father before pointing towards Desertstar.
Orion looked down for a moment before looking at his daughter and nodded, this was a huge risk that was being taken. Novafall launched herself and crashed into Kaelan, Viperkit began running towards his father who was making his way towards Desertstar. The black Maine Coon had lowered himself and with his nose, lifted Desertstar until she was on his back. Gazing back at Novafall, he watched as the golden molly had sinked her teeth into his shoulder and her claws into his neck, raking them down. However, Kaelan was also smart and got the upper hand until Nova kicked him away “Nova, now!” He shouted to his daughter to which she stumbled slightly before running towards Orion, picking up Viperkit by the scruff and the two of them took off running.
“Nova, you run and don’t look back. Whatever you do, you keep on.” Orion instructed as the two were dodging flames and coughing through the smoke, Viperkit let out of an alarmed squeak at a branch collapsing, Nova was quick in jumping over it, however Orion couldn’t risk losing Desertstar so he quickly took a right out of the camp entrance. Orion was running towards the direction of the mountains, as he knew it was safer there. Hearing pawsteps behind him, the scent of his daughter entered his nose as Novafall followed behind. Everyone was safe now, but Desertstar had to be placed somewhere safe. “Mountain” Orion grunted to which Novafall looked at her father for a moment “Kay” She said through muffled voice, as she was carrying Viperkit.
Novafall was running behind her father, noticing the limp body of Desertstar being carried. She couldn’t imagine whatever her father was thinking, as Orion and Desertstar had become close friends after the traveler joined the clan. If loyalty was an example, it was Orion’s friendship towards Desertstar. Nova couldn’t help but look at her father in awe, Orion was truly her hero. She had noticed the small white forming at his muzzle, his whiskers growing more gray. Despite aging, Orion truly wasn’t going down anytime soon. The massive Maine Coon turned over to a stream and looked behind to his daughter and beckoned his head forward. Novafall nodded and crossed first, making sure Viperkit didn’t get as wet.
They had found an abandoned cave nearby the mountains, Orion lowered himself to lay Desertstar on the ground. Viperkit was shaking slightly from the cold weather and moved to the leader’s side “Papa, is Desertstar passed out?” He questioned to which Orion hesitated slightly before nodding “She passed out from inhaling a lot of smoke, remember Tulipshine isn’t good with smoke and running either cause he was born early?” He questioned, to which Viperkit nodded. The group had stayed throughout the night, until the sun came up.. But one thing was for certain.. The Immortal ones weren't playing around.
- ℍ𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕘𝕒𝕫𝕖 -
𝔻𝕖𝕡𝕦𝕥𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕕ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟
Flames were rising higher than the eye could see, the dry wheat grass catching flame faster than a crow could fly. Intense heat singed his whiskers, paws thudding against the ground as he ushered apprentices out of the safety of their nests. “Out! Follow one another!” He called gruffly, the heaviness of the smoke threatened to choke him up but kept his wits. Dark grey and white fur was brightened by the sudden flames that assaulted their home, molten amber eyes narrowed as he poked his head into the nursery, relieved to see that everyone was out. Entering the den to ensure every last kitten had been plucked from the safety of their moss nest. Muscles tensing as he exited the den, his eyes narrowing on an elder that was struggling to keep up with the younger crowd.
Pushing his way through the panicked cats, he yowled to get their attention, tattered ears twitching from the direction he had been ordered. “Everyone to the river! I want apprentices helping queens and warriors on the outskirts. We leave no one behind!” Hailgaze ordered clearly, digging his teeth into the scruff of the elder as he hauled the tomcat up the slope of the hill, looking over his shoulder as he noticed that Desertstar was hanging back, his eyes narrowing upon Eveningstorm that looked flustered. “Eveningstorm! Escort the queens!” Hailgaze ordered, knowing that Eveningstorm was worried about Desertstar but he didn’t have the lives to spare.
Eveningstorm paused, his amber eyes flashing towards Desertstar as she continued to help the remaining members of the clan out of the camp. His heart stopping as he looked beyond her shoulder, the flames getting higher. Without thinking the massive dark brown and white tabby began to run towards Desertstar but Hailgaze’s intense command made him pause, tail lashing as he bared his teeth with indecision. “She will survive, you won’t.” Hailgaze said firmly, forcing the tomcat to take a step back. Nostrils flared with annoyance as Eveningstorm gazed at Desertstar, leaving her behind felt like a sin but he knew that Hailgaze had reason to say so. Gritting his teeth, Eveningstorm threw a dirty look towards Hailgaze before he rushed towards a queen, picking up one of her kits to help across the border.
Pausing for a moment, Hailgaze turned his chin towards Desertstar, their eyes locking from a distance as he gave a dip of his chin. A silent vow to protect her clan until her return, turning back towards his clan, he lead the retreat across the border and river, while also ensuring his mate Blackflame and kits made it across safely.