New Shadowclan (OPEN)

[Deleted]

After watching Spottedstar die she didn't know what to do, The time of her Deputy-ship was to short. She needed help. Someone she could trust... But who? After awhile she starts to think of starting with a new deputy. *Starclan lead me somewhere I can help my clan and lead them to peace...*

She new they were still waiting on a Medicine cat. She also knew a clan wouldn't survive without a Medicine cat or Deputy. She needed a new fresh warrior for deputy. Someone who has experienced alot and watched the clan in its greatest need.

She waited awhile before deciding to hold a meeting. She knew that her Medicine cat and Deputy would appear soon. But she knew that time wasn't now. She goes to the >Rockpile< and yells "All cats old enough to catch their own prey. Join here beneath the Rockpile for a Clan meeting!". As she waited patiently she sat down and wraps her tail neatly over her paws staring down into the space where all the cats would be filling in soon.

[Deleted]

[Just remember to post in past-tense. ]

The young tom that padded into the clearing raised his gaze to Nightstar. His mismatched green-gray eyes downcast quickly, and his tail twitched back and forth nervously. The black tom was a bit neurotic, it appeared to everyone in camp. His pelt was a deep, dark black with white flecks all across it, as though somone had flicked him with white paint. He sat down, but not as close to the rock as he could have . His ears flickered, finally laying back as he stared at his paws. He never had been quite normal after he joined Shadowclan. He wasn't pureblooded Shadowclan, but none of the cats here remembered that far back. They had all been kits when he had showed up. It seemed like he was the only one around from before. He sighed, glancing up every now and then to watch Nightstar carefully. He never really had been all that good around she-cats.

[/blockquote]

[Deleted]

Nightstar stood up when all the cats gathered around. She flicked her tail for silence among the clan. Soon she spoke loud and clear. She said "We all grieve for Spottedstar... Our clan was almost destroyed by the storm." her voice cracking at the end. Then she gathered up all her courage and said "Our Medicine Cat is gone... And the apprentice.". She looked down among the cats... She said in a loud strong voice "Shadowclan has been strong and always will be! We will rebuild our clan! As a final desicion I know everyone is waiting for a Deputy... I'm working on deciding please be patient.". She then flicked her tail for the clan to separate.

Soon after that she went to a sun-dry spot and laid down. She quietly bathed on the sunlight licking her pelt every now and then.

[Deleted]

Crow opened his eyes at a yowl from the rockpile. He hesitated before getting up and plodding towards it to look up at the new leader of Shadowclan. The black tom was full of undying grief, as he had been since the flood had taken Spottedstar. She had been the leader to let a loner join her clan for as long as he wanted until he made a decision if he was to stay as a warrior. It had been hard to choose, especially since he might have a sister in Shadowclan. Now, with her gone, he wasn't sure he'd be accepted into the clan like Spottedstar had wanted deep down.

Starclan and Spottedstar had both deemed him worthy of warrior status, but what held him back was fear. Fear of not being accepted, not being up to standards, and not treated the same. Voices were gone from his head now that Starclan had given their message so he could live a loner life with hopefully no more difficulties. He still remembered the tom that had attacked him and of course the whispers of throwing him out. Something in him burned, as it had in the beginning when fighting the Shadowclan tom, resistance and perseverance.

As his slow steady paws made their way to stand underneath the new leader of Shadowclan his heart began to decide what to do. When he looked up as Nightstar began to speak he swore he saw Spottedstar instead. "We will rebuild our clan." He knew right then what he wanted-to be a warrior of Shadowclan!

Grief flew from him as he found a way to deal with it and follow what Spottedstar had wanted. When Nightstar was done, he watched her lie down on a dry area in the camp where the sun made it warm. Crow walked towards her delicately with enough courage for a lion. Their ancestors and Starclan were giving him strength and so was the image of Spottedstar's kind face.

Crow stopped next to Nightstar, the sun glinting off his black pelt showing off the bluish tinge he shared with Runningpath that made everyone guess as to what his bloodline stemmed from. "Excuse me, Nightstar, I have an important question to ask,' he said with bright eyes. Crow shuffled his paws lightly and then looked at her in the eyes.

[Deleted]

Nightstar twiched her ears to show the loner she was listening.She always thought Crow was special. Spottedstar brought him in from the forest when she was a warrior. She was always there to help the loner. Now it was his time to speak. He nevver made his desicion before Spottedstar died. She was wondering if thats what he wanted to talk about. She sat up and gave her pelt a few licks. Then she turned her head annd rested her gentle ggaze on the loner. Then she asked "What is iit you want Crow?" in her soft voice.

Crow must've suffered the most out of everyone when Spottedstar died in the flood. Crow would make a very good warrior if that was what he wanted. Spottedstar wanted Crow to join theclan. But she never got the chance to hear him. She was gonna help Spottedstar by doing this for her.

[Deleted]

The tom watched as his new leader reacted to his words. She took her time, but not an unpolite amount, and finally turned towards him. It was when her words hit his ears that he began to feel butterfly's in his stomach. He'd actually asked, his mouth had actually opened, he'd actually took the first steps to becoming the tom he wanted to be.

Crow stopped his shuffling and made sure his paws stayed firmly planted on the ground. He couldn't believe this time in life had finally come. Ever since he'd known he'd been a loner, one who didn't need others. When those voices had entered his life and lured him to Shadowclan while giving him an injury, it'd taken him into a whole new life with the clans. However, that hadn't been what had decided for him. He wouldn't have joined if it wasn't for Starclan and dear Spottedstar. Runningpath possibly being of his lineage scared, but also alighted him and luckily they would finally find out soon, but even that question hadn't stirred his actions now. It had all been the experience with Spottedstar for sure.

Dark eyes shone out at Nightstar as the cat spoke. "Nightstar, I was given a choice by Spottedstar to join Shadowclan," he trailed off and looked away, but stiffened when he realized what he was doing. No! He would say it right now and take on the clanship he wanted in his heart. Crow turned back towards Nightstar and began again. "I would like your permission to thoroughly join Shadowclan as a warrior," he said in a polite, but firm voice.

[Deleted]

[glow=black,2,300]Nightstar stared at him through a firm and strong gaze. Sonn she smiled warmly and her eyes softened. She answered in a happy voice "I would be glad to add you to the clan.". She twitched her tail to show Crow it was fine to relax. She notice he was stiffened a bit, probably nervous. It took alot for a kittypet or loner to join a clan. She then said "If you like we can hold your warrior ceremony at sundown.".

She waited a long time for him to join the clan. She was glad he finally made his decision. She would accept him to the clan anytime. He was always helpful around the clan even as a loner. But now he was a clan cat to her. Maybe not to others though til the warrior ceremony. She already decided his warrior name should be CrowWing. It matched him very well. Crow wwas gonna be great as a Clan cat.

At most she was glad he decided, he would be a great mentor if given a chance. He would be a great Clanmate to. Spottedstar was a great Clan leader... So she would be too. She was going to be the best Clan leader they had. While she waited for Crow's answer. She started to think about the flood. She didn't know why it just came to her. She started to remember all the cats that drowned... Maybe even Spottedstar.

She brought herself back to the present putting that image or memory in the back of her head. She had to stay focused if she was to help her clan. Her first few priorities were to find a deputy and medicine cat, and to make Crow a warrior. The days have passed so fast from kit to warrior to deputy... and now leader. She didn't want any clanmates to suffer. First thing they needed was food. But instead ofc worrying about that and crowding her mind she would listen to Crow[/glow].

[Deleted]

He expected her to take a while to give him an answer, but once again the kindness of a Shadowclan leader surprised him. She was glad to let a loner in, glad to have him as a warrior and it made him more confident in himself. Spottedstar did you hear that? I'm going to be a warrior! Thank you.

At Nighstar's request to have it done at sundown, his body quivered in excitement. This was real, it was actually going to happen. In his whole life, he'd never even dreamed at becoming a clan cat, much less Shadowclan. He had thought he'd be a loner for the rest of his life, stuck caring for himself. If he got sick or hurt than he had to deal and learn to cope. Now he would have an entire clan to help him in times of need and he would help in the same way. Dislocating his shoulder had defiantly sent him a message and he was listening.

"Really? Thank you so much, Nighstar," he said pleasantly enough, but the way he shuffled his paws and his fur poofed up showed just how much this meant to him and how excited he was.

[Deleted]

Nightstar was glad for Crow it wasn't everyday a loner joined the clan. Besides she didn't want to kick him out since he's already helped the clan plenty that would be harsh. She nodded to the loner glad he was pleased an layed back down she had alot to think about. The flod, a deputy, a medicine cat, prey, and the other clans. What was she gonna do? Spottedstar disappeared during the flood and she never got to say goodbye. She felt sad about that. But Spottedstar wouldn't like it if she just moped so whats there to do. There are alot of good cats for deputy... That would take some time. That medicine cat was up to Starclan she wasn't going to interfere with that. The flood wiped out most of the prey leaving nothing. Most of the herbs were gone too. How were the other clans coping to the changes made by the flood. She might stop by the clans soon to see if they are suffering the same kind of damage. But her first priority was her clan. What were they going to eat, what about the kits...

She needed time to think. This is when a deputy would be helpful. She knew sundown was close she could feel the cool breeze hitting her fur. Crow would soon be a full Shadowclan Warrior! She lifted her head hazily to see if Crow was still there. She couldn't see him though she blinked a few times and looked around camo. So enough Crow was still there. Then at the corner of her eye she saw Graywing staring at the sky.

~~Graywing~~

Graywing continued to stare at the sky. It was calming and he had not much to do. He knew Nightstar was staring at him and he didn't mind. He loved watching the sky and Nightstar was one of his bestfriends. He looked down at Nightstar then saw Crow. He probably could guess whats that about. He walked over slowly to Crow. He seemed to patient for most cats. The flood was a little... bad. Okay not a little a lot. He finally arrived besides Crow and Nightstar. He looked at Crow and said "Good evening Crow, Nightstar. How are you doing today?". He felt a cool breeze starting up just like Nighstar. He looked back up the sky and saw the sun going down.

~~Nightstar~~

Nightstar watched as Graywing came over slowly. Then she looked a Crow and smiled. When Graywing came over she answered his question in a soft tone "I'm doing fine thank you for asking. Why don't you and Crow go eat.".

[Deleted]

Crow walked a bit to a shadier area, but was still relatively close to Nighstar. Right now, he didn't know that he could handle being alone with cats that truly didn't accept him yet. Suddenly, Greywing appeared and he focased his attention to him. Sure enough, he wanted to have a conversation with the two of them, even though he was pretty sure that the tom was only having him part of it so as not to be rude.

The loner, soon to be warrior, dipped his head. "I'm doing okay," he mewed. Nightstar soon added her comment, but her suggestion that the two of them eat together shocked him, but he was thankful. Crow got onto his paws and walked over to Greywing, his tail inviting him to go with. It would be nice to have friends outside of Runningpath at the moment, perhaps Greywing? Suddenly, he felt like a kit unsure of his alliances with others.

[Deleted]

Graywing followed Crow quietly, he wasn't bothered by the tom. He wondered if Crow was going to join the clan. He has been here for awhile but never made a move to ask. It was fun having Crow around. Hunting was a breeze with more clanmates. Besides the flood wouldn't harm most of there prey. Soon he came to the pile of prey. The clan leader wouldn't be eating for awhile if they didn't get more prey. He looked through the pile and picked out a plump mouse. It was hard to find good prey. He hoped thatt soon the flood would disappear and everything would be normal again.

[Deleted]

They had finally reached the fresh-kill pile, but that was where the awkward silence hung like thick glue. Crow picked out a thrush from the pile that thankfully wasn't filled with rats for once. The flood was killing all the good prey available, but luckily birds were always on the menu.

He then shot a look towards Greywing as if asking for permission, before sitting by the tom. Whie he was eating, he had no idea what to say. Nightstar could tell them to eat prey together, but that didn't mean the tom was going to accept him. He hadn't felt any hostilaty yet which was a good sign, but still... Batting a feather from his nose, Crow looked at the tom long enough to allow the lamest small talk topic to meow out. "So, how about the weather?"

He couldn't believe he'd just said that, of all the things to go wrong! The weather?! What's wrong with you?!! Crow twitched his ears a bit and then added quickly,""I mean...err...with the flood and all. Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?" Yeah, great save, but that was all he could come up with. Even now, when he thought he could die in embarressment, that was all? Pathetic... Guess all the time as a loner hadn't really helped his conversation skills at all.

[Deleted]

Graywing twitched his ear amused and started laughing. He knew what Crow ment. Soo he finished his mouse and answered "The weather's fine but the prey's not.". He swished his tail and licked his paw. He looked at Crow and smiled. Crow was probably nervous so he didn't mind. Soon he heard Nightstar from the rockpile. He had no idea what this was about. It was finally sundown though. So he stood up and gave himself a shake. Then waved his tail to Crow to follow. Soon he came beneath the rockpile and sat down inviting Crow to join. He looked up at Nightstar and said "I wonder what this is about.".

--

Nightstar sat patiently on the rockpile. She was so excited. She was going to make her first warrior. She couldn't believe it was happening so fast. Crow was probably happy to. She was so excited. She jumped down when Graywing appeared with Crow.

She spoke"I, Nightstar, leader of Shadowclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this loner. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn.
Crow, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?

[Deleted]

His fur instantly burned with embarressment as Greywing laughed. It was expected, especially with such a corny topic as he weather. However, he looked up at Greywing's face and realized there was no hostilaty he was expecting. In a way it was a relief. With his answer, his fur smoothed back down. It was an answer not uttered in a hiss. This tom...he was nicer than the others, almost like Runningpath or Spottedstar.

A sudden call from the rockpile and Greywing's prompting made him turn around. Nightstar was standing on it, the sunset colors playing on her form. He followed Greywing to it, glad for the invitation to sit by him. His heart was beating a million times a minute at the moment. This was the time, this was the day, he'd become a warrior and serve Shadowclan. His black pelt ruffled in anticipation.

Crow lifted his head up to look at Nightstar and when she started talking, it seemed as if magic was playing around him. She jumped off the pile and recited words he'd never heard before and the power in them was breathtaking. It almost confused him that she was actually talking about him and when that clicked the voices came back, muttering. That was the magic he was almost feeling, it had been the annoying voices again. He would've cried out in dismay, but he held his tongue and forced his attention to only lay on Nightstar.

At her prompting, his eyes shined and he meowed,"I do." Finally, a hush ascended in the voices drilling into his head. They were the voices of Starclan, he was sure, for one sounded almost too familiar... At least they were finally quiet during this most important moment of his life yet! It was wierd, he'd thought the voices had left since he visited their realm, but apparently not. Perhaps they were here to see him join the clan they had lured him to. Whatever it was didn't matter now. All that did was that he had said the vow to become a warrior. Now what would Nighstar say next? This ceremony was new to him and he bristled in excitement.

[Deleted]

Graywing purred with anticipation and amusement. He could tell Crow was excited but this was more. He was surprised Crow wasn't nervous. Most "apprentices" would be nervous for their ceremony. He wondered who was going to temporarily mentor Crow til he got the hangg of fighting. He didn't think it was gonna be him. He wasn't made a warrior to long ago. Althoughh he hoped it would be him. He knew Crow had been in the clan before Nightstar was made deputy. He just couldn't believe the day had come when Crow would become a warrior. He wondered what Crow's warrior name would be. He licked his paw and drew it over his ear.

--

Nightstar smile she was glad he said *I do.*. It wasn't everyday you see someone become a warrior. She drew in her breath and spoke the best words that escaped her mouth. She said "Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name. Crow, from now on, you will be known as CrowWing. Shadowclan welcomes you as a full warrior."

Then she rested her muzzle on his head then after a bit she drew it away and said "Now before you go running off." she giggled a bit. She said "You must have a temporary warrior to teach you our fighting skills. I call upon my warrior ancestors to give this warrior a new temporary mentor. CrowWing, you have joined our clan with the need of our skills, so your mentor will be Graywing. I found it easy to give you Graywing because he knows the code and skills we have down. Graywing step forward and meet your temporary apprentice.". She called him a apprentice because it seemed normal to call him that til he learned the skills of Shadowclan. Then she turned to Graywing and asked " Graywing, you are now ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to CrowWing. Graywing, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of Shadowclan and Starclan. I'm sure you will pass on all you know to this apprentice."

--

Graywing's jaw dropped he couldn't believe he was wrong. Nightstar did pick him... But why did she. He did know the code and skills but why... He stopped listen til he heard *Graywing i'm sure you wil pass on all that you know*. He snapped out of it and walked forward. He looked at CrowWing then Nightsar and said "I will I promise Nightstar." then turned to CrowWing and touched noses with him. Then in the background you heard *CrowWing, CrowWing, CrowWing!!*. He was happy for Crow and so was Nightstar.

--

Nightstar was glad for CrowWing and Graywing now it was time for a new apprentice to. She didn't the the apprentice very well. He was always running around. She spoke loud and clear "I have one more thing to say. We have a new apprentice joining the apprentice den. Dustkit please step forward. She waited patiently for the little kit to step forward.