ShadowClan Apprentices' Den - Page 96

***Oliver*** · #**951** Yesterday, 10:12 AM

Muddypaw exists

**Blaaze** · #**952** Today, 03:47 PM

◇ Flashpaw
◇ The Lost Melody ◇
Purrks: The Collector
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TW: Violence, trauma, and loss of control
Flashpaw almost didn't notice when Pondpaw- she recalled when she had joined as Cascadepaw- approached her. Blink. Blink. Focus, Fl...Flashpaw. close your eyes. Open them. See? You're fine. They're fine. She's fine. Yes. Both of those were correct. Both sounded like.. them. She looked up at Pondpaw, faintly confused, before shaking it away. She must've looked a bit depressed. But then again, didn't she always look depressed? No, because they were fine. There was nothing wrong with her. Smile wide, be the sunshine, everything's okay, you're doing great. Nothing is wrong nothing is wrong nothing is wrong nothing is wrong its all the same its all the same its all the same its all the same. Suddenly, in a burst of emotions pent up for too long, Flashpaw rose to their paws, claws unsheathing, and violently slammed them on the moss. Break it, rip it, kill it, shred it. It's all the same its all the same its all the same its all the same I'm okay I'm okay I'm okay IM NOT OKAY HELP ME IM NOT OKAY HELP ME THE DEATH THE BLOOD THE PAIN THE STABBING ITS ALL HERE ITS ALL HERE ITS ALL HERE IM DYING IM DYING IM DYING IM DYING!

In another wave of violence she grabbed the stone she had placed in Cinderpaws nest only a few minutes ago between her teeth and threw it across the den, limbs still quivering and muscles tight with rage. They had little to no control right now, simply shredding and ruining her nest and-- blood. She froze. Blood. On her paws. On her pads. She must've cut herself. She must've harmed herself. During her fit of rage and loss of sanity. Angry, panting breaths gave way to harsh, shallow, cracking one's as she turned, mortified with herself, to face Pondpaw. Dear stars, she felt so disgusting inside, so broken. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." her words tumbled out and eyes were wide with terror. Her cheeks were wet. When did she start crying? When did the tears start to fall? "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I-I-I l-lost control a-and i d-dont know-- I-I was just s-so angry, i-its not fair, h-hes dead a-and I'm not a-and now h-he won't ch-ch-cheer my name a-and I'm a-a killer a-and I l-like girls a-and I'm a-a she a-and a th-they and I j-just pretend i-it's okay a-and I'm b-better now b-but I s-still f-feel blood o-on my p-paws and i-I.." Her hiccupping breaths halted as she tried to collect herself. She hadn't really, truly cried since Silverlark had been and she had murdered Starrypelt. They hadnt let out all of her pent up sadness and fear and anger and confusion. Not until now.

I-I just.. n-needed t-to let it o-out. Sorry if I-I scared y-you." they apologized. She wasn't used to stuttering, murdering her assassin had seemingly eliminated it. Now they were so confused it just all bumbled out. A glint caught her eye. Turning, The Lost Melody saw that Cinderpaw's rock had broken in half. No... no, no! "Stars... no." nobody knew that she had been giving Cinderpaw gifts but herself. It was their fun little secret. To think they had just... broken if like that felt shattering. Guilt tugged at their gut. Damn. She had just... gone ballistic. Padding over to the white stone she sat on their haunches and properly inspected the two shards. She tried to piece them back together with no luck. "I-its n-not her r-rock, i-its mine.. I-I was just g-going to give it to her. Cinderpaw, I mean." they resolved, still staring mournfully down at the two halves. "I'm a killer. It's a bad thing to be, you know that?"
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@/paedyn

**paedyn** · #**953** Today, 03:59 PM

Pondpaw
Silver Tongue Tier 2 [ ACTIVE ]
Kitty Softpaws Tier 2 [ INACTIVE ]
Mind Reader [ ACTIVE ]
43 / 100

[ Silver Tongue Tier 2 and Mind Reader have been activated. ]

Pondpaw’s eyes widened with concern as she took in the scene before her. The raw emotion and the devastation around her spoke volumes, and she could see how deeply the anguish had affected the other cat. Her own heart ached at the sight of the tears and the trembling form, and she felt a strong urge to offer comfort.

Approaching gently, Pondpaw lowered her body to the ground, trying to convey calm and reassurance through her posture. She took a deep breath before speaking, her voice soft and soothing.

“It’s okay,” she said quietly, her tone steady but gentle. “You’re not alone in this. It’s clear that you’re going through a lot right now, and it’s alright to let it out. We all have moments when everything feels too much.”

Pondpaw’s gaze softened as she looked at the broken rock. “Sometimes, things break, and it’s a reminder that even when we try our best, we can’t always control everything. But that doesn’t mean you’re a bad cat or that you’re any less valuable. You’ve been through so much, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.”

She moved closer, offering a comforting nudge. “You’re not defined by one moment or by the mistakes you’ve made. You’ve been brave, and you’re showing so much strength by facing this. If you need to talk, or just need someone to be here with you, I’m here.”

Pondpaw gave a soft, encouraging purr. “It’s important to remember that you’re more than the pain you’re feeling right now. It’s okay to seek help and to lean on others. You’re not a killer; you’re a cat who’s hurting and trying to find your way. And sometimes, all we need is a little understanding to start healing.”

She offered a warm, supportive smile, hoping to ease the other cat’s distress. “Take your time, Flashpaw. We’ll get through this together.”

[ @Blaaze ]