Idea/story/Idk anymore

[Dolomedes]

[ This explores an idea I had through a story :3c ]
[ Didn't know where else to put it lol ]
[ TW: This thread goes over injuries, death, possession, intrusive thoughts...]

Quietstar
|| All Pronouns | Fireclan Leader ||

Quietstar stared down the bend, the path down into the other clan's camp and into what would be a final fight surely. They were confident of this. It was a poor excuse of a clan, their leaders haven't been given names, lives, nothing. Just a group of rogues now. And Quietstar doesn't like vermin such as rogues, especially when they were taking up some perfectly fine territory that his clan would more than benefit from. The other clans were as lazy as ever letting Rainclan continue. Though Quietstar was all but lazy, and he wasn't scared to send some felines to crying to Starclan and he knew that his clan wasn't either. As he thought this, his leader showed up by his side and offered
a gaze.

"Not getting cold paws on me now, are you, Spottedflame?" Quietstar offered with a slight chuckle. The molly was one of the best. Fighting, hunting, leading, you name it. The only thing keeping her back was her own hesitations to act. Always wanting to pause and think about things so long that the opportunity passes. Besides, this wouldn't even give Fireclan a sweat, not in the slightest. The leader glanced over her shoulder, with a toothy grin and then back to her deputy. The flame colored molly was staring down the paw-worn path that led down into the camp they were ambushing just as Quietstar was.

The deputy continued to stare down, Quietstar almost opened his mouth to say something more, to try and get his deputy to say whatever was on her mind. Then she lifted up and beat him to words, throwing that uneasy stare at him. Quietstar didn't like that look. He hated it at times, when it was more sorrowful, after it was proven right and Quietstar had caused some poor misfortune after a bad decision. Though he was more appreciative of it most of the time, especially now more than ever. The leader wasn't getting younger, and he was slowly learning how to be a leader even now after so many moons and so many lives put into it.

His deputy spoke then. It made him frown at her words...Why was this a waste? Didn't Spottedshadow see the use. At getting rid of the dead weight that Rainclan was? At gaining ample territory to carry Fireclan well through the leafbare season. It was nothing more than doing a duty to themselves as a clan and to the other clans as well. It'll be a breeze. The leader focused his stare down at the camp entrance, that he knew was there despite the trees and shrubs and other things hiding it from direct view. He had sent some cats into the territory to locate the camp and now here they were.

"This will run fine. You know as well as I that Rainclan won't be able to hold their own. All a bunch of wash ups like their name suggests. After this we'll be feasting like Starclan with all the extra territory." He offered as reassurance for Spottedflame. The night was on them now, it was very nearly time to spring the trap that has been set up for the clan. They won't even know what hit them. As confident as he was, Quietstar wasn't an idiot, lost one too many lives on the battle field to have not learned a single thing. They'll hit the Rainclan in waves. The first one that he was leading down into the camp. the initial storming and surprise attack. They have runners to drag their injured warriors out of the camp to where their herbalists wait. "Look, Springpoppy and Ashpaw have all the herbs and stuff they need and are ready to help our wounded but Rainclan is more likely to run with their tails tucked than give an actual fight."

He sighed. It was too late to turn back and Quietstar wouldn't be willing to turn back at this point. unless Spottedflame suddenly was graced with a vision from Starclan themselves, and that was pushing it, is when Quietstar will turn back. This was going to only be good, the injuries and maybe the fatality here and there would be worth it. His clan knows the dangers of battling, even against Rainclan, and they were warriors and trained apprentices, not kittypets. They couldn't let this pass. Not when the last leaffall and leafbare was... The leader kept himself from all but physically wincing at the reminder. They needed this territory to make sure that something like that never happens ever again. If Rainclan was going to waste perfectly good territory trying to scrape together the corpse of a long gone great clan and act like rogues then Quietstar was going to take it and use it properly.

The leader turned them and faced his clan. The cats behind him growing just as antsy as he was at the thought of something as great as this. It's been too long since Fireclan has been able to stretch their claws and sharpen them on something of their own choosing. It's been too long that Fireclan has been the laughing stock of the forest. No, now the clown was the clan they were going to eradicate and as such they won't be seen as such pushovers anymore. Quietstar called to the waiting cats, "Now, it is our time Fireclan! We will no longer fear starvation or illness, if our own land can't keep us healthy then I have no qualms using wasted territory for our own, I am sure that all of you can agree! We have already gone over the groups, I'll be taking the ambush group down first, we'll show them that Fireclan is a name that is to be feared!" He heard some cheers and some unhappy grumbles. Some disagree with the methods that they have turned to but if they wish to starve they were more than free to join the rogues they are sympathizing for. This wasn't a twoleg nest, no, cats are spoiled here. They were clan cats, and the other clans wouldn't even spare a glance at them when they were in a time of need then they deserve no sympathy from them.

Quietstar turned to shoot a small nod to his fellow high ranks. Spottedflame, looking uneasy, Springpoppy looking as apathetic as ever, and Ashpaw looking nervous. To be expected, this would be his first time performing as a field medic versus healing in the medicine den, though the leader had no doubts in the herbalist. He was showing quite a lot of talent in the field for how young he is. Ah, that was enough of that, it was time after all. The leader flicked his tail and started to lead his group down at first in a walk, slowly picking up speed as the gravity of the steep hill let him go faster and faster until was fully sprinting into Rainclan's camp with a battle ready yowl! "ATTACK!"

[ Name credits: ]
[ Spottedflame - @/iliri
Springpoppy - @/iliri
Ashpaw - @/mizu ]

[Dolomedes]

Spottedflame
| She/her | Fireclan Deputy |

It hadn't really been a surprise. At least, not as much as it should've been at least. Spottedflame was more than aware of her leader's tendencies of blood lust, and at least this particular fight came from more thought than just proving something to the others like some other fights have been. Though most times it backfired and after the second one, Quietstar had finally started to listen to Spottedflame more, or maybe it was because Poppyspring started to complain as well about all the wounds and death and herbs. The deputy tried not to sigh outwardly as she padded along her clan towards Rainclan's border and beyond. She wasn't one to simply go along with a plan just because it seemed to be alright on the surface. She liked to really think things through. The political sides, the benefits, the pros, the cons, the advantages, and the disadvantages. All statistics that led to Spottedflame's eventual decision. Though perhaps that was odd of her as a Fireclan cat.

After all, her very own leader, Quietstar, was quite the act now and think later type that her clan was known for. It was part of the reason that the clan has fallen so far, at least, that was her opinion, even if she never shared it outwardly. Her stormy eyes moved to the cats walking around her. Looking for one cat in particular before they made it to their destination and then she had to be a deputy again. She wanted a moment to be a sister. Eventually, she found her sister in the crowd, just behind her, talking to her apprentice. The younger molly seemed to be nervously speaking to Spottedflame's sister. Though Spottedflame didn't blame, Tinypaw, after all it was her first fight ever. (A battle that can be prevented.) Tinypaw was quite the little warrior though, a thinker, like Spottedflame and Stormclaws.

Spottedflame slowed her padding and motioned for some of the warriors confused by the action to go ahead of her. As the fiery feline made her way to Stormclaws's side, her sister turned and stared at her with her brilliant amber eyes. That reassuring smile of her's managing to bring Spottedflame some peace among her internal conflict with her own values and thoughts and her leader's. "Hello, Stormclaws, Tinypaw." She already knew that the polite speak was going to get some teasing from her older sister. Stormyclaws was always overly casual at times even when addressing elders and superiors and growing up it made Spottedflame cringe just watching. It made her wonder how two cats from the same litter could be so different. Though, the deputy loved her sister even when she couldn't understand the older feline at times like these. So easy going despite what they face.

Though with a story like theirs it was needed. It wasn't too long ago now that they were made the last of their mother's litter. Starryeyes having been killed during a scuffle along the border by a Rainclan cat, her heart pinged in grief as she thought of her younger brother. So bright and had such a future. After all, She and Stormyclaws weren't very old. Perhaps that was one of the reasons that Spottedflame should be more sure about this fight. But the concern lingers, that Quietstar was underestimating Rainclan despite their performance as of late. The deputy tried not to sigh again. Stormyclaws says that she has been doing that too much lately. "I'm not sure about this- before you say 'you're always unsure' just know that I am especially unsure about this one." Though Spottedflame couldn't completely say that she didn't see the use if they were to win this battle but still. It wasn't like Rainclan was a small clan, just a disorganized one.

They were doing it for land. Though more so for what the land offers. For prey and for herbs. The thoughts of the famine from last leafbare came hard and swift to the forefront of her mind. This would be helpful, yes, though it came at a higher price than she thinks that Quietstar even cares to realize. Too fixated on his desire to be seen. They had been like that when Spottedflame had grown up watching him as a warrior and then deputy and then leader. As an apprentice, as a warrior, then as a deputy herself. They made many questionable decisions but again, it was Spottedflame that was the strange one, the overthinker, between the pair but perhaps it was the deputy trying to even out her leader's borderline foolishness at times. As she watched Stormyclaws open her mouth, a different voice cut through the murmuring of her clan.

Her stormy eyes moved from her sister and her apprentice up ahead and there was Quietstar, smiling that stupid, stupid smile of his. So sure of their vistory before they even got to their camp. Thank the stars that she had managed to at least talk some more sense into his plan than just a simple ambush. The deputy really did sigh and sent her sister an apologetic glance before speeding up and weaving through the warriors and apprentices to her leader's side. They had stopped at the dip that lead nearly into the camp. Just out of hearing range but they didn't have much time before their scent carried and took their element of surprise. She stared down and regretted not fighting Quietstar more in this battle. There was something especially wrong about this one, or perhaps it was the breaking of any sort of plea to herself that her leader wasn't a downright fool at times. Impulsive and selfish because Spottedflame knew that this was more than just a fight for land to prevent another famine, it was some sick way of proving himself to the other clans.

Her ear flicked and Spottedflame almost wished that she could pretend that she didn't hear the leader but she did and she couldn't just blatantly ignore him. One day...one day she'll be the leader and then she can put this clan on track to being the best properly. Without needless battles to just try and show off only for half of them to bite her in the tail immediately. To have some sense rather than begging to be heard, for logic to be heard. No, she hadn't any cold paws, but she found herself having a cold heart at least towards this specific endeavor. Spottedflame knew that Quietstar cared for the clan, but if he put that passion towards logic rather than impulse he wouldn't have only 4 lives left after so few moons of being a leader. It would be a shame to see him lose his head so quickly, even if she sometimes wished to do it herself, it was only an annoyance not genuine thought.

"This is a waste, Quietstar, there are other ways of achieving the same goals with less risk. You are counting a lot on something that will be sheer luck." She offered in her short manner, though she tried to keep the bite that wanted to wander into her tone out. The leader seemed to almost be offended about this as he went on to reassure her of the plan that had so many holes you'd think it a rabbit's warren when looking in. Spottedflame said nothing, only thought of her sister, of Tinypaw, of her mother, of her brother lost not too long ago. Even a worm will turn. Why not just steal the prey straight off of their own territory when they needed it? It wasn't like Rainclan would be able to afford paying any mind to it when they had so many other political tensions. So many internal issues based on the fact that the other clans have seen a new leader and deputy every gathering for Starclan knows how long. Even if Rainclan brought it up to the others, they would only be sneered at and perhaps even laughed at because Rainclan was just as guilty and guilty for even worse things. None of the other clans would care. Quietstar doesn't see the point in quiet and effective, only loud and risky. That way he could have his pride smashed with every defeat he leads Fireclan into trying to repair said pride.

Spottedflame turned to look at the medicine cats. Another waste of resources and Poppyspring would agree with her on that one at least. The medicine cat didn't care to bring her attention or opinions on anything else besides matters that effect healing and herb stores. If only Springpoppy could see the bigger picture. That every decision eventually affects the well being of the clan even when it wasn't immediately. The clan was not a one cat thing, otherwise it wouldn't be a clan. Everything is connected. Though Poppyspring was an adept healer and had a good head on her shoulders when she cared enough to use it so Spottedflame didn't have many qualms with her. Ashpaw was still new to the role as Poppyspring's apprentice and Spottedflame didn't have too many thoughts on him.

She stayed quiet as Quietstar called to the clan, and then started his way down into the camp. Her ears didn't move and her eyes were glued to the place where the warriors and apprentices with Quietstar were disappearing through the shrubs of Rainclan's territory. She watched as Tinypaw and Stormclaws chased afterwards. The yowls of surprise came next and then the sounds of a fight. Very well then, certainly no going back now. The deputy raised and turned towards her group. She had another plan that wasn't quite as predictable as the one that Quietstar had assigned to her. Hopefully he didn't mind the revisions too much. Though in the end, Spottedflame doesn't care too much. Too ticked off by the battle in general to care about Quietstar's whining after they get back to camp about how 'she didn't listen' and how she's a 'bad deputy,' before promptly apologizing about it when his one braincell hits against his mind right to connect that things would've been much worse if she hadn't changed things. It was probably the only reason that she was still a deputy.

"Listen up! I'm changing some things so listen close to my words... Here's how this is going to go."

[Dolomedes]

Dappledrizzle
| They/them | Rainclan Leader |

Terrified yowling caught their attention from where they were discussing something now forgotten in light of the chaos. Dappdrizzle sprung from his den and was horrified as he realized that Fireclan was invading camp. Quietstar was leading the group and immediately the cruel cats began to attack Dappledrizzle's clan. The leader was furious and jumped up the side of his den to the top and yelled out to his clan, "Weepingwillow, Cloudstripe, guard the nursery! Sweetfang, Meadowmouse, watch the elder's den!" Then they were jumping from the den's top and attacking at one of the Fireclan warriors that thought it right to attack their camp. There wasn't even a solid reason that Dappledrizzle could think of for why Fireclan had attacked them. If anything Dappledrizzle thought they were on neutral terms, at least compared to Rainclan's relation with the other clans. Though Quietstar had always been a show gloat and was likely attacking them simply because. It wouldn't be the first time, and likely wasn't going to be his last.

Dappledrizzle has always been told that they have a deceiving name and perhaps Quietstar was so daft that they deceive their clan as well. Not for long, the other leader would live with his mistake for the rest of his life. The Fireclan warriors that they landed on crashed into the ground under his paws and while they were stunned Dappledrizzle aimed for their throat. Then just as quickly tore away and hopped off, digging in their claws and aiming to rip off their fur as they went on their quest. Quietstar was going to feel Dappledrizzle's claws. The leader of rain found the idiot aiming a swipe at one of his cats. Dappledrizzing ran and shot at the feline's shoulders. Hopping to send that full of it muzzle straight into the floor where it would belong.

"You have made a grave mistake, Quietstep." The rain leader sneered at the feline trapped beneath their paws. They risked a glance around the clearing and noticed that one key player, and most worrying one, was missing from the fray from his scan. That wasn't good. No that was awful. Quietstar was obviously betting on this winning, and he wasn't the type to think through enough to leave a deputy at home just in case something happens back there. Unless that deputy of put down her paw and decided to stay back. Though Dappdrizzle wasn't going to risk it. He called out into the fray. "There's something else about this! There aren't enough warriors to match Quietstar's battle style. Keep your eyes peeled for tricks, Rainclan!" He called out. Though it costed him, Quietstar managed to twist enough to kick his backpaws into Dappledrizzle's stomach.

The Rainclan Leader hissed and kicked their own hind legs up into a hop and a flip over Quietstar to prevent any bad damage to their stomach, though they didn't land pretty and knew immediately that his back was going to bruise but he wasn't too worried about it in the slightest. The leader got back up onto his paws and bounced back. "So what, decided you wanted to lose to Rainclan as well? You really do learn nothing, Quietstep." Dappledrizzle teared into the other leader verbally and at this point it was very little more than kit teasing but the other has proved himself as nothing more.

[ Name credits: ]
[ Dappledrizzle - @/ellie
Cloudstripe - @/AriaTheFiremaiden ]

[Dolomedes]

Lambcurl
| He/him | Rainclan Medicine Cat |

It all happened so fast! So fast! Oh my stars... The medicine cat cursed as he tripped over his own paws at the suddenness of everything. One moment he had been checking through his herb stores and planning out his next patrols and now...oh now... oh dear. The medicine cat stared in frozen terror at the scene unfolding in front of him... Fireclan was in camp and was killing them... Oh dear... Lambcurl was frozen. His paws refusing to move from their place beneath him...he was watching his clan mates die in front of him and now he was breathing way too fast. Why was he breathing so fast? Oh stars, the world was spinning...he was going to pass out. No no no no no no no no no no. Dappledrizzle made him medicine cat. Medicine cats need to heal the wounded and there were more than enough wounded. But why? Why was Fireclan attacking them like this.

The fearful feline looked up through his thick bangs, covering misty green eyes underneath as they flitted every which way trying to figure out what to do and how to think and how to breath all at once when everything was happening. Don't think! Lambcurl, just move! It took a pair of battling apprentices to knock into him for Lambcurl's flight or fight to kick in. And surprising as it was, Lambcurl's flight or fight response was not flight. His eyes dialed to pinpricks and he shot forward. Aiming to snap his jaws around the front paw of the apprentice on top of Sunnypaw, one of Rainclan's own. As soon as his jaws hit the other apprentice's fur, his fangs snapped down viciously. The apprentice screamed, but Lambcurl didn't hear him over the sound of blood rushing through his ears and his own heartbeat rabbiting in his chest.

Rip them to pieces, lamb. NOW! The medicine cat did no such thing but what he did do was use his massive size, at least compared to the Fireclan apprentice, to fling the apprentice across the camp. If they happened to collide into one of their own warriors that that was a coincidence. Lambcurl ignored the way the prey he had eaten earlier twisted in his stomach as his actions caught up to him. He took a shaky breath and took a step back and then whipped his head around to Sunnypaw, who was laying their still, in shock it seemed. He panted some more before an especially loud yowl called out again and it snapped his brain back into place again. "Sunnypaw, are you well enough to drag other apprentices into my den if they are too injured?" Lambcurl desperately asked the apprentice, knowing from the way Sunnypaw winced slightly with wide, fearful eyes that Lambcurl was still looking in a frenzy. No more. He was a medicine cat. Not a warrior...not anymore...it wouldn't be safe for him to start helping in the battle.

Not really listening to Sunnypaw if she responded, Lambcurl ran back into his den and began to frantically pull out all of the basic herbs needed for stopping bleeding and the likes. Might as well have it out because he was sure that they were going to run out. Oh stars. Oh stars. Oh stars. Why did Fireclan have to attack them? What had Rainclan done to them. There must be some other motive right? Why did Quietstar lead his cats here for such bloodshed. He didn't dare look outside of his den. That was until he realized that he couldn't just rely on others to come to him for something like this. He needed to be out there...with all the blood...and fighting...no no no. Don't. Loss. Control. The tom breathed slowly once before rushing back out of his den and scanning the area for any super injured Rainclan cats that he can pull in and help.

[ Name Credits: ]
[ Lambcurl - @/Rose ]