Post by kaz on Aug 10, 2020 21:05:34 GMT -6
Boulderstrike
Lichenclan
A stalwart tom with a black and tan pelt and blue eyes
warrior
tom
52
Appearance
Boulderstrike, through genetics and a history of service that he would hesitate to call proud, has developed a body suited for life as Lichenclan member, and all the fighting that it entails.
At his maximum, he's 2 1/2 ft. tall. His paws are large and flat with rounded knuckles, and connect to legs that are evenly built in the front and the back. The back of his paws have seen wear from the launching he's done with them, and midway up, memories of strikes taken and blocked are etched into his skin. He legs shoulder off flaty into his torso, and stand straight with no bend or lilt. For a cat his size, one might expect his chest to be larger, however it fits neatly into it's allotted space, with his back shoulders being larger than his front, ending in a wiry tail. His craning neck juts up to support a sizable skull, the object of his namesake. His pelt is long and thick, and protects him from the cold of the waters, and the claws of his foes.
The darkness of his body is offset by a streak of white on his chest and paws, perfect for dazzling his enemies against the moonlight. His milky paws fade into black shins, fading again into lightly rusted brown. That brown is draped over his back in various hues, increasingly black toward the back, ending in an all black tail. The fade is symmetrical, darkening toward his head and leaving his ears black as well. Lightening toward his chest, a partial mask of white extends down from his muzzle and in a ring around his neck, to a crest of white that runs along his chest and underside.
His ears are long, pointed, and black, sitting wide atop his head. His face is convex, and that helps round things out. His eyes are light blue and tucked into almond shaped pockets that let him hide his intent. The blue shines against the black mask of his face, and it surrounds a black nose. His maw is outlined in black, but the color from his chest intrudes a third of it, and a white dot lies above his nostrils. His whiskers are long and opaque, tending to bend this way and that.
At his maximum, he's 2 1/2 ft. tall. His paws are large and flat with rounded knuckles, and connect to legs that are evenly built in the front and the back. The back of his paws have seen wear from the launching he's done with them, and midway up, memories of strikes taken and blocked are etched into his skin. He legs shoulder off flaty into his torso, and stand straight with no bend or lilt. For a cat his size, one might expect his chest to be larger, however it fits neatly into it's allotted space, with his back shoulders being larger than his front, ending in a wiry tail. His craning neck juts up to support a sizable skull, the object of his namesake. His pelt is long and thick, and protects him from the cold of the waters, and the claws of his foes.
The darkness of his body is offset by a streak of white on his chest and paws, perfect for dazzling his enemies against the moonlight. His milky paws fade into black shins, fading again into lightly rusted brown. That brown is draped over his back in various hues, increasingly black toward the back, ending in an all black tail. The fade is symmetrical, darkening toward his head and leaving his ears black as well. Lightening toward his chest, a partial mask of white extends down from his muzzle and in a ring around his neck, to a crest of white that runs along his chest and underside.
His ears are long, pointed, and black, sitting wide atop his head. His face is convex, and that helps round things out. His eyes are light blue and tucked into almond shaped pockets that let him hide his intent. The blue shines against the black mask of his face, and it surrounds a black nose. His maw is outlined in black, but the color from his chest intrudes a third of it, and a white dot lies above his nostrils. His whiskers are long and opaque, tending to bend this way and that.
Personality
"Need help, Hemlockheart?"
"Sure thing, Minnowstar."
"Thanks be to our ancestors always, Cinderface."
Boulderstrike doesn't look like the kind of cat that would be want to tear down the Lichenclan leadership and bring about the alternate future where Egretfeather became deputy. He can seem quick to help, slow to anger, and generous with his time and persona even to those who others would shake their nose at. Even those with watchful eyes have failed to detect his true nature. This is because he has spent his days honing and perfecting a warfare unlike the favored form of Lichenclan combat. Boulderstrike is subversive. His true alignment against those he schmoozes with is a secret known only to a select few individuals. His methods of dissent are quiet, and rely on subterfuge and closeness to his enemies to influence the world around him. This is done by leveraging his extroversion as fuel to keep his guard up. He is not talkative or chatty, as he posses the skill of knowing when to keep his mouth shut. He is one to start a conversation and seek out strangers to build a relationship, and it is this nearness that allows him to observe and sponge what secrets he can, from any cat he comes across with, and plant what secrets he wants as well. A bit of this quietness has snuck into his fighting style, and over the years, has learned to dazzle his enemies, lull them, and strike true, never showing all his cards at once.
Those that know him, appreciate the irony of this. He employs deception in order to get closer to truths. These cats are also aware of a certain problem with his extroversion. Sometimes, Boulderstrike has a tendency to get distracted over the long term, either in his work, or more dangerously, because of it. He enjoys the politics and surprisingly deep social games of his work, and he does enjoy the attention, the prestige and the perks that come with status within the ruling party. A part of him also, peversley enjoys taking advantage of it while he works to destroy it.
Boulderstrike believes that starclan exists, reveres them, and believes they have a certain amount of dominion over the events of the island. He has never been able to accept the idea, however, that he is just a machine in a cat's body, piloted by the whims of the stars. It is his firm belief that the world around him is his to change as he pleases, and that if Starclan has bestowed upon the cats of the world a gift, it is that of a soul that can yearn, grow, and change the world. The radical nature of his parents was diluted a little in him, nevertheless, this, combined with his belief in will, keeps him mission oriented. Boulderstrike loves to achieve goals, and gets satisfaction from knowing the objective was completed. When the goals are lofty, however, his determination increases. His ideas can be radical, and sometimes have a streak of danger involved with them, rashly attempting to account for every variable. With the help of his families though, he has learned to turn his paranoia into preparedness. He spends time thinking about, and setting up appropriate plans and responses to situations. "What if?" is, at the same time, his most and least favorite question.
While these parts of him can make him seem conniving and two-bit, and driven for power, those that truly know him, know that over the moons, the lessons he's learned have helped tame and focus the wildfire within him, and he is learning to use that fire to explore other pursuits, and other relationships, friendships, and parts of life that he is fighting for in the first place.
"Sure thing, Minnowstar."
"Thanks be to our ancestors always, Cinderface."
Boulderstrike doesn't look like the kind of cat that would be want to tear down the Lichenclan leadership and bring about the alternate future where Egretfeather became deputy. He can seem quick to help, slow to anger, and generous with his time and persona even to those who others would shake their nose at. Even those with watchful eyes have failed to detect his true nature. This is because he has spent his days honing and perfecting a warfare unlike the favored form of Lichenclan combat. Boulderstrike is subversive. His true alignment against those he schmoozes with is a secret known only to a select few individuals. His methods of dissent are quiet, and rely on subterfuge and closeness to his enemies to influence the world around him. This is done by leveraging his extroversion as fuel to keep his guard up. He is not talkative or chatty, as he posses the skill of knowing when to keep his mouth shut. He is one to start a conversation and seek out strangers to build a relationship, and it is this nearness that allows him to observe and sponge what secrets he can, from any cat he comes across with, and plant what secrets he wants as well. A bit of this quietness has snuck into his fighting style, and over the years, has learned to dazzle his enemies, lull them, and strike true, never showing all his cards at once.
Those that know him, appreciate the irony of this. He employs deception in order to get closer to truths. These cats are also aware of a certain problem with his extroversion. Sometimes, Boulderstrike has a tendency to get distracted over the long term, either in his work, or more dangerously, because of it. He enjoys the politics and surprisingly deep social games of his work, and he does enjoy the attention, the prestige and the perks that come with status within the ruling party. A part of him also, peversley enjoys taking advantage of it while he works to destroy it.
Boulderstrike believes that starclan exists, reveres them, and believes they have a certain amount of dominion over the events of the island. He has never been able to accept the idea, however, that he is just a machine in a cat's body, piloted by the whims of the stars. It is his firm belief that the world around him is his to change as he pleases, and that if Starclan has bestowed upon the cats of the world a gift, it is that of a soul that can yearn, grow, and change the world. The radical nature of his parents was diluted a little in him, nevertheless, this, combined with his belief in will, keeps him mission oriented. Boulderstrike loves to achieve goals, and gets satisfaction from knowing the objective was completed. When the goals are lofty, however, his determination increases. His ideas can be radical, and sometimes have a streak of danger involved with them, rashly attempting to account for every variable. With the help of his families though, he has learned to turn his paranoia into preparedness. He spends time thinking about, and setting up appropriate plans and responses to situations. "What if?" is, at the same time, his most and least favorite question.
While these parts of him can make him seem conniving and two-bit, and driven for power, those that truly know him, know that over the moons, the lessons he's learned have helped tame and focus the wildfire within him, and he is learning to use that fire to explore other pursuits, and other relationships, friendships, and parts of life that he is fighting for in the first place.
History
"Sitting with friends, talking about something important is one of the most powerful and necessary forces in the world. It is the way so many noble organizations begin, with a conversation between associates or even brothers."
-Lemony Snicket
Season 2016
Boulderstrike was borne to Mudwhisker, a sharp and reserved tom, and Pinetoes, a rough and tumble she-cat. Both of them had the icy water of the great lakes in their DNA, and both of them came from a tradition of resistance that that spanned generations, originating from the time of the first dissent against the Heronstar bloodline in 2004. The death of Egretfeather was taken as a sign of the coming age, and it forced those that first protested against Sagestrike's appointment to take their views into hiding. Some found a martyr in her however, and were unsatisfied with exile-in-place. Silently, allegiances were made, plans drawn up, and families bonded in order to protect each other from the tyranny on the horizon.
It was often that, before bedtime, his mother would come to him to sing him to sleep. Most nights he would cry out for his father, and he would be met only with Pinetoes' hushing, and an explanation that he was off doing something important. In order to make up for it, his grandfather's old bones would come to rasp into his ear, stories of a cat called Egretfeather, and those that followed her. The tales of what he called "Lichenclan's last real hero" enamored him, not only because they spun her into a legend, but also because of their setting. He died soon after Boulderstrike's birth, replaced with a bigger presence from his father. He was left with vision of a Lichenclan that could be an honorable place to live in.
Also just as often, he would he see his parents visiting with another family, insisting that he get to know their child Patchkit, even on days when he didn't feel like playing with him. They also encouraged him to get to know as many kits and apprentices as he could, and learn as many things about them as he could. He didn't really understand why his father would be cross with him if he returned without getting to know a certain cat's favorite prey, or got nervous when talking to someone scary-looking, but it spurred him to do the tasks required. Eventually, the he found himself meeting all sorts of different cats, and finding the makings of a best friend in Patchkit. They grew up into their sixth moon having lived a rich childhood, and after finding out who his mentor would be, innocence ended after Mudwhisker pulled him aside and told him about the true stance of their family, and what Boulderstrike would have to do to ensure his safety. He was told the Herons had secrets, secrets he would need to get close to, and to do so, he'd have to craft some of his own.
Boulderpaw was assigned a mentor that was strong of faith, and typical of the Lichenclan philosophy of divine strength. He noticed that those his father identified as friends, fought with a certain kind of heart and pride, and led to certain decisions in battle. He fought this way as well, but he soon noticed that they were failing to deliver the kind of results typical of those Mudwhisker identified as foe. The way his mentor fought was cold, calculated, and remorseless. Seeking extra help from other cats trained in this way, he soon learned how to fight in a way that attracted positive attention, and at the same time, began his work in learning the secrets of the opposing faction. His mentor, convinced of his power, introduced him to other prominent cats, and he began to train with their children more and more.
In training with them, he grew closer, and that closeness yielded fruit. The first secret he learned was from an apprentice that related a training account with one of Boulderpaw's allies, an account of weakness and shifty words. He feared for that family, but didn't want to risk being seen with a supposed heathen. Not knowing what to do, he confided this in his friend Patchpaw. A week later, that same apprentice reported that she had been on the reccieving end of Starclan's power, and his eyes widened in surprise. He did not know what his friend said or did, but it worked. The family was no longer under suspicion.
Boulderpaw had found a method of protecting his clanmates.
Guided by their parents, this continued through his apprenticeship and after his warrior name was appointed, with Boulderstrike becoming a name spoken fondly of throughout the clan. Every whisper that he learned, he funneled to Patchclaw. He never knew how utilized his information, it was better this way. He did know that the work they were doing was good, and had impact that were relatively unseen.
With every meeting, the pair grew closer, and more ambitious. Such ambition, however, would their undoing.
Season 2017
The forest had been quiet, but a new war with Redwoodclan loomed on the horizon. Upsets among the heirs to the ruling bloodline also created new opportunities. Boulderstrike redoubled his efforts to get closer to the cats of higher status. He took advantage of more and more, driven to gain the favor of the tainted bloodline itself, even taking on missions that would normally fall to trusted clan members. Patchclaw though that he was gallivanting about, focused more on the perks of his status, than extending those perks equally among the clanmates. As well, Sagestrike's bloodlust had changed the nature of Boulderstrikes leaked information to include plans against Redwoodclan. Although strained, their relationship continued, and they eventually made contact with a member of Redwoodclan known to them only as Oaks. This seemed like a win, and while Redwoodclan held their own, their strength drew Sagestar further into blood-lust and the battles continued.
By the time Sagestar had come to the tom with a certain request, the pair had fallen out of favor with each other. Patchclaw was dating a trustworthy cat, and he wanted to start his family. Boulderstrike saw him as retreating from his duty during a critical moment. After a fight, the two decided to end their partnership.
All there was left to do was this final task, and his goal of gaining Sagestar's trust would be complete. Another trusted warrior from the clan had tactical information on an assault on the giants, and defected. Soon, he would leave for the opposing clan. He and another of his choosing would stop him and send him to the dark forest where he belonged.
At the edge of camp, in the darkness of the night, he saw who would accompany him. Across from him stood the slightly disheveled visage of the deputy, and heir to the line. Minnowleap eyed him, and he eyed her back, stating his eagerness to catch the heathen.
The tracks were well hidden, but Boulderstrike recognized a certain scent, one he almost missed due to it's similarity to his own. Soon, they were upon the traitor, and Minnowleap ordered the shadowy figure to stop.
Boulderstrike's heart sank when Mudwhisker turned to face him. He figured that he was going to meet with Oaks here. It was clear no meeting was going to take place.
Mudwhisker was able to pack so much meaning into everything he said, and was still as sharp as ever. Face to face with Minnowleap he realized something. His plan had failed, but if Boulderstrike's could succeed, perhaps then, he could do even more next to the leaders. Even greater opportunities for Lichenclan to be saved could be had when the sun rose again, if he and his son could pay a bargain price. Among their allies, he hoped he would find a new family.
"I forgive you for everything you're about to do. So will your mother. Starclan waits for both of us...."
"We were all, always a part of something greater...."
"Do me the honor of not holding back...."
"My son, I love you so much."
He said so many things, but all Minnowleap heard was,
"Defend yourself, Boulderstrike."
"You seditious coward. You've chosen to die."
"I love you..."
As he knew his father wanted, Boulderstrike did not hold back. He completed the mission. Covered in soil and blood, he turned to face Minnowleap, and gave her only a cold stare to acknowledge what he had done.
Season 2018
It was just as Mudwhisker thought. Nobody blamed him for the death of his father. As far as they were concrned, both of them had acted in the name of Lichenclan. This offered him little comfort. Any place that pitted their sons against their fathers was gripped by the Dark Forest. Every member of Lichenclan had been damned.
For a few moons, Boulderstrike wrestled with this despair, and the day of the battle he failed to prevent arrived. The affair was intensely bloody. The one Patchclaw knew as Oaks, perished, and so did Boulderstrike's mother, at the hands of a Redwoodclan giant. Both sides suffered losses, but the one that would be remembered the most, was Sagestar. For many, his death was a miracle, but Boulderstrike knew better. He had seen the ferocity and fervor of what a Minnowstar could mean. With no links to outside, and Sagestar pulling at him for more, he felt powerless.
He had lost his family and his cause. There was nothing he could do.
Patchclaw and his new family, saw how he began to struggle. He, and the trusted Warblerpelt knew that having a cat like him in this state could lead to issues for his kits later on. Reaching out to the destitute warrior, he reluctantly invited him to share tongues and a meal. Even in the wreckage of their relationship, Boulder found familiarity, and some comfort in the fact that his friend had survived long enough to raise kits. This meeting led to more, and finally, Boulderstrike met his apprentice for the first time, gazing on the tiny form of Sparrowkit.
It took time, but Patchclaw and Warblerpelt helped him regain his composure, and the two operatives rekindled their friendship, relearning why and how of their achievement. They became closer than they ever had, and Boulderstrike became like an uncle to the kits. Eventually Sparrowkit became old enough for apprenticeship, and Boulderstrike would embark on a new journey.
Season 2019-2020
When it was time, Boulderstrike made a request, and Sparrow's training was entrusted to him. Even Sparrowpaw couldn't be trusted at first. Despite his trust in Patchclaw, each cat was their own person, who could choose to follow or forsake their fathers. Sparrow was strong like his father, but lacked in other areas, mainly discretion. Reminded of his own youth, he was tough on the apprentice, but it was all in preparation for the ridiculous trials his charge would be forced to undertake for his warrior name. The pass rates were lower than normal, and many eyes were on the duo to perform well. If Sparrowpaw choked, there would be repercussions for the both of them.
A conversation about this, prior to his assessment twisted and turned, until finally, he felt like the young warrior could hear what he had to say.
"Sparrowpaw, the LichenClan of the past does not have to be lost forever. There are many among us who yearn to be rid of the tyranny of the Heron bloodline, and of Minnowstar. If you stay persistent to the values you yearn to see imbued in the clan once more, it will become reality"
Sparrowheart earned his warrior name with flying colors. Proud of his apprentice, Boulderstrike felt the first pang of hope for the future he had for a long time. He had done what he could, and now it was time to help him do his part.
Boulderstrike continues to do what he can in the different climate and sometimes ropes Patchclaw into the fray as well. In a bizarre twist of fate, however, the number of cats that he could honestly trust has dwindled significantly, while the number of cats that trust him has increased. Since Minnowleap became Minnowstar, his associates are facing their toughest trials. He has had to lay lower than ever now, but he has found the time useful, turning his attention toward the protection of Patchclaw's family and perhaps...the development of his own.
Right now, he continues to spend time with Sparrowheart and the rest of his adoptive family, continuing his "training" and keeping Sparrowheart low-key. Having seen what lies in the past, he still wishes to take a more active role in the betterment of the clan, and may get to do so as his former apprentice uncovers whispers of new family dedicated to same cause that so many before them have pledged themselves to.
Boulderstrike no longer wants destroy the clan that has fallen so far. He wants to save it.
Total word count: 3,172
-Lemony Snicket
Season 2016
Boulderstrike was borne to Mudwhisker, a sharp and reserved tom, and Pinetoes, a rough and tumble she-cat. Both of them had the icy water of the great lakes in their DNA, and both of them came from a tradition of resistance that that spanned generations, originating from the time of the first dissent against the Heronstar bloodline in 2004. The death of Egretfeather was taken as a sign of the coming age, and it forced those that first protested against Sagestrike's appointment to take their views into hiding. Some found a martyr in her however, and were unsatisfied with exile-in-place. Silently, allegiances were made, plans drawn up, and families bonded in order to protect each other from the tyranny on the horizon.
It was often that, before bedtime, his mother would come to him to sing him to sleep. Most nights he would cry out for his father, and he would be met only with Pinetoes' hushing, and an explanation that he was off doing something important. In order to make up for it, his grandfather's old bones would come to rasp into his ear, stories of a cat called Egretfeather, and those that followed her. The tales of what he called "Lichenclan's last real hero" enamored him, not only because they spun her into a legend, but also because of their setting. He died soon after Boulderstrike's birth, replaced with a bigger presence from his father. He was left with vision of a Lichenclan that could be an honorable place to live in.
Also just as often, he would he see his parents visiting with another family, insisting that he get to know their child Patchkit, even on days when he didn't feel like playing with him. They also encouraged him to get to know as many kits and apprentices as he could, and learn as many things about them as he could. He didn't really understand why his father would be cross with him if he returned without getting to know a certain cat's favorite prey, or got nervous when talking to someone scary-looking, but it spurred him to do the tasks required. Eventually, the he found himself meeting all sorts of different cats, and finding the makings of a best friend in Patchkit. They grew up into their sixth moon having lived a rich childhood, and after finding out who his mentor would be, innocence ended after Mudwhisker pulled him aside and told him about the true stance of their family, and what Boulderstrike would have to do to ensure his safety. He was told the Herons had secrets, secrets he would need to get close to, and to do so, he'd have to craft some of his own.
Boulderpaw was assigned a mentor that was strong of faith, and typical of the Lichenclan philosophy of divine strength. He noticed that those his father identified as friends, fought with a certain kind of heart and pride, and led to certain decisions in battle. He fought this way as well, but he soon noticed that they were failing to deliver the kind of results typical of those Mudwhisker identified as foe. The way his mentor fought was cold, calculated, and remorseless. Seeking extra help from other cats trained in this way, he soon learned how to fight in a way that attracted positive attention, and at the same time, began his work in learning the secrets of the opposing faction. His mentor, convinced of his power, introduced him to other prominent cats, and he began to train with their children more and more.
In training with them, he grew closer, and that closeness yielded fruit. The first secret he learned was from an apprentice that related a training account with one of Boulderpaw's allies, an account of weakness and shifty words. He feared for that family, but didn't want to risk being seen with a supposed heathen. Not knowing what to do, he confided this in his friend Patchpaw. A week later, that same apprentice reported that she had been on the reccieving end of Starclan's power, and his eyes widened in surprise. He did not know what his friend said or did, but it worked. The family was no longer under suspicion.
Boulderpaw had found a method of protecting his clanmates.
Guided by their parents, this continued through his apprenticeship and after his warrior name was appointed, with Boulderstrike becoming a name spoken fondly of throughout the clan. Every whisper that he learned, he funneled to Patchclaw. He never knew how utilized his information, it was better this way. He did know that the work they were doing was good, and had impact that were relatively unseen.
With every meeting, the pair grew closer, and more ambitious. Such ambition, however, would their undoing.
Season 2017
The forest had been quiet, but a new war with Redwoodclan loomed on the horizon. Upsets among the heirs to the ruling bloodline also created new opportunities. Boulderstrike redoubled his efforts to get closer to the cats of higher status. He took advantage of more and more, driven to gain the favor of the tainted bloodline itself, even taking on missions that would normally fall to trusted clan members. Patchclaw though that he was gallivanting about, focused more on the perks of his status, than extending those perks equally among the clanmates. As well, Sagestrike's bloodlust had changed the nature of Boulderstrikes leaked information to include plans against Redwoodclan. Although strained, their relationship continued, and they eventually made contact with a member of Redwoodclan known to them only as Oaks. This seemed like a win, and while Redwoodclan held their own, their strength drew Sagestar further into blood-lust and the battles continued.
By the time Sagestar had come to the tom with a certain request, the pair had fallen out of favor with each other. Patchclaw was dating a trustworthy cat, and he wanted to start his family. Boulderstrike saw him as retreating from his duty during a critical moment. After a fight, the two decided to end their partnership.
All there was left to do was this final task, and his goal of gaining Sagestar's trust would be complete. Another trusted warrior from the clan had tactical information on an assault on the giants, and defected. Soon, he would leave for the opposing clan. He and another of his choosing would stop him and send him to the dark forest where he belonged.
At the edge of camp, in the darkness of the night, he saw who would accompany him. Across from him stood the slightly disheveled visage of the deputy, and heir to the line. Minnowleap eyed him, and he eyed her back, stating his eagerness to catch the heathen.
The tracks were well hidden, but Boulderstrike recognized a certain scent, one he almost missed due to it's similarity to his own. Soon, they were upon the traitor, and Minnowleap ordered the shadowy figure to stop.
Boulderstrike's heart sank when Mudwhisker turned to face him. He figured that he was going to meet with Oaks here. It was clear no meeting was going to take place.
Mudwhisker was able to pack so much meaning into everything he said, and was still as sharp as ever. Face to face with Minnowleap he realized something. His plan had failed, but if Boulderstrike's could succeed, perhaps then, he could do even more next to the leaders. Even greater opportunities for Lichenclan to be saved could be had when the sun rose again, if he and his son could pay a bargain price. Among their allies, he hoped he would find a new family.
"I forgive you for everything you're about to do. So will your mother. Starclan waits for both of us...."
"We were all, always a part of something greater...."
"Do me the honor of not holding back...."
"My son, I love you so much."
He said so many things, but all Minnowleap heard was,
"Defend yourself, Boulderstrike."
"You seditious coward. You've chosen to die."
"I love you..."
As he knew his father wanted, Boulderstrike did not hold back. He completed the mission. Covered in soil and blood, he turned to face Minnowleap, and gave her only a cold stare to acknowledge what he had done.
Season 2018
It was just as Mudwhisker thought. Nobody blamed him for the death of his father. As far as they were concrned, both of them had acted in the name of Lichenclan. This offered him little comfort. Any place that pitted their sons against their fathers was gripped by the Dark Forest. Every member of Lichenclan had been damned.
For a few moons, Boulderstrike wrestled with this despair, and the day of the battle he failed to prevent arrived. The affair was intensely bloody. The one Patchclaw knew as Oaks, perished, and so did Boulderstrike's mother, at the hands of a Redwoodclan giant. Both sides suffered losses, but the one that would be remembered the most, was Sagestar. For many, his death was a miracle, but Boulderstrike knew better. He had seen the ferocity and fervor of what a Minnowstar could mean. With no links to outside, and Sagestar pulling at him for more, he felt powerless.
He had lost his family and his cause. There was nothing he could do.
Patchclaw and his new family, saw how he began to struggle. He, and the trusted Warblerpelt knew that having a cat like him in this state could lead to issues for his kits later on. Reaching out to the destitute warrior, he reluctantly invited him to share tongues and a meal. Even in the wreckage of their relationship, Boulder found familiarity, and some comfort in the fact that his friend had survived long enough to raise kits. This meeting led to more, and finally, Boulderstrike met his apprentice for the first time, gazing on the tiny form of Sparrowkit.
It took time, but Patchclaw and Warblerpelt helped him regain his composure, and the two operatives rekindled their friendship, relearning why and how of their achievement. They became closer than they ever had, and Boulderstrike became like an uncle to the kits. Eventually Sparrowkit became old enough for apprenticeship, and Boulderstrike would embark on a new journey.
Season 2019-2020
When it was time, Boulderstrike made a request, and Sparrow's training was entrusted to him. Even Sparrowpaw couldn't be trusted at first. Despite his trust in Patchclaw, each cat was their own person, who could choose to follow or forsake their fathers. Sparrow was strong like his father, but lacked in other areas, mainly discretion. Reminded of his own youth, he was tough on the apprentice, but it was all in preparation for the ridiculous trials his charge would be forced to undertake for his warrior name. The pass rates were lower than normal, and many eyes were on the duo to perform well. If Sparrowpaw choked, there would be repercussions for the both of them.
A conversation about this, prior to his assessment twisted and turned, until finally, he felt like the young warrior could hear what he had to say.
"Sparrowpaw, the LichenClan of the past does not have to be lost forever. There are many among us who yearn to be rid of the tyranny of the Heron bloodline, and of Minnowstar. If you stay persistent to the values you yearn to see imbued in the clan once more, it will become reality"
Sparrowheart earned his warrior name with flying colors. Proud of his apprentice, Boulderstrike felt the first pang of hope for the future he had for a long time. He had done what he could, and now it was time to help him do his part.
Boulderstrike continues to do what he can in the different climate and sometimes ropes Patchclaw into the fray as well. In a bizarre twist of fate, however, the number of cats that he could honestly trust has dwindled significantly, while the number of cats that trust him has increased. Since Minnowleap became Minnowstar, his associates are facing their toughest trials. He has had to lay lower than ever now, but he has found the time useful, turning his attention toward the protection of Patchclaw's family and perhaps...the development of his own.
Right now, he continues to spend time with Sparrowheart and the rest of his adoptive family, continuing his "training" and keeping Sparrowheart low-key. Having seen what lies in the past, he still wishes to take a more active role in the betterment of the clan, and may get to do so as his former apprentice uncovers whispers of new family dedicated to same cause that so many before them have pledged themselves to.
Boulderstrike no longer wants destroy the clan that has fallen so far. He wants to save it.
Total word count: 3,172