rewrite the stars [tagged]

[skywhisper]

[googlefont="Oswald"]

天 ,

The days were longer as newleaf covered the moorland in a grassy, green coat. The sun set later and later, and Skypaw couldn't help but wish for a little more darkness. He wished for longer nights, so he could see Silvershade for a little longer. He had lost count of how many meetings they had had. After their first one, it felt so easy to keep seeing her. It felt natural.

As the dusk willed away the sunlight, Skypaw waited, feeling bored and impatient for night to fall.

He hadn't been treating many cats anyway. Flamehowl took care of all the duties, whether that be dry paw pads or occasional illnesses during newleaf. But Skypaw was alright with that. Who would trust a medicine cat that poisoned their leader? He didn't expect his Clanmates to trust him, especially after Rabbitstar's tragic death. Instead, it left him all the more time to wander around alone, losing himself in his troubled thoughts and secret smiles when he thought of Silvershade.

Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before he was caught. On this particular night, he once again pretended to sleep in his nest. As soon as the warriors entered their dens and he thought Flamehowl must be asleep as well, he tiptoed out of the medicine cat's den. Admittedly, after several times of doing such routines, Skypaw had gotten more and more careless about protecting his secret.

He exited through the dirt-place tunnel as to not arouse suspicions, but as soon as he exited the camp, Skypaw eagerly turned his paws toward ShadowClan territory.

skypaw, played by io

LOOK THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES

flamehowl

[flamehowl]

"Skypaw?" a voice gently asked that was no doubt the type of voice he didn't want to hear.

Gentle and kind but confused, a voice that belonged to a tom that Skypaw was hoping to avoid. And if the young tom turned around and looked, it was indeed Flamehowl. The older cat looked confused, tall ears slanted slightly but he was trying to not look as confused as he felt. Why was Skypaw sneaking off? There wasn't a single reason he could think of that would be the young tom's reason for it. Well..sure he could just be sneaking out to go for a late stroll to clear their head but..why would they go out through the dirt place tunnel? Why not through the entrance to camp that was the obvious way to do it?

The only reason he caught this was due to struggling to sleep, struggling to shut up his own thoughts as he worried over the future for Skypaw and if he should just offer the lad his name now rather than wait till the mc gathering. It was upcoming but...it was hard to know if he was doing anything right for the lad. He had woken up from his sleep to see his apprentice's nest empty and the tip of their tail disappearing out of the den's entrance. From there it was slow and careful following and yes, he could've stopped them long ago but..he didn't want to make a scene for Skypaw's sake.

Hence..only now calling out to him and calling to him in a low voice. It was all in the effort to protect the lad, to try and help them...even if all Flamehowl did was ruin the lad.

"I...I know you don't like talking...so you can ignore me but...what are you doing out here, Skypaw?" Flamehowl asked, his voice hesitant and low.

Truthfully, he was expecting to just be ignored and the lad would keep walking away. It was just in his nature to ask....to try and help and heal others.
skywhisper

[skywhisper]

[googlefont="Oswald"]

天 ,

At first, the rosetted apprentice jump. Every fur stood on end as he whipped around to come face-to-face with his mentor. Dread filled his stomach and for a moment, he almost ran in panic.

With such a reaction, he knew simply saying he was taking a stroll was beyond believable. Part of Skypaw had known he would be caught eventually. He had simply been gambling how long it would be before such a circumstance occurred. For a full moon, he had still been thinking, considering, and pouring over what he would do should such a moment arise. He never came to a conclusion. However, the moment Flamehowl's voice sounded behind him, Skypaw knew that he could no longer lie.

He felt frustrated with his mentor. The young tom was sad that he did not trust Flamehowl the way many apprentices seemed to trust their mentors. However, he still did care deeply for and look up to Flamehowl. In Skypaw's eyes, it was just that... Flamehowl seemed to have lost respect for him long ago. All that was left of their relationship was pity and misunderstanding. Skypaw did not want to be pitied.

"I don't not like talking," he responded in his usual quiet voice, but firmly. "I just never talk to you."

Tail tip flicking back and forth, he let the silence slide between them. Skypaw took several deep breaths, knowing that the truth would be the end to his career and thus their mentor-apprentice relationship anyways. Finally, he forced himself to speak steadily. He had learned from Silvershade to not hesitate. To not stutter.

"I'm sorry, Flamehowl," he finally spoke, dipping his eyes to his paws. "I think I have failed you."

With a small shake of his head and a exasperated laugh, he added, "But... I suppose that's alright. I was never supposed to be your apprentice, right? We never got along, and StarClan never chose me."

He hoped Silvershade would understand why he wouldn't show up tonight. With a heavy sigh, Skypaw felt a strange sense of relief, like the weight of the lie had been lifted off his shoulders, as he told Flamehowl the truth. He cared not if Flamehowl told him it was wrong. Medicine cat code or not, Skypaw refused to believe that love could be wrong.

"I am in love with a ShadowClan she-cat."

skypaw, played by io

LOOK THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES

flamehowl

[flamehowl]

Flamehowl winced at those words.

I just never talk to you..

Starclan that hurt...he ruined this apprentice's life and that was a very fair remark of them to make. Flamehowl's long ears slanted and lowered as he looked toward his paws. He had a feeling but...hearing the words certainly were painful. Like claws that plunged straight into his chest and bypased his ribs that protected his heart. The apology though...well...why should the lad apologize?

"No....I failed you greatly, you have no apologies to make. You're desire to not wish to ever talk to me are valid and I...should've already learned to just leave you be when you want it.." Flamehowl replied.

The older cat looked to Skypaw, still feeling horrible that he falied his apprentice so greatly. HE slowly sat down, showing that if Skypaw wanted to merely walk off, they could. Flamehowl was a far cry from what he had been when Skypaw first met him. The taller tom had lost a lot of their fire and energetic self, replaced by someone who was second guessing himself and feeling like every step he took caused something worse to befall those he had been working so hard to help.

"Truthfully..I don't think I was ready for a apprentice. You had several factors that I believed was best...you had a interest in becoming a medicine cat, you were curious, and you could hold all the information in the world of herbs in your head. I wouldn't have robbed you have a warrior's life as...so many medicine cat's I've known were..robbed of the life they wanted." Flamehowl admitted. "My mentor...didn't have a sign to pick me from Starclan, he choose me and...I thought doing it just like he did was best but...perhaps I was foolish to think I could do the same.."

It was one of his thoughts that rattled in his head, maybe he should've waited for a sign? Maybe he still would've screwed up so badly that his own apprentice hated him? Maybe...he just couldn't do this part of his training? Though his ears perked and a surprised expression came to his face at the next words that left his apprentice's mouth. In love? A warm smile appeared on his face. Well...at least Skypaw found something good...even if it was outside of the clan.

"Congratulations." Flamehowl said. "I'm glad that...you've found something to give you joy through the misery my failures have accidentally thrown you into. I apologize for interrupting you on your path to them."

He wasn't angry. No. Flamehowl knew it was against the code but, you can't hate someone for finding happiness. Honestly, even if Skypaw asked to be removed as his apprentice and took to normal warrior life, the chances of him finding love and settling down were...probably none. Not with the reputation due to the accident with Rabbitstar; which Flamehowl still believed was one.

"PErhaps....your destiny was never in Windclan..." Flamehowl mused, his smile falling. "I know you know the code and I won't force you to stay, nor will I rat you out. I can give you some traveling herbs and you can leave to meet up with your mate?"

Deep breathe in and deep breathe out.

"I am...very sorry for failing you so greatly..if you wish it...I can still give you your name...either here or at the medicine cat gathering in a few days? OF course, I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want it from me. A new life where your happiness is more assured....you might not want a name you despised..." Flamehowl added, ears slanting.

He was trying to make things right. Trying to do something right for Skypaw. He could give him his name now or at the gathering. It was Skypaw's choice. But what he was trying to do, was show Skypaw he wanted them happy.

[skywhisper]

[googlefont="Oswald"]

天 ,

As Flamehowl first spoke, Skypaw still held a hint of animosity toward his mentor. The fur on his shoulders rose and pricked, hardly offering sympathy that Flamehowl had been "not ready" for an apprentice. He didn't like that Flamehowl appeared to blame himself, despite Skypaw feeling inadequate for much of their time together.

He stayed quiet again, fearing Flamehowl's response. His ears twitched in surprise at Flamehowl's congratulations, but he made no show of it. He didn't need his mentor's apology, nor did he want any pity. Honestly, he was confused, for this was not the reaction he had expected. After all that WindClan had thrown at him, Skypaw did not expect sympathy.

To the young apprentice with a simple mind, he simply thought he was finally facing his mistakes.

"Regardless, I suppose you know now," he sighed in exasperation. Flamehowl had mentioned his destiny might not be in WindClan, and Skypaw couldn't help but agree. The revelation, voiced by his mentor himself, almost felt liberating. The prospect of joining a different Clan... would Condorstar even allow that? Would he have to live as a loner, without the protection and companionship of a Clan? Skypaw knew he could never be sure of his decision.

However, he knew that he had to try. Silvershade had given him a great deal of bravery, and he trusted her. This had to work out.

"You're right," he admitted, his voice stronger than he thought it ever would be. "WindClan has no place for me anymore."

Eyes downcast, he thought back to all the times he had spent on the moors. His mind drifted to his beloved sister Mulberrycloud... she was going to be so heartbroken. Would she be happy in WindClan without him?

"I can't just leave without saying good-bye," he said in more of a hesitant whisper. His paws trembled a little at the thought of facing his Clan leader and the potential consequences, but he trusted Nightstar to be a reasonable tom. "Let's... I ought to talk to Nightstar first. Do you think... that's alright?"

skypaw, played by io

LOOK THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES

flamehowl

[flamehowl]

"I won't tell you to not do what you think is right.." Flamehowl replied, ears slanting. "I do believe it might cause your reputation more harm though if we do go to Nightstar..."

What would it do? It would expose Skypaw was a cat who broke the code. At least with the route of telling Nightstar that it was STarclan's choice, then there was a chance that the young tom would get to shadowclan with a better reputation boost than what he would have in Windclan. The older tom let a sigh go, still feeling terrible about this entire situation. Had he driven the young cat to this? To seek comfort outside of his clan? It was certainly his fault for failing the young cat so greatly that caused the Rabbitstar incident. His lack of teaching the young tom about the more dangerous herbs that looked like normal ones. He just hadn't felt they were ready yet..and look at where it got him.

"I would suggest against telling Nightstar of your love for the young soul who cares for you, given there's a chance that he and other cats would solely fixate upon that part of you leaving...but..you're free to make your own choices. I know you most likely don't want my words or my help, I fully understand that." Flamehowl added. "I can tell him that it was Starclan that sent you to aid Shadowclan, as you no doubt know more of their situation than I given circumstances."

Indeed...it was possible his love told Skypaw about the situations in shadowclan, if they needed help with medicine or not. Truthfully since his struggle with his thoughts, Flamehowl didn't interact with cats as much as he used to. But it was hard to when he was struggling so deeply with what to do for his apprentice...well..former apprentice.

"Whatever choice you make, I'll try to support you." Flamehowl said, knowing the words would go over Skypaw's head as the young tom clearly hated him and he couldn't blame them.

[skywhisper]

[googlefont="Oswald"]

天 ,

It didn't matter, Skywhisper wanted to yell back at his mentor, but he knew the somberness of the moment. He wanted to say that it did not matter what WindClan thought of him - he had been deemed a traitor already. From the moment he and Mulberrycloud had been born, they had been scrutinized by the eyes of their families. Their mother's promiscuity and their dad's irresponsibility made much of the pure-blooded WindClan warriors see Skykit and Mulberrykit as merely mistakes. His only redemption had been becoming a proud medicine cat apprentice.

But he didn't even have that left now.

What use was there in trying to stay clean in the eyes of WindClan? He had never had a clean slate to begin with. Everything that happened since the moment he became Flamehowl's apprentice had been a disaster. He could never walk around without clumsy paws in WindClan camp.

"No," he insisted to Flamehowl. "There is no use in hiding the truth. Nightstar and WindClan might believe me a traitor, but it is true that I am a traitor. I'm tired of trying to salvage a reputation that cannot be saved. "

He sighed and led the way to Nightstar's den. His thoughts raced, but he was no longer as nervous or fearful as he had anticipated. At the entrance of Nightstar's den, he paused and looked back at Flamehowl.

"You know, I do believe StarClan has sent me to aid ShadowClan. I am not you. I have yet to read prophecies and signs. However, I know that ll this time I have spent with Mothwing and Silvershade, StarClan has not shown a hint of disapproval. And now Mothwing is gone, is it so wrong of me to feel the need to take her place?"

He wanted to be sure. A small gnot of anxiety was beginning to form, so Skypaw knew he had to make a decision before he chickened out of it. He thought about Mulberrycloud... would she be alright here without him? And Geckopaw, could he leave his friend? Skypaw wanted to know with certainty that this was his destiny, even though deep down he knew that no cat could ever tell him what the right path was. Not even StarClan themselves, perhaps. With that last thought, he took a deep breath and poked his head inside the leader's den.

"Nightstar? A word with you?"

skypaw, played by io

LOOK THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES

flamehowl Nightstar ♡

[Nightstar ♡]

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[attr="class","nightblock"]

[attr="class","nightside"]

[attr="class","nighttag"]#flamehowl & skywhisper

[attr="class","nightpost"]

[attr="class","nightscroll"]nightstar's rest was fitful and uncomfortable. he found himself tossing and turning, dozing off before being brought back into wakefulness. he was just beginning to doze back off again when the soft voice of skypaw reached his ears, forcing him back into the world of the living. with a grunt, nightstar rolled over and slowly sat up. he felt groggy and slightly irritable thanks to his inability to sleep tonight, but he could sense the urgency and seriousness within the apprentice's voice. "skypaw? certainly. come in." he scooted back just a bit. as his gaze focused, he could see flamehowl behind the young tom.[break][break]

his whiskers twitched. there was a kind of tension in the air. his eyes narrowed slightly. "what seems to be the problem?" a great majority of windclan had stopped trusting skypaw after the incident that cost rabbitstar one of her lives. for nightstar, he knew it was not purposeful or malicious, but accidental. a lethal accident, but an accident regardless. still, there was little nightstar could do to ease his clanmates' worries. and now, rabbitstar was gone... it wasn't that nightstar distrusted skypaw, exactly, but he did feel wary.

[attr="class","nightcreds"]coded by pie

[flamehowl]

"There is nothing wrong with wanting to take her place to give aid to cats in need." Flamehowl replied. "Shadowclan is in need of aid and you are wanting to do so. That is part of being a medicine cat. As for the visions, they aren't a constantly happening thing Skypaw. They are given when it's needed. If we were getting visions over everything, it would become overwhelming for everyone, things could go wrong and..in a way...remove our ability to make the future our own. "

That was how he saw it at least. Visions and prohpecies were important yes. They helped with things that were far bigger than they knew. And yet, maybe Flamehowl should've waited for one about his apprentice. Maybe...but Starclan didn't tell his mentor who to pick and things seemed to be okay..course now, Flamehowl wasn't sure.

"Very well...we'll both go to Nightstar.." Flamehowl replied.

There was no sense arguing. It would only make things worse. So Flamehowl headed back to camp with his apprentice and with Nightstar's agreement to see them, Flamehowl would take a seat. Now was the long accursed moment and Flamehowl didn't want to tell his leader the full truth but..it's what Skypaw wanted.

"Skypaw wishes to become Shadowclan's medicine cat, Shadowclan is in dire need of one and he wishes to grant them that aid peremantly." Flamehowl said, struggling to keep the sorrow from his voice.
skywhisper
Nightstar ♡