Post by Amber on Mar 24, 2020 14:39:53 GMT
Pairing:
Pebblechase and Rattledance
Timeline:
Before Rattledance attacks Waveheart and before their relationship goes sideways. Pebblechase has just been made a warrior and spring has just sprung.
Warnings:
Slight hint to unhealthy relationships towards the end but nothing massive
________________________________________
The night was silent. The chirps of crickets and the hush of the waves that lapped gently at the shoreline masked the sound of purring cats and peaceful snores. It was calm. It was peaceful. It was...everything Pebblechase would miss when she left. She had only just sat her Warrior vigil the night before and had spent one, sleepless night pressed against Waveheart when she eventually made up her mind about her plan.
The recent meeting with Rattledance had been one that many Molly's could only dream about. The playful jabs, the tension, the tumbling around like kits and the breathless laughing. It was enough to leave Pebblechase feeling elated and like she was dancing among the stars. That was until, of course, she realised she had to go back to Shellclan. Her home. The place where safety, love and acceptance was offered at every turn. Her close relationship with her Clan, whilst impossible to replace, had steadily started to become more and more suffocating. The expectations of being a worthy warrior shoulder rested firmly upon her slim shoulders. The pressure of her warrior code abiding parents forever lingered within her mind. She felt trapped. Everywhere she turned, she saw faces she had known since she was nothing but a young kit. She watched them grow into fine warriors that would die for their clan without question. She listened as they muttered about the other Clans - disdain so clear in the glint of their eyes and the snap of their teeth that she often curled within herself when the gathering was presented to come.
Leaping silently out of the Warrior den and wincing at the soft thud her paws created when she landed on the hardened sand - Pebblechase paused to listen if any of the sleeping bodies awoke or stirred. Breathing out a soft sigh of relief when not even an ear flicked - the young warrior looked over to Waveheart as her gaze drifted over the familiar faces and snuffling noises. A pang of deep, lingering sadness pinned her on the spot for a moment. Was she really prepared to leave this behind? Was she truly allowing herself this freedom? A freedom that could potentially worsen when she entered Valeclan? Rattledance accepted her but that didn't mean others would - the foreign Clan would treat her as an outsider and with a mistrust like no other. She wouldn't be able to snap back, retort or make sarcastic remarks like she did in Shellclan, she would have to bite her tongue, bow her head, and perform the duties given to her with a smile on her face and a skip in her step.
Glancing to the edge of Camp, Pebblechase turned swiftly and exited her home through the dirt place tunnel. There was no turning back now. Leaping from boulder to boulder and splashing within the same choppy waters that taught her everything she knew - the molly refused to look back even for a moment. Not as she climbed up to stand by Feathefoot Cliffe and not as she walked confidently through Fire Forest. Though, as she trotted through ‘Pebbleclan’ territory, she felt a lightness fill her and a smile build on her face. She would be okay. Rattledance would be there to guide her through this harsh change of routine and, chuckling lightly to herself, she knew the young tom would have a lot to say about her deciding to move with him. Pebblechase pondered how he would truly react. Would he declare that no she-cat could stay away from him? Would he turn his nose up at her? Would he change for the better? Or for worse? She didn’t know but, feeling the wind usher her on with a gentle croon, Pebblechase simply accepted that she would have to wait and see.
_______
It took her a long time to actually find Valeclan camp. An embarrassingly long time. But, she didn’t have to worry too much about it because, as soon she literally stumbled upon the sandy sloped dens, a warning yowl echoed throughout the still night. It caused Pebblechase to pause with wide eyes but she did not move. She would have to play this very, very carefully. Any wrong move and Batstar could turn her away with a hiss or with a claw to the cheek. Her fate rested upon their paws and, though it sent a tremor of fear curling her within her spine, she accepted it.
“Um, I come in peace?” She offered out quietly when she came across a bristling warrior. He was young, that much she could tell. Maybe a warrior sitting his first vigil? It definitely appeared to be that way when he simply inclined his head in a way of beckoning for her to follow.
Puffing out a slow, steady breath, Pebblechase pursured the tom, aware of the glowing eyes that seemed to watch her every move. However, one pair of eyes ensnared her in his trap like they always did. Her tail quivered in happiness and her ears arched forward - a bright smile appearing on her face. Rattledance! He was here. Albeit he was looking at her in nothing but pure confusion but, in true Rattledance fashion, the confusion smoothed into a look of pure cockiness and he was quick to bound over to her.
“Pebblepaw?” He enquired, head tilting and eyes glinting as he studied the molly in front of him - who was still being led to Batstar’s den.
“Pebblechase.” The ex-Shellclan molly corrected with ease, “I uh...I left Shellclan. I’ll explain it a bit more later but, for now, I need to speak with your leader.”
With that, the sandy warrior that was leading Pebblechase forward cut into between the pair, green eyes glinting in anger and shoulder shoving the molly forward. Batstar had emerged from his den, eyes bleary from sleep but sharpening upon seeing a stray Shellclan cat trotting towards him. She idly wondered what the tom thought of her but reasoned that she would soon find out. It wouldn’t be the first time that ebblechase would be speaking to a leader and, if this character was anything like Pinkstar, she bargained that she would be okay. Smile, explain her reasoning, nod in agreement to whatever they had to say and then duck her head respectfully to whatever he wished her to do. She had no rights to expect anything more than being chased out of their camp and banished back, shamefully, to Shellclan. Her expectations were low. Whether to protect herself to prepare herself - she didn’t know.
“Batstar.” She greeted kindly, her mew soft.
“Pebble...chase. What can I help you with?” Was this Tom’s response, his eyes narrowed suspiciously and, honestly, Pebblechase couldn’t blame him.
“I have come to seek residence within Valeclan. I have left Shellclan behind and wish to join your Clan and become one of your Warriors.”
A pause.
A flick of the ear.
A studying gaze.
“And tell me, Pebblechase, why I should allow you to live within my Clan? How would I know if this is not some elaborate plan to infiltrate my home so you can plot an attack?” Fair enough, Pebblechase thought. She hadn’t even begun to think about what the Clan would think of her appearing, out of nowhere, in the middle of the night. It did seem highly suspicious and she mentally kicked herself for the poor planning. What got rid of issues in Shellclan brought up a thousand issues in Valelclan.
“I am not here to do anything but be with the one who captured my heart,” Ugh, so cheesy, “Rattledance. We met when we were apprentices and, though I love Shellclan with my entire being, I do not wish to participate in a cross clan relationship. Especially not in secret.”
Pausing to gauge what sort of reaction she was gathering from the Clan, Pebblechase shot her gaze around the camp quickly. Rattledance - grinning smugly. The warrior from earlier - scowling. Figscar! The warrior she met when she was an apprentice! He...did not look pleased but not particularly surprised. A pure white molly had a cheesy grin on her face, even as her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
Huh, okay. So she was sort of winning everyone over. She supposed that mentioning a name that everyone knew and was familiar with would win them over somehow. Pebblechase watched with an ever growing smile on her face as Rattledance trotted over to her. A swagger in his step, his tail curling in delight and his grin ever growing. Insufferable. She loved him for it.
“Couldn’t stay away from me, eh?” He joked, playfully nudging her and chuckling along with her as she let out a soft laugh. Though it was a short lived moment as Batstar cleared his throat to gather their attention once more, it was enough to make the young molly square her shoulders and look the Valeclan leader confidently in the eyes.
“Despite having connections within my Clan, which we will be talking about later, Rattledance, I am not in the clear to trust you. I wouldn’t put it past another Clan to use the word love as a strategy to catch us at our weakest.” Holding his tail up in a way to silence the she-cat when she opened her mouth to protest, Batstar continued, “However, I will not turn you away. It is clear from that single moment you are familiar with Rattledance. This does not mean you are welcomed in my Clan clearly and with freedom. You will sleep separate from the warriors and far away from the nursery. A designated warrior will be by your side every moment of the day. You will be under heavy watch and prey will be brought to you. Any duty that is given to you, will be taken without complaint. Are we clear?”
Ignoring how her pelt prickled and how her whiskers twitched, Pebblechase ducked her down in understanding, “Of course, Batstar. I won’t let you down.” Smiling lightly and with obvious nerves, she shuffled slightly so she could stand closer to Rattledance. It was out of character for her to be as nervous as she was, but who could really blame her? This was a completely new chapter within her life and, for once, she didn’t know how it would end.
“Rattledance, seeing as you have befriended Pebblechase, you will help her set up her den in one of the caves we do not use.” Batstar waited for the outspoken tom to agree before nodding, “With that sorted, everyone is dismissed. One a nest is set up, Stagrush will watch over Pebblechase. Rattledance, you are not to sleep within her nest until we know she can be trusted.”
Once all warriors nodded in agreement, Batstar turned to disappear within his den - face contemplative as he began to think of how to handle this new situation.
Pebblechase, however, was over the moon and allowed a purr to rumble and tumble from her chest. Turning to Rattledance with glittering eyes - she paused at the expression on the other’s face. He...didn’t look thrilled at all. If anything, those amber eyes were studying Batstar’s exit with a strange twist to his features. Scraping her mind in a valiant attempt to see where the happy tom had disappeared to - she paused. Rattledance hated being bossed around and ordered, that much was clear. There was also that weird sandy cat, Stagrush, he seemed oddly hostile towards others. Was there a weird rivalry going on? There couldn’t be. Rattledance hadn’t even acknowledged the other.
As she scraped her mind, Pebblechase failed to see her...mate? Friend? Security? Turn around and walk with purpose towards a very cramped looking den. Swallowing down protests and instead bounding over to walk by his side, Pebblechase chanced a small nudge to his shoulder and a small smile. “Hey, you’ve been quiet.” She murmured quietly, concern evident. She was beginning to have a headache with how many emotions were attacking her mind from left and right.
“I’m fine,” He responded back easily enough as he responded to her nudge with one of his own, “I’m just bathing in this victory.” Huh? “Afterall, how many cats can say they swayed another’s heart enough that they leave their own home behind - all for you.” A deep chuckle reverberated from within his chest and Pebblechase tried to ignore the small prickle of annoyance that crawled within her fur. It was okay. He just...didn’t really understand how much she left behind for him. He would understand one day but she couldn’t really be bothered for that fight just yet.
“Yeah, yeah, we get it.” Pebblechase laughed softly with a roll of her eyes as she peered into her new home. It was tiny. It was rocky. It didn’t look comfortable at all. Swallowing roughly and padding into the sandy groove, the young warrior really did try to not show her open disgust. This was only temporary. Once she had proved herself - Pebblechase would be able to gather feathers, moss and any other soft substance that she could lay on. She would be known for having the comfiest nest to ever exist.
It took around until moon high until Pebblechase and Rattledance had managed to create a semi-livable den for her to sleep in for the up-coming moons. Idle chatter between the two of them had left Stagrush even more cranky, which she found quite entertaining. A routine was beginning to settle down until the molly pranced over to say goodbye to Rattledance like she always did - which was with a nose brushing against his cheek lightly. However - he dodged. An ice cold spear dug its way into her heart and her paws went numb as she met Rattledance’s unapologetic gaze.
Right. Of course. He had a reputation to hold. What that was, she had no idea but...she wasn’t part of that. She had been a secret just hours ago. She couldn’t expect him to allow her to be familiar with him when the entirety of the Clan was watching them like a hawk. He wasn’t like Waveheart. She had to remind herself of that.
“Goodnight.” She murmured quietly, ears flattening down against her skull, “I’ll...see you in the morning.”
“Of course.” There was that damned smile again. She craved to be annoyed with him so badly but, like always, she couldn’t find it within herself to stay mad. “Then I can help you get the duties sorted out tomorrow.”
Laughing softly, Pebblechase nodded in agreement and watched the tom walk away with a dreamy smile. Despite the headache building within her mind to try and constantly stay on his good side, she was prepared to suffer through it. Anything was worth seeing that handsome smile. A pointed cough interrupted her thought process and Pebblechase warmed when she saw Stagrush’s deadpan stare directed at her. Oh yeah. Sleep. That’s what she was meant to be doing.
Apologising softly, Pebblechase disappeared into the groove and huddled down, her thin fur struggling to warm her up naturally. Who knew desert nights got this cold? Certainly not her, that’s for sure. Swallowing down the anxiety and home-sickness that began to swamp within her mind, Pebblechase shut her weary eyes and ignored the trembling that set in within her bones. She would be okay. Rattledance was a good choice. She would…She would learn to be what he needed.
She was fine.
Pebblechase and Rattledance
Timeline:
Before Rattledance attacks Waveheart and before their relationship goes sideways. Pebblechase has just been made a warrior and spring has just sprung.
Warnings:
Slight hint to unhealthy relationships towards the end but nothing massive
________________________________________
The night was silent. The chirps of crickets and the hush of the waves that lapped gently at the shoreline masked the sound of purring cats and peaceful snores. It was calm. It was peaceful. It was...everything Pebblechase would miss when she left. She had only just sat her Warrior vigil the night before and had spent one, sleepless night pressed against Waveheart when she eventually made up her mind about her plan.
The recent meeting with Rattledance had been one that many Molly's could only dream about. The playful jabs, the tension, the tumbling around like kits and the breathless laughing. It was enough to leave Pebblechase feeling elated and like she was dancing among the stars. That was until, of course, she realised she had to go back to Shellclan. Her home. The place where safety, love and acceptance was offered at every turn. Her close relationship with her Clan, whilst impossible to replace, had steadily started to become more and more suffocating. The expectations of being a worthy warrior shoulder rested firmly upon her slim shoulders. The pressure of her warrior code abiding parents forever lingered within her mind. She felt trapped. Everywhere she turned, she saw faces she had known since she was nothing but a young kit. She watched them grow into fine warriors that would die for their clan without question. She listened as they muttered about the other Clans - disdain so clear in the glint of their eyes and the snap of their teeth that she often curled within herself when the gathering was presented to come.
Leaping silently out of the Warrior den and wincing at the soft thud her paws created when she landed on the hardened sand - Pebblechase paused to listen if any of the sleeping bodies awoke or stirred. Breathing out a soft sigh of relief when not even an ear flicked - the young warrior looked over to Waveheart as her gaze drifted over the familiar faces and snuffling noises. A pang of deep, lingering sadness pinned her on the spot for a moment. Was she really prepared to leave this behind? Was she truly allowing herself this freedom? A freedom that could potentially worsen when she entered Valeclan? Rattledance accepted her but that didn't mean others would - the foreign Clan would treat her as an outsider and with a mistrust like no other. She wouldn't be able to snap back, retort or make sarcastic remarks like she did in Shellclan, she would have to bite her tongue, bow her head, and perform the duties given to her with a smile on her face and a skip in her step.
Glancing to the edge of Camp, Pebblechase turned swiftly and exited her home through the dirt place tunnel. There was no turning back now. Leaping from boulder to boulder and splashing within the same choppy waters that taught her everything she knew - the molly refused to look back even for a moment. Not as she climbed up to stand by Feathefoot Cliffe and not as she walked confidently through Fire Forest. Though, as she trotted through ‘Pebbleclan’ territory, she felt a lightness fill her and a smile build on her face. She would be okay. Rattledance would be there to guide her through this harsh change of routine and, chuckling lightly to herself, she knew the young tom would have a lot to say about her deciding to move with him. Pebblechase pondered how he would truly react. Would he declare that no she-cat could stay away from him? Would he turn his nose up at her? Would he change for the better? Or for worse? She didn’t know but, feeling the wind usher her on with a gentle croon, Pebblechase simply accepted that she would have to wait and see.
_______
It took her a long time to actually find Valeclan camp. An embarrassingly long time. But, she didn’t have to worry too much about it because, as soon she literally stumbled upon the sandy sloped dens, a warning yowl echoed throughout the still night. It caused Pebblechase to pause with wide eyes but she did not move. She would have to play this very, very carefully. Any wrong move and Batstar could turn her away with a hiss or with a claw to the cheek. Her fate rested upon their paws and, though it sent a tremor of fear curling her within her spine, she accepted it.
“Um, I come in peace?” She offered out quietly when she came across a bristling warrior. He was young, that much she could tell. Maybe a warrior sitting his first vigil? It definitely appeared to be that way when he simply inclined his head in a way of beckoning for her to follow.
Puffing out a slow, steady breath, Pebblechase pursured the tom, aware of the glowing eyes that seemed to watch her every move. However, one pair of eyes ensnared her in his trap like they always did. Her tail quivered in happiness and her ears arched forward - a bright smile appearing on her face. Rattledance! He was here. Albeit he was looking at her in nothing but pure confusion but, in true Rattledance fashion, the confusion smoothed into a look of pure cockiness and he was quick to bound over to her.
“Pebblepaw?” He enquired, head tilting and eyes glinting as he studied the molly in front of him - who was still being led to Batstar’s den.
“Pebblechase.” The ex-Shellclan molly corrected with ease, “I uh...I left Shellclan. I’ll explain it a bit more later but, for now, I need to speak with your leader.”
With that, the sandy warrior that was leading Pebblechase forward cut into between the pair, green eyes glinting in anger and shoulder shoving the molly forward. Batstar had emerged from his den, eyes bleary from sleep but sharpening upon seeing a stray Shellclan cat trotting towards him. She idly wondered what the tom thought of her but reasoned that she would soon find out. It wouldn’t be the first time that ebblechase would be speaking to a leader and, if this character was anything like Pinkstar, she bargained that she would be okay. Smile, explain her reasoning, nod in agreement to whatever they had to say and then duck her head respectfully to whatever he wished her to do. She had no rights to expect anything more than being chased out of their camp and banished back, shamefully, to Shellclan. Her expectations were low. Whether to protect herself to prepare herself - she didn’t know.
“Batstar.” She greeted kindly, her mew soft.
“Pebble...chase. What can I help you with?” Was this Tom’s response, his eyes narrowed suspiciously and, honestly, Pebblechase couldn’t blame him.
“I have come to seek residence within Valeclan. I have left Shellclan behind and wish to join your Clan and become one of your Warriors.”
A pause.
A flick of the ear.
A studying gaze.
“And tell me, Pebblechase, why I should allow you to live within my Clan? How would I know if this is not some elaborate plan to infiltrate my home so you can plot an attack?” Fair enough, Pebblechase thought. She hadn’t even begun to think about what the Clan would think of her appearing, out of nowhere, in the middle of the night. It did seem highly suspicious and she mentally kicked herself for the poor planning. What got rid of issues in Shellclan brought up a thousand issues in Valelclan.
“I am not here to do anything but be with the one who captured my heart,” Ugh, so cheesy, “Rattledance. We met when we were apprentices and, though I love Shellclan with my entire being, I do not wish to participate in a cross clan relationship. Especially not in secret.”
Pausing to gauge what sort of reaction she was gathering from the Clan, Pebblechase shot her gaze around the camp quickly. Rattledance - grinning smugly. The warrior from earlier - scowling. Figscar! The warrior she met when she was an apprentice! He...did not look pleased but not particularly surprised. A pure white molly had a cheesy grin on her face, even as her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
Huh, okay. So she was sort of winning everyone over. She supposed that mentioning a name that everyone knew and was familiar with would win them over somehow. Pebblechase watched with an ever growing smile on her face as Rattledance trotted over to her. A swagger in his step, his tail curling in delight and his grin ever growing. Insufferable. She loved him for it.
“Couldn’t stay away from me, eh?” He joked, playfully nudging her and chuckling along with her as she let out a soft laugh. Though it was a short lived moment as Batstar cleared his throat to gather their attention once more, it was enough to make the young molly square her shoulders and look the Valeclan leader confidently in the eyes.
“Despite having connections within my Clan, which we will be talking about later, Rattledance, I am not in the clear to trust you. I wouldn’t put it past another Clan to use the word love as a strategy to catch us at our weakest.” Holding his tail up in a way to silence the she-cat when she opened her mouth to protest, Batstar continued, “However, I will not turn you away. It is clear from that single moment you are familiar with Rattledance. This does not mean you are welcomed in my Clan clearly and with freedom. You will sleep separate from the warriors and far away from the nursery. A designated warrior will be by your side every moment of the day. You will be under heavy watch and prey will be brought to you. Any duty that is given to you, will be taken without complaint. Are we clear?”
Ignoring how her pelt prickled and how her whiskers twitched, Pebblechase ducked her down in understanding, “Of course, Batstar. I won’t let you down.” Smiling lightly and with obvious nerves, she shuffled slightly so she could stand closer to Rattledance. It was out of character for her to be as nervous as she was, but who could really blame her? This was a completely new chapter within her life and, for once, she didn’t know how it would end.
“Rattledance, seeing as you have befriended Pebblechase, you will help her set up her den in one of the caves we do not use.” Batstar waited for the outspoken tom to agree before nodding, “With that sorted, everyone is dismissed. One a nest is set up, Stagrush will watch over Pebblechase. Rattledance, you are not to sleep within her nest until we know she can be trusted.”
Once all warriors nodded in agreement, Batstar turned to disappear within his den - face contemplative as he began to think of how to handle this new situation.
Pebblechase, however, was over the moon and allowed a purr to rumble and tumble from her chest. Turning to Rattledance with glittering eyes - she paused at the expression on the other’s face. He...didn’t look thrilled at all. If anything, those amber eyes were studying Batstar’s exit with a strange twist to his features. Scraping her mind in a valiant attempt to see where the happy tom had disappeared to - she paused. Rattledance hated being bossed around and ordered, that much was clear. There was also that weird sandy cat, Stagrush, he seemed oddly hostile towards others. Was there a weird rivalry going on? There couldn’t be. Rattledance hadn’t even acknowledged the other.
As she scraped her mind, Pebblechase failed to see her...mate? Friend? Security? Turn around and walk with purpose towards a very cramped looking den. Swallowing down protests and instead bounding over to walk by his side, Pebblechase chanced a small nudge to his shoulder and a small smile. “Hey, you’ve been quiet.” She murmured quietly, concern evident. She was beginning to have a headache with how many emotions were attacking her mind from left and right.
“I’m fine,” He responded back easily enough as he responded to her nudge with one of his own, “I’m just bathing in this victory.” Huh? “Afterall, how many cats can say they swayed another’s heart enough that they leave their own home behind - all for you.” A deep chuckle reverberated from within his chest and Pebblechase tried to ignore the small prickle of annoyance that crawled within her fur. It was okay. He just...didn’t really understand how much she left behind for him. He would understand one day but she couldn’t really be bothered for that fight just yet.
“Yeah, yeah, we get it.” Pebblechase laughed softly with a roll of her eyes as she peered into her new home. It was tiny. It was rocky. It didn’t look comfortable at all. Swallowing roughly and padding into the sandy groove, the young warrior really did try to not show her open disgust. This was only temporary. Once she had proved herself - Pebblechase would be able to gather feathers, moss and any other soft substance that she could lay on. She would be known for having the comfiest nest to ever exist.
It took around until moon high until Pebblechase and Rattledance had managed to create a semi-livable den for her to sleep in for the up-coming moons. Idle chatter between the two of them had left Stagrush even more cranky, which she found quite entertaining. A routine was beginning to settle down until the molly pranced over to say goodbye to Rattledance like she always did - which was with a nose brushing against his cheek lightly. However - he dodged. An ice cold spear dug its way into her heart and her paws went numb as she met Rattledance’s unapologetic gaze.
Right. Of course. He had a reputation to hold. What that was, she had no idea but...she wasn’t part of that. She had been a secret just hours ago. She couldn’t expect him to allow her to be familiar with him when the entirety of the Clan was watching them like a hawk. He wasn’t like Waveheart. She had to remind herself of that.
“Goodnight.” She murmured quietly, ears flattening down against her skull, “I’ll...see you in the morning.”
“Of course.” There was that damned smile again. She craved to be annoyed with him so badly but, like always, she couldn’t find it within herself to stay mad. “Then I can help you get the duties sorted out tomorrow.”
Laughing softly, Pebblechase nodded in agreement and watched the tom walk away with a dreamy smile. Despite the headache building within her mind to try and constantly stay on his good side, she was prepared to suffer through it. Anything was worth seeing that handsome smile. A pointed cough interrupted her thought process and Pebblechase warmed when she saw Stagrush’s deadpan stare directed at her. Oh yeah. Sleep. That’s what she was meant to be doing.
Apologising softly, Pebblechase disappeared into the groove and huddled down, her thin fur struggling to warm her up naturally. Who knew desert nights got this cold? Certainly not her, that’s for sure. Swallowing down the anxiety and home-sickness that began to swamp within her mind, Pebblechase shut her weary eyes and ignored the trembling that set in within her bones. She would be okay. Rattledance was a good choice. She would…She would learn to be what he needed.
She was fine.
______
Word Count: 2660
Characters Mentioned:
Pebblechase
Waveheart
Batstar
Stagrush
Rattledance
Milkpool
Figscar
Word Count: 2660
Characters Mentioned:
Pebblechase
Waveheart
Batstar
Stagrush
Rattledance
Milkpool
Figscar
