[Deleted]

What had started as modest curiosity ended in irritation as Pumafang stifled the drear of boredom that clouded his gaze as he hunted for sticks. It was a peculiar job, but one that kept the tom's paws moving at least. Impatience lead him to gathering cobwebs as well, using the stick itself to gather a swath of them as opposed to making a separate trip and hobbling on three paws. Pumafang saw TreeClan's medicine cat effectively trimming his herbs a short distance away. The deputy gathered branches nearby, creating a fine pile of sticks he felt fit Falconstorm's ideal description.

Falconstorm's demeanor left the chocolate black sentry with clear boundaries: Pumafang was only to carry the herbs if he asked first, and not to touch anything green and growing otherwise. The extent of the deputy’s knowledge had been, and remained, that plants were mostly green. Aside from the obviously distinguishable difference between bush, grass, and tree, the massive tom was, in essence, inept and incapable of comprehending anything related to Falconstorm’s horticultural duties.

It went on for what felt like ages, the sun still frozen beneath the horizon. Dawn had not yet come. Not even the milky haze that often preset the sun’s onslaught had shed its face. Just when it became unbearable, a soft rustle in the undergrowth by the NightClan border made Pumafang’s ears prick forward lazily. Both a black and a white shade shot through the undergrowth in pursuit of a squirrel. The dark silhouette of a cat landed heavily on its quarry.

Just barely within the confines of NightClan’s territory.

Emptiness was the only thing that emanated from Pumafang. He ignored their shadowy neighbors, adding another stick to his pile.

"Falconstorm..." Pumafang started casually, looking at his pile of splinters almost dejectedly. It felt bigger a moment ago when he was still adding to it, but now it just looked pathetic. A fair amount of twigs were coated in spider webs, likely his most successful contribution, but between both of the toms, the deputy was concerned. Would they be able to carry it all back in one trip? If not, I guess we'll come back. Pumafang thought. "Should I keep collecting sticks and cobwebs or would I be more helpful doing something else?"

A soft hiss from NightClan’s territory tugged at his attention, though Pumafang's eyes were still locked on the medicine cat. Pumafang was tired of NightClan's disrespect, and the last thing he wanted to add to his reputation was another cripple.

“You.” The white she-cat growled, fur on end. Grief and agony was rich in Snakeflower’s voice, and it was all Jaystep could manage to keep his mate off of TreeClan’s territory. “You destroyed my son!”

“Rookshade made his decision. That was his mistake.” Jaystep hissed, the black tom shouldering her back.
Snakeflower swatted at Jaystep angrily, turning on her mate with fire in her eyes.

“He is your son! He is my son.”

With that, the she-cat whipped towards Pumafang with a renewed fury, Jaystep trailing after her. The two NightClanner’s crossed the border without hesitation, and TreeClan’s deputy watched lazily as they charged forward.

Not again. Pumafang thought, tail twitching, watching unenthusiastically as the shapes closed in.


Justice @zen (NightClan courtesy) Fawn (TreeClan courtesy)

[Justice]

He'd been nicer about Pumafang coming with him to gather herbs only because the other tom was the deputy and he'd be working with him for a long time. He'd given simple, direct instructions and let the other do what he could. Nothing wrong with not understanding what herb was what by sight. That was a medicine cat's job after all. He would be content if cats could universally identify what would kill them if they ate it, but even that was probably hoping for too much. At least he had someone to do the more tedious gathering of webbing and straight sticks for splinting limbs. That was something usually left as a punishment suggestion for unruly apprentices, but he actually had run through his stock recently and needed more, so this worked.

Falconstorm was in his own head space, working through what he needed and what he'd have to go afield for when the other tom called him. His ears twitched and he turned his head, canting it to one side to look at the pile and deciding what they'd do. "Its plenty. Barring a major fight, that will last me through until newleaf." Which was entirely the point.

Just as he was about to go back to his piling of herbs he caught the rank scent of NightClan. Fantastic. The large tom's fur stood on end as the intruders made themselves known and had a petty argument before charging forward. Lovely. They didn't even seem to realize he was there. Either that or as a medicine cat he didn't count.

Falconstorm planted his legs apart, using his tail to sweep his pile of herbs back behind him so they wouldn't get scattered or destroyed. "Well, Pumafang, looks like these two need a reminder of the borders." And he'd been itching for some way to vent his rage for seasons now.

Once they got close enough the medicine cat angled himself and went for the more aggressive between the pair. Yes she was after Pumafang, but she was also closer than her mate. He would probably hear it from Lionstar later, but right now all he cared about as he launched himself at the she-cat just before she got to their deputy, was that he finally had an outlet. He couldn't fight StarClan for how they'd mangled his life, but he could let that all out on these two NightClan cats.

@jet

[Deleted]

Pumafang watched with pride as Falconstorm charged forward, powerfully intercepting the white she-cat. Snakeflower's eyes widened with shock as the medicine cat leaped forward, though status didn't weaken her blows. The NightClan warriorress fought back fiercely, claws scrabbling for a hold any which way she could muster, revenge burning in her eyes as she grappled. Revenge for Blackwolf. Revenge for her son. Jaystep tumbled into the fray rather clumsily, pouncing on the two tussling cats in a desperate effort to separate his mate from the relentlessness of Falconstorm's pent up strikes.

Perhaps Pumafang instilled too much faith in those around him, though the medicine cat seemed to be holding his own just fine.

That didn't stay the massive tom's paws, and slowly, almost leisurely, he lumbered stealthily towards Jaystep with menace in his amber eyes. He wasn't about to let the medicine cat fight this battle alone: he wouldn't hear the end of it from Lionstar if he did, though a piece of the deputy was incredibly pensive to enter battle again. Both clans were tapering on the edge of war, and another injury or death may just be enough to tip the scales. Thankful that he was given a heavier, slower moving, and sturdy opponent than his partner, the massive chocolate-black tom moved in. Pumafang's actions were cumbersome, but effective. The deputy's weight crashed into the NightClan tom with a thud, sending his pine-dwelling counterpart staggering sideways with a surprised huff. 

"I'm trying to stop the fight!" Jaystep hissed with fury as he regained balance, pelt ruffled and eyes fierce as he faced TreeClan's colossal guardian. Pumafang's body blocked the smaller tom from his mate, and for a moment, the deputy thought he saw a spark of fear and desperation in the senior warrior's eyes. Good. The thought infested Pumafang's mind, and soon enough his body. A faint, soul-chilling smile creased Pumafang's lips. His amber eyes were icy and desolate.

"Falconstorm isn't done dealing with his trespasser," The chocolate-black warrior rumbled monotonously, slumping into a heavy-stepping gait as he stalked forward towards Jaystep. Snakeflower screeched with anger in the background, tastefully accenting Pumafang's empty, blood-curdling words. "and neither am I."

Justice

[Justice]

Her words didn't reach him, her ferocity meant nothing, nor did the scratches on his flanks and the blood staining his pelt. He just didn't care. It had been too long since he felt something other than the overwhelming depression and occasional bouts of melancholy that even this rage and venting of his negative emotions.

He didn't care that StarClan disapproved of Medicine Cats putting themselves at risk like this, he didn't care that he'd be scolded by Lionstar later for getting injured when he didn't have an apprentice to replace him. He just didn't care. He didn't care. Not about TreeClan, not about his family, not about anything. All he felt, in this moment, was a black blinding rage. And it was being taken out with claws and teeth, on this NightClan she-cat who seemed to think she could come and go into their territory as she pleased.

Falconstorm had no idea that his blue eyes, already pale, lightened even more as his mind drifted far away from this situation, as he gave himself over to the violence and the rage. They turned the palest blue, almost a silver color. And cold. Cold like the coldest of leafbare and just as unforgiving.

He came out of it with the she-cat shredded under him, his fangs at her throat but not biting down. Just standing there, just letting her struggle when he fully intended to kill her for trespassing. Her life didn't matter to him. She didn't matter. His only reason for holding back, was rather or not Pumafang would let him destroy this stain on the valley.

@jet

[Deleted]

It felt good, hearing Falconstorm serve justice behind him. Jaystep lurched forward angrily, slamming into Pumafang like a boulder. Desperation made the NightClan tom stronger, and Pumafang felt his body absorb the hit with a sting. Claws scraped his pelt, though a rough shove to the side was enough to stagger his opponent.

That was when he struck.

Pumafang leaped onto Jaystep with the force of a thousand lions, feeling the air squeeze from his adversary’s lungs. Jaystep coughed, sending his hind legs lurching upward. Pumafang felt them slam into his gut, and the deputy let out an angry hiss.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Pumafang rumbled like thunder.

The massive, stoic tom let Jaystep pull himself back to his paws, his maw twisting into a sadistic grin. The silence behind him was what caught his attention, and watching Falconstorm pin Snakeflower to the ground made him giddy.

“Falconstorm,” Pumafang mentioned his name casually. “How do you feel about letting these rogues run home and tend to their crippled son?”

He awaited his fellow warrior’s reply, Jaystep watching with enmity and pleading rich within his gaze.

[Justice]

He released his fangs from her throat, though was close enough to scent the stench of hatred and fear the she-cat gave off. "I would rather dispose of this NightClan stain on the valley." And her blood was dripping down his face and chin, staining his pelt. And he didn't care. It felt...liberating. As though he'd lifted a huge burden from his shoulders. And his head was blissfully quiet. No more worrying thoughts of what StarClan thought of him, no more depression of being not good enough, of failure and misery. Nothing else mattered in this moment, and that was fine by him.

"But if it seems like a better idea to let them go then I'll follow your lead. Should probably get used to it." He'd followed Lionstar, and the old tom would one day be succeeded by Pumafang. So, why not get used to it now? Not like his opinion mattered all that much in the grand scheme.

@jet

[Deleted]

Pumafang was tempted to let him rip out the she-cats throat, but a small warning in the back of his mind tempered his bloodlust. Lionstar would have his head for a move like that. He would be buried alongside whoever Falconstorm killed today. Carnage was what they wanted, but Pumafang turned away from that path, lumbering over to Falconstorm disappointedly.

“Lionstar would not deem it wise.” Pumafang mused, watching as Jaystep lurched past.

Pumafang watched Falconstorm carefully, calculatedly. He suspected a sarcastic or biting comment in return. It was statistically likely from Falconstorm. Though he didn’t seem to mind, and Pumafang rather enjoyed the bitter tom’s company. Who else could he almost kill two cats with, without being worried about safety or reputation?

No one.

Falconstorm was rapidly becoming his closest acquaintance whether the medicine cat knew it or not.

[Justice]

"As you wish." He deadpanned it and stepped back from the she-cat. "Follow your mate. Return to these lands again and you won't see your son again on this side of StarClan." His gaze remained on the she-cat as she limped after her mate, yelling profanities and threats back at him and telling him that he would regret not killing her.

That done Falconstorm sat himself down and began to clean his wounds. Best to get a good look before they went home where he could lay herbs and do some basic tending. Nothing serious, and he hadn't lost enough blood for him to be concerned for his life. "Lionstar doesn't have to know." He told the other as he finished his task. "All he needs to know is that we were attacked by a NightClan patrol intruding in our territory." It was mostly true, though they had made the situation worse by fighting the pair.

@jet

[Deleted]

Pumafang nodded, taking some time to locate and clean some minor scratches of his. He found a few claw marks on his belly that stung, but other than those he would walk away without wounds. Falconstorm was a warrior medicine cat, and surely didn’t need doting on. He’s fine. Pumafang told himself. He’s just the same as he’s been for moons, plus a couple fresh wounds.

“A wise decision.” Pumafang agreed. Lionstar didn’t need to know the exact details, did he? NightClan was in the wrong first, and that’s all that mattered today, to report at least. TreeClans Deputy was pleased with Falconstorms prowess.

Pumafang was sure Falconstorm was more than eager to deal all those blows without second thought. The deputy couldn’t imagine living a life without battle, healing the wounds of those tainted by StarClan’s games.

If they existed, what kind of ancestor would manipulate the living into the same predicament moon after moon?

“Fools.” Pumafang grumbled. “If StarClan do exist, we are fools to follow the whisperings of the dead.”

Pumafangs tail twitched.

[Justice]

"They do." Of course they existed, he'd met them. "And they enjoy causing pain and misery to those that they claim are their voice to this side. They believe in outdated laws that prevent the ones that help them the most from seeking out happy lives and show favor by making gentle cats give news of war while preventing them from doing anything else." One kind word from Bluejay was all he'd wanted since she died, and the only time he'd seen her she'd been giving him bad news.

Falconstorm had wanted to say these words for so long, and now they just came forth. But they were dull sounding, his head still quiet and emotions safely locked behind a wall of cold and rational calm. It would have scared him if he hadn't needed it so desperately. "A devout medicine cat listens to their words and passes it along, so they give her a fatal illness that runs her into the ground. Her apprentice wants only one word that she is happy on the other side, that he isn't a failure and is worth the time it took to train him, but they only allow her to bring him news that could mean war. A warrior is chosen by them to become a medicine cat, and then they send him his one true love. Then wonder why he rebels and rejects everything they say and do. They make his life miserable, they take away anyone and everyone he loves until they get their way. StarClan aren't watching out for us, Pumafang, they are enjoying and orchestrating our pain."

@jet

[Deleted]

Pumafang listened. It was what he was best at. He listened as Falconstorms pain became known, and in the moons that he claimed to have known his medicine cat, he didn’t truly know him at all. There was little he could do to comfort one so deep in sorrow and anger. Pumafangs tail accidentally brushed against Falconstorm, a conscientious gesture that may have been too overt between warriors.

“I suspected.” Pumafang wasn’t surprised by it at all. “They don’t know what they are doing up there do they? Meddling in our lives and drawing us down the same paths that killed them. Hard to think the valley praises the ones who are behind their sufferings. They surely have the clans outwitted, but not us.”

Pumafang had no right to speak words of compassion. He had no right to bring up Bluejay, but if it meant anything at all to Falconstorm, he agreed.

StarClan would lead the valley to disaster if they weren’t kept in check.

[Justice]

"They believe they are in the right even when they are wrong. So now this medicine cat is down to one shining light in his life, and when she dies I'm not sure what I will do." He knew his mother's time was coming. Honeysong was old, her life had been full and long and happy. But she was also the only reason he was still there. If she hadn't been then he was certain he'd have said to the Dark Forest with TreeClan and gone to be with Herondive. It had always been his mother that kept him from going. Because she would be sad to see him go, but happy that he was happy. That was her way. But with Bluejay gone and his siblings not close to him at all it was only Honeysong that he was really close to. He may have had 'friends' but that wouldn't save his sanity.

At this point he wasn't sure what to do with himself, but he felt a little better not being judged for his words. "I want to be happy, but StarClan seems to believe that being a medicine cat should be enough. Its not. I destroyed my heart doing what they told me, and yet they are still punishing me even moons later. They are not benevolent and caring, they are selfish cats who want to hold onto the way things were when they were alive. To burden and made worse the situation as it stands instead of making it better."

@jet