[Justice]

Leafbare 20, VY 6
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It was snowing again. He'd been lying in his nest in the elder's den just watching it fall for some time, feeling lost and tired. He hadn't been sleeping well, even curled up next to Firestar each night, and his trip to see Kindleflare hadn't made him feel any better. Despite herbs and her care he wasn't getting any better. His energy wasn't where it should be, even given his advanced age. And his chest felt tight and made breathing difficult.

Today felt different somehow. He hurt, but all he wanted was to get up and do something. Anything. Anything to not be rotting away in the elder's den, useless and forgotten. Russetfall got up slowly, feeling the pull of healed burns and ignoring them as he pad out of the elder's den. He just wanted to be moving, just do something. Just be useful again, not hampered by his failing body. He wanted to be strong again, for Firestar, for his kits. His family still needed him, he had to protect them.

Someone called out to him but he didn't hear and didn't stop, heart thundering suddenly in his ears. Old memories, old battles, old loss and fresh loss, everything swirling around in his head and flashing through his thoughts. Firestar. He had to find her. She was in trouble. The fire would take the camp, they had to get out of here. The clan could make the river, wait out the blaze, pray for rain or let it burn itself out.

Can't breathe. The smoke and ash thick in the air, clogging his lungs, making it hard to see and breath and focus. Where was his mate? Where was their leader? He started coughing uncontrollably, heart racing, chest too tight. Couldn't breathe, couldn't see. What was happening?

"Russetfall!" He heard someone calling his name. Wildcall? His son, his oldest offspring. His paws gave out, his sturdy body hitting the ground with a heavy thud. Chaos around him, Wildcall bellowing at the top of his lungs, frantically calling for Kindleflare, for Firestar. For help. Why? They had to get away, the fire was too close.

So tired, and it hurt so much. He heard the chaos around him, and his mind finally clicked over again. Home. He was in camp. The fire was past them. Why had he thought otherwise? It was cold, the snow under him melting with his body heat. He couldn't breathe. "Fire...star?" He wheezed out, desperate to see his mate. Where was she?

Wildcall's tone, barking orders, sounding for the first time like his mother. "Find her! NOW!" Running paws and the world closing in, darkness closing in. Someone lying alongside him, someone trying to keep him warm. Wildcall? Or Larkflower? Both, neither? He didn't know.

"Hold on, she's coming. She'll be here soon, just hang in there." Why was he crying?

Hellion

[Hellion]

FIRESTAR

leader of lightningclan

Snowfall landed on the calico she-cat's back, melting the moment it got too close to her skin. Like wax wings to the sun. Her paws were light, barely distrubing the newly added powder. Beside her, hare in his jaw was Tallstrike. A fresh-kill of this caliber would be shared with anyone who wanted a piece. A reminder that newleaf was just around the corner. White would fade to green and warmth would return. She quitetly wondered if Russetfall would be eager to put his paws in fresh green grass. It would be his first newleaf as an elder, perhaps now he could get the rest he deserved, maybe they could could. Together on a sunny patch of grass, embracing her daydream she thought of curling up against him and basking in the glory of his love and devotion. He gave her so much and asked for so little from her.

Pulled from her daydream, Firestar felt her hackles rise. Someone was coming toward them and quickly. Tasting the air she couldn't catch the scent, not that it mattered. Galestorm came crashing toward her, panting slightly. "It's Russetfall," Was all she managed to say before Firestar took off, stirring up snow and dirt in her wake.

Fear fueled her pawsteps and as if she grew wings midstride, Firestar made it home and didn't bother to slow herself. Nearly tumbling as she entered the camp, her eyes scanned the area for his frame but instead of seeing him standing, she spotted him sprawled out on the ground. Larkflower beside him, Wildcall standing just to the side. Her amber gaze met her son's then his eyes fell, her heart did the same.

Catching her breath in the few short steps it took her to make to his side, she slumped down, directly across from him, nose almost touching. "Sweetheart," She whispered, those that gathered were quietly whisked away. Firestar didn't bother to see who did her family that kindness.

His ragged breathing concerned her the most, each desperate pull for his lung to get air made her own burn. "You can't go," Her voice was small just like it had been the first time she said I love you,. "They don't even have their full names yet," She added, wishing that their youngest kits would provide him with the strength to hold on just a little longer.

Only Russetfall's alive and well would remedy the growing pain in her chest. She knew it was selfish to want him to stay, but the idea of being without him for one minute was too terrible to imagine. Worse than a dozen broken bones or suffering long and painfully from some unknown poison.

"Please don't leave them, please don't leave me," She added her voice verging on a desperate plea. Her frame quivering, she couldn't stop even if she tried. Firestar couldn't decide which was worse knowing that she had more lives to live without him or the fact she didn't have the time to travel to Moontree and give them back. The longer she laid with her nose touching his and trying her hardest to memorize every one of his features, the more she wanted to join him.

Deep down she knew it wasn't her time even if she wanted it to be. She had so much to do before StarClan would let her be finished. He knew that, or so she hoped. "Wait for me, please, just for a little while. Just until they are ready for me to be with you," Her voice was barely above a whisper, eyes falling shut with her breathing matching his. "Then we can be together again, forever this time,"

legacy. what is a legacy?

it's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see

background image | hamilton | table by phoenix

[Taxx]

L Y N X P A W

I've got the eye of a fighter
Dancing through the fire

It was cold and snowy, but Lynxpaw was unbothered by both as she trotted along in Firestar and Tallstrike’s wake, gaze flashing repeatedly to the rabbit the tom held in his jaws. It was huge, not quite as big as she but quite plump despite the weather, and she wished she’d been the one to catch it. Well, at least some cat would be enjoying it.

The sound of paws crunching through snow caught her attention and all three cats looked over as Galestorm stumbled to a halt, gasping out two words that sent a chill that had nothing to do with the cold wind down Lynxpaw’s spine. Firestar had hurtled off in the next heartbeat; even at her fastest, Lynxpaw had no chance of keeping up with her mother’s panicked sprint. Galestorm and Tallstrike kept pace with her, the heavy silence broken only by the wind, and snow, and a creeping fear and worry.

She was gasping by the time she reached the camp, and the first thing she saw was her father sprawled in the open, Firestar crouched on one side while Larkflower was pressed to the other, and Tigerpaw next to their mother with his nose pressed to Russetfall’s fur. Scrambling forward, she joined her mother and brother, wide green eyes staring at Russetfall’s face. She knew he was old, and deep down she knew what was happening, but she couldn’t bring herself to just… accept it.

So, turning to Tigerpaw, gaze hopeful and voice shaking despite her attempt to steady it, she begged. "Can’t you do something? Anything?”

And you're gonna hear me roar

@zen Hellion Justice

[Deleted]

In the medicine den, preparing some herbs for Blazefang to give him some relief since his leg was acting up, Tigerpaw was frowning over their dwindling supply of herbs and contemplating asking Kindleflare what they would do if they ran out of something before newleaf came when he became aware of some sort of commotion out in the camp. Question and work alike set aside for the time being, he crept toward the den entrance to peek out at what was happening just as his brother was shouting out orders and….

His heart seemed to drop to his paws as he spotted the familiar pelt of his father collapsed on the ground. “R-... Russetfall… Russetfall!” He darted out of the den and to the old tom’s side. His breathing was labored. “He can’t… he can’t breathe… he….” His words seemed to tangle up in his throat as he took a step back. He should help. He had to help. Something… what did they have? Breathing. What herbs were good for cats having trouble breathing? He couldn’t remember. He couldn’t remember!

He should go look. He should help Kindleflare prepare something. His paws wouldn’t move. Firestar burst into camp and he took another step back on some instinct as she crouched down beside her mate as if to offer them some semblance of privacy, his ears flattening against her desperate pleas. But when his mother asked him to wait for her, the reality of the situation seemed to settle over him. No herb could save his father. He caught the familiar scent of Mapleheart, for just a moment, and wasn’t certain if the brush he felt against his side was more than just a stray breeze.

A sob choked him and he moved forward again, shoving his nose into his father’s pelt, “I love you…. Maple-... Mapleheart will be… happy to see you.” She was here, she was waiting for him, he was sure of it. There was some comfort in the idea that she would be there to welcome him to StarClan, and even more comfort in the thought that he may yet see his father in his dreams, when he visited the Moon Tree. It wouldn’t be the same as seeing him every day, it wouldn’t be the same to not curl up with him and share tongues for a few moments each day. But he would still be there, just as Mapleheart was.

It wasn’t long until Lynxpaw returned to camp, gasping from her run, and came to join them. Tigerpaw turned a mournful gaze to his siser and his heart twisted as she asked him if he could do something. It was a reasonable request. He was a medicine cat apprentice, he felt like he should be doing something, but Mapleheart’s presence was enough to confirm that there was nothing he could do. His voice was small as he closed his eyes tightly and shook his head, “He… he’s in StarClan’s paws…. I’m sorry….” He pressed his nose back into the old tom’s fur, I can’t do anything.

---

Taxx
Justice
Hellion

[Ghost the Undead Goddess]

Owlmind

LightningClan || 60 Moons || Senior Warrior

Something had felt off all day.

The senior warrior couldn't explain it, but she could feel it within her chest as she and her ginger pelted sister departed from Lightningclan's camp earlier that day. She had made her usual rounds after she woke up an stretched out that stiff shoulder of hers, checked on the Nursery, then the Apprentice Den and finally the Elder's den before finally slipping out to hunt.

While Rosefire didn't have much luck out on the snowy fields of Lightningclan, Owlmind successfully chased down two rabbits, though one was a lot scrawnier than it's counterpart. Still it could feed an apprentice, and she was sure the Elder's would enjoy the larger rabbit she managed to snag, curious at his size for this time of season.

Not wanting to spend more time freezing her tail off, the gray feline and her brighter sister picked up the two freshly killed rodents before making their way back towards the warmth of their camp. The falling snow slowly filling up the paw prints that were left in their wake.

The closer they got the more the feeling within Owlmind's chest grew, and it wasn't until she caught sight of Lynxpaw barreling into the camp with an look of fear and panic on her face did she realize what was happening. Immediately her rib-cage felt like it constricted around her lungs and heart, and her paws instantly carried her swiftly after the young apprentice.

Tunnel vision narrowed those golden pools of the senior warrior as she laid eyes on the scene in front of her, and the rest of the clan. For a moment all the sound drained from the gray warrior's ears except the heavy thumping of her heart within her chest and the sound of her breath fogging around her muzzle at the cold air.

Russetfall...

Loss was common in the life of a warrior, but the senior warrior had never lost a cat that she was close too. Lilyflame and Eaglestrike were never the best parents, and attentiveness was not a trait shared among either of them, and so Russetfall had filled that place of her role-model, her mentor, even so much as a father figure.

A father she would have preferred over Eaglestrike any-day.

Within her mind, she knew it was time. Russetfall was old, with failing health, prolonging his suffering would only worsen his last moons. Still, it didn't stop the selfish feelings within her heart that she wanted him to stay longer, something she was sure she shared with his family as they huddled around him in love and support.

The rabbit she caught earlier long forgotten at her paws as quietly the long legged she-cat took a few paw-steps over it, maneuvering to where she was able to get somewhat closer without invading Russetfall's last moments with his family. It wasn't her place to say or do anything, but the bond she held with her former mentor want to give him one last nod of respect.

Though, honestly, the senior warrior wasn't even sure of what she could do.

Wide amber pools, dark with sorrow as the saddened emotion rippled through her short, gray pelt. Her tough exterior fell away as her shoulders drooped along with her tail that laid limply behind her in the snow. Memories of learning alongside the ginger tom fresh within her mind, the times she went to him for advice on her first apprentice, and her second...

Even the new memories of her sharing a warm rabbit with him as he told stories about Firestar as an apprentice with a fond look within his gaze.

Thank you, Russetfall...

Wisdom. Courage. Strategy.

Hellion @zen Taxx Justice || 622 Words

[Justice]

He continued to struggle to breathe, to just hang on a little longer. Where was Firestar? He wanted his mate. He was cold and lonely and she'd been gone for so long. When had he seen her last? Was it this morning? Had she left before he awoke and made the trip to the Elder's Den for the day? Breath fogging on the cold air, his oldest son standing guard over him. When had Wildcall become so forceful in his speech? His voice sounded like Russetfall's own, though different enough to never be mistaken for his sire's. He loved his family so much.

I want to stay. They still need me. Even if...even if she doesn't really need me.

Firestar hadn't really needed him for a long time, she was engrossed in leading the clan, in protecting and taking care of the things that a leader should worry about, in seeing them through the seasons. So what if her family, and especially her doting mate, fell to the wayside? It happened, she had a StarClan given calling to lead. Much more important than...

"That's enough now Russetfall. No more beating yourself up and putting yourself down over Firestar. You love her and she loves you, no matter how little or great your time together was." A sweet voice next to his ear, a voice he hadn't heard in so long. Mapleheart. Had she come to take him to StarClan?

"Not yet father. Mother's here now, and you have a little time. Tell them goodbye, give her a smile, love them till the last. That's who you are. The tom that loves with all his heart and never gives up. That's what you taught me and so many other cats of this clan."

Russetfall felt a weight lift from his chest momentarily, and he was able to take in a full breath even if he did cough when he exhaled and his chest was paining him. Firestar was before him, her nose touching his and speaking to him, though he hadn't heard what she said.

"I love you." He offered quietly, feeling oddly calm although he knew from Mapleheart's appearance that his time was up. He'd lived a long and fruitful life, with a big family both close and extended that he was proud of. He'd trained apprentices, hunted and provided, found the love of his life and had kits with her. Life was full and wonderful, even with all the sad parts to it. "All of you."

Someone was shaking against his other side, refusing to leave. He couldn't see it but Larkflower stayed on his other side to keep him warm and Wildcall eventually plopped down to lay his head against Firestar's back for the same reason.

He knew the kits were here, the family was together, and he managed a weak smile for them all. "I'm proud of every one of you. You've done so much and come so far." He couldn't move, he had no energy, his heart beating in his ears. But he wasn't cold anymore, he didn't feel the snow under his body. "Don't cry for me sweetheart, I'll see you again. Take your time, be with them, see them grown and well and the warriors I know they'll be. Someday we'll all be together."

His breathing shuddered through him, and he actually managed to lift his head to look past them all at Mapleheart. She dipped her head and stepped aside, waiting for him. His head fell back to the ground. He hadn't the heart to tell Firestar that their daughter had come for him, but hoped she could sense her.

Heartbeat in his ears, coughing and wheezing. He was so tired. His eyes slid shut, the fight slowly draining from him as all his strength was used up. He'd see them again in StarClan, and he could wait until then.

With a final, shuddering breath, his chest fell again and didn't move again, his heart giving up the fight to keep pumping in his chest and sending the aged tom onward at last to StarClan.


RIP Russetfall
[Feb 2019]
Hellion
Taxx
@zen
Ghost the Undead Goddess