[Shadowstar x Flamedapple x Kits] Medcat teamwork

[EvilSilverDragon]

Most of the new paws are easy enough to find them mentors. All of them would need them before the next moon high. Her requirement. With that, there were a few that she would take personally if she were able. Cardinalpaw and Bumblepaw plus Lostpaw. Flamedapple became the strongest apprentice and there was no doubt that she could do the same with those three.

There was one problem, she didn't have time to do so anymore.

That did bring up a thought though, Flamedapple. Time to find out just what her and her kits are planning to do. Entering the camp, she made her way towards the apprentice den first in search of the family.



As usually, Cardinalpaw started her morning telling her mother and brother that she loved them. Her mews came out silent, as ever. She refused to let that stop her. Following the greeting came the purring. That sound she could make! Nuzzling her brother, she rumbled hard with her purring. Sure he couldn't hear. That balanced her being unable to speak. However, both of them could feel and that was something she would never let anyone forget.

Fea Line

 

[Fea Line]

Flamedapple purred at her kits as she groomed the top of their heads. Now apprentices, half of her worried even more. Shadowstar believed in them as she had believed in Flamedapple herself but...things were different. Bumblepaw was different. Cardinalpaw she was sure would get the hang of things easily. She could hear, see and smell. She couldn't speak but that just made her extra quiet for hunting and battles. So long as she wasn't alone that is. But Bumblepaw?

"I love you too my little ones." she meowed back to them both with a soft sigh. She knew Cardnialpaw couldn't outright say it but it was there in her eyes and in her actions. "I need you to help your brother ok?" she licked Cardinalpaw's head again. "You two stick together. You'll be a force to be reckoned with." she said, hoping to keep their spirits as high as ever. Truth be told she worried about Bumblepaw slowing Cardinalkit down....and that pained her to even have that thought.



Bumblepaw purred as loud as he could, probably way more louder than necessary as it was a 'sound' he could feel and he knew he was doing it. Other than that, the rest of the world was silent and blank. He watched his sisters mouth move, no sound coming out though in a way he knew what she was saying. He had taken to watching her closely, her mouth, the way her eyes moved, the way she moved her ears, tail, body. In a way he felt like he was hearing even though the constant silence was ever present.

"I luv yu toh." he fumbled the words as best he could. He couldn't tell if they came out right. They just felt right. He rubbed against his sister in return before going to head bump Flamedapple and rub against her chest as well. His eyes lit up as he peered at them both. His little family, broken but perfect and he was happy. He hoped his features conveyed that to his mom, he hated seeing her worry so. Reaching up he gently pawed at her face. "Mmmm...mttttrwin. Lllern?" he forced the words out, coming slow and confused and he frowned a moment, not sure if either had understood.


Flamedapple did her best as a new mom with her beautiful kittens. She nuzzled Bumblepaws head. "We're going to see Shadowstar today my sweets. I have an idea." she nodded as she stood up and held her tail high, the intention of leading the two towards Shadowstar's den however her eyes went wide when she noticed that Shadowstar seemed to have had the idea first. Dipping her head she bowed to her leader first then friend. "Shadowstar.... I was.. hoping to see you." she meowed, a bit of pain still in her chest from the denial to see Sweetkit.


Was she an apprentice by now too? Same as Bumblepaw and Cardinalpaw? How was she fairing....? Questions she might never get to know and she sighed.

EvilSilverDragon

 

[EvilSilverDragon]

Morning routine of a good grooming nearly put the kit right back to sleep. Earthy scent of her mother and warmer scent of her brother nearly soothed her eyes right back closed. That was, until Flamedapple spoke.

Immediately her ears swiveled towards her mother and she raised her yellow eyes up to look at her. She purred harder at her mother's words, silently chirping right back at her. Nodding at once to her mother's words, Cardinalpaw affirmed that she understood what her mother was saying. Putting a paw around her brother, she again made the mouth motions to chirp without the sound. Nuzzling against her mother's jaw and chest in response to the grooming, Carinalpaw absorbed the affection.

There was never a complaint about the volume of his burring, though if she needed to a paw to the face would probably work. The idea sounds more fun for a morning pouncing lesson. All the aggressive play went silent again as he spoke. The words could understand! Whiskers stood up as she smiled to her brother, returning the nuzzle as he offered it.

The next thing he said, well that one didn't make as much sense. She conveyed that by titling her head to the left.

Oh they are going somewhere? The red apprentice stood up after her mother did, keeping her left side against her brother. Before they could journey out, Shadowstar appeared. wow she must have really, really good hearing!

Seeing as she was there, Cardinalpaw settled into sitting against her brother and listening.

A Leader couldn't have favorites but it was impossible to completely hide the affection for this particular family. Good sign that Flamedapple was talking to her without hissing or glaring. Settling herself into a comfortable sitting postion, tail wrapped around her paws, Shadowstar replied, " We had the same thought. With your kits growing so fast, I am here to check on everyone." Seemed like it was just yesterday that they were tiny little fuzzy beans now they were old enough to start learning the ways to contribute to the clan.

Fea Line

 

[Fea Line]

Flamedapple smiled softly. Even though her heart hurt from not being able to go see Sweetkit that day, Shadowstar was still so kind. Ears slightly back she swallowed a bit before managing to purr, if only ever so faintly. "We are well as we can be." she glanced back to her two kittens, her purr becoming louder as she looked them over. Such strong promising kittens. Cardinalpaw no doubt would excel even without being able to speak. Bumblepaw though....well he still worried her. "Shadowstar. I wanted to ask you something important today. Something about Bumble...well. Both of my kittens." she said, a bit more sternly than usual for anyone who knew the one eyed she cat.

Bumblepaw didn't know what was going on but he could pick up on body language quickly now that he had time to watch and learn. Something upset his mom whenever Shadowstar was around and it upset him too. They had always been such a close family but now, well, his mom looked just a bit sadder. Opening his mouth to do his best to make words, he looked up at Shadowstar, whiskers pointing forward as he felt a trill vibration escape his muzzle. "Hewwo... Sawdoestaw!" he meowed, reaching out to paw gently at Riverclan's leader.

EvilSilverDragon

 

[EvilSilverDragon]

Sitting calmly, Shadowstar gave a slight tilt to the head. "Of course, what did you have in mind?" Both the little kits were capable of anything, of that much she was absolutely certain. The question was, just what did the kits want to do? Whatever it was, they would have to do so together or with another Warrior.

These kits could do anything, but she would never ask them to do so alone. Communication was too key for either to be on their own. Suggesting to Flamedapple that they needed combat training would be a fun battle she was not willing to have today.

Bumblepaw proved surprising with his ability to speak. That had to be from his time in the celestial realm. Talking softly, she commented "If there is one blessing from that war in the celestial realm, its that right there." Purring right back at the kit, she leaned her head down to bump her head to his and offer a short lick to his head. "Hello Bumblepaw." Naturally, Cardinalpaw received the same gestures, "And hello Cardinalpaw."


As her brother spoke, using an easier tone level, cardinalpaw let him know by a rumbling purr and nuzzle to his shoulder up to his chin. It was only when Shadowstar leaned in that she leaned back just enough. Feeding off her mother's body language and lower purr, Cardinal kit 'attacked' the leader pawing at her ears and face. For her trouble, she got a head bonk and momentary groom.

Even so, she looked to her mother, she tried!

Fea Line

 

[Fea Line]

Bumblepaw purred as he was groomed and turned to grab his sister gently around the neck, enough to force her to lean her head closer to his so he could lick her too after Shadowstar was done. He laughed a strange laugh, one that just came naturally, not from him thinking too hard about it so it wasn't perfect. Or perhaps it was exactly that? He'd never know.

Flamedapple smiled softly but turned her attention back to Shadowstar. Many thoughts still coursed through her mind but she pushed them all back to focus on the one she had more present. "Shadowstar... I was thinking, that maybe...." she paused. Was this the best idea for them? The right idea? For not just Bumblepaw but both?

The she cat frowned momentarily as she wrestled her thoughts before she finally shook her head and put a paw down gently, though with motion as if stomping it. "Maybe Cardinalpaw and Bumblepaw could learn the ways of medicine cat instead of fighting." she finally spit it out before taking a breath and making up her mind to continue before Shadowstar had a chance to say anything just yet. "I worry for Bumblepaw. He can't hear... he would be a hinderance to himself and the clan on a battle field...but, Shadowstar, you've seen how they seem to communicate together. And Cardinalpaw can hear. She can be the bridge between to help Bumblepaw learn herbs.... dressing wounds doesn't necessarily take hearing..." she trailed off, her words having started as a passionate purr now dwindling to unsureness as she glanced back up at her leader, mentor and friend. "If I can hunt with only one eye....surely they might be able to excel together... I know its strange being a duo but... Maybe Star-- Forestclan is ok... with multiple med cats?"

EvilSilverDragon

 

[EvilSilverDragon]

Cardinalpaw let out a soundless 'squeak' scene rather than heard when she was grabbed. Rolling over against her brother in an overly dramatic manner, the red cat purred at him and bopped his nose with her paw.

Watching the kits never stopped being amusing. There might have been a small part of her that felt a twinge of jealous. Overwhelmingly, she just felt pride for the family.

Clearly whatever Flamedapple wanted to say was hard and her struggle showed painfully. Remaining silent, the shecat waited as long as it would take for her to say what it was she wanted to say.

Sitting and listening, Shadowstar said nothing until she was sure the other shecat had finished what she had to say. It was beyond true that those kits had a way of communicating with each other. One's weakness countered the other's very nicely. As a duo there was nothing they couldn't do. None of that was an excuse; however, or a limiting factor.


"For their own safety, I still want them to learn how to fight. They do not have to battle other cats but need to learn how to defend themselves. Searching for herbs can be dangerous work. They seem to have a great signalling system to alert if they are in trouble. I welcome them to learn how to heal if that is where their talents lead. There is nothing they cannot do." Nothing. That same sentiment followed Flamedapple when she was just flamekit. She stood by in then and stands by it now.

Fea Line

 

[Fea Line]

For a few moments Flamedapple was afraid that Shadowstar was going to say no. In fact, the dappled she cat had almost expected it, running through several scenarios in her head of what might, could and probably would happen. To say that Shadwostar agreeing had been the least scenario played in her mind wasn't too far of an understatement. Still, Flamedapple seemed to deflate with relief when Shadowstar agreed. "Thank you..." she said softly, leaning forward to press her nose to Shadowstar's shoulder with a soft purr.

She wasn't sure at first if Bumblepaw learning to fight was a good idea but she knew the leader had a point. Even if he couldn't hear, he still needed more than basic instincts on how to use his claws. And she was certain Cardinalpaw would watch his back. "Alright.... I trust you Shadowstar... I will do my best to let my fears ease..." she blinked softly, head down. She wasn't going to ease her fears completely, she'd always worry for her kittens. But knowing that they could learn some basic defense did feel kind of relieving. However, one thing still sort of weighed on her mind. "I don't know if Stonebelly is willing to take apprentices....not after how he treated Lostpaw. I'd understand if he said no to Bumblepaw though..." she sighed softly.

Bumblepaw laughed again and nibbled gently on his sister, rolling over dramatically to where he accidentally bumped into Shadowstar's legs. Blinking he looked up at her apologetically with a half struggled "Sowwy." before purring at her with large round eyes, trying to watch her and his moms mouths. What were they saying he wondered...he knew some words now, or at least the concept of them having heard in Starclan even for that brief moment but... a lot was still a mystery to him.

EvilSilverDragon

 

[EvilSilverDragon]

Returning the purr, Shadowstar closed her eyes long enough to dip her head against Flamedapple's. As strained as their relationship had been the last couple moons, this was a breath of fresh air. Letting the moment settle for a few minutes longer, she offered a bit of wisdom with an edge of amusement, "Have faith in your kits, they will be unstoppable." Her track record on that judgement call is flawless.

Flipping her hears back, Shadowstar thought on the issue with Stonebelly. Not taking an apprentice was failing at his duty. Should something happen to him tomorrow there would be no one around to care for the clan.

She would have to do something about him, or seek out another medcat to teach the future leaders. Mulling over her answer, the powerful leader was 'attacked' by a small ball of fluff. Laughing she leaned her head down to nudge the kit and give him another lick, "You know, for a cat that can't hear, he does really well when it comes to making noise and speaking. If he got into trouble, that would be a great skill to use. Cardinalpaw could indicate they were in danger and he could yell has loudly as he can. We'll hear him no matter where they are." In flamedapple's case that might be as far as the bush just behind the cats.

No judgement on her part, it would take a while before she would stop telling the warriors to make sure they were patrolling in the same area as the paws. She was comforted that she could hear them if they needed it.

"I'll talk to Stonebelly, he needs to take apprentices. If he won't, then may the Forestclan will send an outside medcat to teach them. If it what they want to do they will be able to make it." It was a shame they might have to make it on their own; however, that just appears to be how this clan hunts at the moment.

Fea Line

 

[Fea Line]

Flamedapple felt happy and sad that Shadowstar was willing to do this for her, for her kittens. But she was also afraid of what Stonebelly would think about her kittens, her two little pride and joys despite their flaws. She would hate to cause abstention if the clan just because she wanted something for her kittens that maybe not everyone else wanted. Sighing, she sat herself down in loaf position. "I hadn't even thought to ask them you know...." she mrrowed honestly, glancing up at Shadowstar before back at her kittens.

She laughed as Bumblepaw tried his best to look innocent after bumping into their leader then purred. "Cardinalpaw, Bumblepaw.." she addressed both, even knowing he couldn't really hear her. "What do you two think about trying out medicine cat training?" she tilted her head softly and waited, mostly looking at Cardinalpaw. She at least could give her an answer from words heard.


Bumblepaw flailed his paws up at Shadowstar, not realizing the situation was changing, or at least, that his mother was asking him a question. When Shadowstar glanced back at Flamedapple, so too did Bumblepaw. He watched his mom's lips moving, realizing that certain movements meant she was calling his name. He sat up and stared at her intently, tilting his head and swiveling his ears despite the fact that they did not work properly. He wasn't sure what was being asked of him and glanced at his sister for guidance.

EvilSilverDragon

 

[EvilSilverDragon]

Oh this reminded her of something, alright. A meek little paw who didn't think she could do anything. That red paw might have though medcat was the only future for her too, until shown otherwise, "If they don't want to be medcats, or don't have the aptitude for it, it isn't the only thing they can do." Going out and battling might not be the best option but certainly defending the camp and being an alerting system would put their talents to use as well.

Medcats were not an 'easy' path or a catch all for non-traditional Warriors, of that she was firm. Looking between Flamedapple and the kits,she waited to see their reactions to everything. Frankly, the interactions between Cardinalpaw and Bumblepaw always fascinated her.

Cardinalpaw reacted quicker to her mother's voice, looking at her as soon as her name was called. She pawed her brother's side to alert him only to see he was already alerted.

She tilted her own head at her mother's words. Sitting in contemplation for several moments with only her ears and tip of her tail moving. Remembering bits and peaces of a lot of different conversations, she worked out just what the medcat was and their role in it all.

Their mother wanted it for them so it must be a great option. Deciding on it, she looked to her brother to give a nod to her head. They should try it. Purring she nuzzled him to communicate her approval of the plan.

Fea Line

 

[Fea Line]

Flamedapple knew Shadowstar was right but she worried that her kits might taken being stuck to camp as some sort of punishment for their difference. She knew Cardinalpaw would fair better but she hated to think of poor Bumblepaw left alone without his sister. He needed her, they worked better being together than alone. Still, she waited to see their reactions before making any further reservations.


As his sister pawed at him then nuzzled into him, something inside him just told him that whatever his mom was saying, it was a good thing. Nodding, Bumblepaw smiled as best a cat could and glanced at his mom. "Yeh-s." he sad, not perfect but pretty close. If Cardinalpaw was ok with it, then he was too! Excitedly he purred, glancing from his mom to his leader to his sister then all over again.


Flamedapple sighed but laughed. "I guess they approve then. I know if this doesn't work out that you'd find something for them to do Shadowstar I just...." she paused, trailing off a moment as her ears went slightly flat. "I would hate for Bumblepaw to be stuck at camp all alone thinking he's been punished when his sister is able to live a relatively normal life as a warrior. I also couldn't force him out on any battle field. There's just too much to risk with him not being able to hear even if there were ways to work around it." she said seriously and honestly. It hurt her to say it and she knew Shadowstar only wanted the best but there was only so much a deaf cat could do. He might be able to learn how to fight but in a battle anything could go wrong in a second and not being able to hear and having to rely on his sister in a situation where they could easily get separated.... well those nightmares kept the red dappled she cat awake more nights than she cared to imagine.

Lifting her spirits a bit, she took a cleansing breath and smiled. "So... I guess its settled then? What do we need to do next?"

EvilSilverDragon

 

[EvilSilverDragon]

While Flamedapple struggled with thoughts of her kit's futures, Shadowstar considered all the ways they could be a powerful team together. Out hunting, Cardinalpaw could easily nudge her brother to make enough nose to call for help if it came to it. Catching prey didn't require being able to hear, all the other senses worked just fine. Teaching them how to fight together would be an interesting challenge but one she was thinking through about the time both kits seemed to agree to the training.

Leaning over to nuzzle Flamedapple, she whispered, "Your heart is in the right place but please don't let your fear hold them back. For them, do not limit them before they've had a chance." Love could clearly be as much a blessing as it was a curse. Her fear wasn't for the kits' safety, she feared that they would grow to resent their mother if her fears held them back.

What to do indeed, "First, try to ask Stonebelly to take them as apprentices. If he won't directly, see if they will watch him work. At the same time, take them out to explore the woods. Teach them to forage and how to be safe. Ask for help if you need another cat out there with you. Medicine cats have to be able to find the medicines needed to treat other cats. Seek answers from the Stars." At one time, she would have scoffed at that last part as being useless. After the 'Stars' brought them so rudely into the battle field, that was no longer an empty statement.

Fea Line

 

[Fea Line]

Flamedapple nodded.

All of that still felt unsettling to her. The idea of Bumblepaw fighting in any fashion. The idea of him being stranded somewhere because he wandered away from the group. Cardinalpaw not being able to help him.... also having to talk to Stonebelly. She saw how he looked at Lostpaw and that broke her heart. She wasn't so sure that he'd be willing to teach her kittens. "I'll do my best Shadowstar....if not Stonebelly....maybe Star.... F-..forestlcan... someone will." she said softly, dipping her head in thanks. "Thank you, its meant so much to me." she said, leaning forward to press her nose into Shadowstar's shoulder before collecting her kittens to prepare for the next step.

EvilSilverDragon

Think it can end here!