Escaping the Sickness [Open/Tagged]

[Legit]

Wolf | Phantomspirit | Lionhearted | Kittyoemily | Babylonranger | @lilykit | Whiteleaf | ShiverCry | Asher

Wolf has given me permission to begin the first thread of their Surviving the Sickness plot. This is when the cats are about to leave the Clan. Other cats around are free to wish them off and/or scorn them for "abandoning the Clan". c: This is also before Nightpoppy comes to help. Aaaaand sorry for suckiness.

---

The only sound within the camp more prominent than that of cats moving around and talking was that of cats coughing. Greencough struck without warning in WhisperClan and at the worst possible time in the history of worst possible times: when they were without a medicine cat. It'd be lucky if any cat survived this epidemic. They'd be lucky if WhisperClan survived at all. It didn't seem possible. Which was exactly why Brokenpaw was leaving camp. Along with ten other cats, ranging from warriors to kits, Brokenpaw was going to leave Whisperclan while Greencough lingered within the camp to ensure that at least someone lived on to continue the Clan. Aside from that, or maybe even more of a reason than that, the tom just didn't want to get sick himself and die. He wanted to receive his warrior name and be that someone to continue the Clan after all the fools who didn't leave died. The sooner their group left this place behind, the better. "Hey, Squirrelpaw, Beepaw," he called out to the younger apprentices. "Don't you think it's about time we get going?"

[Asher]

Sandykit sat off to the side, watching Brokenpaw. He definitely seemed confident about this journey. She stood up and padded over to Brokenpaw, Beepaw, and Squirrelpaw. I just want to get out of sickness, thought Sandykit. "Hey Brokenpaw." she asked, "Is it time to leave the Clan yet?" I'm ready, she thought.

[Wolf]

Squirrelpaw looked up from grooming her ruffled grey pelt and stared at Brokenpaw as he approached her. "Yeah, we'd better go soon before the rest of us catch it. Then there won't be any WhisperClan left." She replied with a worried glance around the camp, searching for her other littermate.
Beepaw gave a sharp scolding hiss at Brokenpaw and Sandykit from where he was sitting next to the grey apprentice. "Keep it down will you? We don't need any cats coming to yell at us for abandoning the Clan, it's best to do this quietly." The tortoiseshell she-cat, while younger than Brokenpaw, was no less dominant about the plan. It was her idea in the first place, and she wasn't about to let said plan get foiled because other cats were being much too loud. Giving a quick lick to the raised fur on her shoulders, she heaved a sigh. "but yes, we should get going as soon as possible."

[Asher]

Sandykit rolled her eyes. Beepaw was so bossy and thought he controlled everyone. I only chose to go on this journey because I want to survive. "Let's leave now." she said. It's time. I'm only a moon old and I get to leave the territory already. Bye family who doesn't know me.

[Phantomspirit]

Wolfflight stared at the sky above her, it was clear with only a few clouds dotting the air. The same could be said about her mind. She was happy to go protect the group that was leaving, but she was afraid for her friends. Bloompaw, Adderstep, Applestrike, Thrushleap, and Lakepounce were all cats that she cared about. She didn't want tragedy to befall them. She sat down next to the entrance. A final glance was cast at the clan Wolfflight loved, and the she-cat bent her head to silently pray for the sake of those who were not coming with her.

[Deleted]

Occ; Echopaw will be the only one going - I just need an excuse for Lionpaw to not go, so some at can just say they'll be too many cats or something cx

Echopaw was awoken by noises - voices. Her ears pricked up, and her head soon followed. She listened earnestly, and her heart started beating quickly at what they were saying. Leaving camp? To escape the sickness? It was one of the best ideas she ever heard, and she'd do anything to protect her and her brother. She nudged Lionpaw awake, whispering something in his ear before passing quietly to the others. Her own voice was soft as she asked, "You guys are leaving? Count me in. Can I bring Lionpaw?"

[Babylonranger]

"We're not all here, Sandykit," Harepaw said quietly, the brown apprentice moving to stand by Squirrelpaw. The large but lithe cat glanced around the small group, dread building up at what the outcome would be. Would Fangstar allow them to ever return? Or would Whisperclan's leader lose all his remaining lives to the greencough epidemic? That would leave Thrushleap in charge, but what would his decision be?

Harepaw's yellow gaze focused on the Nursery. The brown-furred apprentice and Squirrelpaw would be abandoning their sisters and their father - not that Adderfoot acknowledged his first litter much these days. The grieving warrior only had eyes for Thornkit. Dawnthorn, please watch over them, Harepaw pleaded. Echopaw's question brought the young cat back to the present, though Harepaw chose to let Beepaw or Squirrelpaw answer. This whole group was their idea to begin with, after all.

[Asher]

Sandykit sat facing the other cats. "How many other cats are coming? If too many cats come, the whole Clan will have to notice." I just want to get this over with! If it wasn't for the stupid greencough, I wouldn't be in this situation. Sandykit picked up a mouse from the fresh-kill pile. If she was going to leave, she would need to keep her strength up.

[Carotius]

Babylonranger Wolf
OOC: Jumping in just to have Adderfoot "send off" Harepaw and Squirrelpaw :3 And maybe be the cat who alerts everyone else >_>

---

The grief-stricken warrior had been allowed to sleep with his last kit on most nights, having lost his mate not too long ago to the complications of birthing a litter. Adderfoot had been extremely protective of the little white she-kit since giving her the name of Thornkit, bringing up enough strength within him to at least be the father he needed to be for her, thanks to some help from the Clan deputy. What the brown tabby didn't probably realise was the neglect he was giving his other kin, the three from the very first litter that had...technically been borne out of his impatience and infidelity. Though afterwards, it helped him grow closer to the beautiful blue-eyed she-cat...who was now gone.

Green eyes blinked open, startled out of slumber by yet another nightmare of Dawnthorn's death; the waking world wasn't as comforting, for a coughing fit began to wrack his body with painful spasms with each forced expulsion of air. By the time he could take a breath, it was probable the queens and kits would be rudely awakened, hence why he quickly stood on fairly wobbly paws and padded his way out to the clearing, in hopes of getting to his nest where he'd kept the catmint Thrushleap had saved for him the other day. The chesty coughs came to an end within the first pawsteps out of the nursery, which should have been a relief.

Well, if it weren't for the sight of a group of his Clanmates who appeared to be getting ready to leave.

"What are you all doing?! Our Clan needs to be kept strong with this sickness and weather and you're all looking ready to g-" the incredulous remark was abruptly cut as the tabby's eyes found its mark on two familiar pelts - one grey, and another very much like his. "Squirrelpaw? Harepaw?!" He flattened his ears against his head, hissing in irritation, "WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, ALL OF YOU?!"

[Lionhearted]

Hickoryclaw approached the group, looking uncertain. "This is it, then. We'll be leaving now." It hadn't ever occured to him to leave his birth Clan, but perhaps he could have the chance of finding his father; someone named Venus...

He gazed down at Sandykit, wondering whether or not she'd make it. That's a cruel thought, he scolded himself. She'll have me, and thr others. He shifted his paws. When would they know to come back?

---

OOC: Here comes Thrushleap :3

The ginger-and-white tom was keeping an eye on Adderfoot, making sure he wouldn't break down again. He was glad to see Adderfoot coping. Then, just as Thrushleap was about to turn away, the tom started wailing again.

"What are you all doing?! Our Clan needs to be kept strong with this sickness and weather and you're all looking ready to g-- Squirrelpaw? Harepaw?! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, ALL OF YOU?!"

Thrushleap turned to talk to Adderfoot, but his eyes narrowed as he registered the tom's words, and the congregation of cats whom he was yelling at. Stalking over, he stood beside Adderfoot, frowning. "Excuse me? What is this?"

[Phantomspirit]

Ooc: Should I respond? If yes, here's this, and Harepaw and Squirrelpaw can push past her to talk with Adderfoot. If no, delete it
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wolfflight narrowed her eyes sternly and stepped up to block Adderfoot from the two apprentices.

"Adderfoot." She began in a wise tone, "We are leaving because we need to keep from getting sick. If the whole clan comes down with Greencough, then we won't be able to protect ourselves from any attack, by cat or predator. I voulenteered to go with them along with two other warriors. We need to protect them."

Thrushleap had already positioned himself beside Adderfoot and asked what was going on.


She sat down, still protecting the two apprentices,"Thrushleap, we have assembled a group to go and try to live out the sickness while we can. I and two other warriors have voulenteered to go with them. We will bring back food, and other herbs if we find them."

[Asher]

Sandykit flattened her ears against her head. Oh no... Thrushleap. For a while she thought they might make it out of the camp unnoticed, but now that the deputy saw them, her hopes were crushed. She crouched next to Hickoryclaw, tail quivering in fear. "What if Thrushleap wouldn't let them go? Would this whole process be for nothing?

[Lionhearted]

Tagging: Phantomspirit [Wolfflight] and Kittyoemily [Runningheart]

OOC: I know you haven't commented yet, Kitty, but just alerting you of this ^-^



"Adderfoot," Wolfflight said, stepping forward. "We are leaving because we need to keep from getting sick. If the whole clan comes down with Greencough, then we won't be able to protect ourselves from any attack, by cat or predator. I voulenteered to go with them along with two other warriors. We need to protect them."

Thrushleap's narrowed eyes swept the group, not believing what they were about to do. Then, his shoulders sagged, and he looked almost as miserable as Adderfoot. "I can't believe this. You would all just give up on WhisperClan? You aren't helping your Clan by doing this. You are just being selfish, all of you."

Hickoryclaw walked to stand next to Wolfflight. "Please," he began, "we're still going to be thinking of you--"

"Thrushleap, we have assembled a group to go and live out the sickness while we can. I and two other warriors have volunteered to go with them. We will bring back food, and other herbs if we find them."

The young deputy scowled at his former apprentice's words. For a moment, he was once again plunged into the horrible memory of the night his brothers disowned him.

"Trying to find our traitorous sister, eh?" Frostberry snarled.

"I suppose you want to be a traitor as well?" Goldenfox added menacingly.

"N-no, I would never-"

"Shut up, you runty squirrel," Frostberry snapped at Thrushpaw. "Loyalty is the first priority here. If you don't want to serve your WhisperClan, you might as well step over the border now, and leave us."

"Seriously, I'm not--"

"You know what, Thrushpaw? You're no longer our brother. You're not a loyal WhisperClan cat anymore. Our kin are all loyal warriors, and we're not letting you and Rosetail taint our family blood. Good-bye, Thrushpaw."

The warrior Thrushleap closed his eyes momentarily, then opened them, narrowing them to slits. His disbelief and anger mixed into the monster inside him once again, threatening to explode. "Loyalty is the first priority here," he said. "If you don't want to serve WhisperClan, you might as well step over the border now, and leave us. I will not allow anyone to stay on the land. How do you plan to bring prey back to us? They are scarce in this leafbare, and obviously you'll need to tend to yourselves first. You'll be lucky to have any food left over for us. I don't want you taking prey from WhisperClan territory. Go somewhere else."

He turned to the the warriors, eyeing them coldly. "When I gave you your ceremonies, you all swore an oath to be loyal to the Clan, and to put it ahead of yourselves. To serve it with your life. That's part of the warrior code. I am most disappointed in you guys. You are expected to set good examples for the kits and apprentices. I'm really disappointed in you, Wolfflight. Didn't I teach you anything? Should you ever come back, don't expect me to welcome you as warriors. You'll need to earn your loyalty again."

"As for you three apprentices-- you are not doing the duties expected of you. You are not helping to tend the elders and nursery residents. You are not helping Nightpoppy find the herbs she needs to heal our warriors. You are not training to be a warrior to help serve the Clan in the future." Thrushleap's voice was a deadly calm that conveyed fury; but he would not allow himself to spit in their faces. "And you have even taken kits. So I guess that you're going to allow there rest of the Clan to contract greencough while you all run away with your tails in between your legs."

He glanced briefly at the kits standing in the group. They're growing up with the wrong idea. He refused to believe that they were trying to help. How could they? He, Thrushleap, would stay with the Clan to his death. And he knew Frostberry, even with his cold demeanor and easy disgust for others, would, too. "If you really want to leave, get out of Clan territory. Leave. Take this chance to reconsider. Otherwise, just go." He turned away angrily, but put a consoling tail on Adderfoot's shoulder. His eyes softened as he looked at the saddened warrior. "Thank you for supporting WhisperClan, even though you are still going through your grieving. You are by far one of the strongest warriors. Cats like you come rarely. I'm glad that there's still some in WhisperClan. Go see them off, if you wish. And make sure they don't stay on our territory. As of now, I cannot consider any of them our Clanmates."

---

Hickoryclaw had never felt so disappointed in himself. Thrushleap had given him a scolding, and all he wanted to was to sulk. So he dipped his head wordlessly, and turned away, preparing to leave.

---

OOC: Of course, they can still stay on the territory, but don't let Thrushleap find them (or any of the other warriors...)!

Please be aware that Thrushleap will require the warriors to go back to apprentice names momentarily, and go through another connection with StarClan, and pass another final assessment to re-prove their loyalty.

[Phantomspirit]

(Ooc: Lionhearted, is Hickoryclaw open for a mate? And also, while their away, should Wolfflight go by her name from when she was a loner, or just Wolfpaw?)

Wolfflight- no, Wolfpaw turned with Hickoryclaw and put a comforting tail on his shoulder. She stepped forward to lead the patrol, then sent a final look at Thrushleap, whom she thought was like a father to her.

"Thrushleap!" She called, "I swear by Starclan that we have, and will always be loyal warriors! I promise that we will bring back plenty of food and herbs for the clan, or die trying!"

She turned back, not waiting for a answer, and led her group out of the camp.

[Legit]

OOC: Uh, guys, there are so many people here that I think a posting order needs to be set up. I know some may not like it, but this thread is already getting chaotic.

The order will be: Me, Asher, Wolf, Phantomspirit, @lilykit, Babylonranger, Carotius, Lionhearted. If/when Whiteleaf, ShiverCry, and/or Kittyoemily decide to join in, they will be after Lion in the posting order. I understand that Spirit was the last to post, but I started the thread, this is Wolf's plot, and we haven't gotten to reply yet. owo

In order to keep the thread moving, if the person whose turn it is to post doesn't respond within 2 days (exactly 48 hours), then the next person can reply. For example, if I don't reply within 2 days of the last post, then it will be Asher's turn to post. Please be considerate of the other people in the thread. No one likes to have a thread move on without them. Thank you.