Come With Me, Let Me Show You [Closed]

"Get up, Firepaw, we're going for a patrol." Flamestrike whispered as he shook his son lightly with one forepaw. He picked his way carefully through the lumps that were still sleeping apprentices. One snored to his right and he had to hold back a low chuckle. Once outside, he blinked against the sunlight. It was still daytime. Most of Shadowclan was silently tucked away in their nests. The orange pelted warrior was used to being awake at such an odd time. This was the only way he had been able to slip away to fourtrees as a younger cat. Now, it was time to show Firepaw that same life. He longed to share with his son something that had been such a big part of his life. Of course they had been to fourtrees together before, but not like this. The thought of the vast, empty clearing made him want to race out of the camp. Instead, he sat near the entrance waiting for Firepaw. Soon, soon they would be on their way.

Firepaw's ears flicked as he woke up because of the touch and voice of his father. His eyes opened fast and the young apprentice trotted out of the den, a bit dizzy because of the interrupted sleep. The bright sun blinded him for a second but it was useful for the young cat to totally wake up.
After stretching his large paws, Firepaw approached Flamestrike and greeted him with a smile. "Which kind of patrol are we going to do? Hunting? Check the borders? I can't wait to go out of the camp again!" He said remembering that he had to stay inside the Shadowclan camp because of his wounds. Now he could finally go out and do something more productive for the clan and his training. He was sure that soon he would be a warrior, just like his parents.

"Even better than that."  Flamestrike lead the younger cat out of the confides of camp. It was good to see his son feeling better as his wounds healed. Instead of the sprinting pace the warrior's long legs were accustomed to, he stuck to an average and more leisurely one. Firepaw didn't need to be injured any further; he needed time to recover, especially right before his warrior ceremony. The trek dragged due to his excitement. Soon, they stood next to the thunderpath. A monster raced past, causing the warrior's nose to wrinkle at the stench. As soon as it was gone, he lead his son across the hard black stone. Any times the apprentice tried to pipe up with questions, his father simply waved it away. They would be there soon and Firepaw would get his explanation.

His heart raced as the four great oaks came into view. It had been so long since he had come here on his own. This time, he was not alone either. Flamestrike settled down into the vast, empty clearing. He nodded towards his little twin to do the same. Once Firepaw sat next to him, the warrior smiled, "I used to come here as an apprentice a lot. Needed time away from camp to clear my head. There is no place as incredible as fourtrees, both during the gatherings and when it it empty." His words echoed through the space. There was no one here tonight. The sound of silence, save for a few of the forest sounds, was soothing as ever. It felt good to be back.

OCC: I'm pretty sure that Firepaw wouldn't know of his rogue origins due to the fact that now instead of being treated like an outcast, he is a respected origin. I may used this time for Flame to share his 'life story' if that works for you :)

Firepaw followed his father, curious about the place they were going to go. If it wasn't a hunting patrol or a border patrol, what could it be? He wondered before the sound of the roaring monster caused that his whole body were focused on the imminent danger. His heart was beating fast because of the adrenaline that felt good to the young apprentice. "Wow! That was a monster?! I have to admit that is very intimidating." He meowed to his father but he didn't said too much and that was a concern for the tom. Did he say something wrong?
When they reached the Fourtrees, Firepaw was surprised. He didn't expect that this was the place that Flamestrike wanted to go and it was quiet different from when the gatherings were held. The young cat sat down close to his father and enjoyed the peace of the empty clearing during the night. It was... calm and peaceful... so different from the noisy life of the camp. The orange dappled cat heard to his father and looked at him a bit confused and interested about the past of his life. "I agree that is a wonderful place but... why do you use to visit it so much? How were your days as an apprentice, dad?"

OCC: Sounds perfect to me :3

OCC: ah I am so sorry! Somehow the email for this got delete from the box and I forgot to reply. My apologies.

Flamestrike sighed. There was so much that Firepaw didn't know. The warrior questioned telling his son the truth. It was possible that finding out he had rogue origins would not settle well with the apprentice. Wolffang had lost her mind when she learned she was half-clan and quickly buckled under the pressure of judgmental clanmates. Will he hate me? Will this change things? While there were many things that could happen with this one simple conversation, Flamestrike decided his son deserved to know the truth. He sat up straight, but looked down at his apprentice with decided green eyes. Today, he would learn of their origins. He cleared his throat and began, "Back when I was a kit, and Hazeflight was an apprentice, she found me alone in the forest. You see, Firepaw, I was not born in Shadowclan. I was a rogue kit."

It felt strange to say it aloud. For sometime now, the orange tom had not discussed his past. Every cat that needed to know, already knew. There had been no need to talk about it, especially since he had proved himself a dedicated warrior time and time again. He had finally begun to consider himself as Shadowclan as the next cat. As he tried to think of what to say next, moons of frustration and attempts to find his place came flooding back. Both his apprentice and warrior ceremony had been delayed. It was only after Hazeflight had her kits and Thrushstripe had given his assessment that the leader saw it fit to make him a warrior. Of course, the former Shadowclan leader had been given many reasons to distrust rogues, the tom's own brother being one of those reasons, Flamestrike had always hated being judged for their crimes. His tail lashed as he sorted through the timeline of it all.

"It took a lot for the clan to accept me. Fourtrees was the only place I could come to be alone- where no one could look at me as just a rogue." His gaze had dropped to the forest floor. The part of his life seemed like so long ago. Yet, it was simply a part of who he was. After moment of silence, the tom spoke up once more, "It has been a long time since anyone has talked about it. I don't think it really matters now." A slight frown twitched at the edge of his maw as he waited for Firepaw to speak.

OOC: Don't worry at all ;).

Firepaw listened with his mouth completely shut while his father spoke along the breeze that moved the leaves of the trees. The young apprentice didn't say anything or even show any expressions rather than his curiosity and confusion. Thousands of thoughts flooded his mind, like a big storm. It was... strange... it felt weird to know all that suddenly.

The flame colored apprentice always admired his father as a warrior and thought that Flamestrike was a Shadowclan born cat and he, his son, a pure Shadowclan cat. His feelings were mixed and he was so confused on a hurricane created by this new part of the life of his father that he didn't know. However... Firepaw didn't feel less admiration or respect for his mentor. Yeah, it was pretty disappointing that his origins weren't what he thought for so long but being a rogue, half-clan cat or a pure cat didn't mean anything at all. A cat couldn't choose its origins but he could choose what to do with his life. Even if Flamestrike wasn't a pure Shadowclan warrior and now the apprentice knew that he was half rogue, the young tomcat understood quickly that the blood running through his vein wasn't the thing that made his father a great and admirable warrior; it was he who made it, despite he was rogue or not. He had proven to all Shadowclan that his loyalty was with the clan that became his home and that he just as good as any clan-born.

His green eyes glanced back at the tallest tree, imagining a younger version of his father standing there alone, trying to live in a clan where everybody saw you as a stranger. The clearing took a new meaning for the young apprentice as he turned his sight back to the warrior. He took a deep breath after Flamestrike's silence, trying to organize his ideas. "That sounds...as a pretty rough apprentice-hood, father. I must admit that I wasn't expecting that... I always believed that you were born in Shadowclan but... now that I think, it doesn't matter to me where you from or what is the purity of my bloodline. You're my father and an awesome warrior that deserves to live in Shadowclan as well as all the cats that work there every day. Any cat that says something different than that is just a blind mouse-brained. Why your rogue would influence in what others see you? Is stupid." His eyes looked at the warrior, expecting for his answer while his tail moved from one way to another slowly.

Flamestrike shrugged, "It is not fair. But it is the way this world is. Rogue blood is viewed as being disloyal and chaotic... most of the clans don't see value of cats outside of their camps, especially those born outside the forest." The moons of frustration and anger had faded, but they were certainly still present after all this time. It was an unjust way, yet it was how everything was ran. Clans would always be stuck in their ways will silly notions about those who were outside their borders. However, despite never having shared of his origins before, Firepaw seemed to have other ideas. Pride and love swelled up in his chest. It was a relief to share with his son about where he had truly come from and his past. Not only that, the younger tom had accepted him and expressed his own frustration for it all.

"Thank you, Firepaw." He meowed lowly, stepping closer to lick the top of his apprentice's head. His pelt pressed up against the younger cat's and for a second it felt like his son was a kit again. Flamestrike wished he could be back in those first few moments with Honeydrop and all their kits. That dream was long lost. Although, things felt right now with Firepaw at his side. With both the courage, skill, and thought he had displayed there was no doubt that he would be a wonderful warrior. Firepaw would be better than he ever could be. A rusty purr briefly broke from his chest before he meowed, "You're going to be a great warrior, Firepaw. One of the best Shadowclan had ever seen. It is not just the skill that makes a warrior, but also the heart."

The apprentice glanced away to the tree, a bit angry because of how his father had to endure such a hard life because of something he didn't choose. He was right. Those rules about rogues and outsiders were unfair to good cats like Flamestrike but at least ... he could stay in Shadowclan because, after a long time, they accepted him. The clans might be not perfect but the flame dappled tomcat was happy to belong to Shadowclan.

Firepaw just looked back at his mentor when he saw him approaching. He smiled happily and surprised by his sudden lick as he purred. It remembers his days as a young and naive kitten living with his brother and mother, Littlebrook. The feeling inside warmed his heart as he heard the next words of his father. It was one of the happiest moments he could ever had. To a cat that admired so much Flamestrike it felt awesome hearing how he said that Firepaw would be a great warrior. For him, it was an honor and he was so happy that his father was so proud of him. "Thanks to you, father. You're the one that teach me everything I know and I will never forget that. I promise that I'll do everything I can to make you feel proud of me as a warrior." He purred back looking at his father with eyes full of determination. One day, soon, he would be a warrior and just like his father, he would show everyone that the rogue blood didn't mean anything at all to be a loyal and strong warrior.

"Just always be level-headed. Fight for your clan with your heart. And I will be the most proud father in all the forest." Flamestrike meowed as he looked down at the apprentice. Somehow, he found his thoughts wandering to Barkpaw. He would never know the love of a father. That had been taken away with the death of Bear. A pang of guilt settled in the tom's stomach. He couldn't help the frown that worked its way onto the corners of his maw. It felt like so long ago. Since the birth of his own kits, the warrior had not thought much of the battle against his brother's group of kidnapped cats and rogues. Likewise, his thoughts had not gone to Barkpaw all that often. After a pause, he spoke again, "Did you know we have kin in Thunderclan?"

It felt like the right moment to share this with his son. Besides, after their prior conversation, he knew that Firepaw wouldn't feel much animosity towards Bear's son. Maybe they could even become friends. It was not a common occurrence, but Flamestrike himself had befriended several cats in other clans when he was still young. Moons ago he had met Vipertail, Ospreypaw, and Sparkflower here. All of them rested with Starclan now. Each had been fairly good friends, but had had always known in the end that his heart and soul would be dedicated to Shadowclan above all else. The only time that had faltered was when his rogue origins and the matter of kinship had come into play. He looked quizzically at Firepaw as he waited for an answer.

Firepaw nodded to the words of his mentor. He was going to make sure to not forget about all what he said once he was made a warrior. The young apprentice would keep that as if they were the Warrior Code, always looking at Flamestrike as his role model.

The next question caught him out of guard. The flame dappled tom blinked surprised as he tried to understand what his father said. Kin on Thunderclan? Well... that was unexpected as well as the discovery of his rogue blood. "Wow... seriously?! I didn't know a thing about that!" He meowed showing his surprise and curiosity about that mysterious kin that they had as he flicked his tail, anxiously. "Who is this cat? How are we related to each other? Do you think I can meet him or her?" The apprentice had so many questions about his kin. After all his talk with Flamestrike about his origins, the young cat was getting even more interested in the history of his family. Maybe it was not like the usual families of his clan but it was sure that the past of his family it was way more interesting and it also had a lot of secrets that the tomcat wanted to discover passionately.

Firepaw seemed more interested than upset, so Flamestrike took a breath and continued, "His name is Barkpaw. My brother had a son and... Leopardstar would not let another rogue blooded cat into the clan. So, he lives with Thunderclan now."

At the memory, the orange warrior flicked his tail. There was a mild irritation in his chest, but he pushed it away. Bear's son seemed to be doing well in the other clan. Conflict crossed through his green eyes. There was a debate in his head. Telling Firepaw of Bear's fate was another thing. He had just started to work through the whole thing in his head. Between Thrushstripe's wisdom, and the addition of Honeydrop and their kits to his life, the warrior had begun to forgive himself for slaying his own kin. Flexing his claws into the dirt, the Shadowclan tom remembered meeting here before the battle. His gaze swept over the clearing. Finally, he meowed, not looking at Firepaw, "Have you ever heard the stories of Bear's group?"

Firepaw listened to his father, interested about this tom called Barkpaw. He would like to meet him in a Gathering just to know him. After all, they were kin and he loved his family, even if they weren't from the same clan. After all the confessions of his father, the apprentice couldn't care less about clan-blood purity as long a cat can prove that he was worth it to belong to a clan.

His eyes noticed the tension inside his father, looking at the claws that were scratching the dirt under Flamestrike's paws. The apprentice glanced at him, concerned, wondering why he felt that way after talking about the Thunderclan apprentice. He blinked a bit surprised when he heard the name of the rogue cat called Bear and he looked at the Fourtrees back again, remembering what he knew with a thoughtful expression. "I just know a few things from what I heard from other warriors and elders... I know that he was a rogue and that he tried to take over the forest with an army of cats and kidnapping clan cats against their will. I also heard that he was a treacherous and ambitious murderer that was blinded by the idea of getting even more powerful... but that he was stopped in a great battle close to the Barn, I think. That's all I know, father. I noticed that the clan doesn't like to talk about that time." He said, serious, thinking how the other warrior avoided to even mention the battle against Bear but he knew that he was a real cat and danger to the clans when he was alive. "Why do you ask, Flamestrike? Were you in that battle?" His green eyes glanced back at him, curiously and serious.

OOC: So sorry for the delay!

"I was the one that murdered Bear. He almost killed Honeydrop, so I had to save her." At the mention of the kits true father, and is real mate, the tom felt a surge of protection flood through him. He had managed to save her life twice now over the moons. Along with that came the incredible mix of emotions that came along with considering how he had torn out his own brother's throat. Yes, it had saved his mate and many others, but he had also taken the life of his only littermate. How he wished he could speak to Bear sometimes. However, there was no way the vicious brown tom had made it into Starclan. It was now to late for him to ever know his kin. With a shaky sigh, Flamestrike finally admitted, "Bear was Barkpaw's father."

Telling the tale aloud felt strange. For so long, it had sat in his own head, either festering or forgotten. After the birth of his kits, Thrushstripe had helped him to move away from dwelling on the past. But, it was far from completely forgotten. It never would be. The tom stared at the forest floor once more. He remembered the gathering when Spottedpaw had dragged her mangled body into the clearing. Bear had truly been a monster. His tail flickered slightly as the silence seemed to become overwhelming. Thinking about it now, there was no question. Bear had needed to die. However, the thought that it should have been some other cat would always plague him.

OCC: no worries about the time thing~ also Firestone is my beautiful and precious son and I will protect him forever

The apprentice listened to his father without saying a word even if he was surprised because of Flamestrike's confession. He murdered a cat... but not any cat. It was Bear, the rogue that killed and kidnapped clan cats and would keep doing that if the warrior didn't stop him like he did when he saved the medicine cat. He was a hero to all the clans but... why he seemed so sad and shaken by the mention of his name? His inner question was soon answered by the next words of his father: Bear was Barkpaw's father. And if that apprentice was his kin, that meant that...

"Bear... was part of your family too, Flamestrike? Is... also our kin?" Firepaw asked without thinking too much before he opened his mouth. It was almost like he said those words to himself, looking at his paws with a frowned expression on his face. If his prediction was true... he had a cat on his family that was the murderer of a lot of clan cats... a cat that brought pain and fear to every clan... He knew and he was sure that that fact wasn't going to change the way he was into a monster like Bear but... those were shocking news to the young apprentice. He couldn't understand why a cat that was close to Flamestrike ended up being so evil and cruel... why they were so different. What if... he and Gingerpaw one day ended up like that? Being so different from each other?

"Yes." Flamestrike said slowly. The word almost choked liked a piece of tough freshkill in his throat, "He was my brother. The admission hung in the air as heavy as the fog that sometimes clouded this very clearing. His whole body stiffened up as he thought back to the moment. Blood... soaking his paws for the first time ever. It was similar to the blood that ran through his own veins. They had been kin. Oh Starclan, how had he never known that his own brother was alive, only to meet him face to face in combat. Life worked itself out to be such a cruel and wonderful thing. He kit was a testimony to the good that there was in this world, but he could not help but dwell on the circumstance with his older kin. Though the red stains were long gone, they would never fully wash away.

The tom wanted to defend his actions to his kits, but he couldn't bring his muzzle to form any words. He was still stuck in images of the past. Overwhelming guilt was suffocating as he remembered the gurgling sound Bear had made as his throat was torn wide open. His green eyes fixed on the ground as if staring down at his brother once more. If only he would have never known they were kin. Killing a vicious rogue was vastly different than killing off your own brother who had become a monster. Flamestrike could not find forgiveness for himself in the moment, even though this was supposed to be something he had given up a long time ago. He found himself longing for the forgiveness of his kit that he could never ask, nor deserved. But, still, he could not find any of the words he grasped for. Instead, the warrior just let himself sink back into the memory of his sins.