ShadowClan Camp

The ShadowClan camp is situated in a grove of mangroves where the water has long since dried up, since before the Clans arrived. To make dens, the members have woven leaves and twigs through the top of the exposed roots. The camp gets fairly muddy in leafbare but is pleasantly cool and sheltered from the hot greenleaf sun. The leader's den is directly underneath one of the biggest mangroves, and when addressing the Clan the leader leaps up onto the 'roof' of their den.

It had been lurking in the shadows of the camps defense in a swirling mass from the first scent of blood from the female body. It had been attracted by the spike of dark bloodlust that was its food and it felt cheated from the meal it had been promised by the grey male they called Dragonsteel. About to leave it stopped suddenly with glee at the words the pair spoke and it burst into action at the words 'Kill me?' that Nightstar spoke. It solidified enough to catch the lunging brute fircing him down as it slipped itself into the airducts of the brown male and lodged itself killing him one life at a time.

The inky blackness had been lurking, attracted to the scent of blood and the lifeforce that it could steal. Sly and sneaky, it slipped along the edges of the camp fortifications, finding them no trouble at all to get through. It was an expert after all, and sneaking was only a game. Following the other blackness, knowing that it would get what it wanted. Lurking, it waited to see if the strong grey one would die. Now that would be a life to treasure if it could steal it. Such a strong life, and one that was stained with the lives it had taken in its short time of living. Unfortunately, it as the brown one that was perishing, but that was still Hanging around in glee, stealing the wolf’s lives one by one. This was the sort of work it adored, living off thieving the lives of wolves. The female had been a disappointment that it hadn’t been able to steal from her, but this one. Oh, this brown one was such a prize. So many lives to steal. The wind picked up as it cackled softly, hiding the sound from all but those who were trained to listen to the spirits, and tucked away the lives with ease. Happy with its catch for the day, it drifted through the rest of the camp, checking to see if there was nothing else it could steal away.

He remained firm and resolute as Nightstar spoke, not bothered by his words, readying himself to attack once again he stopped when a black shadow formed briefly into the shape of a wolf before it grabbed nightstar and seemed to vanish up his nostrils. From there, Nightstar writhed in the dirt like he was being suffocated or poisoned, narrowing his eyes Dragonsteel strode forward in time to see another shadow only this one was almost liquid in movement as it hovered around the brown male. Snapping at it, Dragonsteel did his best to get rid of it, however his attempts were in vain, no matter what he tried he couldn't get rid of the pesky thing. Yes he had been prepared to kill Nightstar nine times and more if necessary to remove the fool from commanding the clan, he had not exactly wished to see him suffocate like this. He however realized that trying to stop this was pointless, he was powerless against the dark shadow, instead his green-yellow gaze remained fixed with Nightstars as if silently communicating with him. There was little else he could do, however in a cruel way it was for the best, the male had been a mistake right form the very beginning, the grey male watched as Nightstar neared his final life. Getting irritated as the shadows seemed to enjoy taking their time and making Nightstar suffer he decided that a quick death would be more fitting of a leader, for now his previous fury that had fuelled him to attack Nightstar in the first place was forgotten. Instead he blinked at him silently telling him what he planned to do for him, what he’d do for any fighter or warrior on their last legs and about to suffer a slow death, his jaws wrapped around Nightstars throat and he easily crunched down efficiently awarding the fallen leader a painless and quick final death. Releasing him, dragonsteel straightened up, considering leaving the pack, perhaps it had been a mistake to join this clan, he wasn’t quite sure. He turned his head and looked over at the other warriors of the clan quietly before realizing that they needed a leader more than he needed to be on his own. Giving a soft but heavy sigh Dragonsteel began figuring out what he was going to do next half expecting Ivyshade or Minkfur to have a go at him.

Sitting just inside the medicine den she hadn’t come out for the ceremony, instead she remained in the safe medicine den, listening quietly as Nightstar spoke in his chilling tones that as usual made her feel a little panicy. However thankfully it was soon over and she had her breathing back under control, soon back to her usual self she was absently pawing at a piece of moss watching the way it sprung back rather interestedly. Such small things could entertain her little mind for ages, almost smiling she continued to repeat the motion again and again, a voice disrupted her stealing away her smile and quiet enjoyment of what she was doing. Looking up in surprise her eyes widened a moment, before she realized it wasn’t Nightstar or Blackwidows voice that reached her ears, it was Marauderpup one of the pups she was fairly certain had teamed up with Sleetpup to put maggots in her nest. Looking a little wary she shuffled her paws and nodded quietly as he spotted her, wondering what it was he wanted she didn’t say much and kept her mouth shut. He moved into the den slowly, which was appreciated it didn’t feel like she was being rushed or attacked, he sat down a little way away from her appearing to be considerate of the fact that Tremblepup had a personal bubble that she didn’t like being invaded without permission. She hated feeling crowded and trapped, it was enough to make her feel very claustrophobic. Eyes widened as he rather awkwardly apologize quite perplexed at the idea that anyone would apologize to her she hadn’t really thought any of the pups that had defiled her nest had it in them to apologize to her. He continued and explained to her that the prank had been aimed at Jesterpup, that they’d set the trap for Jesterpup however he’d instead used it to torment her instead. He didn’t look her in the eye, and his tail swished over the ground, not really understanding why he was doing that she didn’t mention that, instead she quietly listened to his apology. Licking her nose in her usual anxious way she flicked a quick glance up at the gold pup before giving a soft nod “i-its… okay, M-Maurauderpup” she finally said after a few long moments of silence, he’d explained it all and yet despite her logic knowing he was telling the truth it was the anxiety in the back of her brain that shouted louder than all of her logic. It yelled at her that he didn’t mean it, that he and the other pups had put this plot together just to get at her, flattening her ears to try and ignore the words yelling in her mind.


She’d been about to say something else when the sound of growls drew her attention, flinching and scrambling back out of sheer reflex, Jesterpups loud high pitched insanity ridden voice echoed throughout the camp targeting Blackwidow. Feeling the blood drain from her head at the prospect of a fight she dropped onto the ground and closed her eyes for a few brief moments, she managed to get herself together a little and inch over to stick her nose out of the medicine den looking for Ivyshade. However what she saw instead made her feel sick, Nightstar was attacking the red and black warrior that she was afraid of, why? She couldn’t quite figure out what the fight was all about but she happened to notice Minkfur flying out of camp all four paws thumping against the ground. She soon returned with Dragonsteel and Tremble could only watch with disbelief as the powerful Deputy knocked Nightstar off of Blackwidow. Privately pleased that the fight had been ended, she wondered if Blackwidow needed Ivyshade to tend to the painful looking wound on her, however she left before Tremble even had a chance to work herself up to speaking. Staying silent, Tremblepup observed how the grey warrior was standing and tried to puzzle it out, she really couldn’t read other wolves well at all. Jumping back and knocking into Marauderpup as she did so when the two powerful males began fighting, she scrambled up and away from him opening her mouth to start apologizing in her strange little way “I’msorryimsorryimsorry” she repeated the words quickly and crouched close to the ground her fuzz stirring the dirt floor of the den as she did so. The young Iberian wolf didn’t want to bother the gold pup nor anger him, for if she did what if he decided to prank her or hurt her? Swallowing hard she found she couldn’t look at him and instead inspected the ground beneath her paws rather intensely, waiting for the golden pups response, due to her being at the den in this time she failed to see the spectacle in the center of camp that was the black shadowy masses choke and steal Nightstars lives, she also missed dragonsteel making Nightstars final death quick and painless.

Nightstars first life was fast due to the sudden shock of it happening and the light faded from his green eyes for a few minutes. The bone could be heard shifting as his body naturally healed the break within minutes before his second life activated. He gasped for air blinking as it came in before something stopped it suddenly. His body heaved as he attempted to expel whatever it was in his throat while it let just enough air into his lungs in pulses until he was thrashing on the ground. This happened for the rest of his lives until he got into a postion to see Dragonsteeland his gaze panicked and pleading before relief entered them as the male nodded stepping forwards to take his final life that the thing was enjoying draging out the most. Then there was nothing but darkness as the scents of the camp dissappeared along with the brown brutes ninth life leaving him limp in the camp.

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He stired in the darkness coughing and hacking up to try and get rid of the feeling of being suffocated to death. He slowly rose to his paws and looked around before chuckling softly. "Shoulda know I would end up in here." he muttered to himself before walking deeper into the firest where he found the rest of the dark forest wolves. He was welcomed in and soon was training along side them soaking in his bloodlust.
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Smirking when he'd been ignored by Minkfur he'd slunk back over to sit near his french companion Val, observing as Minkfur darted out of camp when Nightstar started a petty squabble with Blackwidow over prey. Tilting his head he'd settled himself down to watch the fight and had a smirk on his face at the first devastating wound Nightstar had dealt her, ah yes this was a pack he could get along with if the leader was that powerful. To his Surprise, Minkfur returned with Dragonsteel who knocked Nightstar off of Blackwidow and escorted her out, Nightstars madness afterwards had his hackles rising, it was fine to watch Nightstar beat up a warrior he didn't know but a wolf he considered a friend was out of bounds. However he didn't move, it wasn't his place to Defend Dragonsteel, the large grey wolf was more than capable of defending himself, instead he flashed Val a look that warned her of what was about to happen - after all he knew of dragonsteels abilities far more than anyone else in the pack of wolves that surrounded him. He unlike most of the others didn't flinch at the breaking of bone, the rush attack where at the last moment he'd sweep low and grab their leg was one of Dragons better moves. He was big enough that he could use his weight to his advantage, remembering the various dogs whos lighter bones had been crushed at such a move, scratching behind one of his ears he yawned rather bored until he spotted the black whispy smoke like substance that slipped into Nightstars nose. Recognizing that Dragonsteel went from attacking Nightstar to trying to grab and kill the other smoky thing that was hanging around, White demon got up onto his paws about to help when he spotted the look that the deputy and the leader where giving each other. he knew that look, it was one of pleading and one of mercy, his brown eyes became somewhat troubled, what had gotten in the way of the fight and caused this out come? Watching silently as the large grey wolf preformed a mercy stroke and killed Nightstar, he was about to step forward when a wolf smelling rather planty showed up and howled warnings of getting away from the body so he stuck close to his french friend, keeping out of the way for now.

Looking up at Ivyshades words, yellow-green eyes glittered with understanding and he backed off more watching the fallen leaders body, he didn’t feel guilty for attacking him. Nightstar had proved his madness and so had announced himself unfit to lead, it was as simple as that in his mind although he was certain that the other wolves wouldn’t think so. Glancing over at the medicine wolf he studied her quietly for a moment. Looking back at Nightstar in time to see the faint shadows leave, he sighed quietly to himself settling himself into what must come next. He had to take Nightstars place, he’d never really considered himself much of a leader but he’d been able to teach Killian and Melissa something, surely, he’d manage a pack of wolves most of whom never knew a hard day’s work in their lives. Studying the body, he found that as usual with corpses that the wolf looked smaller in death without the fierce soul urging the male forward. They needed to bury him, and then he had to go and see if Starclan would accept him as Shadowclans new leader, getting the feeling, he wouldn’t be seeing Nightstar within the ranks he ran over what else needed to be done. The pups were ready to become apprentices, Nightstar really should have done that in the same ceremony as when he was made deputy however for some reason he had not. Once Ivyshade had given the okay he picked up Nightstar by the scruff and as was usual with shadowclan wolves carried the body to the swampy marsh where the Leaders body was given rest in the main feature of their territory. Once he had returned, the male sought out Minkfur, finding her he spoke calmly and quietly “I must see if Starclan accept me in Nightstars place, While I’m gone keep the clan running” his gaze was brief before he was moving over to Ivyshade not wanting to waste time and leave shadowclan leaderless for very long. These wolves wouldn’t survive well in anarchy, finding the Medicine wolf he spoke still in the quiet, authoritarian voice “I’m ready to begin, will you bring Tremblepup? I believe she is of the age to become your apprentice” he’d gathered quite a while back that Tremble was meant to be a medicine wolf, she was so nervous and jumpy that anyone trying to train her would have a right issue. He still ached where the young deer had kicked him, its sharp cloven hoof had cut into him a little, however it was a small wound and didn't really bother him the male ignoring the pain.

Nodding he remained still as Ivyshade turned and headed over to the medicine den, she called to Tremblepup and had a short brief conversation with her which ended up with the pup following Ivyshade rather closely. It appeared he had been correct and that Tremblepup wished to serve her clan as a medicine wolf, the most sensible option for her in his opinion. Once he got back he'd hold a ceremony and announce the new apprentices and the wolves he'd picked as their mentors, hearing minkfurs words he simply nodded once more. There wasn't exactly anything else he could do, a little apprehensive of what was before him, he kept that hidden, the clan didn't need to see that they needed him to be strong and purposeful that thought made the male become a little more somber, it was difficult indeed to believe that Nightstar was dead, only the day before he'd met The white demon again and had introduced him to Nightstar, and now the powerful male was gone, his life force snuffed out as easy as snapping a mouses neck. Flicking his gaze back to where he'd buried Nightstar in the marsh, he wondered why the strange little shadows that had killed him had not gone for the rest of the clan, surely if they could kill a leader so easily they'd want to kill easier prey? It wasn't right, and it left him rather unsettled, deciding he'd talk to Ivyshade about it later, he padded out of camp following the medicine wolf. Surprised that the she wolf was leading him towards the sink hole where the gatherings were held he soon discovered that the moon cave was found at the end of another set of tunnel the entrance of which was in the same gorge where the entrances to the sink hole was.
~The Moon Cave~

Not at all minding when Ivyshade lay down infront of the den so they couldn't see what was going on, she huddled down and waited for it all to end. Eventually it did and Ivyshade moved away, settling down a little way away from sleetpup and Marauderpup she was considering just going back to bed to try and get away from the thoughts in her head when Ivyshade returned and spoke to her. Unlike the gentle tone she usually used with her, Ivyshade spoke with a lack of emotion, she informed the youngster that she and Dragonsteel had to travel to the mooncave and that if she still wanted to train with ivyshade, she'd have to come with them and receive her medicine ceremony. The little pup considered it carefully, not wanting to rush into it, however it still felt like it was the right choice for her, and so she nodded and murmured "I do Ivyshade" the larger wolf nodded and commanded that she come with her. Nodding she obediently stepped about Sleetpup and Marauderpup to hurry after her, Ivyshade informed Dragonsteel that they were ready to go and then moved off, not wanting to be left behind the pup on spindly legs trotted after them at her usual place right next to Ivyshades back legs. It was a long journey for the six month old pup, never having even left camp before except once to help collect moss, doing her best to keep up even when she grew tired. The idea of a medicine wolf appealed to her because it meant she could be helpful and useful without having to fight or hurt anyone, the idea of nursing the sick and wounded had grown on her ever since Ivyshade had first brought it up and slowly she'd set her little heart on it. Perhaps having such a purpose would help her with her crippling anxiety and her brain that hated her, for now she licked her nose and kept trotting forwards

~The Moon Cave~

(OOC: Also pls remember wolves would never have heard of name/term froufrou before unless they've been magically house pets XD)

Returning to camp before the medicine wolves a quick glance around camp told him everything was fine, he’d made his mind up on the way back about who would be apprenticed and to whom. Padding past Minkfur he nodded in silent thanks for managing to keep the clan from destroying itself whilst he was away, he headed straight for the mangrove roots that had had a ledge woven onto them for ceremonies. As soon as Ivyshade and Tremblepaw had returned after him, he leapt up and was silently thankful that the roots and woven materials remained fast beneath his generous weight. Looking out over the clan camp and remembering how such a short while ago Nightstar had been doing just the same thing, Dragonstar lifted his muzzle and howled the words Nightstar had uttered “Let all wolves who are old enough to catch their own prey gather before me for a clan meeting!” he waited a little impatiently as the other members of the clan turned up without much haste. He wasn’t one for public speaking and so aimed to make this, short, snappy and to the point, finally they’d all gathered before him, he gathered what remained of his strength after two long journeys and the ordeal that he’d endured in order to earn the right to stand upon the mangrove roots and address the clan “first things first, Tremblepaw has spoken with starclan and has been recognized as our new medicine wolf apprentice” he flicked his gaze to the rather anxiety ridden pup, if the new position didn’t give her some confidence he wasn’t quite sure would.

Wanting to keep this brief still he quickly moved onto the next matter at hand “Next, I say these words before our warrior ancestors of starclan so they may hear and approve my choice, Minkfur will be the new deputy of shadowclan” she’d been the obvious choice, the only one in the clan who’d shown enough brains to come and find him when Nightstar had lost it and gone after Blackwidow with such a vengeance. He flashed her a firm confident look before hastening onto the apprentice ceremonies that were due, taking a deep breath, he began the next series of appointments “Silverpup, step forward” Once she had, the newly made leader continued “From this moment, until she has earned her warrior name, this apprentice shall be known as Silverpaw. Thrusheart, you will be mentor to this apprentice.  You are a true and trusted warrior, and I hope you will pass this knowledge to your new apprentice.” Pausing a moment to let the newly named apprentice and mentor touch noses.

His gaze flicked to Jesterpup and hardened slightly, he didn’t like the evil little thing however he was old enough and mature enough to become an apprentice and so he would award him a mentor that would hopefully snuff the evil out of him a little or at least teach him how to control it. “Jesterpup Step forward” once the red and black wolf had he returned his gaze to Minkfur knowing that she shared his dislike of the pup “From this moment, until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice shall be known as Jesterpaw. Minkfur, you will be mentor to this apprentice.  You are a true and trusted warrior, and I hope you will pass this knowledge to your new apprentice.” From what he’d heard Minkfurs first apprentice had been Forsakensoul who’d gone blind mid training, hopefully that meant she was well versed in difficult apprentices because Jester was more than likely going to be a pawful. Watching jesterpaw reluctantly allow Minkfur to touch him, he couldn't help but find that amusing, he'd be interesting to teach how to fight since he apparently hated being touched.

He next looked over at Tricksterpup, he was a little different from his siblings a little more open to following the rules, still he wasn’t the strongest thing and so that had dictated who would have him as a mentor “Tricksterpup step forward” allowing the brown mottled pup to step forward the grey leader spoke the words yet again “From this moment, until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice shall be known as Tricksterpaw. I will mentor you Myself Tricksterpaw” he briefly leapt down from his perch and touched his nose to the pup that seemed so small compared to his generous stature. Clearing the jump back up onto the ledge made by the roots of the mangroves his green-yellow gaze drifted over those present until he reached the next pup ready to be made an apprentice.

The gold and black pup who he was fairly sure had aided Silverpaw in pranking Jesterpaws nest who in turn had pranked Tremblepaw was by and large ready for this as well. “Marauderpup Step forward” once the young wolf had he flicked his glance to the one he’d decided would mentor him “From this moment, until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice shall be known as Marauderpaw. Direheart, you will be mentor to this apprentice.  You are a true and trusted warrior, and I hope you will pass this knowledge to your new apprentice.” Allowing them to touch noses he flicked his gaze to the last wolf who was on his list. Antpaw’s mentor had gone missing and Nightstar had mentioned giving the she wolf a new mentor, noticing the rather broken empty look on Bramblerose’s features he decided then that perhaps an apprentice would help the female get over what was ailing her, he’d ask Minkfur for details a little later they were best friends after all.

He looked over at the white curly dog and smirked a little knowing he was about to make an unpopular choice, indicating for the dog to step forward he spoke clearly and calmly " I, Dragonstar, leader of Shadowclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice.  he has trained hard during his years as a fighting ring dog, and I commend him/her to you as a warrior in his turn.  Froufrou, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?" He paused knowing full well he'd just given the others a weapon against the white dog, but knowing he could handle it when he had the dogs reply he finished with "Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name.  FF, Froufrou, the white demon, from this moment you will be known as Whitedemon.  StarClan honors your Skill  and Spirit, and we welcome you as a full member of Shadowclan." he leapt down once more and touched his muzzle to the top of the dogs head as he named him before returning to his perch above the clan and flicking a glance at Val he indicated her to step forward "[/b][/color] once the young wolf had he flicked his glance to the one he’d decided would mentor him “From this moment, until she has earned her warrior name, this apprentice shall be known as Val. White Demon, you will be mentor to this apprentice.  You are a true and trusted warrior, and I hope you will pass this knowledge to your new apprentice.”

“And Finally, after the disappearance of Mapledusk, Antpaw shall be mentored by Bramblerose, Bramblerose you are a true and trusted warrior and I hope you will pass this Knowledge onto your new apprentice” with that the ceremonies were done, he had considered sleetpup to be made an apprentice but in the end had decided against it, the pup behaved much too young and immature to be able to handle the stresses and strains of becoming a warrior. Perhaps later on once he had grown up a little Dragonstar would make him an apprentice, for now he lifted his muzzle up to the sky and howled the new names
“Tremblepaw! Minkfur! Silverpaw! Jesterpaw! Tricksterpaw! Marauderpaw! Whitedemon! Val! Antpaw!” and with the cheer the ceremonies were thankfully over.

“Dimissed” leaping down from the perch above the clan he shook out his fur wanting nothing more than to curl up in a nest and fall asleep however that luxury was denied him. Instead he moved over to Minkfur “I’ll get you to fill me in on why Bramblerose is looking like she’s been broken a little later Minkfur, for now take Jesterpaw, Marauderpaw and Direheart for a patrol” he’d inherited Nightstars dislike of Rosestar and was quite keen on the idea of keeping the borders well patrolled incase the fiery leader spit the dummy and decided to launch an attack over an imagined slight. Once the border patrol was out on its way he'd organize a hunting patrol, and likely would go out on it himself.

Returning to camp on tired legs all she wanted to do was go curl up and sleep for a bit, however a clan meeting was called and trotted over a little unsteadily. Sitting down she listened too exhausted to be bothered to be anxious, trying to keep from doing a huge yawn, the youngster’s paws and legs were covered in dust from what felt to her a huge long hike. Blinking mid-yawn as her name was mentioned a flush of shame flicked over her pelt and she quickly shut her mouth to stare down at her paws as Dragonstar, talked about her briefly. However soon enough he moved onto other topics which thankfully took the spotlight off of her, half asleep listening as he called out name after name she didn’t really pay much attention. Almost asleep on her paws the sudden cheering made her jump back awake afraid she was being yelled at for falling asleep instead it was Dragonstar leading the clan in cheering the new names. Thinking back on it she remembered that she hadn’t heard Sleetpups name, wondering why that was she dismissed it, it wasn’t her place to question the leader and she hadn’t seen sleetpup even show up for the ceremony so maybe that was why he hadn’t been promoted. Struggling up onto her paws, the exhausted apprentice got up and dragged herself towards the medicine den, entering it she could smell that Sleetpup was still in the den. A little unhappy that her safe space was being invaded by someone who wasn’t even sick she picked up the nest that she’d been using and moved it so it was near Ivyshades. Finding that Sleetpup was invading the medicine wolfs nest she huffed, all she wanted was some peace and quiet to settle down and rest, flattening her ears back a little she gathered her courage and pushed sleetpup out of the nest before swiftly evicting him from the Medicine den. It was against the rules for pups to be in there, anyway, turning her back on him she clambered into her nest thankfully and curled up asleep before her head settled into the moss.