Elemental Claws: Cliff's Perspective

Cliff's Backstory

Sunlight filtered through the canopy leaves, creating patches of light on the forest floor. Birds chirped and fluttered throughout the branches. Deer quietly moved about, nibbling on the leaves of overgrown bushes. If one payed close enough attention, they would notice a group of wild cats traveling. 

This group of cats was the nomad clan, Feather Paws. They were known for their constant changing of locations and ability to maintain peace with other clans. These cats were graceful and sneaky, able to pass through territories undetected, as if they were never there. 

The navigator held up his paw, signaling for the clan to stop. His deep voice was hushed as he informed the group, "We are in the Elemental Forest, which is the territory of another clan. Keep quiet and let's start moving faster, we want to get to the Rockland Mountains by sundown."

Murmurs went throughout the clan as they all prepared to sneak through the forest to reach their cold destination. As they traversed the forest, avoiding sticks and dry leaves in their paths, the cats became more optimistic about reaching the mountains. 

A loud yowl echoed throughout the forest, and the Feather Paws all froze in place. They were not alone. As the group huddled close, they quietly discussed their options. Abandoning the clan had always been a possibility, but they didn't want this to be the time. 

A fierce group of cats emerged from the undergrowth, and a leader stepped forward. His beige fur glistened in the gentle sunlight. Auburn patches created a stark, but handsome contrast. 

"Well, well, well," he chuckled. "What do we have here?"

"We're not here to bother you," the Captain of the Feather Paws stepped forward. "Is this your territory? We can leave it if need be."

"This isn't our territory yet, but once we take over your Locus Forest clan, it will be. Your little patrol group won't be returning to report anything today... or ever."

The Feather Paws frowned, confused. They were being mistaken for being part of another, larger clan. They wanted no part in the territory war.

"You have us mistaken for someone else," the captain spoke calmly and clearly. "We are a nomad clan passing through, not the Locus Forest patrol."

The aggressive leader tomcat chuckled heartily. "You think I believe your lies?"

The Feather Paws tensed up, knowing a battle would occur soon.

"Breeze Warriors...." the leader snarled. "Attack!"

The battle was a frenzy. The Feather Paws were outnumbered, and they were very aware of it. Time dragged on, and the sun approached the horizon. The Feather Paws were falling, one by one. How much longer could they continue?

"Code blue!" the Feather Paws' captain shouted. The grim announcement shocked the clan. It was the code for abandonment. Their only options were run or die fighting. With heavy hearts, they each chose their paths.

A teenage shecat chose her path to run. Her dark grey and brown pelt helped her blend in with the shadows as she ran. But she knew she was being followed. It didn't take long for the young cat to realize she was lost. Panting heavily, she zigzagged and turned as she ran about the forest, hoping to lose the cat in pursuit of her. Soon she could hear the sounds of the battle again—she was back where she started.

She turned around to find her enemy leaping towards her. She screamed in fear and anger. Her bottled up power was released all at once, in a deadly force. 

A dark blast shot out, killing everything it touched. When the light finally returned, the cat opened her eyes and looked around. Trees were flattened and no birds chirped. The grass and bushes were dead and dry. The cat that had pounced at her was sprawled out on the ground, no breath and no pulse. She walked around to see the damage, and it horrified her.

The previous battle scene was now riddled with dead bodies. She searched for her former clan mates. The captain, shaman, warriors, trainers—all dead. Then she saw a sight she could never forget. The navigator lied on the ground, lifeless. Realization set in, she had killed her father.

She let out a sob and reached out towards the corpse. As soon as she touched it, the entire body turned to ashes. A bright wisp rose up from the ashes and flew into the shecat. She felt her lifespan extend. Tears rolled down her cheeks and mixed with the ashes.

She covered the bodies of the Feather Paws clan. The enemies she turned to ashes and absorbed their lives. Once she had finished, she wiped her tears and turned away. She stepped off deeper into the forest and didn't allow herself to look back. 

After a few days of wandering, she found the base of the clan that claimed the territory of the Elemental Forest. She joined the clan, and became an official Locus Forest clan member. It didn't take long before she became the clan's strongest and most powerful warrior.

That was teenage shecat was me, Cliff, a few years ago. Now I'm living as a member of the Locus Forest clan. This story I'm about to share with you is about my life and journey with my clan.