3rd Prophecy; Video

[notmyprophecy]

 

[The view is of a black cat, with green eyes and a rather pleased expression on her face. The cat that got the cream? Yeah that's how Hollyleaf looks. She has the scars she gained as a human, but they're less noticeable, with her fur. The D-Terminal appears to be propped up against something, because she sits before it, most of her body visible.] Alright, it's been a few days and nothing new. If this world's finally got it right, I'm willing to forgive it for a lot of things. Good to see fellow non-Twolegs are enjoying this too.

Comments

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

The...Warrior Code?

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

[A gleam lights up Hollyleaf's eyes.

You've asked about her favorite thing.]

The code that Clan cats should follow, rules set for generations to make sure we all can coexist peacefully with each other and honor life around us.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Oh my...that sounds wonderful. What does the Code say? Are there a lot of rules?

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

There are quite a few rules.

[She straightens herself to begin reciting them.]

Rule one, defend your Clan, even with your life. Friendships with cats from other Clans can be formed, but loyalty must remain to your Clan, as one day you may meet them in battle.

Rule two, do not hunt or trespass on another Clan's territory.

Rule three, elders, queens, and kits must be fed before apprentices and warriors. Apprentices may not eat until they've hunted to feed elders, unless they have special permission. Sick warriors or apprentices may eat while the rest of the Clan eats, of course.

Rule four, prey is killed only to be eaten, and we must give thanks to StarClan for its life.

Rule five, a kit must be six moons old to become an apprentice.

[She will take a breath now; interject if you want, Fluttershy.]

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

What are apprentices? Are those cats training to be warriors?

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

Hm? Oh, yes. Usually cats are apprentices for six moons before becoming warriors, but it varies. Now, where was I... Oh, right.

Rule six, newly appointed warriors must keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their warrior name.

Rule seven, a cat cannot be made deputy without mentoring at least one apprentice first.

Rule eight, the deputy will become Clan leader when the leader dies, retires, or is exiled.

Rule nine, after the death or retirement of the deputy, the new deputy must be named before moonhigh.

Rule ten, a Gathering of all four Clans is held at the full moon. A truce will be in effect that night. There shall be no fighting among Clans at this time, by will of StarClan.

[Questions. Should she finish.]

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

[Nope, she's good for now.

...or at least it could wait until Hollyleaf was finished.]

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

Rule eleven, boundaries much be checked and marked daily, and any trespassing cats must be challenged.

Rule twelve, no warrior can neglect a kit in pain or danger, even if the kit is from a different Clan.

Rule thirteen, the word of the Clan Leader is the warrior code.

Rule fourteen, An honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win battles, unless the opposing cat is outside the warrior code or it is necessary or self-defense.

Rule fifteen, a warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet.

...and of course there are exceptions. If cats must make journeys to the Moonpool -- our way of communing with our warrior ancestors -- then WindClan or ThunderClan territory can be crossed, as long as it's near the lake. Cats traveling these grounds must be within two fox-lengths of the lake's edge. Cats can also go to other territories to report dangers or ask for help.

And there are other rules, not exactly officially listed, but rules nevertheless, very important ones. Would you like to hear them?

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Oh, yes please.

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

[Honestly she's fighting back a purr right now...though the first rule mentioned does leave a bit of a sour taste in her mouth.]

First of all, medicine cats aren't allowed to have a mate or kits.

Secondly, kits must stay in the camp until they are apprenticed, and they aren't allowed to hunt.

Clans must not unite to drive out another-- though, in past times this one has been allowed with exception, when BloodClan tried to invade the old forest territory. It's a story all are told as kits in the nursery.

[Ahem.] Clans must not force another Clan to share territory.

Enemy patrols must not attack cats if they are on a mission all four Clans agree on.

...And of course. [She closes her eyes, reciting one that's been a mantra for her many times.] The safety of the Clan is more important than the safety of on cat.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Oh I see...the needs of the group outweigh the needs of the individual. [It makes sense, and a lot of group animals operated that way.]

But why can't medicine cats have mates or kids?

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

Because they have to care for the Clan. The Clan is their kin. Besides, they help with the kitting. If a female medicine cat were to lose her life in the process... It would be disastrous.

Medicine cats just can't. It's how the rules work.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Is there only one medicine cat in the clan?

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

One, and the cat's apprentice, if they've taken one.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Oh, I see...I guess that would make it difficult to lose that one medicine cat...

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

Exactly. That's why it's easiest for medicine cats to not take mates.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Yes, I see...

I...hope I'm not being too annoying, asking so many questions. But I was just wondering...why can there only be one medicine cat?

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

...Why...? Because it...it's just how it is. There's only one leader, only one deputy. Of course there's only one medicine cat. It's a difficult job, and it can't be taken lightly. Not everyone's cut out for it.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Yes, of course that's true...It just seems that having more than one would make it easier to take care of the rest of the clan.

But I suppose that is just the way it is.

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

...It's how the Clans work. We all pitch in, to protect each other. But there's one medicine cat. Just one. Even with more medicine cats... They couldn't take mates. Their kin is the entire Clan...not one cat.

I don't expect everyone to understand. It's just how it works.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

[Fluttershy nodded; she may not understand, but she can respect that that's just how that world and the clans operate.]

So what does it take to become a medicine cat? How long would an apprentice have to study?

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

[A low rumble rises from Hollyleaf's throat and she appears disgruntled.]

A lot of studying. First, you need to have the drive and ambition, and sometimes, the talent. The...connection with StarClan. Some cats know since they're little kits that they want to become a medicine cat, others take awhile to figure it out. Some are chosen with symbols or signs. RiverClan's, Mothwing, a moth's wing appeared outside the medicine den, so the story goes, and she had the knack for learning about herbs and remedies.

You have to be able to memorize every herb, every illness, and still to show dedication to StarClan and skill at interpreting their signs and dreams. I...tried it, once, because I wanted to be dedicated to my Clan, but I was better as a warrior. My brother ended up medicine cat in my place.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Oh...I see...

[She was listening, really, and it was all very interesting. But she couldn't help wondering about Hollyleaf's agitation all of a sudden. Had she said something wrong?]

[video]

[notmyprophecy]

...It's really tough. Being a medicine cat. For a lot of reasons. The ones who do it...they're amazing.

[video]

[strengthinkindness]

Mm...yes, it sounds like it would be a lot of hard work. Those who do it are certainly something.