[twizzypaw]

It was all a numb, distant buzzing for Creepingpaw. The droning of cats before they quelled for Bumblestar’s high rank announcements were all but a muffled cacophony to the apprentice’s ears. Creepingpaw gazed out of the apprentice’s den apathetically. His eyes once vibrant as new spring leaves were now greyed and muddied with turmoil. The striped and silvery apprentice trodded with heavy paws as he silently joined the gathering but remained towards the back and at a distance as he sat on his haunches and watched like a ghostly figure.

Ever since he learned the news of Shockhoney’s death, Creepingpaw felt nothing but distance. Distance from himself, his feelings and dreams. He left ThunderClan to save Lavendersong who was clinging to life, yet lost Shockhoney in the process. His dear, best and only friend. Could he even protect anyone? The weight of the guilt and unspoken words sunk heavily in Creepingpaw’s heart, the air around him almost palpably overbearing. He couldn’t take it. What exactly even happened? Why didn’t she tell him how bad things had gotten? Creepingpaw’s long claws dug into the earth from pure frustration. It was the irritation of knowing he may never get those answers.

As Bumblestar announced the reassignments. Creepingpaw couldn’t help but cringe slightly. It stung. Seeing these newly named apprentices, knowing that Shockhoney could’ve been here to get her first apprentice… Ah, here it comes.

Creepingpaw’s eyes, like pools of jade, began to well with tears. But he would never acknowledge them. Taking a breath of the icy and frigid air, Creepingpaw exhaled as a single tear raced down his cheek. Lowering his gaze down at his white paws, Creepingpaw shook his head and wondered if it was a good idea to even leave the apprentice’s den today anyways.

(OPEN)