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CANONICALLY FEBRUARY 13TH;;

Though he will never forget how ethereal the moonstone was, still wishing he could carve out a piece for himself... He can't say for certain that the pain he experienced when receiving nine lives was dashed away by the sights he saw in Starclan or the genuine peace he felt (before nine cats decided to touch their noses against his). It was as if his body was pierced with the most frigid of waters, unable to move, limbs locked into place, only able to look around helplessly as his lungs screamed for air. Terror worsened with each life, their claws dragging him further into the depth of the pitch black ocean. All he could do was let them, praying that it would be over soon. And eventually, it did. Their claws had left him go, and yet he remained there, floating in the pitch black. His only solace was the booming voices overlapping that caused his ears to ring before he returned to the waking world.

Pikestar. That strange name was his now. He was thankful to have Smoke by his side as they returned, the ringing in his ears took some time to go away and he may or may not have stumbled a few times over his own paws. Thankfully, Smoke allowed him to lean on them. When they enter camp, he can't muster a grin. I have to get up there.

His limbs ache with each step towards the willow tree. Clambering atop the stump of it is taxing. Just... Just a little more. With a grunt he manages to sit atop the stump, and it is here that he finally looks at his clanmates. As if on cue his body begins to tremble, wanting to run away and hide. However, he knows. I can't keep running. All of them gave me their lives and their wisdom. They believe in me, for some reason. No. That's bad. I have to start believing in myself. I have to try and change. The familiar sensation of being weightless in a frigid pitch black ocean engulfs him. The chattering follows suit soon after. It becomes difficult to distinguish if the noises are from camp or from his own mind, perhaps it is both?

He is met with a plethora of eyes. I promise you all. I'll do my very best.

The last I want is a repeat from before. There was a lot of hissing. I don't think I can handle it if someone snapped at me again. No one really tells you how nine lives drains you until it happens. I guess... If they told you it was the most painful experience, it's not like you'd want them. I would've never wanted them if I knew, but it's too late for that. Or maybe this is just the pain talking? We'll think more about that later.

He waits a moment before continuing. Green eyes scan the crowd to find one tom in particular. Torrent. He manages to give the younger male a smile, Torrentpaw doesn't sound so bad. It has a nice ring to it. You're gonna go far, I know it. I've already got a warrior name in mind for you, but you'll have to wait for it.

Uhhhh... Who. You know, I should have thought about this before. UUHMMM, Come on! Think! They're staring at you! A name. JUST PICK SOMEONE! A wobbly smile etches from his lips as he signals the molly to step forward with his paw. WHAT ARE YOU DOING???!!! Russetbriar, dude you know darn well you're just thinking of Seabriar. He can't save you here. HELLOOOOOOOOOO. You can't keep her waiting. Russetdrop? Horrible. AT THIS POINT JUST CALL HER R- Oh, how he wishes he could fling himself off this stump and perish. I'll have to do it eight more times though now...

He can save this. The moment he sees her disgruntled face and her beginning to open her mouth to retort he quickly cuts her off, Totally saved that. Totally did not name you after the shelter falling on you. Totally hoping that you won't claw me to death after this, cause then we'll both be having a totally great time.

Wanting to desperately avoid the newly dubbed Russetfall's wrath, he decides his next victim will be Adder. He motions the tom to step forward with his paw. It is only when the brown tabby does, everything comes back to him. How the tom before him was enraged each word that had spewed twisted the knife deeper. Even though Adder had not outright called him a coward, he didn't have to. Pike knew it. Knew that Adder had no faith in him and thought of him as a tick in his pelt. You can hurt him. he slowly begins. You can give him a name that will hurt him. Just the same way he did to you.

It is alluring he can't deny, to purposely give Adder a name that will cause him to suffer even in the next life. However, the longer he looks at the older male, he is reminded of his gifts. Of his natural leader like prowess and the ability to come up with plans on the fly. He is reasonable. Logical. And... He is loved. He is a father and a mate. I can't hurt him just because of some spat between us, but I won't forget it either. He finds himself staring at the gash on Adder's face, exposing a fang. I'm still upset at you, don't think I'm not.

Calling Wave forward next shouldn't be surprising. He thinks it would be unfair for him to name one without the other following. I hope you like it! I think it sounds nice and you did say you liked the water. And the waves make sounds like a song, so bam! Wavesong. I think it's a lullaby type of name. I think I did a pretty good job with yours, hehe, I bet the Starclanners are most happy about this one. But, I mean, does it really matter if Wave herself doesn't like it? I meaaaann... I don't uh think she'll hate it. We can change it if she actually hates it.

Perhaps it shocking who he calls forward next. If anything one would expect more cats from the patrols, but this outlier is none other than Fox. He is a tom that reminds Pike of himself in many ways. Coming up with a name for the younger male was easy in that sense. I've decided for yours to be a wish. And I hope to do the same. We'll be growing together Foxtail! Someday I'll be a better leader for everyone and still be myself through it all.

Moving on, a good part of him wrestled with the next pair who came into mind. The matter was not what names to give them, but who should come first. One of them had gone with him to find their new home, yet she was unhappy not being able to tag along. I guess it's only fair that she would go first. He motions for Willow to step forward like the cats before her to receive her new name. To be honest, he had struggle with a name for her. It was only when she pulled him aside and tried to ask once more if she could come with him and Smoke that he was able to come up with a name. Yes, he saw the fire in her eyes and he could have sworn she was seconds away from asking to fight with him to join.

Smoke should have been expecting to be called next and it seems as if the black warrior knew this as well. Pike didn't even need to call the other, a small chuff left his maw. Did you get a bit jealous or something? I'm only teasing, don't gut me with your eyes. You really think I wouldn't have given you a name? Puuuhleeeaasse you listened to my lovely voice. There's no way I wouldn't have named you. Smoke's immediate reaction caused him to burst out into laughter. No one would know what the heck Pike was singing about or why now, but the silver leader couldn't help it. A final jest before being serious and giving his oldest friend a new name. I hope the meanie will appreciate my name for him. I don't think it's that bad, but you never know with a grouch.

Anyway, Pike clears his throat to collect himself. Thanks for making me feel so welcome and looking after me. I know I am a bit of a pain for you. Especially when we got lost on our way to the highstones. I really do hope you're okay with this name.

With that, he decided that this has gone on long enough. This was just the beginning and there was more to come. In time that is. I won't make the same mistake again.

Hey y'all, I'll be doing all the naming in this thread over various posts. I'll be putting the ic date at the top of the post, so you'll know officially what date your character was named. I think it would be difficult to name every single cat in one post and a bit overwhelming! ToT Please reach out through dms in discord or shoot me a ping in my channel if you have any name requests or changes! Thank you all for being on this journey with me and cheers to the beginnings of Riverclan!!!

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By the time they reached the shipyard, the silver tabby was wheezing. WOULD IT HAVE KILLED YOU TO SLOW DOWN?! As soon as Adder yowls for everyone to gather, his limbs have decided to check out for the day. He immediately collapses to the ground, limbs stretched out in a strange manner. His flank rising and falling as he struggles to catch his breath. He tries to listen as best as he can to what Adder relays to the group as his lungs suck in as much air as they can for his aching lungs. Eventually, the report is finished and he lifts his head up to those who have gathered to give them a strained smile.

Wave, while having her reservations about leaving behind this place she called home voices her support. He expected as much. Wave and Adder were always together. He doubts there is a place they would go, if they weren't together. They love each other alright. I wonder what it's like. Having a mate who would go anywhere if it's with you? And that you'll do the same for. They're happy, so I guess I'd be happy too... Awww, man. Now I'm getting sad about it. Remember you got something to do first !!! While exhaustion still clings to him, he manages to rise to his paws. Albeit, a bit slowly. Maybe he should have stayed laying down if he had known what Knot was going to say.

Wh-WHY? He can't stop himself from looking at her with shock. If you just don't want to get wet, then you're gonna get wet regardless... If not by the river, then by the stream. Or how... Damp- BLECK that place is. How would we even get to the same island without getting wet. A silver paw to brought to his black chin as he begins to figure out if there is indeed another way. However, from what the scouting patrol saw, the river stretched a good distance. There were spots that were thinner, which was they had swam through in order to get across. He had no intention of leaving Knot behind, but it was difficult to figure out a way that required no swimming. They could travel up the river to find some patch of land where they didn't need to swim, but there was no guarantee that they would find such a path. He had no idea what was beyond. Maybe somewhere more dangerous. Who knows? We have kits coming with us. It's already hard enough to take care of them here. We want to get to our new home as soon as possible.. UUUUGGHHH WHY DON'T YOU WANNA SWIM KNOT!!!! GAH, YOU'RE MAKING THINGS HAAAAAAAAAARD.

In the middle of his internal whining, it is Russet who shocks him. He even flinches while fur bristles, green eyes looking at the molly. Uhhhhh, do... Do you not get along with Knot? Of course he doesn't voice his thoughts, not wanting to be next in Russet's wrath. There she makes two things known. The first, even though she is among the injured she would prefer a short swim compared to a longer trek (as if getting to the island wasn't a journey itself). The second is that she has the same concerns he does. The concern being, what if there's no easier path to take after spending days of travel. Note to self. Thank Russet. Thank her for being real with Knot. His eyes slowly trail over to Knot. I'm so sorry queen, but Russet kinda ate you up with that one. Your argument of the injured not wanting to swim fell flat. WAIT. Do... Do you not know how to swim? It hadn't crossed my mind. Just like Downy not knowing how to swim either. He grimaces at the memory of Willow helping Downy. While he is grateful for his friend for helping the other molly, things could have turned for the worse quickly. Looks like there are cats here who don't know how to swim. For some reason? We... We live next to the water though...

Before he can even manage a response, it is Torrent who cuts in. His earnest nature had only grown in the short time he had left. He really took what I said at heart, huh? A surge of pride stirs in his chest as the younger tom offers his help to someone much older than he and is respectful about it. He even voices the opinion that maybe there are cats in their group who hate being wet, but will travel with them regardless of the fact. What he means to say and reiterate is that Knot will not be left behind. Torrent is more than willing to ensure everyone comes along. What he is not prepared for is the same tom to look at him in fondness. He can't help it when a smile is curled from his lips as Torrent mentions wanting to help.

Yeeesssshhh, I can barely get a word in. It would be funny if I yelled freeze and all of them just stood silent and still. Actually, how long would they even stay that way... I should try it. Someday. Anyway, PAY ATTENTION! The first cat who interupts is frost, who offers to teach cats who are unable to swim a paw. I believe in Torrent teaching, but he's just one cat. I have a hard time believing some older cats would listen to him. SO! Frost! you're gonna help him out, yes yes. This will work out. As for Frost's trust in him, well... He can't say it doesn't make him queasy. There are so many cats who are placing their trust in him and if he thought about it for a while, he would throw up here and now. All he can offer is an awkward smile.

The next cat is Fox. A cat who reminds him of well... Himself. They are both rather awkward and shy. The only reason why he didn't appear to be his usual self was because of the mess he'd been thrusted into because of the ghost cat Seabriar. I wonder how much different would my life be if they did pick someone else. Would I offer to teach cats how to swim? Or would I help gather the kits with Pine? He shakes his head. There's not a really a point in thinking of that, huh? In any case, he is happy to hear that Fox can indeed swim and will swim if it's for their survival.

Finally, he is given a chance and he takes it.

"Knot, you're not going to be left behind. You are going to swim. And if you don't, then I'll grab you by the scuff and drag you over to the shore. If you don't want that, then I suggest learning from others."

He looks at Torrent, then to Frost, and finally, Fox.

"I would like it if the three of you could work together and teach cats who don't know how to swim, to... Well, swim. Try not to fight with each other, this isn't about who is better. This is about or survival. We need to swim in order to survive. Our chances of getting across safely depends on all of us working together, after all."

We can grumble the whole way about it and be sad about leaving this place. That's fine, but when we get back to the island... I hope we can all look at it and think of it as a decent place to call home. Or... We can rest there for a bit before we find somewhere else. If... that's what everyone wants.

With that he turns and goes to Adder. He can't help himself from feeling as though he shouldn't interrupt a man reuniting with his wife. I'll make this quick. I dunno if Adder will claw my ears off, but I DO NOT wanna test the theory. Besides, he looked so miserable away from Wave. He practically sprinted the whole way, I swear I almost passed out a couple of times! I really gotta get in shape if I want to keep up with him.

Silver paws lead him away from the family and back to the group, in which he clears his throat (taking a note out of Adder's page, huh).

"We'll be leaving soon, so say your goodbyes to this place... And yeah, that's it. We've got work to do."

Awkwardly, he begins to pad away in search of particular members of the group to ask some favors for. They may ask for something in return in the future, but that was a problem for the future.

// @FOXTAIL @Frost @Torrent pike has put you in three in charge of swimming lessons! Feel free to make a thread in which they host a swimming class or teach cats one one privately if preferred!

To say that he was not seconds away from puking the moment the patrol members all gathered and quickly set out was an understatement. While it had been Adder- Oh, Thank you Adder, If I could kiss you! NOT in a disrespectful way. Wait, no... I don't want Wave to kill me for kissing his cheek as thanks for his ideas. A glance is spared to the chocolate ticked tom who looked as if he was five seconds away from clawing at their throats if anyone decided to say how was he on this lovely morning. On second thought... Let's not do that. And so, from there he quite awkward led the small group away. The problem was that he could feel their piercing stares on his back, especially Bay who hadn't been given in answer in how he knew of the place they were now traveling to. If looks could kill, then he would have been dead already nine times over. Just keep walking, just keep walking. Pretend like you know were you're supposed to be going. They don't have to know we're all kinda going blind for now.

Eventually the group had made it to the twoleg place. Pike would be lying to say he didn't breathe a sigh of relief when the twoleg place came to view, so that weird cat was right... HUH?! That can't be, cause he was just a made up in my mind! Right? We just, I just got lucky. There's no way dreams are real. Nuh uh, not at all. In any case, everyone had decided to take a small rest before they continued with the rest of their journey. After all, their paws ached from walking at first light to noon.

Once again they are following him, though he is a little less sure of where to go from here. A river. I have to look for a river. It's got to be close. And so they travel along the outskirts of the twoleg place until they are able to see a body of water from the distance. There? It has to be there. Riverclan. Oh. I get it. I get it now. It's cause we're next to the river. He feels a bit sheepish at the realization of why the clan had such a strange name. It's not that different from the Shipyard. It tells you all you have to know about the place. Guilt eats at him, the urge to apologize to the cat in his dreams becomes ever persistent. He wouldn't have known where to go if the place where he was meant to go didn't give a hint of where or what it was. If Seabriar had told him the place where they were meant to go was called a pizzeria where there was a mechanical bear, chicken, bunny, and fox... Yeah, they would not be finding that anytime soon. It's not like a place like that existed anyway, right?

Anyway, silver paws stop at the edge of the river. He looks back to the patrol, all of them are accounted for. It's the only warning any of them are given before Pike plunges himself into the cool river. He is not too alarmed at the slight increase in difficulty swimming here than in the shipyard. Before he had even joined those in Shipyard, his twoleg had taught him how to swim in lake. It was somewhat similar though the water was less calm than a lake. Thankfully, they have a nice patch of land not too far from them. They wouldn't be swimming long.

It only occurs to him when he is crosses the river and is standing on a nice patch of land is this: They know how to swim, right? I did say we'd have to cross a river. I DO REMEMEBER SAYING THAT! Unless I didn't? But there's no way I didn't? Perhaps, it's amusing for the patrol swimming across seeing him so flustered and pacing around the shore anxiously. Even as they make it with varying degrees of difficulty, there Pike is fretting about each and every one of them. It's only when all of them cross successfully he sighs in relief.

Crossing the river was a start. Now the trouble was finding that island. Considering there was land that went about a good distance, they needed to keep pressing forward and find another river before they found what they were looking for. However, before they do that he looks down and finally notices it. Surrounding the group is a meadow, with various types of flora. I know this place. The memory of Seabriar comes to mind. The starry tom had come running to him in a field of flowers. They had spoken in this very place. He brings a careful paw to caress one of the flowers beside him.

The patrol is waiting for him to stop wasting time, he knows this. He is well aware of their question looks as his frame trembles. Chuffs leave his maw as before it erupts into full blown cackling. None of them will ever know. HE'S REAL! HE'S NOT JUST SOME MADE UP THING! IT'S TRUE! WE WERE HERE TOGETHER. I WAS HERE WITH HIM. THIS WAS A HINT, SO THAT MEANS-

"It will make sense in practice, given time."

None of them will ever know. Know that even though he spoke of this new home as if it existed, he took a chance on it. Not because he believed Seabriar was real, but because they had nothing else. If he had said nothing, then they would rot away in the shipyard, or try and head further away. Far from the bounty of the forest's rivers. Excitement surges within he as he looks to the members of the patrol. Paying no mind to how maddening he appeared. It is then that he realizes the looks each is giving him, and the excitement he had in him is immediately snuffed out. Nerves begin to take their place as he nervously looks around, unable to look anyone of them in the eye. They weren't there yet, but it was nice to get some opinion so far of the new place. After all, they would all be living here in the future if everyone on the patrol was in agreement.

// @Adderfang @Peachy @Bay @downy @willow here y'all go we are in RIVERCLAN TERRITORY!!!! for reference we are in what will become known as sunset meadows. more information about riverclan's territory can be found here!