'Peach' Contest!

[cricketleap.]

I'm sure Peachie wouldn't want us to be such a downer... And so we can all remember her, I'm making a contest.

Okay, so basically, you get to make one huge RP with your cat character. Just one! What ever account you post with should be about that cat. I'm probably going to make one with Starlingpaw, but obviously it won't be judged. So I'd post with her account to this thread.

Your RP must include: your cat finding a peach and doing something with it. Your cat having a dream about something. Your cat seeing something ghostly or a ghost in general ( can be in the dream or not ). Something to do with ice ( maybe make there be icicles, or make it be leaf-bare! ) then include a fox in your post. Extra prizes in Mice ( probably +10 per word used ) if you include the word blossom, pool, shiver, fern, and feather in your RP.

See how it is? Peachblossom. Dreampool. Ghostshiver. Icefern. Foxfeather.

I'll set the scene for you:

Your cat is alone in a huge, dark pine forest much like ShadowClan, but there is no way out. It's raining out, and sometimes you can hear chuckling far off. But as your cat goes forward, he / she sees light and enters a good forest full of sunlight and oak trees. It is suddenly not raining and there is no laughter in the air, just bird song.

You get to make up the rest from there. Please include it from the beginning ( your cat starting out in the dark forest then going into the light forest ).

Your RP will be based on creativity, quality, and if you posted all of the words or not. It's NOT based on quantity, so don't worry! c: Next are prizes.


1st Place:
something banned and 300 Mice OR anything you want, basically ( there are SOME limits on this. no powers, wings, ect. A BONE / SPIKE COLLAR IS A YES NOW. if you win this and choose to have a bone / spike collar, i'd prefer it to be on a former rogue cat since it can be explained and on a decoy!)

2nd Place:
300 Mice and something from the shop OR something banned and something from the shop

3rd Place:
200 Mice and MAYBE something from the shop

[hawkstar]

The world was chill, cold, bleak. Just like his heart. The seasons had come, and fled like startled prey, shrieking and wailing as the arguments intensified between the new leader and his medicine cat. Over her. He refused to think her name. He wouldn't speak it. He wouldn't dare breath it, for fear it manifest before his jaws like the clouds of steam from his nose, that those manifestations then haunt him endlessly through the cold, hard leafbare. Now, it was late leaf fall, the warmth and joy was gone with his love, a layer of ice and snow lay cold on the ground, like the icy sorrow that gripped his heart. He had grown with her. He had loved with her. He had planned his future with her. His heart seized painfully in his chest, as if one of his nine lives were being ripped from him as his very thoughts betrayed him with a brief thought of her glowing, sleek coat, a patchwork of colours, her warm, beautiful eyes. His breathing hitched, and he rocked on his paws as he allowed himself the one, sinful pleasure of speaking her name.

"Peachblossom."

She was gone.

He was her rock. He was his clan's wall. He was shattered. What was he?
A shudder raced down his spine and his jaw clenched tight. He was Hawkstar, leader of ShadowClan, and nothing more. The title gave him nothing, he was a shell, he was a monster for all he cared. No one cared for him. No one loved him. The broad shouldered brown tom stifled a sob, his bright yellow eyes closing tight against the sharp pain. His thoughts faltered from their sorrows, he couldn't be sad, sorry for himself. He was alive- it was his dear Peachblossom who had lost her life. Oh StarClan. Peachblossom. He turned his head skyward, where overhead, the sky was bleak and overcast. More snow was on the way, but he couldn't be bothered about that right now, because it was all he could do not to wail her name to the heavens.

"StarClan, why can't you have taken me? She didn't deserve this."
He shook his head, his shoulders giving a little shake with a silent sob, before once again he looked up to the sky, as if a StarClan warrior would come down and give him his wish, drag him to their forest and reunite him with Peachblossom.

"I'll join you, one day. I was... I was a horrible mate. I should have done better- but I'll show you. I'll go to StarClan and treat you like a princess. I'll go and you'll see my dear, you'll see it all..." He was like an elder, rambling to the clouds. Clouds that would never speak, they would never part and bless him his dear Peachblossom. But what was it? A leap into the lake? A wrong encounter with a badger? Blackcough? A skirmish he happened to loose? He could die any moment, life was so fragile. That had been proved to him when Peachblossom had been found, her body looking so natural, so alive in the snow. In fact, if not for the obvious lifelessness, it could have been assumed she had been playing in the snow, catching snowflakes and laughing happily, gotten tired and taken a nap. A little rest... she'd be awake soon, she'd be awake, she'd return to camp, waltz over to him and give him a warm kiss. She's twine herself around him, he'd chuckle rub her back, and then back away, ask her how hunting had been.

His gaze dropped to the ground, suddenly dark and bitter. Hunting didn't matter- he could starve now, die, join StarClan. He sank to the snowy ground and closed his eyes, letting the sobs come fast and hard, wracking his body and leaving him hollow, letting the sweet, painful memories fill his mind.

Peachkit was crazy, a nuisance, why was she always in the way! He shot the calico she-cat a bitter glare, but she only beamed back at him, and he turned away, muttering, his fur puffing up in agitation. He turned back to give her a piece of his mind- but she had pounced, landing on him and sending them both tumbling to the ground. All agitations were forgotten, and the game of catch me began.

Peachblossom had taught him patience.

Hawkpaw lowered himself to the ground, stalking the mouse that sat on a nearby root, nibbling a seed. He tensed, ready to lunge and finish it quickly- bring something back for the clan, something good. He could prove what a wonderful apprentice he was. A cacophony behind him however spooked the mouse into hiding, and he spun around to see Peachpaw had been the source of the noise, playing a practical joke on another apprentice, who now looked like a muddy rat. The mouse was forgotten, because even Hawkpaw was laughing.

Peachblossom taught him humor.

He couldn't take anymore. Peachblossom had been foolish, letting herself be killed. He rocketed to his feet, his eyes bleary with tears, and without even thinking, he took over. His paws barely grazed the icy ground as he ran and ran until his paws refused to work any longer, sliding to a stop at the base of a tree just outside of clan territory. His chest heaved, he sobbed, he wailed, he screamed to the heavens, slashing his claws at the soft, semi-frozen bark of the tree. A sweet scent suddenly hit his nose as he stopped, leaning heavily on the trunk, sobs choking his throat as he tried to inhale. It was such a sweet, pleasant odor... he couldn't help but breath it in, soothing his breaths. His yellow eyes opened and he looked up at the sprawling branches of the tree, its limbs creating a circle of snowless ground around the base. His breath caught in his throat as he looked up at one branch only tail lenghs above him. A single, fuzzy peach hung from the tree. It was there by mere threads, and it was a surprise that it was alive at all. But there it was, ever lasting, ever living, even in the bleakest weather, it prevailed. Just like Peachblossom.

He didn't wail, he didn't weep. His heart ached, but he didn't scream, although his mind ordered him to, only allowing himself to sink to the ground under the prevailing fruit and whimper quietly. He couldn't let his grief rule him- but he was allowed to grieve. He would survive, if he grieved. I will see you again, my dear Peach. I will see you, and I will show you the most important thing you ever taught me. He allowed those precious memories, those lessons of life to flow.


Toms called out and complimented the beautiful young she-cat as she padded across the clearing. Each begged for attention, each yearned for her affection, and yet in their eyes, she went to the one tom who didn't. She didn't falter, she didn't look twice at the others aside to say hello. Hawkstrike looked up, hesitating walking away, but his paws were glued to the ground. This was his best friend, his companion, this was... his love. She curled around him warm and solid, purring gently, singing to him their familiar song- even if he refused to acknowledge that he helped make it.

"Here come the apprentices,
Strong and brave!
Here come the apprentices,
Your lives we will save!
Hawkie is the fearless one,
Always getting by!
Peachie is the nervous one,
To sweet and shy!


Peachblossom taught him to love.

"I love you, Peachblossom, I always will."

[Harmonypaw]

Harmonypaw

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Eyes drooping with weariness Harmonypaw moved toward camp, her pawsteps heavy and uncoordinated. She'd had such a long day. Her time with Finchpaw had taken it's toll on her. The sneaking out in the middle of the night, and then training with Dancingbreeze during the day had finally gotten to her. She flicked her ears and looked toward the camp. still so far. Her nest so far away. The rain that had been falling since about moonhigh still pounded down it's cold soaking through her fur and into her tired muscles and bones. The clouds covered the forest making her feel like she was walking through shadowclan, and yes she'd been there. The darkness covered the trees, and made shadows erupt from their depths like demons clawing at her fur, wishing to drag her away toward wherever they lived...or didn't depending on your point of view

She shook the thoughts from her head sending drops flying from her ears. She wanted nothing more than to slip into her nest and fall asleep. It was just past sunhigh but she was exhausted. She'd seen Finchpaw again last night, and had been out on the dawn patrol with her mentor. As she slipped through the tunnel entrance she flicked her tail not caring who was near. Newleaf had come and the breeze was warm and sweet, even through the rain she scent it's sweet tang of new growth. The scent of blossom's were on the wind and it lulled her into a sweet scent of ease. SO much had happened in the last few moons. She was moving toward her warrior ceremony, she had someone she loved and who loved her, and she was getting closer to solving Oakpaw's murder. She felt it. On top of that, on a sadder note, several cats had been killed. She shook her head not wanting to think about death, life was too good for her right now. Finally slipping into the apprentices den, taking note no one else was there, she shook out her pelt, flinging drops of cold water into other's nests. She lay down tucking her tail around her and covering her nose to ward off the chill that was bound to come for she was to tired to dry her pelt. With her dark tortoiseshell fur perhaps no one would notice her. She'd told Dancingbreeze she'd eaten a bad peice of fresh-kill, and she didn't want anyone to catch her in here. She hated lying, but she hated the thought of losing finchpaw more. She closed her eyes and it seemed like only a heartbeat before someone was calling her name.

"Harmonypaw!"

The voice was soft, cheerful, like a kits, full of innocence, and understanding. She flicked her ears and scowled. She did not want to get up yet, she was so tired. the voice kept talking, calling her. Finally she opened one eye, scanning the forest. At first all she saw was sunlight. She narrowed her eye, squinting through the bright sunlight. It looked like it was almost sun-down. She'd been sleeping all day. This didn't unnerve her as much as the fact that she couldn't see the body of the voice that was calling her, or the fact that she was no longer in the apprentice den. She flicked her ears and listened again. Her eyes flashing with concern.

"Harmonypaw! Come find me!"

The voice called again, and this time a hint of fear was woven between the kit like joy and innocence. Her body screamed in protest as she rose slowly from her make-shift nest. Her muscles ached from the battle training session she had had that morning after the dawn patrol. She flicked her tail and felt all the muscles in her back tense. She grimiced and turned toward the sound of pounding paws. They were racing toward from her and her heart lurched, if she was caught away from camp, espicially if she didn't know how she'd gotten there...she'd been gone all day. She didn't even know where she was. She dove into the nest again and curled quickly into a ball, praying that her dark pelt would hide her. She left her eyes open, knowing their dark hazel color wouldn't stand out anymore than her dark eyelids. As the pounding got closer she felt her heart pounding in time with the falling pawsteps. They were right on top of her, she would know who it was soon. hopefully knowing who would give her a clue as to where she was. A thought hit her at this point, Why can't I smell them? She narrowed her eyes in deeper confusion, a gust swept past her flattening her fur, like a group of warriors had sped past rushing toward a battle, but she'd seen nothing. Not a whisker of another cat, not a scent not even a tuft of fur.

She slipped from the nest once again and flicked her ears turning her head back and forth something wasn't right. Something was off and she scolded herself from not noticing it earlier. There was no newleaf scent as there had been when she curled up in her nest, nor was it raining, nor was the ground wet as if it had been raining recently. Then she remembered the voice. And as if called forth from her thoughts it spoke again, the voice, once filled with innocence and joy was now racked with fear and pain.

"Harmonypaw!"

The voice seemed to scream before her, calling her forward. Her paws slipped through the grass as she moved forward. The blades smoothed her ruffled fur and tickled her belly. She flicked her ears trying to detect the location of the kit. It's like a ghost is calling me. She thought and then immediately forced the thought from her mind, shaking her head. She picked up her pace until she was loping gently through the forest the trees passing by her in a slight blur. She was to tired and confused to race on at full speed. She flicked her ears around again listening. She heard a rustle off to her left and turned, hoping she was correct. Suddenly a scent hit her nose, so overpowering and so sweet that she stopped abruptly. She looked above her and took note of an odd tree. She tilted her head to one side and scanned down the tree. At the base of the tree lay a shape, one she was oh so familiar with, for it haunted her dreams. "Oakpaw..." She breathed, her voice softer than a whisper. He looked peaceful, a smile on his face as he lay beneath the tree. She couldn't take her eyes off him. She didn't want to blink for fear he'd disappear.

As she stared her eyes began to burn, drying in the warm air. She held them open as long as she could hoping to hold onto that last image of Oakpaw. Finaly she succumbed to her body's wishes and closed them. But held them shut her body shaking with grief and fear. I can't loose him again She thought, the words echoing from her mind and racking her body with another shiver of grief. She took a deep breath, knowing she couldn't stand their all day with her eyes closed wishing, hoping. She flicked her tail and threw open her eyes all at the same time. Her heart lurched in pain and despair, he was gone. Lost forever. She raced forward throwing herself down in the roots of the tree. Tears sprang to her eyes, and something sharp and cold as an ice icicle pierced her heart. She couldn't let him go, she had to hold on, had to keep searching. She must avenge his unfair death. She burried her face in her paws and wept. Heart-wrenching sobs that wracked her body.

Time seemed to pass inconsistently here. She still had yet to learn where she was. She knew she'd lay there sobbign for a long time but the sun refused to move, stuck just before sundown with brilliant rays sparkling off the grass around her. Harmony scowled, how dare the sun shine on this spot. This place that was burdened by such pain, and sadness. She growled and dug her claws into the ground, her anger seeping into her pelt, and burning her like fire. She looked up at the tree above her and saw a large, yellowish/red thing hanging from one of the branches. The sun-fruit as she decided to call it was actually a peach. THe tree in whose roots she sobbed was a peach tree. Her anger flooded down to her paws and before she knew what she was doing she was climbing the tree. Being of thunderclan her climbing abilities were decent and she was halfway up the tree before she realized her anger burned against the small round sun pod hanging from the branch.

As her feet his the branch the pod hung from her weight bent it, making the branch sway and bounce slightly. She moved with the branch allowing it to settle, just as Dancingbreeze had taught her. When she looked again the large fruit had fallen to the ground and lay between the roots. Her anger burned again for it looked so cheery sitting between the roots, like a kit between it's mothers paws. She growled and shot back down the tree, her claws making gouges and the trees smooth bark. as her paws hit the ground she turned and her anger flooded her body once more burning her ears, and her eyes. Tears again sprung to her eyes again, blurring the image before her. How could some one take him from me... She thought and in an instant all of her anger raced forth. She swiped, claw after claw attacking the soft fleshy fruit before her. She didn't care if anyone saw, she didn't care if someone heard her crying. All she wanted was for the pain and anger to be gone. He'd been taken too young. How could starclan be so unfair. As she dug her claws in one more time she hit something hard and pulled her paw back wrenching a claw in the process. She stared at the mess before her, clear sticky liquid was all over her paws and belly. Her paw ached, and before her was nothing more than a rock covered in torn flesh in a pool of juice. The peach was dead, except for the hard interior seed pod. Behind her a voice, soft as a feather whispered on the breeze.

Don't let your heart become like this. Let my memory be joyful in you. Don't hold onto what you cannot change. I was given exactly the life starclan wanted me to have. I love you Harmonypaw...I'm proud of you.

As the voice began to fade a scent wafted around her, wreathing her in a protective cloud. And for that moment, she felt him beside her Oakpaw was there, and he loved her. Her heart lurched at the thought of Finchpaw, and if Oakpaw approved. But his lack of opinion on the thought left her wondering for another time. As his scent started to fade, a new scent took it's place, this scent she came to associate with the peach laying at her juice stained paws. She took a deep breath and began to clean her fur. As she cleaned she thought, taking in all that she had learned here, where ever she was. Anger couldn't change the past, her grudge against the injustice of Oakpaws murder wasn't going to get her anywhere. Oakpaw wanted her to be the best warror she could be wether or not she found his murderer. She didn't want her heart to become hard like the center of the sun fruit. harming whom ever tried to get close. She didn't want to harm Finchpaw. She wanted to pen up and let him see her for who she really was. As she cleaned her fur she realized that unlike the taste of most herbs, this was sweet, and tangy all at the same time. If was good over all and she didn't mind cleaning it from her paws, nor the flesh from her claws. She was amazed to discover the fuzzy outside of the fruit felt much like new growth of fur on an old wound. This two she learned from. She needed to allow new things to grow where old wounds had healed. She needed to let her love for Finchpaw over take the pain of Oakpaw's death. Not that she would forget him, or that she wouldn't hurt, but at least she would be moving forward.

As she finished grooming and once again took in the sight of what was around her something dropped on her head wet and cold. She looked up and saw an icicle dripping. Confused she watched it for a few moments until it dripped again, and she was forced to look away and blink the cold water from her eyes. It was melting. in the middle of Newleaf! She flicked her tail and smiled taking yet another lesson. Her cold heart was melting. Like the Newleaf thaw. She was allowing herself to move on. She looked up again but something had changed. She was surrounded by darkness, and something wet was dripping on her head, soaking her already soaked fur. She turned her head in confusion trying to get her barings. Scents of her clanmates wafted around her, warming her, and taking her safely to where she knew she was loved. She was in the apprentice den, the roof was leaking, she was soaked, but a smile lit her face. She thought of her life, before and after this apparent dream she'd just had. She felt a weight lift from her shoulders and she took a deep breath, allowing the scents of her clan to mingle around her. As she stood and stretched, she looked toward the sky which she could see through the holes in the roof, and whispered "I love you Oakpaw. I always will." Suddenly a call rang out in the clearing. "Fox! The hunting patrol was attacked by a fox!"

[/b] Her ears pricked she raced from the den. Back to apprentice duties it was, but they would never be the same. She would be the best apprentice, for Oakpaw, that she could be.
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Ooc: Peachie will be greatly missed, she touched a lot of peoples lives, and though i didn't get a chance to know her, I know that the lives she touched will never be the same without her. Those who were touched by peachie I hope and pray that you don't let this memory of her fade. I hope that you use her memory to touch others. To love, and care for them and be the friend that peachie wanted you to be. Goodbye Peachie.

[cricketleap.]

The contest has ended. And since it went by pretty much unnoticed, it won't be judged. I have given you two each 200 Mice, so thanks so much for spending your time to make two wonderful contest entrees. Unfortunately I wouldn't really be judging them if I did do it - just picking my favorite out of you two - so I'll hold this contest again when the holidays are over. When I do post it again, feel free to use this exact same thing you guys made in hopes of winning a place. Again, thank-you!