His entire life. It was devoted to taking care of UrchinClan. Devoted to those few he cared for. Devoted to keeping them safe and happy. But he'd failed once already. They didn't know death like some cats did, but it hurt just as hard. Especially when it's Maroonsky. He'd promised to himself that they'd protect her. Nightfang was fine. Featherlight was fine. But Maroonsky was gone. One to two ratio, and Featherlight was fading fast as it was. They just couldn't find comfort now. Except for the fact that they could try harder. And hopefully harder would be enough. He had to be there for Nightfang to help and protect king and his darling kit. What happened to Marn could not happen again. He wouldn't let it. In its nest tucked down in Nightfang's little tunnel and cave, tears slid down its snout and fell into the soft moss of their nest. They weren't the grief kind of tear though, those had already passed, but the sad kind of tears that brought an end to endless sorrow. A letting out of pressure, if you will. He could try again. That's how second chances worked, right? Those existed in other clans. Correct? Yes. It'd be fine. He'd give himself time like Ma had told him. It'd work itself out if he gave a helping paw. Anger was rare in him, but they'd felt the whole array of emotions in the last moon. But he didn't mind it, he welcomed the feelings, good and bad. It just meant he was learning. And learning was important. Learning was how you made sure something didn't happen a second time. And it wouldn't. Not on his watch. And Palewatcher is the best cat for watching.
Art by me, I know he has a collar. 1, I forgot; 2, It could technically be covered by the fur puff on his cheek. (Look at me go, trying to figure out how shading and lighting works.) I decided to do one of these. I still don't know how it turned out.
