|| Moon || Apprentice || 6 Inches tall, dark purple fur with silver splotches, one amber eye, one green eye || She-cat || Toms || She-kit || Notes and credits! || Sweet, shy, kind, happy, fierce || Dogs, two-legs || Beta Clan || 6 moons || Aquatic! || Please don't be super mean! BettaClan is, despite the beautiful appearance given by their flowing tails and shining colors, the most territorial clan, and perhaps the strongest fighters of the cats. The smallest of the clans in height, and by far the most colorful, their territory covers kelp beds where their colors are more easily concealed, and shallow waters near the shore, along with the marshland on the far South edge of the lake.
Moonpaw was born to Bettaclan in their secluded den, deep within the densest, most sheltered part of the Kelp Beds in the shallows of Wcue Lake. This area is a labyrinth of interwoven stalks, offering protection but limiting clear sight. She was immediately noticeable for her dwarfism, making her the runt, and her unique silver butterfly pattern against the dark purple of her coat. Her small size was initially a concern for her mother and the clan's healer. Because she couldn't wrestle or run with her littermates, Moonpaw spent time observing. She developed a gentle, kind nature, preferring to share the best-foraged moss or patiently groom her smaller siblings. She became the favorite listener of the elders, earning a reputation for her quiet empathy. This event is the source of her twin fears and the catalyst for her fierce spirit. During a supervised trip to the very edge of the kelp beds—where food is often richer due to the sunlight—a sudden, deep shadow fell over the water. A Two-Leg vessel (a fishing dinghy) stopped almost directly above them. Moonpaw was mesmerized by the giant, pale shape and the loud, grating noise. Before her parents could pull her back, a large, wet, and barking Dog leaned over the side, sending sharp, terrifying barks and sprays of water down into the lake. While her family scrambled back into the kelp, Moonpaw, paralyzed by the sheer size of the Dog and boat, froze. Her mother had to physically drag her to safety. Moonpaw was unharmed but suffered a profound terror of anything associated with the land surface—the noise, the shadow, and especially the Dog's scent and sound. The incident instilled shyness and a deep-seated fear. Moonpaw would often flinch at sudden shadows or distant surface noises. She withdrew, becoming more reserved during clan gatherings. However, the fear also sparked a fierce resolve. She realized her survival depended not on growing larger, but on becoming smarter and faster in her unique environment. She secretly began training herself, using her happy disposition as a cover for her intense focus. She practiced squeezing into the tightest coral spaces and weaving through the densest kelp roots, realizing that her dwarfism made her untouchable in places where a normal-sized cat couldn't fit. She became hyper-vigilant, constantly scanning the light above for subtle shadow changes, turning her fear into a sharp, almost prophetic awareness of danger. Moonpaw is now an official apprentice. She presents herself as a sweet, shy, and kind cat, often seen helping the youngest kits or patiently collecting small items. Beneath this exterior, her spirit is fierce, fueled by a quiet determination to never be helpless again. The Clan Leader watches her with interest. They see the fear in her eyes, but they also see the unparalleled agility she demonstrates in the kelp and the protective vigilance she shows towards her home. They recognize she may never be a powerful hunter, but she could be something much more crucial to a clan living on the dangerous edge of the shallows. Her future role will be decided by which of her strong, contrasting qualities—her sweet kindness or her fierce vigilance—will serve Bettaclan best.
