Carry You (Snakepaw and Briar)

Instructions

~Snakepaw's Backstory~ As a young kit, Snakekit looked to a warrior named Scorchpelt to be his role model. But as he got a little older he became aware of his mother's stress whenever Scorchpelt was around. Scarletflame would often spend time away from camp, and return with Scorchpelt's scent on her fur. Snakekit did not understand this, not yet. When Snakekit was barely two moons Scarletflame presented him to the dark forest, telling him he must train hard for his future. Yellowtail had chosen to mentor him, and she showed little mercy. Snakekit would wake terrified every night and beg never to go back, but Scarletflame would comfort him with promises that things would soon get better for the both of them and he wouldn't have to train any longer. Oftentimes Snakekit would ask Yellowtail about things that concerned him-- and Yellowtail would take this opportunity to fill him with hate against his clanmates. She told him Scorchpelt was just like his treacherous father and only wanted to contaminate Scarletflame's mind, making her doubt the path to a brighter future. Snake developed a deep hatred against Scorchpelt, and this only worsened when Scorchpelt took him as his apprentice. Snakepaw rebelled against Scorchpelt whenever possible, and grew angry when his mentor tried to get in his way. Most times when he saw Scorchpelt his mother wasn't far behind. Snakepaw felt like he had to compete with Scorchpelt for Scarletflame's attention, and blamed Scorchpelt for his neglected kithood. But over time as Snakepaw learned more about his mother's plans, he began to grow more and more wary of her intentions. He did not want to kill without reason, and it was becoming clear to him that Scarletflame didn't really care about him at all, she only ever cared about her selfish plans for revenge. As tensions rose and Scarletflame prepared to strike out against all cats that had done her wrong, Snakepaw comes up with a plan of his own. To use Scarletflame's weakness against her, to threaten Scorchpelt's life. But his plan comes to a shattering end when Scorchpelt flees from the clans and from his leader. Snakepaw's hatred of the tom only intensifies as he witnesses Scorchpelt's cowardice. Feeling abandoned once more, Snakepaw decides the best course of action is to follow his mother's instructions-- no matter what the outcome. As soon as the opportunity presents itself Scarletflame sets out to murder her former mate, using Snakepaw as her weapon. But before Snakepaw gets the chance to strike Scorchpelt returns. Snakepaw doesn't waste another moment and pins Scorchpelt, making Scarletflame choose between Scorchpelt's life or her revenge on Sparrowclaw. Scarletflame reluctantly chooses Scorchpelt. But Snakepaw knows his mother's desire for vengeance would never end if Sparrowclaw was allowed to live, and that's why the apprentice made sure his cowardly father fled in the direction of the gorge. After the battle Scorchpelt returns to Fernclan with Scarletflame, Snakepaw, and Firetail. Scarletflame finally seems content with her role as a warrior, and Scorchpelt resumes his normal duties as deputy and as Snakepaw's mentor. For the first time in his life everything seems right-- but the apprentice knows the heavy cost. He had betrayed the Dark Forest, and Yellowtail would not let him go after he foiled all her plans. Snakepaw bravely returns to his old training grounds to face his punishment. Yellowtail appears, naming him a traitor and promising to make him suffer for his mistakes. Snakepaw tries to fight her, but he is no match for her brutal battle moves and strategies. He soon falls victim to her claws, unable to fend off her strikes. But Scorchpelt shows up just in time, dragging Yellowtail off the helpless apprentice. Yellowtail calls Hollowtail forward to take Scorchpelt on while she finishes off Snakepaw. But to her dismay, Scorchpelt wins the fight to the death all too quickly and returns for his apprentice. Yellowtail rips a deep gash in Snakepaw's stomach before fleeing, knowing she cannot take on the angered deputy. Snakepaw hovers between life and death, but Scarletflame manages to save him. He then starts his slow recovery. But as his wounds heal the apprentice realizes his confidence has suffered a fatal blow. He is no longer the cat he once was, the cat with a purpose. Not knowing if Scarletflame still cares about him in the same way that she did. He grows anxious watching the other apprentices battle train, not even wanting to join in. But then a mysterious loner shows up, Briar. She spends some time in the medicine den while Snakepaw is recovering and the two develop a bond. Unlike most other cats Briar seems to understand Snakepaw's struggles and takes the apprentice under her wing, being the friend and mother that he never had. Snakepaw's confidence soon returns, and he's ready to tackle training once more. Little does he know this newly formed friendship may be another one of Briar's scam artist ways...