Updated Willow Ref + Backstory

Instructions

Hiya! click on the ref to see the shaded and not shaded version. Backstory- (Gore warning!) Little Willowkit opened her eyes for the first time. Her gaze met her mother, Bluebone, who seemed to avoid direct eye contact. Tentatively, Willowkit reached out, accidentally scratching her mother's cheek and causing a small bleed. Whimpering, she moved away from Bluebone, seeking comfort from another queen, Foxtail. Foxtail observed Willowkit and gently licked the bleeding cheek. "Hi, hon. What's your name?" Willowkit attempted to speak, but no words emerged. "No name? Oh, your mother is Bluebone. I can take care of you. You see, your mother mated with a wolf, but they couldn't be together. Bluebone was expecting kits, and that's where you come in." Willowkit's eyes widened, then softened. "Woah. I'M A WOLF!" Excited, she play-pounced on Foxtail. "Heheh! I'll choose your name. You look beautiful, like my favorite flowers, willows! I shall call you Willowkit." A voice interrupted, "I like that name! MOMM is she my new sister?" It was Rainkit, Foxtail's other kit. Foxtail assured Rainkit that Willowkit's mother couldn't raise her, and they would be like sisters. Many moons later, Willowkit and Rainkit, along with three other kits, became 6 moons old and were ready to be apprenticed. Nervous and a bit shy, Willowkit sat beside Rainkit near Shortrock, dozing off during Silverstar's speech. Suddenly, Willowkit's name was called, and she woke up to discover Silverstar would be her mentor. Blushing, she followed Silverstar into the forest. "Like that?" Willowpaw asked as she caught a fish in the Mistclan river. Silverstar watched and praised her. "Yes, Willowpaw. You got it!" Returning to Mistclan, Willowpaw noticed Rainpaw having fun with Lilywinter, the med cat. Bluebone approached and snatched the fish, scowling at Willowpaw. She clawed Willowpaw, causing intense pain and attracting the attention of the other cats. In the Med den, Rainpaw treated Willowpaw's wounds, offering her a fish. Willowpaw, peeking outside, learned about Bluebone's banishment due to her relationship with a wolf. Despite Bluebone's cruelty, Willowpaw felt conflicted, recognizing her as her mother. Determined, she approached Silverstar, who was relieved to see her okay. "LETS FIGHT NOW!" Willowpaw suggested later, and Silverstar agreed, though she advised rest. After becoming the strongest apprentice, Willowpaw overcame Silverstar in battle, earning praise. However, a disturbance in camp led to the discovery that Smokeclan was attacking. Bluebone, now aligned with Smokeclan, attacked Silverstar. In the midst of the chaotic battle between Mistclan and Smokeclan, the clash of claws and the yowls of warriors reverberated through the forest. Willowpaw fought desperately against the invaders, her fur stained with blood, her heart pounding with grief and determination. Bluebone, now aligned with Smokeclan, lunged at Silverstar, claws unsheathed. Willowpaw's eyes widened with horror, and without a second thought, she leaped in front of her mentor. "No, you won't harm her!" she hissed, meeting Bluebone head-on. Bluebone sneered, "You always were a naive little kit. Silverstar is just a pawn in this game. Smokeclan will rise, and Mistclan will fall." Willowpaw gritted her teeth, countering Bluebone's attacks. "You may have chosen a different path, but Mistclan will not crumble under your betrayal!" As the battle intensified, Silverstar rallied the Mistclan warriors. "Stand strong! We fight for our home and our kin! Mistclan will endure!" Thornstar, the leader of Smokeclan, taunted from the shadows. "Your precious Mistclan is finished, Silverstar! Bluebone, finish her off!" Bluebone, still locked in combat with Willowpaw, growled, "This is for choosing a wolf over me, Silverstar!" With a swift move, she aimed a blow at Silverstar, who deftly dodged, but the attack left Willowpaw vulnerable. Rainpaw, witnessing the dire situation, rushed to Willowpaw's aid. "Willowpaw, I've got your back!" The two sisters fought side by side, Rainpaw's eyes blazing with determination. "Bluebone, you betrayed us! We were family!" Silverstar hissed, slowly getting up. Bluebone, momentarily distracted, hissed, "Family? Mistclan was never my true family. Smokeclan is where I belong." Silverstar, weakened but determined, rose up. "Willowpaw, Rainpaw, together we stand against this darkness. Mistclan's spirit cannot be extinguished!" Thornstar, observing the struggle, laughed menacingly. "Your spirit may be strong, Silverstar, but it won't save you. Smokeclan will rise, and Mistclan will crumble!"