VintageFinch on DeviantArthttps://www.deviantart.com/vintagefinch/art/TPO-ShallowStar-UPDATED-Mostly-584152001VintageFinch

Deviation Actions

VintageFinch's avatar

TPO | ShallowStar | UPDATED (Mostly)

By
Published:
2.7K Views

Description




♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦

you used to come up for air through a sea of other people
just hoping they don't notice that you are leaving again.
and i can't believe it's true, there are people like you
with the same heart, and the same marks on our bodies



 ◄ Meet the Cat ►





[Warrior Name]: (Formerly) Shallowstep
[Warrior Name] (Currently) Shallowstar

Reason:  
How it Started:
"Ha, ha!  Shallowkit can't cross the river!"
 They were ruthless, each word biting and cruel, and it did not fall on deaf ears.  The small selkirk's tail pinned close to his legs, ears tucked to his head as if they were glued and belly low to the damp soil.  He looked on with scared eyes as the water rushed before him.  To any other it would look like a peaceful stream of water, barely a foot deep if even that much.  But to the tyke it was white water.  To Shallowkit it was dangerous, it was immediate death if his paw so much as touched a damp stone in that water. "Shallowkit, Shallowkit, can't cross a creek!  Shallowkit, Shallowkit with curls like a freak!"  The small tom curled closer around himself as if he could shield against his peers' stinging words as they sang their coldhearted rhymes from the other side of the water.  Shallowkit finally turned and bolting as fast as his paws would take him back to camp.  [From the first moonhigh of the kit being born he was being ridiculed.  Such a short cat would be useless in battle.  His mother worried over her yowling kit, his father less than impressed, "Someone like him will die even in shallow waters."]


Whispers by the Den:
"He's spending all his time out in the hunting grounds again, isn't he?"
 The Guardian shook his head, "I'm not sure how you can handle him so well, Mistyfoot.  He's the worst apprentice someone could wish for.  Always running off on his own, and isolating himself from even the other apprentices.  I don't understand it."

"Patience, RunningWind." The old himalayan brushed down the fur on his chest.  His gaze watched the entrance to their clan as he waited for the one he mentored to return.  "You're being too harsh.  Shallowpaw's social skills could be better, yes, but he is certainly not the worst apprentice one could wish for.  His talents are impressive, especially when measured beside the other apprentices.  He shows talent in his stealth tests and makes up for what he lacks in strength.  He is fast, and a smart one for certain.  His traps could use some work but he is more passionate of them than any of the others.  I know you don't see it.  I know the clan does not see it.  But where you and the others only see a selfish cat, I see a young tom who is diligent, who wakes up earlier than the rest of his den and comes first to training.  I see a student who is dedicated and determined and who, right this very moment, is out there gathering missing herbs for the mender and checking on his traps for extra food while the others play around.  That's more than can be said about the other apprentices, is it not?  I think he has proved himself plenty already."

The younger Guardian's tail flickered behind him, "I still don't like it, Mistyfoot."  He hissed with a shake of his head, "But I cannot argue your points.  The apprentice will go far, I cannot deny that.  He has a large future ahead of him."  Finally the cat's features soften.  His eyes catch on the ash-gray fur of the apprentice as Shallowpaw trots through the entrance, a large gopher hung proudly from the young tom's mouth, "Don't pamper him too much, remember."  The guardian stood to his paws, his gaze firm on Mistyfoot now, "If you tell him of his early talents above the others he may become shallow."


Set in Stone:
"Oh, Mistyfoot.  He needs you now more than anything right now." RunningWind watched as the ashy tom stepped through his clan.  The old Guardian respected Shallowstep now, as much as his late mentor had if not more.  But Mistyfoot had been correct in assuming that the clan's cats did not see the tom's true potential.  Sure, they saw his skills for hunting as well as his ability to come up with plans and strategies on the dime.  Ironically, some even realized the cat's capability to lead.  If something happened to darken the clan's eyes and their sovereign's words were not enough to lift spirits, Shallowstep was always the one to step in.  He didn't hold much pull in his position as guardian and yet the other's listened to him.  They allowed him to be their comfort.  He was well known in the clan, even now, as the tom who tried his hardest with everything he did, as the cat who was honest to a fault.  But at the same time he was known still for isolating himself, and for taking on everyone's burdens himself.  He was known for not letting anyone help him.  He was noticed by others, and yet he was known as shallow.  And his reputation preceded him with every step he took.



Good Nicknames: Step, Ashy, Boss (he loves that one but he wont say it out loud)

Bad Nicknames: Shorty, Shortstack, Fluffy, Freak (seriously DO NOT use this one), Moptop, Sourpuss (although the pun would be hilarious)

Personal Nicknames: Hun, Shall, curltop ["Oh here comes my little Curltop now.  Isn't he just darling?"]


[Sex]: Male
Gender Identity: Male (He/him/his)

[Age]: Three and a half season cycles
Season of Birth: Winter
[It was a cold and challenging leaf-bare when Softstep gave new life to the CaraCara clan.  At the time Smoketooth was not impressed with leaving his home of Eagleclan for his mate's, but it was something he eventually moved past.  The winter was unforgiving and the queens grew worried that her kits would die from the cold.  On a crisp and gentle breezed morning, however, Softstep gave birth to four beautiful, healthy kits.  The runt of the litter and the loudest of the bunch was soon after given the name Shallowkit.]

[Breed]: Shorthair Selkirk Rex
Mother's Breed: Shorthair Selkirk Rex
["These curls are a gift from my own dearest mother, some say I looked just like her.  You should have seen the way little Riverpaw's looked.  Why, you could hardly see his amber eyes under all those curls!  Thank starclan above that mine keep to themselves.  Short is the way to go, I think."] 
Father's Breed: Blacksmoke Selkirk Rex
["My pelt is none of your damn business.  It curls differently than yours, that's the only difference.  Make a deal about it and I'll make sure your next comment is with a torn muzzle."]





◄ Clan Information ►



[Clan]: Cara Cara
Past Clans: N/A
Birth Clan: Cara Cara

[Rank]: Guardian
[Mentor]: None
Past Mentors: MistyFoot-- may he find peace in Starclan

[Apprentice]: [N/A] Shallowstep is currently not a mentor himself but would find pride and joy in being offered the opportunity.  For now he is content without an apprentice to guide.  He will occasionally watch the young apprentices come and go, and can be caught smiling to himself if he sees them doing well.  He believes they are the hope and pride of the clan.
Past Apprentices: N/A


[Fighting Style]:

[Fast and steady, Shallowpaw.  Keep your body tucked close or you will give the target an opening.  Come at me now, catch me by surprise.  Stronger than Eagleclan, smarter than Owl, you're never going to win a fight if you can't--No, I saw that one coming.  Get off the ground now, try again.  I'm not...where are you going?  Shallowpaw, I'm not going to chase you down again.  I don't have tim--oOF!  ....Yes, Shallowpaw!  That was good, you've even winded me.  Do it again!"]

Stronger than Eagleclan, smarter than owl, that was Shallowstep.  At least, that's what he would like to brag.  In actuality the tom's fighting style was geared more towards speed and stealth.  He prided himself in being able to catch his opponant off guard whenever possible, and he was always keeping an eye out for an opening or a weak point.  "Shift your paws, never keep the same pattern or the opponent will read you like an open book."  His mentor's words are always ringing in his head during any fight, spar, or training session.  He reminds himself almost every day of everything Mistyfoot taught him, even the most trivial things.  His next move is always untraceable, and his speed makes up for what he lacks in size.  The Guardian has a special trick up his sleeve when in battle as well.  He will use the same pattern enough times that the opponent begins to read into it and is under the impression that he will repeat it once more.  Once he has his target where he wants them Shallowstep will change his attack suddenly, catching the other off guard nearly every time.  He's found this trick is harder to achieve with Owlclan cats as they tend to figure out his plan before he can make the final move.  In an event like that Shallowstep will normally resort to one of two tactics; Try to tire the other out until he can find a weak point, or (when close enough to the hunting grounds) lead the other into a trap he had set beforehand.  This is a last ditch effort on Shallowstep's part.  He absolutely refuses to run from a fight if he doesn't have to.

However, if the odds seem as if they aren't in his favor it can do severe damage to the tom's fighting.  Shallowstep will feel challenged if not threatened.  He will forget his mentor's words and lose all sense of concentration and steadyness in his paws.  The guardian's movements become sporadic.  He fights impulsively, and without considering his next move before he strikes.  This often leaves the guardian open, vulnerable, and prone to faster exhaustion.  





◄ Physical Information ►



[Overall Summary]: 
A "Poodle cat" is the name given to this poor breed of feline.  With his mother's short height and build, and his father's chimney gray curls, Shallowstep is the mirror image of his parents.  Each curl is short, thick, and soft as a lamb's.  A soft pink color tints his nose, inner ears and pads of his paws, similar to his mother's whereas Smoketooth's were gray.  A simple thin scar is etched from one end of his right eye to the other, as 'gift' from his brother after a nasty feud.  Soon after the scar appeared so did the Anisocoria.  Though its effects are not detrimental the condition does make life a little harder for Shallowstep.  Aside from making his right pupil larger than the left it also causes him intense migraines and bouts of dizzyness, as well as slower eye movement.  The tom ensures this does not hinder him more than it has to, though, and does his best to pretend the condition does not even exist.

[Accessories]:
1. Hours of exhausting work and a knack for crafts has given Shallowstep the ability to adorn a wooden bead bracelet around his ankle.  Made from rolled bark and strung together with tree sap and vine he keeps this item on him at all times, as a way remember his late mother who used to love the craft of beading and would often times recall the different types of wood that could be used and how they would look once shaved down or rolled. 
2. A necklace made from a very thin strip of flattened leather with his brother's front tooth hanging from the end.  This is a keepsake of the fight between him and BraveThorn.  He wears it as a trophy and a constant reminder of the morals he decided upon from that day forward.

[Mask]:
Shallowstep's mask never grew much in complexity from the very first mask he received.  It has the same rotten peach colored splotch over the left side and two loops of vine at one corner.  After a certain trip out to the hunting grounds Shallowstep returned with a splatter of blood along the side of his mask.  To this day he hasn't mentioned where it came from, or if it is animal or feline blood that he now adorns.  The tom could have easily washed it off but he decided it made him look intimidating--which was a factor the guardian needed with his small size.  After many moons of the mask baring nothing other than these few things another clan cat managed to convince Shallowstep to add more to it.  After a busy day in the hunting grounds Shallowstep came across a few large claws.  At their size and texture he assumed they were those of a bear, and his fur bristled with fear that the creature was still roaming close.  But when no sounds were heard or scents were registered Shallowstep took the claws and dashed away.  He now keeps them on his mask proudly, even going as far as to tell the young kits that he fought off the bear that they belonged to.  Of course he's always ratted out by a queen or guardian nearby.  But he enjoys watching the expressions of the impressionable kits every time he tells the myth, and so he has yet to stop.
2/4/16 - As of Shallowstar's promotion to Sovereign he has added feathers to his mask to symbolize his beloved sister, Featherpaw.  He has added one gold to the bunch to stand for GoldFeather, the Starclan feline he has been told was responsible for choosing him as new Sovereign of CaraCara.

[Physical Health]: 98%
Shallowstep is at the peak of his health!  His body has become lean and toned in the years of his training, but mostly in the areas you would expect of in a cat that specialized in agility and stealth.  His condition makes things interesting for him but doesn't affect the tom anymore than it should.  He keeps his body in the best condition so he is always ready for the next spar, race, or challenge.  The tom's ability to keep up with his larger or bulkier clan mates is impressive, but his endurance is not the highest and the guardian will tire quickly.  He does everything in his power to fix this, as he sees it as a weakness.

[Mental Health]: 73%
Physical health wise, this cat is fit as a whistle (that is the saying, right?) but his mental state is less than suitable for such a skilled warrior.  Shallowstep has a stupendous talent for making reckless and impulsive decisions that may get him hurt because, in the heat of the moment, he believes he is invincible.  He is completely and utterly positive that if his physical health is well mended then his mental health does not matter, at least to a point.  The tom can tell when things are getting out of hand and has a habit of secluding himself further if he believes his depressed ramblings are only becoming a bother.  He personally believes he is fine, but the emotional damage done from years of neglect and the harsh words of his den mates as a kit did more damage than he realizes.

[Scars]:
Shallowstep is clean of scars aside from a few clips here and there and, most prominently, a scar over his right eye.  (You can read about how he acquired this scar HERE )

[Notable Features]:

Physical:
1. Silver curls, ladies.  Get your silver curls here and get 'em while they're hot.
In all seriousness, though, Shallowstep's fur is indeed the most notable part of his body.  His ash colored waves of fur twist, curl and tangle from the tip of his ears down to his paws.  Born from his mother's shortfur genes and his father's shade of gray, Shallowstep finds himself being one of the only cats in his clan with such an odd and complex pelt.
2. Aside from his fur Shallowstep has another trademark feature.  That right pupil of his isn't something most cats simply overlook when talking to the gray tom.  Shallowstep's oversized pupil is caused by the condition, Anisocoria, that he acquired the day Bravepaw settled their scores with a swipe to Shallowpaw's face, and a scar over that same eye to remember him by.
Mental:
["Was the name not a big enough hint for you?"]  Aside from his most obvious moody personality, Shallowstep really isn't all that shallow.  The gray tom enjoys his quiet, undisturbed alone time.  He tends to take on other's problems before solving his own, and he harbors these burdens on sole shoulders.  When others notice this the first response is to help, but Shallowkit will always outright refuse, deny, or ignore the assistance.  He believes he can take on everyone's problems himself, and only by himself.  It's his way of trying to make the cats around him happy.  But instead it has had the opposite effect.  Instead he is seen as cold and blunt--which, to a degree, he is.  But Shallowstep wants what is best for his clan.  And if that means taking the weight of the entire world on his shoulders, then that is what the cat will do.

[Scent]:
Littlepaw: "What does Shallowstep smell like...? That's an odd question friend, but I guess if you want to know he smells kinda like baby owls. Dusty."

Twokit: "W-what's he sm-mell like? Uhh...l-like w-wet leaves in leaf-fall, a-and the air b-before a st-torm...I guess."

SwiftCreek: "My brother smells exactly as he looks.  Like burnt ash or stale air, or something along that line, I guess."

Brindlefur: "That ball of angst and cotton?  I dunno, I've never really paid much attention to his scent.  I guess the smell of damp soil, or old logs."

Runningwind: "Shallowstep smells just like his father did--like smoke and damp char.  The scent is so thick sometimes it can burn your nostrils.  Mistyfoot would have said the same thing, I'm sure."

 

[Voice]:
["Calm yourself, Brindlefur.  They watch over us from Starclan now.  This tragedy is one to be mourned, but you must remain strong.  Our clan did not fall with Runningstar, and it will not fall now that he is without us.  Keep your head about you.  With Starclan as our guide this clan will continue to thrive, we will remain strong."]
Shallowstep's voice is seen to most as cold, even bitter sometimes.  The tom has a rather unforgiving habit of being blunt with others and if angered or frustrated his words can even be biting.  But that same voice is always steady, and that becomes a great comfort to the members of his clan in terms of keeping everyone sane.  If said correctly his words become firm, not cold.  Shallowstep's voice is capable of showing encouragement, reassurance, and composure even at the most pressured times or in a panic.





◄ Personal Information ►



[Personality]:


Negative: :bulletred:

Jealous| jeal·ous | adjective | feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages|:
[Newborn]”Softstep, the gray one is on top of his siblings again.”  Smoketooth purred with a simple shake of his head.  He came into the nursery to visit his mate’s newly born kits, only to see the smallest of the bunch loudly announcing his existence with keens and tiny screams, and nimbly limbs forcing himself between his siblings and onto the very top of the small group of kits.  “He’s certainly an attention seeker, isn’t he?”  The tom chuckled, “Already a jealous one, and his eyes aren’t even open yet.” Shallowstep was happy to be the center of attention from the day he was born; his cries rang out loudest as he crawled over his siblings, and when he was old enough he stuck his nose into every nook and cranny the nursery had to offer. The little tyke brought back whatever he could find, presenting pebbles and feathers to his mother; he watched his mother's face light up each and every time, even if he showed her the same object twice, and he basked in the glow of her affections.
   Eventually his siblings caught on, and Shallowstep's desire to impress doubled into a need. His jealousy knew no bounds. He watched on, seething with frustration each time his siblings stole away even an ounce of his mother's affections.



Desperate| des·per·ate| adjective | - having an urgent need, desire, desperate for attention|:
[2 Moons]”He’s lagging behind, isn’t he?”  The smokey tom watched his kit struggle to keep up with the peers sprinting ahead of him.  It had been only a couple weeks since the tyke, dubbed Shallowkit, was allowed out of the nursery.  “He knows his skills will never match up with the rest, and yet he persists still.  He’s either ignorant…or just like me.” Shallowstep never let himself be left behind.  From tyke-hood to adult the tom was always pushing himself to his limits to keep up with his peers.  It wasn’t until his apprenticeship that Shallowstep, ironically enough, began to pass up the others.  This is because of his determination and sense of desperation geared towards being just as great as everyone else.  The kit worked tirelessly, the apprentice pushed himself even more, and the adult now doesn’t even believe he has a limit.  He is faster than any of his peers, and can outwit them easily in battle.  His strength still needs a little a lot of work, though.



Picky | pick·y | adjective | very careful or too careful about choosing or accepting things : hard to please|:
[5 Moons] “Ack!  Desert rat again?”  Shallowkit pulled his whiskers tight into a grimace as the deceased creature swung by its tail from the kit’s lifted paw.  He finally let the rat fall and took a measly bite from it.  “If I have to eat this thing one more time, Featherkit, I swear my tail will start to grow out just like one!  And then you will have to start calling me by Shallowrat.”  He snickered and watched with eyes lit up as his sister flopped onto her side with laughter.  He was only half joking however.  The taste of desert rat was beginning to overwhelm his senses until everything else tasted the same.  Now a large, juicy piece of rabbit? That was something he could go for any day.]Shallowstep has always been a picky one.  He complained about his meals only on occasion, while other times he would whine over what he learned in training that day if it wasn’t something new or if it was too easy, and he would gripe about what was done around camp and who he thought should do what.  ”Don’t let Runningstar catch you mouthing off like that, you’re only a kit.” was something the tom heard often.  But it never stopped him--he decided that if ever made leader, things would be done his way.



Impulsive | im·pul·sive | adjective | 1. acting or done without forethought |:
[Six moons] Shallowpaw, keep your wits about you!  If you go for an attack without calculating it first you will end up only hurting yourself.  Try it again.”  Mistyfoot shook his head at the young apprentice who was still gathering himself off the dirt floor again.  “Now, steady your movements and try to figure out what I’m going to do ne--”  The mentor easily shifted to the side as Shallowpaw ignored the old cat’s words and instead had started into a headbutt, which was easily dodged.  “Shallowpaw, listen to me!”  The mentor sighed heavily, this tyke was hopeless, “You’re too impulsive.”  His mentor’s words never rang more true.  Shallowstep was impulsive from head to paw, from kit to guardian status.
Even though Mistyfoot was eventually able to work it out of the tom’s fighting style (for the most part at least) Shallowstep, to this day is still impulsive in his ways, but he knows when a decision is important it must be made clearly, and will make time  to think it over before he givens an answer.  If you get him angry, however, the tom makes no calculated decisions and will say the first thing that pops into his head without thinking.



Incautious| in·cau·tious| adjective | heedless of potential problems or risks|:
[Nine moons] Shallowpaw ran as fast as his paws would take him through the woods.  He slammed against the dirt as his paws tripped over themselves, and tumbled right into another apprentice.  “Bearpaw!”  The small apprentice shrieked with a sheepish expression.  He was panting softly for air to return to him and trying to avoid the other’s angry glare. “S-Sorry.”
Bearpaw shook himself and began to groom the mud from his matted fur, “Chasing rabbits again, Shallowpaw?  You know Mistyfoot doesn’t like you going out so far into the hunting grounds.”  The brown tortoise-shell gave his friend a pointed look, “You should be glad I’m not a tattle-tail like Twigpaw.”
Shallowpaw bristled, his fur puffing up defensively,  “I’m c-capable of going out that far just fine, I’ve had p-plenty of training.”  The stutter in the apprentice’s voice revealed his bluff.
“Oh yeah?  Then what were you running away from so quickly you bumped into me?”
Shallowpaw deflated some, “Look...I m-mean… The fox was like twice my size, Bearpaw!  O-Otherwise I totally could have taken it down….”  He whined and shuffled his front paws.
Bearpaw’s eyes widened at that before he gave a scoff, “You’re going to get yourself killed one of these days, Shallowpaw.  You should be more careful.”

Caution has never been Shallowstep’s strong suit, and he still struggles with being careful to this day.  The tom is prone to mishaps and embarrassing situations because he tends to test or push any boundaries he finds.  Shallowstep is always on the hunt for a challenge and often forgets his body’s limits, which can have detrimental consequences.  As an apprentice his mentor was always nagging him about this very thing, and even now Shallowstep can almost hear the old cat’s scolding words.



Competitive| com·pet·i·tive| adjective | - having a strong desire to win or be the best at something|:
[12 Moons] ”I did so win that race!”  Shallowpaw spat with a stomp of his paw.  He turned to his friend, “Tell him, Bearpaw!  I made it to the oak tree before he did by at least a tails length!”
The brown tom simply shook his head, “Don’t drag me into this.”


Shallowstep isn’t very good at games.  Or, better put, he’s too good at them.  The tom makes everything into a contest, but he doesn’t realize when he’s doing it.  In his eyes, every situation is a way to better himself and his skills, so it’s difficult to get him to do something just for the fun of it.  If a simple walk through the hunting grounds can be made into a race, it will be.  When one apprentice came back with even one more piece of food than Shallowstep the tom would race back into the woods to fetch more.  He had to prove himself at all times.





Neutral: :bulletyellow:

Curious| cu·ri·ous | adjective | - eager to know or learn something|:
[14 Moons] ”Shallowpaw get away from there!”  The apprentice barely minded his mentor’s words.  His head was nearly all the way in the firefly hole when he was yanked away, Mistyfoot’s teeth at his nape.  Shallowpaw whined his disapproval but was met only with a stern look from the other.

   “I only wanted to see!”  The young tom huffed in his defence.  He stood to his paws again and glanced towards the man-made hole with a world of questions in his eyes.  “Haven’t you ever been curious about what’s down there, Mistyfoot?  There could be a whole new world below our paws, or another clan even, and we wouldn’t know anything about it.”

The Caracara mentor simply shook his head, he was far too sick and far too old for this tyro’s constant games.  “Then I guess this ‘new clan’ will have to wait a bit longer to be discovered, because you have training to do.  Come now, Shallowpaw.  I need you to focus.  You can’t dance around mysteries like a kit anymore.  You will be a warrior soon, it’s time you start acting like it.”


Skip ahead several moons to present day and Shallowstep is still just as curious as he was when he was young.  The tom finds himself intrigued by the unknown and the unexplainable.  The term “Curiosity killed the cat” holds no meaning in this warrior’s heart.  He is always finding himself in the worst of situations because of his interest in things that no one else understands.



Impressionable| im·pres·sion·a·ble| adjective | - easily influenced because of a lack of critical ability|:
[15 Moons] --"If I’m wrong, then why did father leave?"  Bravepaw purred, loud and obnoxious in his brother’s face. Shallowpaw halted, muzzle twisting with rage.  "You can't answer, can you?  Because you know I'm right.  You may be father's spitting image, but I share his mindset.  Mother was weak, she was vulnerable and had a mind that was too easily broken.  The rules and code are restrictions that limit one's strength, and father knew that.  He recognized it long before we were even born, and now that mother is dead I'm going to follow in his footsteps.  I'll prove to all of you that we would be better off without the code.  I'll prove that you're all weak here.”  

Shallowstep’s life completely changed without warning that day.  His brother’s words echoed in his mind every moment the tom was awake, and the guilt that was shoved onto him from his sister’s death left the apprentice unable to eat or speak for days at a time.  He didn’t believe a word of Bravepaw’s theories and yet they creeped into the back of his mind when he slept and took over his sanity when he woke.  From the very day Shallowstep was born he was impressionable.  He sought after other’s morals rather than deciding on his own.  From tykehood to apprenticeship Shallowstep leaned towards the mindset of his father, and his brother after that.  But the day of Featherpaw’s death everything changed.  Shallowstep began to question the morals he had followed after his whole life.  The rules and code kept everything in order.  Kindness did not make one weak.  He decided on that day that he would discover his own morals and ideals.  This determination dwindled quite briskly, over the course of only two moons Shallowpaw was letting his mind take after someone else again.  This time, however, that someone happened to be his mentor.  Unlike his father, Shallowstep’s mentor, Mistyfoot, had a respectful mindset.  The old tom was generous, patient, and strong willed.  He believed the code was good and fair, and kept things in line as they should be.  With no one else to guide him now Shallowstep let his mentor become his muse.  He realized soon after doing so that his outward demeanor began to change as well.  He came out of his den more, socialized more often than he had several moons before.  The fight with his brother and his new set of morals had lead him to realize how much he had already unknowingly distanced himself from the mindset his father held, even though it was the same sort of thinking he had idolized for so long.

It was at the last stage of Shallowpaw’s apprenticeship that Mistyfoot realized what the tyro was doing.  Shallowpaw was pulled aside, his mentor’s face grave for the first time in many moons.  The old tom wanted Shallowpaw to realize how serious the situation was, and how important his next words would be.  

”Shallowpaw, I need you to listen to what I say carefully.”  The mentor took in a large, shaky breath and began, “You were raised by a tom who loved you very much, despite his outward impression.  But his mind wasn’t in the right place.  He was always confused, and thought far too deeply into situations he didn’t understand.  I have spent my life as a mentor keeping you as far from that same way of thinking as possible, but I learned early on that it wasn’t easy.  You seek to please others by adapting to their attitude, but that is not always for the best.  I noticed not too long ago that, with the disappearance of your father and your sister’s death weighing down on you, you have chosen to follow me instead.”  Mistyfoot paused, his gaze steady on the silver coated apprentice before him whose eyes held only confusion.  “Though I am honored that you would deem my morals suitable for you to replicate…” he continued with a shake of his head, “...I cannot, with my sanity on the line, allow you to continue.  You’re old and wise enough to become a warrior now, Shallowpaw.  I believe it is time for you to find morals of your own to stand by.  You’re growing every day, in both mind, body, and spirit, and I know you will make the right choice, Shallowpaw.”

Mistyfoot entered Starclan just two moons after the day Shallowpaw became Shallowstep.  The tom finds comfort in remembering his late mentor’s words, and everything the old tom ever taught him.  It might be selfish, but Shallowstep hopes that he has finally become someone his mentor would be proud of.



Self-Aware| Self-a·ware| adjective | - having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact about oneself|:
[18 Moons]  ”You’re right, I’m being selfish over something stupid.  I shouldn’t be overreacting over this but you’re only making things worse right now.  I need to think things over.”

Shallowstep became aware of his actions and way of thinking very early on after the talk with Mistyfoot.  He began to recognize when he did a certain thing often, or realize fears and interests he never knew he had before.  Likewise, however, the young warrior also learned how unstable his emotional state was.  Shallowstep does his best to notice what he says or how he does things now.  He thinks before he speaks, and concentrates on others’ feelings before his own.  Because of this Shallowstep also has an easier time saying what is on his mind, and speaking up about his feelings rather than simply shoving them away and taking the explosion that results from it later.  He’s becoming aware of everything he does now, and it helps in the long run.



Assertive| as·ser·tive| adjective | - having or showing a confident and forceful personality|:
[21 Moons] ”I don’t care how bad you feel about it now.  What you did was wrong.  You have my forgiveness, but I won’t forget this.”  Shallowstep kept his gaze firm and his voice stern.  “Even the strongest of warriors must show respect and responsibility.  Maybe if you start acting your age we can talk again, but until then I won’t tolerate such behavior towards me.”

It was impossible to use the tom as a doormat or walk over him.  In the past, perhaps it could be done.  But now the warrior had a good head on his shoulders and a strong sense of justice.  He learned the hard way that a head hung low gets him nothing but teasing and abuse of his inability to say ‘no’.  But that was all behind him now.  Shallowstep kept his head held high and made sure everyone in camp knew that he refused to be walked over and pushed around.  It isn’t like the tom likes to get into fights, but they aren’t exactly uncommon, either.  He challenges anyone who attempts to use him because they think he’ll roll over and expose his belly for them.  This attitude of his comes from many moons of being pushed around as a kit and the assumption that, because of his size and thin stature, the warrior is easy to overcome.  This isn’t true in the least, however, and Shallowstep will make it his duty to prove just that.




Obsessive| ob·ses·sive | adjective | - thinking about something too much or in a way that is not normal|:
[23 Moons] ”Come on, Shallowstep!  We need to hurry or we’ll miss our share of the food.”  Bearsong shifted on his paws impatiently as his friend continued to bat and claw at his opponent--a poor, innocent tree.  “You can get back to training later, we really gotta go!” He huffed.

“Just give me five more minutes, Bearsong.  I think I can manage the strike correctly this time.”


Not much needs to be said here that hasn’t already been made obvious.  Shallowstep was dominated by the idea that he had to be training all day, every day.  This sort of mindset has made him just as strong as the others around him, if not moreso.  The tom spends his free tom slashing at trees and sparing fairly with anyone who will join him.  The warrior has wholly dedicated himself to improving his skill set.  He doesn’t have a great number of friends because of this but the tom is surprisingly okay with that.  He isn’t one to socialize too often with or without his obsession.  If you ever fell into a battle rather than a conversation with him, however, you would find he’s extremely hard to beat.



:iconstop-sign-plz:  The crossed out/empty portions below are outdated and are currently being completely re-written


(+)Tolerant

(+)Generous
(+)Empathetic
(+)Devoted
(+)Flexible
(+)Trustworthy/Loyal






◄ Extra Information ►



[Likes]:
Quiet / Challenges / Climbing / Snow / Fireflies / Exploring / Leading

[Dislikes]:
Teasing / Water / Crowds / Bullies / Taking light of subjects

[Fears]:
Deep bodies of water / Large cats / Being alone for too long

[Dreams]:
Becoming Deputy/Counselor, and eventually even leader of his clan.  (But for now, he's going with deputy.)

[Habits]:

Good: Constantly grooming out his curls so they don't knot / Keeping active when he gets bored
Bad: Over-analyzing others or situations / Beating himself up over petty things he did wrong / Bragging when he shouldn't be

[Orientation]:
ShallowStep is demisexual/romantic.  (Prefers/leans more towards Toms, though).  He isn't sexually attracted to anyone unless that cat puts up an obvious effort to be with him and see beyond his defensive walls.   It is difficult to get on this tom's good side, and even more of a challenge to try and court him.  But if he decides to trust you enough that the option becomes available then he wont just be your loyal mate, he will be the best friend you've ever had....who occasionally share in cuddles and face nuzzles.

[Current Attractions]:
Shallowstep is attracted to those who make the effort to get to know him better and become friends before anything turns sexual.  He is fond of others who have a kind heart and are down-to-earth.  He believes that if a relationship is strong that sexual advances aren't even necessary, and therefore he would be more than okay if his mate wanting nothing more than to be the closest of friends.

[Relationship Status]:
Step is currently unsure whether its a good idea or not to seek a relationship.  He's a bit on the wall, and might be until someone comes to him, instead.

[Relationship Tracker]:




◄ History & Family Information ►



[Parents]:
Mother: SoftStep
Father: SmokeTooth


[Siblings]:
Brother(s): SwiftCreek, fast and nimble, the tallest of his siblings.  Swiftcreek was an adventurer who got into constant trouble for running off on his own and exploring.  He enjoyed time with Shallowstep and the two played around constantly /  BraveTree, taking more after his father in the color of his pelt, he was strong and had a cocky attitude and a knack for bullying others, especially ShallowStep.  He didn't get along with any of his siblings and left home a few weeks after SwiftCreek.
Sister(s): FeatherPelt, more white in appearence than any of her siblings, short like ShallowStep with a spunky attitude.  She and ShallowStep hardly ever talked, but they were otherwise on good terms with each other.


[Mate]: None
[Offspring]: None

[History]:

You're Just Like Your Father
"Shallow, for the last time, listen to your mother."
That was something the kit heard nearly on a daily basis.  Sometimes it was when he ran off a little too far and whined when he was told to come back, other times it was when he had his sister pinned to the ground, and sometimes it was even when he was to be groomed and he ran from his mother's call to avoid it.  No matter the reason, Shallowkit heard it more times than a Kit probably should.  He was always getting into trouble, always bending the limits of the nursery rules.  

       His mother, SoftStep, was true to her name.  Her voice was gentle and caring, her gaze calm and her paws caressing with utmost care.  She was accepting, and forgiving, and a bit of a pushover.  The exact opposite of Shallowkit's father.  The older tom had a charcoal pelt with linings of silver where age was already taking its tole.  He was curt and stern, harsh with the kits and always gone somewhere off on his own.  Ironically enough, as much as Silverkit hated his father, he turned out just like him.  The excitable kit began to drift away from his mother's kind words and patience.  He secluded himself when he became uncomfortable, and grew irritable and whiny, his attitude increasing until the day he was finally allowed out to explore beyond the nursery.  

        The first place he ventured to was the Firefly Gathering Grounds.  It wasn't the glowing insects that particularly interested the kit, however.  It was the man-made hole.  He had heard about it for long enough that it piked his interest, and now as he stood right before it his first instinct was to climb in.  He didn't, of course.  Being raised by SmokeTooth meant he was sensible, and only someone with a death wish would go where no one else dared, and no one returned from.  He circled around it in wonder for hours on end, though, and it is safe to say that as simple as it is that firefly hole in the ground is what really sparked this kit's passion for adventure of the unknown.


Something to Prove
ShallowStep's transition into Tyro-hood was rough, to say the least.  He grew more and more distant from his mother and siblings as time went on. He found himself enjoying his time alone more.  So he isolated himself from everyone, aside from a very few handful of friends.  He explored what little he could and learned as much as his mind would allow.  By the time he was nearing apprenticeship ShallowStep couldn't properly do a lot of the things his peers could, but the cat prided himself in being able to tell you exactly what instruments were needed for a trap--now whether it worked or not was the real key, and half the time it was not, but that never stopped him from exploring different methods.  Or he would go on a marathon of words just on the constellations alone, but he couldn't lift half the things his friend's could.  He could tell you exactly what a rattlesnake sounded like--or at least, bluff that he knew, but those around him weren't interested in his stories and dreams. He could throw a stone perfectly across whatever thin sheet of water he found but he couldn't stay focused in social interactions.  ShallowStep engaged in every bit of exploration and information he could with his small pile of resources and limited places to wander about in.  Eventually he began spending more time with the warriors and watching them build traps and hold races than he did with the small collection of cats he might still call friends.  Just a couple weeks after ShallowStep was old enough to become an apprentice his father went missing.  He watched the tom leave early in the morning while the den was asleep, as he always did without explanation.  Only this time, the old tom never returned.

       ShallowStep became an apprentice under the mentor assigned to him--one that, to the cat's excitement, excelled in trap building and speed.  He learned to be fast, learned to be cunning, and learned to be silent.  He pushed himself to his limits every day, determined to become the best of the best despite his small size and, damn his genes, the 'cuteness' of his fluffy pelt.  No matter his skill the young tom was still teased often by his peers.  He kept on dry land to the best of his ability, unsure how to swim in anything but shallow water as he had never ventured any deeper.  He would, one day, as curiosity always got the best of him.  But for now the cat did his best to stay out of danger.  He had to, it seemed, because to him he was the last one left to protect his family.  His mother had passed not long after he gathered a mentor, and though he was torn by it the cat's stubbornness held strong and he refused to let his suffering show.  He bottled it up, and went on with life.  This frustrated his brother, Bravepaw, to no end.  The stronger of the two was outraged that Shallow could so easily move on.  The two fell into a feud that rapidly turned physical. Not much besides harsh words and bruising strikes were thrown across before they were broken up, separated by the others with hisses still heard in both directions.  BraveTree went away with barely a few scratches, but then again his brother wasn't the best at fighting with those stronger than him yet.  ShallowStep on the other hand never forgot the day, or was allowed to.  The thin scar over his right eye is a constant reminder of how heartless his brother had made him feel, how apathetic, emotionless...Shallow.
    
The young apprentice spent what free time he could in training after that.  He forced his frustrations out on the trees and bushes, making sure he was faster, smarter, and better than the day before, every day.  He never lost his passion for traps, stealth fighting, exploration and mysteries, but preparing himself to be better than his brother or those like him became priority.  One might say it even became an obsession.  As a kit he was the runt, even his sister gaining inches faster than he did.  As an apprentice, he was proven once more that he was too weak to hold up his own.  ShallowStep refused to let that tradition carry on any longer.  He didn't care if those around him could push a boulder out of the way or knock predators down with the strength in their paws.  In ShallowStep's eyes, even if the enemy was stronger than he could ever hope to be, if he was fast enough to dodge all the hits and cunning enough to outsmart their next move then he still had the upper hand.  The routine was exhausting, both mentally and physically, but his limits were almost always all but ignored.


Learning to be Okay
ShallowStep's rhythm didn't slow when he became a full fledged warrior.  Instead he secluded himself further, and kept up the pace of training himself until he nearly passed out with exhaustion every time.  When he did show his face around camp it was either to join in on a mission or assist those who requested his help.  He never turned anyone away unless it was an attempt at getting him to come out more, to smile a bit longer.  He did his part in the clan, and only his part.  The tom still hadn't discovered anything valuable about himself.  He was just another member of the group, just a walking sack of stuffed down emotions and longing.  His physical health got better, his mental health worse because he learned to bottle things up until he exploded.  But every day he learned to be better.  Every day he tried to make himself seem valuable to his clan.  Every day he considered trying to make a friend, or trying new things.  He was still wounded, his pride left with a dull sting that never quite went away.  He was still lost and lonely, and fighting against himself.  But he was learning to move on, slowly.
   
    He was learning to be okay.








◄ Roleplay Information ►



[Availability]:
[Notes]: OPEN ✓
[Skype]: OPEN - Friends only ✓
[Google Docs]: CLOSED
[Comments]: OPEN ✓
[Chat]: OPEN - Ask ✓
[Email]: CLOSED


[Literacy Levels]:
[Script]: CLOSED✕
[100-200 words]: OPEN✓
[200-300 words]: OPEN✓
[Anything above 400 words]: OPEN✓

[Role-play Example]:
:icontheir-dark-eden:

Crescent looked on, watching the infected until he was out of sight. He let out a heavy sigh and turned around, but he had made it no more than ten feet in the opposite direction before there was a sinking feeling in his chest. He brushed it aside-- the wastelands always made him uneasy, sometimes even a bit nauseous. But this feeling was different. It wasn't the sickness in the air, or the creeping feeling of being watched, or any other normal sensation that the wastelands brought. He couldn't place it, he had no clue what his mind was worrying over, but he knew without a single doubt that something was very wrong. 

    Crescent took a step back, turned around and looked in the direction that the infected mutt had fled off to. He was no where in sight. By now his team would be wondering where he was, concerning themselves that he may have been caught off guard by a raider and killed, or worse, bitten. He had to get back to them and make his progress report, as was his job and ultimately his duty. But that sickening feeling kept nagging at him, almost as though it were physically pulling him towards where the infected scurried off to. He had a choice to make: abandon his team for a while longer, or ignore every single voice that told him to go find the mutt and make sure he got back safely. He wasn't sure why he was feeling this, and now of all times. It was seconds away from raining. Raining acid, for that matter. And he was worrying over an infected? He hated their sickly kind, hated them with a passion. He had held a grudge towards them since his first year of existence. And yet here he was, suddenly racing off in the direction like his life depended on it. 

    "I'll scout even farther ahead. If I watch the infected until he gets back to his pack, then I'll have more ground covered when I go back for my report, anyway. A few extra minutes couldn't hurt." He sounded like he was trying to convince himself of this fact as he dashed faster than he had in a while. Which, to be honest, wasn't all that fast. The Edener was insanely strong, and to that amount he was lacking in speed. But eventually his feet slid to a stop as he saw a bent form of matted fur, skin and bones. "Damn it." He cursed to himself, cautiously walking forward and sniffing the other, and then giving his body a small nudge where there was no blood or residue. When the dog remained deathly still Crescent offered a groan and walked around to his front. He watched the dog for some time, staring with a bit of concern until he saw the faint rise and fall of his chest, and Crescent gave a sigh of relief. 

    And then the rain started. The Edener gave a louder groan in somewhat irritation and paced around the mutt below him. He winced as his body felt trickles of stinging pain. It was only a light sprinkle, barely there, but he knew it would get worse in due time. He was once again faced with two options: Save the infected, or turn around and find his team that, he had guessed, took a detour to find shelter by now. He paced for a few seconds more until the rain really began to pick up. And then as though he felt he no longer had any other option, Crescent nudged himself underneath the dog's stomach and lifted him so he lie across his back. 

    The doberman mix could handle the weight with ease, especially because the dog he carried was probably twenty-some pounds underweight. He grunted and made sure the mutt was secure, and the blood on him wasn't touching, before he made a run for it in the direction that he saw a small opening in the distance. He didn't stop until they were inside, protected by the cold, wet stone walls of a small cave. Then he gently slid the thin dog off of his back, settled down a good five feet from him, and shifted his gaze to the wastelands outside. He shook his head and forced himself to relax some and sit his chin on his front paws.  Then he was out of luck to find any other option aside from lying there with a fainted, infected mutt by his side and patiently wait for the rain to stop.  And so he did just that.





Character Playlist

Woodkid - Iron
Mumford and Sons - Little Lion Man
Funeral Suits - We Only Attack Ourselves
Few Bits - Shell
Daughter - Youth




did everything feel beautiful when you let go of the idea 
of being anything at all? 
♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦



Artwork © LittleAciidTrip
Mask re-do © FleetingStability

The-Painted-Ones & Format © Tarrath Ryrtia
ShallowStep © AuthorTwoBe
Image size
1019x660px 761.83 KB
© 2016 - 2024 VintageFinch
Comments16
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
TeachMeToLearn's avatar
omg. This baby needs hugs