Content warning for parental abuse

I.

When discovered by Bloomclan as a young tom, collapsed only a tail-length away from their border, nobody knew how important Oleanderhush would become to the clan. With a twoleg trap tightly wound around his leg, it had taken hours to untangle him, Mothcall whispering to Oleander throughout it all; promising safety and security, a place to rest. Mothcall. as the Head Medic, believed strongly in the power of the patient believing in themselves. Perhaps that comfort was all Oleander, his legs mended, though the scars would last. Mo proved himself to be a strong-soul as he recovered; dedicated although, maybe a little bit lost on what his life would become. Still, Oleander petitioned for a home within the clan, Scarletsun willing. Oleander is accepted, as Oleanderpaw, set upon the life of a warrior...although it wasn't uncommon to often find Oleander wandering to the familiar roots to sleep, before being called back by a molly called Mourningpaw. The young apprentice had taken herself as the guide for Oleanderpaw... through their apprenticeship they were stuck att the hip.

II.

They graduate together, Mourningpaw requesting a later graduation to do so. Oleanderface, named for his mismatched eyes he held so much pride in. Mourningsong, named for the coo of her voice, welcoming always. Oleanderface had managed to shrug off the call to the den; despite Mothcall's encouragement. Mourningsong and him were inseparable, and maybe, this is what Oleander needed. Being Mourningsong's mate would fix everything. He approached her, and there, Mourningsong wept with agreement. Something finally settles within him. This was it - story over, he will be happy now -

It wasn't over. It grew larger, a pair of twins born. It was the first time the clan witnessed the tom cry. The second came far too soon. While enraptured by the cave-in, cats struggling to save those captured within the depths, the kittens had gone missing, Mourningsong had gone missing. It was illogical, but Oleanderface had fretted the molly had taken his children to the cave, that they were lost within the depths. It took Mothcall to calm him down, and with all paws on deck with the cave-in, Oleanderface went to find his children. He returned with the pair of kittens. His face scorned, the eye he loved so much gone, and his silence told all the truth that was necessary. It's only in the den, that he tells that true to Mothcall. And it's only then he finally begs to be set upon the path of a medic. He was average as a warrior, but it is there in the work of the medic Oleanderface excels. Although he struggles with his faith, an issue that gave Mothcall quite a few grey hairs. He is taught the tale of Glazefairy, sent to seek the tom within the stars, and Oleanderface searches for the legend while searching for herbs. Before graduation; Oleanderface is given a last assessment, a unique one, for the toms' situation. A week away from camp, the first since he was discovered, to sleep under the stars, and finally solve the issue of his faith. They do not speak of what had occurred, but Oleanderface returns home changed. Mothcall is overjoyed. He is ready. Oleanderface finally tears away his old name; that now only served as a reminder of what he lost; and is given the name Oleanderhush.

III.

Moons pass. Oleanderhush raises his kits, grows accustomed to this life, to dealing with illness and scrapes. The surge of twoleg activity seems to rarely disturb him, although his willingness to leave camp is significantly reduced. When Skyrise is taken, Oleander is quick to encourage Cicadasun to find a new deputy. He is quick to encourage replacements for all cats' missing someone in the surge of activity. That falls upon the new apprentice, Muddyleaf, who had lost both of their parents to the twolegs. With Mothcall insistence, he is named the new apprentice. Oleanderhush would never admit to having grown fond of the little guy; knowing his previous stance surely had sour their relationship; and gave all the training to Mothcall. He had hope to run from these feelings for Muddyleafs' entire apprenticeship, but Mothcall had begun failing. When illness strikes the clans, Mothcall is amongst the first to fall ill. Oleanderhush desperation pushes him to bargaining with Blizzardclan at the half-moon herbs, for the healing herbs to keep Mothcall going. It doesn't save Mothcall, but it saves a lot of other cats. Oleanderhush is worn thin, going on in a stupor, and in the moons that follow to Muddyleafs' graduation, the tom is distant. Then it all shatters. Cicadasun kits' pass, and Oleanderhush can only find himself at fault. He had been too distant, and this is what happens. Cats' die. He cannot afford to do so as leadership. And neither could Cicadasun. He watches as Steamrise leads the Gathering. Not once, but twice. And his is not happy. They need to be stronger; as he had learned, so through the lost of a mate, of a kit, of a deputy, he pushes her. Work harder. Do not give up now. Everyone relies on you. Oleanderhush could not lose it all now. Even as Dragonrise is appointed, he stares onward, and stands as a strong unified front with Cicadasun. Then she dies. And Oleanderhush remains in Dragonsuns' ears. Encouraging more, placing more pressure. And Dragonsun became leader. And Oleanderhush remains in his ear, encouraging the tom towards something great.

IV.

Muddypelt leaves. Oleanderhush promotes Sphinxtongue in their absence, although their relationship is... strained.