Sunbear

A large, longhaired, seal mink she-cat with ruddy tones and hazel eyes

Sunbear is a large, dark red she-cat, her large size and presence is something she has had since her kithood, always being a great deal larger than her littermates. Her fur darkens to nearly black at her nose, giving her distinct colorpoints and creating a smooth contrast in her otherwise long, nearly unkept fur. She has hazel eyes that reflect her steely resolve, with a hint of warmth when she lets her guard down. Her large paws are slightly paler than the rest of her pelt.

Sunbear is a blunt and straightforward WindClan elder, her words are often sharp and to the point. Despite her dull demeanor, her fierce loyalty to her clan and her kin shines though, willing to lay down her life for their safety. She has a toughened exterior that rarely shows vivid emotion, which in her mind, makes her seem rather unapproachable. However, he harbors a soft spot for kits, though her lack of nurturing skills often leaves her uncertain and awkward around them. Her past in ShadowClan occasionally surfaces in her mannerisms. Adding to her stoic presence.

• Born in the Moon of First Green (2015) 067

Kithood:
Sunkit was born to a harsh and demanding mother, Scarletsight, and a loving, gentle father, Stagfrost, alongside her brothers, Hawkkit and Bigkit. Her kithood was a blend of fear and comfort, Scarletsight’s strictness left Sunkit anxious, while Stagfrost’s warmth and kindness provided refuge from her mother’s cruelty. Unlike her more energetic and mischievous brothers, Sunkit was quiet and introspective, preferring to observe rather than engage in their antics. The contrast between her parents’ approaches to raising their kits deeply influenced her, instilling in her, a resilience and a longing for genuine affection. Despite the tumultuous atmosphere, Sunkit found solace in the quiet moments with her father and the occasional playful times with her brothers.

Apprenticeship:

Sunpaw’s apprenticeship began with mixed emotions as she struggled to find her place amidst the chaos of her current situation with her kin. Her mentor, Fogear quickly became a guiding light, treating her with the kindness and patience she desperately needed. Despite this, her apprenticeship was shadowed by tragedy when her father, Stagfrost, was killed by a stray dog that had wondered into their territory. A patrol of warriors managed to chase the dog away, but the loss of Stagfrost left a gaping hole in Sunbear’s heart. Her brothers, Hawkpaw and Bigpaw, who had always been a bit bratty, became even more unruly and distanced themselves from her. They blamed her for their father’s death, believing she should have been there to help, despite knowing she was not part of the patrol.

The weight of her brothers’ resentment made Sunpaw’s apprenticeship even more challenging. Hawkpaw and Bigpaw turned even more insufferable, mocking her and making her feel isolated within her own clan. Despite their animosity, Sunpaw found strength in her bond with Fogear, who provided unwavering support and encouragement. Under Fogear’s guidance, Sunpaw honed her skills and grew more confident, though the pain of her father’s death and her brothers’ disdain lingered. Around this time, she met Fennelpaw, a younger apprentice from WindClan during a peaceful gathering. Their friendship blossomed through stolen moments at borders and during gatherings, providing Sunbear with a much-needed connection and a sense of belonging outside of her troubled dynamics.

Warriorhood:

Sunbear’s transition to warriorhood was marked by both triumph and turmoil. As a newly named warrior, she threw herself into her duties, determined to prove herself as a worthy warrior to ShadowClan. Despite her efforts, her brothers, Hawktooth and Bigfoot, remained hostile, their resentment festering as they continued to blame her for Stagfrost’s death. Sunbear found solace in her growing relationship with Fennelwhisker, the WindClan warrior that had once been Fennelpaw. Their bond deepened into a secret romance, providing Sunbear with the love and support she craved but couldn’t find within her own clan. However, the fear of being discovered kept her on edge, knowing that her clan would never accept her if they knew the truth.

As their relationship blossomed, Sunbear discovered she was expecting Fennelwhisker’s kits. Terrified of the repercussions, she decided to keep the pregnancy a secret for as long as possible. When the time came, she gave birth to two kits in ShadowClan, which she named Coyotekit and Sunkit, in the ShadowClan nursery, caring for them until they were strong enough to be left with a trusted queens. With a heavy heart, she left her kits behind, knowing they would be safer in ShadowClan but unable to stay herself due to the constant berating from her brothers making her feel worthless and unloved in her own clan. Seeking refuge, Sunbear made her way to WindClan, where Fennelwhisker welcomed her with open paws. Though she was only truly accepted after the medicine cat Rowanglade, who was tasked with the decision, recieved an omen from StarClan that Sunbear was meant for a life in WindClan. Life in WindClan was a fresh start for Sunbear, though the pain of leaving her first litter never truly faded.

In WindClan, Sunbear found a new sense of belonging and purpose. After many moons of being settled in WindClan, she gave birth to two more of Fennelwhisker’s kits, Basilkit and Hazelkit and dedicated herself to their care. Tragically, Hazelkit died young due to weakness, a loss that weighed heavily on Sunbear. Despite this, she continued to raise Basilkit with unwavering love and determination.

However, a moon after the kitting of Basilkit and the death of Hazelkit, the tragedy of the fellow queen in the nursery, Swanblaze’s death while kitting filled her with sympathy but also a resolve to assist in the care for the newborns, who had been named Aspenkit and Swankit. While giving the kits a place to be comforted and entertained, Sunbear was often visited by the kits’ sire, Rooknose. Which she often didn’t mind, often understanding why his consistent visits occurred and allowed them whole heartedly, even allowing him to sleep in the nursery with her until the grief of Swanblaze’s death faded to a more easy level.

As Basilkit, grew into strong apprentice named Basilpaw, Sunbear felt a sense of fulfillment. However her happiness was once again marred by loss when Fennelwhisker died from eating poisoned prey. The combined grief of losing Fennelwhisker and Hazelkit took a toll on Sunbear, but she remained steadfast for the sake of her remaining kit. Her loyalty and strength an anchor of who Sunbear was, even as she privately mourned the losses she had endured.

She had remained in the nursery until Swanpaw and Aspenpaw had been apprenticed, making sure that the kits were raised properly and continuously had someone in the nursery caring for them as well as ease their transition to apprenticeship. Even as a warrior, she was as caring as she could be to her own daughter and the daughters she had fostered for so many moons. When Swanpaw had died of Greencough, Sunbear were there for both Rooknose and Aspenpaw to help them adjust to their grief, while still remaining a steadfast warrior, she knew what it was like to loose so much so suddenly, and if she couldn’t prevent it in others, she make sure that those suffering would have the help they needed.

Retirement:

Sunbear’s retirement came as she aged into the role of a WindClan elder. After many seasons of dedicated service, her body began to feel the wear and tear of countless battles and long patrols. With Basilflame now a strong and capable warrior, Sunbear decided it was time to step back and allow the younger generation take the lead. Despite moving to the elder’s den, she remained a fierce protector of her kin and a source of care in WindClan. Her blunt demeanor and vast experienced made for some interesting stories for younger warriors and kits who sought her for some stories that she could tell. Sunbear’s presence in WindClan brought her a lot of comfort from the hurt she felt in ShadowClan and she now found comfort and relaxation as she adjusted into her new role.

• Escape the Noise (26TL'20)
• The Begrudged Kitsitter (17LN'20)
• The Sun’s Warming Rays (3LN'20)
• The Warmth Of The Sun (9LN'20)
• Where the Sun Burns (28TL'20)
• WindClan Pre-Gathering Meeting (14LN'20)

Foster Daughters:

• Aspenberry (A spotted seal point she-cat with black flecks and green eyes)
• Swanpaw

• Donated $10 to Ignore Clan Bans (unlimited)
• Sunbear is a Seal Mink cat
• Voice Claim: Garnet – Steven Universe
• I was given permission and approval from Book to use their characters