Detailed backstory
cw: violence, gore, & death mentioned in "present day"
Kithood
Copia was born to parents Sorella and Nihil on October 1st, 2021. His parents lived in the twolegplace, and situated themselves in a small group of rogues. The group of rogues named themselves the "Dark Shade Rogues", and the cats that lived in the community were devoted to a dark deity under that name. The rogues believe in a deity called "Nox", whom is, always present in nature; and can be found hiding in the shadows... lurking in the creaks and crevices. Darkness is a common fear among most cats, but Copia was raised not to fear it. He was taught about "Nox" at an early age, and grew up alongside his older brother, Terzo. Copia was practically attached to Terzo's hip the moment he could walk, and the brothers had a strong bond. Copia also grew up with his half-siblings, whom were even older than Terzo. They were not close, and seemed to disprove of Copia.
Apprenticeship
Copia didn't exactly have an apprenticeship like clan cats typically do. Once Copia turned 3 moons old, he began to learn how to hunt, scavenge food, and most importantly how to defend himself. He was not taught the few codes a warrior respects in every day life. His "mentor" was Terzo taught him to respect nature, as "Nox" lurks in the shadows, but he does not give thanks for prey he catches, or to prey he steals. During his "apprenticeship", he was also taught more about "Nox"; through Terzo, Sorella, Nihil and other rogues. In order to stay apart of the rogue group, it was critical to show your devotion to the darkness.
At 12 moons old, Copia was considered a full member of the rogue group, having seemingly passed his "apprenticeship".
Adulthood
From 12 moons onward, Copia would live in the twolegplace; surrounded by cats he has known since birth. His belief in "Nox" never faulted during this time period; despite the hardships that come with living in the twolegplace. Unlike clans, their community is always changing in numbers; cats die, leave, get captured by twolegs, etc. It isn't easy, living in the alleyways in the twolegplace.... and with their numbers being at risk, Copia and Terzo were responsible for finding new recruits.
But the Dark Shade Rogues wouldn't be a "rogue" group without it's faults, correct?
Somewhat similar to the clans, there is some hierarchy— Sorella and Nihil are at the top of the food chain, and their eyes blaze with power. Sorella was born outside of the group— formerly a kittypet, and joined the group with her two sons, Primo and Secondo. Nihil was born into the small group of cats, as his bloodline goes down for generations. One day he expects his sons, Copia and Terzo, to take over as the heads.... as he is growing old and tired. Sorella, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be on the same page. She tells her mate to give them more time.... await and see how well they serve Nox, and ultimately the rogue group. Nihil reluctantly agrees.
Moons upon moons go by, and Nihil is growing older and more weak. Sorella's power only grows, and rogue members look only to her for guidance. She remembers that Nihil wants Copia and Terzo to lead the group like he had; but her gaze narrows with suspicion in their direction. Nihil's bloodline ends with them, and neither cat have heirs... With recruitment at the lowest it's been, she begins to wonder if Nihil's bloodline must cease to exist in order to survive. Even if that bloodline contains her own flesh and blood.
Present day
It's been difficult to find food lately; fresh prey isn't as plentiful in the twolegplace, and they do not want to beg for food from the twolegs. They'll bring back whatever they find, and perhaps they can even return to the alleyway with a new recruit or two. But as they scavenge, they notice a silhouette in the distance, and an order member comes into view. The gray tom— that they know as Dewdrop— approaches the two toms. Dewdrop, a former kittypet, towers over the two felines, and Copia remembers the troubled gaze on the tom's face. "I'm sorry Terzo... Copia. Sorella has decided we must go on without you." Copia barely had time to process the words, before the tom came barreling down on him.
He remembers Dewdrop's claws digging into his shoulder, and as he tries to shove the tom off, Terzo tackles into their assailant. The two scuffle, claws ripping at fur, and Copia tries to find a way in.... to help fight off Dewdrop. To his dismay, the larger tom seems to get the upper hand in the scuffle, and his sharp claws rip into Terzo's neck. Copia's ears ring as he screams out, and Dewdrop shifts back onto him.... as Terzo's form flops onto the ground. His heart racing, Copia manages to dodge Dewdrop's blow, and he tackles the tom to the rough ground. His own claws manage to rake Dewdrop's shoulder, but his assailant's claws dig into his right hind leg as they manage to shove Copia off. He scrambles to his paws, whirling around to face his opponent, but is.... shocked to see Dewdrop retreating, leaving a trail of blood.
Without a second to lose, Copia races over to his brother's form. His brother breathes weakly, and blood pools from his wound. Terzo's gaze struggles to meet his, and the older tom's breaths become more labored as Terzo finds his voice. "Copia... You need to.... get out of here...." Copia shakes his head— no no no! "Before he comes back... with reinforcements. Please Copia.... I can't let him kill you... too..." Terzo gasps out.
Blinking away tears, Copia races off as his own wounds sting, in the direction of SkyClan's forest... Unaware that his brother survived the attack... and is assumed to be dead by Copia and the rogues.
