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Post by embertuft on Apr 7, 2019 16:39:18 GMT -5
Chapter 1:
The sun beamed onto BirchClanβs camp, the chattering of cats mixing in with various bird-song around the camp. A golden she-cat was sitting down, her fluffy tail curled up, and her eyes averted to two small kits nuzzled against her flank.
βTheyβre beautiful.β The medicine cat, Pigeonfrost, hummed lightly. Of course he would say that, these were his kits.
βSo, Rainkit for this one?β Hareleap asked quietly, pointing a paw at the calico with grey flecks in her fur. It really seemed fitting for the small kit, the grey flecks looking like raindrops. Rainkit gave a little yawn, before snuggling back down into the warmth. Her sibling, a golden ticked tom, wriggled furiously as his sister took all the space.
βSomeoneβs greedy.β Pigeonfrost chuckled. βHow about Leopardkit for him?β The medicine cat leant down infront of the two kits, brushing his nose against their pelts.
βCan we see the kits?!β A yelp from the adjacent nest came from Rubblestepβs kits, Brackenkit, the only she kit, and three other toms. Their mother, Rubblestep, watched hesitantly and a bit in panic. Especially when a tabby kit began nudging Rainkit boisterously. βGalekit, come back here!β The queen raised her voice slightly, not wanting to scare the other kits. Obediently, Galekit gave a little wave to the new kits, stopped nudging Rainkit, and walked back towards his mother.
βSheβs fine.β Hareleap laughed, then sighed heavily. Pigeonfrost also looked pretty pitiful. βMaybe we should tell the Clan?β Pigeonfrost huffed. Sometimes he hated the medicine cat code. β-that youβre the father?β Hareleap finished. He nodded. βI mean, Meadowtail was going to step in...β She trailed off, looking back at the grey tom. She couldnβt do that. It wouldnβt be fair for Pigeonfrost, or the kits, to think they had a different father.
βWhoβs the father then?β Hareleap and Pigeonfrost were interrupted by two cats entering the nursery, excitement in their eyes. βNew siblings!β Reedpaw yelled happily, gazing at them. βA sister and a brother, is it?β βYou guessed right.β Hareleap purred, moving her tail away slightly. βThe tortie is Rainkit, and the golden one is Leopardkit.β
Pigeonfrost sighed, standing up and looking to the two cats. βIβm their father.β He looked away guiltily, his eyes wandering up the nursery walls. He just didnβt want to look at anyone right now. Feeling anxious all of a sudden, the medicine cat rushed out the den, not excusing Reedpaw and his mentor, Applestream.
βWhatβs wrong with him?β Applestream turned, gazing at the nursery opening, twitching an ear in onfusing. Hareleap fumbled, looking troubled. This was most likely her last litter of kits, and she wanted them to be raised well, with both parents. Almost trembling, she gave another gaze to her kits. Closing her eyes, and breathing, the golden she cat shuffled her paws uncomfortably. βTheir father is Pigeonfrost. But donβt blame them!β She warned, sweeping her tail around the kits. βWe just fell in love, and well..β She stammered, stopped by Reedpaw approaching her.
βItβs doesnβt matter, Hareleap. Theyβre my siblings. And you two fell in love, so what? Love has no boundaries.β
She gave a flicker of a smile as a response, her eyes floating to Applestream.
βYou had kits?β His eyes were questioning.
βYes?β She responded, confused.
βWith a medicine cat?β His voice became cold, and Hareleap cringed. βTraitor.β He hissed, and ran out the den, presumably after Pigeonfrost.
Pigeonfrost felt a frosty glare on his back, and turning to face an angry Applestream was not what he wanted to see. Without any words, Applestream pinned the medicine cat down, his claws slightly unsheathed, holding them against the grey toms throat. βWhat a cat you are.β Applestream sneered. βYou know what the code is. Yet some seem to never listen.β
βIβm sorry. But- Iβm in love with her.β Pigeonfrost rolled away from Applestream, meanwhilst cats gazed at them in confusion. βWhatβs going on here?β Darkwing was about to speak, but Applestream planted a cream paw infront before she could interfere more.
βThis cat here.β Applestream gestured, now sitting up taller than usual, and pointed to Pigeonfrost. βThis cat here. Is a traitor. Heβs the father of Hareleapβs kits!β
Chapter 2:
Rainkit could feel herself being jostled about as her mother moved uncomfortably beside her. She seemed tense, the kit could feel. Maybe even panicked.
The temptation to put her head up and speak into the conversation was high, but she decided to stay tightly packed between her mother and golden brother. The tortie had woken up a few days ago, but it had been very quick. No one had noticed sheβd had her eyes open. Rainkitβs first vision of the nursery was a low-roofed den with leaves packed on the inside, then brambles and branches weaved outside to protect it. Leopardkit had still been asleep, soundly. Naive to the world.
Instead she listened carefully, allowing one ear to prick up a little.
Hareleap was speaking, along with Rowanface. The deputyβs high-pitched voice could be recognised almost anywhere. βThem kits are a mistake.. might get exiled.β Rainkit barely heard any words, but they stuck out the most to her.
Mistake. That had been a common word used by cats the past couple of sunrises. Even by Rubblestepβs kits. Brackenkit, in particular. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the thought of Brackenkit. A loud, annoying kit, always shouting early sunrise. Even Brackenkit had started muttering βmistakeβ a few times as she passed them.
She didnβt think that was very fair. Her, and her brother, had never even spoken a word to her, or had Rainkit even seen her, yet theyβd already been labelled. All of a sudden, she was pulled closer, and left gasping as her mother tail tightened around them.
βYou wouldnβt kill them! How could you think of such a thing?β Hareleap was left in shock, turning away from Rowanface defensively. βWell..β Rowanface trailer off, looking awkwardly at the wall. βYou wouldnβt get exiled if the kits were gone. Anyway, they wouldnβt feel it.β Hareleapβs jaw dropped.
βMe and Pigeonfrost made a mistake. I understand that, and I will face the wrath of punishment. But I will not accept these innocent kits have to suffer.β
βI donβt want to be killed.β Rainkit put her head up, interrupting the conversation, surprising Rowanface, who jumped back in slight shock. Glad at her accomplishment, Rainkit looked back up at her mother, then wrestled out of her grasp. Silently, the kit trotted out of the nursery, taking a peek around the camp. A ginger tabby tom along with a white and black flecked younger cat were sitting eating prey. Hesitantly, she padded up to them, waving her stubby tail. βHello.β She said, mortified as her voice come out as a squeal. The bigger tom, the ginger one, looked down and gave her a warm smile. βIβm Meadowtail. This is Swooppaw.β Studying Swooppawβs face, she noticed he looked quite angry, and it was directed mostly at her. Uncomfortably, she took a step back, clearing her throat. βSo I take Iβm a mistake then?β She asked loudly to the apprentice. βWha?β His eyes went wide and he dropped the prey. βNo..no. Of course not!β He fumbled, his paws becoming bouncy, and he scattered off back to another den.
βWhat scum. Shunned against the code.β Rainkit heard a hiss as she passed back through the clearing. It was Applestream, a name she had become familiar with after he had attacked Pigeonfrost. βDonβt think I didnβt hear that!β She snapped loudly, coninuing to walk forward back to the nursery. The anger. It felt.. good.
Rainkit felt in control. A burning running down her spine. Seeing the shocked look on Applestreamβs face satisfied her.
βThink before you speak.β She trailed afterwards, approaching the nursery and eventually returning back to her nest with a contented sigh. Rowanface had now thankfully disappeared, even though it hadnβt been long sheβd been away. Hareleapβs face looked worn and bitter. Her eyes tired and sad.
βIβm so sorry, my dear Rainkit. You donβt deserve this, neither your brother. Stay a strong warrior for me.β
βYou havenβt done anything.β Rainkit looked up at her mother. βThis Clan is stupid. Too goody-good for their own good.β Hareleap was startled from Rainkitβs reply, she could see. But the golden tabby she cat remained settled, eyes drifting over to Leopardkit. His small chest was rising and falling slowly. Not yet had he opened his eyes, but he was smaller than Rainkit, so that could be a reason. It would be soon.
Leaves waves wildly as Hareleap put her head up, pricking her ears. βSounds like a storm approaching.β Drizzle patted the floor soon after, and strokes of water began to emerge through the nursery roof. βHmph.β Rainkit grumbled as rain lashed at her pelt. It seemed that not only here and Hareleap were distracted by the rain. Rubblestepβs kits were now galloping around, catching one anotherβs tail. When Rainkit noticed Brackenkit, her eyes narrowed.
The tortoiseshell came bounding over to Rainkit, knocking the kit off her paws. βWanna play with us?β She asked happily, squashing Rainkit into the mucky floor. Preventing herself from hissing, the young cat rolled Brackenkit off her back, blinking hesitantly. βI just wanna go to sleep right now.β Trailing back to her nest, Rainkit noticed Brackenkitβs scowling face. There was a blue, and Brackenkit stepped forward. βToo lazy to play, huh? I guess that proves that mistakes are lazy to the Clan.β
βIβm not lazy!β Rainkit protested back. Meanwhile, Galekit and Torrentkit has gathered behind, chanting in unison. Pondkit gazed in their direction, but his eyes were frosted over and no sight emitted from them. βWell youβre a mistake, so your useless to the Clan.β Galekit scoffed, and struck out a paw in Rainkitβs direction. Brackenkit scoffed too. She looked around desperately for anyone, her mother, however Hareleap slept soundly. Rubblestep had left the den a while ago, but would never let her kits act like this. βDonβt call me useless.β Rainkit said coldly, her voice barely a whisper. Unsheathing her claws, she took two steps towards Brackenkit. βFight it out. Youβll not be calling me a mistake then.β βItβs on.β Brackenkit crisply said back, a curve of a smirk on her face. βSheβs gonna regret calling me a mistake...β
Chapter 3:
Tomorrow was when Brackenkit and her scuffle was on. Definitely not scared, but hesitant at what could happen. Placing her paws over her muzzle, Rainkit tried to slow her quickening breaths. As much as Rainkit wanted to prove to Brackenkit, and she would, a spark of doubt enflamed into her chest.
βHello?β A shuffle beside the kit brought her out of her panic. She gazed at the moving mound with slight shock. It was Leopardkit, some of his pelt slightly scruffy and unkempt. He gave her a warm smile, and gently placed his head on her shoulder.
Slightly shocked, Rainkit allowed a purr through her throat. The feeling was new, and relieved her from almost all stress. She let out a small puff of breath, and looked across the den to the shadows of Brackenkit and her family. βIβm fighting with Brackenkit tomorrow.β Rainkit said clearly. Leopardkitβs calm face instantly changed to a one of alarm. βBut you canβt do that! Itβs not very kind.β He said naively, gazing at his sister who turned to him with a gobsmacked look. βI have to. You wouldnβt understand. I want to fight, and if I win, Iβll get respect.β
She nodded her head to her brother, whoβs eyes were bleary and mouth was crestfallen. βFine.β He said, defeatedly. βBut a strong warrior does not come from the fighting, it comes from the heart.β βOk, thy wise one.β Rainkit chuckled slightly, and lay back down in her nest. βIβll be careful, at least.β
~~
The sun had just began dipping above the sky when Rainkit was awoken harshly, and pulled out of her nest. She opened her eyes instantly, seeing Galekit tugging harshly at her fur. βOi!β She yelled and pulled back, feeling an immense amount of pain as Galekit pulled a clump of her fur out as she pulled away. βYou ready?β Galekit asked, a grin on his face. Rainkit shook out her pelt, trying not to wince at the clump of fur now missing on her hind leg. βIβll be fine.β A response Galekit got through gritted teeth. The brown tabby moved to uncover Brackenkit, who was stood with Pondkit and Torrentkit gathered around her. Scoffing, Rainkit walked a few pawsteps towards Brackenkit. βYouβll regret calling me a mistake.β Her voice was barely audible, and Brackenkit shook her head.
The bigger kit pounced unexpectedly, knocking Rainkit off her paws. There were supportive cheers off her brother. Rainkit twisted, and hit Brackenkit on the shoulder hard, causing her to loosen her grip. βDonβt think itβs that easy.β Brackenkit snarled, pressing her paws down on Rainkitβs chest hard, jamming her into the ground. βI didnβt think it was.β Rainkit grunted as Brackenkit planted a paw on her throat. βBut I do think itβs much easier.β Using all of her strength and might, Rainkit heaved Brackenkit off her shoulders, sending the tortoiseshell to go tumbling in the dirt, with an astounded look on her face. Yet, Brackenkit wasnβt giving up them easily. Getting up on her paws, she was ready to spring into a crouch till a horrified yowl echoed in the den.
βNo! What are you two doing? Why are you fighting?β It was the senior warrior Mistflower, a face of shock and horror as her eyes went from Brackenkit, to Rainkit, to Brackenkit, and repeat.
βIt was all her fault!β Brackenkit wailed at Mistflower, falling onto her haunches and continuously blabbering. Rainkit glared at her, gazing down at scratches which the fellow kit had inflicted onto her pelt. βI always knew scum like you was up to trouble.β Mistflower hissed, and Rainkit winced, expecting the insult to be thrown at her aimlessly, and Brackenkit get the sympathy. Surprisingly, the white and grey spotted she cat approached Rainkit, curling her tail around her. βI saw you preparing to pounce at Rainkit, Brackenkit. I believe this fight was forced.β
Looking up, Rainkit decided not to say anything. Rubblestep followed in the den soon after, her head flitting round, wanting to know the drama. βSo what happened here?β The queen asked with a voice as cold as ice. So much so, as she leant down to gaze at her kits firmly, a interrogating wonder caught in them as she went past each of them. βHas there been a fight?β Her voice was crisp and her tail swished. Mistflower stood up at this point, her tail still gripped round Rainkit protectively. βI believe Brackenkit provoked the fight, as her siblings were cheering on behind.β
Rainkit felt a rush of relief as Rubblestep bundled the kits into her nest, an annoyed look on her face. Although Pondkit was there too, but he hadnβt done anything. βPondkit didnβt do anything wrong.β She spoke in defence of the grey tabby, and he flitted his ears in her direction, obviously listening.
βGo and speak to Duststar. Heβll have good advice for things like this.β Mistflower bent down to Rainkit and whispered in her ear. The tortie nodded hesitantly flicking her tail. Does Duststar think Iβm a mistake too? Does he want me killed like Rowanface?
Chapter 4:
Rainkit gulped as she turned away from the cats in the nursery, her pelt waving in the wild wind. The storm from the previous night was still raging strongly. "It can't be that bad, surely." Rainkit murmured to herself, looking at her paws when she walked. The tortoiseshell was a quarter way across the clearing to Duststar's den when a pair of white paws stopped her. Slightly alarmed, the young kit tried to step aside out the way. Certainly it was just an accident had this cat stepped in the way?
"What's that for?" Rainkit half-yelled as a fluffy tail bowled her over onto her back. Her head jolted upwards, and she locked gazed with the cat who had shoved her. A pair of yellow eyes flared back, narrowed in disgust, not showing a hint of worry. "If you want to survive in this Clan, I suggest you watch where you put your paw steps." A bitter growl sounded from the other cat, which now Rainkit realised was Rowanface. "Of course." Rainkit dipped her head in respect for the deputy. A huge amount of dislike for the dark ginger cat was running through her veins, but she rather be on her good side than Rowanface's bad side.
"I'll continue on my way." The tortie cleared her throat, and raced in the direction of Duststar's den, tail streaming behind her. When her paws stopped thundering the ground, she let out an exasperated sigh.
"Hello?" She mewed, peeking her head into the den hesitantly. Her ears began to feel hot with embarrassment. "Duststar will probably be ashamed of having a 'mistake' in his Clan." Her ears flattened and she sighed, wondering why she had actually listened to Mistflower. Beginning to sneak off, and hope that no one had seen her, she crept around the rocky entrance, where Duststar himself was standing.
"Why would I be ashamed?" The big brown tom asked her, approaching her. She shivered, spiking out her pelt in the process. "Come with me." The leader beckoned her with his tail. Together, the two walked back into the rocky den. Duststar sat in a clump of moss, his eyes questioning.
"Because I'm a mistake." Rainkit murmured, allowing her pelt to flatten. She looked at the ground beside her. Never had she felt so ashamed and awkward. However, Duststar seemed like he was listening, his yellow eyes showing he wanted to know what she was saying. "You don't want me and Leopardkit in this Clan. We're born against the code."
"And who told you this?" Duststar's eyes narrowed as he shuffled around in his nest, questioning the kit. Rainkit was slightly surprised, but dipped her head in response, moving closer to the brown tom.
"Rowanface, Brackenkit, Galekit, Torrentkit, Applestream, Swooppaw seems to think too.." Rainkit began counting the cats in her head. Sighing, she trailed off sadly. The tortoiseshell hated being treat like this. What's it like being a normal cat in this Clan? Suddenly Rainkit yearned for normality. No scorning by other cats, or being called a mistake, but being treat like any other cat, and respected like them too.
"I understand that.β Duststar purred, dipping his head to the small kit. Rainkit smiled happily, all hesitation of her leader gone. βSo you donβt think Iβm a mistake?β She pricked her ears, surprised as the leader shook his head.
βYou want to be treat normally, and respected like any other cat.β Duststar said broadly. βThereβs only one way to do that.β
βHow?β Rainkitβs green eyes lit up, and she did a little bounce at the thought of not being a mistake. At least Brackenkit wouldnβt be her enemy anymore, neither would her Clanmates disrespect her.
βYou have to take authority.β Duststarβs eyes narrowed, and his voice became sharp and serious. Rainkit was a little spooked at his sudden change in attitude, but she nodded slowly, stopping the bouncing. βYou have to make them respect you.β
The tortie kept on nodding, allowing the new information to process in her head. βSo that means, fighting?β Duststar ducked his head back. βYes, Rainkit. BirchClan and QuailClan have been at war for moons. The only way they will respect us is if we fight, and we win the battle. They will see what we are capable of and not try to mess with us ever again.β His voice became more deeper and angry the more he thought of the conflict.
βI understand.β Rainkit jumped up on her paws, waving her stubby tail excitedly. βSo what are these QuailClan cats like?β
βThey are a load of starving fox-hearts. Crossing the borders, stealing our prey. Killed our warriors and tried to wipe us out.β Duststar bared his teeth, his claws out. βBut they will never defeat our Clan.β
βWhat foxhearts.β Rainkit scoffed, thumping a paw on the ground angrily. βHow dare they try and defeat our Clan! But as you say, Duststar. They will never.β
Chapter 5:
It was the next day in BirchClan, after Duststar had talked with Rainkit. There was a new feeling inside of her, like a spring of confidence, maybe even determination. The tortoiseshell twitched as she awoke from her sleep, gently opening her green eyes.
"What a nice day." She murmured under her breath, taking sight of the sunny beams shining through the nursery roof. Rubblestep was laying down, her eyelids flickering as she also woke.
"I apologise for my kits actions." Rainkit almost looked in shock as the brown tabby queen addressed her. "Tis fine." Rainkit shook her head sleepily. The queen wasn't to blame for Brackenkit's actions. From what Rainkit had seen, Rubblestep was a good cat.
"Where you going?" Rainkit twisted to see Leopardkit roll over and out the nest. His pelt was yet again messy and unkempt, but she guessed that was a trait he got from Hareleap. "Outside. We still haven't met Pigeonfrost." She said instantly, an idea popping into her head. For some reason, she felt she shouldn't tell her brother about the conversation she had with Duststar.
"I'm coming!" Leopardkit bounced beside her, giving her an awkward stare. "Want to race?" He asked quietly, and dashed out the nursery before she could respond.
"Oi! You're not beating me anytime soon!" She hissed playfully and tore after her brother, who had slowed his pace down a bit, and was sitting next to the fresh-kill pile. However, she was running too fast. Rainkit bowled on top of her littermate, sending Leopardkit tumbling a little away from her.
"I got here first though." Leopardkit let off a small chuckle, his voice quiet and shy. "Hmph." Rainkit let out a puff of air and began to walk awake, until she smacked hard into something.
Slightly off balance, she twitched her whiskers hesitantly, and shook her head. The kit's vision unblurred to reveal the confused figure of Pondkit looking around and crouching, fearful.
"It's only me, Pondkit." She called, sympathetically. The grey tabby turned his head in the way of her voice. His misty amber eyes remained sightless, and a small sigh came from his mouth. "It's fine Rainkit. Sorry about that." He gave her a small smile, flicking his tail. "No it was my fault." Rainkit dipped her head, feeling slightly ashamed as Pondkit attempted to get up, his legs still shaky. "Let me help."
The tortie walked round the side of the grey tabby, brushing her pelt against his. She placed her tail on his back, rubbing it comfortingly, and directing him slowly to the medicine den. "Happens all the time." Pondkit let out a light snort as he placed his pawsteps cautiously, and they eventually became less shaky.
"Let's take you to Pigeonfrost." Rainkit winced as she said the name of her father. This would be an interesting first greeting with her father. Bringing a blind kit to the medicine den because she had pretty much bowled him over.
"So what's going on here?" A loud voice broke Rainkit out of her thoughts, and she looked up to see a grey tom striped with black standing there. "Did someone accidentally knock you ever again Pondkit?"
"Fraid so." Pondkit replied almost instantly. "Although Rainkit didn't mean to."
"I see." Pigeonfrost gave a rumbly purr, crouching down to both the kits heights. He examined Rainkit for a second, in case of any bumps or bruises, then gently put a paw under Pondkit's chin, lifting it up.
"You seem slightly disoriented." Pigeonfrost diagnosed, looking at Pondkit with stern eyes. "I'll do a poultice of burnet, chamomile, lamb's ear, ragweed, and thyme." The tom muttered under his breath, and Rainkit's eyes widened from the amount of herbs he listed.
"Have you seen Hareleap recently?" Rainkit spluttered to Pigeonfrost unexpectedly, who's eyes widened in shock.
"Umm. No, since the Clan are pretty much against us." Pigeonfrost muttered, his ears flattening against his head. "I know what happened between you and Brackenkit too."
"Well, I better leave now." Rainkit mewed awkwardly, placing a paw on Pondkit's shoulder, looking at the grey tabby with a smile. He wouldn't see it, but she didn't mind. Giving Pigeonfrost an acknowledging look, Rainkit dashed right over to Duststar's den, noticing there on the way that Leopardkit wasn't next to the fresh-kill pile.
Must've gone inside. Rainkit thought briskly, before entering the den. She was all full of happiness until she saw the figure of Rowanface standing next to Duststar. The two were discussing something, but still she plunged forward.
"What are you doing here?" Rowanface scorned, looking down at Rainkit. The kit flinched, stepping forward to Duststar. Surely he would help her?
No. The leader simply lay in his nest and kicked a paw, contentedly looking back up at Rowanface, no sign of interfering at all. "We will attack QuailClan in six moons. The time of leafbare and when they are at their weakest." Rowanface huffed, swishing her fluffy tail and eventually leaving the den.
"What was that about?" Rainkit jumped aside Duststar, a confused look in her eyes. "Wha?" Duststar shook his head, gazing at Rainkit and standing up.
"Why did you not defend me from Rowanface?" Rainkit asked sternly, glaring at Duststar. This tomwas the leader of Duststar who had been pretty keen to help her yesterday, now it was as if he didn't know who she was.
"This is the thing, Rainkit." Duststar gazed down at Rainkit, putting one of his front legs on top of the other, then resting his chin on his paws. "When you want authority and respect, trust no one." He scoffed, swishing his tail a couple of times. "Trust is a weakness. Any cat is a traitor, they could ruin you at any point."
"Not even Hareleap?" Rainkit squeaked, puffing our her fur. "Especially not your mother. Relationships get in way of your true goals. Kin makes you soft." The leader suddenly unsheathed his claws, fanning a paw out infront of him. "I know the hard way."
"About this BirchClan and QuailClan battle?" Rainkit mused quietly. "I'll be an apprentice by then."
"Yes you will fight in the battle." Duststar chuckled slightly. "Don't you worry about that."
"And if fighting is a way of getting respect-" Rainkit paused, thinking for a moment,"-and if I fight in this battle, and am successful, cats won't call me a mistake anymore!" The tortie's eyes lit up with excitement.
"When can I start practicing my battle moves?"
"I was thinking that too." Duststar drifted off, gazing at his claws. "I was thinking you could start, in two sunrises. Be prepared."
His green eyes narrowed as he spoke. "This isn't any kit-play, Rainkit. This is the real thing. A true warrior doesn't go into battle with claws sheathed. So we aren't training with claws sheathed."
Chapter 6:
"Now come with me." Duststar meowed to Rainkit, the tom getting out of his nest and beckoning with his tail.
Rainkit hesitantly followed, her green eyes wary as the two shuffled against the rocky den. It was almost as if they were sneaking around. The tom figures eventually got to the camp entrance, where Rainkit sat and stopped. "I'm not allowed outside the camp yet."
Duststar turned and looked at her, rolling his eyes slightly. "I know. And I'm the leader, so I give you permission to come out the camp."
"Normally you wouldn't allow me." Rainkit hesitated, shivering as she looked out into the dark forest. Pine trees overshadowed as far as she could see, protruding branches setting out jagged figures on the brown floor. She shivered.
"Just come." Duststar snapped, and Rainkit flinched. Even though she was pretty versatile for her age, the tortie still got freaked out.
"Coming." Rainkit hung her head and ashamadly followed, tail dropping. Had she made Duststar angry? Did this mean he wouldn't want to train her?
"Now." Duststar stopped, sitting down and glaring down at Rainkit. "You should need to know the hunters crouch first." The brown tom got into a crouch. Rainkit observed that his tail was unmoving, and his paws were spread out evenly.
"Do you know why you spread out weight while in the crouch?" Duststar asked, looking at her and adjusting his paws to make himself comfortable. Rainkit thought for a second, her eyes floating down to Duststar's gigantic paws.
She shivered when she saw white claws glinting through his brown fur, seething through for a couple of heartbeats then disappearing again.
"Is it to be steady?" Rainkit asked, her voice pitch getting higher as she questioned Duststar.
"Almost." The tom flicked his head. "It's so the prey won't hear you when you move, because your weight is even."
Rainkit paused for a minute, taking a second to think. Shadows crowded around her, the forest becoming a bleary trail of green around her. When she looked up, her vision became disoriented, and she felt herself stumble to the floor. Only reality pulled her back when there was a wash of pain on her back.
"What?!" Rainkit twisted around in a heartbeat, seeing Duststar standing, one paw with his claws unsheathed. Tiny droplets of blood glinted on the ends of his claws. Rainkit shattered. With her blood.
"Do you expect an AmberClan warrior to tell you when they're attacking you?" Duststar hissed, stepping closer to Rainkit. Rainkit shook her head quickly, partly as she didn't want to be on the wrong side of Duststar, another reason she was trying to distract herself from the boiling pain on her flank.
"You must be prepared at all costs." Duststar said darkly, his yellow eyes locking with hers for a second.
"I'm in." Rainkit swallowed, her pain gone. The bleary forest that surrounded her, fully consuming into shadows.
~~
Two figures stood, one considerably smaller than the other. But both had the same posture, upright, confident, and showing a symbol of authority. It was now becoming sundown, and even though Rainkit was puffing for breath, determination laid in her veins.
"Good work, little warrior." Duststar praised the kit, who beamed happily. The uncomfortableness of blood flaking on her pelt was beginning to get to her. Her shoulders were grazed, an ear tip missing, and a deep claw mark on her flank. She'd inflicted her mark on Duststar though, so she didn't see it as a defeat.
The tom himself had a cut on his nose, nicks around his legs where she'd attempted to nip them, and scraped littered on his muzzle.
"I better get back." Rainkit mewed, licking her gazed shoulder carefully. "See you."
"See you soon. Come back to fight tomorrow." Duststar's voice trailed away as she walked off. Rainkit still had a heave of doubt and worry stuck inside her, but as she pondered more, it turned a new leaf. The tortoiseshell could use this as an advantage. Her battle moves needed improving, but she was confident she was well on her way of gaining respect of her Clanmates.
"I need a practice." Rainkit pondered as she walked. "But a fully grown warrior I can't handle yet. If I want to earn respect, I'll have to work my way up." The tortoiseshell eventually trotted into the camp, darting away from the various concerned faces questioning where she'd been.
"I need a victim." Rainkit stopped with sudden realisation. When she approached her nest, she noticed Hareleap and Leopardkit snuggled together. But could she trust them?
She didn't want her kin to make her soft. Rainkit grunted as a cold wind almost carried her off her paws. "Only for one night."
The tortie climbed into the moss nest, and Rainkit sat there awkwardly, struggling. "Who can it be though?" She almost growled in frustration, thinking of the cats who had shamed her. As almost if on queue, a blasting beam of moonlight struck through the nursery, striking down onto the figure of a cat.
Rainkit followed it, trying not to be blinded by it. The moonlight subsided slightly, so the mysterious figure could be seen more. Rainkit's eyes flickered with recognition.
"Brackenkit. Perfect."
Chapter 7:
Rainkit grunted as she was awoken to a thumping on her back. It was painful, where her wounds still lay from the other night. "Who's there?" She hissed, not moving at all from her sleeping position.
The cat immediately stopped, Rainkit could feel the tension in the air. "Sorry." The misty voice of Pondkit called, and Rainkit turned to face him. Even though the tom was blind, she still felt awkward as he looked in the direction at the flaky blood on her pelt.
"I smell blood." He announced, poking his muzzle out further to Rainkit in curiosity. The grey tabby was inches away from the deep wound on her flank, and she brushed him away, irritated.
"It's nothing." Rainkit couched, curling up her tail and attempting to hide the slash. "Of course." Pondkit mewed back, dipping his head back and going to his nest, a wobble in his step. Rainkit couldn't help think that Pondkit knew something was up, but didn't want to interfere.
The tortie allowed her jaws to part into a yawn, then immense irritation filled her as Brackenkit walked into the den. "I'm not happy with you, Rainkit." Brackenkit said harshly, standing in a defensive stance. "Neither am I." Rainkit glared back, washing a paw in the process.
How am I going to attack her? Rainkit thought for a heartbeat, trying to remember what Duststar had guided her on.
"Irritate them more. This influences the battle more, if they are angry, their anger influences their actions. So they aren't thinking properly, which gives you a benefit of attacking." Duststar leant down to Rainkit, a gleaming smile on his face.
Rainkit nodded her head, shuffling across the floor in excitement and slight doubt. She watched as the tom sneered at her, and immense confusion filled her.
"You're a mistake." Duststar spat in her face, making Rainkit wince. "You and your brother should've been shunned."
The tortoiseshell narrowed her eyes, slightly agitated. She knew he was attempting to make her angry as an example, but it felt like the taunts were real.
"Shut up." Rainkit said simply, pacing around the bigger tom. "It is not my choice where or who I am born."
Rainkit shook her head out the flashback, giving a cool stare to Brackenkit.
"Just a shame I've become good friends with a Pondkit." Rainkit smirked, getting up from her nest and pacing towards Brackenkit slowly.
The kit could see Brackenkit's neck fur begin to bristle, but she attempted to settle it. A piercing gaze in her green eyes showed slight anger.
"And your mother defends me. Not you." Rainkit nodded towards Brackenkit, her eyes widening.
"That's not true!" Brackenkit spat back, her tail fully fluffing up. "Then how come she was yesterday? She spoke to me in the morning. I know you were listening. You thought you were some sort of spy, sneaking in on the conversation." Rainkit responded coolly, and flitted around quickly.
"After all, you are a mistake." Rainkit smiled sickly sweet at the tortoiseshell, who growled and pounced.
Remembering what happened yesterday with Duststar, Rainkit sidestepped out the way, almost being pulled over by Brackenkit, but managing to remain stably on four paws.
"You fox-heart!" Brackenkit yowled, lunging head on for Rainkit. "You are a disgusting cat! I didn't deserve to get punished, you did! You are a mistake you worthless piece of mousedung, and no one could give a toss about you!"
That was the final straw as Rainkit snarled back at Brackenkit. "Come on then, if you're saying something, I might as well hear the whole thing!"
Brackenkit huffed, hitting Rainkit hard on the top of the head. The tortie felt a slight pain and headache, but ignored it as she scratched Brackenkit's muzzle.
"I'm glad your half-siblings are dead! At least they wouldn't have to meet scum like you!" Brackenkit screeched, bringing needle sharp claws back across Rainkit's flank wound.
Hissing in pain, Rainkit fell to the floor, flicking round. Red filled her vision, and she swiped, feeling her claws hit fur. There were continuous screeches, but she ignored them.
"Attack at all costs!" Duststar's harsh voice filled her mind. "If you don't do as I say, you will get major consequences!"
Rainkit shivered as his voice filled her mind, and she lowered her claws, breaking from her red vision. Her paws dropped and her eyes opened.
There was Brackenkit, a black and ginger body, tail splayed out behind. The tortie stepped back in shock, her legs shaky with fear.
Blood pooled... everywhere.
Around Brackenkit's body, and layered on Rainkit's paws.
Rainkit blinked in horror again, placing a paw on Brackenkit's body. No movement emitted from it, and she oppressed a screech of horror and disgust.
StarClan, what have I done!?
Chapter 8
Brackenkit's POV
Brackenkit only saw the flashing of white claws before her, Rainkit slashing repeatedly. And wouldn't stop.
She tried to yowl, but yet that remained masked against Rainkit's outburst of violence. Her mouth parted in a silent screech as another claw mark came harshly down on the top of her head
But why would she do this?
Brackenkit was knocked unconscious.
~~
"Where am I?" Brackenkit felt an immense warmth on her fur, like gentle sun pounding down onto her fur. The grass beneath her fur was luscious and thick. She could hear the gentle whipping of the wind through fronds.
As she parted one eye open gently, Brackenkit was almost blinded by the purest light she had seen. White speckles dotted the sky, stars. Although it was light and definitely not moon high.
"You are in StarClan." A brown tabby she-cat suddenly appeared in the midst of nowhere, her long tail flicking in rhythm with the wind.
"I'm dead?!" Brackenkit said with alarm, "Rainkit killed me?!"
"Of course not!" The brown cat suddenly snapped harshly. Brackenkit cowered away in shock, expecting a hit or slash of the cat. They must've realised their mistake, as their fur suddenly flattened, posture upright.
"I'm sorry." The she cat stood up, approaching Brackenkit, drawing a gentle paw down her spine. "Rainkit has seriously injured you. One of the nerves in your legs got nipped."
"Well how come I can still stand?" Brackenkit asked, confidently standing up with no trouble.
"This is StarClan. I'm just a dream right now." The brown tabby replied, sighing heavily. Brackenkit watched as the brown tabby cat walked beside her, gazing off into the sky for a second.
"So, I'll be injured when I wake up?" Brackenkit pried, the dread in her voice becoming apparent. What had Rainkit done to her?
"I know Rainkit is not the cleanest slate, Brackenkit. But you have your wrongs too." The starry cat came up to her, a stern gaze amongst her amber eyes.
"I did get a bit carried away.." Brackenkit trailed off, slightly horrified. I called her a mistake. She must've felt ashamed.
Sighing, Brackenkit looked at her paws. In truth, the she-cat didn't like this. She couldn't believe she had said such things, as she quietly reflected on the past few sunrises. A weird feeling filled her, like immense sadness and concern, along with pity.
"I-I don't know what to say." Brackenkit shuffled her paws, looking back up at the StarClan cat, who stood patiently. "I shouldn't have said those things, and now Rainkit probably won't forgive me, but I don't blame her!"
"Welcome to guilt, kit." The she-cat have a knowing smile, tilting her head to one side.
"Who are you?" Brackenkit asked. She could feel the surroundings begin to evaporate as she was transported from the starry land to her Clan. Only she heard the she-cats voice echoing in her ear.
"Spotwing. Rainkit's half-sibling."
~~
Brackenkit had to stop herself from screaming in pain as she gained consciousness, her eyes still pressed together in fear of what she would see. The kit gently lifted one ear, to try and hear better. Thankfully, it didn't scream out in pain like the rest of her body did.
"The poor kit." Brackenkit could heat the gentle hum of Pigeonfrost's voice further back the den.
"It's my fault this happened!" Brackenkit tried to speak, but her voice came out hoarse and a squeak. Confused, she tried to speak again. It was then she felt a poultice stuck to her neck, it was a lazy attempt, a cobweb strewn on with other string scented herbs she didn't know of.
"I provoked this to happen." Brackenkit forcefully whispered, opening an eye to see Pigeonfrost walk over to her, his eyes heavy with sadness. Her other eye, however much she tried, was covered by another poultice.
"You got a slight scratch on that eye. But you'll still be able to see." Pigeonfrost announced, applying another cool mix of herbs to the pain on the top of her head. She was glad of that. The pain almost disappeared instantly.
The black and ginger flecked kits eyes trailed from her paws all the way down to her hind legs. One was bound tightly in sticks and rushes.
"What happened there?" Brackenkit asked curiously.
"You nipped a nerve in your hind leg. You may have a slight limp."
Brackenkit sighed, pressing her nose to the moss bed. She could just make out the worried figure of Rubblestep approaching her, but Pigeonfrost guiding her back with his tail. She slipped out of consciousness for a couple of heartbeats, suddenly waking up again.
She bobbed her head over her flank, gazing at the skeleton of cobwebs shelled over her pelt. Blood drops still wavered, but she ignored them.
In an instant, the scent of Duststar filled the den. Confused, Brackenkit twisted her head. Why would the leader come to see her?
Instead Rainkit was standing there, her tortoiseshell-and-grey-flecked pelt ruffled. Her eyes gave a look which Brackenkit had never seen before. Then she saw it.
The three new clawmarks dug deeply across Rainkit's face. The tortoiseshell kit was panting, but still remained stable. Brackenkit knew she hadn't inflicted that.
"I'm sorry for all the things I said." Brackenkit bowed her head, going quiet. "I don't expect your forgiven-"
She was suddenly interrupted by Rainkit angrily storming towards her. "I don't want your pity." Rainkit bared her teeth, a loud snarl rumbling from her throat. She approached further, now staggering. "If you ever call me a mistake again."
Brackenkit could feel Rainkit's breath in her ear.
"You really will be dead."
Chapter 9
"How could you?" Rainkit slunk back as Duststar loomed over her, his shadow casting over her.
"I don't know what I was thinking." Rainkit winced, thinking back to Brackenkit's body splayed out on the floor. She'd never expected such an outburst from herself.
"Of course you didn't!" Duststar spat loudly. "When a warrior fights, they don't fight their Clanmates!"
"What have you been doing these past sunrises then?!" Rainkit spat, spiking out her tail, and walking up to Duststar, an annoyed and angry look on her face.
"I have been training you, not attacking you!" Duststar replied back calmly, sitting down to eye Rainkit in annoyance.
"Yes you have been attacking me." Rainkit pried further, taking another step towards him.
"If you want to know what a real attack is, try this!" Suddenly the brown tom struck out a paw, claws unsheathed onto Rainkit's face.
It was lucky her eyes were closed, otherwise she was sure she could've been blinded from the blow. It hurt worse than a bee sting, much worse.
"You never wanted to train me!" Rainkit spat, feeling a run of betrayal run from her veins. "You're just a hypocrite. Now you're pushing everything onto me!" The kit held a paw to her face, wiping away running blood furiously.
"That is true." Duststar responded, not an ounce of emotion showing in his voice.
"May I ask?" Rainkit flounced up to him once more, but not too close. She could still see his claws in the broad daylight.
"Go ahead." Duststar snorted, looking bored.
"Did you ever believe in me? Do you really think I can defeat BirchClan? Am I a mistake in your eyes?"
Duststar rolled his eyes, his head lolling to one side. "If you want the true answer kit. No, definitely not."
The leader crept forward to Rainkit, his eyes locking with hers. It was haunting as Duststar stared back at her, Rainkit shivered.
"And yes. You are a mistake. What else are you? One disgusting little rule breaker for going outside camp without perimission, and almost killing a Clanmate."
Rainkit could feel anger burning inside of her as she tried her best not to snap. I work alone now. Duststar was right. Trust no one. And if ever anyone call me a mistake again, they'll have their life at my claws.
Chapter 10
A black tom-kit dozed lightly, his chest heaving and falling as he was squished against his three other littermates. His mother, who was a fluffy cream she-cat with the name of Francesca, sat awake.
He jumped slightly when he noticed her kitten-blue eyes blinking down at him lovingly. "What are you doing awake so soon, Raven?" She asked sweetly, her neck stretching down to lick his ear comfortingly.
It was then that Raven noticed the faded blue sky, not yet light enough to be day-time. "Erm- I'm not to sure." Raven's ears pricked up, his eyes scanning across the glade.
Too late. Beside him, one of his three sisters, Riley, began shuffling and meowing in annoyance.
"Why'd you wake me up?" She hissed in his direction slightly. Raven turned, slightly disturbed by his sister's outburst, but ignored her. Riley was pretty cranky if woken. "Didn't mean to." He mumbled back, gazing at Ridge, who gave him a mischievous smirk.
Great. Now practically the whole litter was awake, with Rook still embraced into Francesca's tail. It looked quite sweet, Raven thought with a smile and tilt of his head. The black tom sighed quietly, wrestling the way out of his littermates.
Stepping further away from his mother and siblings, although her blue eyes still trailed after, he noticed now the bleakness within his family. Francesca was weary and thin, her pelt bedraggled over time. Her eyes still possessed the uncanny sweetness she had.
Ridge seemed mischievous, but her smile looked forced heavily. Next to her, lay Riley. The cream and grey-pointed kit seemed to have a constant scowl now. Rook was curled up, her chest falling and rising shakily.
He knew his father was dead. Although Raven hadn't met him much, before the late tom's death. His father was a strong cat, a black tom with white markings. Francesca had once said he was a Clan cat, and that was how they met.
She had been a kittypet at the time, her fur well groomed, pristine and clean. So when Raven's father had stumbled out in front of her, pelt mattered and crusty with blood, she never expected to fall for him.
"Are you thinking about Voleshadow again?" Francesca whispered to him, noticing her son's distraught face. The cream cat sighed, placing a grey paw over Raven's body. "You look just like him."
Raven guessed by the quietness of her voice he wasn't supposed to hear that, but purred back lovingly.
"Can we have a story?!" Ridge squeaked beside him, her kit-fluff poofing up as she gazed at the two enthusiastically. Raven couldn't help but laugh at his sister's antics.
"Hmm, about your father?" Francesca questioned back. Raven and Ridge nodded back. Raven had faded memories of past tales of his father, and wanted them replenished.
I'll start with my story. Since it leads into your father's tale. I was never always a kittypet, I had born into a family which was broken from the start. Me and my brother and sister, Seed and Russet. Our father was different from us, he never came and visited my mother much. She discovered he was a Clan cat, and things broke.
He came a couple moons after we were born, demanding they were his kits and he demanded to take them. My mother was terrified. She ran from our den, three kits in tow. The place we left was safe and secure. A small hollowed out log, set by a mossy covered floor and slanted river. It was named the River Slant by the Clan cats after they took the land over. But, the place we went to wasn't nice. We were desperate at this point. Mother's eyes had lost their shine, and Seed and Russet less enthusiastic. Rogues cats were everywhere, and we hadn't a bite to eat in moons. There was the leader cat, a brown tabby with such piercing green eyes, they made me sick. And his front paws were stark white, or formally that colour, since they'd been drenched in blood that much they were now pale pink. He had the same scent as my father, and found us out. Seed and Russet were snatched from Mother. They had no idea of my existence. I was kept smuggled in the back of a box, in the hope that at least one of Mother's kits would be safe.
Then they left. But not before the screams. I could see barely, but I knew the scent of blood as soon as it hit. When the alley went silent, I emerged from the box, Seed and Russet gone. Only my mother's body there, blood flowing from her throat. Her eyes could still focus though, and that look has given me the chills. She told me, "Be prepared Mouse, for you never know what will strike. One day you will have to fight, and even if there will be days you feel not capable, you will get through this darkness."
Maybe Francesca had gotten a little carried away, as she noticed Ridge's and Raven's awed faces. "Y-you were called Mouse?" Raven looked slightly starstruck and confused. Francesca could guess he was actually going to ask a different question, but spur of the moment caused him to stutter.
"Yes. Because I was the smallest of the litter." Francesca let off a little chuckle. "I don't know where Seed and Russet are now, but I hope they got away from that terrible cat."
"What else did he do?" Ridge asked, sitting up on her hind legs, tail swooping onto the floor.
"From my memory, his anger and actions was spurred by the betrayal of his sister. She left when they were young, becoming a loner. Ironic, since he became a rogue, but reverted back to his Clan status."
"Did you know her?" Raven asked, referring to the cat's sister.
"Cal?" Francesca asked, looking down, then nodded. "One of the kindest cats I'd met. She was tough, and strong witted. A pretty calico with grey patches. I remember the fight against her brother. Her group was full of loners and former Clan cats who were simply willing to help sort the situation. They thought it would only be a small battle, and maybe a confrontation. So did Cal. But this Clan were bloodthirsty, and the brother lead them."
Raven winced slightly, imagining the poor innocent cats who may have been killed and died in that battle.
"Although some details I don't know if they're correct, and some I've forgotten."
"What was this tom's name?" Ridge squeaked with interest, her small ears perked up, wanting to get every smudge of information. The queen swallowed gazing back down at her daughter.
"Y'know, just to stay safe in the future so we know who it is."
Francesca swallowed again, her eyes looking pitiful as she turned away from her kits for a second. "Dustblaze. His name was Dustblaze."
Chapter 11
Rainkit hissed and tried to resist as she felt the cold pressure of moss press against her wounded face. One of her eyes was closed as Pigeonfrost dabbled moss over it, but the other gazed up at him angrily.
"You need to keep still, otherwise the pain will get worse!" Pigeonfrost said firmly through clenched teeth as he tried to clean the wound on his daughters face. It already smelt foul, and he knew that infection had only started settling in.
"Fine." Rainkit resisted, allowing the grey tom to press the moss the her head once more, then begin rubbing all sorts of poultices onto it. She gazed at the herbs with wonder, scanning them as Pigeonfrost stood up to go to the other side of the den.
I wonder if he put deathberries in them? The she-cat thought hauntingly for a second then shivered. After what Duststar had done, she wouldn't fall for any tricks again.
She nudged her paw towards the pile of leaves, sighing in relief as no red berries flashed in her face. "Well at least that's good." She huffed, taking a step back as Pigeonfrost returned, a feathery looking plant in his mouth.
"What's that for?" Rainkit asked sharply, a hint of alarm in her voice. Pigeonfrost sat down, approaching his daughter from the side to examine the wound. "It helps heal wounds."
Rainkit pondered for a second, walking to Pigeonfrost and turning her head sideways so he could apply the strange looking stalk onto the slash. As he did, she began drifting off into her thoughts.
Why would he want to help her? After Duststar, she was sure no one would care. After all, Duststar could make anyone believe anything and he could manipulate them.
Her claws unsheathed and her eyes narrowed as she remembered the tom and his sickening gaze. Maybe he had probably told the Clan that she had been behind all of it, she had wanted to go outside camp, she'd been the one insisting on the training.
"Calm down, please." Pigeonfrost's voice went gentle, and he placed his tail tip on her shoulder. He could see her tense frame from her spiked fur, her narrowed eyes. Rainkit obeyed, then turned to face her father. "I won't show any pain!"
She beamed, surprising herself at the sudden upbeat mood. Maybe if she didn't show any pain, it would show she was strong, and Pigeonfrost would respect her!
"Of course." Pigeonfrost gave a chuckle and swiped his tongue on her head in a quick action, flattening some fur down. "Of course, but you're not invincible. I presume you want to be leader too?" He chuckled good-heartedly, and walked to the other side of the den to organise herbs.
Rainkit frowned at the medicine cats words. He wasn't taking her seriously!
She was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard a small cough off Pigeonfrost, but she ignored it and turned around, curling up into her nest.
~~
It was late in the depths of moonhigh, and Hareleap was sneaking across the camp, her paws barely treading across the floor as she flurries in the direction of the medicine den.
The scent of sweet herbs instantly comforted her, and she noticed Rainkit snuggled in amongst a tumble of moss and bracken, her face half-covered in a poultice of leafs and flowers. Further in the den, Pigeonfrost's figure was moving around, him being jumpy and organising herbs on shelves.
The queen frowned at his jumpy nature. Normally Pigeonfrost wouldn't be like this. He was known as a calm cat, one of the calmest in the Clans, in fact.
"You okay, Pigeonfrost?" Hareleap whisper-hissed, as not to awaken her daughter. The grey tom's reaction gave her a rush of amusement as he jumped back, into a pile of herbs, leaves tumbling everywhere. He managed to surpress a sneeze before walking towards her.
"Y-yeah. I'm fine." Pigeonfrost meowed, approaching his mate. Hareleap noticed his stuttering voice and shaky paws. She quickly dashed beside him to stop him falling onto the rock-wall of the medicine den.
"You are definitely not okay!" She announced firmly, planting her tail on his back and directing the tom to his nest. Even though it was only a few mouse-lengths away, it felt like moons before they got to it. Almost immediately, Pigeonfrost's paws buckled into his nest.
He looked back up to her, eyes so green it made her dreamy to stare. A sniffle and cough stopped that.
"Think I got an infection off Rainkit. F-from her wounds." Pigeonfrost sniffed, wiping his muzzle with a paws. "Should be fine soon though."
Hareleap was slightly concerned at his uncharacteristic actions, but appreciated the fact he told her she was ill. She dipped her head towards him, and turned to leave.
That was, before a sharp "NO!" filled the air. Slightly alarmed, she turned back to her mate, who shuffled back in his nest, creating a space.
"Please, stay." His voice was filled with weakness, pity and such a plead. This sudden change alarmed her quite a bit. Why was he so terrified?
Fumbling a bit, she padded towards Pigeonfrost, placing her head comfortingly on his. Slowly she curled up beside him, curling her tail around him to steady his trembling figure. Hareleap wondered how ill Pigeonfrost was. But she knew he would recover easily enough.
The two lay next to each other, the moonlight illuminating through the entrance.
"I wonder what StarClan is like." Pigeonfrost murmured, gazing up into the light, then turning away as it blinded him.
"You're a medicine cat, you've been there!" Hareleap purred, amused at Pigeonfrost's words. "True." Pigeonfrost sighed, the flicker of a sad smile on his face.
It was getting darker now, only the light flooding into a slice of the den was what Hareleap could see, and Pigeonfrost's bright green eyes staring at her with a sort of sympathy?
"Better get some sleep." Pigeonfrost smirked at her, and Hareleap nodded, allowing her head to slump onto the moss calmly.
"I love you." Pigeonfrost said quickly, but such a pain was in his voice. It made Hareleap confused. But in a split heartbeat she replied, a grin on her face. "I love you three-thousand times more."
She fumbled a bit more, allowing her head to get comfortable, and everything consumed to darkness.
What she missed was Pigeonfrost's words.
"I love you too the moon and back, Hareleap. Words can't describe it. And I love you three-thousand more times than the three thousand you said."
A smirk enlightened his face slightly.
"I'll always be with you. Nothing can stop love, and ours will be eternal and for forever."
His features fell in sadness.
"Goodbye."
Chapter 12
Hareleap awoke the next day, emerging from her unconscious state as she blinked back the sleep from her eyes. Sunlight flooded in the den, a gentle mild breeze blowing some herbs astray in the den.
It was beautiful, she thought. Almost too beautiful a day too have something bad happen. The queen noticed Rainkit's sleeping figure, the fluffy kits pelt rising and falling with each gentle breath. It was hard to believe what had happened to Brackenkit. She jerked her head to Brackenkit, who was covered ear to tail in cobwebs.
"You're barely a moon old Rainkit, and look at what you're getting yourself into." Hareleap muttered to herself, before taking a glimpse of Pigeonfrost's figure.
She noticed the tom's body, which surprisingly hadn't moved or stirred from her moving around the den. Hareleap could only predict that the warm weather had woken herself up. With her long pelt, she overheated easily. Pigeonfrost, as she took a glance at him, looked small and frail.
Surprising, as he had been all in good spirits. Until he treat Rainkit's wounds..
Her face contorted to a frown, and she pressed a paw to his face hesitantly. No gentle stream of air was blowing out his nose. Not to mention how cold he was. Alarmed, she flinched her paw back in shock, shaking him gently.
"Did something happen while he treated Rainkit?" She muttered, louder than she had expected, noticing Rainkit's stirring body, and piercing green ears stared up at her.
"What's wrong?" Rainkit asked, her eye drifting cautiously to Pigeonfrost.
"N-nothing." Hareleap stuttered, sweeping her paw in the direction of the entrance. "Go play with Leopardkit, just stay out the den for now."
There was a slight hesitation before Rainkit looked at her mother, down to her father, then padded out calmly. Hareleap let out a sigh, one she didn't know she had been holding.
Yet again, she shook Pigeonfrost's body. Slightly annoyed, she raised his head in her paws, shocked at how limp and lightweight he was.
At that moment, a spur of heartbreak and horror sent her collapsing in front of the grey tom.
"No! Please no!" Hareleap sobbed, brushing a paw down the side of Pigeonfrost's cold fur. One eye was slightly open, yet it was glassed over.
She needed it confirmed. Hareleap wouldn't believe it until she had evidence. Tasting the air for a single heartbeat, she gagged instantly, recognised the strong smell.
of death.
"Oh Pigeonfrost! You were trying to tell me last night, weren't you?" Her voice trailed off as her amber eyes gazed into his glazed blue ones.
"That you were dying."
She choked out the last words.
"You must've been so lonely."
Pain tore at her heart as she imagined him, gazing at her sleeping figure as illness consumed him.
How could she have been so selfish?
"I shouldn't have fallen asleep." She buried her face into his neck fur, which was soft and offered her some comfort. "I should've known. I should've KNOWN!"
Her yells became louder into screeching sobs, as she sat up, her ears pinned against her head, eyes filled with unmissable pain and agony.
Her claws riled in and out her paws as she notice a scatter of herbs.
"I should've known!"
One leaf torn.
"I should've helped you!"
Another leaf torn.
"And what does that make me?!"
Hareleap stopped shouting and broke into a muffled line of sobs, noticing the tattered mess beneath her paws. Leaves strung everywhere, tangled in her pelt, covering some of Pigeonfrost's too.
"What happened?!" An alarmed voice filled the den, and Hareleap rushed forward, teeth bared in a protective crouch before Pigeonfrost.
"Applestream." Hareleap spoke, her heartbroken voice suddenly turning bitter.
"He's dead." Applestream said bluntly, his eyes scanning the den. Rainkit wasn't in her nest, he noticed, Brackenkit only a small shuddering huddle in a nest. The poor kit had probably seen the whole outburst.
"Why would you care so much?" Applestream questioned, gazing at the golden queen, confused. He thought, no he knew his sister was not mates with Pigeonfrost anymore. He was so sure. He knew.
"I loved him, Applestream!" Hareleap spat, such a painful against in her voice, even his own heart shattered. She paced back and forward of the den, coming back towards him. "Nothing can stop love, and ours will be eternal and for forever."
That day, Pigeonfrost was gone.
To the Clan, they lost a medicine cat, one of the calmest they knew.
And it would never be the same.
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