Unexpectedly, Leafpool was awoken before the Dawn patrol even had time to get up themselves. Shuffling around the patchy bedding, she gazed around the Medicine den sleepily. The walls of cold grey and thick shadows gathered in the deepest corners. Outside, the rims of the horizons lit up with a pale glow, while the rest of the sky remained a murky blue of the night, not ready to give up on it's grip of the world just yet. There was a groan behind her, surprised her mentor was up already.
"Morning.", Leafpool instinctively mewed, turning in her nest to greet Cinderpelt, yet all she saw was her slumbering patients deeper in the cave. A stab of pain when she realized she was speaking to a ghost, who died defending Sorreltail's kits. Desperately needing to remember she was dead, for hers and everyone's sake. Instead, the only cats left in there now, was Ashfur and Rainwhisker. Both toms fighting more bravely than any other clan member, gaining the most serious of the wounds. Leafpool had thought there had been enough time for all the injuries to heal. Which they were. However, the Badgers must of had some nasty filth in their fangs or spit, meaning the worst affected cats' wounds were reopening and getting infected.
Realising Ashfur was twitching in pain and wide awake, Leafpool stretched her spine before hurrying over to him, letting off a gaping yawn as she did. The grey tom twisted and turned in his nest like a fidgeting kit, forcing Leafpool to place her paw on his flank, "Stop moving or you'll loosen the cobwebs.", she warned sternly. Luckily, he did as he was told with a huff, straining his muscles under the pain. "Now- Where does it hurt?", she asked. Clawing at the moss under him, Ashfur muttered up to her, "Somewhere around my head, I can't really tell, I'm not a Medicine cat.".
Ruffing through his hot fur with her muzzle, she checked the bite marks on his shoulder and neck, their scents seemly unchanged from yesterday. Yet when she made it the edge of his torn shoulder, she found the patch of herb pulp had become oily and waxy. It was stale, needing a new coating. Why hadn't she changed it the night before?
Still dazed, she waddled over the herb store, struggling not to lose her balance. Wedging herself into the large crack, she searched around the narrow space. Alarmed to see, herbs bundles uncompleted, the carrier leaves still untied at the tips. What had she been doing? First forgetting to add new dressings to her clanmates' wounds and now she'd left her work half-finished. Casting her mind back, all she found was a blur of vague memories. Was she sick herself?
Sitting still like a stone, Leafpool focused on all her senses inwards. First, on her breathing, rapid yet steady. Next, her heartbeat, ignoring it was quicken from her nerves, still a good natural rhyme. Finally, she studied for any pains or strange feeling within her organs. Which, is then she discovered something. Regretting it as she placed her paw on her belly, feeling the hard and solid lump again, that been growing for the previous days. It was close to where the womb would be, like a stone inside her stomach. Until now, she'd told herself it was probably a tumour. Yet there was a much more, simple option, that she could deny no longer.
Finally, Leafpool forced herself to admit, saying it aloud in her head. I'm pregnant.
Now having admitted it to herself, the world instantly became a blur, her head spinning with panic. No doubt the father being Crowfeather, after she'd just ran away with him. Why had she'd been so foolish? She was a Medicine cat and the father was a Windclan cat, no less!
Crowfeather's murky blue eyes flashing in her mind. Remembering their one night together, under the beech tree, firefiles filling the atmosphere with their warm amber flames, fluttering aimlessly around in the air. His grey fur tinted with pale gold as she pressed against him, seeking his protection. A purr forming in the Medicine cat's throat. Oh, Crowfeather- Should you know of the life we've created?
"Leafpool, hello?", Ashfur abruptly called, breaking into Leafpool's storm of thoughts. In her hast, Leafpool grabbed only the bare minimum to create a fresh herb dressing for infected wounds; Cobwebs, Chervil and Dried Oak leaves. Only one thing was racing through her mind as she rushed over to an impatient looking Ashfur; have to talk to Squirrelflight, have to talk to Squirrelflight- Her heart pounding and ears ringing.
Quickly, she'd steadied her breathing and swallowed down her nerves for the sake of her patient, not to mess this up. Placing the new herbs aside, Leafpool pressed hard into the shoulder graze, scoping the brown pulp out. Ashfur hissing in pain. Shoving the waste away, she placed two large oak leaves onto the wound as a solid base, chewing the Chervil to a pulp and smearing it on as the second layer. Finally, flexing the fresh cobweb between her paw, she weaved between the edges of the shoulder, until tugging and tightening it, sealing it shut. Done. Hopefully holding for the time being, before Leafpool could add the extra herbs needed later.
Huffing, Leafpool nodded behind her as she hurriedly padded away, "Get plenty of rest, Ashfur.", she instructed. Seemly picking up on Leafpool's strange anxiety, Ashfur gave her cold glare with his frosty blue eyes, though luckily said nothing, settling his head back into his paws and probably going back to sleep. Satisfied, Leafpool went out into the open crisp air, the rock hollow stretching out before her. The first birdsongs of the day were beginning to fill the distant forest as early dawn crept in. Very few of her Clanmates were active, even the dawn patrol just starting to steer.
The only two up, Thornclaw on guard duty, standing like an unmoving hawk at the entrance and then, Brambeclaw, pacing at the base of the highledge, clearly stressed. Not exactly who Leafpool wanted, but it was a good start. Ever since the foxtrap, her father had been bed-bound, with his massive deep neck wound, leaving the young deputy to deal with most of the duties. Before she was even a tree-length from him, Brambleclaw called out to her, "Ah Leafpool, great!", he exclaimed, "Just who I needed.".
"What is it?", Leafpool asked, joining her deputy's side. Subtly he glanced over the elder's den, before responding, "It's Goldenflower.", he muttered, "The Alder bark doesn't seem to be working. It's still too painful for her to eat.". Leafpool had been aware of this for awhile. Toothaches and decay in elders weren't uncommon, but Leafpool couldn't anticipate it would worsen so rapidly for the pale she-cat. Gazing into Brambleclaw's amber eyes, she saw a deep concern the son had for his mother. Thinking about for a heartbeat, Leafpool answered, "I'll see if I've got something slightly stronger.".
Brambleclaw nodded, as Leafool quickly popped into her den once again. Even in Leafbare, any type of bark would be plentiful, it took more then frost or snow to take down a tree. But with the specific herb Leafpool had in mind, was from a plant made of a tiny cluster of long leaves, any still around would be withered or dead. Just praying, that Cinderpelt and her had stocked piled enough from the previous seasons. In among the herb store, Leafpool speedily located the Alfalfa preserved in oak leaves. Tugging it open with her teeth, the oak leaves separated, but she only found a pitiful pile of the herb inside.
With a sigh, she returned to Brambeclaw with only three short stems. The brown tom's ear twitched as she placed the herb down at his paws, disappointed yet didn't complain. "I'm sorry it's so small. But there's little Alfalfa, so we must use it sparingly.", she explained, "I'll add this to Goldenflower's daily dose, along with the alder bark. Make sure she chews it for as long as possible.", she mewed, nudging it towards him. "Thank you.", he spoke, dipping his head.
Cautiously, he grasped the life-giving herb, veering off towards the Elder's den. Silently watching him as he climbed inside, pity gripped Leafpool's heart for the poor tom. With Goldenflower being his last kin within Thunderclan, everyone else either dead or scattered among the other Clans. The elderly Queen seemed to be growing stiffer and greyer every time Leafpool saw her, fearing her days were numbered. Lucky to see the first blossoms of flowers and sprouts of newborn trees.
Suddenly, the gory memories then came flooding back; as Brambleclaw was forced to plunge the fang-like stake into his brother's throat, endlessly amounts of blood gushing out, tainting the lake a fierce scarlet, as gentle waves lapped at Hawkfrost's lifeless body. The bile rising in her throat. Wondering if Brambleclaw even knew she'd claimed witness to that gruesome event. Only hoping that had allowed the brown tabby to put his dark past behind him. As her sister's new mate, he'd better. As if it ever came to it, Leafpool would not hesitate to defend Squirrelflight's life, against him or anyone. Not after she'd failed to protect Cinderpelt.
Forcing it down, Leafpool could finally get to her own business, ducking under the log of the Warrior's den. Pale dawn light filtered through the cracks in leaves, the whole den glowing with a dim gloom. Endless rows of sleeping bodies, overflowing the den like an ants' nest. Carefully, she picked her way through the sea of her slumbering clanmates, trying not to step on anyone's tail. Then, Leafpool noticed the Half-Clan cat Stormfur and his Tribe mate, Brook sleeping further away from the others, still just settling into Thunderclan.
For a heartbeat, Leafpool considered speaking to Stormfur instead, one of the few cats who truly understood from personal experience. However, she quickly decided against it. Afterall, he'd the innocent half-clan kit, not the Forbidden mate. He was a victim and Leafpool was the offender. He and his mate had already suffered enough without being dragged into a stranger's proublems. Instead, Leafpool went to the direct center, where Squirrelflight's and Brambleclaw's nest laid, a perfect size for two cats, though only the ginger she-cat lay within the plump moss.
Annoyingly, just as Leafpool thought she could reach her sister without interference, the nest beside her rustled. Raising his head from his mate, Cloudtail blinked at her sleepily, "Don't usually see you up this early.", he joked, "And here I was, thinking you were one of the dormice of the clan.". Unwanted amount of offence was taken from the white warrior's comment, "Yes, thank you for that.", she remarked dryly, almost aggressive. Her outburst woke up Brightheart, who face was tainted with concern, "Are you two alright?".
Forcing Brightheart to shuffle across to let Cloudtail up, he stretched and shrugged, "The bedbugs probably bit her one too many times.", he mewed, luckily taking it casually. An awkward silence hung over the two she-cats, as Cloudtailed made his way out of the den for Dawn patrol. Quickly, Leafpool ducked away before Brightheart could say any more.
Slightly on edge, Leafpool prodded Squirrelflight awake, trying to keep her fidgeting tail still.
Not even giving Squirrelflight time to properly react, Leafpool harshly whispered directly into her ear, "I need to talk to you.".
Let's just say, Squirrelflight had not been happy getting up earlier than most birds. Not even able to groom her nest fur now, still as fluffy as a kit's. Still grumbling as they entered the shelter of towering oaks, the branches reaching up above them. Fresh frost clung to every twig and leaf, making the atmosphere musty and nipply, Leafbare taking full effect. With most of the undergrowth too thin and withered - it took them a good long while to find a patch dense enough to avoid any chance of eavesdropping from passing clanmates. Settling down on a nest of dead leaves and brown ferns overhead, Leafpool sighed.
Squirrelflight lashed her tongue over her back, trying to lay the thick ginger fur flat as Leafpool remained silent. The Medicine cat had expected to be able to blurt it out easily. This was to her littermate, after all, having each other's back since their birth. Yet, now that the moment had come, the words were stuck in her throat. Then, Squirrelflight halted with her grooming, sensing Leafpool's unnatural quietness, her fiery green eyes directly meeting her clear amber ones. "Leafpool, if something's on your mind, you need to tell me.", Squirrelflight mewed encouragingly, "It's not like you drag me out here for nothing.".
Shuffling nervously and placing her paw on her belly, Leafpool tried forcing her muscles to move and form the words, yet still nothing. Warily, Squirrelflight's eyes widen as she noticed Leafpool's paw pressing against her stomach, "You're pregnant, aren't you?", she whispered. Instantly, Leafpool froze on the spot. Even if Squirrelflight was her sister, Leafpool was shocked that she was able to guess her situation so quickly and effortlessly. Yet the ginger she-cat still wasn't done, "Crowfeather being the father, of course!"
"Ho-how do you know?", was all that Leafpool could utter as she stared dumbstruck at Squirrelflight, who's fur now bristled with tension.
"Even someone like me could tell that.", she exclaimed with an edge in her voice, "With you two acting so soppy together, for so long- It was only a matter of time.".
"When do you think they'll realise?", Leafpool whispered, desperately needing to hear her sister's advice. Squirrelflight shrugged, "Once you start getting fat, they'd have be mousebrained not to put two and two together.", pointing out a very painful yet very true fact. It wouldn't be long before Leafpool's cover was up if she didn't do something. As a Medicine cat and the actual one who was pregnant, she got a head start. Though it wouldn't take long for the Queens like Ferncloud to follow suit and figure out the truth.
"So how long you've got until the belly start swelling?", Squirrelflight questioned, sniffing the air, trying to pick up a milk scent. Swallowing with guilt, Leafpool clawed at the musty leaves underpaw, "It's not until a half-moon into the pregnancy, the first visible signs show. Right now, I'd say I'm about a quarter of a moon in.", she confirmed, trying to keep her word steady without cracking up with emotion. Leaning back, Squirrelflight rested on a thick tangle of stems like a tree trunk, thoughtful.
Despite needing to, Leafpool just couldn't read the emotions going over Squirrelflight's blank face. What was she thinking of all of this? Should have Leafpool really dragged her poor littermate into this whole mess? Before Squirrelflight could say another word, Leafpool quickly blurted out her suggestion, "Do you think I should just be honest?".
Suddenly, Squirrelflight become alert, jerked her head forward, "You can't do that!", she begged, "You've heard the stories from Stormfur and Feathertail. They were almost executed as apprentices for being half-clan. Stonefur even lost his life.". A horrid dread rippled through Leafpool, releasing the terrible danger she had put her kits in by allowing them to be half-clan. Great Starclan, what had she done?
Sadly, Squirrelflight wasn't finished, her fiery temper draining from her, to something more fearful, "If it got out those kits were not only half-clan but the kits of a Medicine cat too- Their very lives could be at risk.". At first, Leafpool didn't know how to reply. Just then, memories slipping into her mind of Daisy being first found on their territory, with three precious kits. Serval clanmates had always been shifty around the former loners, but nothing to suggest they'd be exiled or killed. Half-clan cats had always been more widely hated than outsiders who joined the Clans later on.
"We'll just have to say we found them abandoned.", Leafpool mewed pleased, thinking this simple excuse would chase away any complications. Somehow Squirrelflight was still able to find a flaw within it, shaking her head, "You know what father's like. He'd never allow Thunderclan to take kits without the mother's or father's permission. He'd search the edges of the earth for those supposed 'parents'.". She was right. Claiming they'd just found her kits, would bring up too many questions in itself.
"T-Then what else can I do?", Leafpool asked, her heartbeat quickening with panic, " I'm rapidly running out of options here.".
"What else?", Squirrelflight huffed sternly, a spark of raw determination lighting up inside her, "I'll just say they're mine.".
In the moment, Leafpool felt like a branch being violently snapped by a powerful gale. "What?!", the brown tabby cried. Squirrelflight began to nervously pace up and down the narrow space between the fern bushes. Flinging herself directly into Squirrelflight's path, Leafpool thrashed her head side to side, "Squirrelflight- don't be ridiculous. This is my mistake, not yours. I'm only asking for your advice, not for you to sacrifice your entire life!".
Squirrelflight's held her chin up proudly, not taking any of Leafpool's nonsense, "Even if you were being the silliest furball, you're still my sister.", she muttered, "What kind of littermate would I be, to leave you alone at a time like this?". Then, her squirrel-like tail wrapped around Leafpool's drooping shoulders as she helplessly stared down at the forest floor.
Squirrelflight carried on, "But I'm not just doing this for you, I'm also doing this for the kits. They deserve the best possible life and I'll make sure they get it.".
Leafpool lifted her head, meeting her sister's gaze, "Don't you want your own kits, with Brambleclaw?", she asked. This was her fault! Now she gotten her sister involved in a mess of her own making. And once Squirrelflight decided something, it was impossible to change her mind. It was easier to move a boulder.
Squirrelflight only sighed, "Since he's deputy, he can't afford to dragged into the lie now. Our Clanmates need someone they can trust. I'll tell him when the time is right and we can have our own litter, slightly later on. No big deal...".
Leafpool was speechless but then grew the courage to ask one final question, "...How are you so strong?"
With a pause, Squirrelflight answered, "Because I'm the only one who can be.".
By the time, They'd returned to camp, it was already sunhigh. Brambleclaw had been the first to greet them, barking like to dog to know where they'd been. Of course, Squirrelflight not hesitating to argue back. Despite the pain the conversation had caused, they'd come up with a plan. Using her Medicine training, Leafpool was going to attempt to fake Squirrelflight's pregnant belly, while trying to keep her swollen one down. How exactly they were going to do it, was still impossible to say. The details still not ironed out yet. But they needed to do it quickly. All it would take was another 9 sunrises for the signs of pregnancy to begin.
For the entire day, Leafpool's head was devoid of any proper thoughts. Only a numb guiltiness. Now wishing she'd concealed the truth from her littermate. Dragging herself around as she performed her daily duties, literally needing to force every movement like a slug. Worryingly, the Clanmates around her starting to take notice. Making her wonder, how long would it take one of them to notice the kits in her belly?
While Squirrelflight was the complete opposite, being in the foulest of moods. Though it wasn't all that different from her usual self in all honesty. Bounding around camp, sticking her unwanted muzzle into everyone's business and throwing insults left and right with that sharp tongue of hers. Getting into numerous bickers with her mate, who already had enough to deal with, while Firestar remained struck in his den after the foxtrap. Though, Brambleclaw did start several of them.
Eventually, this caught the attention of their mother. Just as Leafpool had finished dealing Mousefur's whitecough, a very stern-looking Sandstorm signalled her over to a rocky corner of the Highledge's base, Squirrelflight already there. The creamy she-cat puffed up her chest as she stared at her two daughters, like they were kits all over again.
"Now you're going to tell me what's going on.", she scolded, "Your father already has enough to deal with in his current state, without you two worrying him.". The sisters shared a glance, slightly at a lose for what to do. Could they really come up with a convincing excuse in this very heartbeat? Yet, Squirrelflight was cool and confident, her shoulders held straight and steady. Giving Leafpool a subtle nod. Of course, they'd already decided. Maybe a little earlier then she'd expected, but it was as good a time as any.
"My apologies, if we've been acting a little distracted.", Leafpool lied, "We just don't know what to do with ourselves, after- we discovered Squirrelflight pregnant.", forcing a purr out. It like Leafpool was being stung by a hive of hornets. How could she do this? First, her sister and now her mother. What was worse, once her kits were safe against Squirrelflight's belly, they'd be just more blind victims of Leafpool's crime. Starclan, help them!
The words took awhile to set in, but then Sandstorm's jaw dropped wide open, in utter astonishment. "That's my girl!", Sandstorm exclaimed. Instantly, she bounded up to Squirrelflight's side, giving her loving licks between the ears, a loud rumble in her throat. Quickly, the ginger she-cat swatted her mother away with her white paw, embarrassed. "Yap.", Squirrelflight grinned, "Got lots of mini-mes growing inside me right now.".
"Let's hope not. One of you was tough enough, but a whole litter?!", Sandstorm joked. "Hey!", Squirrelflight exclaimed, playfully prodding Sandstorm's pink nose like she did when she was young. Silently, Leafpool watched the mother and daughter laughing together, strangely feeling like those cats in front of her, weren't kin but strangers, for a heartbeat. Though needing to remember, even if she was the one pregnant with the kits, it would Squirrelflight sleeping and nursing them every day for six moons. Only she deserved to be called their mother.
Giving Squirrelflight another lick on the cheek, Sandstorm blinked, pride in her green leaf eyes, "May I ask who the father is?", she quietly mewed. For a moment, Leafpool thought Squirrelflight couldn't force an answer, but hurriedly responded, "Who else but Brambleclaw?", she cheered.
Nodding, Sandstorm pointed to the Brown tabby in the distance, as he was surrounded by a small crowd, organizing the last of the patrols, "Then go and tell him.", their mother whispered, "Trust me, in my experience, the sooner you tell them, the quicker they'll stop acting like headless foxes. Don't worry, I'll deal with Firestar.". With that, Sandstorm bounded up the boulders, heading towards the Leader's den. Guilt threatening to crush Leafpool. Meanwhile, Squirrelflight had little choice but nervously edging towards the mate that trusted her, to give him the false news. All Leafpool could do was press against her sister, trying to be any source of confronting.
They hooved back until the last of the Thunderclan warriors disbanded to perform their duties. Before finally, Squirrelflight bulked up the courage to approach him, leaving Leafpool lagging behind. Brambleclaw's mood lighting up as his mate arrived, dumping heads in greetings. At least, his temper seemed to have gone down from earlier. "And what can I do for the fire sisters?", he teased, overly proud of himself for that little nickname.
Struggling not to let the fur on her neck fur spike, Squirrelflight puffed up her chest proudly, "Well there is one thing you can do for me, my friend. Act like a headless fox.". To this obviously, Brambleclaw's eyes narrowed in confusion, "Sorry but I really don't have time for your mind games, Squirrelflight.", he mewed.
"Don't have time to be a father then? Alrighty then.", she shrugged, pretending to wander off.
"Wait-wait-wait", Brambleclaw gasped, eyes snapping wide as if he just woken up from a dream, rushing in front of her, "You're kidding, right? Why didn't you just say that in the first place?", he questioned desperately. "Because it's fun messing with you.", Squirrelflight mewed, pressing her nose against his while he still seemed completely dumbstruck.
"Great Starclan, this is so weird.", he mumbled to himself, shaking his head, trying to make sense of it all. Then turning back to his mate ,"Are you sure? How do you know?", he asked, worriedly looking for the Medicine cat's guidance, "Leafpool?".
Now the moment of truth. Yet the pressure was overwhelming like a raging current, causing her to avoid Brambleclaw's hopeful gaze and staring at her paws, catching her panicked breath. No, don't give it away now. Not after Squirrelfight was sacrificed so much for her. Finally, she managed to force another lie, "I've seen a lot of pregnant cats, Brambleclaw.", she confirmed in a still shaky voice, "There's no mistaking it.".
Making Brambleclaw yowl in pure excitement. Unable to contain themselves, the mates celebrated in the only way only they knew how, acting like overgrown apprentices. Together, Brambleclaw and Squirrelfight reared up, beginning to play fight, tugging at each other's ears, the air racketing with their purrs. "Maybe Our kits will be able to help their good old dad with his Deputy's duties!", Brambleclaw joked, now on his backside, with Squirrelfight practically sitting on him like a moss nest, winning.
From across the clearing, a familiar voice yowled out across the clearing, "Squirrelflight!", Firestar called out from on top of the boulders, supported on their mother's shoulder. Hurriedly, Sandstorm gilded her injured mate down the steep rocks, to meet up with the rest of the kin. By now, their fellow Thunderclan cats had managed to pick up on the excitement, curious heads popping out of dens.
Despite the deep raw wound snaking around his neck, the pride Firestar felt allowed him to fill himself with a new energy as he approached. Leafpool resisting the urge to check the foxtrap injury again, around stuffed silly with Goldenrod, not risking her father losing another life, lucky to have only lost the one so far. Unable to imagine if Firestar wasn't here to hear the announcement of his new kin. However, He was standing here right now, that's what important.
"Have I heard that right from Sandstorm?", Firestar mewed hopefully yet strangely warily, "You're having kits?". Mixed emotions flashing over his green eyes. Was Leafpool catching that right, or did her father seem genuinely scared?
Though Squirrelflight ignored it, simply confirming it with a nod and a purr. Taking the moment to dip his head towards Brambleclaw, weakly, Firestar placed his muzzle to his daughter's forehead, their ginger fur identical, "I know you'll be an excellent mother.". For a heartbeat, the warm sunlight caught both their pelts, turning them a fierce fiery orange, like a glowing sunset.
Suddenly, Sorreltail's excited yowl made it feel like Leafpool's ears would burst, "Everyone, Squirrelflight and Brambeclaw are having kits!".
Before she knew it, Leafpool was forced to take a step back, letting the excited Clanmates swarm around the two mates, sending endless questions at them. Shoved and pulled from side to side, eventually, Leafpool was spat out onto the lonely outside. Now within the outer rims of the crowd, Leafpool felt strangely isolated. An outsider no longer in the inside. The racket of kit-like squeaks and sight of shoving pelts soon blurred out as the world around her become more of a distant memory.
By now, even the elders had emerged from their cranky slumber, Mousefur slying whispering to her blind friend, Longtail, "I'd never thought I'd see the day. Firestar's and Tigerstar's kin united as one.". Neither can I, Leafpool silently responded, unsure if she should be offended or not. In reaction, Longtail shifted on his paws uncomfortably, remaining quiet. Remembering that he had been one of Tigerstar's close allies before his violent methods had been exposed. Though that was all behind them.
Even if Leafpool had heard the stories, she could never truly hate Tigerstar, not knowing him personally. Yet older generations did, remembering him with a deep-rooted grudge. Leafpool just preying her kits were freed from the burden of Tigerstar's blood, as Brambleclaw's so-called kits. They were just as much Firestar's kin as they were the dark tyrant himself. Like it was fate, Tigerstar's ultimate victim finally appeared, gradually weaving her scrawny pale frame through the crowd, Goldenflower meeting up with Leafpool's patents, now united through the kits. Letting off a weak smile, the widest she could mange, "Those kits are blessings from Starclan.", she mewed.
This was the path Leafpool chose for her and her kits, no going back now. At least Brambleclaw seemed over the stars. Though Leafpool couldn't say same about her littermate. Even if Squirrelflight was putting on a brave face, at the end of the day it was a false one. What did she think of all of this? And what would happen once Brambleclaw found out? And that's to say, If he ever did. Leafpool would of loved nothing more to tell the world her secret, to take the burden off of everyone, so only she would pay for her foolishness. However, it wasn't her place to tell the deputy, not anymore. It was Squirrelflight's.
How would it affect their relationship? For now, all Leafpool could hope for, is that the brown tabby would be understanding. To know that Squirrelflight's only crime was trying to protect the lives of those she loved. Especially after Brambleclaw dabbled with the Dark Forest, he had no room to judge. Ironically, it put the two on equal footing, maybe even somehow bringing them closer together as fellow liars.
Yet, Leafpool wasn't the only forgotten shadow lurking. At the very edge of the clearing, Ashfur separated himself from everyone else, silently stalking away to the camp entrance, lowered so close to the floor like a snake, bitterness tainting his ice blue eyes. The coldness creeping off of him made the Medicine cat shiver, quickly turning away before he noticed her staring. Just hoping he didn't loosen his cobwebs while he was out moping in the forest.
Spotting her brother, Ferncloud was forced to leave her friends' side, hurriedly padding after him. Pricking her ears, as Leafpool's overheard the Queen's desperate pleads from an isolated corner of camp, "We're been over this- Squirrelflight has always been willing to reconnect with you and this perfect opportunity. Please, don't ruin this. She's your friend, you should be happy for her.".
Suddenly, he abruptly halted, "I don't care.", Ashfur quietly hissed, standing against his littermate like an enemy warrior, fur spiked, "Being my friend isn't good enough. Not anymore. You know, that she-cat always belonged to me, no one else.". At the back, the painful scene seemly going unnoticed. After a moment of shock from Ferncloud, Ashfur returned to his sulking, speeding his pace until he was literally running out of camp. Leaving Ferncloud standing there, sighing. Spiderleg padded over to his mother, scowling in the direction where Ashfur had once stood, "Give up, Mother.", he urged, "He's not going to change, he's no better than a stropping kit.".
Giving him a harsh glance, Ferncloud clearly didn't want to believe his words yet was forced reluctantly turn back. The entire time, Squirrelflight spying, guilt and frustration pricking her fur.
The whole Clan's patience had been wearing thin for Ashfur, who was meant to be one of the senior warriors. Even a gentle Medicine cat's pity like Leafpool had it limits. Like Birds, clanmates had been flocking into help the once respected warrior, including his own siblings, Cloudtail and Ferncloud. Yet every time, he violently snapped at every single one, forcing them away. It'd been over a moon since Squirrelflight had been honest with her feelings, but he refused to move on, falling deeper and deeper into this self-pitying stroop. Despite there being plenty of other she-cats.
Eventually, more and more picked up on tensing atomosphere Ashfur had brought, until an awkward silence hang, souring the mood like crow-food over the tongue.
Biting down hard, the last of the crushed Chervil trickled from the moss ball into Rainwhisker's infected leg wound. As if she could feel the pain herself, Sorreltail winced from the sidelines. Grabbing him by the scruff, Leafpool aided the grey tom as he got onto shaky legs, guiding him towards his sister's shoulder. As Rainwhisker settled on his paws, Sorreltail glanced towards the Medicine cat, "So what do you need him do then?", she asked, blinking.
Needing to pause to gather her scattered thoughts, Leafpool finally nodded, "Nothing, really. It won't be at least until next sunset he can get back to Warrior duties.", she explained "So take it easy and don't undo the herbs. I'll check on you tomorrow.".
Hearing this, Rainwhisker let off a grumble, "I'd rather eat a spider, then spending another wretched day of acting like a kittypet.". The two she-cat let off a playful sigh together. Leafpool flicked her tail towards the entrance, signalling their leave, "Just make sure he does as he's told.", she insisted. Sorreltail agreed, "Don't worry, I will.". Padding away with Rainwhisker leaning against her flank. Pricking her ears, Leafpool caught Rainwhisker's annoyed comment, "I'm not a kit.", he insisted, Sorreltail letting off an amused purr.
Before they fully exited the den, Sorreltail glanced over her shoulder, "Congrats again on Squirrelflight's kits, Leafpool! Hopefully one of them willl look like you.". The sudden stab of grief made Leafpool turn away, glaring at the cold stone floor. Though luckily, going unnoticed by Sorreltail and Rainwhisker, their pelt washed over by the warm orange sunlight.
Alone, Leafpool watched them go, she couldn't help but expecting their light grey brother, Sootfur to appear and greet his littermates. Yet of course, there was nothing but thin air. Leafpool couldn't imagine what that was like, to lose kin. The young warrrior's life cut short when he was cruelly slain by badgers. Even the cat forbidden from love had been blessed with kits and mate, but he got none at all. Honestly, Leafpool still couldn't believe the sight of that friendly Badger, Midnight. Why would she choose to fight for cats instead of her own kind? How could she even speak to cats and be so knowledgeable about their ancestors? Even if Squirrelflight insisted she could be trusted, Leafpool found that hard to believe.
Peering beyond the pair of siblings, from outside the Nursery, Leafpool spotted Brackenfur engulfed by a storm of kittens, scrambling all over him. Trying to keep his large litter busy while his mate dealt with her injured brother. Purposefully being overdramatic, Brackenfur tumbled into the dust, pretending to be beaten, "I could never hope to defeat such mighty warriors. I yield, I yield!", he playfully yelled. Three kits were piled on his chest, tinting with pride. Yet the fourth wasn't satisfied, Honeykit landing on his head, "Thunderclan shows no mercy!", she yowled, tugging at his ear, hard. Sweeping the three off him with his tail, Brackenfur attempted to get up, "Ok, Honeykit, that's enough.". Despite that, she still clung on, her legs now in mid-air.
Looking surprisingly painful, Brackenfur winced, as his daughter refused to let go. Below, Cinderkit yowled up to her littermate, "Thunderclan does show mercy, silly! It says so in the code!". To this, Honeykit finally lets go of her father's ear, heavily landing on the camp floor. Brackenfur blinked down at Cinderkit gratefully, "You certainly know a lot about the code already.", he acknowledged with a purr. Though, Cinderkit just put her head to the side, "I'm only copying you from all those boring Clan meetings.", she admitted.
However, Honeykit thumped her paws on the ground like an angry badger, "That's no fun!", she exclaimed. Molekit quickly shook his head, "But Firestar said we need spare everyone to be the best Clan and he knows everything. Does that mean we should spare our prey too?".
"Then we'd starve to death, mousebrain.", Cinderkit pointed out, prodding at her brother's nose. "That's not right! Mice have feelings too!", Poppykit snapped back, going up to her sister's face. Speedily, Brackenfur stepped in between, dividing the littermates before anything to start. "Alright, you four. Bet you're all super whacked out, so who wants a nap? Sound nice?", he mewed hopefully, clearly exhausted. "We never have naps at Sunhigh.", Cinderkit announced, "Check with Daisy.". Then once again, Cinderkit had come up with logical counters to everything, even to her fully grown father.
The brown tom must've been relieved, to have a daughter so similar to his sister, Cinderpelt, as if she'd never died at all. Apart from her leg, Cinderkit stood and breathed like Leafpool's old mentor. Almost eerily similar. Though Leafpool put it at the back of her mind. Cinderpelt was dead. Nothing could change that. Even if her kin had the same pelt colour and personality, it was a consequence.
Unable to stop herself, Leafpool let off a soft purr as Brackenfur gently wrapped his tail around his precious kits, leading them to the safety of the Nursery. Would Crowfeather care for their kits like that? A haunting question had been hovering the brown she-cat for too long. Should she tell him or keep him in the dark?
The answer was obvious, they agreed to stay loyal to their Clans, that meant letting go of their love and their kits. For the greater good of everyone, Crowfeather needed to be free from the burden of blood ties to Thunderclan. There could be no chance of the truth coming out. Besides from Squirrelflight, no cat could know. Even if she once loved him, she couldn't afford to put native faith in any old cat. Knowing him, the chance of the truth slipping was just too great.
If the truth came out and Leafpool lost her rank as Medicine cat, Thunderclan would be left defenceless. Many cats, including kits and elders, would die before their time. Any of replacement of hers, would most likely be forced into a role they never wanted. To be a Medicine cat, it must be entered willingly. There are many sacrifices one must take to be able to heal, including the simple luxury of kin. Leafpool couldn't do that to anyone, to deny them the basic right to a mate and kits.
Leafpool let off a massive sigh of relief. Glancing about the gloomy cave, all the nests laying empty. Left in peace at last. Though just as she thought she could close her eyes and let blackness consume her vision, a shift in the dim light caught her attention. A dark shadow was cast over the stone as a cat stood at the entrance, blocking the sunlight. Steadily, Brightheart wondered in, her whiskers twitching cautiously. Leafpool's breath was cut short, when she saw the uneasy expression the she-cat's face as she approached. Had Brightheart suspected something?
Dipping her head in greeting, Leafpool rose from her sitting position, "Do you need help with anything, Brightheart?". Surprisingly, she shook her head, instead of flicking her tail at Leafpool, "I actually come here to help you.", she stated. "Me?", Leafpool mumbled, slightly stunned. Leafpool strained her muscles, so not a whisker or ear could twitch, making it obvious how nervous she was. Logically, the chances of Brightheart being here because of kits were much slimmer, over it being something else. Luckily, she was right.
"It's just that ever since Cinderpelt's death, I've noticed you've been really stressed. So I'm here to offer my assistance.", Brightheart mewed calmly. Swearing she was speaking with Squirrelflight for a slit heartbeat, Leafpool rapidly shook her head, "You don't need to do this to yourself.", Leafpool pleaded, "Even if you have an injury, doesn't mean you need to end up like Cinderpelt, you've worked too hard to be a warrior.".
Yet, sadly, Brightheart didn't seem convinced, glancing at the herb stock as if thoughtful, "This isn't to do with my face. It's the fact I've already got some basic Medicine training.". Hearing this, Leafpool's ears pricked, stunned at the white and ginger she-cat. She'd never heard of this before. Seeing the look of Leafpool's face alone was enough to hear the unspoken question, smiling, "I haven't told anyone this before- but when me and Cinderpelt were apprentices, we'd actually had secret training sessions. My sister taught me herbs while I taught her battle moves. Even in her last moments, she went down fighting like a true warrior.", she purred with amusement.
Whiskers twitching, Leafpool blinked at her, "So what exactly are you proposing then?".
Brightheart shrugged, "I'm not asking to become your apprentice, if that's what you thinking. Only an extra set of paws to help while you adjust to being a lone Medicine cat. Not permanent of course.".
Sitting down, Leafpool considered her options carefully, giving a few nervous licks to the flank. Having a constant presence of a former Queen with basic Medicine training, would make it all the more likely of her kits were discovered. Yet, she couldn't afford to be so selfish, with the whole of Thunderclan replying on her. If she refused Brightheart offer, and failed later down the line to balance all her duties, it could cause unnecessary death. Even if she had her own young life to consider, it could be another's kit paying to price for her negligence.
Turning to Brightheart, Leafpool accepted, "Alright.".