A full sun was rising swiftly over the Clan's new home. The lake shone brightly like a golden brand of fire. A soft breeze rustled through the trees and over WindClan's hills. Barely a quarter moon had past since WindClan's battle against Mudclaw.

In the wooded territory of ThunderClan, a small tabby with white paws was padding gently back towards camp, carrying a bundle of herbs. Her eyes were half-closed and held a dreamy expression. She was obviously deep in thought. Not paying attention, she nearly tripped over a rock, but managed to right herself at last moment. She jumped suddenly at the sound of laughter.

"Cinderpelt'll be needing a new apprentice if you keep that up, Leafpool." The she-cat looked over to see her tortoiseshell friend coming towards her, smiling.

"Oh, Sorreltail, you scared me half to death. I thought you were ShadowClan!" Leafpool exclaimed, letting out a relieved laugh. "What are you doing out here this early anyways?" She gently picked up the herbs she'd been carrying, which were now scattered on the ground.

"Cinderpelt sent me to find you. She wanted your help with something. I think it had something to do with Squirrelflight, apparently she's not feeling well at all." The young warrior shrugged, nudging a few herbs into a small pile.

"What?" the medicine cat exclaimed, leaping past Sorreltail in the direction of camp.

"Oh, don't worry, I'll get these!" Sorreltail called after her, chuckling. "Oddball."

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"Now, are you sure, Squirrelflight? Maybe you should just stay here for a while. I wouldn't want you vomiting on someone or anything…" When the young warrior shook her head again, Cinderpelt shrugged and moved away, nearly running into Leafpool as she suddenly dashed into the den. "Oh, Leafpool, there you are. Where's that catmint I sent you to find?"

"Sorreltail's getting it," her apprentice replied absent-mindedly. She went to her sister's side. "What's wrong, Squirrelflight?"

"I don't know," the ginger warrior replied truthfully, looking slightly alarmed and nervous. "My stomach feels… weird." She shuddered slightly and rested her head on her paws.

Leafpool stood and went over to her mentor, a questioning look in her eyes. "What is it, Cinderpelt? What's she have? Maybe just a bellyache?"

"No…" the gray medicine cat shook her head. She flicked her tail towards the den entrance and slipped outside. Leafpool followed.

"No," Cinderpelt repeated once her tabby apprentice had joined her. "Squirrelflight doesn't have a bellyache. She's got… kits." She lifted her head, smiling softly and looking Leafpool in the eyes.

"But- what? Kits?" Leafpool couldn't help but feel shocked and aghast. "Squirrelflight… a mother?" She blinked slowly down at her paws.

"Would you like me to tell her, or should I?" Cinderpelt asked gently.

"I…" Truthfully, Leafpool didn't want to be the one to tell her sister. "I'll… go tell Firestar… You tell Squirrelflight."

Cinderpelt nodded and slipped back into the den. Sighing deeply, Leafpool headed over to where her father, Firestar, was sharing a rabbit with Sandstorm, his beloved mate. "F-firestar?"

The dark ginger leader looked up. "Yes? What is it, Leafpool?"

"It's just… Cinderpelt just told me-" Before she could get it out, there was a yowl from the medicine den. Sandstorm and Firestar were on their feet in an instant. Leafpool pivoted immediately.

Squirrelflight was pulling herself roughly from the medicine den. "Kits? I don't want them! Oh, StarClan, take them away!" She scrambled across camp.

Dark tabby Brambleclaw leapt out to meet her. "Squirrelflight! What's wrong?" Alarm and concern flashed in the tom's eyes.

"Stay away from me!" Squirrelflight hissed, turning and sprinting into the warriors' den.

The camp was silent for a long moment.

"What was that all about?" Sandstorm finally asked.

"Squirrelflight is having kits…" Leafpool explained, turning back to her mother and father. "I guess she's not feeling up to being a mother just yet…"

Care to guess who's kits they are? And, no, I'm not gonna do some major shocker like having them be Hawkfrost or Stormfur's kits… Reviews, please!

-Dark