Chapter Three
This chapter takes place where Mirage, Lightning, and Hawk are three moons old.
Every since their mother had taught them how to hunt, they were forced to fend for themselves. The kits knew it was only a part of their training for independence, but Mirage couldn't help feeling it was a little harsh. Lightning and Hawk didn't agree though.
At first, hunting was hard. They were still small and they had only been taught one day. Over time, they started to get better. They no longer had to eat berries to keep from starvation.
"Have you noticed anything strange about Shine and Ledge lately?" Hawk whispered. They sat silently for a while.
"Yes, they seem to be turning from us, as a way of putting it," Lightning mewed. Their parents had already fallen asleep.
"I know why," Mirage whispered. She wasn't sure that her theory was correct, but it had to be why.
"Well? Spit it out!" Hawk hissed, lashing his tail.
"They're weaning us." Mirage answered flatly.
"Not yet?" Hawk asked. Mirage answered with a nod. They would be forced out soon enough. Hawk yawned. "Let's get to sleep."
Lightning and Mirage didn't answer, they were already nodding off.
By the time dawn arrived, Ledge had already gone hunting and Shine was off to see around the area to make sure no enemies had come near.
Mirage stretched and yawned, soon realizing she was alone in the den. Her brothers must have been hungry.
The young kit's mind wandered back to the conversation she'd had with her mother about life.
"When you get a mate and build a den, a small territory is formed. On that area, you are allowed to do as you please. The tom's job is to hunt; the she-cat's job is to make sure no trespassers are around."
In truth, it wasn't much of a conversation. It was just another lecture. Mirage didn't like things the way they were though, because she would rather do what she wanted; hunt when she wanted. Her goal was to change things.
The kit's stomach suddenly pained. It was time to eat. Mirage set off in search of food, spotting a young squirrel sitting on the roots of an acorn tree.
Mirage lowered herself noiselessly, keeping her tail and ears down. She inched forward, making sure that she was downwind before she leapt high up, landing with her claws outstretched on the squirrel.
It may have been an awkward way of hunting; by the way her mother had showed her. This sufficed though. Because of her powerful hind legs, she was able to propel herself high into the air to make a catch.
Mirage padded proudly back to the den. One squirrel would be enough until sundown.
When she got there, Ledge had returned with prey for Shine and himself. He dropped his kill by the entrance before turning to greet her.
"Nice catch, Mirage." He praised her. She dropped her catch at her paws.
"Thanks," Mirage said before digging into her squirrel.
"You're getting so big; your brothers, too."
Mirage glanced up at him, giving him a nod. Her and her brothers were three moons old now. It was almost time for them to be weaned, to the complete extent where their parents chased them out.
Shine, Hawk, and Lightning returned shortly after her brief talk with Ledge. Not a single one of them spoke while they ate. It was unnerving.
After they finished, they buried the bones in the usual spot and spent the day doing nothing. Ledge and Shine groomed each other while their kits took naps or play-fought. Life alone in a small group was…boring.
Mirage hardly did anything while she spent her days with her family. Nothing happened since the day those rabbit-hunters came and tried to steal her and Lightning.
"It's almost sunset," Shine noted, standing. "I'm going to go check the borders. Mirage, why don't you come with me?"
Mirage reluctantly stood, padding after her mother. The whole time they were gone, Mirage lagged behind and ignored everything her mother told her. But, one thing her mother said caught her interest.
"You know, my name used to be Ice. Now, it's Shine. You see, Mirage, when you are to find your own way in the forest, you must give yourself a new name, different from your birth name. It's to symbolize your independence…"
That was all Mirage heard. Nothing else stuck with her the rest of the time she was out.
By the time they returned, it was moonhigh and the others had already retreated to their nests.
Mirage slowly dragged herself through the entrance of the den and threw herself onto her moss nest. She feared that every day would be like this for the rest of her life.