THE FADING FLAMES
. . . . . .
"Well well well, looks like my dear brother has decided to return." Flame moved behind Sting as the voice of a larger male confronted them. Taking a peek, she saw the source of the voice; a large black tom with white paws and dark amber eyes. He was staring straight at Blotch, a smirk on his face.
"Yes, but not to see you." Blotch replied.
"Well then. I've been waiting so long to see you." The tom replied, taking a step toward Blotch.
"Come on, Boulder. Leave him alone." A russet tom walked over, giving the black tom a sharp glare.
"I haven't done anything wrong. But while my brother is here, I'd like to see the reason he came." Flame wondered what the tom was talking about, and felt a sense of dread when his gaze locked onto her's.
Sting let out a strong hiss. "Don't you touch my kits." And for once, Flame felt comforted by her mother's aggression.
"I won't harm them." Boulder said, staring down Sting and moving closer to Emerald.
"Leave them alone, Boulder." The russet tom stood in front of Flame and Emerald, making Boulder scowl.
"Fine. If it's such a big deal, I'll be going then." Boulder growled, backing away and walking in the opposite direction.
"Thanks, Red." Blotch said, nudging him in the side.
"No problem. I don't like living with him any more than you did." Red replied, ears twitching with humor.
Blotch chuckled, while Flame finally looked out from behind Sting. She looked around, highly curious as to where they were now. It looked like a good amount of cats were settled here. A few were laying out in the sunlight, and some were relaxing in several small dens. It looked nice. Flame could get used to this. She let herself imagine all the good times her and her sister could have here, before she realized that Red was staring straight at them. She looked at her paws in embarrassment.
"So, these are your kits?" Red asked, looking at Blotch.
"Our kits." Sting corrected.
Red simply dipped his head. "Of course."
"How has Dawn been?" Blotch asked.
Red shrugged at the question. "Fine. But she figured you'd be coming. Breylan seemed pretty excited that you were back."
"I noticed. She was always the happiest."
"The dumbest too." Red rolled his eyes, nudging Blotch's shoulder.
Flame listened closely to their conversation, much to the discomfort of Sting.
"How is Mint?" Blotch asked.
"She had two kits a few moons ago." Red answered, standing proudly.
"Good for you." Blotch said to Red. "Did yo—"
"If we're done chit-chatting, it's about time these two had something to eat." Sting said, standing impatiently.
"Oh, yes! Follow me." Red said, flicking his tail for them to follow. Curious, Flame bounced after him, her sister not far behind. The scent of prey was becoming stronger, and soon Flame could tell that a fresh-killed bird was dinner.
"Here you go." Red said, dropping the bird at their feet.
"They're not old enough for fresh-kill." Sting argued.
"A little won't hurt." Red said, not noticing Sting's growl. He seemed like a laid-back cat; not one to care much about the bad things in life.
"So Blotch, will you be joining us in the reunion ceremony tonight?"
"Of course." Blotch responded.
"Now if we're done here, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Red looked at the two kits and smiled.
"Well, I'm going to bring Flame and Emerald to eat." Sting said.
"I want to go with Blotch!" Flame couldn't help the words as they came out of her mouth… but she had to improvise. "This place… it seems interesting. I want to see more. Please, Sting?" she asked.
Sting turned around with Emerald. "Only for a short time." And within seconds, Flame took a place by her father's side.
. . . . . .
