YESSS! DARKSTORM

Chapter 9

Blossomstorm popped her head out of the nursery. She wanted desperately to meet Darkstar, but she was now confined to the camp. Her belly was swollen with kits, and Juniperbush was always checking on her. Oh Juniperbush, Blossomstorm sighed, can you one day forgive me for what I've done? "Blossomstorm, can I mentor one of your kits?" Asked Sootkit.

Blossomstorm purred, "You'll be an apprentice too silly, but you can help!"

"I wish I didn't have to wait another four moons before I became an apprentice." The young tom sighed.

Blossomstorm nudged him affectionately, but finally sleep came over her, and she slipped into a dream. It wasn't pleasant. Cats surrounded her, while she spotted Darkstar close by battling them away. "Darkstar wait! The cliff!"

Blossomstorm's warning went unheard, as her mate plummeted downwards with the attackers. "Blossomstorm!"

The queen awoke to the sound of Emberclaw staring at her. "You were writhing around in your sleep. What's with Darkstar?"

"Oh, uh nothing. I just dreamed about our clans fighting off some rogues." Blossomstorm explained quickly.

Blossomstorm padded out of her den. It was sunhigh, and the clan was already bustling about like clockwork. Suddenly, Fishpaw and Strikepaw burst into the camp, and announced, "We passed our assessment!"

"Congratulations!" Purred Blossomstorm as she twined around her friend.

"Let all cats old enough to swim in rivers gather beneath the Lichenrock for a clan meeting!" Yowled Mistystar.

Blossomstorm purred with amusement as Fishpaw streaked beneath the stone excitedly. "Fishpaw, Strikepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code? And to defend our borders even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." Promised Fishpaw.

"I do too." Agreed Strikepaw.

"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior names. Fishpaw from this point onward you are to be known as Fishclaw. StarClan honors your courage and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of SunClan!"

Mistystar rested her muzzle atop Fishclaw's head, and the warrior respectfully licked her shoulder.

"Strikepaw you shall now be known as Strikestep. StarClan honors your strength and honor, and we welcome you as a full warrior of SunClan."

"Strikestep! Fishclaw! Strikestep! Fishclaw!"

Blossomstorm cheered the loudest of all. Fishclaw bounded up to her friend and hugged her happily. "You're gonna enjoy the vigil!"

Strikestep groaned, and padded to his mother. Blossomstorm purred as Juniperbush reached her side, and he murmured, "That will be our family one day."

The tom nodded at Fishclaw and Strikestep as they wove around Dawnpelt lovingly. Blossomstorm suddenly began to feel sick. She felt as though something was wrenching her stomach, causing her to collapse. "Willowshine! Come at once!" Yowled Juniperbush.

Blossomstorm rolled onto her side in pain, her mind whirling. Darkstar should be the one by my side, not Juniperbush! Blossomstorm felt a twinge of guilt through the pain. She loved Juniperbush dearly, but her true love was Darkstar. "Her kits are coming early, help me move her to the nursery." Ordered Willowshine.

Flintfur and Juniperbush gently carried Blossomstorm to the nursery, while Emberclaw pushed her kits out. "But I want to help!" Protested Sootkit.

"You can help by staying put!" Growled Emberclaw, before grabbing the tom by his scruff and hauling him out to the elders' den.

Blossomstorm wailed as wave after wave of pain hit her like a blow from a lion. She was panting now, her breath coming out in short pants. "Here! Bite on this!" Muttered Flintfur as he handed her a stick.

As Blossomstorm crunched down on the stick, she could hear Hazelpaw whispering to her. "You have done many wrongs sister, but these kits have a future."

Blossomstorm nearly snapped the branch as her first kits came. This one was a dappled she-cat with orange flecks. "Great job! Only three left!" Encouraged Willowshine.

Three! Blossomstorm went over their names in her head. Blossomkit, that's what Juniperbush wanted. Darkkit, after their true father. Dawnkit, after Dawnpelt. And Amberkit, after Sootkit's deceased sister. "Second kit!" Purred Flintfur as he nosed the wet bundle to Blossomstorm.

This kit was a small tawny she-cat. Amberkit. Blossomstorm clenched her teeth as another kit was born. This one was a sleek black tom, identical to Darkstar. "Last one!" Meowed Willowshine as a bright golden tom mewed for the first time.

Willowshine ordered, "Check their breathing!"

Flintfur nosed each kit, but when he got to Blossomkit his face fell. He glanced at his mentor helplessly, and then glanced down at the she-cat again. Willowshine ordered, "Leave us."

The tom nodded slowly, before padding out of the den. "Blossomstorm," Willowshine began slowly, "I am so sorry. Your first kit has passed. She will be with Hazelpaw in StarClan."

Blossomstorm glanced at her daughter with shock. A wail rose in her throat but she choked it back stubbornly. "What are their names?" Asked the medicine cat.

After a long pause, Blossomstorm replied steadily, "Blossomkit, Darkkit, Dawnkit, and Amberkit."

"Ah, after their real father?" Blossomstorm stared at the medicine cat in shock, but Willowshine sighed, "You don't think no cat has thought to follow you to see him? Never fear, your secret's safe with me."

Blossomstorm blinked at her friend. Willowshine nodded, understanding her thanks. "May I come in?" Asked Juniperbush.

"Yes, She had four kits, but I'm afraid one didn't make it." Willowshine informed him.

Juniperbush's eyes watered with sorrow, and he murmured, "T-That's okay. I'm proud of Blossomstorm."

Blossomstorm waited for Juniperbush to pad over to her before murmuring, "Their names are Darkkit, Dawnkit, and Amberkit. Blossomkit didn't make it."

"They're perfect." Purred Juniperbush, and the tom curled around Blossomstorm affectionately.

The queen closed her eyes, and promised, you will meet your kits Darkstar. I promise.