Two sunrises later, Coralclaw gave birth to her kits.
What should have been a very exciting event for the clan turned out to be a rather desolate one. Pearlpelt had ordered Greenkit out of the nursery when Coralclaw began kitting. Even though the she-cat was rotten with her, Greenkit couldn't help but be curious enough to dawdle outside the entrance.
What had begun quickly had ended just as quickly. Greenkit could hear the wailing even through the muffled nursery walls. The wailing of a she-cat undergoing horrendous pain. Pain beyond kitting.
Hearing the wails, Greenkit had darted closer to the nursery entrance. Pearlpelt was still in there, but was very quiet. Coralclaw's cries were heartbreaking. "I'm sorry, Coralclaw." Pearlpelt mewed quietly. "They didn't make it."
Greenkit felt an icy shiver rack through her body. The kits didn't make it? But how? Coralclaw was a young, healthy, fierce cat. What had gone wrong?
"You have a tomcat to care for, Coralclaw." Pearlpelt murmured. "Come, young one. You can do it. He needs his mam."
Coralclaw's wails resided to whimpers. Greenkit heard heavy breathing, and a quick inhale; from Pearlpelt or Coralclaw, Greenkit couldn't tell.
"Lick him, Coralclaw." Pearlpelt instructed, her mew gentle but firm. "He may make it yet."
"So small," Coralclaw whispered through gentle licks. "So little."
Greenkit jumped back as Pearlpelt poked her head out of the nursery entrance. "Shoo, Greenkit." The old medicine cat ordered. "Fetch Beachflower. I need herbs, and Coralclaw needs a warm body."
Greenkit scampered back, nodding frantically at Pearlpelt's serious intonation. She was use to the old she-cat speaking frankly, but there was something more foreboding in her instructions now. Something dark. Something obscure. Something that sounded of death.
Greenkit knew exactly where Beachflower was, because Greenkit was technically supposed to be with her. Twilightstar, who had been so kind and understanding the day Sunpaw had taken Greenkit out, was now back to her moody irritation. She reminded Greenkit that she was a kit and had refused to let Sunpaw take her out to play the past couple sunrises. Greenkit mumbled and grumbled, but that had just irritated Twilightstar even further. She instructed that Greenkit keep to Beachflower like a kit keeps to their mam. Greenkit found Beachflower to be a very kind she-cat, quiet and subdued and always kind and understanding, but Greenkit was unimpressed with her new punishment.
And so, Greenkit bounded over to the back-edge of the camp, where the ground was still rather sandy, and comfortable to lie upon in the mid-day sun. Beachflower was basking in the restful heat while Bluekit and Rosekit wobbled around on shakey legs. The kits had grown expotentially, and Greenkit could no longer carry either or in her mouth – she knew, because she had tried. Now that they had open eyes and legs just strong enough to balance on, the two kits regularly wandered around the nursery aimlessly – sometimes right into Greenkit's nest.
She didn't mind, though, really. Except when she was trying to sleep. Greenkit could still drag little Bluekit around with her, if she had to, but Rosekit was definitely too large for Greenkit to lift off and away. Greenkit still liked to secretely press her nose into their soft, soft kitten fur when Beachflower and Coralclaw had their heads turned, or were dozing off. They smelled of milk and possibility.
Greenkit especially liked little Bluekit. He was as quiet and subdued as his mam, even though he looked nothing like her. A slight young thing, Greenkit liked helping him stand and balance with her nose. She was usually rewarded by an attempt of a purr.
She watched them for a moment now, Bluekit tottering closely at his mam's side, ever so guarded in case of a fall. Rosekit, though, was a bit more adventurous, venturing out of her mam's paw range. Beachflower gently brought Rosekit back in range with a long, sandy-colored tail.
"Has Coralclaw had her kits already?" Beachflower asked, surprised to see Greenkit already. "May we return?"
Greenkit nodded, dropping her eyes to the sand-covered floor. "She has, Beachflower. But I don't think it went well."
Beachflower nodded understandably. Greenkit looked up to see sadness in the she-cat's green eyes. Beachflower rose to her paws, nudging Bluekit toward the nursery with her nose.
"I can watch them," Greenkit mewed suddenly, surprising even herself. "If you want. Pearlpelt just needs to fetch herbs and asked you to watch over Coralclaw while she did."
Greenkit saw the worried flash in Beachflower's eyes. Greenkit suddenly felt very hot, embarrassment trickling all over her body. "Or I can help you get the kits to the nursery. Whatever you wish, Beachflower." She mewed hastily, abashed.
Beachflower nodded again, slowly this time. "They're just still too young to be out of my sight for too long, Greenkit," she mewed, as gentle as always. "It has nothing to do with you."
Greenkit tried very hard to believe her for approximately three seconds as they herded the kits to the nursery. But perhaps it really did have to do with her. Was her recklessness causing cats not to trust her? Did they not want her here?
Greenkit felt a sudden wave of dread. And Twilightstar was so disappointed in her! Greenkit had been invited on a very important quest, and look at how she'd gone about it – she called Reedtail a mouse-brained old coot, offended Coralclaw to the point where she resisted joining the clan, gotten Sunpaw in trouble for being late to come back for her fishing lesson…Greenkit felt a flicker of a feeling she didn't feel very often: a small token of guilt, swelling in her throat.
Nosing Bluekit along to the nursery, Greenkit began to sulk. Perhaps she would have to change her behavior. She would have to work really hard to make up for her disrespect, and her tendency to ignore the rules. She really did want to be the best warrior the clans would ever see. She just didn't know where to begin.
They were close to the nursery when a dark, dark head emerged from its entrance. It carried a tired face; one Greenkit was scarce to see. Twilightstar looked exhausted. "Greenkit," she mewed sharply, exiting the nursery and heading toward her den without a backwards glance. She flicked her tail, calling a nervous Greenkit to follow.
Oh, great, Greenkit thought to herself, following behind glumly. What did I do now?
Twilightstar was silent as she made her way through the hollow. The nursery was relatively close to her den; it took only a couple of fox-lengths. Greenkit felt the eyes of cats following her, and she kept her head down.
Twilightstar flicked her tail toward her den and entered, motioning for Greenkit to follow. She had never been in Twilightstar's den before. It was fairly cool, a spacious indent in the cliffside with feathers nested in a rounded corner. Greenkit stifled a small laugh when she noticed a few pretty shells and round, smooth, vibrant stones lined against the other hollow. So Twilightstar liked pretty things, too!
Twilightstar laid down in the very back, her paws tucked under her. There was plenty room for Greenkit to sit in front of her, bowing low, but not quite laying herself down. She felt her tail whip with nerves.
"Coralclaw has lost three of her kits," Twilightstar began, her mew heavy. "She is very distressed, and has asked that you were moved out of the nursery."
Greenkit had to bite her tongue very hard in order to stop herself from getting defensive and saying some not very nice things about Coralclaw; like the fact that the queen never once acknowledged her, unless it was to hiss or nip, or the fact that she snored loud enough to scare every inch of prey away. But she bit her tongue and dropped her eyes to the sandy den floor.
"Why, I do not care. Nor am I surprised." The hint of amusement Greenkit was use to hearing was absent from her leader's mew. Greenkit's skin prickled uncomfortably under Twilightstar's burning gaze. Why was she being so gruff? Had she forgotten the fact that Greenkit showed her all around the Clifflands?
Well, Greenkit amended grudgingly. Waterpaw had actually shown her around most of it. But Greenkit was there! And showed her the beach!
"It's time you've been made an apprentice, despite your stubborn tongue. I need somebody to keep an eye on you." Twilightstar finished with an exhausted sigh. Greenkit glanced up. The leader's fur looked dull, her icy blue eyes, usually so bright and curious and encouraging, seemed empty. Was Twilightstar sick? Greenkit suddenly thought, alarmed. She couldn't be sick! They only just formed the clan! What would happen if she died and went to StarClan? Who would lead them? Seaheart was the deputy, but he didn't know anything about leading a Clan yet! Nobody did, Twilightstar had hardly been with them a quarter-moon!
Greenkit continued to fret, thoughts whirling, until Twilightstar broke the tense silence. "It's time you've been made an apprentice," Twilightstar repeated, searching Greenkit for confirmation that the kit heard. It was then Greenkit finally – and slowly – processed what the she-cat was saying.
"My apprentice ceremony will be today?" Greenkit gasped, suddenly straightening up. "Today?"
"Now," Twilightstar mewed, observing the Greenkit with dulled eyes. "Seaheart has been aware he'll be made your mentor for some time. He's been instructed to give me careful updates regarding your training. This doesn't excuse any bad behavior," Twilightstar warned her. "Your punishment as an apprentice for any rulebreaking or disrespect will be more severe, in accordance to your apprenticeship. Do you feel you are ready, Greenkit? Ready to learn how to become one with SaltClan?"
Greenkit felt shame prickle her pelt. Did Twilightstar really have that little faith in her? Was she really that concerned? Excitement slowly began to deflate. She leveled her mew before making a promise she would work very hard to keep. "I will, Twilightstar. I won't let you down."
Twilightstar nodded, standing to her paws. She flicked her tail and directed Greenkit out of her den. "And I will hold you to it."
As Greenkit followed Twilightstar outside her den, watching the clan leader's lean, muscular shape leap up to the Highledge, the excitement slowly came bubbling back. It was finally time! Her apprentice ceremony!
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a clan meeting." Twilightstar yowled, gathering her tail around her paws, sitting down on the gray, rocky ledge.
It was just past sun-high, and the clan was bubbling with motion. The sun-high patrol, Hollowclaw, Sharkpaw, Sandflame and Reedtail had just returned, and were on their way to the fresh-kill pile when Twilightstar summoned them. Greenkit watched Beachflower squeeze out of the nursery, alone, padding quietly over to the growing half-circle of cats. Greenkit spied Sunpaw leaving the apprentice den with Riverpaw, the gray patched tabby tom mewing animatedly. Greenkit felt a tiny stab of jealousy, before remembering she would be joining them soon – as equals. Plus, she'd be able to play with Sunpaw whenever, now! So much more freedom! She could taste it.
"By naming apprentices, we show that Saltclan will survive and remain strong," Twilightstar began, wasting now words of welcome. "Greenkit, you are well past the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Greenpaw."
Twilightstar paused for a moment. "Your mentor will be Seaheart. I hope Seaheart will pass all he knows on to you."
Greenkit felt the familiar excited prickle overcome her body. She bumbled up closer to the bottom of the ledge, tripping over her paws. Her green eyes sought out the blue-gray ones of Seaheart. She found him quickly, his sandy coat and white chest gleaming in the sun-high brightness. His old eyes were twinkling with a young laughter. He nodded slightly to her.
"Seaheart, you are ready to take on an apprentice. The short time I have known you has shown you to be a committed and earnest cat. You will be the mentor of Greenpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know, and will learn, to Greenpaw."
Seaheart approached the bottom of the highledge when Greenpaw stood, rooted in place. He padded over comfortably, and touched noses with Greenpaw gently. Greenpaw bowed her head to him, more out of excitement than respect. But a mixture of both, at the very least, Greenpaw would later conclude, while laying in her new nest of fern and feather in the apprentice den, so near Sunpaw that she could feel the she-cat's pelt lower and raise with her level breathing.
But in this moment, Greenpaw could hardly contain herself. "What shall we do first, Seaheart?" she asked Seaheart, hopefully sounding as earnest as Twilightstar had labeled the deputy. "Hunting? A patrol? Fighting techniques?"
There were a few guffaws of laughter from the small crowd of cats that Greenpaw had completely forgotten were there. Every cat in the Clan had heard her. Twilightstar hadn't even closed the meeting.
But then she did, and Greenpaw couldn't contain herself. "Well, Seaheart? Fishing maybe? Or maybe –"
"Aye, lass, calm down." Seaheart mewed, his full voice booming but appeasing. "I'll be expected to organize a hunting patrol for ye soon, and then we shall explore the territory, before sun-down."
"But I already know –" Greenpaw began to protest, but suddenly Twilightstar was next to her. Greenpaw couldn't help but jump a bit at her reprimanding mew.
"Do not argue, Greenpaw." Twilightstar scolded. "You are no longer a kit. The time to learn to appreciate and respect your elders has run out. What a warrior says goes. No argument. Do you understand?"
Greenpaw bowed her head, the feeling of shame that was becoming all to familiar burning. "Yes, Twilightstar." She mumbled in return. "I understand."
Twilightstar said no more as she turned around and slipped out of the narrow hollow entrance. Greenkit couldn't mee thte eyes of Seaheart.
"She be right, lass." Seaheart mewed, but there was a reassuring edge to his tone. "But I hope you shan't take her plainness resentfully. Ye leader misses her old Clan, I expect, young 'un. She be learning how to lead in a strange, strange land. I hope ye give her a break. Stressful, it be."
Greenpaw nodded, peeking up to her new mentor. His gray-blue eyes shone kindly at her. "Okay. But can we go soon?" Greenpaw asked before she could stop herself. Quickly, as an afterthought, she added "Sir."
His long sandy hair shook with laughter. "Sir, I am not, lass. Ye be thinking of my father. Yes, young 'un, we shan't waste time. Waste not, want not. I'll organize a patrol, and we shall be quick on our way."
Greenpaw nodded happily, sedated by his understanding mews. Seaheart, the deputy! Greenpaw felt old traces of her strong senses of adventure tingle in her paws. Unable to contain it in her small body, after Seaheart turned to organize a patrol, Greenpaw bounded over to Sunpaw, who seemed to be waiting for her, sitting comfortably in the sun outside of the apprentice den.
"Congratulations, Greenpaw." Sunpaw purred, rubbing her head on Greenpaw's with obvious pleasure. "You'll be training with me, now."
Greenpaw purred as well, overjoyed with excitement at the prospect. For once, she didn't have anything to say. Both she-cat's laid down and began to share tongues, while Greenpaw awaited Seaheart's beckon for the tour of the territory. Greenpaw, so hideously excited before, was now content waiting, Sunpaw's pelt warming her immensely, a different kind of warmth than the sun provided.
It was finally time. Finally, finally time.
I would love to hear feedback about what you think, so far! Any tips or comments on the characters, plot, writing technique/style...any feedback would be appreciated. I'm getting better at accepting creative criticism, and would love to improve the story! :)