AN: *sniffle* Wow, guys, you really pulled through on that one. I can't remember the last time I've seen so many long, heart-felt reviews! You really cheered me up! Let's just hope it continues, right? ^^
C h a p t e r 20
Silverstreak blinked, coming around slowly. Immediately, she sat up, as the events of the day before returned to her mind. She glanced at Forest, sleeping soundly. Careful not to wake him, she rose to her paws slowly and padded to the entrance of the den, peering out. She blinked, surprised to find that Frostfeather was already awake. She was lying in the sunlight on her side, allowing it to warm her round belly. Silverstreak hesitated, before approaching. Frostfeather's green eyes opened as she neared.
"Morning," Frostfeather greeted her, her voice a low purr.
"Morning," Silverstreak meowed, before sitting down next to her friend. She resisted the urge to shuffle her paws; despite their warm reunion, there was still tension between them; it was subtle, and low-key, but it was still there.
"So," she meowed slowly, "how are…um, you? And…them?" She gestured with her paw towards Frostfeather's stomach.
"Fine," Frostfeather answered lazily. "They've been a little active lately, but that just means their healthy. I've been telling Death plenty about them, I think they freak him out." She and Silverstreak let out purrs of amusement in unison, and glanced at each other.
"He's determined, at least," Silverstreak said with a slight chuckle. "I'm sure he'll win you over eventually."
"No tom has managed that yet, and certainly not a scrawny specimen like him."
"I don't know," Silverstreak said thoughtfully. "He's filled out quite a bit since I last saw him; he's with you all the time, you probably didn't notice."
"I wouldn't say that." Frostfeather shot Silverstreak a mischievous glance, and Silverstreak couldn't help but mrrow in amusement. "Buck has him pulling his own weight now, at least," Frostfeather continued. "He's a miserable hunter and a worse fighter, but he's trying to learn. Probably to impress me so we can run away together into the sunset and live happily ever after." She turned slightly, moving her belly closer towards the sky, letting out a sign of contentment. Her eyes closed for a moment, before opening again to stare at Silverstreak. "So, what about the injured tom? Forest, right?"
Silverstreak returned Frostfeather's sharp gaze cautiously. "What do you mean?"
"You know…are you and Forest….?" Frostfeather wiggled her whiskers, and Silverstreak couldn't help but laugh.
"No, no," she said quickly, ignoring the memory of Forest's intense gaze as he declared his loyalty to the new Clan. "No. We're friends. I mean, he's very loyal to me, since I saved him…but we're not…."
"If you're not going to take him, I might," Frostfeather purred with a wink. "Once I have the kits, of course…and providing that we don't run into Brightfire again, I suppose…although I doubt he'll really mind."
Silverstreak was surprised by the strength of feeling that rushed forward at Frostfeather; it was almost an anger, and the feeling made her stomach twist itself into a knot. She swallowed down the feeling, and glanced away from Frostfeather.
"Whoa, wait a minute." Frostfeather sat up. "What was that look for, huh? What's going on with you?"
"Nothing," Silverstreak mumbled. "I'm going to, um, hunt. Since we'll have a lot of mouths to feed soon." She knew it was a low blow, but at that moment she couldn't sit still. Without another word to Frostfeather, she rose to her paws and padded into the forest, following the river. She wandered aimlessly, uncertain as to where her paws were leading her. She came to a stop as she realized she had gone farther than she intended; the formation atop which PeakClan lived loomed ahead of her, just on the other side of the river. With the sight of it came troubling thoughts. There were too many cats now to easily hide from even PeakClan. And with Northstar on the lookout for any rogue to brutalize to the edge of death….
She blinked suddenly, seeing a dark shape, almost a shadow, slip into the water. Despite the strong current, the cat swum strongly, making it to the next bank without trouble. Silverstreak tensed, only to relax as she saw the flash of blue eyes, contrasting sharply with the blaze of white on his chest.
"Blackmoon!" she greeted him, running towards him. He stopped in surprise, staring at her.
"Silverstreak? Are you alright?" he asked. "You seem troubled. Did Forest….?"
"No, Forest's fine!" she purred, before her eyes darkened, remembering her conversation with Frostfeather. Of course, Blackmoon didn't know that Frostfeather was there either, along with the rest of them. She blinked suddenly, realizing something; Blackmoon might be conflicted about helping her, especially when he learned that the new BirchClan cats were going to take some of PeakClan's territory. It would mean hard times for PeakClan if they succeeded, and surely loss of life even if they did not.
Did she dare tell him?
She blinked, suddenly realizing that Blackmoon's own blue eyes were troubled. "What's wrong with you?" she asked. "Did something happen?"
Blackmoon's shoulders slumped. "I find myself carrying a heavy burden," he said softly. "Yes, something happened within my Clan. But I cannot say; it is a delicate matter, and the feelings are still raw…please understand that I hold you in the highest regard, and it isn't that I don't trust you, simply that this is a matter for my own Clan to settle."
"I understand," Silverstreak dipped her head respectfully. "I'm sorry. I was worried about you yesterday, when you didn't show up. I assume whatever event it was prevented you? Are you conflicted about helping us? I think Forest will be okay, I can probably take care of him now."
Blackmoon's head bowed. "I'm glad…I was coming to tell you that I couldn't help you anyway."
Silverstreak blinked with surprise. "Is what happened really so terrible?"
"I'm afraid so. I wasn't there when a Clanmate needed me, and she…." He closed his eyes, drawing in a shaky breath. "She was close to our leader, and the Clan is shaken; her death was meaningless, and it means danger for her kits. The Clan is looking to me for guidance now; I don't know why."
Silverstreak rested her tail against his shoulder. "Because of your loyalty to the code, I'm sure," she mewed gently, "or perhaps your strong spirit, and kind heart. You're a good cat, Blackmoon, loyal to your Clan."
"And yet I helped a rogue survive in our own borders…." Blackmoon shook his head wearily. "It's a moot point either way, but I'm glad Forest is well. Give him my regards and sincerest apologies." He glanced towards the rock formation where PeakClan lay. "I must return, I'm sorry; the Clan's eyes are on me, and they'll grow suspicious if I'm away for too long. Goodbye, Silverstreak; may we meet again in the stars."
Silverstreak nodded, watching as Blackmoon padded back into the fierce water, swimming strongly to the other side. Only as she watched him climb to the opposite bank, did she remember Reedrush. She was supposed to come to camp that day, in the den Jag had dug out for her, along with Blitz; she would be confused when she saw the others, perhaps even frightened…what if Jag attacked them? The memory of him ambushing Slaughter's scouts sent a chill through her. She rose to her paws, and darted back to camp.
Sure enough, a bewildered Jag and Reedrush, with Blitz in her jaws, hovered near the edge of camp. Eaglestrike was speaking to them, and he turned as Silverstreak returned.
"How did your hunting go?" Frostfeather asked, and Silverstreak was reminded of her lie to Forest earlier. Ignoring the snide white queen, she smiled at Reedrush.
"Reedrush, I'm glad to see you made it across," she purred. "Blitz is getting big!"
Reedrush nodded, making Blitz bounce in her jaws. He let out a complaining mewl, and Silverstreak let out a purr, only to blink in surprise as she realized Blitz's eyes were open, although he was staring ahead sightlessly. His eyes were still a milky blue, the same as all newborn kittens; his eyes would either change to blue or green, depending on his father; gold or amber would have already shown, as it was usually easy to tell. His eyes had probably been open for several days by now.
"Have you all introduced yourselves?" she asked, sweeping her sharp gaze over the group. They nodded, and she spotted a flicker of movement in Forest's den; the glitter of green eyes told her that he was awake and listening as well.
"Well, Jag, Reedrush, it seems we've kind of assembled…so, I was wondering if you were joining our Clan? Do you think Ash led you here?"
Reedrush was silent for a moment. Then, her green eyes flashed, and her jaw clenched with determination. "I think we're supposed to be here," she meowed. "We're supposed to join you…or at least Blitz and I are." She turned to Jag. "And you?" she asked softly.
Jag took his time answering. Finally, he gave Reedrush a shy lick on the back of her ear. "I'm too fond of you two to leave," he rumbled in his usual gruff tone. "I guess I'll be joining as well."
Silverstreak felt her face split in a grin. "Excellent!" she purred, the pleased noise tickling her throat.
They'll need new names…or at least Jag and Blitz will, she thought. She glanced over the rest of the group. So will Shimmer, Death, and Buck…and Forest, I suppose, although I don't know if he'll consent. They'll need to learn the warrior code before they do anything, though, I suppose. But when can they learn this?
She frowned. How many cats were there now? She counted quickly. Shimmer, Buck, Eaglestrike, Jag, Reedrush, Blitz, Forest, Frostfeather, Ravenwing, Death, myself, Frostfeather's kits…eleven of us right now, and there will be more once Frostfeather has her kits. How can we possibly hide so many cats? And now that Blackmoon won't be with us, he can't warn us if they're patrolling here, or tell us where they won't be patrolling….It's a conundrum. We can't move Forest without risking injury to his leg, although he gets better every day.
"We'll need to split up," she said finally. "We can't all be in the same place, or PeakClan will be suspicious of us."
Eaglestrike nodded in agreement. "Will we scatter over the territory?"
She shook her head. "That just makes it more likely that they'll attack us; if we occupy more area, they'll probably find at least a few of us. And some of us need the prey we have right here; Frostfeather should stay, and Forest obviously cannot be moved. I think Reedrush and Blitz should stay as well, and possibly Shimmer."
Buck cocked his head to one side. "And the rest of us? Ravenwing, Eaglestrike, Jag, Death, and myself?"
"Is there any way you could stay in the Twolegplace?" Silverstreak wondered. "I know it's dangerous, but with a big, strong group no cats will attack you. Try to find Mitch, or Tasha; they're friends of mine, they might be able to help you."
Jag glanced at Reedrush, and Silverstreak knew he was worried about the silver tabby. "I'll watch out for her," she assured the muscular tom. He gave her a relieved glance.
"Can you hunt for all of us?" Frostfeather wondered. "You seem to be coming up empty often." Her eyes glittered, and Silverstreak knew she must have been talking to Forest.
"I'm sure I can manage; Reedrush can help too, Blitz won't need to be eating all the time." The green-eyed tabby nodded her agreement.
"We'll have to stay in this area," Silverstreak continued, "because Forest can't be moved yet…but I think Reedrush should make her distance several fox-lengths away, and use a different area for making her dirt so it doesn't seem suspicious. Shimmer, can you stay with Reedrush? I think it would be easier for Forest."
Shimmer's jaw clenched stubbornly. "Nah," she answered defiantly. "Me stay wid chu."
Silverstreak blinked in surprise; she hadn't counted on resistance from the young kit. "Shimmer, if you're going to join the Clan, you'll be apprenticed in a moon," she said sternly. "That means you have to listen to the older warriors. We know what we're doing, we'll take care of you."
"No," Shimmer repeated. Her blue eyes dropped to her dainty paws. "You…you look like Mudder. Me feels…safer." She shuffled her paws awkwardly, but Silverstreak's heart melted. She had forgotten that the young kit had lost her mother, after being chased by some shadowy force that frightened Shimmer too much to speak of it. If she was willing to acknowledge her feelings, they must be strong.
"Fine," she decided, "we'll enlarge the den and you can help me gather herbs for Forest."
Shimmer's ears pricked. "Me likes herbs!" she chirped, sounding excited rather than icy. Silverstreak glanced at Ravenwing questioningly.
"She helped me gather them a few times; Death pulled a claw and I had to find borage for Frostfeather," Ravenwing explained. "She's got a knack for it, at least when you treat it like a bit of a game."
"I was hunting for Frostfeather," Death mewed, sounding piteous as he raised one paw. She noticed it was bound with cobwebs. Ravenwing rolled her eyes.
"I told him he'd be fine, but he wanted to play it up," she laughed.
"She-cats aren't impressed by weakness," Buck growled, and Death flushed with embarrassment.
"When should we move?" Eaglestrike asked. Silverstreak glanced at the sky; it was nearly sunhigh.
"As soon as possible, I think," she admitted. "I just met with Blackmoon, and apparently there was an incident with one of PeakClan's queens. I don't know what happened, but it's possible they were attacked, perhaps by Snake. If so, PeakClan will be on high-alert for any enemy movement, and that includes us. We should be proactive about this."
The others nodded in agreement. "We'll set off soon," Eaglestrike promised. "Ravenwing, Buck, let's hunt a bit before we go; we'll need full bellies for everyone, in case it takes us awhile to learn where the prey is in Twolegplace." He turned to Silverstreak. "When will we see each other again?"
"Twolegplace isn't far away, only a few hours," Frostfeather remarked. "It wouldn't take long to meet and come back."
"Perhaps every phase of the moon?" Ravenwing suggested. "That's not long, and it's easy to keep track of. If things become too dangerous, we can adjust accordingly."
"And when will we come back?" Death asked, his fur ruffled. "I don't like Twolegplace, it's rough there."
"When things with PeakClan calm down, I guess," Silverstreak decided, "or perhaps when we have a plan of action. We'll need to declare ourselves eventually…see if you guys can recruit any cats while you're there, too, okay? We'll need every cat we can find if we're going to fight PeakClan for their territory. I hope it doesn't come to that, but unless we've got a strong force to back ourselves up, they won't think twice."
"One good thing about them having no enemies is that they're lazy and soft," Jag observed. "We saw a patrol earlier, and they might as well have been kittypets. There may be a lot of them, but a smaller force could hold their own against them."
"Also, keep your heads low," Reedrush meowed. "This Slaughter cat is on the lookout for Clan cats, remember? Don't advertise who you are except to cats that you really think will join if given the chance. Otherwise you might be exposed, and hurt. It isn't very far from Twolegplace to the mountains, only a few days journey."
"Let's go," Eaglestrike meowed, flicking his tail to Ravenwing and Buck. The three of them padded into the forest, disappearing from sight. The group dissolved, each cat going towards the cats they were most comfortable with. Silverstreak noticed the division – Death went to Frostfeather, while Jag, Reedrush, and Blitz huddled together – and felt uncomfortable. Such differences were common in Clans, but the new Clan would desperately need unity if they were going to claim their own territory.
With a soft sigh, she padded forward, towards Forest's den.
"Feeling left out?" she asked with a gentle smile as she entered. Forest laughed quietly.
"Just a bit," he purred, flashing her a crooked grin. "Listen, about earlier…."
Silverstreak's pelt prickled, but her face didn't change. "Yes?"
"I'm sorry if I made it a little awkward." Forest glanced down at his brown paws. "It honestly wasn't my intention. Like I said, it's been a long time since I've really talked to any cats, let alone she-cats…and of course, none of them as pretty as you." He grinned at her teasingly, and Silverstreak couldn't help but laugh.
"Death could take a few lessons from you in wooing Frostfeather," she chuckled. "He seems to be a little inept about it."
Forest nodded. "I seem to be getting that vibe from him." He stared out of the den, studying the gathered cats. "Ravenwing and Frostfeather are exactly as you described," he said after a moment, "and I know Eaglestrike is a good cat, if he was raised like your brother. But Buck and Death? Are you sure they're good as well?"
"Death's harmless enough; don't let the name fool you, it's really more like a joke. And Buck…well, I'm not sure about him, but Eaglestrike's usually a good reader of cats. If he says Buck's alright, then I believe him."
"It's quite an interesting Clan you're gathering," Forest meowed. He yawned, resting his head on his paws. "When do you think I'll be hunting again?"
"I'm not sure," Silverstreak admitted. "I'll have Ravenwing take a look at you, okay? She was almost a medicine cat, until—"
"You told me," Forest interrupted. "She left the medicine cat thing for Eaglestrike so she wouldn't have to break the warrior code. I guess that's noble, but I don't really know." He let out a slight chuckle.
Silverstreak simply nodded, not sure what else to say. "Very noble, by Clan standards; giving up what you want to be, a medicine cat, for the love of your life, rather than blink the warrior code…other medicine cats tried to hide their love rather than give up their duties, but it almost always came back to haunt them, especially the females. Ravenwing didn't even consider that path, though….Eaglestrike is all that matters to her."
Forest nodded slowly. "I see," he meowed. "I hope…I hope I can find someone for myself like that, I suppose. Someone that matters more to me than anything." He was quiet for a moment, still looking at his paws, and Silverstreak felt a pang of sympathy. It must have been a lonely life, in the forest on his own, especially since he had once lived with so many cats. Did he miss his old home? Did he miss his parents, ever?
She rested her tail against his side. "I'm sure you will."
He glanced at her, and smiled. "Look at me, making everything awkward again," he remarked with a light laugh. "Again, I apologize. I suppose Eaglestrike, Buck and Ravenwing will be here again soon, and Jag will be leaving; you should talk to him while you wait, since it will be several days before you see him again."
She nodded once more, rising to her paws. She glanced at Forest a last time, before padding out of the den.
Jag was speaking quietly to Reedrush while they watched Blitz stumble around on unsteady paws. He fell down every few moments, but nothing seemed to discourage him, even the fact that he could not yet see. Silverstreak was just sitting down beside them when she heard the rustle of brush. Turning, she relaxed as she saw Ravenwing's bright eyes. Prey was clutched in her jaw; she was as good a hunter as ever. Eaglestrike and Buck appeared, also with prey, which they set in the center of the clearing. Quickly, all the cats that were leaving selected a piece, and sat down to eat. Taking an older piece of prey that Jag had caught before, Silverstreak settled down with them. Frostfeather looked as if she was considering moving, before letting out a quiet sigh and settling for resting her head on her paws. Silverstreak glanced at her, wondering at her lethargy, before taking a bite of her prey.
Frostfeather suddenly let out a gasp. Glancing at her, Silverstreak's eyes widened at the pool slowly gathering around Frostfeather. Frostfeather's eyes were wide with terror, and she suddenly let out another gasp, this one of pain.
Ravenwing was instantly on her paws.
"Eaglestrike, help me carry her to the den Eaglestrike dug last night for us Reedrush and Blitz," she ordered. "Reedrush, take Blitz and Shimmer into the den Jag dug for you. The rest of you, wait out here, you'll only be in my way."
"Silverstreak," Frostfeather whimpered, struggling to her paws.
"I'm here," Silverstreak meowed immediately, moving quickly to her friend's side, allowing the queen to lean on her. Eaglestrike padded to her other side, supporting her, and they led her to the den Eaglestrike had dug for them to sleep in earlier. It was large and spacious, to accommodate so many cats.
"We'll need leaves to soak up the blood," Ravenwing meowed, taking charge, surprising Silverstreak with her forcefulness.
"Can I help?" a wavering voice asked. Silverstreak glanced over her shoulder and blinked, surprised to see Death. He had a paralyzing fear of kits, she knew.
"I-I am worried about Frostfeather," Death mumbled. He was shaking like a leaf, and avoiding looking at Frostfeather's rippling hindquarters. "C-c-can I help?"
Silverstreak's ears flattened in sympathy; the coming kits had reduced the skinny tom to a bundle of nerves.
"I need leaves, and fast," Ravenwing meowed. "Thick ones."
"There are some burdock nearby, they'll do," Silverstreak meowed. "Find Jag and ask him to help you find them. Hurry back, Frostfeather is depending on you," she added, knowing it would comfort him. Death's golden eyes flashed with determination, and he nodded, disappearing out of the den.
Frostfeather let out a whimper of pain, and Silverstreak's gaze flicked down to her; Frostfeather wasn't the kind to fuss about pain. If she was making noise, it must be very painful.
"I'm scared," Frostfeather whispered, her green eyes wide and panicked as she stared into her friend's face.
"I'm here, Frostfeather," Silverstreak mewed in a soothing tone, brushing her tail over Frostfeather's muzzle. "Death will be here soon with the leaves."
"He has…more guts than I would have thought," the white queen replied with a weak laugh. "Not so useless…after all…." She was short of breath as her body fought itself, trying to force the kits out.
"Push, Frostfeather," Ravenwing ordered. "Push! Where are those leaves?" Ravenwing looked towards the entrance, but Death and Jag had not returned. Worry creased Ravenwing's muzzle, but she didn't show it as she returned her gaze to her sister. "Just relax, Frostfeather, you'll be fine and curled up around your kits before you know it. Just push!"
Frostfeather nodded wearily, as her side rippled again.
"Hey!" Death's shout made them turn. Silverstreak felt some of the tension leave her as she saw his mouth was stuffed full of the thick, glossy leaves.
"Just drop them," Ravenwing meowed. Death did so, and Ravenwing scooped up a pawful, moving them underneath Frostfeather to soak up the birth-blood. Death looked pale under his dark fur, and his legs trembled. Glancing at Frostfeather's shaking body, Silverstreak rose to her paws and padded towards Death, brushing her tail against his flank.
"You can wait outside, if you want," she said slowly, carefully. "Frostfeather will be okay, you've done all you need to, understand? I'm sure she'll thank you when she's finished, okay?"
Death swallowed. "I-I said I would be there for her," he meowed. "I promised myself I would, that I wouldn't be…a-afraid…." He trailed off, his yellow eyes glowing with misery at his own weakness. Silverstreak felt a stirring of pity for the dark tom. He isn't strong enough yet to face his fears, even for Frostfeather, she thought sadly. She nosed his shoulder.
"It's okay, you're just not ready to face this yet. Frostfeather and the kits aren't going anywhere; you'll have plenty of time to work your way towards overcoming your fear, okay? I promise Frostfeather won't think less of you. I'm sure she's very grateful for your help already." Frostfeather let out a wail, making Silverstreak flinch. Death swayed on his paws, and his shoulders slumped with defeat.
"I…I'll wait outside," he mumbled, slinking out of the den with his head low in shame. Silverstreak padded back to Frostfeather's side.
"He didn't pass out, did he?" Frostfeather panted. Silverstreak couldn't help but smile, despite her worry; even now, Frostfeather could try to keep her in high spirits. Silverstreak suddenly felt a rush of affection for the white she-cat, washing over the ill feelings from their fight and conversation that morning.
"He's fine. Just focus, okay? I want to have some beautiful little kits for our new Clan," she purred, licking Frostfeather's ear.
"I'll do what I can," Frostfeather murmured, letting out another whimper of pain. "Just don't leave, okay?"
Silverstreak laid down, resting her muzzle against Frostfeather's. "I promise, I'll never walk out on you guys again. Nothing can come between us."
Frostfeather's muzzle curled into a gentle smile.
. . .
The kitting was long, drawn-out, and slow. Ravenwing was on edge, her pelt prickling with nervousness, but to her credit she only encouraged Frostfeather, urging her to push. The first kit appeared, a striking ginger; there was no doubt he or she was Brightfire's kin. The second kit bore Jaywing's coloring, being a soft gray. Only time would tell if the two kits would follow their noble fathers' pawsteps, but as Silverstreak gazed down at Frostfeather, curled around her two kits, she was certain the white queen would raise them in their fathers' images.
Ravenwing examined the two kits, taking her time. "Both healthy," she purred, finally, and Silverstreak let out a breath of relief, her shoulders slumping as the tension left her.
"The ginger is a she-cat, and very healthy; she's large, too," Ravenwing continued. "The little gray one is a tom; he's a little small for what I would expect, but these kits are a little early, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Her brow furrowed in worry. "I hadn't thought about the kits, though, when we were making our plans; shouldn't I stay behind, to watch over them?"
"You can't be separate from Eaglestrike again, for so long," Silverstreak meowed firmly. "I'll take care of the kits, trust me. You can give me the knowledge of what I'll need to give them while they're young, and if anything really happens I can come find you, it isn't far. Shimmer can help me gather herbs."
Ravenwing nodded, letting out a sigh. "They're beautiful, sis, really," she licked Frostfeather's shoulder. "Any names picked out?"
Frostfeather was gazing down at her kits, love glowing in her eyes. When Ravenwing licked her, it was almost as if she had snapped out of a trance. She blinked at Ravenwing, her eyes clearing. "What?"
Silverstreak smiled to herself; she had never seen that level of tenderness directed at a tom before, let alone kits. She was certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Frostfeather would be an excellent mother. Perhaps being a mother might even soften Frostfeather; toms would definitely be hard to come by for moons to come, and the kits might push Frostfeather away from her flirtatious ways.
"Names," she prompted, and Frostfeather nodded slowly.
"I had been planning to name them after their fathers, if they looked like them," she admitted, "since they were both good cats. I think I will still name the gray one Jaykit. However, Brightfire is still alive, and now perhaps on the side of the enemy…although I think he might try and find us. Either way, Brightkit doesn't seem quite right for this little girl." She gave the she-kit a nuzzle. "I'm not sure what to name her."
"Think on it," Silverstreak advised. "I'll go share the good news, okay? They'll probably all want to see the kits before they go."
"Tomorrow, maybe," Frostfeather yawned. "I'm too tired to entertain any visitors right now.
"Alright, we'll let you sleep," she replied. She gave her friend another affectionate lick, before rising to her paws and following Ravenwing out of the den.
Death rose to his paws as they left, but Ravenwing blocked his way.
"She doesn't want to be bothered by another," Ravenwing warned, "she just needs some rest. She can talk to you later, tomorrow. You all can leave in the morning, it is too late now."
Silverstreak looked up at the sky, and realized it was true; the sun was sinking towards the horizon.
She could feel eyes upon her, as the gathered cats waited for an update. Realizing she didn't have a vantage point from which to stand and speak, she simply contented herself with raising her muzzle to spread her voice.
"Frostfeather's kitting went well, although it was long," she yowled. "She has given us two healthy kits; one is a male, Jaykit. The other is a female, and is still unnamed. She wishes to rest, and so if anyone wants to visit her, they can in the morning before Eaglestrike's group leaves for the Twolegplace."
The cats murmured their assent, and Silverstreak retreated to the den she shared with Forest; the cats would have to figure out where to sleep for themselves, with Frostfeather taking up all of one den, and the other only intended for Jag, Reedrush, and Blitz.
Forest's ears pricked as she entered. "I could barely hear you out there, but I assume everything is okay? You look happy."
Silverstreak nodded. "The kits are beautiful and strong; they'll be safe with Frostfeather."
"I'm glad," he purred, and Silverstreak nodded.
"I'm exhausted, honestly, so sorry; I'm going right to sleep," she meowed. Forest nodded, resting his head on his paws, and Silverstreak copied him. Within moments, lulled by his steady breathing, she drifted off.
. . .
She awoke early the next morning, shaken from sleep by the noises of camp as cats came and went. Buck, Jag, and Eaglestrike were hunting so the group would be energized when they left.
Silverstreak found Death hovering by the entrance to the makeshift nursery. He avoided Silverstreak's gaze as she approached.
"Something wrong?" she inquired.
"I can't do it," he mumbled, downcast. "I can hear them moving around, you know? And they're mewling and drinking, and it's…." He shuddered. "I can't go in."
Silverstreak's eyes softened. "It's okay, Death. She won't be angry with you, or anything. She'll understand."
"And we'll be back soon, right? I can see her later, when the k-k-k…the little things are bigger?"
Silverstreak nodded. "I promise, you can see her when you're ready and it's safe."
Death dipped his head to her, and sat down at the entrance, gazing up at the sky with a far-away look in his golden eyes. Silverstreak felt a pang of pity; what she had thought was Death's flirtatious ways or a little crush might actually be deeper.
Looking away from him, she padded into the den. Frostfeather's eyes were closed and her head on her paws, but she looked up as Silverstreak entered the den.
"Good morning," Silverstreak purred.
"Have anything for me to eat?" Frostfeather asked hopefully.
"No, but Eaglestrike, Buck, and Jag are out hunting," she answered. "I expect Eaglestrike will have caught something for you. If not, I will; you're not going anywhere."
Frostfeather nodded with a yawn, resting her head again.
"Any ideas for the ginger kit's name yet?" Silverstreak wondered. Frostfeather shook her head.
"I thought about Foxkit, Firekit, Flamekit…but none of them really seem right for her." Frostfeather frowned. "I'm not really sure what to name her, honestly."
"Mind if we enter?" a pleasant voice asked. Silverstreak glanced over her shoulder, and smiled as she saw Eaglestrike and Buck in the entrance.
"Sure, come in…did you bring me anything?" Frostfeather asked with a smile. Eaglestrike set down a fat robin at her paws.
"Eat up," he purred, taking a step back. "The kits are beautiful, Frostfeather. Still no name for the ginger one?"
Frostfeather shook her head again. Eaglestrike frowned, looking thoughtful.
"What about Robinkit?" Buck rumbled. Frostfeather blinked at him.
"That was the name of one of your friends, right?" she asked. He nodded.
"Robin was – is – a sweet cat. She's very kind, and honest, as well as loyal. She would follow Belladonna anywhere, even into the forest."
Frostfeather mirrored Eaglestrike's thoughtful expression. "Robinkit," she murmured, and then smiled. "Yes, Robinkit. I think that is what she will be named. Thank you, Buck!"
Silverstreak cocked her head to one side, studying Buck. She didn't know much about his past, except that he had lived with Mother during Forest's stay, and he had apparently been following two of his friends and lost them. But was that all there was to it? Or was there more?
"I'm glad you finally named her," is all Silverstreak said with a smile. "I'll tell the group, okay?"
Frostfeather nodded, and Silverstreak left the den. She paused in the entrance, thinking; there were two more kits she wanted to name first.
She padded into the den Jag had carved himself. Jag was there, speaking with Reedrush and watching Blitz as he slept.
"Hello," Silverstreak meowed, smiling warmly to them. "How are you?"
"Good, good," Reedrush answered. "Did Frostfeather name her other kit?"
Silverstreak nodded. "I'll be telling everyone in a moment. But there's another kit I'd like to name as well." She glanced at the sleeping kit. Reedrush nodded in understanding.
"You said he would be Blizzardkit, right?"
Silverstreak dipped her head, and Reedrush looked at her paws for a moment.
"I want him to grow up as part of the Clan," she said finally, "but still feel close to his father. If you think this name is right for him, it is fine with me."
Silverstreak smiled. "Great. Do you know where Shimmer is? I need to speak to her as well."
Reedrush shook her head. "She was gone when I woke up; she doesn't like being treated as a kit, I suppose."
"I wouldn't either," Silverstreak admitted. "Oh! Before I forget, Frostfeather's den will be our new nursery. You and Blitz – excuse me, Blizzardkit – will move in there with her, so you can all be together in one place. It's safer that way. Shimmer might move in too, if she agrees."
"I hope Frostfeather and I will be friends," Reedrush mewed, her muzzle curling into a smile. "A friend of yours is an honorable one."
Silverstreak dipped her head, and rose to her paws. "Once I find Shimmer, I'll tell the group of your decision, alright?"
Reedrush bobbed her head, and with a smile at Blizzardkit and Jag, she left.
"Has anyone seen Shimmer?" she asked. The assembled cats shook their heads – except Death, who gave a little shudder. Worried, Silverstreak searched the camp, but could find no sign of the kit. Then, fearing the worst, she opened her mouth, pulling in the scents of the forest. Mingled with them was Shimmer's scent, leading out of camp. Silverstreak's heart thudded in her chest and she broke into a run, following the scent. It led along the river at first, veered away once when Shimmer was distracted by an odd sound, before returning to the river. Then, an icy spear of fear dove into Silverstreak's heart, as she caught another scent.
Northstar.
AN: Yikes, what happened to PeakClan?
Deathy is such a chew-toy in this story. He was one of my favorite characters to rp way-back-when, but he wasn't as pathetic then, I guess, ha. Silly paedophobic. xD
Keep the reviews coming, my darlings! It was good to see some new faces last time!
Also, sorry this is taking so long: I've been writing really quickly, but my time is limited and it's been a VERY busy week for me. I'm trying, loves! Remember to look at the poll; with so many good reviews, I've got plenty to say~!