Chapter 35
Ten Moons Later...
"You're expecting kits!"
Amberclaw's eyes widened upon hearing that news. "Really?" she exclaimed, completely overjoyed.
Jayfeather nodded, his blind eyes gleaming. "Congratulations."
Amberclaw just stood there for a few moments, unsure of what to say or do. "Thank you," she finally mewed, before padding out of the den. Once in the clearing, the pale ginger she-cat looked around for the familiar dark pelt that belonged to her mate.
There! Amberclaw quickly hurried over to the fresh kill pile where Spiderleg stood. "Spiderleg," she began, her voice trembling with excitement, "I need to tell you something."
Spiderleg turned away from the fresh-kill pile before asking, "What is it?"
"I-I want to tell you in private," she whispered.
Spiderleg's amber eyes widened in confusion, but he didn't argue. The black-and-brown tom obediently followed after Amberclaw as she headed out of camp and into the forest. The two walked in silence for a couple of minutes, before Amberclaw stopped at a fallen tree that out looked a tiny creek.
Bunching her muscles, Amberclaw leaped up onto the trunk of the fallen tree, before flicking her tail for Spiderleg to join her.
"What is it?" Spiderleg repeated, staring at her.
The pale ginger she-cat took a deep breath, unsure of how to announce the news of her pregnancy. Finally she blurted, "I'm expecting kits!"
Silence.
Amberclaw's smile quickly turned into a frown, and she felt her heart break. "You're not going to say anything?" she snapped.
"I-I'm just shocked is all," Spiderleg admitted. "I just... I didn't think... so soon, you know?"
"Are you upset?" she whimpered.
He immediately shook his head. "Of course not! I'm very happy, Amberclaw. Don't think that for one second I'm upset that we're going to have kits. I'm just... shocked is all. Not to mention, some cats aren't exactly pleased that we're mates." Spiderleg was right. Despite the fact both cats had waited until Amberclaw had fully grown and matured, the Clan still gave the two of them odd looks.
Amberclaw let out a sigh of relief. "I don't care what any other cat says or thinks. I'm old enough to make my own decisions, and I know this is what I want. Besides, things are much different than they were when Rosepetal and Toadstep were kittens. I know that these kits will be brought up in a safe, excepting environment. And unlike Daisy, I'm not afraid of putting you in your place!" Amberclaw purred happily.
Spiderleg just smiled back. "I promise I'll do my best," he breathed.
Amberclaw leaned against his shoulder and entwined her tail with his. "How many do you think we'll have? And more importantly, what should we name them?"
Spiderleg pulled away before meowing, "We'll worry about all that later. For now we need to focus on getting you settled in the nursery."
She flattened her ears to her head, before giving her mate an annoyed look. "I'm perfectly capable of sleeping in the warriors den for now!" she argued.
"Absolutely not. You need to move into the nursery right away so Leafpool, Daisy and Cherryfall can look after you," he answered, before nudging her to her paws.
Amberclaw didn't argue anymore. "Fine," she huffed. Together the two of them padded back to camp, before heading for the nursery. As they walked, Amberclaw felt as though every cat's gaze was burning into her pelt. Ignoring the stares, she scurried over to the nursery.
Inside, she could just make out the shapes of the current ThunderClan queens.
"I think I know what this is about," Cherryfall whispered to Daisy.
The cream-colored she-cat's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I think I know too," she responded. Turning to look at Amberclaw and Spiderleg, she asked, "What can I help you with?"
"Amberclaw is expecting my kits," Spiderleg answered, smiling at his mate.
"I knew it!" Cherryfall exclaimed, before adding, "Congratulations, by the way."
"Thank you," both cats mewed in unison.
"Will Amberclaw's kits arrive here sooner than Leafpool's?" a tiny gray kit squeaked, glancing up at Cherryfall.
Cherryfall wrapped her tail around the kit before meowing, "No, Stonekit. Amberclaw's kits won't arrive for a while."
Stonekit frowned. "Aw! I want someone to play with. It's no fun being the only kit in the nursery," he complained, flicking his tiny tail back and forth.
"Don't worry, Stonekit. My kittens will be arriving within the next half-moon or so," Leafpool spoke up, giving the tiny gray kit a sympathetic look. Leafpool was expecting her second litter of kits, who were fathered by Crowfeather.
"I can't wait that long!" Stonekit wailed.
"Yes you can," Cherryfall answered sharply.
"No I can't."
"Yes you can."
"No I can't!"
"Stonekit, go to sleep," the ginger queen commanded, pulling her son towards her belly.
As Cherryfall dealt with her son, Leafpool and Daisy worked together to gather moss for Amberclaw's nest. While they worked, Spiderleg beckoned Daisy to come over to him. "I'd like to talk to you for a moment," he whispered. "Outside."
Daisy blinked, but didn't say anything. The cream-colored she-cat simply padded outside of the nursery, before sitting down.
"I just... I want to apologize," Spiderleg began awkwardly.
"For what?" Daisy looked up at him, clearly confused.
"For being a terrible father to our kits. I completely abandoned you, and I'm sorry. I hope you aren't mad at me for having kits with Amberclaw. I prom-"
Daisy cut him off, "Spiderleg, why would I be mad at you for this? I'm honestly very happy that you've found love with Amberclaw, and I just know you're going to be a wonderful father to your new kits. As for our kits, please don't beat yourself up over what happened in the past. I'm not exactly pleased at what you did, but you at least tried to be a good father to them, and that's what counts in my book." A weak purr rumbled in Daisy's throat, and her blue eyes welled up with emotion. "Sometimes I do wish things could have been different between us, but your happiness is what matters to me."
Spiderleg gulped. "Daisy... thank you. I promise you I will be a great father to my new kits. I'll bring them fresh-kill every day, I'll tell them stories, I'll-"
"You should be telling this to Amberclaw, not me," Daisy interrupted, her eyes gleaming with laughter.
"Sorry," he murmured.
"Stop being sorry. Now go spend time with your mate and let her know how much you love her," Daisy commanded.
Spiderleg nodded, before padding back into the nursery. There he headed for Amberclaw's nest, which was towards the back. "How are you settling in?" he asked, wrapping his tail around his paws.
"It's different in here, but I'll adjust," Amberclaw yawned, her eyes drooping slightly.
A purr rumbled in Spiderleg's throat as he spoke, "You need to get some rest. And remember: I love you." He leaned down and nuzzled her, and then he touched noses with her.
"I love you too."
"How is Stonekit doing today?" Dewfrost asked, poking his head inside the nursery.
At the sound of her mate's voice, Cherryfall sat up, her eyes gleaming. "He's getting into all kinds of mischief today!" she purred, giving their sleeping son a lick on top of the head.
Dewfrost chuckled, before padding over to her nest. Taking a seat, he stared down at where Stonekit was fast asleep. His tiny gray flanks rose and fell with every breath, and every once and a while a tiny snore slipped out. "He looks just like me," he murmured.
"He does," Cherryfall agreed, laying back down. Sighing, the ginger queen whispered, "Sometimes I wonder what his sisters would have been like." Besides Stonekit, Cherryfall had given birth to two ginger she-cats, however they had been stillborn due to birthing complications.
"Don't think about it," Dewfrost warned, knowing this was a sensitive topic. Their daughters' deaths had already left Cherryfall in enough pain, so he didn't want her thinking about it.
Cherryfall just sighed once more. "How can I not? Those were my daughters..."
Dewfrost just leaned forward and gave her a lick on the forehead. "I know, my love. I just don't want you to dwell on it so much." Glancing around the den, he tried to think of something that would cheer his mate up. Finally he said, "Let's go on a walk!"
Cherryfall blinked up at him a couple of times, shocked. "I just can't leave Stonekit here," she protested.
"I'll watch him for you," Daisy offered from her nest.
Cherryfall exchanged a look with Dewfrost, but didn't say anything. Finally the ginger queen said, "All right. Thank you, Daisy. We'll be back before you know it." Together Dewfrost and Cherryfall padded out of the nursery, before heading out into the forest.
"It's hot out!" Cherryfall complained, plopping down under a clump of ferns. As the she-cat lay there, she dug her paws into the cool dirt, hoping it would cool her off a bit.
"You'll get all dirty," Dewfrost meowed, taking a seat beside her.
Cherryfall just shrugged. "I'd rather be dirty and cool than clean and hot. Besides, we can clean ourselves off in the river later on."
"I suppose you're right," he murmured, gazing off into the forest.
For a few minutes, both cats were silent, enjoying the sounds of nature. Finally Cherryfall spoke up, "Did Amberclaw tell you she was expecting kits?"
Dewfrost's eyes widened. "No, she didn't!" he exclaimed, giving his mate a horrified look. His expression then changed into a frown as he meowed, "Let me guess: with Spiderleg?"
Cherryfall's eyes widened, shocked that her mate didn't seem very happy. Slowly she nodded before meowing, "Yes... why? Don't you like Spiderleg?"
"It's not that... It's just he isn't right for my sister. I'm all too familiar with how Spiderleg treated Daisy, and I'm not about to sit back and let him treat Amberclaw the same way." The gray-and-white tom repeatedly dug his claws into the earth, and his fur began to bristle.
Upon seeing this, Cherryfall jumped up. "Spiderleg won't do that to her," she argued, draping her tail across his back hoping it would calm him down.
Dewfrost pushed her tail off before retorting, "And how do you know that?"
"I don't-"
"Exactly!" he interrupted. Sighing, he sat back down and growled, "I don't want to talk about this anymore. Let's go on a hunt."
Cherryfall frowned, but didn't argue. The ginger she-cat just followed her mate through the undergrowth, alert for prey. Suddenly a flicker of movement caught her attention, and she instinctively dropped into the hunters crouch. Slowly, she pulled herself forward until she was in leaping range. Bunching her back legs, Cherryfall pounced, landing squarely on a thrush. The bird squawked in alarm, before falling limp under Cherryfall's sharp claws.
"Wonderful job!" Dewfrost purred, running up to her side.
"Thanks," she mewed, burying her catch.
The two of them continued on through the forest, searching for more prey. By dusk, the two of them had managed to catch a thrush and three mice.
"I remember this time last year we were starving," Cherryfall commented.
Dewfrost let out a sigh. "I remember that as well. I'm so glad we don't have to deal with a famine anymore though. That's the last thing I'd want for our son," he said.
Cherryfall nodded in agreement. "I'm extremely fortunate to have enough milk for Stonekit. After watching Cinderheart's struggles to care for her daughters, I was so terrified I'd end up going through the same thing."
Dewfrost pressed his muzzle up against hers. "I love you," he whispered, closing his eyes.
"And I love you," she answered back, eyes gleaming. Pulling away from her mate she meowed, "When we arrive back at the camp, will you tell Stonekit a story? He's been bugging me for one for the past couple of sunrises, but I can't think of any!"
"Did you think of telling him about the Great Battle?" he suggested.
Cherryfall's eyes widened in horror. "Absolutely not! He's far too young to hear about the Great Battle. What if he gets nightmares?"
Dewfrost rolled his eyes before meowing, "I'm sure I'll be able to think of something."
Once in camp, the two cats set down their prey on the fresh-kill pile, before rushing over to the nursery. Inside, Stonekit was wide awake, playing with Daisy's tail.
As soon as he noticed his parents, Stonekit abandoned his game and ran over to them. His gray kitten fluff was poking out in every direction, making him look like a fluff ball. "You're back!"
"Yes, we are. And guess what: your father is here to tell you a story!" Cherryfall purred, settling down into her nest. She patted the spot at the crook of her belly for Stonekit, who obediently walked over.
Once he was settled, Dewfrost cleared his throat. "Once upon a time..."
Tawnypelt closed her eyes, breathing in the rich scent of pine sap.
Shortly after arriving at the gorge, Tawnypelt had decided to return home to ShadowClan. While ThunderClan was nice, it wasn't the same. Despite this, she still hadn't made up with Rowanstar.
The dark ginger tom had tried several times to apologize to her, but Tawnypelt wouldn't have it.
Suddenly, the bushes rustled, causing Tawnypelt to jump. Turning around, she realized it was the tom she had just been thinking about. "What do you want?" she meowed a little too harshly.
"Tawnypelt... please listen to me," Rowanstar began, his green eyes filled with sadness. When she didn't argue, he said, "I was a complete frog-brain when I called you disloyal. You're not disloyal at all! In fact, you're one of the most loyal cats in all of ShadowClan. I'm really sorry for what I said... I know this isn't a very good apology, but I hope you'll accept it."
The tortoiseshell she-cat stood there for a few moments, thinking. Finally she meowed, "I forgive you."
Rowanstar's eyes widened in surprise, and a smile spread across his face. "Thank you, Tawnypelt. I promise I will never treat you like that again." He leaned forward to nuzzle her, before whispering, "I love you, Tawnypelt. I truly do."
Tawnypelt's gaze darkened. "I love you too, Rowanstar. But... I don't think we can return to being mates, at least not right now. We need to work on our relationship first, before diving right back in. I'm sorry."
Rowanstar's eyes darkened, but he didn't argue. "I'm willing to try, Tawnypelt. I'll do anything."
The tortoiseshell she-cat smiled before padding back in the direction of the camp. "Last one to camp is a lumpy toad!"
"You're on!" Rowanstar yowled, charging after her.
"Careful!"
"I'm fine, Crowfeather," Leafpool meowed, her eyes gleaming. She and Crowfeather were padding down the side of the gorge for a drink of water. With each pawstep, Leafpool's large belly jiggled. "I was never this big with Jayfeather, Lionblaze and Hollyleaf," she complained under her breath, slightly annoyed.
"Do you want to take a break?" Crowfeather questioned, his blue eyes filled with worry.
"I'm fine," she repeated.
Crowfeather flattened his ears to his head before meowing, "Well, if you want to stop just tell me."
Leafpool let our a mrrow of laughter, but continued on. Finally the two of them reached the bottom of the gorge, before padding over to the water's edge. As they walked, they passed by Ebonyclaw, Stormheart and Sagefur of SkyClan.
"Hello, Leafpool!" Sagefur called, waving his tail in greeting.
"When will your kits be here?" Ebonyclaw wondered, eyes shining.
"Within the next half-moon or so," Leafpool replied. "I wish they'd hurry up and get here though! My belly is already huge, and it isn't even done growing yet."
"Do you know how many you're going to have?" the black furred SkyClan warrior asked.
Leafpool was thoughtful for a moment before meowing, "About three or four, at least." She then looked at Crowfeather, who had a pleased look on his face.
"I can't wait for our kits to be born," he purred. "I just know they'll be the best kits in the entire forest!"
As they sat there talking, Leafpool's mouth began to go dry, making the she-cat grow uncomfortable. She gently nudged Crowfeather's shoulder to get his attention before meowing, "I'm thirsty."
Crowfeather's eyes widened before he stood to his paws. "Excuse us, but Leafpool is thirsty." Dipping his head to the SkyClan cats, he lead his pregnant mate to the rivers edge. As Leafpool took several gulps of water, Crowfeather sat back and watched her.
"What do Jayfeather and Lionblaze think?" he whispered, slightly afraid to ask. Crowfeather was all too aware of how his sons felt about him, but he didn't blame them. He had been a terrible father to his four kits, so it made sense that they all deeply disliked him.
"They're happy for me," Leafpool meowed, sitting up. She gave her muzzle a tiny shake, sending water droplets from her whiskers.
"That's good," Crowfeather replied, his tail tip twitching slightly.
Noticing how nervous her mate seemed, Leafpool asked, "Are you worried Jayfeather and Lionblaze won't accept these new kits? If so, quit worrying. I've already talked to the two about this situation, and they're fine with it. Even Jayfeather is excited for their arrival, and you know how he is with kits." Leafpool padded over to her mate and gave him a quick nuzzle. "Things are going to be okay," she whispered, before turning to head up the steep rocky slope.
Crowfeather sighed, before hurrying after her. As he followed Leafpool towards ThunderClan's camp, he was intercepted by a group of WindClan cats.
"Crowfeather, you need to come back to camp immediately!" Crouchfoot panted, his eyes wide.
"What's wrong?" the WindClan deputy demanded.
"It's Whitestar... She's losing a life!" Featherpool answered.
Turning to look at Leafpool, Crowfeather asked, "I have to go. Can you make it back to camp on your own?"
Leafpool nodded. "Yes. I'll be fine."
Crowfeather dipped his head, before racing away.
Now alone, Leafpool slowly padded into the forest. There she headed for ThunderClan's camp, which felt as though it were located on the moon. I hate being pregnant, she thought irritably. At least the end result will be worth it, especially since I'll actually be able to raise the kits this time. Finally arriving at camp, Leafpool immediately headed for the nursery. Once inside, the brown tabby she-cat flopped down in her nest and closed her eyes.
Realizing she couldn't fall asleep, Leafpool blinked open her eyes and looked around the den. Cherryfall was gone, Daisy was attempting to groom Stonekit, and Amberclaw was fast asleep in her nest. As Leafpool studied the pale ginger she-cat, she could definitely see that her pregnancy was starting to show. While Leafpool was happy for Amberclaw, she couldn't help but grow uneasy at the fact these kits belonged to Spiderleg. Leafpool was all too aware of what the dark colored tom had done to Daisy, and she didn't want to see a repeat of that with Amberclaw. I'm not one to talk, she realized. After all, Crowfeather and I both went through a period of time were we rejected one another, and look at us now. I need to be happy for the two of them, and just hope that things will work out. Besides, who knows? Maybe Spiderleg will be a good father this time around.
The nursery entrance rustled, and Leafpool looked up to see Squirrelflight standing there with a chaffinch in her jaws. "I thought you might be hungry," her sister purred, padding towards her.
"I'm starving," Leafpool answered, taking a bite out of the bird. As she ate, she could feel Squirrelflight's gaze burning into her belly. Glancing up, Leafpool realized that Squirrelflight was staring longingly at her pregnant belly.
"I wish I could have kits," she whispered sadly.
Pushing her meal away, Leafpool stood up. "I'm sorry, Squirrelflight." She pressed her muzzle into her sister's fur.
"I would give anything to have a litter of my own... maybe then Bramblestar and I could become mates again. Oh, Leafpool! I miss him so much, but I know he deserves a cat who can give him what he wants." Squirrelflight stared down at her paws, before sighing.
Leafpool shook her head. "Nonsense! Bramblestar loves you Squirrelflight! I know that he would take you back, kits or no kits."
"You really think so?" Squirrelflight whimpered, her voice cracking.
She nodded. "I know so. Now go find Bramblestar, and tell him how you feel!"
Squirrelflight gave her sister a determined look, before rushing out of the nursery. Leafpool quickly followed after her, just in time to see Squirrelflight scurry out of camp.
Good luck, Squirrelflight!
Bramblestar sat at the Sky Rock, over looking the gorge. As he sat, he began to think about everything the Clans had endured the past two years. First the Dark Forest had attacked, resulting in several deaths. Then a greencough epidemic hit the Clans, resulting in the deaths of Hazeltail, Icecloud, Toadstep and Purdy. And right when things were starting to get better, a terrible storm (which he learned was called a hurricane) had hit the lake, nearly wiping out the entire Clans. Now after a long and dangerous journey, the Clans were living peacefully beside the gorge. Things couldn't have been better, but Bramblestar still didn't feel happy.
I miss Squirrelflight, he thought. I know that the past few years have been rocky between us, but I need her at my side. She's so strong and levelheaded, and I don't think I could be the leader I am today without her help.
Sighing, he glanced down at his paws, before looking back out across the red rocks. Bramblestar then felt the presence of another cat beside him, and he realized it was the dark ginger she-cat he had just been thinking about.
"I want to talk to you," Squirrelflight immediately meowed.
"Go ahead," he replied, patting the spot next to him with his tail.
Slowly, Squirrelflight padded over to him and took a seat. Upon examination, Bramblestar realized Squirrelflight was extremely nervous.
Gulping, she turned to look at him before meowing, "I love you, Bramblestar. I always have and I always will! I-I... I really want to be your mate again, but I know how much you want kits."
For a few moments, Bramblestar was shocked, unsure of what to say or do. "I love you too," he finally whispered. "And I don't care if you can't have kits, Squirrelflight." Leaning forward, he gave her a nuzzle.
"Thank you," she whispered, closing her eyes.
For a few minutes, the two of them stood there like that, just purring. Finally, they pulled back and sat down, entwining their tails. Bramblestar glanced at her, his heart soaring. As long as Squirrelflight is by my side, I can do anything.
The end!
Ahhh, I can't believe it's finally here. I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter, and that it wasn't too disappointing. I'll try to have the sequel up as soon as I can, and I hope you will all enjoy it. Also, I want to give a special shout out to every single person who has reviewed this story!
Your reviews are what made me eager to write each week, and without you I don't think I would have had the confidence to write this story. I've always been really shy when it comes to sharing my stories, so knowing so many people love my writing? It really puts a gigantic smile on my face. Thank you so much.