Chapter 3
Peaches awoke to a gentle nudge and Spottedleaf softly urging her to wake up. She blinked up at the cat before getting up and stretching her legs, wincing at her still sore paws. "Are we going to find my mother today?" She questioned still putting on the lost kitten act from the day before. Spottedleaf's eyes were full of pity as she looked at the kit standing gingerly on her sore feet. She nodded, "Yes, Bluestar, ThunderClan's leader, assigned Whitestorm to help us search."
Whitestorm! I didn't see him the other day, I guess he was on a patrol. It's been so long. Peaches feigned a look of curiosity and asked, "Who's that? What does he do?"
Spottedleaf was about to answer before realization flinted across her face, "I forgot to talk to you about the Clan last night didn't I? You just seemed so tired I didn't want to keep you up. Whitestorm is a warrior, he helps protect the camp and also helps provide food by hunting. That's what warriors do, they guard and patrol our territory."
"What do you do? You and that other cat were picking plants yesterday. Why would you do that?" Peaches questioned showing more and more curiosity. Spottedleaf lifted her chin and said proudly, "I'm a medicine cat. I help my Clanmates when they get sick or injured. Those plants we had the other day will help me soothe their injuries just like how last night I chewed up those leaves for your paws."
"That's neat! I never would've thought you could do that with random plants like that." She said with a hint of admiration in her hazel eyes as she looked up at the pretty molly.
The ferns at the entrance rustled as a big white cat pushed his way in. Peaches' eyes widened as she took in his figure and she took a few steps back. Was Whitestorm always this big? I guess I never saw him while this small! He chuckled as he saw the kit step backwards. Spottedleaf swatted him with her tail and shot him a look. Whitestorm stopped laughing and shook his head, "Hello there, I am Whitestorm. Spottedleaf asked me to help you out."
Peaches looked up in awe at his size and nodded. Spottedleaf walked forward and nosed her out of the nest, "Come, I asked some of the elders to look after you while I take Whitestorm to where you were found."
Whitestorm nodded before turning and pushing his way out of the den, leading the small group out into the clearing. Spottedleaf nudged the kit forward as Whitestorm continued on his way towards the gorse tunnel. He paused near the blue-gray cat form last night and turned to watch as Peaches took hesitant steps in the clearing. She took a deep breath and sped up a little following Spottedleaf over to a fallen tree where she remembered the elders' den being. She glanced back to Whitestorm and Bluestar before pushing her way in after Spottedleaf. She blinked in surprise at the cats in the den as they all lifted their heads to see what was going on.
"Dappeletail, Rosetail, I spoke to you yesterday about keeping an eye on this kit for me. She lost her way in the forest yesterday so I'm taking Whitestorm out today to try to find out what happened. Are you still willing to do that?" Spottedleaf meowed, resting her tail softly on the kitten.
The two elders, one a gray tabby with a reddish tail and the other a tortoiseshell got up and came to take a look at the kit. They exchanged a glance before Dappletail, the tortoiseshell, nodded, "Of course we'll help you out Spottedleaf. StarClan knows it's been a little too long since we had any kits running around."
Spottedleaf dipped her head in thanks and turned to Peaches, "Alright, I have to go now but I'll be back soon, okay? Don't cause any trouble for these two, they are doing me a favor by watching out for you while I'm away."
Peaches nodded, I never really got to spend much time with the elders last time except when I got punished. I'm sure it'll be a different experience just hanging around with them.
Spottedleaf gave her one last lick before turning around and pushing out of the den. Peaches watched her leave before turning a nervous gaze towards the two older mollys not really knowing what to expect now. Rosetail looked at her for a moment before flicking her tail calling the kit forward. The pale kit cautiously stepped closer to the elders and Rosetail gave an approving nod at her careful steps.
"I'll show you around to the rest of us when they wake, for now come with me we'll go sit in the clearing for a bit." Rosetail said, leading the way out of the den. The kitten scampered after her, blinking in surprise at the clearing that had been empty just moments ago and now had cats moving to and fro all across the camp.
Rosetail led the way to a comfortable looking spot in the clearing and sat down motioning for the kit to sit next to her. Peaches hurried not wanting to get left behind. Dappletail trailing after them keeping a careful watch as the kit skirted around groups of cats giving them a wide berth. After sitting herself neatly next to the two elders she looked around curiously as the rest of the clan started the day.
Over by the Highrock stood Bluestar, along with a small tortoiseshell tom with a ginger tail, that must be Redtail. I only ever saw him in StarClan but his tail definitely gives him away. She had to focus on not letting her whiskers twitch in amusement at the thought. They stood together and one of them would occasionally give out orders to passing cats. Peaches looked on as a big brown tabby with long front claws stopped in front of the two cats, Tigerstar! No, not yet now he's just a warrior. Redtail's still alive, he hasn't killed any ThunderClan cats yet I just need to keep a close eye on him and make sure he never gets a chance to betray us.
Bluestar felt her gaze and glanced over, meeting her curious eyes. Peaches fluffed her fur out trying to look a little bit bigger, refusing to look away. Bluestar's eyes filled with a quiet laughter at the kitten puffed out to twice her size and padded over leaving the two warriors by the Highrock.
"Good morning little one," She greeted as she got closer. "I am Bluestar, leader of this Clan. I hope you had a good rest last night. I trust that you are more than ready to go home today."
The kit nodded showing a sense of eagerness to return home. On the inside though Peaches was a little tired of all this running around, hopefully I covered up my scent enough to make it too difficult to track it to Nutmeg's home.
Bluestar twichted her ear as Redtail came up behind her, "I've assigned all the border patrols and the hunting patrols. Tigerclaw's leading a hunting patrol out now."
BLuestar nodded and gestured at the kit with her head, "I told you about what Spottedleaf found yesterday, this is the kit she brought back."
Redtail looked down at the pale yellow kit and made eye contact with her bright hazel eyes. His eyes softened a little as her little tail twitched with nerves. "Lets hope she won't be stranded here for long. Her mother most likely just lost her way in the woods."
Bluestar nodded before speaking with the elders, "I trust Spottedleaf told you everything?"
"Yes, she made sure we were well informed about where she might have come from. We both agreed that it would be too cruel to just leave her by herself until Spottedleaf returns or make her run after them with her cracked paws," Dappletail murmured, casting a sympathetic look at the ball of fur who still stared up at the Clan deputy with awe.
Redtail gave her an amused nod before turning and making his way towards a small group waiting in front of the gorse tunnel, Longpaw among them.
Peaches watched as he led the cats out shuffling her paws a bit as they were still a bit too sore to put weight on them. Rosetail noticed and nudged her a little, gesturing for her to lay by her side as the sun rose over the ravine. Dappletail rose to her paws, "I'll go find us some fresh-kill," she offered, walking over to the fresh-kill pile.
Bluestar also stood and nodded farewell as she went to her den covered by the hanging lichen. Peaches watched as the molly disappeared behind the moss and turned her gaze to the other cats in the clearing. A small dusky she-cat, picked her food up and carried it over to the nettle patch, Mousefur. She looks just as energetic as she used to though I bet her tongue is a little softer now than it was as an elder. She stifled a laugh and continued looking for the oh so familiar pelts of her youth.
A tabby tom pushed his way in from the gorse tunnel carrying a large squirrel, Runningwind, he died too soon I never really got a chance to know him. Her reminiscing was interrupted as Dappletail dropped a small mouse in front of her. Peaches looked up, and she flicked her seemed amused at the hesitant way Peaches crouched down as though seeking permission to eat. "Go ahead and eat, I'm sure you're hungry by now. From what I know kits are always looking for food."
Peaches flattened her ears in embarrassment before she took a mouthful of the prey. Cats kept shooting curious looks over at the small group of she-cats as they went about their duties. Peaches sank even lower hoping that they would stop, embarrassed about how out of place she seemed. The only kit in a camp full of warriors.
The morning passed in a leisurely way as cats were in and out of the camp, a few coming to stop and talk with the two elders and making not so subtle inquiries about the random kitten. Dappletail and Rosetail shook the questions off and simply avoided answering, making sure that Peaches herself didn't do anything, they needed to wait for Bluestar's decision before they could talk about what they knew.
After what felt like all day Spottedleaf and Whitestorm finally returned, pushing through the gorse tunnel.
Spottedleaf picked her way through the clearing ignoring the cats that called out to her. Whitestorm followed a little slower as he greeted the cats but didn't stop and explain, just kept saying that he needed to report to Bluestar first. He laughed it off and lengthened his strides until he was shoulder to shoulder with Spottedleaf, "With how attached you already are I can't imagine how you'll act if Bluestar decides to keep her."
Spottedleaf rolled her eyes and kept walking. Peaches quietly agreed with Whitestorm, still a bit surprised by how quickly Spottedleaf seemed to care, maybe it's because of how young I am. After all, most cats have a general sense of care for kits and as a medicine cat she must have a lot of empathy for the weaker cats.
Whitestorm made his way to Bluestar's den and was called in shortly. Spottedleaf sat beside the elders and the kit and spoke, "How was it? She didn't cause any trouble did she?"
Offended, Peaches fluffed out her fur, "I didn't do anything! I sat right where they told me to the entire time you were gone, Spottedleaf! Tell her Rosetail!"
Rosetail chuckled and ran her tail down the kits back lightly, "She was great. No trouble at all. What about you? Any luck with the search?"
Spottedleaf sighed, "We should wait for Bluestar. Whitestorm's giving her the report now. Though I will say it did not go as we had hoped."
Peaches flattened her ears back and fluffed out her fur, "What do you mean? Did you find my mother?" Spottedleaf's eyes were filled with pity and she leaned down and gave her a few licks on the head and ear. "Oh Peaches, I'm so sorry but it seems I won't be able to take you home."
Bluestar and Whitestorm padded up behind Spottedleaf as she tried comforting the shocked kit. Bluestar looked down and then over at the elders, "I can already guess what Spottedleaf will say, however I want to hear your opinion on this."
Dappletail and Rosetail exchanged glances before Dappletail spoke up, "I think it would do the Clan good to have some fresh blood running around, the last kit we had was Longpaw and he's soon to be a warrior anyhow. Robinwing is pregnant but she still has a while to go before she kits.
Bluestar nodded cooly and took another look at the pale yellow kit before taking a look at the nursery. "If you can get the queens to agree I'll allow her to join us. I can handle the rest. I already talked with Redtail about what might happen and he said he would support my decision regardless of which choice I make."
Spottedleaf looked up and said, "I can talk to them. They're mothers after all they most likely won't be able to sit still with a little one needing help."
Bluestar nodded, "Go then we'll keep an eye on the kit while you do so."
Said kit slowly shook her fur out and watched as Spottedleaf hurried to the nursery. She turned and looked at the cats standing over her. Her tail twitched nervously as her eyes went back and forth between the cats not quite sure who to look at.
Bluestar crouched down and spoke suddenly, "Did Spottedleaf tell you about us? What we do and why we do it?"
Peaches shook her head, "She only told me a little about the jobs I think."
Bluestar's whiskers twitched before she began to explain, " We cannot find your mother but none of us want to throw you out to fend for yourself. I would ask that you join us but I should warn you; we live by a code of honor we call, the Warrior Code, and if you wish to stay here you must follow that code as well. You will be expected to show just as much loyalty to ThunderClan as any Clanborn cat. If you join us you will be expected to live by our rules and to help take care of the whole Clan, not just your own needs."
Peaches looked a little taken back by the sudden invitation, "What would I have to do?" she mewed tilting her head to the side. Bluestar sighed, "If a queen decides to help take care of you they will teach you about how we live and when you're older a warrior will teach you how to survive."
Spottedleaf pushed her way out of the nursery and headed over, relief clear on her face. "Speckletail agreed to take her. She also promised Robinwing to keep a close watch on her when she finally kits."
Bluestar nodded and sat up, "What's her name?"
"Peaches!" The kit chimed in, noticing the change in the atmosphere. Whitestorm huffed and Bluestar shook her head. "That name won't do. It's not very Clan-like. We'll have to find her another name. Ask one of the queens to name her," She paused glancing at the elders, "Unless you two have any ideas?" Rosetail and Dappletail shook their heads.
"I suppose it's up to Speckletail then." she said somewhat amused, "I'll have to introduce her to the Clan so I might as well give them the right name."
Dappletail nudged the kit up and led her to the nursery pushing her way in gently through the thorny tunnel. Peaches blinked in surprise at how big the nursery seemed yet it was still so warm. She focused her attention on the residents looking at one familiar cat and one unknown molly. Speckletail with her pale tabby pelt and sharp tongue and the unfamiliar queen, a small dusky brown cat with ginger patches, visibly pregnant; she must be the Robinwing Spottedleaf mentioned. Peaches shuffled her paws nervously as they looked her over. Robinwing blinked, "She's smaller than I thought she'd be. Didn't Spottedleaf say she was about three moons?"
"She is about that age but we think her mother is a rogue so she'll probably hit a growth spurt when she's cared for properly," Spottedleaf said, pushing her way through the thorns. "I just wanted to let you know that I'll need to check her paws again later. She cracked them a bit and I don't want her to injure herself further. If you see her limping please send her to me." The pretty tortoiseshell said before leaning down and resting her muzzle on the little kit.
"Bluestar also asked that one of you come up with a name. The one she has now doesn't suit her." Dappletail announced before backing out of the nursery leaving the queens to it. Spottedleaf raised her head and said, " I'll come see you in a while, don't be too rough on those paws of yours." Then she too turned and left the nursery.
Peaches stood and blinked at the two queens she was thrown to. She shuffled her paws repressing the wince that came from the sore pads. "Hi?" she said nervously. In her previous life Speckletail was well known for her harsh tongue and she never got close before the elder's death. She had never even met Robinwing before so she was even more hesitant to say anything to her.
"Well don't just stand there come here," Speckletail impatient mewed. "Let us get a good look at you. We can't exactly name you without seeing you now can we?"
Peaches' whiskers twitched with amusement as she scampered over to the two queens. She smoothed out her fur and tried to look more presentable as she sat herself down. They both looked her over before Robinwing asked, "So what's your name now?"
"Oh, I'm Peaches. I thought Spottedleaf told you when she asked for you to help?" The kit said, showing a little confusion at the basic question. Speckletail snorted and shook her head, "She only told us the basics about how we came to have a kit half a moon earlier than we were expecting."
Robinwing shook her head, "Well I guess we should start thinking of some names for you. You can't be a warrior with a name like that," she purred in amusement.
"You have a pale colored coat with hazel eyes. You don't seem very rambunctious, maybe a calmer name? I don't think something like Tigerkit or Lionkit would fit," she laughed.
Peaches widened her eyes and shook her head, I would die if I had to share a name with that piece of fox dung. She didn't really know what to expect either if she was honest. She didn't have her bright ginger pelt anymore and that was what Bluestar based her name off the first time around. She felt as though she didn't have any good features to base her name off. Speckletail looked her over with a critical eye, "Her coat is a light yellow, maybe something like that? Goldkit? No, too close to golden and we already have Goldenflower."
"Sandkit?" Robinwing chimed in.
"No, that doesn't feel quite right." Speckletail denied
"What about Honeykit? Her pelt reminds me of a little bit of honeysuckles and the name is different. I just hope we won't end up with another -tail name," Robinwing chuckled.
Speckletail nodded decisively, "Yes, Honeykit will do."
The kit in question piped up, "Why are you changing my name? What's wrong with it?" Peaches asked, playing the ignorant outsider. Speckletail snorted again, "That name is too kittypet-ish. No real warrior would ever respect you with a name like that. And besides you probably won't be as good a warrior as the rest so a calmer name will suit you well."
The kit's fur bristled in indignation at the queen's dismissive tone. I'm going to be a great warrior one day! Just you wait and see!
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting."A yowl rang out startling the kit, making her jump. Speckletail pulled herself up and flicked her tail for the kit to follow, "I guess Bluestar is announcing your arrival now. We should go and tell her the new name."
Robinwing hauled herself to her paws and said, "You should go tell her I'll keep an eye on her during the meeting."
Speckletail nodded and made her way over to Bluestar before nodding her head in the kits direction. Bluestar followed her gaze and looked at the small thing, crouched down next to Robinwing. The rest of the Clan seemed to catch on and followed the leader's line of sight.
"I know that many of you have been wondering why we have a new addition. Yesterday Spottedleaf found an abandoned kitten and decided to bring her to the camp." Bluestar started calmly, "I allowed her to stay the night with the expectation that the mother would be found as soon as possible. Unfortunately, neither Spottedleaf or Whitestorm was able to pick up a scent trail. Due to these circumstances I have decided that ThunderClan will take the kit in."
Disbelieving mutters ran through the gathering mixed with sympathetic looks shot by some of the cats sitting closer. "You want us to take in a rogue? Why not just send it to the two-legs? It'll never make it out here." A black and gray tabby called out, Darkstripe. He always was a rat. Good thing it's not up to him.
"Oh, be quiet! What would you have us do, drive out a kit? For what reason? I agree with Bluestar, it's just a kit we can raise it to be a loyal member of the Clan," a pretty tabby molly said. Brindleface, oh Brindleface! This time I won't let Tigerclaw touch you.
"We can very easily teach it as we would any other kit, she's still young enough," Bluestar continued. "Speckletail and Robinwing have already agreed to look after the kit and they have also decided on a name. She will be known as Honeykit from this point forward until she reaches 6 moons of age."
Robinwing nudged her and softly said her name, "Honeykit, welcome to your new home."
Honeykit looked around and watched as the painfully familiar faces of her past turned to her. Brindleface walked up and touched the kit's side with her tail, "Hello, Honeykit, I'm Brindleface I'll be moving into the nursery soon. Do you want to help me move some moss for a nest?"
Honeykit looked at the pretty tabby and nodded her head. "Of course! Does that mean you're gonna have kits soon?"
Brindleface purred as she led the kit away from Robinwing, "Yes, it does, I bet you'll be happy for some playmates once Robinwing has hers. I can already tell you'll be a great help to me and other queens."
Honeykit hurried after the tabby eager to help as much as her small paws could.
