Nest
A short Everwoods story inspired by Inktober's Day 9 prompt
Tataki wrapped her tail tighter around her kits keeping them warm from the chill of winter, even in the safety of the deepest section of the Healer's den, the cold seeped through the rock walls that surrounded her.
The black feline was admittedly tired, things in her life had piled up faster than she would have liked and the final straw had been the violent death of her mate. The stress induced labor had not been pleasant and only served as a larger stressor even after the fact. She had been forced to temporarily abandon her post as a Healer until her kittens were a bit older and didn't require her at every waking moment. (This didn't stop her replacements Rurses and Pearl from pestering the older cat with questions on what to do in regards to healing however)
She didn't resent her kittens but she wasn't having as good as a time being a mother as she had imagined, sure she had the Glide to care for her in the same vein that she she cared for them but that could not compare to the support that she had expected to get from Metal in regards to raising their litter.
The patter of paws on the floor of the cavern made the cat raise her head, her large ears strained in an attempt to figure out whose paws were making their way towards her, the newcomer turned the corner and into Tataki's view.
The moment she saw the soft lavender pink fur, the feline started to push herself to her paws.
Tataki knew that when Vishnu seeked her out, it was because the espeon had brought in another one of her strays. At this point in time, the physic was well known for her tendency to bring back the weak, wounded and lost into the Glide, she would randomly leave usually accompanied by Kealem and Mirad in search of those that showed up in her visions. A few weeks back she had dragged a very weakened and tired Glaceon into camp and earlier this year she had found two lost kits who were now just about the age to begin their Warrior Training.
All in all, Tataki was puzzled when the demon shook her head, pushing the new mother into her mossy nest with a gentle psychic touch
"No need," she explained through a mouthful of fur, and for the first time Tataki noticed the tiny bundle of brown,cream and White fur that hung from Vishnu's jaws. She blinked in shock staring at a demon kit that was only slightly younger than her own children and wondered how in Xalba she had gotten such a young stray.
The espeon glanced at Tataki's kits briefly and her ears flattened with slight embarrassment as she placed her kit down and settled, wrapping her long forked tail around it.
"I know the circumstances aren't all that favorable, and that you have your paws more than full but I really do need someone to care for her or she'll die."
"She?"
Tataki was met with a few slow blinks from Vishnu, a sign that the older feline knew meant that she was thinking and viewing the possibilities.
"Yes, it's a She-pup. I checked the area, there was no sign of any fights, death or family nearby.. She was just there in the snow."
"In regards to family, you did already notice that this she-kit of yours has the marks of The Whites?"
"I know," She sighed " I considered requesting that Rurses allow me to lead a patrol to the Northern Territories but you know how The Whites can be…"
Tataki nodded shuddering internally at the thought of Aralia going to war with the vain Eons of the Northern Territories, a single "Town" could easily wipe out the Glide and all over a small speck of a kit. They had more than enough war happening already.
"Look I know you don't want her and I don't blame you but I just can't let this pup die Tataki, I would never forgive myself if I let my Koskatl granted charge die."
Tataki found herself forced against the wall, she couldn't turn down nursing the demon kit even though the last thing she wanted was to care for a child that wasn't biologically hers.
"I'll take care of your Kitten Vishnu…." she sighed
"Thanks," Vishnu nodded eyes gleaming with gratitude as she used her physic energy to place the small kit into Tataki's nest, the little brown eon nuzzled into the she-cat's dark fur, looking out of place among the black and white pelts of Tataki's children.
After a few moments, Vishnu made her move out of the den, pausing momentarily. "Thank you so much Tataki. I promise that you won't regret this."
Many months later Tataki would find herself, trying to keep three overly energetic daughters still enough for the picture she wanted to take.