Chapter 1
FearClan / Lion
The cold chill of the early dawn ruffled Lion's leafbare thick fur. Lifting her head, she peered through the shadows of the den to where Hawk was curled up. The long haired she-cat was in a tight ball, her long fur making her a mound in her nest. Moss and twigs entangled in the strands. Slowly, the reddish-brown she-cat rose to her paws with a luxurious stretch.
Finally, she padded out of her den, pushing through the entwined reeds and ferns. Nettles long since wilted, were on each side, trapped in the walls of the den. Frost lined the bushes and brittle reeds. The willow tree had frost tipped branches, leaves darkened by moisture of the melting frost. The leafbare-weak sun peeking through the foliage as she padded into the open. Frost crunching beneath her paws.
Lion looked to the sky, seeing yellow bellied clouds hanging low as an icy wind penetrated her fur. With a startled gasp, she flinched and shuddered from the cold. It sliced through her fur and straight to her skin. Looking to the gnarled roots of the willow, she spotted the boisterous half-grown kits. She could see four of the five kits, the same odd feeling swamping her mind.
They were the kits of Cedar, only two of them looked faintly like the former rogue leader. The other two looked more like their father, Shadow. However, only one didn't look like either, save for his paws. As though the thought summoned him, the silver tabby tom padded out. His belly and chest was as white as snow, his paws tinged brown and his eyes a far cry from the green his parents had. His fur was long like his father's, but his gaze was solemn.
He was a handsome kit at five moons of age. His hunting skills were far from skilled like his littermates, however, he walked with purpose. His head held high, his slender shoulders level as he padded to the fresh-kill pile. Her heart twisted, knowing that walk had been taught to him. Only Cedar had walked that way, as though she were so important! Anger boiled beneath her thick fur, looking up she saw the creamy brown she-cat, watching with a narrowed gaze.
The tom picked up a shrew, padding away from the pile. Now that Lion looked it over, it was pitifully small. The fish hadn't been as plentiful, especially now that leafbare was upon them. Flicking her ears, she knew it wouldn't be long. Three long moons of training could never have them prepared for journey they couldn't wait for much longer now. Lion was certain of that much, after all.
Soon, Moth came out of his den, Berry was close behind, they still had a lot to prepare for leaving. It wouldn't be long before the first snow arrived. The thick of leafbare was like a cat who was prepared to pounce and sink their icy claws into all of them. Swiftly, all her anger and worries were pushed to the back of her mind. There was nothing she could do now. It was all up to Hawk to protect Willow and change the fate of the warring groups of cats.
"Lion, can't you taste it in the air?" Moth meowed, his green eyes wide.
She nodded stiffly. "The snow is coming. We might have to leave today if Heather chooses to. We already waited long enough as it is. The snow is coming late this leafbare."
Berry flicked her tail, "Do we tell Heather we should go now? I'm sure BushClan won't strike us, but we never know for sure."
Lion snorted, "Don't be so mouse-brained. Let's wait until the first snow falls then we can suggest heading out. That way I'm given more time to help Hawk and know that FearClan is in good paws."
"We can help." Moth offered meekly.
The reddish-brown she-cat shook her head crossly. "You had three moons to try and help, Moth. I have to complete this assignment on my own. Now you two go hunting without us. I'll wake the sleeping queen."
Moth nodded, "Very well, just be quick. Weather can change fast sometimes."
"I know, I know." Lion mewed, heading back to her den.
"Sometimes, I can't imagine how to share a den with a stranger." Berry mewed, her voice soft as though to try and not be heard.
Lion ignored them, keeping her jaws shut. Sometimes, she envied the other cats, especially Pounce. He had followed her mother out of the territory and back in the past. Now he was far more ruthless when it came to punishing her. Was it a show for the others to accept him? Perhaps, but things have already gotten rocky and not much better between her and Hawk.
Much like her and Pounce, a rift had seemed to form ever since the herb incident. Her heart thrashed inside her chest with anxiety. Hawk was still curt with her, almost as though they are strangers passing along the thunderpath. Sliding into the den, Lion approached the sleeping she-cat. She had apologized, even explained, but she was certain that Hawk's feelings had been hurt either way.
With a firm prod, the long haired she-cat woke up, blinking blearily as she groaned and tried to get up. Clearly the hunting lessons doubled on top of her advising duties for Willow was exhausting the poor she-cat. Yet, this was nothing they could face alone. Lion had her mission and Hawk had her own hare-brained one. She watched the she-cat take her time, trying to fix herself up before Heather could put any strict duty upon either of them.
"Hunting early today?" Hawk slurred, her mew still thick with sleep.
"We have no choice. Berry, Moth, and I already decided to leave when it snows. Which can be any day now. Even if it doesn't stick, we have to leave. If we wait any longer, Heather might send us out and we won't return until greenleaf, if at all."
"That desperate to leave me here alone?" came the whisper.
Lion looked to the she-cat, flicking her tail. "I've told you, it's not you for me to lie about."
"Then why? We were friends, weren't we?"
The reddish-brown she-cat stared into the pale green depths that were shadowed in hurt. Something she knew she had to address, something that she wished she had answers to. At last, she mewed. "I don't know. I never had a friend until I met you."
"Why betray me like this?"
"I'm already being sent away and Heather knows I've done most of the hunting for us both." she explained softly, sorrow tightening her throat. "I was never liked by Cedar or Heather since my mother's punishment."
"Why was she punished?"
"She let Bushstar live." Lion mewed softly, "I don't betray you for no reason. I'm punished since the day she never rose again. I thought Pounce was a friend, but he betrayed me, claiming he didn't know. I only lied to try and lessen my punishments. I didn't want to end up like my mother, it was wrong to be afraid, but this is what you chose to align yourself with."
Silence met her as she slowly turned away stiffly. Memories flashed through her. The punishment was the first and last time she had seen Cedar raise a paw and let Pounce take over. Her mother never fought back and it raged through her as she looked to her paws. Why didn't she fight back? Why did they go back to the river and willow if it was to be stuck among FearClan?
Lion sighed softly, shaking her head to clear her mind before meowing strongly, "Hurry up, we have hunting to do."
She didn't wait as she slipped out of the den, looking around she spotted Pounce's familiar brown eyes glinting in the weak-sunlight. His gaze unreadable, a far cry from the playful light he once had when she was still a few moons old. Blinking slowly in greeting, she padded away to wait at the entrance in silence. He had his reasons, she supposed, but it didn't mean she could forgive him for his actions ever since.
For Lion, the past was a burden to carry. A burden to keep hidden, yet all of FearClan knew that they were once of the same lone-cat group. That was why they took satisfaction for the pain and suffering he gave on command. It was a welcomed sight that the one who shared blood with the she-cat who allowed Bushstar to live was punished for the rest of her life.
Moons ago she wondered how she could change it, how to decide it was unfair and cruel. Now, she felt beside herself following the pawsteps of the brown and black tom who harmed her physically. Kneading the half-frozen ground, she waited and waited. Someday, she would be free from that kind of ridicule. Perhaps even be freed from being punished until her death.
Soft pawsteps scuffed the ground, breaking her concentration on her racing thoughts. Her amber eyes gazed over the familiar brown tabby. They nodded to one another and began to leave in a comfortable silence. Those pale green eyes glimmered with sorrow, not the pain and hurt she had given Hawk. No, this was a sorrow of finally understanding that it tore Lion apart just as much inside.
"I forgive you." Hawk murmured as they padded side by side.
Pain seared through the reddish-brown cat's heart. It felt twisted as it pounded, her mind focusing obsessively on a new thought. One that left her lips before she could stop it. A simple question, one that she couldn't stop as it bubbled up and out of her. "Why?"
Hawk gave her a warm glance, blinking briefly before taking the lead. Deep down, Lion knew she knew why. She just couldn't believe it. She saw it in that gaze of warmth and acceptance. After three long moons of being indifferent to one another. Hawk had given her another chance. A chance she might never deserve from any one else. A chance Lion could never give Pounce herself.
Was Pounce never a friend of mine if you are so willing to forgive? Is this what a true friendship is? Or are you just a pushover looking to keep the only cat you know won't willingly stop you? Lion wondered, watching the long fur being blown in the chilly breeze that picked up again.
"I'm sure Moth and Berry already caught a lot of prey." Hawk meowed loudly, "We better catch up to them and get started!"
Lion nodded as she bounded after the former loner-no, a former medicine cat apprentice of BushClan-deeper into the cold leafbare riverbanks. If they worked swiftly, prey would be caught before the clouds gathered too much and let their load of snow fall to the earth. Feeling more and more curious, she excitedly wondered if it would snow tonight so that they may leave tomorrow. With their friendship back where it needed to be, she felt more confident.
Even as the air continued to grow colder and the clouds slowly gathered, she felt like everything was in it's proper place in her heart and mind. She hadn't talked to Hawk much or voiced her fears. So, when she finally released the pent up fear of being punished as severely as her mother once was, it seemed to have brought peace between them. However, she could only hope it would last.
Lion quickly caught up to Hawk, slipping in beside her with her ears pricked. They listened intently for the softest rustle of the undergrowth. Lifting her head over the tall grasses, she spotted a finch pecking along the reeds, snatching up tiny black dots that traveled in a line. She looked to Hawk, who was honed in on it for once. Like a proud mentor, she dipped her head to her friend.
"Remember, just like I taught you about bird-stalking." whispered Lion.
Hawk gave a tiny nod as she crept carefully. Her paws being placed down with hardly a sound. Pride flowed through her, Hawk had perfect form. Her belly fur barely brushing the ground as she picked her way through, freezing when her fur brushed against something. The finch looked up, it's beady black eyes searching for something it could not pick out.
Lion watched, hiding in the undergrowth, feeling glad that Hawk wasn't a light-colored cat for once. She, herself, wasn't either, but her reddish-brown coat wasn't very dark at the same time. Somewhere in the middle, making it a challenge as the seasons changed. Twitching her ears, she listened as the finch went back to plucking up insects, allowing Hawk to sneak a bit closer.
Birds had sensitive feet, if they can't hear or see something, they definitely would feel a cat stalking up on them. Unfortunately, also because of it, no cat could get any closer to a bird without cover. They had to be swift, agile, and be able to leap a great distance. Something no cat could truly do with ease. At least, that's what Lion was sure of. She never heard of cats who could jump high and far before after all. Only in stories that her mother told her while she grew up out of kit-hood.
Blinking her amber eyes, she focused again, seeing that Hawk waited until a chilly breeze blew before rocking her hindquarters to make adjustments. Suddenly, she sprang, the long spindly grass rustled noisily. Her claws stretched out and glinting in the weak-sunlight. She raked through the air as the bird took off into the air. Flapping it's wings in a panic as it let out an alarm call.
Her claws snagged on the back of the finch, pulling it down in a flurry of feathers and wings. It struggled, flapping madly with shrill cries as Hawk swiftly dispatched it with a bite to the neck. Lion slipped out of her hiding place with a proud purr. Was this what it was like to train a cat to become an excellent hunter? Is this why BushClan trained their young cats? Was this how her mother felt seeing her become a huntress?
"You have done well, Hawk." Lion praised. "You caught yourself a finch, all on your own too."
Hawk blinked warmly up at Lion, obviously tingling with excitement. "I never thought I could. I thought if I was starving I would focus better, but I remembered everything you told me about bird-hunting and how patient you have to be. It's like fishing, only much more fun!"
"Well, don't let it get to your head, you still have to catch more to impress Heather. I'll carry that and you find another target. Once you find one, we will head back and give this to Shadow and Heather to distribute later." Lion explained. "After advising Willow you can hunt on your own, okay? Just remember all I taught you. While your advising I will be out hunting. Show them how much you have learned and earn your place as an advisor."
"I will, I promise." Hawk vowed, before a curious glint was in her gaze. "Although, can you tell me more about an advisor?"
"I don't know much." Lion confessed, sitting down. "I know Cedar had an advisor once. His name was Thunder. The previous advisor died from old age, so he was chosen to speak for all cats. He died in the conflict before my mother was punished to death. All I know is they make suggestions and give options and listen to a group known as 'The Council' and the leaders to decide a fair course of action."
"Is that so?" Hawk mewed, surprised.
"Yes, but Heather has you making sure her lessons stick, which is what is done for the leader's first born."
"And how does that work, like is it the first born of that litter or her first, or even his first?" Hawk questioned, seeming intrigued.
"According to what I was told, back when my mother was still alive, It has to be the first litter for she-cat and tom." Lion tried to explain, unsure herself. "Of course, Cedar was pregnant once and lost her kits. She came back with two kits, newborn and motherless. She claimed to have found them and decided to nurse them as though they were her own. Of course that was a story I was told by Moth, since we had Frost and Timber in the group."
"How, suspicious." Hawk pointed out, "She found kits abandoned while hers were lost."
"Well she said they didn't survive." Lion tried to reason with Hawk.
"And that's not odd?" she asked, her pale green eyes watching her. "The chances of that is very unlikely unless she kidnapped kits from a loner or rogue. If I was there, I would have been suspicious."
"Chances or not, you do not question the leader." Lion replied, "I suspect that Timber and Frost have always been hers, but she was so indifferent to them. Like something was wrong within her to destroy any love she had for them. Not to mention she, supposedly, claimed that she was having three kits because she felt them wiggling inside her. So if that was the case, where is the third kit?"
"And was it the first born of that litter?" Hawk added in, looking away.
Lion shook out her fur. "Whatever happened back then, it's no longer an issue with us. It's time we got back to hunting."
Hawk nodded, leading the way much more quietly. The reddish-brown she-cat shuddered, unable to fathom what Cedar could have been lying about or why. Never once had she voiced these concerns when she heard them. She asked Moth, but he didn't bother elaborating further than that they just didn't question her. If they were her kits, she was still caring for them.
Questions, countless questions, filled her mind. Hawk asked without second thought and claimed it suspicious. How could she be so quick to find it that way? She suspected it was because Cedar was already dead. They can't question her, but they also can't question Heather. The proud and cunning rogue-leader would never admit what had happened, if she knew. Her shoulders fell, feeling as though her energy had been whisked away.
Cedar, what were you hiding from FearClan about those kits? Lion thought, before anger filled her muscles again. Why did my mother have to die a painful death before me? Was it not punishment enough? Why did she have to die? What did she say? Why did Pounce give such a tiny nod for? Cedar, what else didn't you tell us all? Could you not trust us?
Her thoughts were racing, buzzing around her mind like a hive of bees. Her limbs trembled, even as a dainty snowflake floated down before her eyes. She was leaving soon. Perhaps the following day. She looked up, seeing more flakes falling delicately. Her heart felt twisted. Hawk was lucky to have ancestors, even if they were not her own, to speak with. Gently closing her eyes, she gave in.
"Finch, if you are really watching over me, please give me the strength to survive this leafbare." she whispered beneath her breath.
Author Note:
Originally I was going to split up POV's, but I decided not to.
I will just press on with one POV and do my best to make a good chapter.
Hopefully this will work out well! - Nightsky
