"No-no-no!", was the only thing that Petal could hear her, her poor bother repeating that one single word, trying to deny the horror that had just unfolded in front of his naive eyes.
Crouching at the edge of death, gridding his claws so hard into the stone, reducing them to boney stumps. All Petal could do herself was stare blankly into the crashing waves. It was hard to believe that her once-beloved mother, were under them, buried far beneath the surface, which hopefully, one day, to become a distant bad memory.
Reality still not fully settling in yet. She could repeat all she wanted: She killed her mother, she killed her mother- Despite that, the words still hung meanless in her head for now. Not considering herself as a murderer quite yet. Undoubtedly, it would set in eventually. Dreading the overwhelming emotions to come.
Her heart pined for Larchpaw, all the way in Shadowclan. He should of been here to witness this.
From behind, she could hear her little sister crackling whales, "Mama!". Petal flinching slightly as she heard the innocent kit call that thing, 'Mama'. The lies she must of feed her. Appledusk, who carried Shykit, was crouched to the stone, violently shaking, eyes unfocused and clouded. While Myler just stood far back, head bowing, wordless.
The young cat, Nettlebreeze stood beside her, his pelt boiling hot and sticky with shame, tail lashing. Gently, Petal placed her paw on it, to keep it still. He blinked at her, clouded over with confusion, "You did what you needed to.", she muttered, "You shouldn't be ashamed of that.". Horror crept over his face as he stared down at the cream coloured loner, towering over her, "Petal- Mapleshade was your mother. How are you so calm?".
Honestly, she didn't know. Though, she just shrugged, her mind frosty and bitter,
"Whoever that she-cat was, she was no mother of mine.", with mewed with a huff.
Nettlebreeze paused, before speaking again, his voice now quieter than raindrops pattering onto a leaf, "I have to apologize, how my father and the whole of Thunderclan have treated you and your littermates. You don't deserve any of i-".
Though, Petal just flicked her tail into the air, signalling he didn't need to say anymore, "Save your breath, you shouldn't be responsible for apologizing for others' crimes.", Petal mewed, "What's done is done. Nothing can change that. And honestly after I've seen what the Clans capable of, I'm glad I was exiled."
Nettlebreeze nodded, returning his gaze to waters, where his father's body drifted somewhere. A horrid realisation came over Petal. Wasn't Nettlebreeze alone now? His littermate, Flowerpaw had drowned moons ago, after Appledusk accidentally pushed Birchfall into the river. Then both his parents had died recently, to Mapleshade's and his own bloodied paws.
"Nettlebreeze- How are you going to cope with this? You're alone now.", Petal muttered.
"I won't. That's the answer, Petal.", the young warrior mewed emotionlessly, "So many cats have died – If I dare to think about it too much, I'll snap. So I'm only going to focus on the present and hope to never look back."
In the background, Appledusk was frantically pacing around, getting Shykit to safety, while comforting a whaling Patchkit. He looked utterly panicked, hardly knowing what he was doing. After Shykit had been given to Myler, Appledusk froze when he locked eyes with Nettlebreeze – The brother of Flowerpaw, his accidental victim.
With an unbearable silence, Appledusk finally uttered, "Do you want me to explain what happened with Flowerpaw?".
Nettlebreeze turned his back on him, "No – I already know. I wasn't ready to commit to hating you, unlike Oakstar and Bloomheart. So I asked around the Gatherings and know your reputation – You're always the first to flee from battle. You hate it. So killing a cat in cold blood is the last thing on your mind."
Nettlebreeze crouched tightly on stone, his voice brained, "And anyway, I've dealt with so many murderers, I can't bring myself to care about their motives. Just leave me alone, Appledusk. Get on with whatever you need to."
Petal respected Nettlebreeze's choose, but couldn't help but sigh out of pity. Then she noticed scraping noises as Patchpaw kneading on the spot, ready to leap over the ledge. Reacting quickly, her head shot forward, taking him by the neck and yanking him off his paws. Trapping him between her forepaws, Petal went to nose with her delusional bother, "I won't let you do that, Patchpaw.". Surprisingly, he didn't attempt to resist or struggle, simply laying there, violently shaking his head.
"No.", he protested, "I need to go after her. I can still save her.".
Petal sidestepped, laying next him instead of subduing him, wrapping her sleek tail over him, "You'll only get yourself killed as well, Patchpaw. She'll be long gone by now.".
"H-how could you?", Patchpaw begged, burying his head in paws and voice cracking with sorrow, "Our mother.".
Luckily, Appledusk stepped forward to give Petal a little backup, "Your mother died a long time ago, Patchpaw. Whatever she is now, it's not the same cat you and I loved. My Mapleshade wouldn't be capable of the crimes that rouge committed.". Noticeably, despite his words, Appledusk voiced was still distant and cold, like he wasn't all there. Still deeply saddened by their lose. Though, as the grown-up of the family, for his kits' sake, he would have to whale in grief last.
In the background, Myler nestled the panicking kit between his paws, trying his best to calm her. Hesitating leaving Patchpaw with Appledusk for the heartbeat, she crept over to her little sister. "Hush, young one. You're safe now.", Myler ensured. Still sniffing, Shykit blinked at the black and white cat, "Are you a Queen?". To that, Myler shook his head rapidly, "N-no.". Then he turned as he caught Petal's amused purrs. He flattened his ears, "You heard that, didn't you?".
"Every word.", she confirmed.
Myler let off a sadden smile, with something clearly on his mind, which Petal could easily guess. "I understand if you want to rejoin your brother and father. It's only fair after something- like that happened.". The terror-filled faces of Bloomheart and Mapleshade, just as they realized their own kits' willingness to kill them flashing in her vision. It shook Petal to the core. Sighing, she shook her head, "After saving Shykit, there's no doubt, Appledusk will be using as an excuse to return to Riverclan. But if they're going to treat me differently solely on heritage, then they're not worth my time.".
Myler nodded, giving off a purr, "Know, you're always welcome in my Barn, Petal.".
Returning the purr, Petal leaned forward, Myler shuffling round to let her to get to Shykit, carefully grasping her scruff. A kit carrying a kit, was like swan trying to carry a goose. For Petal, she was heavier than a boulder. Not the most graceful or appealing of sights. Shykit shrivelling up into a ball, fear scent draining off of her. "Where are you taking me?", Shykit whispered weakly, too ill to even fidget. Certainly seemed smart for her age. Petal secretly hoping she got it from her big sister.
"I'm taking you, home.", Petal mewed with a muffled voice, "Back to your littermates and mother.".
"But Mapleshade said Reedshine wasn't my Mummy.", Shykit confirming Petal's worst fears. Petal couldn't respond, with her limit experience, nothing she could say could snap Shykit out the haze Mapleshade forced her in. Only the soft words of a Queen or Medicine cat could do that.
Admittedly, to Petal, Reedshine was no more than stranger. Sure, she'd seen her briefly while she defended them in Riverclan all those moons ago, but it was such a distant memory. And to think, this was the mother of her siblings, someone she barely knew. At least, Patchpaw had a few runs in with her. He did seem to like her, and just maybe- she could replace the gaping hole Mapleshade had left.
With a grudge, Petal padded towards Appledusk, as he failed to comfort the emotional Patchpaw. Petal placed the dozing Shykit at her paws. Slowly turning, Appledusk meet her gaze, "What have you decided then?".
"I'm staying at the Barn with Myler. You're not going to convince me other wises.", she admitted, letting her built-up anger of the Clans cat flow out. Instantly, Patchpaw lunged to his paws, throwing himself at her. They went to the floor, as Patchpaw showered her with love, "I'll never forget you!", he exclaimed. "Neither will I.", she quietly responded. Petal pressed her muzzle into his forehead, unmoving for a long time. It so unreal. That she may never see him again.
Finally, the two littermates forced themselves to separate with deep regret. With a sigh, Appledusk nodded, "Well whatever you decide to do, just know, I'll always be proud of you.". That, right there, those very words, were what Petal had been waiting for the entirety of her short life. For Appledusk to finally slip and that she could expose, that all that he says, was just complete fox dung. Petal gave him a stare fiercer and colder than a blizzard, putting him on edge, including Patchpaw.
"Oh really?", she remarked slyly, "That's not what I heard back in Riverclan camp when we were exiled. You called us a mistake and you regret having us.", she pointed out. Appledusk seemed to be taken off guard by this, edging back as if Petal's harsh words were physically moving him. Then he had the nerve to start defending himself, "That wasn't aimed at you. I was talking about my own mistakes-".
"Oh, I don't need to hear that foxdung!", she snapped, "I heard every word. You uttered absolutely nothing in our defense, your own kits. You were only trying to protect yourself. And I'm not falling for a second, that Reedshine's pregnancy was a coincidence." Silence settled over the family, unsure how to respond to Petal's outburst.
Finally, Appledusk let out a shallow sigh of defeat, "You're right, Petal. Before all this, I was only out for myself. My biggest mistake is ever thinking you were. But you're not at all, your litter is a gift from Starclan itself. Me and your mother are awful parents and all three of you deserve so much better. I'm sorry." . Patchpaw stared up at his father with a sparkle in bright green eyes. Though, Petal felt confusion swirling in her head, like irritating buzzing bees. "Sorry, doesn't cut it.", Petal muttered bitterly.
Appledusk dipped then head, "Then what do I have to do to make it up to you?".
Petal began tightly circling Shykit, who laid on the stone, staring at the floor as she spoke, "You can keep lying to yourself and having fake ceremonies- but we were exiled, we are not clan cats anymore. I'm not going to let those rules dictate who I can love or what my name is. However despite how much I hate the Clans after everything they've done to us, you need to go back.", she mewed, now directly facing Appledusk, "Three young kits are waiting for you there, that still need a father." .
Using her muzzle, Petal nudged Shykit into the cream tom's grasp, "Take Shykit back home and make sure you're the best father in history to both her, Applekit and Willowkit. No one else can through we what did.". Their attention soon started to drift towards the young warrior, Nettlebreeze, who still stood hunched up the cliff's edge, shivering and whimpering.
Appledusk attempted to approach him, "I'm sorry this had to happen to you, Nettlebreeze. I know it's har-". However, unsurprisingly, he gave a warning slash, falling short of Appledusk's chest, ordering him to keep his distance.
At the end of the day, Nettlebreeze was still a Thunderclan warrior and Appledusk was a trespassing rouge. "This has gone on long enough.", he bitterly responded, "You've got Shykit, so get her to Riverclan safely. I don't want to see you near Thunderclan territory again.". After that, he stalked off miserably, along the cliffside, grudgingly returning to the oak covered landscape of Thunderclan in the distance. Petal felt a stab on pity for the young tom, quickly turning on herself, sharing the same guilt of killing her parent as well, her own mother.
They watched the ginger cat disappear into the green shadows of the forest, before turning to Myler as he padded up behind them. Appledusk respectfully bowed his head low to the loner, "Thank you for everything, Myler. You're done more for my kin then I can ever repay.".
Though, Myler shook his head, the praise unnecessarily, "You don't owe me anything, really. What kind of cat would I be to ignore kits in danger? I choose to do this myself.", he mewed, purring. Appledusk's whiskers twitched happily. Patchpaw bounded up to his old friend, leaping like a baby bunny, "I'll miss the most after Petal, Myler!", he cheered, "Make sure you look after her!".
Myler nodded, "I'll miss you too, Patchaw. I promise I'll keep Petal safe.".
Appledusk dipped his head in thanks, gently taking the cream kit laying at his paws. With Petal unable to move. Patchpaw gave her a final nuzzle for good measure, his purr laced with whimpering.
Then there was a flash of emotion in Patchpaw's bright eyes as he suddenly twisted round to look at Appledusk, fur bristling, "Dad- what about Larchpaw? He has to know about this!", he exclaimed. Appledusk's spine bent until his muzzle almost touched the stone floor, "He'll just have to hear about at the Gathering, along with everyone else.". Bitter frost grew over Petal, knowing he deserved better, but as long as he remained within Shadowclan, it was the only place he could hear of this tragedy.
And with that, there was no more to say or do. Petal turned away, her brother's goodbyes filling her ears, "See you later, Petal! Good luck!". This made Petal's paws feel as heavy as mountains, needing to force each step, her paws beginning to drag, just to keep moving.
Myler wrapped his tail over her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Then all the boiling emotions, just caved in: She'd killed her mother and she would never see any of her kit again.
Petal's body locked up, everything, her muscles, heart and mind. Black fog beginning to consume the edges of her vision. She wanted to be sick. She just wanted to give in and faint. Yet, Myler kept going; nudging her on, taking one step at a time, back to their home, far, far away.
In a rather reckless decision on his father's part, they'd skipped being escorted in by a patrol and cut straight through Riverclan territory, to stroll into the camp themselves without even declaring their presence beforehand. Though it wasn't unfounded. It was rush against time. Steadily, Shykit's condition had gotten worse by the heartbeat. All the beaming energy usually from a kit of her age, completely drained. Now what was only left was an empty husk, floppy in Appledusk's jaws. Even the odd twitch was starting to become rare. The only contrast insurance to Patchpaw, that there was still a battle to fight, was the gentle rise and fall of Shykit's chest as she breathed shallowly.
They kept at a brisk pace, barely slowing down to catch their breath. Unable to afford themselves the luxury of rest, only forcing themselves on. Their journey, took them over large boulders, past the occasional stumpy tree, muddy plains and large bodies of gleaming water, sparkling like stars, as it caught the last of the sunlight.
The rims of the horizon struck with pale pink, while the centre glowed with a soft gold, the sunset fast approaching. The narrow leaf-bare windows of light tight and unsympathetic for langers, who failed to find themselves shelter for the harsh night ahead. There was a distinctive shift in the air, as it becomes crisp and sharp, like cold nettles pressing against his pelt. They needed hurry. Eventually, they were weaving amongst the largest reed of the whole territory, the Riverclan camp laying at its centre. The ground muddy and wet under Patchpaw's pads, like slimy toad skin.
In the endless sea of swishing grass, the two toms had expected to remain undiscovered, not until reaching the camp anyway. Yet here they were, yowls of fury consuming his sensitive hearing, rapidly surrounded, by what appeared to be a returning hunting patrol, fresh catches stuffing their faces. Patchpaw was unaware cats could even carry so much.
Three warriors and two apprentices, five opposites in all. Instantly recognizing, Eeltail and Perchpaw among them. The apprentice gazed at his former mentor with gleaming eyes, yet remained silent.
Each cat placed their respected prey to the side, tails swaying and fur ripping with suspension as they faced the intruders. Though not as aggressive as Patchpaw expected.
The elderly she-cat, Eeltail stepped forward, narrowed eyes, "You two better be here because of Shykit.", she warned, lips threatening to form into a snarl. Then Perchpaw's excited whale barged in, "They've got her!", he called out, spotting the tiny she-cat leaning against Appledusk's paws in the mud, barely awake.
Eeltail blinked several times, her mouth gaping open, "Starclan all mighty-", she cursed, "And I didn't want to believe Reedshine. The traitor actually pulled through.".
A glint of hope sparked inside the ginger and white kit, the possibility of being accepted into Riverclan become ever more apparent. Yet, a skinny black tom moved to the front of patrol, directly facing the exiles, a warrior called Rainfall if Patchpaw recalled correctly, "Just remember we're not Appledusk's welcoming party!", he reminded them, growling, "How do we know you weren't involved with Mapleshade luring the foxes t-".
"Mapleshade is dead. Along with Bloomheart.", Appledusk interrupted in a harsh tone. Instantly, Rainfall was shut up, a horrid dread and silence hanging over all the cats. Even Patchpaw, who tightened up from the sight of his mother disappearing below the rapid waves, forced under by his own sister. Finally, Eeltail spoke up, "How? W-what happened?", she questioned, her muscles tense.
Though, Appledusk just spoke his head, "That doesn't matter right now. Shykit is sick and we need to get her to Driftfur, immediately.", he explained, "Darkstar can deal with me herself.". Sharing warily glances, the patrol eventually nodded to each other. Flicking her tail, Eeltail ordered the warrior and apprentice, Milkfur and Volepaw on ahead, grabbing their share of fresh-kill, along with Eeltail's and Rainfall's, their mouths overflowing with fish, disappearing into the reeds. With only three left of the patrol, Eeltail arched her ears towards camp, "Fine.", she puffed, clearly annoyed to be agreeing with the rouge, "Come on, then.".
Nodding, Appledusk leaned over to grab Shykit, but a sharp hiss stopped him. "Don't.", Eeltail ordered coldly, taking the scruff of the kit herself. Which Appledusk reluctantly accepted, even allowing the senior warrior to lead the way, Perchpaw and Rainfall following at the rear, enclosing them in. The fur on Patchpaw's neck bristled, seeing his helpless sister being carried by a stranger. What did Eeltail think of the kit she carried? Even if Shykit was Riverclan cat through and through unlike him, she still held the blood of a traitor. Wondering if Reedshine's litter mistreated because of it, just like his littermates were. Desperately hoping they weren't.
Feeling tense, he pressed close to his father, seeking his protection, knowing their presence would not be welcomed. Just begging in his mind they wouldn't be sent away again, after all that effort they did to get Shykit back and the thought of instantly being separated from her- would be awful.
And the promise Appledusk made to Petal, to be the there for their half-siblings, when he wasn't there for them, he couldn't break that now.
Then, Patchpaw's ears pricked as Appledusk's attention turned to his former apprentice, beginning to chat away, "So who your mentor now?", Appledusk asked cheerfully, "It probably won't be long before you're a warrior.". There was an eagerness in his voice, suggesting a strong determination to catch up on the gossip that he'd miss that past few moons while in exile.
Perchpaw purred, falling in beside him, matching his stride, "It's Rainfall now.", tail pointing to the grumpy warrior behind them, "Says if we win the next big battle, I can get my full name.".
Appledusk's chest and fur puffed up in pride as if wind was ruffing it up, "Well it's about tim-". However, their ramblings were rudely halted as Rainfall barged through, separating them, making a barrier of black fur. "Quit that Perchpaw. This cat is a traitor to our Clan, don't forget that.", he warned his apprentice, who dropped his head in shame. Then Rainfall turned his attention to the cream tom, the tips of his fangs showing, "Just because you're visiting camp, doesn't mean your my clanmate.", he scowled, "You're still in exile and you're our prisoner now. So keep quiet.".
Even as a kit, Patchpaw could recognize the signs of his father fighting his own body, to prevent himself from showing any signs of aggression. Luckily, he contained himself, simply snorting and turning the other cheek.
Finally, they'd made to the thickly woven walls of the Riverclan camp, curving upwards to look like a giant hill crafted of reeds, similar to the golden hay mountains within Myler's Barn. Swallowing down the nerves, Patchpaw passed through the well-worn grass tunnel, in between two large bushes, into the camp beyond.
Just as he remembered; a sandy sloop, surrounded by thick reeds and scrawny sedges, an ancient slumping willow the only tree from all around. Surrounded on all sides by water, it's own isolated island. Serval cats lay scattered around the camp, sunbathing on the damp sand, trying to catch the last of the daylight. Ahead, Eeltail with Shykit, sped towards to a clump of sedge, patched up with branches and woven grass, creating a green cave, Patchpaw assuming it was the Medicine den. A young black and white she-cat, Echopaw came out to greet the elderly warrior, gasping as she spotted the precious bundle.
As Appledusk and Patchpaw fully stepped in to announce their presence, the pleasant atmosphere shifted to something tenser. The scent of uneasiness creeping into his nose. Everywhere, clanmates stopped and stared, either growling or simply surprised, all tails swaying.
As Rainfall padded past them, he flicked his sleek tail towards a bare patch of sandy soil, "Stay there.", he ordered. Before meeting up with a small band of his fellow warriors at the edge of the clearing, beginning to chatter among them, all unwelcoming.
Instantly, Perchpaw went to the Nursery, yowling his head off, "Reedshine! Reedshine!", he repeated, "It's Appledusk and Patchpaw! They've got Shykit!". A familiar voice whaled in pure joy, with the orange she-cat clambering out from the long grass. A wave of confusion, spread over Patchpaw as he watched Reedshine nuzzle Appledusk with a thick purr, while her mate just kept stiff, his expression blank. For a heartbeat, he'd wished her ginger coat was tortoiseshell, wanting to see his parents be happy together, one last time.
Then, the excited Reedshine bounded around her them like a squirrel, "I told them-", Reedshine exclaimed, "I told them, you could do it!". Appledusk dipped his head, puffing up his chest proudly, "It's honour to see you again, Reedshine.", he greeted.
From behind his father, Patchpaw's head poked out, "Hi again.", he timidly mewed to Reedshine in a quiet voice. Pricking his ears, Patchpaw made the suspicious mutters and angered hisses of the surrounding cats, not quite drowned out by the wind. Tensing up, he decided to just focus on his own conversation while Reedshine drew back, her murky eyes now clouded over, "Where is she then?", sounding slightly desperate, "Where's my previous kit?".
Hurriedly, Patchpaw pointed out the Medicine den with his ginger tail, "Eeltail took her to the Medicine den.", he explained, "I don't think my Mum did a very good job of looking after her.", finishing his sentence with a sigh, still unable to process the crushing realization that she was most likely dead. "I see.", Reedshine growled, lashing her tail at the mention of his mother.
Luckily, her face softened to the true look of a gentle Queen as she glanced back up at Appledusk standing tall over her, gratefulness filling her voice, "I don't know how can thank you.", she purred, then turning to Patchpaw, "Both of you. H-how did you get her back?", shuffling towards the cream tom, burying her chin in his chest, gazing up longingly. Yet, Appledusk pushed her back with his thick tail, Reedshine blinking, "It will come clear in due time, dear.", he assured her, "But instead of fusing over us, there's a kit that needs their mother.".
After brushing her tail over his flank as one final sign of affection, Reedshine nodded and hurried over to the Medicine den. Surprisingly, Appledusk let off a sigh of relief and guilt, his gaze drifting into the darkening sky, deep in thought.
At the Nursery, small round heads peered out curiously, including two of Shykit's size, a grey tabby and pale brown. Willowkit and Applekit. His heart skipped a beat, realizing this was the first time he'd seen the faces of his other half-siblings. Including Appledkit, the brother he'd named himself. Before he could take a step towards them, tails of Queens appeared round the corner of the entrance, gliding the kits back inside.
Patchpaw even overhearing an older she-cat, "Come along, little ones. We don't want you getting in the way of our warriors, do we?.", her voice stern yet understanding. There was a sudden hole in his chest, not remembering the last time his own mother had referred to him or his littermates as 'Little ones' or anything of that nature. Sadly, all the denmates of the Nursery disappeared into the gloom, vanishing from sight.
Yet, Patchpaw wasn't allowed to linger on it too long as the entire camp suddenly fell eerily silent, with two cats marching out from the roots of the willow. Of course, the slender yet sturdy frame of Darkstar approached her visitors, nose twitching cautiously. Yet strangely, it was Splashheart, who'd come to greet them first.
Since the last time he'd seen him, only a few days ago, the tom had changed; he now carried himself with a bit more purpose, head and tail raised in pride and an arrogant strut with each stride.
He halted in front of them, chest puffed up. Just then, something seemed to click in Appledusk's mind, his face twisting in disbelief, "Oh no- Please me you're not-.", he gasped. Spashfoot snorted, smirking with the cheekiness of an apprentice, "The new Riverclan deputy at your service.", he boasted. Really? Wasn't he a bit too young? Patchpaw thought, blinking. He just vaguely hoped Darkstar knew what she was doing, maybe there was more to the grey tom under the snooty exterior. Just really, really deep down.
"Thank you, Splashheart.", Darkstar mewed, standing between him and two outsiders, "But I can deal with things from here.". Spashheart mumbled under his breath, reluctantly nodding, wandering off. Just as Darkstar was about to address them, the silence was slowly disturbed by the gradual growing waves of mutters. Luckily, the Leader shut them all up with a signal stare. Signalling for them to follow, she padded away, "We should take this to my den.", she uttered.
As they weaved through the thick willow roots, into a layer of sedge, Appledusk fell into step with Darkstar, now out of earshot of all other cats. "Seriously?", he grumbled, "Out of every cat, you pick him? He can barely keep his own ego under control, let alone an entire clan!". Patchpaw couldn't help but snigger at the irony when it came out of his father's mouth.
After hearing that, Darkstar instantly halted, whirling round, baring her fangs, "Don't tell me how to do my job.", she warned, "Even if you brought back Shykit, you're still in exile. You can easily be escorted out if you push your luck.". Patchpaw flinched, terrified at the thought they could just be kicked out at any heartbeat after putting so much effect, to just get to this point.
Seemly Darkstar noticed, suddenly becoming more gentle, dipping her head, "My apologies, Patchpaw.", she mewed quietly. He was about to ask her how she knew about his apprentice name, before remembering he'd told Reedshine and Spashheart beforehand.
Then, she climbed through the thick stems into her den, holding them aside for Patchpaw and his father. It was tight space, the air thick and dump too. Forcing Patchpaw to press against the wall, to allow all three cats enough space. Which was tricky, considering the walls were lined with swirling shells and pale smooth pebbles, almost glowing in the dim light. Riverclan cats allowing themselves to go beyond the necessities, something his mother would have never allowed. If she wasn't…
Darkstar spins a few times on the spot, before finally settling down into a plum nest of soft moss and fluffy feathers, "You're got a lot to explaining, Appledusk. Lies won't be tolerated. I'll ask your son to clarity if need be.", she pointed out, tail swaying.
Appledusk tightened up a bit, "I know.", he muttered. So, he began the long tale of Mapleshade's slow descent into her murderous rampage: How she tore Ravenwing's throat, almost choked her mate, threw Dawnfeather into the Thunderpath and finally the kidnapping of Shykit.
Darkstar was reluctant to believe Appledusk wholeheartedly, forcing Patchkit to testify his father's innocence. It made sense that Darkstar was extra defensive – Riverclan had been targetted by Mapleshade, not just Thunderclan. If Patchkit recalled correctly, the old deputy, Spikefur had died when the foxes got lured to the camp. Although he only met him once, Patchkit recalled fondly that Spiketail vouched for his family to stay Riverclan, after Oakstar exiled them. If only Darkstar had accepted them the first time round – Perhaps Mapleshade wouldn't have snapped.
"I've noticed you've only brought Patchkit.", Darkstar uttered to Appledusk, "What about your other kits? I can assure, I won't play favourites. I'll consider all your kits if they want to join Riverclan.".
Appledusk clawed the gritty sand under his paws, "My other kits have made their own chooses. Larchkit has already joined Shadowclan, so we can for his final decision at the next Gathering. As Petalkit- She's living as a loner now and doesn't want anything to do with the Clans."
Patchpaw half expected Darkstar to growl at her former warrior at his defiance. Yet, instead, she just gave a nod, "We'll have to tread carefully around Shadowclan – As for your daughter, we won't bother her if she wishes to remain anonymous. I don't blame her to be honest.".
Then, her attention drifted to the floor, taking a deep breath as if mentally preparing herself for what she was about to hear, lifting her head again, now deadly serious. "Now to the present – From what I hear from Milkfur, when you got Shykit back, both Mapleshade and Bloomheart died.", she mewed thoughtfully, "What in Starclan's name happened?".
Appledusk began to tell the gruesome tale, "After Reedshine and Spashheart told us about the kidnapping, me and Patchpaw went to Petal to see if she'd seen anything.", he explained. Patchpaw couldn't help but notice he purposefully left out the detail of Petal being blinded by Mapleshade.
Appledusk then carried on, "They didn't know but they still joined us in the hunt. Eventually, I managed to track down Mapleshade's and Shykit's scent near the northern Thunderclan border. We found Mapleshade fighting with Bloomheart, while Nettlebreeze watched, holding Shykit.".
"Did Nettlebreeze hurt her?", Darkstar abruptly accused fur spiking. Angered at the thought that a Thunderclan Warrior would harm one of her Clan's kits. Hurriedly, Patchpaw shook his head, "No.", he objected, "Nettlebreeze didn't lay a claw on her!". Remembering the fold memories of him back in Thunderclan, while he was an apprentice and they were still in the Nursery. However, Appledusk slapped his tail over his open jaw, shutting him up before he could ruin anything.
Luckily, Darkstar was willing to ignore the kit's outburst, allowing Appledusk to hurry on without argument. The cream tom started again, "We managed to get Nettlebreeze and Bloomheart to hand Shykit over without a fight. However, Bloomheart insisted that we'd stay to watch him kill Mapleshade. Which is when Nettlebreeze and Petal turned on their own parents, shoving them into Gorge river.".
Physically, Patchpaw could see the shiver run down Darkstar's spine as her dark fur rippled.
"Just one more question.", she muttered quietly, a dramatic shift in the den's atmosphere, "I can see why Petal may have done that. But why Nettlebreeze? What's Bloomheart involvement in all of this?".
The fur on the back of his neck rose, his body shuddering. Where could they even begin with him? His father made it short, "Ever since Bloomheart discovered my kits are half-clan, he's made it his life mission to kill them off. Even killing Frecklewish for getting in the way. Finally, Nettlebreeze grew too disgusted of his father's actions.". That wasn't even half the story, Patchpaw thought.
Darkstar let off a sad chuckle, " It's a waste.", she muttered, "Let's just pray to Starclan, they'll be the last warriors the Dark Forest will be receiving.". Strangely, Appledusk shuddered violently on the spot, tail bristling. The Dark Forest? No one ever told him anything like that. If Starclan was the place for good cats- was the Dark Forest for the bad ones? But that didn't make any sense. Mapleshade and Bloomheart had friends and kin, cats who relied on and loved them. Starclan wouldn't separate them, surely? Horror crept up his throat as the bile did, but he rapidly forced it down. Shrugging it off, before the dark thoughts could consume his mind.
After a long hanging silence, Darkstar finally broke it with a sigh, "I've heard enough.", she announced, sitting up, "I realize now, we are in a great debt to you after getting Shykit back alive from Mapleshade. So I'll willing to give you another chance. Patchpaw is also welcomed". That was like birdsong to Patchpaw, a massive beam of excitement threatening to make him leapt for joy, making a mockery of himself, that he just barely held down. Similar reaction to Appledusk, his throat tumbling in a purr. Though Darkstar wasn't quite done, warning him, "But you still must work hard to earn your place back into the Clan.".
Though this did little to shift Appledusk's good mood, only dipping his head, "I understand, Darkstar.", he acknowledged, "Thank you.". Darkstar only nodded as she rose from her bedding, making her two guests to shuffle around as she climbed out of the narrow den.
Following her out, Darkstar finally showed Appledusk some sympathy, "Since everything been cleared up now, I must admit, I'm impressed, Appledusk. You maintained your honour as a rogue when your mate couldn't. Then what you did for Shykit, you've redeemed yourself to Riverclan."
As Patchpaw listened to everything, he couldn't help but feel a stab of annoyance. Abruptly halting and facing the leader directly, "What about me and my littermates? What did we have to redeem ourselves for? Being born? If you'd just let us join Riverclan the first time, none of this would've of happened!".
Appledusk flinched. Quickly, stepping forward, about take his son by the scruff and drag him away. Luckily, Darkstar placed her tail on his chest, blocking him. Willing to address her mistake, "It was a cruel decision on my part. I'm sorry. I genuinely thought a Half-Clan family would be safer as rogues – Away from clan cats constantly questioning their loyalties. Your parents are capable warriors, skilled enough to raise kits after all. I never expected Mapleshade to… Snap.".
"None of us did.", Patchkit quietly agreed. Those words alone weren't enough for Patchpaw to forgive Darkstar yet, however, he just let his anger slip away, letting numbness set in. After all that happened, he just wanted to have a place he could call home.
He was too exhausted to fight or argue anymore, even if injustice still reined.
With that, Darkstar start to address her clanmates, calling a Clan meeting unnecessarily, with most of Riverclan already gathering in the sandy clearing, "Appledusk and his kit have managed to receive Shykit, with Mapleshade dying in the struggle!", she announced loudly. There were a few gasps from those who haven't heard of his mother's demise yet, while others just quietly discussed it among their respective groups. With Spashheart splitting from the crowd, joining his leader's side.
Darkstar flicked her tail towards the new members, "Because of this, Appledusk has earned another chance to prove his loyalty. He will be allowed to become a member of Riverclan once more. Though a close eye will be kept on him.", her yell echoing through the camp. This was greeted by a mix of reactions, some pleasantly nodding to their old clanmate, some scoffed while others just simply remained silent, unsure how to feel.
Though Darkstar wasn't done, raising her tail for silence, "Alongside his son, Patchpaw, will also be joining our ranks. But just remember, that he's not responsible for the crimes of his parents. Treat him like any other clanmate.", she warned sternly, getting many nods in reply.
Suddenly, she hauled herself onto the lowest branch of the willow, perching on it and gazing down at them like an owl spying prey. Her black pelt was a solid shadow against the twilight sky, now striking with purples and blues. Holding her head up, she looked to the heavens, "By the power insisted in me by Starclan, I welcome you as official members of Riverclan.", she mewed. Pure joy surged through him.
A new apprentice of Riverclan. Catching Perchpaw's eye among the long rows of cats, his heart pounded. Thinking of all the battle moves he could learn from his father's former apprentice.
Then Darkstar started shuffling round on her branch to face Patchpaw. A new Mentor? "Until you are old enough to properly receive your apprentice name, I revert your name back Patchkit.", she declared, "Where you shall move back into the Nursery and live out the rest of your kithood.".
"What?", Patchkit gasped, horrified. Hurriedly, he whipped around for Appledusk's back up, yet his father just shrugged, "You'll get it back soon, anyway.". A wave of dismay rippled through the kit's fur, annoyed and embarrassed. Feeling his new clanmates' judging gaze burning into him, as he helplessly searched the crowd for some support. His ears then pricked as realized Splashheart was speaking to him, "I get it's annoying, but as long as you are a kit, you shall remain that way. We must follow the code.", he explained, "And anyway, after everything you've been through, you need to enjoy the last of your kithood while you still can.".
Patchkit's heart sank like a pebble, groaning as he had to reluctantly accept reality. He barely made out Darkstar's speaking again amongst his muffled senses, "Patchkit will need a new mother. Are any of the Queens willing to take him in?". It surprised no one who stepped forward, her demates already separating to let her through. With clear hesitation, Reedshine edged towards the calico kit, force in her movement. She stood over him, blinking in greeting, before nodding at Darkstar, "I'll take him in.".
Next to them, Appledusk's lime eyes sparked at Reedshine like a newleaf grass blade covered in fresh dew. Above, Darkstar showed her gratefulness for the orange she-cat, "You are doing you're a Clan a great service.".
With nothing else to do, Darkstar lunged down from the branch, "Welcome back.", she mewed as she swept past them, retreating back into her den. Soon, his old clanmates began swarming around Appledusk, erupting into loud greetings and assumptions, a storm of noise. His father seemed overwhelmed, struggling to address everyone at once. They gave Patchkit no notice as if he was only dust. Only Reedshine sat next to him, wrapping her fluffy tail around him.
Then surprisingly, the deputy stepped out from the mass of pelts, approaching them. "Thank you for doing this.", Splashheart mewed, nodding to his mentor, Reedshine returning the friendly gesture. He then leaned towards Patchkit, whispering, "Just to warn you now, she snores louder than thunder.", he smirked. Patchkit could only blink at him. "I'm not deaf, you know.", Reedshine interrupted above, offended.
Spashheart quicked ducked away before Reedshine could scold him further, calling out to Patchkit as he padded away, "Don't sweat it, kit. You need any help, you know where to find me!", disappearing into the seas of the large crowd again. The orange queen lay her tail over Patchkit's shoulders, gliding Patchkit from the racket and bustle of the main clearing, moving towards the Nursery.
"How's Shykit?", he asked softly. Reedshine could only shrug, clearly not trying to think about it too much, "She's developing the first stages of Greencough. Driftfur confident she'll recover but nothing certain yet.". After a pause, she swiftly changed the topic, "It's about time you meet your new denmates.", she purred, "And you're new siblings.".
The heartbeat in his chest thundered. Completely unprepared.
Before he could do anything, Reedhine called into the gloom of the huge den, "Willowkit, Applekit! Come meet your father and new brother!".