A/N
Anyone surprised at Thornsnag being half-clan? ;p
"The cats attending the Gathering tonight are as follows; Reedflight, Honeysnow, Runningclaw, Flowerpelt, Weaselclaw, Hawkpool, Pebbletail, Greywillow, Duskflower, Trouttail, Ivypaw, Silverpaw, Tigerpaw and Bramblewhisker." Oakstar bellowed. "Cats attending, please rest up. We leave as the sky darkens."
"Mama, what's a Gathering?" Reedkit asked, his blue-green eyes wide with curiosity.
"It's a place where, every full moon, all four clans come together and talk. We're not allowed to fight, or StarClan will get mad." Hawkpool explained, tucking her paws under her chest.
Reedkit copied her. "What are the other clans? I only know three; RiverClan, ThunderClan and ShadowClan."
"WindClan's the fourth." Hawkpool shivered, remembering whom Flamestar chose as his deputy. "I suggest staying away from them when you're an apprentice. Their deputy is…. Not very trustworthy. She thinks with claws rather than her actual head."
Reedkit snickered at the analogy. "Do you have to go? I want you to stay."
Hawkpool shifted closer to him. "I'm afraid so. I'll be back when you wake up in the morning. Plus, Sandfern will keep you company, and the other kits, too."
Reedkit frowned, his eyes big. "Whitekit's bossy, Hazelkit's snappy, and Birchkit's distant. Mistsong's kits only play with Puddlewhisker's kits. Which leaves me lonely." He studied his small, chocolate colored paws, attempting to smooth down his puffy, hazel-brown chest.
"Well, what about Willowleap's kits?" Hawkpool meowed as she managed to tame the fluffiness of her son's chest, only for it to sprout up again. Reedkit groaned.
"Snailkit's mean! She should be called Stalekit cause of her bland attitude." Reedkit whined, lashing his thick tail.
Hawkpool purred in amusement, letting out a mrrroww of laughter. "You sense of humor is much like your father."
Reedkit smiled. "That's Thornsnag, right? Not Jaytalon?"
Hawkpool agreed. "Jaytalon is Whitekit's father. Nightkit's, too. Thornsnag is Birchkit's, Hazelkit's and yours. I'm sure he's really proud."
"I'm sure he had friends." Reedkit admitted, stirring up dust with the tip of tail lashing on the ground. "No kit likes me."
"Well, have you actually tried talking with Snailkit? Maybe Swiftkit and Spottedkit are nicer." Hawkpool reasoned. "I'm sure you'll find friends in them if you just talk."
Reedkit let out a heavy sigh. "Okay, mama. But Snailkit's kinda a fox-heart."
Hawkpool gently swatted his cheek with her tail. "It's not nice to call her names."
Reedkit rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. I'll just go hang with Tigerpaw and Batkit instead."
Pebbletail stared after Reedkit as he made his way towards Hawkpool, a plump frog in his jaws. He dropped it front of her and sat next her. "Since we're both going to the Gathering, I figured we could eat together."
"Sure thing." Hawkpool meowed as tore the skin off the frog. "I've learned to take the skin off first. It's super chewy and tastes like cardboard."
Pebbletail looked at her strangely. "Uh, what's 'cardboard'?" He tipped his head, looking puzzled.
Hawkpool froze for a moment, forgetting he didn't know what cardboard was. "Oh, just something I picked up as a rogue. Definitely not tasty."
Pebbletail sniggered as he tore a bit of the tender frog. "I'd say the skin tastes like dry grass. I accidentally ate some once when I was kit in that horrible leaf-bare. Thought it was food. I don't even remember why."
Hawkpool burst out laughing. "That's hilarious! In all honesty, I once got into the medicine den when I was a kit with my brothers. They dared me to eat mouse bile."
Pebbletail stared at her in disbelief. "Did you?"
Hawkpool recoiled in disgust. "Yuck! No. But we did almost take all the honey. We'd had whitecough and Redbreeze had given us honey to soothe our throats, and we broke in for more." Hawkpool giggled sheepishly.
Pebbletail beamed at her. He turned on his back, pawing at the dimming sky. "You ever notice how clouds look like other objects with some imagination?"
Hawkpool flopped on her back. She peered at the sky, the pinkish clouds slowly moving in the sky. She raised her paw at a specific cloud. "That one looks like a cat with wings!"
"Ooh! Where?" Pebbletail responded with excitement. He leaned in close to her, trying to see from her point of view.
Hawkpool felt heat flow through her as their whiskers brushed and his cheek pressed against her face for a split second before he tore away in surprise.
"S-sorry!" He squeaked. Pebbletail cleared his throat. "Sorry." He repeated, standing up.
"I-it's okay." Hawkpool stuttered, shaking her head. Why am I acting so fidgety? Pebbletail's my friend. So what's my deal?
"I think we should be heading out. The moon's almost out." Pebbletail meowed, raising his head to the purplish sky.
"Oh, you're right." Hawkpool realized. She poked his side playfully. "For once."
Pebbletail rolled his eyes, sticking his tongue out at her. Hawkpool snickered, trotting after him as they joined the cats leaving camp.
Hawkpool shivered in excitement as the wind from the moors stirred her pelt. "I haven't been to a Gathering in almost five moons. What's been going on?" She turned her head to Pebbletail as they crossed onto WIndClan territory.
"Well, we announced the births of kits. ShadowClan's got a queen expecting-" Pebbletail was cut off by Hawkpool.
"Thornyflower. She had her kits a few sunrises ago." Hawkpool lowered her ears timidly. "Sorry. Go on."
"Brindleleaf had her kits about… two moons ago and they got two new warriors just after you left. Cardinalheart in ThunderClan revealed she was expecting just as you left as well, so she should've just kitted. That's about it. We've been pretty peaceful since the battle. Well, despite Fernbreeze stirring up her usual trouble."
Hawkpool felt anxiety and eagerness rise up in her chest as the Marsh Island came into view. Last she was there, Thornsnag died.
"C'mon. WindClan and ShadowClan and ThunderClan are already there." Pebbletail meowed, leaping nimbly across the large stones leading to the island.
Hawkpool followed him, however, upon losing her footing on her hind paws on a particularly slippery part she felt terror swarm in her at the murky, gooey water churning beneath her.
"Whoa!" Pebbletail exclaimed, springing back to the stone carefully and hoisting Hawkpool back to the surface.
"Be more careful, okay? I don't know what I'd do if you died." Pebbletail admitted softly, not meeting her eyes as he finished his sentence.
Hawkpool gazed at him breathlessly. "Uh…. o-oh, um, right." She stammered as she bounded across the rest of the way and skidded to a stop at the shore.
"I'm going to see if I can find Mintflower. She and I were good friends back in ThunderClan." Hawkpool called over her shoulder. She padded towards the center of the clearing, scanning the area.
"Redbreeze!" Hawkpool called to the aging, gingery she cat. The greyness on her muzzle was beginning to be obvious.
"Hawkpool." Redbreeze meowed hoarsely, dipping her head respectfully. "Nice to see you."
"Same to you. Say, where's Mintflower? I've missed her." Hawkpool perked her ears eagerly. Redbreeze's honey golden eyes dulled.
"I'm afraid you're a quarter-moon too late. My apprentice died from a dog attack. Mintflower resides in StarClan now." Redbreeze revealed, closing her eyes in sorrow.
Hawkpool slumped down in shock. "She's dead? If I had been earlier…"
Redbreeze laid her thin tail over Hawkpool's back. "Her fate was laid out for her. Most of her family was in StarClan anyways. I'm sure she's content there."
Hawkpool gulped. "You're right." She bowed her head in respect. "Sorry to have bothered you, Redbreeze."
"Nonsense. It was good to see you well." Redbreeze flicked her tail in farewell was Hawkpool scampered off towards a cat she hadn't seen since the battle.
"Thy Hawk has returned!" Hawkpool crowed behind a blue grey tabby mottled tom, the cat jumping in air in surprise.
"H-Hawkpool!" Rainstorm cried in disbelief, embracing her tightly. "Oh my StarClan, have I missed you! Oh, oh, guess what? My kits were made apprentices not long ago! Rabbitpaw yelled at his mentor and called him a bumbling mouse-brain so he's not here, but Dovepaw and Squirrelpaw are. You should meet them."
Hawkpool looked away uneasily. "Uh, actually, I don't want to. I don't to complicate their lives with me being in another clan. Don't get me wrong, they looked brilliant when I saw them after the battle, but I just don't want questions popping up."
Rainstorm sighed in defeat. "I suppose you're right. Dovepaw gets bullied often cause of her eyes."
Hawkpool stared at him in curiosity. "Eyes?"
"Oh, you didn't know? Dovepaw has your eyes." Rainstorm flicked his tail to a lean, blue grey tabby she cat sitting with Firepaw of ShadowClan. "She's not as hateful about like you though." Rainstorm jabbed her shoulder gently.
Hawkpool purred. "How's Nightkit doing? Is she fitting in well? Getting along with other kits?" Hawkpool fretted.
Rainstorm nodded. "Nightkit and Scarletkit are inseparable now. That's one of Cardinalheart's daughter's. Then there's Berrykit and their brother Robinkit. They're a bit younger than Nightkit but close friends all the same. Specklekit is in their little squad as well. She's Nightbreeze and Cloudstar's daughter." Rainstorm explained.
Hawkpool sighed in relief. "At least she's happy. That's what matters. Oh, it's starting!" Hawkpool announced as their father joined the three leaders, taking his place beside Fallenstar and Cloudstar.
Flamestar waved his tail to a cat he was speaking with, but Hawkpool couldn't see the face of the cat, though Ivypaw was next to the cat he was speaking with and bidded him a farewell as well.
Fallenstar stepped forward first. "ShadowClan have been well. We have accepted a band of rogues into our clan in order to build up our strength. Thornyflower has kitted two strong kits. We have three new apprentices. Dustpaw, Shadepaw and Olivepaw." Fallenstar paused, waiting for the cheers to die down.
"I also have appointed a new deputy after the tragic passing of Stagstrike. May Spiderheart serve ShadowClan for many moons to come." Fallenstar rasped, stepping back to let Cloudstar speak.
"Cardinalheart has given birth to three healthy kits, and we have three new apprentices as well. Dovepaw, Squirrelpaw and Rabbitpaw. Sadly, Rabbitpaw could not be here." Cloudstar announced, the clans cheering once more. Hawkpool spotted Dovepaw shrinking down from the attention and Squirrelpaw laughing modestly, lashing his tail in embarrassment.
Oakstar stood on his paws, his amber-red eyes scanning over the cats. "RiverClan has been well, too. We have many new kits, and two new apprentices. Tigerpaw and Silverpaw." He stopped, pausing for the clans to chorus the new apprentices' names. "That is all." He twitched his ears, motioning for Flamestar to speak. The ginger tabby looked exhausted.
"WindClan is… fine. We have three new apprentices, Starlingpaw, Pearpaw and Tansypaw. We also have three new warriors. Sedgelight, Falconflame and Stormwind." Flamestar cut off a yawn as the cheers died off. "Brindleleaf as also given birth to four strong kits. That is all we have to report."
Flamestar stumbled off the low hanging branch, looking dazed as Fernbreeze steadied him. A strange glint glowed in her dark lime green eyes.
Flamestar shoved her off, padding back towards Ivypaw, whom Hawkpool recalled was his daughter. He pressed his nose to her forehead, and it was now Hawkpool saw the faceless cat she didn't see before. Flowerpelt.
The tortoiseshell looked around quickly before she gave his cheek an affectionate lick and whispered a quick goodbye, leading Ivypaw with the rest of the clan.
"Brackenfang!" Hawkpool called out as she spotted the ThunderClan tom. "I have news."
"Oh, yes, Hawkpool?" He meowed dully.
"Um, were you aware that your father was RiverClan?" Hawkpool said slowly. Brackenfang paused for a few moments. He nodded.
"Thornsnag, Mintflower and I discovered when we were late in our apprenticeship. I wasn't surprised he joined you. He was always more… fishy." Brackenfang purred wistfully.
"Why didn't you and your sister ever consider joining RiverClan? Oakstar would gladly welcome you." Hawkpool suggested. Brackenfang shrugged.
"Mintflower and I preferred the rich forest. The feel of thick undergrowth beneath our paws. He preferred the salty air of RiverClan. The feel of wet stone under paw. Even as apprentices, the RiverClan border was his favorite place for hunting. Mintflower and I once caught him fishing in the river. He never actually caught anything, though." Brackenfang sighed heavily. "It's a true shame they're gone. We'd have a good laugh about this if they were around."
Hawkpool flicked her tail in farewell. "I thought you should know. I'm glad you're at peace with it. I must go. Sorry." She darted after her clan, catching up with Pebbletail as she quickly crossed the stones.
"What was that?" Pebbletail asked casually, helping her across the last stone and to the muddy shore.
"Just delivering news. Brackenfang and Thornsnag were brothers." Hawkpool explained, her sides heaving. SHe still had a bit to go before she was in complete shape again.
"Oh, they don't look anything alike." Pebbletail stated. "How is he?"
"Struggling. But he's got two loyal and kind daughters to help him." Hawkpool studied her paws, a fluttering feeling in her chest. "And I have you."
Pebbletail grinned happily. "Always here, always have been, Hawkpool.
Hawkpool mentally slapped herself as she caught herself gazing at him with a stupid grin on her face. "U-uh, oh, yes! I know." She gushed, her voice more high-pitched than usual. Pebbletail stared at her in confusion and raised an eyebrow.
Hawkpool opened her mouth to form a reply, but instead, yawned with dampness tugging at her eyes. Pebbletail purred in amusement. "I think you should sleep." He meowed as they made their way through the camp barrier. "Your old nest needs changing, by the way."
"No!" Hawkpool cried out. She adverted her eyes, staring at her paws. "Thornsnag's scent is still there…"
Pebbletail sighed sympathetically. "You can't hang on forever. You have a family that needs you."
"But what about me?! I need someone! Thornsnag was my rock. He steadied me!" Hawkpool sobbed tiredly, swaying on her paws. Pebbletail pressed to her side.
"I… I can be your rock. Or a pebble." He locked eyes with her. "Bt you're a rock now, too. You have four sweet little kits who most likely don't understand why they don't have a father."
Hawkpool sniffled, stifling a yawn. "All this over a nest… I'm sorry, I'm just a memory hog." Pebbletail licked her forehead soothingly.
"It's okay. It'll take a while before you're moved on. But I'll be here every step of the way." Pebbletail meowed reassuringly. "Now, go to sleep. I'm sure Sandfern is waiting to relieve them to you."
"Okay, Pebbletail. See you in the morning." She yawned for the third time, sleepily padding to the nursery.
…
"Dawn patrol, let's go, let's go!" Greywillow crowed from the apprentice den.
"Some of us were at the Gathering last night, you hag!" Silverpaw growled, pawing moss in her ears.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, up and at 'em! Tigerpaw's already waiting on you." Greywillow croaked, flicking Silverpaw's forehead with her tail. "You slept in too late. No food until we're done training."
"What?!" Silverpaw hissed in surprise, leaping out of her nest. "No fair!"
"You weren't fair to make your mentor wait." Greywillow meowed, drawing her forepaw over an ear. "Let's go. And try not to go out of the Hollow. Treepaw's having his assessment."
Hawkpool purred rumbly as she heard the conversation. SIlverpaw would be a pawful to Runningclaw, and a pain to Greywillow, who was extremely strict on slackers.
"What about Antpaw and Ivypaw?" Tigerpaw asked softly.
"Oh, they're on the dawn patrol." Runningclaw answered. "Juniperfur and Ivypaw might join us later, but Antpaw's hunting with Badgerfoot later."
Hawkpool pricked her ears, but could no longer pick up their words. She twitched her ears, craning her head to wash her pelt.
"Badger ride!" Whitekit yowled, pouncing on Oakstar's hind leg. Hawkpool raced to her father and son in urgency.
"No, no, no, Whitekit. No badger rides. Oakstar's busy." Hawkpool meowed rapidly. "Sorry, Father."
Oakstar let out a mrrroww of laughter. "It's okay. I'd be delighted to give my grandson a badger ride. I never got to give my children any." He admitted as he brought himself to the ground and Whitekit scrambled onto his back.
"I've never had a badger ride." Hawkpool admitted as she watched her father lumber around, Whitekit squealing in joy.
Oakstar stopped, Whitekit giving a whimper of disappointment. "Never?"
"Nope. Smokestar made the excuse he was busy, and Gingerroot only gave rides to Rainstorm, Pinewhisker, Cardinalheart and Fawnkit." Hawkpool explained. "But don't deny Whitekit one." She added as the black and white tom kit swatted Oakstar's ear.
"Charge!" Whitekit squeaked. Oakstar chuckled, continuing to lurch around camp. Birchkit, Hazelkit and Reedkit crowded Oakstar the moment he set Whitekit down.
"Our turn!" The three cried out in unison. Oakstar leaned down, stumbling around with Birchkit, Reedkit, then Hazelkit.
"Hawkpool! Since you're up, would you mind joining the dawn patrol?" Reedflight called from across camp.
"Sure thing!" Hawkpool replied, stretching luxuriously as she stood, scraps of reed falling from her black fur.
"Who's with us?" Hawkpool asked the deputy.
"Rowanstorm, Pebbletail, Juniperfur, Ivypaw and Jayheart." Reedflight replied. "The borders need refreshing."
"They do every morning." Hawkpool teased, trotting off side by side with Juniperfur.
Hawkpool's attention was drawn away towards Jayheart, who was chatting with Petalwhish.
"If you have something to say, Petalwish, just say it. You've been avoiding me and acting awkward all day. In fact, you're acting just like... Wait, you're acting like Mistsong before she told Trouttail... About... Her... Kits...?" Jayheart trailed off, his amber eyes growing round. Jayheart stared at Petalwish, his breaths growing short and ragged.
"Kits?!" He exclaimed, pressed his nose to her face. Petalwish purred.
"Yep. And you're the father." Petalwish hung her head sheepishly. "Honestly, I've been expecting for a while. I just haven't found a way to tell you. I could have these kits any day now."
Jayheart gaped at Petalwish, curling the golden spotted she cat. "What? It's barely even noticeable! I thought it was because its nearly Green-leaf!"
Petalwish swatted his muzzle with her tail playfully. "Never tell a she cat how old she looks or how much weight she's put on. Now you're gonna be late for the dawn patrol. Go on."
...
"Can I mark the border? Please, please!" Ivypaw begged as they neared the ThunderClan border. Juniperfur nodded in amusement.
"Of course. Go on." Juniperfur urged. "Maybe we could catch something by the river as well."
"Oh, I got it." Hawkpool offered enthusiastically. "I've been hunting rats and scrawny mice for almost five moons. I'm dying to swim!"
Hawkpool showed no sign of hesitation as she charged into the river, holding her breath as she swam to the bottom, locking her gaze on a large carp. She propelled herself forward, opening her jaws to clasp it in her jaws.
"There!" She exclaimed happily as she dropped the carp on the shore, the fish flailing pathetically on the ground. Hawkpool leaned down and quickly took the killing bite.
"I see kitting hasn't slowed you down like it did Wrenshadow." Rowanstorm purred, nudging his clanmate good-heartedly.
"In all honesty, I'm not as fit as before, but I'm not that lazy either. Maybe you should go on a hunting patrol with Wrenshadow sometime." Hawkpool suggested, burying the carp under wet sand. "Or she could practice moves with Tigerpaw and Silverpaw."
Rowanstorm shrugged. "She says she wants more kits sometime, so maybe we should wait until she's made up her mind."
Pebbletail shook his head. "I wouldn't wait too long. Cloudypool stayed a queen after Mistsong was born cause she refused to exercise after I became an apprentice and couldn't get back into shape. Just have her trot around and go on patrols more often. That should be enough."
Rowanstorm twitched his ears. "Anyways, we shouldn't stand here gossiping like she cats. Let's head up towards the WindClan border."
"Can we stop by Sunning Rocks?' Hawkpool asked. "I could use a little time to dry off."
"You can dry off on the way." Pebbletail flicked her with the tip of his tail. "Plus, WindClan winds are pretty strong. I'm those'll dry you off."
Hawkpool huffed, shaking water droplets from her soaked pelt, spraying water on Pebbletail. Hawkpool chuckled at his half soaked face.
"Ha." Hawkpool teased, darting off and sticking her tongue out at him. Pebbletail chased after her, tackling her and pinning her to the ground, the grey tabby tom standing over her.
"Eek!" Hawkpool squeaked, rolling onto her belly and finding it even more awkward.
"Um….." Pebbletail mewed, his paws frozen in shock.
"Save it for moonhigh, lovebirds." Jayheart goaded, smirking at his former mentor. Pebbletail clambering off of Hawkpool, dizzy with warmth in his face.
"Not lovebirds!" Hawkpool protested, clearing her throat squeamishly. "It was an accident."
"Mm-hmm." Pebbletail nodded his head quickly Jayheart rolled his eyes.
"Whatever you say." Jayheart waved his tail dismissively. "I got the border this time." He meowed as he neared the flat, wide moors, keeping an eye out for patrol as he freshened the border.
"Ivypaw and I are going to hunt by the Sunning Rocks. You can go on without us." Juniperfur told, flicking her tail for Ivypaw to follow her.
"I'll go retrieve my fish. I'll meet you back at camp." Hawkpool meowed, trotting towards the river and following it downstream.
Hawkpool purred to herself as she remembered teaching Thornsnag to swim, only to find he was a natural. At least I know why he was such a well fitting RiverClan cat. Hm? What's that?
Hawkpool thought to herself, narrowing her heather red eyes as she spotted splashes coming from the river. Taking off in a run, Hawkpool stopped as she saw Acornheart scramble out of the river, drenched from head to tail.
"What are you doing here?" Hawkpool tried not to laugh at the chocolate tabby tom.
"What are you doing here?" Acornheart snapped back defensively, grooming his soggy fur.
Hawkpool snickered. "I was on the dawn patrol. And came to get a carp I buried."
"The water seeps into my pelt too much. Your father said I have to learn how to swim within a quarter-moon or I can't stay." Acornheart growled, shaking his thick pelt out.
"First off all, your fur isn't resistant to water because of your diet. Fish will help with that." Hawkpool explained. "And second off all, the bordering river is harder to swim in because of the currents. We teach cats to swim in the Training River. It's where Briarfrost and Creeksplash taught me."
Hawkpool purred in delight at the memory. "But since you're a more muscular cat, I think you can manage here. Think it this way; water is like friendship. It only drags you down when you fight it."
Acornheart furrowed his eyebrows. "Okay. I got this." He meowed to himself, leaping into the river. "Ack!" He spluttered, flailing his forepaws.
"Don't fight it! Let it carry you!" Hawkpool urged, "be one with the river!"
Acornheart coughed, feeling the current pull him under. Struggling with his hind legs, he caught onto the force of the river, flowing with it.
"I got it! L-look, I'm swimming! Hawkpool!" Acornheart called out joyfully.
Hawkpool giggled to herself. "Yes, yes, now come on out before you drown."
"Fine. At least Hickorynose and Plumflower figured out how to swim pretty easily." Acornheart meowed as he rasped his tongue over his pelt.
"Because they've actually been eating fish." Hawkpool scolded playfully as she found her carp. "Now come on. I'm worried about my kits. Hopefully Whitekit hasn't picked a fight again."
"He's always fighting." Acornheart meowed. "But it's mostly over being in charge. It's not that big a deal."
"I just don't want him getting hurt." Hawkpool groaned. "My kits already don't have a father."
"Yeah, why is that? I thought Jaytalon was their father." Acornheart acknowledged, narrowing his emerald eyes at her. "Who's Thornsnag?"
Hawkpool sighed in defeat. "I suppose I can't hide it any longer. Thornsnag is Birchkit's, Reedkit's and Hazelkit's father. Whitekit and Nightkit have Jaytalon as their father."
"If they have a second father, where is he?" Acornheart questioned, flicking water droplets from his whiskers as they passed the Mossy Hollow. Hawkpool perked her ears to hear Runningclaw and Greywillow ordering their apprentices.
"He's dead. We have a battle four moons ago versus a big group of rogues that called themselves the NightWalkers. Led by my sister who we lost as a kit. A cat attacked me with the intent to torture and kill me. Thornsnag sacrificed himself to save me and our kits." Hawkpool felt shock flood her as she wasn't overwhelmed by the depression and loneliness she normally felt when she even thought of him.
Acornheart hung his head. "O-oh, I'm sorry. I didn't-"
"It's okay." Hawkpool surprised herself with the words. "I may be upset, but that's not going to bring him back. I know I'll see him again one day."
Acornheart flattened his ears. "I still was a bit insensitive. I mean, uh, I've never really loved a cat like that so I wouldn't know-"
Hawkpool covered his mouth with her tail tip. "It's fine." Hawkpool insisted. "I'm getting better about it." She smiled slightly.
"Mama!" Hawkpool beamed as Hazelkit raced up towards her with a large grin on her face.
"What is it, darling?" Hawkpool coaxed, tucking her forepaws under chest as she sat next to Hazelkit.
"Sandfern had her kits! They're so small and cute!" Hazelkit squealed. Hawkpool jumped to paws in an instant.
"My mother had her kits? Oh, that's wonderful news, Hazelkit!" Hawkpool yowled in delight, darting to the nursery. "I have new siblings!"
"Shhh!" Sandfern purred tiredly. "They're sleeping, Hawkpool."
"Sorry, Mother." Hawkpool whispered, in awe of her tiny siblings. "What are their names?"
Oakstar stepped forward from the dimmer part of the den. Hawkpool hadn't noticed him. "The she kit is Finchkit, and her brother is Newtkit." He announced, his voice low and eyes sparkling with pride.
Finchkit was a bright ginger-brown with black ears and dark tabby stripes with tiny black paws. She was much smaller than Newkit, who was a slick black with faded ginger brown ears, chest, underbelly and paws.
"Welcome." Hawkpool whispered, nuzzling them softly. "I know you'll love it here."
"I wanna see them!" Hazelkit whined, squealing loudly. Hawkpool turned around sharply.
"Shh! You don't want to wake them." Hawkpool urged, licking her daughter's forehead. "They're my siblings."
"Nyeh!" Finchkit squeaked sleepily, curling into Newtkit. Her brother turned in the other direction, away from Finchkit.
"I want to have kits someday." Hazelkit cooed, her different shaded eyes glowing happily.
"I'm sure you will, my sweet grandkit." Sandfern meowed in a sleepy, raspy voice.
Sandfern lifted her head as a commotion outside drew her attention away from her newborns. "What in StarClan is going on out there?" The elderly queen croaked, straining her head to see.
"Oh, fox-dung!" Hawkpool swore, sprinting to the commotion. "Reedkit, stop, stop!"
Reedkit hissed as Hawkpool swooped him up in her jaws, Snailkit gasping in surprise as Willowleap scooped her kit up.
"What's all this about?" Hawkpool scolded her son.
"Snailkit called me a dungface cause that's the color of my fur!" Reedkit cried out, lashing a paw out at her. Snailkit smirked triumphantly.
"Snailkit!" Willowleap gaped at her kit. "That's no way to speak to Reedkit!"
"He called me a minnow-brain!" Snailkit whined defensively. Hawkpool gave Reedkit a stern shake.
"What did I tell you about calling her names?" Hawkpool demanded, her voice strict.
"She started it!" Reedkit yelled, baring his teeth at her.
"He started it!" Snailkit yowled in unison, growling at the tom kit.
"It doesn't matter who started it." Willowleap commanded. "I'm ending it." She caught Hawkpool's eyes briefly and mouthed a 'sorry.'
"Whatever. I'm going to get a story from Yellowlily and Bramblewhisker." Reedkit snorted. "Batkit, wanna come with me?"
The black tabby tom shrugged, following Reedkit to the elders' den with a minnow and trout in their jaws, Swiftkit and Webkit following them.
Snailkit wriggled free from her mother's grasp, darting over towards Shadekit, Spottedkit and Palekit.
Hawkpool sighed, shaking her head. "Maybe they'll get along someday."
Willowleap purred in amusement. "I think they're cute together."
Reedkit caught Snailkit's eye from across the clearing, sticking his tongue out at her. She raised her fur and bushed her tail, hissing. He hissed back, turning away.
Hawkpool snickered. Willowleap wasn't wrong.
A/N
WOw, writing is REALLY hard with writer's block. I'm on spring break so chapters should be kinda quick for a while. I might fast forward three moons in the next chapter, so prepare, and review to tell me if you'd want to skip three moons and why or why not.
ALSO, I mentioned in the last chapter that I could use help and advice and I'm asking again. Please, really. Stolen might have to go on a hiatus if I don't get some help and ideas.