The moon shone brightly across the territory, the light only diminishing when the odd cloud or two passed over the moon. A piercing yowl broke the late night silence, followed quickly by another. The cries were coming from inside the nursery of the Thunderclan camp as the queen, Daisypetal, was giving birth to her first ever litter of kits. In the den with the she-cat was Thunderclan's medicine cat, Goldencrest, Gingerspots, another queen who had given birth to her three kits, Stoatkit, Viperkit, and Spottedkit, three moons prior, and finally Skybird, who had given birth to her only kit, Icekit, five moons ago.
The two queens lay there, supporting the yowling she-cat and helping in any way possible. The kits sat in the back of the nursery, giving one another uncomfortable glances. All except Stoatkit, Gingerspots oldest kit, a brown and white tabby tom who was small in size and was born with poor sight. The young kit watched the scene inquisitively and observed as best he could, watching Goldencrest do his job.
Finally, after what seemed like a moon, Daisypetal finally gave birth to her two kits. The first, a pale-golden tabby she-kit with white paws, and a fluffy white tom with long whiskers.
"Congratulations, Daisypetal! Two healthy kits. You've done well." Goldencrest mewed proudly, looking at the mother and her two kits with relief, happy that nothing had gone wrong. The tired she-cat dipped her head slowly, obviously tired from the experience.
"Thank you, Goldencrest. I don't think I could have done this without your help." She purred quietly, before asking, "Can my mate come in now?". The golden tom looked behind him, knowing that Daisypetal's mate, Snowcloud, was just outside the den.
"Of course. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call for me." He dipped his head once more before making his way out of the nursery. As he was leaving, the large cat shot a glance towards Stoatkit, who was watching him intently. The medicine cat gave a friendly smile and nodded towards him in acknowledgement. Outside, murmurs between Goldencrest and Snowcloud could be heard before Snowcloud entered the den. The tom stood at the entrance momentarily before padding softly towards his mate and kits.
"Oh Daisypetal, they're beautiful," he purred proudly, nuzzling his mates cheek gently. "Just like you, my love." Pulling away from his mate, he rested his tail on her shoulder and bent down to look at his new kits.
"A son and a daughter! I couldn't have asked for anything better," he breathed, smiling at his kits as they crawled and mewled about on the moss.
"What are you going to name them?" A sudden loud voice broke the gentle silence.
"Viperkit, hush!" Her mother, Gingerspots, scolded her with a hiss. Daisypetal purred in amusement, and looked to her mate. Looking at her in return, the tom spoke.
"Do you have any names in mind?" He meowed. Daisypetal was silent for a moment, but then she nodded and looked at her kits.
"I was thinking we could name the she-kit Sunkit, for her pretty golden pelt, and maybe we could name the tom Moonkit, for his clean white pelt that shines brightly like the moon in the dark." She looked back at Snowcloud, wanting to know what he thought.
"Those are excellent names for them," he answered, bending down once more to interact with them. "My little Sunkit and Moonkit, I know you'll both be the best cats you can be, no matter what path you choose."
From outside the den, Goldencrest watched the small kits, unable to shake the feeling that something was off. StarClan had not sent him a vision of any sort, nor did it feel like some form of an omen. What could possibly be wrong? The tabby tom shook his head. Perhaps he was just tired. After all, it had been a long night and would be dawn soon. The bulky cat turned, heading back to his den for the night.