Goodness… I'm getting kinda sad because my story is almost over :( Fortunately, I have put up a poll on my profile that you can view which will ask you if you would like a sequel or not. I do have a sequel planned out if it is a yes that I get, so far, since none of you have voted, there will be no sequel to Roses in the Dark. You can still change that, but if you don't want to, I understand. Long chapter for you. Over 5,000 words! Oh and Happy Easter! :)
xXEnigmaxX: Thanks a bunch! It means a lot to me to hear from my viewers, thanks again!
ScourgeXScarlet: Hey there my loyal reviewer! Happy Easter! Oh if only cats could hug…
Stormfeather of IceClan: Thank you so very much! Hope you enjoy this one! It's my longest chapter by a long-shot! Hope I didn't overdue it!
Echoflight66: Thank you! Good to hear you like my battle scenes, honestly I thought that I wasn't very good at them :)
Amberflame: Hehe I hate it when cats die too! :( Yet I do it? What's wrong with me! Hm…. Thanks for reviewing!
Chapter 33: Decisions
"Rosewater… you need to get up, I'm sorry… but we have our duties to do." The creamy brown she-cat's eyes were snapped shut as she pressed her muzzle into the dark gray tom's flank. Her red tail slowly swept back and forth. No. She couldn't leave Troutclaw, Troutclaw who was always there for her, always there with her.
"Rosewater, I know that you were close, but you must get going… something important has come up, Oakstar wants to speak with you." The familiar soft and gentle voice of Shinedove sounded.
Finally, the ThunderClan warrior raised her head blearily from where she had it buried in dark soft fur. She looked at her sister painfully, her blue eyes tossed and misunderstood. She blinked them and sigh as she looked back down at Troutclaw. "Tell him I'll be there in just awhile."
"Alright." Rosewater twitched her ears as she heard Shinedove's soft footsteps as she went away. She looked back at Troutclaw. The Elder who saved her, who wasn't just an elder, he was deputy once, he was a hero, a true hero. Unfortunately, he was evidently a mouse-brained hero, giving his life to save one as worthless as Rosewater.
"He's ready for his burial." Rosewater heard the dry and raspy voice of Squirrelfang. The elderly she-cat had sat hovering over her dead mate all night alongside Rosewater, Oakstar, Stormwhisper, and several others. Rosewater leaned over and licked Squirrelfang on the forehead.
"I'm sure you won't have to do it alone. Just ask Stormwhisper if she'll accompany you." She murmured.
Squirrelfang cast a painful glance back at Troutclaw. "Alright," she rasped, disappearing into the warrior's den, her head down and her tail low.
Rosewater sighed as she leaned down and pressed her nose once more into Troutclaw's fur. Troutclaw. You were a respected warrior among all Clans and very close to me. How foolish you were to give your life for me. Didn't make sense to myself. Nonetheless, I'll miss you forever. There'll never be another cat like you, Troutclaw.
With one last look at the dark gray tom that floated in her memories so vibrantly, she turned away and whisked herself to Oakstar's den. She sat down at the entrance. "Oakstar?" she called.
"Come in, Rosewater." The ThunderClan leader's voice sounded dry as well. Rosewater poked her head through and lead herself inside to sit in the corner. Oakstar lay in his nest, his eyes meeting hers.
"You called for me?" Rosewater inquired.
"Snowpaw." He meowed. "Is she ready?"
Rosewater felt puzzled. "Ready for what?" she asked.
"You know? To uh…" he stuttered. "To become a warrior." He finished briskly.
"Oh!" Rosewater smiled. Of course her apprentice deserved to be a warrior! Did Oakstar really expect her to say no? Perhaps at the beginning of her training he would… Rosewater cringed at herself. How cruel she had been to the perky young cat before. How much she wished she could take that time back.
"Of course she is!" Rosewater enthused, flicking her tail quickly. She noticed Oakstar's eyes brighten a bit. "She fought excellently when WindClan attacked, and is a fine hunter, her white fur doesn't stop her from disguising her pelt." Rosewater explained.
"Good… good." He murmured. "You may be excused now. Her warrior ceremony will be at sundown." The leader meowed.
Rosewater nodded to him in silence and turned away to exit the den. She held her head down thoughtfully. She wouldn't have an apprentice soon. She knew that she'd always share a bond with Snowpaw, her being her first apprentice. Rosewater had been Hailwhisker's first apprentice as well. Nonetheless, Rosewater looked forward to training more apprentices to help the Clan.
I wonder if Stonefang's apprentice is becoming a warrior as well. Rosewater thought. Redpaw seems as though he's ready. Rosewater looked around for her mate. I'll ask him if Oakstar talked to him about it.
"Hey Rosewater," The ThunderClan warrior looked up at the raspy voice of Burningheart. Her own heart went out to him. He looked shattered and lost, his ginger and white fur falling down in tangles, his amber eyes dull.
"Oh… hi Burningheart."
Burningheart just gave a weak smile.
"Missing Rushfall are you?"
"I think she's… dead."
"What?" Rosewater's blood turned to ice. "Why? Why would you think that?" she asked her throat dry.
"Lionfire went to the Gathering… he said that Adderstar beat her and dragged her body away." Burningheart meowed, looking at his paws, yet Rosewater saw a burning rage underneath his dull sorrowful amber eyes. He flexed his claws. "Just wait until I get to Adderstar again. He'll die by my claws." He snarled.
Rosewater couldn't help but purr in amusement. "Sorry buddy, I already took that oath." Yet something stabbed at her. The idea of killing another cat. Like Talonfox… I killed Talonfox… but that's okay because he killed my Mother… I was just avenging her death, right? So if I killed Adderstar, I'd just be avenging several, numerous deaths… so it's alright…?
With her conflicted emotions, Rosewater looked at the ground. "They're gonna attack us by surprise again, you know that, right?" Burningheart asked.
"Well… I know they will, but surely not so soon, right?"
"I wouldn't put it past Adderstar," Burningheart scoffed. "He'll attack us while we're weak. You heard him; he said "complete elimination"."
"But he doesn't mean to wipe out all of ThunderClan, he can't… Oakstar would be more serious if he was."
"Oakstar was close to Troutclaw. I didn't know them personally, but I could tell. He's still probably living under the phase that Troutclaw will come back, when we both know, that he won't."
Rosewater cringed under hearing the truth. "That means somebody else will have to deal with this situation… I mean if Oakstar can't do it, somebody must."
"You're right." Burningheart meowed with a slight nod.
"But Stormwhisper will take on the responsibility, she's his deputy."
"And also his mate." Burningheart broke in. "Stormwhisper was also Troutclaw's friend. She'll spend her time comforting Oakstar."
"Right… then who would do it? Perhaps you? You seemed to figure this whole thing out." Rosewater meowed.
Burningheart shook his head. "No. These cats don't know me, let alone trust me. They'll need someone closer to them to take charge, even if it's not official."
"Than who?" Rosewater meowed challengingly. "Stonefang maybe? Or Hailwhisker?"
Much to her surprise, Burningheart shook his head again.
"Well if you're so sure than whom?" Rosewater said, getting agitated.
"Isn't it obvious?" Burningheart asked, giving her a quizzical look. "Stonefang's got too much heart. I know that he already doesn't like to fight, let alone kill. Hailwhisker is very respected, though she hasn't been through the horror of WindClan, she doesn't know what they do."
"Then please," Rosewater said with a flex of her claws. "Tell me who?"
"You."
"What! Not me you mouse-brain! Come on, be more serious."
Burningheart looked at her again with confusion. "What do you mean be more serious? I'm perfectly serious Rosewater, and you know it."
"But… but why not you? You know WindClan far more than I do!"
"I just want to find Rushfall and protect her." He looked weakly at the ground. "That is of course… if she's still alive."
Rosewater looked down as well, shuffling her paws in memory of the black she-cat. How bold and strong she had seemed at first, but Rosewater knew very well the she-cat was as thin a pine needle, scrawny as could be. "Well that still doesn't mean that I can do it! Oakstar doesn't trust me!"
"He must trust you enough to let you mentor Snowpaw." Burningheart pointed out. "And to let me in your Clan."
"Under my constant surveillance." Rosewater argued. "I don't think this is a good idea Burningheart. Oakstar's fine. He can do it."
Burningheart rolled his shoulders. "Whatever you say Rosewater, but I know, and you can't deny, that you are a leader at heart." His gaze scorched into her. Rosewater felt her fur bristle.
What does Burningheart know though? Really? He's just fooling himself. With a hard shake of her head, Rosewater turned away from him.
"Hey Rosewater!" Brightening up, the ThunderClan warrior looked up to find herself lost in the green orbs of Stonefang. His eyes were friendly and cheerful, like usual. Rosewater purred.
"Hi Stonefang." She meowed with a smile.
"Do you want to go hunting?" Stonefang asked.
Rosewater nodded. "Sure, that means Burningheart will have to come… who else are we bringing?" She asked.
"I was thinking Flamewind and Dawnpool." Stonefang meowed. Rosewater nodded eagerly. She hadn't talked to her friend, Stonefang's sister in awhile. She still thought back to the day that they had tried to fight ShadowClan… that only led to the disastrous death of Lilyfrost's mate, Blacktail.
"I'll go get them." Rosewater volunteered. Stonefang nodded and padded away to talk to Burningheart. Rosewater padded over to Warrior's den. She poked her head inside and saw Dawnpool curled up in a pile of cream and ginger fur. She padded over quietly and prodded her friend with her paw.
"Wake up Dawnpool; we're going on a hunting patrol." She meowed. Dawnpool groaned and rose to her paws groggily. She blinked blearily and stretched. Rosewater purred in amusement. "Why are you so tired? It's nearly sunhigh!"
Dawnpool looked at her. "I went out last night with Flamewind."
Rosewater purred again. "Somebody is in love." She mocked.
"Oh put a mouse in it Rosewater!" Dawnpool hissed playfully. "You've been in love since you were a kit!"
"No I haven't!" Rosewater protested.
"Oh right, well Stonefang has." Both she-cats purred.
"I guess I'll let you catch up on your sleep then, we can find some others to go with us."
Dawnpool cocked her head. "Who were you planning on?"
"You and Flamewind actually, but that doesn't seem like it'll happen, maybe we can find Snowpaw and Redpaw to come with." Rosewater answered.
"Snowpaw and Redpaw huh?"
"Yeah, Stonefang and I's apprentices."
"Have you noticed their pretty good friends?"
Rosewater purred. "You notice relationships that don't even exist Dawnpool!"
"No! Really Rosewater, are you blind to romance?" Dawnpool asked teasingly.
Rosewater rolled her eyes. "Whatever, I'll talk to you when you're in your right senses."
"See you later Rosewater," Dawnpool murmured as she curled up for sleep. Rosewater turned back around to pad out to Stonefang who was still speaking with Burningheart; the two toms had become good friends.
"Hey Stonefang, Dawnpool and Flamewind can't come, their too uh tired." She explained lousily.
Stonefang cast her a funny glance. "Alright… who else could we take?" he asked.
"I was thinking Snowpaw and Redpaw. Did you speak with Oakstar this morning?" she included curiously.
Stonefang nodded his head with a smile. "Being made a warrior today! Same with Snowpaw?" Rosewater nodded in response. "Nice!" he flashed a grin. "Redpaw can't come today; he's on the sunrise patrol with Leafsparrow, Lilyfrost, and Firestripe.
"Okay," Rosewater nodded thoughtfully. "We could bring Snowpaw and Shinedove then?" she suggested.
"Sounds like a plan." Stonefang meowed.
Rosewater looked over at Shinedove who was nibbling on a mouse. "Shinedove!" she called. Her sister lifted her silver tabby head.
"Yes Rosewater?" she asked, tilting her head quizzically.
"Will you get Snowpaw and come with us on a hunting patrol?" Rosewater asked.
Her sister nodded. "Sure," she meowed, getting up and padding away.
Rosewater pushed her large cream colored head through the thicket to be exposed to ThunderClan camp. Her jaws hung heavy with prey. She felt herself burst with pride as she looked back at Snowpaw. The slender white she-cat held as much prey as her mentor did.
"Nice job Snowpaw." Rosewater meowed sincerely in her apprentice's ear. Snowpaw only met her eyes to nod in gratitude.
That was enough for Rosewater. She tilted her head up. The sun was squarely placed in the middle of the blue sky. It must be time for Snowpaw's warrior ceremony. She cast her blue gaze over near the Highledge where Oakstar sat under with Stormwhisper. He met Rosewater's eyes quickly and gave a slight nod of acknowledgement.
Rosewater bent her head down to release her catches onto the pile when a familiar scratchy voice reached her ear.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!"
Bursting with pride, Rosewater looked over to see the baffled expression on Snowpaw's face. The she-cat quickly licked her straying fur down and cleaned some of the dried mud that clung to her. Rosewater turned away to pad over to the gathering cats. She took her usual spot beside Stonefang and this time Dawnpool.
Snowpaw was still grooming herself, more hurriedly now. She saw Redpaw rise to his feet. The large reddish tabby walked over to her, brushing his tail along her flank. Rosewater strained to hear him speak.
"Oh stop fretting so much Snowpaw.' He murmured playfully.
"How can I? My fur's a mess!"
"You look lovely." Redpaw purred.
Rosewater stiffened and cast a sideways glance at Dawnpool who met her gaze, her eyes laughing. "Told you." The cream and ginger cat scoffed, her tail tip twitching on the ground.
"Whatever." Rosewater muttered in response. Her attention turned back to Oakstar who stood over them expectantly, his eyes scouring the group of soon-to-be warriors. Redpaw sat high. His short, reddish tabby fur bristled gently in the breeze and his bright green eyes held confidence.
Leafpaw sat beside him. Her stance was more crouched and lower and she had her ears back, looking up as though embarrassed. Her brown tabby fur clung to her body tightly and glistened under the sunlight, her leafy green eyes were big.
Ravenpaw sat high though he was a straggly tom. He was very long-limbed and very clumsy, not that there was anything long with that. His black fur was slightly dusty yet his white underbelly seemed untouched by the dust.
And finally, there was Snowpaw. Rosewater's apprentice sat up as tall as she could, an undeniable grin spread across her face. Her cheery eyes shown lighter and brighter today as though more reflective from the sun. Her white fur was clean and pure, gently being blown forward. Rosewater hadn't seen her so happy in what felt like moons.
"We are gathered to celebrate four apprentices who have worked hard to become what they desire, warriors. And I am here to give them that gift. Snowpaw, Redpaw, Ravenpaw, Leafpaw, do you promise to uphold the code even at the cost of your life?" Oakstar turned to the apprentices.
"I do." Redpaw meowed.
"I do," Leafpaw said more quietly.
"I do," Ravenpaw meowed, his voice un-wavered.
"I do." Snowpaw meowed, her voice as clear as ice.
Rosewater could hear her heart beating in her chest with excitement.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names!" Oakstar called, his head raised diligently.
"Redpaw, from this moment on, you will be named Redstreak. ThunderClan honors your bravery and optimism." Oakstar pressed his muzzle again Redstreak and the tom licked his shoulder in return.
"Redstreak! Redstreak!" Rosewater chanted with the rest of ThunderClan.
"Leafpaw." Oakstar meowed next. "From now on, you shall be called Leafshine. ThunderClan honors your cleverness and athleticism."
"Leafshine! Leafshine! Leafshine!"
"Ravenpaw. From now on, you will be named Ravenfire. ThunderClan honors your hunting talents and wittiness."
"Ravenfire! Ravenfire! Ravenfire!"
The three littermates sat with eachother now, whispering with one another in excitement, their eyes big and shining.
"Snowpaw." Rosewater lifted her head more. Her eyes fixated on that of her apprentice. Well… former apprentice now. I guess that's what I'll have to call her… She thought in disappointment. Snowpaw stepped towards the ThunderClan leader, Rosewater could nearly see her shaking underneath her pelt.
"From this moment on, you are a full member of ThunderClan. You will be called Snowfeather."
"Snowfeather! Snowfeather!" Rosewater chanted loudly, her mouth drying from the hot air, though she didn't care. She watched as Snowfeather leaned forward to lick Oakstar's shoulder respectively before turning to the Clan, her green eyes were lit up.
"Redstreak! Leafshine! Ravenfire! Snowfeather! Redstreak! Leafshine! Ravenfire! Snowfeather!"
The Clan chanted loudly. "You will start your vigil tonight." Oakstar announced. His waved his tail for dismissal and they all quieted, for a moment at least. Soon it was murmurs of excitement and buzzes of voice of "Congratulations" and "Well done!"
Rosewater pushed her way through the crowd until she made it to Snowfeather. Her former apprentice was standing near her "family". Featherfoot, Firestripe, and Silverpaw were surrounding her. Silverpaw was bouncing around, asking constant questions.
Rosewater slightly peered over. "Hey Rosewater!" Snowfeather called, her eyes gleaming.
"Congratulations, Snowfeather! You may be a warrior now, but you'll always be, my first apprentice."
Lionfire's POV
Lionfire shuffled his paws nervously. He was going to meet his kits today. For some reason, the thought shook him to the core. What would Larchwing think when she knew that he had told the leader about their relationship? What if he ruined her and the kits lives?
But he had to see his kits! He couldn't live with them not being there! But what about Larchwing? What if she got exiled? No, that wouldn't happen. Her father is the leader of RiverClan, he wouldn't banish her. He felt a little more weight off of his shoulders but couldn't help but keep stressing.
He flicked his tail out irritably as he watched his sister leave with Stonefang by her side. Why can't my life be that simple? Why couldn't Larchwing have been born here in ThunderClan? He let out another sigh. His eyes flickered to focus on Oakstar's den. When will we go? He asked himself.
The Warrior's Ceremony hadn't excited him too much. His thoughts were too centered on his kits. And Larchwing of course. What else did he have to think about? It wasn't like one of the new warrior's was his apprentice – his first apprentice.
"Hey Lionfire." The golden tom snapped his gaze away to land on the long ginger fur of Flamewind.
"Oh hi Flamewind." Lionfire meowed lightly, his tail lowering in slight relaxation.
"You seem really tense about something." The ginger tom observed.
Lionfire blinked his eyes, his muscles stiff. "Why would you think that?" he asked his voice tight and guarded.
Flamewind cast him a confused look. "You're really missing something in your life… you know that?" he inquired, his fluffy tail swishing in the breeze.
"Like what?" Lionfire asked dryly.
"A mate."
Again with this? Why does everybody think that I need a mate? It's ridiculous! Larchwing is the only one for me! Lionfire released an irritated hiss. "Everybody says that." He meowed.
"Well it's the truth." Flamewind meowed. "You really don't have someone to just talk to."
"And you're one to say that?" Lionfire challenged hopelessly. He was desperate to change the subject. "You and Dawnpool aren't officially mates yet." He argued.
Flamewind's whiskers twitched. "Now we are." He answered dryly.
Lionfire sighed. "Alright alright… you got me. But I really don't need a mate." He protested. "I can promise you." I just need Larchwing! But he can't know that!
Flamewind shook his large furry head. "Whatever Lionfire… you're very confusing."
"Or you're real mouse-brained." Lionfire interrupted.
Flamewind shot him a hard glare. He flicked his tail good-naturedly and got to his paws. "Okay. Well Dawnpool and I are going out hunting, are you just going to sit around camp or are you coming?" Flamewind asked his eyes hard.
"I'm on sun-down patrol." Lionfire lied quickly. Really Oakstar had informed him that he would be on the patrol to RiverClan.
Flamewind tilted his ginger head to the sky. "Isn't it about time then?" he asked.
Lionfire nodded. "Of course." He meowed. "I'll be dismissed from you then." He said dryly, turning away to the warrior's den. His heart hurt when, from the corner of his eye, he noticed Dawnpool rush up and rub muzzles with Flamewind.
He felt a rush of jealousy inside of him. Why can't Larchwing be here? And our kits, oh our kits… what were they're names? Goldenkit, Sunkit, Honeykit… and Brightkit. Yes, Brightkit. How thoughtful of Larchwing, naming her after Brightpaw.
Lionfire felt his paws itch impatiently as Flamewind and Dawnpool left. He cast a lonely glance to Oakstar's den. When is he coming?
As if on cue, Oakstar's broad head poked through the lichen, shortly followed by the rest of his body. Lionfire's ears perked up as he turned his head to meet Oakstar's eye. The brown tom frowned but sat down and waved his tail for the young tom to come.
Lionfire rose up and padded over. "We're leaving now." Oakstar meowed dryly.
Lionfire nodded. "Who else is coming?" he asked, his feet dancing with excitement and his golden tail constantly flexing back and forth in the cool air.
"I'm bringing Iceblossom and you only." Oakstar meowed, looking Lionfire sternly in the eye. "I'll go get here. Wait here. And if anyone asks, I expect you to tell them exactly what we're doing and exactly what you did. I can't let this go by unnoticed. You must be punished." The old tom whipped around and stalked away towards the medicine cat den, his paw steps thudding lightly on the ground.
Lionfire gazed after him and sighed. What a mess he had gotten into. What an awful mess he was in now. Twisted with secrets was all his kits would grow up to be. No! I'll give them a normal life! By StarClan, I swear by it! He cast a wavering glance to the sky. If they still watch over me.
"Let's go!" Lionfire snapped his head up, surprised how deep in thought he had been. Iceblossom stood beside Oakstar, her eyes unmoving and expressionless. Lionfire nodded to Oakstar. The brown tom turned his head over his shoulder, his eyes scanning the clearing until they landed on Stormwhisper. "You're in charge." He called to her. Stormwhisper nodded, her eyes understanding.
Oakstar led the way out of camp. Lionfire felt sudden emotion fall onto him as he walked towards RiverClan territory. How did he not realize it? How he could be so very cheerful at his kits arrival. What could happen to Larchwing though? She was his true love. He hadn't met his kits yet but he loved them. Not as much as he loved Larchwing though.
Larchwing. A voice in his head murmured. I'll keep you safe, Larchwing, I promise. He gave a silent prayer to StarClan for the odds to go in her favor. He padded a fox-length away from Oakstar and Iceblossom. What would Oakstar do to him? Surely he wouldn't let him down so easy.
He was too absorbed in his rapid thoughts that he barely noticed the scenery changing around it. Before he knew it, he was on the edge of his territory. Oakstar looked back at him as he padded calmly onto the other territory. With a sigh, Lionfire stepped forward; he was ready to meet his kits. Maybe he could put the threat of WindClan and the death of Troutclaw behind him for just awhile.
"Let's wait for a patrol now." Iceblossom suggested as she sat down. Oakstar nodded in agreement. Lionfire stayed on his paws; it felt like they were on fire. He needed to keep moving to stomp it out.
After what felt like moons, the familiar fishy scent wavered past Lionfire's nose. "They're coming." He meowed shortly. Oakstar nodded in acknowledgement.
Soon they came into sight. Lionfire immediately recognized the gray tabby as Jaythorn, the RiverClan deputy. With him was a tortoiseshell, black, and white, she-cat, Sorrelfeather. The pale gray she-cat Willowfur was there as well.
"Greetings Jaythorn." Oakstar called.
Jaythorn's green eyes narrowed immediately when he saw the ThunderClan leader. "Oakstar." He meowed, his voice tight. "What are you doing?" He asked shortly as he approached them, he and his followers' tails fluffed out and claws extended.
"We come to speak with Boulderstar and Boulderstar only." Oakstar meowed calmly.
"Then why have you brought so many?" Jaythorn growled.
"Those reasons are between Boulderstar and us. We are no harm towards you, an elderly leader, a medicine cat, and one warrior. We have no quarrel with RiverClan, trust us." Oakstar meowed evenly. Lionfire admired his ease.
"Fine." Jaythorn meowed sternly, not letting his guard down. "Follow me," he nodded his head to his companions and Willowfur and Sorrelfeather took opposite sides against the group of cats. Jaythorn led the way down the unfamiliar path to RiverClan camp.
Lionfire's eyes scorched the crowding cats. Where's Larchwing? He wondered. Then his eye caught her familiar golden pelt. She was slender like all of the RiverClan cats around her, and her green eyes were full of love when they met Lionfire's. And maybe something else, like alarm.
By her feet, four kits teetered around, walking unsteadily and uncoordinatedly around eachother. They were beautiful. They were perfect. Lionfire longed to race over and speak with them, to play with them and caress them, but he had to resist.
Boulderstar padded out of his den, his eyes baffled. "Iceblossom and I will speak with him." Oakstar murmured in Lionfire's ear. "You can see your kits. You have permission by me." He meowed.
Lionfire nodded as Oakstar and Iceblossom disappeared to Boulderstar, they're voices low as they walked in his den. Lionfire padded over to sit beside the lichen. He cast a longing look over at his kits and was surprised when his mate padded over to him.
"Excuse me Lionfire, but the kits were dying to meet a ThunderClan warrior. Can they see you?" Larchwing asked, a special and secret meaning hidden in her eyes.
Lionfire purred. "Of course they may." He meowed.
"Wonderful." Larchwing smiled. She laid her tail on a golden tabby tom kit that was leaning towards his father, his muzzle stretched out to take in his scent. "This is Goldenkit." She meowed, her eyes sparkling.
"Why, nice to meet you Goldenkit." Lionfire purred as he bent beside his kit.
Goldenkit's eyes widened but he didn't back away. "Hi," he squeaked, sitting down and wrapping his small tail around his tiny paws.
"The ones hiding are Brightkit, Sunkit, and Honeykit." Larchwing explained quickly. The three other kits shared the same shade of golden and ginger; they're eyes all blue with their age. They're beautiful… Lionfire thought distantly as he gazed at his kits.
"Hello little ones." He murmured, lowering his head to his kits' eye level. Brightkit, Sunkit, and Honeykit stayed where they were, but Goldenkit stayed perked right up, his eyes bright with excitement and curiosity.
"Who are you?" Goldenkit asked.
Lionfire met Larchwing's gaze for a heartbeat. Her eyes were full of mixed emotions. Oakstar told me to tell them… "I'm Lionfire… a ThunderClan warrior." He meowed.
"A ThunderClan warrior?" Goldenkit repeated. "Where's that at?"
Suddenly, the overwhelming scent of Oakstar washed over Lionfire. The brown tabby emerged from behind him. Lionfire turned around to see Oakstar's eyes to be very expressionless, but maybe troubled. Boulderstar emerged behind him. His body language was unreadable.
The leader of RiverClan let out a raspy sigh and looked at Larchwing desperately. Larchwing met his gaze, her fur bristling with fear. Boulderstar dropped her gaze and stalked away, his tail low, he jumped onto an overhanging rock.
"Let all cats old enough to swim gather beneath me to hear what I have to say." He called out. His voice was strong though his posture was weak. The RiverClan cats left to swarm beneath him, their eyes wide and whispers became a hum of noise.
Lionfire padded alongside Oakstar and Iceblossom to the outskirts of the group. "What's going on?" Lionfire hissed in Oakstar's ear.
"You'll see." Oakstar murmured, not taking his eyes from Boulderstar.
"We have… devastating news." Boulderstar began quietly. "As it turns out, Brightkit, Sunkit, Honeykit, and Goldenkit are not full members of this Clan." He meowed.
No! Don't tell everyone! It will ruin their lives!
"They are half ThunderClan." Boulderstar paused. At this, all the cats gave outraged hisses and yowls loud with protest. Lionfire peered over them, trying to catch sight of his beloved Larchwing. "Their father is in fact, among us now. His name is Lionfire."
Lionfire felt all eyes turn to him. He cowered under the pressure of several angry eyes focused more intently on him than their leader. They hissed at him and growled, some of their claws slid out from their sheaths.
"Attention to me!" Boulderstar snarled, and immediately the cats whipped their heads back around to their leader. "Because of this…." Boulderstar faltered. "Oakstar and I agreed that it'd be fair if any of the four kits would like to go to ThunderClan." He meowed rather smugly.
No! Of course none of them will want to come with me! They don't know who I am! Lionfire's gaze dropped to his paws.
"So," Boulderstar continued. His gaze swept to the kits. "Do any of you wish to go to ThunderClan to live with your father?"
There was silence. Lionfire's heart slowly cracked in his chest.
"I will."
The small squeak of a kit was absolutely a melody from StarClan to Lionfire. He peered over to see that Goldenkit had stood up, his tail wavering in excitement.
"Goldenkit?" Boulderstar sounded bewildered. Larchwing looked frightened, and his littermates were just silent. "Are… are you sure of this decision?"
"Yes! Yes I am!" Goldenkit answered cheerfully.
Oakstar stood up. "We will gladly take him." He meowed.
Boulderstar dipped his head respectively. "Very well… Goldenkit, will you go stand beside your… your father?"
Goldenkit nodded, springing into a sprint towards the ThunderClan cats. Lionfire felt a smile break out in his face as Goldenkit sat down in front of him, his little tail wavering slowly with excitement.
"Now, we can't let Larchwing and um Lionfire's mistakes go down unpunished." Boulderstar continued. Lionfire's heart fell again. "Lionfire's punish will be up to Oakstar though I hope that it's suitable."
"If StarClan doesn't already." Lionfire's blood froze at Iceblossom's comment under her breath. He remained silent, refusing to look at the ThunderClan medicine cat.
"However, I being a new leader cannot show that RiverClan is weak. Which is why… which is why I must do something that I regret already."
What is he doing?
"After she finishes nursing her kits…"
No! No! StarClan no!
"Larchwing will be banished."