CHAPTER ONE

THUMP.

Gorsekit woke to her littermates tussling in the moss of the nursery. Pikekit, her brother, had opened his amber eyes first. Next came Snowkit, Gorsekit's sister. Her pale yellow eyes were gleaming as she pinned Pikekit.

Gorsekit had opened her eyes just a sunrise ago. There were a striking green replica of Mouseflower's.

"Got you!" yowled Pikekit in triumph, flipping Snowkit over and pinning her. Snowkit squeaked.

Gorsekit pricked her ears, not interested in their game.

"Hello," Blizzardfur was meowing outside of the den. "I see you've brought a kit?"

Pikekit and Snowkit abruptly stopped their game and trampled over Gorsekit to see the newcomer. Mouseflower padded over to her youngest kitten, giving her a good lick between the ears.

"Are you alright?" asked the dusky brown queen.

"Of course, Mouseflower!" Gorsekit looked to the entrance. "Can I go see, too?"

Mouseflower nodded.

Squealing with excitement, Gorsekit trotted out and was met by the sight of her father and two new cats—a creamy white she-cat and a newborn kit. The kit, mewling wretchedly, hadn't even opened his eyes.

The creamy white she-cat was continuing. "Yes. My name is Broken Ice, and this is my son, Solid Pebble. We're looking for shelter."

"Can you hunt? Fight? Of course, we won't make you do that until your kit is grown…" Blizzardfur added.

"I can," mewed Broken Ice, dipping her head. "Please, my son is hungry. Can I lie down somewhere?"

Mouseflower stepped up now. "Here's our den. You can feed Solid Pebble there." She flicked her tail towards the nursery.

The creamy white queen meowed her thanks and took her son into the bramble-covered hollow.

Pikekit, who was standing beside Mouseflower and Snowkit, mewled in delight. "A new denmate!"

"We won't be able to play with him until he's opened his eyes," pointed out Gorsekit.

Snowkit leaped on her sister. "But WE can play NOW!"

Blizzardfur laughed and stood beside his mate. Mouseflower gave him a friendly flick with her tail.

"They're growing up fast," Mouseflower sighed.

"Kits have to grow up some time. Besides, they'll be great apprentices, and even better warriors," mewed Blizzardfur, comforting his mate. He brushed up against her.

Mouseflower nodded, taking a deep breath. "StarClan, let them stay kits for a while."

I am REALLY sorry for short chapters! Forgive me, guys!