This chapter's song of choice is "Nuvole Bianche" by Ludovico Einaudi.
six - acceptance
The next thing Brackenfur remembered was waking up in the medicine cat den. Gentle birdsong carried into the den and early morning sunlight streamed through the lichen screen, causing the warrior to squint. He groaned in agony as he sat up from his moss bed, his pelt aching with pain. Glancing down, Brackenfur's eyes widened as he saw that his fore-leg was dressed in a healthy dose of cobwebs, stained with darkened, dry blood.
"Easy does it," Cinderpelt meowed, padding over to sniff at the wound. "I believe the bleeding has stopped by now, and this poultice here should stop any infection for starting." Blinking away the rest of the sleep, Brackenfur watched her with warm, amber eyes as she placed the chewed up herbs at his paws. He still couldn't believe that his little, gray she-cat carried such a big heart.
"Cinderpelt…" Brackenfur started, suddenly overcome with emotion. "Thank you… for everything last night. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for-" Brackenfur's voice was cut off in a silent hiss as the cobweb was peeled away from his fur. "Ouch."
The gray she-cat rolled her eyes at Brackenfur's dead-pan sound of pain. "You're too sentimental, you know that?" She meowed, dabbling the herbal concoction onto the warrior's injured leg. Brackenfur immediately relaxed as the cooling medicine seeped into his heated skin. Cinderpelt then lifted her head and gently touched her nose to his cheek. "You're welcome, though."
Pulling back, the gray she-cat stared intently into Brackenfur's amber eyes. "Don't forget what we talked about last night, yeah? If you ever find yourself feeling… unnerved about this whole situation, don't hesitate to come talk to me or Firestar. We won't treat you any differently."
"I know," Brackenfur replied, smiling with gratitude. "I will, but I think I'm okay now." After the golden warrior had told Cinderpelt and Firestar what had happened down at the gorge, they had promised to keep the truth only between them, much to Brackenfur's relief. He couldn't even image how his clan mates might respond to hearing such news. He was also surprised and grateful that neither of them seemed to be angry or shocked with his actions, but instead, understanding and worried. Firestar had told him that even though he did make a big mistake, the red tom was proud that he was able to realize what he was doing and stop. This revelation had warmed Brackenfur to his core.
Firestar is such a noble leader, Brackenfur had thought in admiration.
"Now, as much as I've loved your company in my den over these past few days, it's time for you to move out." Cinderpelt's voice cut though Brackenfur's thoughts. "Unless you want to become a medicine cat apprentice, that is."
"Oh, StarClan no!" Brackenfur gasped, shaking his head vigorously. "But if I leave… who will take care of the pup?" The golden warrior looked all around the den, suddenly realizing that the familiar bundle of orange and white fur wasn't present. "Where is he?"
Cinderpelt's blue eyes shined brightly as the rays of morning sun reflected off of them. "Why don't you go step outside, and see for yourself?" She beckoned her head towards the entrance of the den. "Just be careful when you walk, we don't want your wound to reopen."
Nodding in understanding, Brackenfur swallowed anxiously and started for the entrance of the den. When he padded through the lichen screen, Brackenfur realized it was much earlier that he originally thought. He was sure that he saw a flurry of tails disappear through the gorse tunnel, presumably the dawn border and hunting patrols. There were very few cats out in the clearing, picking over what was left of the fresh-kill pile. Everyone else was still tucked away in their dens, sleeping.
But where is he? Brackenfur thought, distressed.
"Brackenfur!" A voice called. Blinking, the golden warrior saw Whitestorm approaching with a blackbird and mouse in his jaws. "I saved you a piece. Sorry it's not much, prey was shallow."
Brackenfur stared gratefully at the meal, suddenly realizing that he hadn't eaten since yesterday morning. "It's okay, thank you." The two toms sat together to eat, Brackenfur choosing the scrawny mouse. He bit into it eagerly, not bothered in the slightest that it was stale.
"How are you this morning?" Whitestorm asked, plucking the feathers off of his fresh-kill. "Firestar told me what happened last night."
Brackenfur choked on the prey in his mouth. "H-he did?" The golden warrior felt his heart drop in disbelief. Panic swelled inside of him. I know Whitestorm's the deputy but… Firestar promised with Cinderpelt that he wouldn't tell anyone!
"Yeah," The white tom continued, ripping off a chunk from his bird. "Thorn bushes are terrible. I've ran full sprint into a few myself when I was your age." He glanced down to Brackenfur's herb-laden leg as he swallowed. "It looks like it's already healing nicely though."
The golden warrior stared completely dumbfounded at Whitestorm. What? He then had the sudden feeling that someone was watching him. Turning his head, Brackenfur locked eyes with Firestar, who had just emerged from his den. The ThunderClan leader glanced to Whitestorm and once more to Brackenfur, a knowing look settling over his features. Then, something incredible happened. With a handsome smile, Firestar winked one of his bright, leaf-green eyes at the golden tom before padding away. Sudden realization hit Brackenfur as he returned the smile, completely overjoyed.
Firestar, you're the best!
"Yeah, uhh… yes!" Brackenfur's paws tingled with admiration as he turned back to Whitestorm. He bit happily into his mouse again, his fur being warmed by more than just the gathering sunlight. "I hate thorn bushes. I've learned my lesson to watch where I put my paws from now on."
Whitestorm snickered, licking his muzzle. "I hope so; you'll be looking like a naked rabbit if you lose anymore fur!"
"Hey!" Brackenfur puffed out his chest comically; his exceptionally high spirits making him feel giddy. "I have you know, I'd make for a very good-looking hairless cat." The two toms shared a good-natured laugh as they finished the rest of their morning meal.
"Come on, I want to show you something." Whitestorm called after they had disposed the remains of their fresh-kill. Tipping his head in confusion, Brackenfur followed his deputy. They padded across the clearing, meowing good morning to awakening clan mates as they went. The golden warrior's heart began to race as he realized that they were heading straight to the nursery. Surely not…?
"Stay quiet," Whitestorm whispered as he peeled back the fern screen that sheltered the den. Swallowing down his apprehension, Brackenfur nodded and carefully poked his head through the entrance. Before him, he saw Willowpelt sleeping peacefully in her moss nest with three small bundles resting next to her. Sootkit, Sorrelkit and Rainkit were also sleeping, curled up against one another in a pile of mixed kit-fluff.
But… where…?
Brackenfur's thought was cut off as he saw a fourth shape peer up from the moss. The small orange and white pup, completely licked clean from any trace of the previous night, began crawling on wobbly paws. Stumbling over Sootkit, who let out a tiny, indignant mew, the pup squished himself between Rainkit and Sorrelkit. Once comfortable, he opened his little pink mouth in a yawn before resting his head against Rainkit's and promptly fell back asleep. Willowpelt, seemingly hearing the mew of her kits even in her sleep, drew her tail over all four bundles and then all was still in the nursery once more.
Drawing back from the entrance, Brackenfur blinked away the wetness he hadn't noticed gathering in his eyes. Whitestorm beckoned him from the nursery and the two toms walked way in silence. Brackenfur glanced up to the white tom, his mouth opening and closing with nothing being able to come out.
What to even say?
Whitestorm looked over and gave a mischievous grin. "Now it's okay for you to thank me." Brackenfur smiled back, bumping playfully into the white tom's shoulder. He opened his mouth again; fully intent of speaking this time but the ThunderClan deputy cut him off. "But please don't. My fur puffs out when I'm embarrassed."
Brackenfur chuckled, raising a brow questioningly. "Okay, Whitestorm." Thank you so much. The two toms conversed for a moment longer before Whitestorm padded off to tend to his leadership duties, telling Brackenfur to take the rest of the day off to give his leg proper time to heal. The golden tom walked to the warriors den, realizing that he hadn't slept inside his own nest in nearly a quarter moon's time.
"You're in an awfully chipper mood this morning," Sandstorm purred as he entered in. The she-cat was busy meticulously grooming herself. "It's good to see you back in the warrior's den."
Brackenfur gave a smile. "It's good to be back."
"Listen," She began, her green eyes softening. "I'm sorry; for how I acted when you brought the dog into the clan. I was worried about everyone's safety, and it made me act like…"
"Like you sat on a porcupine?" Brackenfur finished for her, raising his brow.
The yellow she-cat looked downcast, shuffling on guilty paws. "Yeah..." Brackenfur shook his head and padded forward.
"Don't be sorry." He meowed, offering a genuine smile. "You had every right to be angry."
"But I could have at least heard you out! Maybe tried to see things from your point of view."
Brackenfur touched the tip of his tail to her shoulder lightly. "True, but don't worry about it. What's done is done, no need to beat yourself down." Sandstorm looked at him for a moment longer and then nodded her head in agreement.
"I guess you're right." She meowed at length. Standing up, she began to pad to the exit of the den. Just before she walked out, she turned to the golden warrior one last time. "The clan will come around, you'll see. We just need… time to adjust." She gave Brackenfur a small smile as she stepped out of the den. The younger tom watched her as she went, a feeling of hope rising in his chest.
His clan mates perspectives were beginning to change. Maybe things would really work out, in the end.
Purring, Brackenfur slunk happily into his own patch of moss, relishing in the feeling of having his clan mates' scents surrounding him once more.
I have the best pair of leaders in the whole forest, Brackenfur mused as he drifted off into sleep. I'll be sure to make them, and my clan, proud.
He had learned not only a lot about his clan mates over the past day, but a lot about himself as well. Eager to continue growing as a better warrior and clan mate, Brackenfur couldn't help but feel ecstatic about what the future promised. The pup was now in the brilliant care of Willowpelt, and he would finally be on his long journey to recovery. Brackenfur knew he had made many, many mistakes, but StarClan had been there to guide him back and even though his heart still ached for losing Tawnypaw, the golden warrior was able to find peace. His former apprentice was smart and strong-willed, and he knew that wherever she was, she was alive and thriving. He was sure that he would see her again.
Take care, Tawnypaw.
next chapter - life
ThunderClan is viewed through a pair of eager, new eyes.
A/N: Aye! And that's the end of this story's "Beginning" arc. From now on, I will be returning to my normal uploading schedule (tri-weekly). These last 4 chapters were originally 1 chapter, but I decided to split it up because they all had different tones and it just would have been too long. So, that's why I've had 4 updates over the span of 4 days. Anyway, feel free drop a review, fav and follow if you enjoyed the story thus this far!
Also, shout-out to ClayWings, Clear Water and Bleaky for your wonderful reviews! I have no way of contacting you, since you're guests, but I just wanted to let you know that your commentary is still appreciated~