Chapter 3
Lionblaze watched his brother and Dewpaw, arguing playfully, heading out the camp to the Moonpool. Dewpaw really does bring out his energetic self. He hadn't been kidding when he told Jayfeather young cats made him less grumpy. Jayfeather had been cranky ever since he became a medicine cat, and since the battle, with so many deaths, Jayfeather had become more irritable. Lionblaze was glad to see Jayfeather happy and cheerful again.
"Lionblaze?" Cinderheart padded out to sit beside him. Her belly was now so large it was an effort for her to find a comfortable position. She looked at where he was looking and purred. "Who knew Jayfeather could act like that?"
Lionblaze rubbed her with his head. "Yeah, he's hardly recognizable. How long to go?"
Cinderheart rolled her eyes. "You've asked me this every day! Jayfeather says in about half a moon or so."
"I can't wait." Lionblaze's purr rumbled in his chest. "Our kits will be the best warriors and queens in Thunderclan."
"Of course, with such a great father." Cinderheart nuzzled him softly.
"Lionblaze? You and Hazeltail and Cloudtail, go on a hunting patrol." Squirrelflight's mew cut through his happy thoughts. "Unless you're too busy?"
Lionblaze felt his cheeks go red. " No, Squirrelflight. I'll come." He hauled himself to his feet and followed Cloudtail retreating tail out into the forest.
"Lionblaze! Lionblaze!" Poppyfrost's yowl rang through the forest. Lionblaze looked up, annoyed. "What? You just scared my prey awa—"
"Cinderheart's kits are coming! Jayfeather sent me to find you—"
"But there's supposed to be half a moon left!"
"They're coming. Now!"
Lionblaze didn't wait to hear more. He ran back through the forest, leaped into the camp, and bounded into the nursery. Cinderheart's eyes were glazed, and she was breathing rapidly. Lionblaze stared at his brother and Dewpaw. "Jayfeather? Is she alright?"
"Don't worry." Jayfeather snapped. "She'll be fine. Now, CInderheart, the first kit is coming. Don't panic. When I say go, push as hard as you can."
Cinderheart nodded as Daisy dashed in with a stick. "Here, Cinderheart. Bite on this when it hurts."
Cinderheart took the stick in her mouth, and at that moment Jayfeather yowled, "Now!"
Cinderheart bit on the stick, and a small bundle slid out onto the moss. Jayfeather gave it to Lionblaze. "Lick this and make sure it's breathing. Check if it's a tom or she-cat."
Lionblaze took the bundle and began to lick the kit. Soon its fur fluffed out and he put it next to Cinderheart. The two other kits were already suckling there, thanks to Jayfeather and Daisy.
"Two she-cats and one tom." Lionblaze breathed. Cinderheart bent over them, looking lovingly at the little kits. "What shall we name them?"
Cinderheart nudged one with a paw. "This one looks like…like Firestar."
Lionblaze could hardly see in the gloom, but once Cinderheart had said it, he realized the kit had a bright ginger pelt like Firestar's. A wave of grief hit him, but he pushed it back. "Shall we name him Firekit?"
"Of course. And the she-cat can be Robinkit, for her brown pelt. I always liked that name." Cinderheart pointed with her tail.
"And… Ashkit?" Lionblaze prodded the gray she-cat gently.
"Perfect." Suddenly, Bramblestar's scent wafted over his nose. Lionblaze turned to look at his clan leader. "Their names are Firekit, Robinkit, and Ashkit."
"Firekit?" Bramblestar's eyes glittered. "I can see why. That kit has a lot to live up to."
"Yes." Lionblaze agreed. He padded out of the nursery. Immediately, cats began to congratulate him on being a father.
"What are their names?" Berrynose asked.
"Firekit, Robinkit, and Ashkit." Lionblaze felt proud of his new kits already. He bounded over to the fresh-kill pile and picked out a young mouse for Cinderheart, rushing back to the nursery.
"Cinderheart?" Lionblaze called. "I brought you a mouse."
"Good! I'm starving." Cinderheart gulped down the mouse and sighed. "I've been staring at the kits all this time and I still think they're perfect!"
"Me too!" Lionblaze nuzzled his mate.
Suddenly, Dovewing dashed into the camp, panting hard. All cats turned heads to look at her curiously. Bramblestar jumped down from the rock and ran to her. "What's wrong? What's the matter?"
"I—I was going along the Shadowclan border when I heard roars from their territory. I ran along the border to investigate, and I saw these huge… animals! Even larger then badgers. They were all brown. Not—not sure what they are."
Lionblaze saw the entrance tunnel quiver, and Jayfeather burst out into the clearing. His brother stared sightlessly at Bramblestar.
"It's happening."