Bluetail Returns
Part 1
He's Back!
Graypaw
I yawned, blinking in the dawn light. There was no time to be sleepy; not now that I was an apprentice.
And that was two whole moons ago...Ah, life has never been so good. Hunting, border patrols, and sleeping in the apprentices den was amazing. Not to mention Willowpelt had stopped being so protective now that Bluestar had trusted me with my apprentice name. Deep down, I knew that she knew I was a good cat. She told me that I wasn't bad, and that my apprentice ceremony had be long overdue; the only reason it had been held back was because of none other than my mother.
While I was still in the nursery, Dustkit, Ravenkit and-ew-Sandkit, had all gotten their apprentice names and mentors. It was terrible how I had to sit and watch my friends-and Sandpaw- with their new mentors. At least they weren't in camp all of the time.
"That's what you get for risking you life," Willowpelt would tell me as she licked her paw, "When you risk your life, limits are set." Whenever she'd say that, I just grumbled, and would walk and sulk in a corner. Of course, that did nothing to help me.
And then, finally, it was my apprentice ceremony. I was happy to finally have 'paw' at the end of my name, thus making my name 'Graypaw!' I was even more happy with my mentor; Lionheart.
Across the camp, Redtail popped out of the Warrior's den. He padded proudly to Highrock, waiting for a few more cats to wake up. We met eyes, and he beckoned me over.
I padded over, wondering what kind of patrol he would send me on.
"Good Morning," Redtail said formally. "Would you please find Lionheart and inform him that we will be going out on a hunting patrol?"
My heart leapt with excitment; hunting! My favorite!
"Yes," I told him, trying not to jump up with happiness. "I'll find him right away."
I slipped over to the Warrior's den, and (lucky me!) Lionheart was just padding out.
"Hi Lionheart!"
"Good Morning, Graypaw," He said. "Have you asked Redtail about any patrols yet?"
I nodded. "We're going hunting with him, actually."
"Great. Let's head over there."
I padded back to Redtail, happy as could be. So far, I'd be in for a Sandpaw free day. (Which is the best kind of day, just to let you know.) I hopped over, closing my eyes contentedly.
"Well open your eyes, you dope!"
I opened my eyes, and there was Sandpaw, standing next Redtail.
"Who made you in charge?" I demanded evenly. "Besides, you're not even on my patrol. Go find Whitestorm; he's your mentor."
"Actually," Redtail cut in. "Whitestorm's sick with a fever; so I"m filling in for him today. Sandpaw IS my daughter, after all."
"Oh," My stomach dropped. "That's...great."
"Why's it great?" Sandpaw asked tauntingly. "Because my Dad's the deputy and you want to impress him?"
"What? Er...no!" I exclaimed. But it was true. Going hunting with Sandpaw was my LEAST favorite thing. I only said it was great so I wouldn't get in trouble. If I got on Redtail's good side, then maybe he'd report how well I'm doing in training to Bluestar, and I'd get my Warrior name early!
"Then why's it so great?" Sandpaw asked.
"Because...I love hunting with you." I said, gritting my teeth. "It's my favorite! You're my best friend!" I forced a smile, and wrapped my tail over Sandpaw's shoulders.
Redtail smiled at us, and turned. Lionheart followed, but glanced over his shoulder at us, confused. He knew how much I hated Sandpaw. I winked at him, and he turned back around.
"EW!" Sandpaw said, throwing my tail off of her shoulder. "I don't know what you're pulling, Graypaw, but you better stop it RIGHT NOW!" Then the anger in her eyes melted, and sadly, was replaced with a look of evil. "Oh, I forgot, you're not GrayPAW; you're GrayKIT; mister little drop-out because he didn't know that there were such things as RULES." She smiled deviously, and followed her father and Lionheart out of the camp.
I hung back, my head throbbing with anger.
"Wow."
I turned around, and there was Ravenpaw. After the incident with Fourtrees and the River, we had never really become friends again, but Ravenpaw would still back me up from time to time, and I'd still watch out for him.
"What?"
"I can't believe what I just saw."
"What did you just see?" I asked, looking around.
"You LIKE Sandpaw!" Ravenpaw said, his eyes wide.
"What? Like?" Then I realized what he had said. "EW! NO! NO! NO!NO! I. DO. NOT!" Suddenly I closed my jaws, realizing that half the camp was staring at me now.
"Yeah, sure," Ravenpaw winked at me.
I growled at him. "Why don't you go and find Tigerclaw, then?"
His eyes widened with fear. "Um..."
Tigerclaw was Ravenpaw's mentor, who he was terrified of. Tigerclaw hasn't always been in our clan. One day, about a moon ago, Tigerclaw showed up on the border. He said his name was Tigerpaw, and was a pureblood forest cat. After showing the senior warriors his amazing hunting and fighting skills, Bluestar welcomed him into the clan. He also said that he was about ten moons old. Usually, you have to be twelve moons old to become a warrior, but some strings were pulled for Tigerclaw, probably because of his fighting skills.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry!" Ravenpaw said. "I'll keep your secret!"
I rolled my eyes.
Good enough for now...
"Graypaw!" I recognized Lionheart's voice. "Where have you been? We're going hunting, rememeber? Hurry!"
"Bros?" Ravenpaw asked quickly, seeing Lionheart.
"Bros," I agreed. We touched tail-tips, and I raced off after my mentor.
"Oh, look, the little kitten finally caught up," Sandpaw remarked sourly.
Normally I would've smacked her over the head, but right now I couldn't risk it; not with Redtail here. The worst part was that Sandpaw was aware of the whole thing, and was using it to her advantage.
So I just smiled at Sandpaw and walked next to Lionheart.
We veered in the direction of Twolegplace.
Why are we going here? What prey would hang around Twolegs?
But as we got closer, I could smell all kinds of scents around me.
Lionheart cleared his throat. "How about we split up? You and Sandpaw, and me and Graypaw."
Redtail nodded. "Sounds great. We'll head this way."
Redtail padded away, and Sandpaw skipped after him, giving me a sour glance over her shoulder.
I sighed in relief. "How did I manage to live with Sandpaw for that long?"
Lionheart chuckled. "Well, you've lived with her for this long; a little longer shouldn't hurt."
"Yes it will," I groaned.
"Graypaw, Sandpaw's a good cat; really, she is. You just have to get to know her better first. And because you guys have your little...'feud' it might be hard to see that. But it's okay; everyone dislikes someone. Like, I had a friend once, -Bluetail-, and he absolutely hated Redtail."
I nodded. "Yeah, I think I might remember...wait...nope."
Lionheart laughed. "Let's get to hunting."
I crouched low, and pricked my ears, scanning for any sign of prey.
After a few moments, I could hear a small scrabbling in a nearby thicket. I glanced back at Lionheart, and he nodded for me to get it.
I crawled nearer, careful to be as quiet as possible.
Once I was close enough, I sprang up and grasped the shape with my teeth.
Ha! The clans going to eat well with THIS piece of prey; it's gigantic, whatever it is.
"OW!" The prey called out. "GRAYPAW! GET OFF!"
The prey knows my name?
"GRAYPAW!"
Wait...
"Sandpaw?"
"YES! GET OFF OF ME!"
Suddenly I was on my back, and Sandpaw was looming over me angrily.
"What were you doing in here?" I asked, after I had stood up again.
Sandpaw gritted her teeth. "I was TRYING to hunt. But that didn't work out. YOU came in lumbering on top of me!"
"I was trying to hunt too, you know! I didn't jump on you on purpose!"
"Oh REALLY? If I didn't know better I'd think that you were out to get me! You've always hated me, Graypaw, and now maybe, when no one was watching, you were going to take me out!"
I stepped back, shocked. Did she actually think I would try to kill her?
"What? We may have our disagreements, but I wouldn't try to kill you; you're my clanmate, and you're still a good hunter."
Sandpaw didn't reply, but I did see the anger in her eyes melt a little.
The bushes to my left began to shake a little, and I turned to inform Lionheart the bad news.
"Lionheart, I'm sorry but-"
It wasn't Lionheart that stepped through the bushes.
The tom that appeared was a blue-gray tom with dark, sad blue eyes. He looked like he had been through a lot, and that he needed to sleep for a moon, but that he hadn't gotten the chance for days. It also seemed as though I should recognize him, but I didn't.
Sandpaw instantly arched her back at the sight of him. "This is ThunderClan territory, rogue! Go away!"
But I just stood staring at him. Something told me to leave him be.
His scent was foreign, yet I could smell WindClan on him faintly. That's when I realized why I had thought that I should recognize him; he looked exactly like Bluestar!
The tom ignored Sandpaw, and instead scanned the thicket. Then he looked at me. "Can you lead me to camp? I guess I've forgotten the way."
I blinked, shocked. Did this cat expect us to just lead him to our camp?
"I-I-"
"And WHY would we do that?" Sandpaw demanded.
The tom ignored her again. "Please. I just need to speak with Bluestar. I know that you don't know who I am, but trust me." When I still didn't look sure, he looked around quickly, and said. "Have you ever heard of Bluetail?"
I nodded. "Of course. Bluestar's lost younger brother."
"Yes. And I'm him."
How could I have not seen that before? Am I mouse-brained or something? "Oh my gosh! Of course you are! How could I have not noticed? I'm so sorry! Please, come this-"
And that's when Redtail leapt from the bushes, snarling, and claws unsheathed.
He gave me an icy look. "How could you have just let this intruder onto our territory, Graypaw? I'm very disappointed in you!"
Oh, and Sandpaw's not here?
"Hey! I'm here too!" Sandpaw mewed indignantly, but was ignored again. Why she wanted to be noticed so she could get in trouble, I have no idea.
Meanwhile, Bluetail was sitting calmly while Redtail looked like he was about to shred him to pieces.
"Redtail," Bluetail said shortly. "It's me. Bluetail."
Redtail paused. "Bluetail?" His voice was suddenly hoarse. "You're...alive?" He didn't sound too happy.
Bluetail nodded. Bluetail didn't act too happy to see that Redtail was alive, either.
"Urm...Lionheart?" I called out.
"What is it, Graypaw? D'you get that mouse?" Lionheart padded into the the thicket, and met eyes with Bluetail.
"Bluetail?" He asked instantly.
A smile broke onto both tom's faces.
"You're okay!" Lionheart exclaimed.
"And, wow, look at you!" Bluetail exclaimed. "You're all grown up!"
Lionhheart laughed. "You're only two moons older than me, Bluetail!"
"I know, but still...you're...older now."
"And I have an apprentice," Lionheart mewed. "Please, meet Graypaw."
Bluetail glanced at me again, and said, "Yes, we've met. He actually knew who I was when I told him."
Lionheart glanced at me. "Good for you, Graypaw."
"What about ME?" Sandpaw demanded. I smiled smugly when she was ignored again.
Maybe this day's not too bad afterall...
"Well, let's get you home," Lionheart suggested. "Bluestar will be dying to see you."
Redtail cleared his throat, recovering from his momentary shock. "Yes, then, off we go." He turned.
The the bushes rustled again.
Urgh how many cats have to be in this tiny thicket? It's getting crowded!
But the cat that stepped through the bushes didn't take up that much space.
The kit that looked up at us was white, with black ears, paws, and tail-tip. A look of slight relief washed over Bluetail's face.
"Blackkit! You escaped!" He exclaimed.
Blackkit smiled proudly, glancing over at us, and then back at Bluetail. "Yeah."
"Who's this?" Lionheart asked.
"This is my son, Blackkit," Bluetail mewed proudly.
Redtail coughed suddenly, seeming shocked. "You mean-" He gasped for air, "-you have a mate? A REAL cat?"
Bluetail nodded, seeming to enjoy the shock in Redtail's face. "Yes, and five wonderful kits."
"Five?" Blackkit asked, but then seemed to realize something.
"Wait? What do you mean by 'escaped'?" Sandpaw suddenly asked.
Bluetail seemed to notice she was there for the first time. "Well...I-I I'm going to explain it to Bluestar, and then she'll tell you. It's easier this way, so then the story doesn't have to be repeated more than necessary."
"Well, if something's happened, we need to get back to camp quickly," Lionheart prompted.
Bluetail nodded. "Let's go." He headed off towards Twolegplace. Redtail chuckled deviously, but didn't seem like he was about to correct the warrior.
"Um, Bluetail?" Lionheart asked. Bluetail turned. "ThunderClan would be this way." He pointed in the other direction.
"Oh, yeah, right," Bluetail turned around, and looked at Blackkit. "C'mon, let's go and meet your aunt Bluestar."
Bluetail Returns
Part 2
New news: Silverpaw
I watched Creamfur disappear into the Warriors den, and sighed.
Well, tonight's the night.
I scanned the camp, and scurried outside. My stomach grazed the ground as I crawled, and I was careful not to hit it too hard. I made my way to the river, and paused before jumping in.
I now realized just how dangerous this was. I was meeting a cat from another clan, at night,to tell him about-
No!
It was too hard to think about.
But how are you going to tell him if you can't even admit it to yourself?
I looked down at my paws, ashamed. This was too hard. What had we done?
"Silverpaw!" There was a hiss across the river.
I looked up and saw Graypaw sitting there, his yellow eyes glowing in the moonlight.
Purring, I plunged into the river. It was cold, even for me, and as I swam, I noticed that some pieces of ice still clung to the riverbank. Still, the river was able to flow, and I was able to swim without having to worry about falling in a hole and drowning...
I finally made it across. I pulled myself out of the water, panting.
Graypaw looked concerned. "Are you okay?"
"Fine," I grumbled. I wasn't annoyed at him for caring, only because I can usually make it across, and not even be tired. But tonight,or maybe it had even started a few days ago, I hadn't been myself.
Graypaw stepped back. "Is something wrong?"
I looked at him, and sat down. "No. I'm sorry for snapping. I'm just frusterated with myself. Usually I can make it all the way across without breaking a sweat. Tonight, I could hardly make it halfway."
Graypaw brushed against me sympathetically. "That's okay." He winked. "You're still a better swimmer than I am."
I brushed him off playfully. "Yeah, but you're a ThunderClan cat."
He snorted jokingly, sensing that I was only teasing. "And what's wrong with being in ThunderClan?"
"Nothing," I replied, smiling. "It's just that, well, they could use some tips on fur care." I paced in front of him, showing off my sleek fur. Even though it wasn't quite Newleaf yet, my fur still shined from the fish I had eaten.
Graypaw watched me, and for a moment, it seemed as though he was paralyzed. His eyes were big with admiration. I purred, and nuzzled against him.
"I love you," I murmured. He purred back.
"I love you more," He said. "So, why did you want us to meet here?"
"I-," I cleared my throat, "I have something I need to tell you. Something that I probably should've told you a while ago."
Graypaw leaned back and his eyes widened time, though, they were wide with curiousity, and a hint of worry.
"Is something wrong? Did they find out about us meeting? Do I need to leave right now?" He looked around frantically.
"No," I assured him. "It's none of that. It's something that's hard to tell you."
"Oh no," Graypaw said. "You're going to tell me that you don't want to meet again; that this is over."
"No!" I stood up quickly. "No, no, no, Graypaw. I would never say that. I just told you how much I love you. I wouldn't do that and leave. I promise."
His eyes were wet, and he swallowed. "Oh. Then what is it?"
"It's- Oh, it's no use in trying to stall, or think of a way to say this the easy way. I just have to come out and say it."
Graypaw's eyes grew even bigger.
"I'm going to have kits."
He fell over.
"Graypaw?" I bounded over to him, and shook him.
He sat up weakly. "Did I hear that right?"
"Yes," I whispered.
What's he going to say? How's he going to take this? Is he going to freak out?
Graypaw sat up and looked me in the eyes. It was hard to read his expression, and I silently pleaded that he would be okay with this. At least he was calm.
"Silverpaw," He said, his voice wavering. "This is brilliant! Do you know how long I've waited for this?" He sprang up and started jumping all of the place.
"So, you're not- mad?" I asked.
He paused. "Mad? Why would I be mad? This is the best thing I've ever heard!" He was next to me now. "I'm going to be a father!" He looked at me, and his voice lowered. "I'm going to be a father. Silverpaw, how do I do that?"
I laughed. "Well, don't ask me!"
He smiled at me. "Yeah, that was dumb. But still, this is amazing." He looked up a the dark sky, thinking."It's also going to be really hard."
I knew that; I'd been thinking about it all day long. Actually, I'd been thinking about that for more than a moon.
"I know. We have some hard decisions to make," I told him.
Graypaw sat next to me. "Like what?"
"First," I said, "we have to decide who's going to know about the kits. Who's actually and really going to know the truth."
"Which means some cats aren't going to know the truth," He glanced at me. "We have to lie to some cats."
"Yeah, but that's just a risk for our love," I told him.
He purred. "I'd do anything for you."
"And you know I would do anything for you," I said. "But right now, we have to make some decisions. Who's going to know? Some cats are going to have to, like a medicine cat."
We sat in silence for a moment, but then ended up speaking at the same time.
"Not my mom," Graypaw said.
"Not my dad," I said.
We laughed. We both had such strict parents, and it was funny that they were the first cats we thought of to not know.
"Okay, that makes sense," I said. "Our parents would freak out. How about the rest of our clans? I guess it wouldn't make sense for the clan to know, and our parents not, but maybe the kits could just live in the clan, and nobody would know that they were ours?"
Graypaw nodded. "That could work, but we'd still have to decide which clan they're going to live in."
We both stared at each other, and spoke at the same time. "I'm not going to make them leave you."
We smiled at each other lovingly. We were so alike, yet so different.
"We're speaking at the same time a lot tonight," Graypaw commented.
I nodded. "But back to the issue at paw. So, which clan should they live in?"
"Like I said, I'm not going to make them leave you," Graypaw mewed. "And besides, kits go to the mothers clan."
"But I said that they couldn't you either," I protested.
"Silverpaw, you're going to be their mother; they need you more than they need me," Graypaw looked away.
"That's not true! They need both of us!"
He didn't look convinced. "I can't be a father. I'm barely an apprentice now! This just doesn't make sense! This is so difficult!"
"What happened to 'this is amazing?'" I asked.
"This is amazing," Graypaw said. "But it's hard at the same time."
"That's why there's two of us,"I assured him. "So we can work together. We're going to figure this out, Graypaw, and find a way to work everything out. Okay?"
He looked back up at me. "Okay."
"I just had another idea. What if half went to RiverClan, and the other half went to ThunderClan?" I suggested,
"If there's an even number," Graypaw said.
I sighed. "This is hard. I'm out of ideas. What do you have?"
Graypaw just sat silently.
"Don't you have an idea?"
"Yeah, I-I do. It's just, I don't think you're going to like it."
"Do the kits live, and are they happy in your plan?"
Graypaw nodded.
"Then I'm going to love it," I said.
"Okay," He said, still looking unsure, "here it goes. The kits, whenever they're born, are born here at Sunningrocks. I can get Spottedleaf to help. She's sweet, and she could keep our sercret."
I nodded. "Sounds good so far."
Graypaw swallowed, and continued. "After they're born, we take them to live in WindClan."
"What?" I stood up. "But-but-they're my kits! I'm not just going to donate them to another clan! They're my kits!"
Graypaw shook his head. "I knew that you weren't going to like it." He looked ashamed.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "No, Graypaw, that's actually the best idea we have."
He looked up at me. "You're sure?"
"Yes. We can do that." I was deperately trying not to cry.
"It may be the best, but it's also the hardest," Graypaw told me. "If you just wanna have them go to live with you..You can tell your clan that you just found them, or something."
"No," I said gently. "If we both can't have them, then neither of us can have them."
"Silverpaw, these are our kits, you don't have to be fair if you want to actually raise them."
"No, this is what I want to do." I was doing my best to be brave for my kits. "Besides, my dad would kill me if he knew I had kits. This will be better."
"Okay. Whatever you want to do. Even if you change your mind, just tell me at the next Gathering," Graypaw told me sweetly.
I appreciated his efforts, but there was one little detail. "Graypaw, I think that they're going to be born before the next Gathering."
His eyes widened. "That's soon? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Because I was scared," I admitted. "I wasn't even ready to admit it to myself. I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's fine," He nuzzled against me. "Everthing's going to work out, you'll see. Even if we're breaking the warrior code, we'll still figure it out."
"Break the code..." I echoed.
"Yeah," Graypaw sat next to me, and dipped his head, "Some loyalty..."
"Graypaw," I said. "Do yo know why I like you?"
He looked up.
"It's not becase you follow every rule, or because you can do things the best; it's because you have the one quality that matters most inside a warrior. You're loyal to your heart."
He purred. "And I love you because no matter what happens, you never give up." We touhed noses, and he whispered, "Also because you're very pretty, but you know..."
I smiled at him. We curled up together on the riverbank.
We may have broken the rules, but right now, in this secret, perfect moment, nothing could hurt us; we were in love, and nothing was going to stop it. Our kits may not get to live with us, but they'd be safe, and in the end, that's what mattered.
I rested my head on Graypaw's shoulder, and closed my eyes contentedly. I wanted to enjoy this moment for a little while longer.
Graypaw leaned over, and whispered, "I hope that our kits are just like you."
Bluetail returns
Part 3
Rescue!
Bluetail
I walked in to the ThunderClan camp, partially excited to see my old home, and partially feeling dead inside. Earthpaw was gone. Captured, with little hope of rescue.
I shook my head.
Don't think that way! Bluestar's going to figure this out!
I stood by the gorse tunnel with Lionheart, Redtail, (groan...) Blackkit, and two apprentices. The other cats paid no attention, either just really busy, of not caring that I was back. I wouldn't be surprised if it was because of the second option; I was never popular when I lived here before.
Lionheart growled in annoyance. "Can't anyone give respect to a returned warrior?"
"It's fine, Lionheart," I told him. "I don't need any attention right now. I just need to see Bluestar."
Lionheart nodded in understanding. "Go right ahead. She's been dying to see you since...well since you left."
A pang of guilt hit me; I hadn't meant to make my older sister feel that way! Still, it had happened, and I could make it up to her.
"Dad, can I come?"
I looked down at Blackkit, and nodded.
I headed toward Highrock, where the cave underneath formed Bluestar's den.
"And where are you going?" Redtail stood in front of me, blocking my path.
"I'm going to meet with Bluestar," I said cooly.
He scoffed. "Every real warrior knows that you can't do that without consulting me first."
"Yeah, every real warrior also knows that when kits are captured, that we should try and resue them. Also, every real deputy knows that they shouldn't act like a jerk. Oh wait, I guess not every deputy." I smirked and brushed past an angry Redtail.
I made it to the cave, brushed through the lichen, and-
tumbled to the ground.
"Bluetail! I thought I caught your scent out there!" Bluestar covered me in loving licks.
"Yeah- er- crushing lungs..."
"I think I have the right!" Bluestar insisted. "You just left. Not a word to your sister at all. You just left, and I didn't ever think I'd see you again." Her eyes were dark with sadness, and I felt guitly again.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," I said. "But I had a good reason."
"And what would that be?" Bluestar demanded.
"Just get off of me first. Please," I pleaded.
"Fine," My sister climbed off of me. I sat up, and faced her.
"I fell in love," I said simply.
Bluestar's eyes glowed. "With a she-cat that wasn't from a clan; I know, and I get it."
"So, you're not going to freak out, right?" I asked.
She shook her head. "My love was forbidden, too, you know. I don't think I have a right to freak out."
I shook my head. "Definetly not."
Bluestar swatted me on the head with her tail.
"Ow!"
"Then don't agree on my mistakes." Her voice was tight, but I could see a glimmer of playfullness in her eyes. Underneath her stress and anger, she was happy to see me. I was happy to see her, too. It'd been a while since I'd seen someone who really understood me. Even Earthpaw didn't know my as well as Bluestar did.
Bluestar's gaze moved to the den entrance. "And who's this?"
I looked back at Blackkit.
"This is my son, Blackkit," I told her. Blackkit stepped forward to stand next to me.
"Hi," he said.
"Your son?" Bluestar asked. "Why, Bluetail he looks just like you! I mean, besides the coloring, and the face, and tail-length, but your eyes are very similiar."
I nodded, laughing a little.
"How old is he?"
"Um...4 moons," I told her.
Had to think about that one...
Bluestar nodded. "You'll be an apprentice soon!"
Blackkit beamed. "I'm so excited! But, Bluestar, I don't want to be an apprentice without my littermates, or Earthpaw."
Bluestar glanced at me curiously."
"My other kits," I told her.
"Where are they?" Her eyes darkened, as if she knew that the answer was bad.
"They've been captured by Twolegs!" Blackkit exclaimed.
Bluestar sat back silently. I had known her long enough to see that she was totally distressed. Not only had I disappeared for moon and moons, but when I did finally come back, I'd told her that her kin are gone. She had already had to give up her kits, and now it was like I was making her do that all over again.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"What for? They're your kits," Bluestar said sadly. Then she took a breath, looked back up, and all the sadness disappeared. "We must announce it to the clan. We can rescue them, Bluetail." Her voice was metallic now. She had changed to what I call 'Leader Mode.' My sister is able to hide all emotion, and stand strong for her clan.
I nodded. "I hope so. I spent all of their lives telling them how great ThunderClan is, and when I finally try to take them here, they're captured."
"Let's get to work," Bluestar mewed lightly. She stepped past me and Blackkit, and out of the den. I saw her leap up, and disappear as she climbed up the Highrock.
"What's she doing?" Blackkit asked.
"Calling a clan meeting," I said proudly. "She's going to send out a rescue patrol."
"Can we watch?"
"Of course we can. C'mon, son, it's time you learned some clan customs," I began to lead him out of the den, when suddenly I turned back around.
Something hadn't felt right. I had felt something inside of me. Was it pride for my clan? Maybe. But it was also something else. It was like the way I felt around Earthpaw; proud and happy. Only this was with Blackkit. Was I feeling pride for him, too?
Have I been neglecting the other kits? I know that I've always watched out for Earthpaw...
As I thought about it, I realized I knew every single detail about Earthpaw, but hardly anything about the other kits.
Why do I think of them as the 'other kits'? Can't I think of them individually?
Have I been neglecting them?
"Dad?"
I was brought out of my thoughts when Blackkit spoke.
"Huh?" I blinked.
"Is something wrong?"
I shook my head. "No; everything's great. Let's go." I walked out of the den, just as Bluestar's yowl rang across the camp.
"Let all those cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the highrock, for a clan meeting!"
I turned and sat, looking up at Bluestar. Blackkit sat next to me, wonder in his eyes.
I scanned the camp behind me, and watched each den as cats came streaming out.
The two apprentices from the patrol came out of their den, fighting and scrabbling to be first, and then two more after them. A few Warriors came out of their den, looking tired. Most of the cats were already in the main camp, and they gathered around, somehow not taking any notice of Blackkit or me.
Some Elders slowly walked out of the fallen log that made their den. They walked stiffly, but made it near enough to hear what Bluestar was going to say. Inside the Nursery, I could see the Queens watching sleepily.
I turned to look at the Medicine den, wondering if Spottedleaf was inside.
With a small mrrow she appeared at the entrance to her den, and sat there, watching.
Bluestar cleared her throat, "I am glad to announce that my younger brother, Bluetail, has returned."
Everyone started talking at once. I couldn't understand anything anyone was saying, but by the tone in their voices I could tell most of them weren't that happy.
Great, just the welcome I wanted.
I flattened my ears. What had I expected? When I had lived here before, all I had been was a troublemaker, who never did anything for the profit of the clan. I only wanted to come back because I wanted my kits to show the clan that I could be good at something.
Which now you realized you aren't. You're a terrible parent, Bluetail. Terrible...
"Excuse me!" Bluestar yowled, and everyone was quiet instantly. "As I was saying, we welcome Bluetail back. I know that he has done a lot of bad things to this clan, but that was the past; a long time ago. He has matured, and now he needs our help."
"What has he done this time?" An Elder demanded.
I wanted to turn and swipe the Elder's ears off, but I had to remind myself that I wasn't out alone anymore; I couldn't just attack anyone who threatened me, especially an Elder.
So I just gritted my teeth, and stayed silent.
"He didn't do anything," Bluestar said, gritting her teeth, too. "It was Twolegs."
Some cats gasped, while other just hissed or growled. With a pang of realization I remembered how rejected Twolegs were here.
Snowy was right; they never would've let her stay.
"What did Twolegs do?" One Warrior demanded.
"They have taken his kits," Bluestar said stiffly.
No movement, no sound.
Then, one voice, sharp and sour. "Kits? Who would want to be their mother?"
Everyone started laughing, and calling out names and other terrible stuff. I flattened my ears again, wishing I could disappear.
"Dad, what's going on?" Blackkit's eyes were big. "Don't let them walk all over you."
"You're right, son," I said.
That's IT.
I swerved around, marched right up to the Elder, and hissed in his face.
"Their mother happens to be the best cat that ever lived. She was kind, loyal, loving, caring; everything that could possibly be good in a cat. You can say whatever you want about me, but don't you ever go saying anything about my mate. She's done nothing to you. All she did was good to others, so you just shut your jaws." With that, I turned swiftly and padded right back to my spot next to my son.
Now that everyone was silent, Bluestar nodded approvingly and continued. "As I was saying-" She eyed everyone before she kept on talking," - Bluetail's kits have been captured, with little hope of rescue. If we want any chance of getting them back, we must act quickly. Bluetail, Graypaw, Lionheart, Whitestorm, Ravenpaw, and I will form a rescue party immediately."
Without another word, Bluestar leapt down from Highrock, and stood in front of me.
"Ready?"
I nodded, and stood.
"Bluestar?" It was Blackkit. "Can I come, too?"
Bluestar studied him for a moment, and then nodded. "Sure. It's your brothers and sisters we're saving. Just make sure that you keep up, okay?"
"Don't worry, I can do that," Blackkit assured her.
Bluestar smiled, then looked around to see that the other cats were gathering for the patrol. Lionheart padded over, his face mixed with worry and determination. Then Whitestorm came, (Ooh! Bluetail Fun Fact; He's my nephew.) followed by the gray-colored apprentice from the patrol.
Then a black apprentice with a white spot on his chest showed up. I glanced back over at the gray apprentice.
He must be Graypaw, unless he's Ravenpaw, and the other apprentice's parents are crazy or something...
Ravenpaw stepped in right next to Graypaw, eyeing over everyone silently.
"Right. Let's go." Without another word, Bluestar dashed out of the camp. I raced ahead of everyone else, fighting to run beside her.
Even though my kits were in serious danger, I found myself drifting off again, (surprise, surprise...) and thinking about times when Bluestar and I were younger. We would always race through the forest together. We always had to compete, see who was best. When one of us lost, there was certainly going to be a rematch sometime soon.
"Bluetail, is something wrong?"
I was brought back to the present by my sister's voice.
"Huh?"
"Well, you're not looking where you're going and- Bluetail!"
With a sudden burst of pain in my head, I tumbled to the ground. I tried to stand up, but my head was throbbing and everything was spinning around me. I moaned, closing my eyes, hoping everything would stop spinning.
"Bluetail? Are you okay?"
"I-I...I'm fine...Just give me a second...," I took a deep breath and opened my eyes.
There was Bluestar, her blue eyes wide with fear.
I blinked, and looked around to find that everyone was staring at me with gaping mouths.
"Yeah, guys," I told them, "I'm clumsy. You'll have to get used to it."
Bluestar laughed under her breath, and some of the fear disappeared from her eyes.
"Let's go." "Are you sure you're okay?"
"That's not the first tree I've run into, and it definitely isn't the last one, either," I mewed. "I'm fine. Plus, we have little time. So, lead on, big sis'."
Bluestar smiled, and continued to lead on.
We made it to Twolegplace without anyone else running into any trees. The sky was beginning to turn pink, and I knew that if we didn't rescue the kits by dark, they'd be doomed.
Trying to act natural, I stepped up to the fence where my kits has disappeared before. I took a deep breath, and told myself I could do it.
It's just a fence...just a...a fence.
I jumped, and scrabbled my way up, and somehow managed to not fall off. I sat at the top for a moment, feeling pride in my accomplishment.
"Dad! Wait!"
I looked down to see Blackkit scrabbling at the bottom of the fence.
"I can't climb! Dad, help!" He really was trying, but whenever he jumped up, his tiny claws gave way, and he tumbled back to the ground.
Sad memories flooded my mind. I remembered when I was about his age, right after I had been made an apprentice.
We were learning how to climb trees, so that we could hunt squirrels. Everyone else could do it almost perfectly, but when I tried, I just couldn't climb. My claws just weren't strong enough. Of course I had enough strength, but apparently my claws didn't.
That's when I started giving up on myself; telling myself I was no good. I became lazy, and clumsy. That's when more cats started to get annoyed by me.
But now that I was back, I was going to prove all of them wrong. I would be the best warrior in this clan. I was going to work hard to prove myself.
I looked back down at Blackkit.
I wasn't going to let him think he was no good either.
I leaped back down to the ground, and stood next to my son.
"Okay, leap up a little, and grip your claws into the wood," I instructed calmly.
Blackkit gave me an unsure look, but did as he was told.
"Now, hold on; you're claws can hold you, even if it feels like they can't. Just don't let go."
Blackkit shook a little, but regained his grip and held on.
"Now, carefully lift one paw, and scrabble your way up."
Blackkit clawed his way up, and was soon at the top.
"I did it!" He was beaming.
I smiled, and climbed up again.
When we were alll inside the garden, Bluestar spoke.
"Okay, we're looking for a way inside. The Twolegs wouldn't leave them out here," She said, now in 'Leader Mode' again. She turned to me. "How many of them are there?"
"Four others, besides Blackkit," I said, and then added, "There will be a flap in the door; that's what Twolegs put there for cats."
"Let's go," Bluestar said, "and try to go unnoticed; we don't want any trouble with the Twolegs."
I walked towards the Twoleg Nest, crouching low. My senses were sharp now, watching for any sign of danger.
But when I got to the door, there was no flap. None. The door was merely a rectangular piece with no way for a cat to get inside.
This is hopless! How will we save them now?
I was filled with grief. First, I had been mouse-brained enough to let my own kits be captured, and then when I realized how important it was for them to be rescued, there was no way. I wanted to tip over the Twoleg nest and rip all of their ears off, but there was no way, not even if we all clawed, for us to get in there.
I couldn't handle this. I started pacing frantically, back and forth, yowling as loud as I could. Those Twolegs had to hear me and let me get to my kits!
"Bluetail! Shh! They'll hear you!"Bluestar had lost the metallic hint in her voice, and spoke like normal now.
I stopped and stared at her. "That's the point! I have to get inside. I have to."
I started yowling again, and ignored everyone else who gathered around. I didn't care; this was a matter of my family reuniting or not.
"Dad!" Blackkit was scared. "Please, you saw them before; they're scary! If they could take Earthpaw, then imagine what they could do to us! Please stop it! We can find another way inside!"
I ignored him too.
Then there was a sound coming from inside the nest. When I heard it, I knew it was the sound of the Twolegs making their way to the door.
One of the them opened the door, and we all scrambled back, staring up in horror. I stopped yowling for a moment, but then regained my confidence.
I yowled up at the Twoleg, extending my claws.
From the side of my vision, I could see Lionheart and Whitestorm jump in front of Ravenpaw and bristled next to me, and held her ground. Blackkit scrambled to stand in between us.
The Twoleg loomed over us, its dark eyes piercing us.
Then it held up a metal stick, and pointed it straight at us.
Yeah, a metal stick. SO intimidating.
But from the corner of my eye, I saw Bluestar's eyes widen.
"Bluetail, back away. Slowly."
"No. I'm standing my ground. It's just a stick."
"Bluetail, not its not; it's dangerous."
Her voice was beginning to sound distant, and when I turned to look, I saw that she was backing away. Blackkit was following her, his blue eyes fixed on the Twoleg.
I looked to the other side, and Lionheart, Whitestorm, and the two appprentices were backing away, too.
Fine, if they want to abandon me. I'll still stand and fight.
I hissed again, showing my teeth.
The Twoleg glared down at me, and the stick clicked.
"Bluetail! Get out of there!" My sister's voice was shrill.
I didn't budge.
"Bluetail!"
Then there was an explosion, and everything went dark.
Bluetail Returns
Part 4
The forest was calm, and warm tonight, with stars shining brightly above
Across the clearing, a white, transparent she-cat stepped from the trees.
"Snowy!" I exclaimed, and charged forward. Even though I was running as fast as I could, I was moving slowly, like I was trapped in quicksand.
Snowy looked at me, her eyes warm. She padded lightly over to me. "Bluetail, stop. Relax; it's harder to move here when you're not dead."
I cringed. Snowy saying the word dead in that context was killing me emotionally.
She smiled sympathetically. "I'm sorry. I know that you miss me; I miss you too. A lot."
"Snowy...I'm sorry; Tigerpaw-"
Her eyes flashed, "It wasn't Tigerpaw's fault, Bluetail. He wanted to prove to you that he could do great things."
"So, you're saying it's my fault?" I took a slow step back.
Her eyes widened. "No! It's not anyone's fault. It was meant to happen, okay? It was supposed to happen."
I relaxed. "Okay. It doesn't make this any easier, though."
"It's not supposed to be easy," Snowy said gently, walking slow circles around me. As I watched her, it seemed more like floating, than walking.
"Wait...how am I here?" I asked. "I'm not dead, right? I mean, that'd be great,I'd be with you, but...the kits..." I looked guiltily up at Snowy.
She laughed. "No, you're not dead. You're dreaming."
"But...the last thing I remember is going to save them. Snowy, what happened to me?"
She stopped making circles around me and her expression turned grave. "Bluetail, you..." her eyes grew big with pain,"with the Twolegs..."
"What happened?" I demanded.
"They had that gun...," Snowy stammered.
It pained me to see her hurting to badly, which only reminded me that it was all my fault.
"You mean that stick?"
She looked up at me. "It's called a gun, Bluetail, and it's much more dangerous than a stick. It shoots fire."
My mind instantly shot over to Brokenkit, and his fire powers.
Snowy smiled warmly, and some of the pain disappeared. "No, not like Brokenkit. Ah...that kit...I wish I could've stayed to watch them all grow up. But I still can..." Her expression changed back to a pained one.
"And...well...this fire...it got you. Not in anywhere deadly, like your heart or head, but it still touched you," She looked at the ground, and I could tell she was trying not to cry.
Look what you've done to her! Just because you were reckless! She's in StarClan; she's not supposed to be worried anymore!
"Shh," I did my best to make my way to her. "It's okay, Snowy. I'm not dead, right? I'll still be there for our kits, just like I always have."
She looked over at me again. "Bluetail-"
"I know, I know, I've really only been there for Earthpaw. But something made me realize today that-" I paused, staring directly into her ice-blue eyes. "That was you, wasn't it?"
She smiled. "Yeah." Then she looked away. "But now...you're...Bluetail, you're hurt! You could very well die!" Now she let the tears flow.
"Snowy," I had to do my best to comfort her now. "Don't worry. I'll always be there for them and you. No matter what."
"Bluetail, enough with me; I'm dead. Your only priority needs to be the kits. Okay?" Her eyes were wide with seriousness.
I sighed. "Okay. But even if I do die-"
"Why don't you seem to care?" She stood up. "You might die and you don't even seem to mind."
It was true. Dying would almost be better than going back to a Clan that hated me. Here, I would be with Snowy. Here, I would be safe.
No! Do you know what you would do to Bluestar? What about all of the kits? That's a terrible thing to think! How could you think that, Bluetail?
"Snowy, I'd be with you-"
"I told you; enough with me! My life is over! I'm here. You need to stay there. Yes, it hurts me, too, but Bluetail-" Her voice cracked. "I can't have my kits grow up at Kittypets." Her face looked pained again. "Do you know how terrible that is? The constant eating, the petting, the complete control over their lives? None of that is any good!"
My mind drifted over to when the kits were younger, when they lived with Star and her kits.
Snowy would be really disappointed about that...
"No, that was fine, Bluetail," Snowy said.
How the heck is she reading my thoughts?
Snowy laughed. "StarClan thing."
We stared at each other, seeing love in each other's eyes.
"Don't worry," I told Snowy. "I'll protect them; I'll get them home to ThunderClan so that they'll be safe."
Snowy purred, and sat next to me. She leaned her head on my shoulder, and sighed happily.
"That's what I needed to hear, Bluetail," She said sweetly.
"Good; glad I finally figured it out," I said.
Snowy laughed. "I knew you would, my silly blue-tailed tom."
I glanced over at her;something wasn't right.
As the moment drew on, I saw that she was beginning to fade.
"Snowy!" I stood abruptly, suddenly panicked. "Where are you going?"
Snowy looked around, scared for a second, but then saw what was happening. She looked over at me sadly. "I'm sorry, Bluetail; I've got to go now. Be brave. I love you."
She was gone after that, and I was left alone.
"Snowy! Snowy, no! Come back! Please come back!" It was like she had died again; I was separated from the one cat I never should have been. The pain was too much.
I might never see her again...
I sat in the moonlit forest alone, and sank into darkness.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
"Bluetail! Bluetail? Bluetail please! You have to be okay!"
Bright sunlight flashed into my eyes. I cringed, rolling over, then wincing in pain.
"My leg...," I groaned.
I caught Bluestar's scent hovering over me. "Oh my gosh, I thought you weren't ever going to wake up!" She sounded relieved, but a little scared.
"We'll, I'm awake now," I said, gritting my teeth in pain. My leg felt like it was on fire. I tensed the muscles in my leg, hoping some of the pain would subside.
No chance. Tensing my muscles only made my leg burn more.
I unsheathed my claws, and started ripping up the moss underneath me. I slowly laid my leg back down on the moss.
"Bluetail!" My sister's voice was shrill. "Spottedleaf, what's wrong with him?"
I caught a sweet scent as Spottedleaf padded over softly. I did my best to look up at her. "The Twolegs have those sticks, and they shoot a hard little ball. If a cat is hit with that, there's basically no chance of survival."
Bluestar gasped, and the scent of fear grew stronger.
"But, Bluestar, there's no need to worry," Spottedleaf continued quickly. "With the ball, there's an explosion. The only part that hit Bluetail was the explosion; the fire, I guess. It barely brushed him, but it burnt some of the fur and skin. It's going to take a while to heal, but in time, Bluetail will be fine."
"Oh," The tension in Bluestar's voice was gone now. "Hear that, Bluetail? You're going to be fine."
She was talking to me like I was some little kit, and I wanted to snap at her to quit it and stop worrying, but I couldn't. I just couldn't hurt her anymore than she already was. She was worrying about me, so I didn't really have a right to snap at her. Plus, I was in so much pain that talking was like torture.
"I...yeah," I gritted my teeth again, "Thanks...Spotted...leaf."
"I haven't done anything to it yet, Bluetail, but you're welcome. Well, I've put a little water on it, but I ran out a while ago. And now...I'm not sure I want to put any more because, well, that wound's pretty bad, and water's going to bring you a lot of pain."
"Well, you've got to do something," Bluestar did the speaking for me. "He can barely move, it hurts so bad."
Spottedleaf nodded. "I know. Hmm..." She padded away, and I knew that she was looking through her herb storage. "Coltsfoot...Goldenrod...hmm, that might work."
"Spottedleaf, hurry; you need to do something," I could hear Bluestar shuffling her paws anxiously.
"Bluestar, just let me do my job; I know what I'm doing," Spottedleaf replied.
"But you have to help him! Please!" Bluestar's voice was desperate. I wanted to reach out and comfort her, but I was so paralized with pain, I could hardly move.
"I'm going to help him; I promise," Spottedleaf's voice was smooth and comforting.
From the corner of my eye, I saw her walk across the Medicine den, and step behind me. She led Bluestar over to another nest.
"Just rest; you're very stressed out from what happened," Spottedleaf coaxed.
"I am not! Why are you worrying about me?"
"Because," Spottedleaf managed to stay calm somehow. " You're the one who's crying out. Look at how calm Bluetail is being; he must be hurting a lot, but you don't hear him complaining."
Bluestar sighed. "You're right." She slumped down in the nest and rested her chin on her paws.
"Thank you, Bluestar," Spottedleaf said. She turned quickly, and brought back some leaves and a couple of seeds. Bluestar ate them, and soon she relaxed and fell asleep.
"Right," Spottedleaf said, looking over at me, "now for the real problem; your leg."
I expecteed her to take a long time, seeing as I'd been awake for a while now, and she had done nothing for my leg, but Spottedleaf worked quickly. She turned again and brought back more leaves and seeds. This time I recognized the seeds as poppy seeds.
"Okay...," Spottedleaf murmured, concentrated. She bit the leaves in half, and then carefully rubbed the leaves on my leg. It stung, but after a few moments, some of the pain had dulled.
"Better?" Spottedleaf asked.
"Yes," I could speak again without too much effort now.
"Good. Now, eat the poppy seeds, and get some good rest," She instructed.
I chewed up the seeds, and laid my head down again. Sighing in relief, I closed my eyes, only remembering the kits right before I drifted off.
...
When I opened my eyes, it was competely dark. I blinked, trying to make my eyes focus. I sat up.
Across the den, I could see that Spottedleaf was sleeping soundly. She sighed and rolled over.
I turned and tried to see my leg in the moonlight. It looked better, and felt a lot better.
Spottedleaf must've put more herbs on it while I was asleep.
"Feeling better?"
I looked up and saw Bluestar at the entrance to the den.
"Yeah," I replied. "A lot better."
"Good." She crossed the den and sat next to me. I noticed that she avoided looking at my leg. "Maybe in a few days you'll be up on your paws again."
"Yeah, hopefully," I agreed. I turned to her. "And we'll be able to get the kits."
Bluestar looked at her paws. "Bluetail, I think...well...it's too dangerous. With what happened with you- we can't have it happening to other warriors, too. It's too risky. I'm sorry, Bluetail."
"How can you- Bluestar! I can't believe you! You're giving up because something's too risky?" I was completly outraged.
She looked back at me, this time sad. "Yeah. I know that they're your kits, but we can't risk the clan to save them; we've already tried once."
I coudn't believe her. This was not the Bluestar I knew. She didn't give up so easily.
It's because you got hurt; now she doesn't trust you. She doesn't want you to get hurt again.
"Look, I know what I did was stupid; I got hit with an explosion for crying out loud! I couldn't stand being without them. I need them back, Bluestar," I explained. "If we went back, I wouldn't do that again. If we saw the stick, we could run."
"Bluetail, I'm not saying this because of you; it's for everyone's safety."
"Sure it is."
"No, I'm serious! Can you imagine? We'd send out patrol after patrol, and every time the Twoleg's would just bring out that stick again. Eventually, we'd have a whole den of injured cats. I'm sorry, Bluetail, but we can't send out any more patrols; it's too dangerous." She turned away from me, refusing to meet my gaze.
"I-I-" I didn't know how to reply. I wanted my kits back so badly, but Bluestar did have a point. Still, how could she care more about the Clan than her own brother?
She doesn't, I told myself. She's more than just your older sister; she's a leader, too. It's her responsibilty to keep everyone safe, not just you.
"Okay, I understand," I said.
Bluestar whipped around, her eyes wide with surprise. "You do? Oh, thank you, Bluetail! I was thinking that you were going to get so mad at me..."
"I can't be mad at you," I said. "You're my sister, and you let me come back after I left this Clan."
"Of course I was going to let yourb come back! Why would you think I wouldn't?"
"Because...before, all I did was cause trouble here. Just like I am now."
"Causing trouble? Bluetail, you're a one of the senior Warriors now. Everyone respects you now. They understand you've been through some hard times," Bluestar said gently.
"Really? Because, before, at the meeting-"
"That was an Elder, Bluetail! What do you expect out of them? One hundred percent kindness? What happened to you when you left?" Bluestar teased.
I laughed. "I guess you're right. I have felt pretty welcome here. I just wish...the kits..."
Bluestar rested her tail on my shoulder. "Don't worry; they're going to be safe. They have your older son with them, too, right?"
I nodded. "Yeah; Earthpaw."
"He can keep them safe, right?"
"Yeah, he can," I said, smiling. "Earthpaw will keep them safe. He's smart, and strong. I have nothing to worry about."
"Good," Bluestar said. "I don't want you to have to worry."
"Thanks, sis," I mewed.
"Speaking of smart and strong-"
"Oh, great," I groaned. "Another story about Redtail?"
"Huh?" Bluestar asked. "No! I was talking about Graypaw. You know, one of the apprentices that came with us earlier?"
"Oh yeah; he was one of the cats to find me in the forest," I said. "What about him?"
"He's going to have an assesment in a few days, and I was wondering if you were okay with coming to help out. I mean, if you aren't feeling well that day, you don't have to, but I really need more cats and-"
"Sure," I interrupted. "I'll help."
"Great!" Bluestar said. "Graypaw's going to be a great Warrior someday, and I need good Warriors to assess him."
I purred at her praise, "Thanks."
Graypaw seemed like a good cat, and I knew he at least needed a chance to prove himself.
Everyone does, I thought. That's when I remembered Blackkit.
"Wait, Bluestar, where's Blackkit?" I asked, panicked.
Bluestar smiled warmly. "Thought you would never ask. Don't worry, he's fine. He escaped the Twolegs; Graypaw and Ravenpaw made sure of that. The three became such good friends, I decided to let Blackkit sleep in the Apprentice's den."
"Oh," I said, relaxing. "Thanks for making sure he was okay. I'm...not very good at that. I didn't remember him until now."
"It's okay, Bluetail. You got hurt," Bluestar said. "And it wasn't me that made sure he was okay. Like I said, it was Graypaw and Ravenpaw."
"I'll have to thank them, then," I said.
Bluestar nodded. "Well, I'll let you get some rest now. Hopefully you'll feel better tomorrow."
"Goodnight," I said, yawning and settling down again.
Blackkit.
Warm sunlight entered the Apprentice's den. I excitedly sat up, feeling attentive and ready to go. I looked around the den and saw that Graypaw, Ravenpaw, Dustpaw and Sandpaw were all still asleep.
Wonder if anyone else is awake yet...Maybe I can check on Dad!
I shot out of the den, and towards the Medicine den.
"Hey!" A shrill voice called out. I turned around and saw Sandpaw staring angrily at me from the Apprentice's den. "You stepped on me!"
"Sorry," I said, cowering a little in fear. That she-cat scared me.
"Don't worry, you're going to be," Sandpaw said evily.
"Who's going to be what?" It was Whitestorm, Sandpaw's mentor.
"Oh, um, what? I didn't say anything to Blackkit," Sandpaw said.
Whitestorm glanced at me, then back at Sandpaw. "I didn't ask if you'd said anything to Blackkit. But now I know you have." He turned back to me. "Blackkit, come over here." When he talked to me, his voice was full of kindness.
I paddded over and stood next to him, careful to stay away from Sandpaw.
"What did Sandpaw say to you?" Whitestorm asked.
"She said I'd be sorry for waking her up," I said.
Whitestorm turned to his apprentice. "Sandpaw, you know what this kit has been through; lost his mother, and now lost his siblings."
And learned how to use amazing powers, I thought.
"He's only a kit," Whitestorm continued, "and I expect you to be nice to him."
"It's not fair, though!" Sandpaw wailed. "If he's a kit, why does he get to sleep in here?"
"Because, well, where else is supposed to go? To the nursery? He has no mother to care for him there, and he's almost six moons old," Whitestorm replied.
"Whitestorm, four moons, isn't almost," Sandpaw said. "And all he's going to do is wake everyone up!"
"You're supposed to be up right now, anyway," Whitestorm replied, growing a little impatient. "So if anything, you should be thanking him."
"But-but he stepped on me!"
"And apologized for it, too," Whitestorm said. "Now, get the other apprentices up; we're having battle training."
"Fine," Sandpaw growled, and turned back into the den.
Whitestorm turned to me. "She's a pawful..."
"You're a good mentor to her," I said. "I've noticed that she argues with just about anyone; the arguments with you are way shorter than the ones with anyone else."
Whitestorm smiled. "Thanks, kit. Now, go on and check on Bluetail. I'm sure he'll be glad to see you."
"Thanks for your help," I said, dipping my head. I turned around and ran off towards the Medicine den.
When I got to the entrance, I paused, and padded in slowly. Strange scents swarmed around me, and everything seemed peaceful.
"Ah, Blackkit, come to see Bluetail?" I recognized Spottedleaf's voice from the back of the den.
"Yeah," I said.
Spottedleaf stepped out of a crevice between two rocks. "He's still asleep. Poor tom, he must really be worn out. Seems to be getting better, though."
I looked to my left and saw Bluetail curled up in a nest, sleeping soundly. He looked completely relaxed; a lot different than he did the day before. Scenes of flaming explosions flashed through my mind, and I cringed, closing my eyes.
"Blackkit?"
I opened my eyes, and there was Bluetail, now sitting up and staring at me worriedly. "Are you okay?"
I breathed out slowly. "Yeah...yeah, I'm okay. How about you?"
Bluetail examined his leg. Some skin had burnt away and revealed red flesh, but it still looked better than it had the day before. "Yeah, I'm okay...pretty good for a cat who can only use three legs."
Spottedleaf stepped closer to us. "You'll be back on all four in a day or two," She promised.
Bluetail nodded. "All thanks to you, Spottedleaf. How do you do it?"
Spottedleaf shrugged. "I just remember what my mentor taught me, and do my best to help out. It must be strange, after living without a Medicine Cat for so long, and then coming back suddenly."
"Yeah, a little," Bluetail said. "Snowy and I always tried to keep herbs around, but we were lucky that nothing serious happened while we were there."
"But I though no challenge was too hard for 'ThunderClan's greatest Warrior'," Spottedleaf laughed.
"What?" Bluetail asked.
"You don't remember? Before you left, I was still an apprentice. You used to joke with me all the time, saying how you were the greatest Warrior," Spottedleaf explained.
Bluetail's eyes lit up with realization. "Yeah, I do remember that. I bet you believed me, too, right?"
"Eh...sometimes," Spottedleaf winked, and walked back to the crevice where she kept her herbs.
Bluetail turned to me. "She probably believed every story I told her. Those apprentices and kits; they believe everything."
"Hey!" I said, bounding up to him and batting his shoulder. "We do not!"
Bluetail laughed. "Of course."
I hissed at him, and crouched low, pretending to be mad. "Take it back; or else!"
"Hey, hey! I was only teasing!" Bluetail said.
"I know," I said, purring and coming to sit next to him.
We both sighed happily and sat in silence for a moment.
Things felt different then they had before. Sure, we'd moved away from one of the two places we'd ever known, but that wasn't the only thing. Bluetail seemed like a different cat. He was friendlier, more open, and he seemed to want to spend more time with me now.
Did he not want to spend time with me before?
I couldn't remember. Even though I knew we lived in the hollow not that long ago, I couldn't remember anything. Somehow the memory of the place seemed distant and fading. All the time we spent there seemed like we had only concentrated on our powers, nothing else.
"Dad," I said, "Tell me about the day I was born."
Bluetail looked surprised. "Well...Blackkit, that's a hard day to talk about." He glanced over at me. "But I guess I can tell you. Earthpaw and I were going hunting."
And Tigerpaw?
"Your mom was at home, waiting for a meal. We'd all been hungry for a while, so getting food was really important. Once we got home," He paused, "You were there, lying next to Snowy, and she was dead."
"Oh," I said after a while.
"You remember the hollow, right?" Bluetail asked.
"Of course, we were there only a few days ago," I said. "But I'm starting to wonder what we did there. I know we played in the river and found out powers."
Bluetail shot a side glance to where Spottedleaf had disappeared a while ago. "Blackkit, quiet about that."
"Oh yeah, sorry," I said, flattening my ears.
"It's okay," Bluetail mewed. "Just be careful."
I stared at him, confused. Something really did seem different about him now.
"Are you okay?"Bluetail asked.
"I think I should ask you that," I replied.
"What?" His eyes darted quickly to the side, then back at me.
"Why are you so concerned about me all of a sudden?"I asked.
Bluetail cringed. "So you've noticed."
"Noticed what?"
"How I've started to notice how I've been acting."
When I only stared at him in confusion, he continued.
"When we lived at the hollow, I...wasn't the best father," He explained.
"Oh."
"Does that ring a bell? Do you think I neglected you guys a little bit? I mean, I paid attention to Earthpaw, but even him...," Bluetail trailed off.
"I don't really remember," I guess I didn't notice that much. Maybe the others have. If only I could see them again..." It hurt, being without my brother and sisters. Brokenkit especially. He was my best friend.
How dare you not think about them! Brokenkit could be trapped or being tortured for all we know, and you're worried about something like if Sandpaw's mad at you or not!
"Blackkit, it's okay. You remember living with Star, right?" Bluetail asked.
"Yeah, a little."
"Well, Snowkit, Icekit, Brokenkit and Earthpaw are probably being treated just you were there. Twolegs can be scary, but they're not terrible to cats," Bluetail explained.
"But I miss them. A lot," I said.
"I know" Bluetail said, wrapping his tail around me. "And it's okay. We'll get them out. Eventually. But do you think I'm a terrible father?"
"I don't remember about then," I said. "That was a while ago. But, Dad, for what I know, all that matters is who you're going to be now."
Bluetail smiled. "That's sounds like something Earthpaw would say."
"Well, we are a lot alike,"I said, glowing. He had said I sounded like Earthpaw! "Some cats say we're like brothers."
Bluetail laughed. "Let's go get something to eat. Maybe I can stand up again."
The next few days passed by in a blur. After a while, I could stand again. Blackkit and I would walk the perimeter of the camp together. We'd talk, and laugh, and I realized I was forming a bond with him; hopefully one that would last forever. I started to realize what being a father meant. It wasn't just about rules, or even protection, but more about holding the family together. Without a mother, I was the only thing my kits had left. They depended on me to keep them all together.
So far, I could say that'd I basically failed in that area.
But no matter; I had a secret plan to save my kits, just as soon as I healed. I hadn't said a word about it to Blackkit, but I knew he'd want to be in on it right away.
As we walked past all the dens, most cats ignored us. Maybe they wanted to give us some privacy, or maybe they just didn't care we were there. My mind drifted back to what Bluestar had said, about how most cats were happy I was back.
I hadn't seen any of that yet.
A few cats we walked by would gaze at my leg, and pity would feel their eyes. I didn't need their pity. I was fine. I hardly limped anymore, and most of the pain was gone. I would be ready for Graypaw's assessment tonight.
I was prepared for anything.
Turns out, I actually wasn't.
I left camp just before Sunset, and went to Tallpines. I was happy with how well my leg was doing. I'd hardly had any trouble with it all day. When I got closer, I could see Lionheart, Bluestar and Graypaw all waiting for me. When I got closer, Bluestar turned around, her eyes bright.
"Bluetail!" She said. "Glad you could make it."
I walked over to Lionheart, and sat facing Bluestar.
"So, tonight, we're doing an assessment for Graypaw," She began. When she said his name, Graypaw lifted his chin up, and smiled. "We're going to watch him, and see how he's been coming along. I think we should all split up, and follow him from different directions. Sound good?" Lionheart and I nodded. "Alright, go ahead, Graypaw," Bluestar said gently. He nodded. "Do you remember your assignment?" He nodded again. "Then go on."
Graypaw sprung from Tallpines, his tail flying.
"All right, I'll be on his left, Lionheart, you take directly behind him, and Bluetail, you take his right," Bluestar instructed. We nodded, and went our ways.
I instantly scented Graypaw working his way away from the Twoleg border. I followed to the right of his trail, and soon found that he was turning right. As I continued on, I realized he was working his way back to Twolegplace. Soon, I burst from the trees, and just about ran into Graypaw. I gasped silently, and jumped back into the bushes.
I could see Graypaw had stopped; he had scented something. He seemed to notice what it was, and then dashed back into the trees, where he almost rammed into Lionheart. Luckily, Lionheart had known Graypaw's next move, and backtracked a few fox-lengths. He crouched down low in the bushes, his eyes focused on his apprentice.
Graypaw stepped closer to the edge of the trees, focused on something. His eyes widened as it padded closer. I couldn't see what it was; there was a tree in the way. I was afraid that if I moved, I'd alert Graypaw, and he'd see me. Plus, he could lose his focus, and whatever was coming would get away.
A ginger tail revealed itself from the right side of the tree, and then disappeared again.
Fox?
No, there was no white tail-tip, and a fox wouldn't be this close to Twolegplace.
Graypaw stepped back as the creature moved closer. He rounded the corner of a tree while the creature ventured into the trees. I was astonished at Graypaw's instincts; he knew that the shadow of the tree would hide his pelt well.
Then, the creature emerged. My mouth gaped at what it was. It wasn't a fox, or anything really threatening; it was a small ginger tom. He was crouched low, stalking something. I would've thought he was another clan apprentice, until I noticed how big his shadow was. This was no intruder: this was a kittypet!
"He's stealing prey…" I heard Graypaw breathe. I gasped, not up until now had I noticed the scent of mouse lingering in the air. The tom crept up on a mouse that was nibbling on a nut, and was sitting on a tree root. The tom continued on, unaware of all of the watching eyes.
"I can't let him do this," Graypaw whispered. Then, just as the orange tom was about to pounce on the mouse, Graypaw leapt out, claws unsheathed. "Rawr!" he cried out.
I silently face-pawed my self. 'Rawr?'
The orange tom's eyes grew wide, but he didn't move. Graypaw leapt on top of him, and the two young toms rolled around in fury. Or maybe it was confusion...
Then, all of a sudden the toms broke apart. They stood facing each other, eyes wide. I drew nearer, wanting to see what was happening.
OW!
I turned around to see Bluestar biting into my tail.
"Hey!" I hissed. "I already have a bad leg! I don't need a broken tail,too!"
"Wait," She mouthed. I nodded grudingly, and crouched down. Luckily, I was close enough to see the toms, though I couldn't hear them.
C'mon, attack him again! He doesn't expect it!
I was so into them fighting; I was all tensed up, that I didn't notice that they weren't fighting! My mouth gaped as I realized that they were talking.
"How can he do this?"I demanded.
"Just wait. Besides, it's not the end of the world; he's only a young kittypet. Maybe Graypaw's lecturing him," Bluestar suggested.
"Yeah, right," I snorted, "An apprentice lecturing. When did you start training in that?"
Bluestar rolled her eyes. "Fine, we'll go and take control." She turned. "Lionheart, come on."
Lionheart jumped up from the bushes. "Coming," He meowed. When he reached us, we all padded over to the two young toms.
Graypaw stood up as we drew nearer. "I smell cats from my clan coming." The orange tom looked around.
"Where?" He asked, looking around.
"Go!" Graypaw warned, "You shouldn't be here!" The tom turned to leave, but Bluestar stopped him.
"Graypaw, what's going on here?" Bluestar asked. The orange tom turned around with wide, green eyes.
"Bluestar!" Graypaw exclaimed, and crouched down low, then even lower when Lionheart and I emerged from the undergrowth.
"Graypaw, your assignment was to stay farther away from the border than this!" Lionheart growled.
"I know, Lionheart, I'm sorry," Graypaw said, looking at his paws. I was shocked when the orange tom copied Graypaw. There was something familiar about him...
I leaned in closer to Bluestar. "What's the point of me being here?" Bluestar narrowed her eyes at me. She ignored my question, and then turned back to Graypaw.
"Who's this?" Bluestar asked.
"Oh, you mean him?" Graypaw asked nervously. Bluestar nodded. "He's no threat! He's not another clan warrior, only a Twoleg pet from beyond our borders."
When Graypaw said this, the tom said nothing to defend himself. But, I did see a fire in his eyes. Graypaw turned to the other tom.
"This is Bluestar; she's leader of my clan!" I heard Graypaw say under his breath, "And Lionheart. He's my mentor. That means he's training me to be a warrior. And that's Bluetail, Bluestar's brother."
"Thank you for the introduction, Graypaw," Lionheart meowed. I could tell that he was irritated that his apprentice was talking to a kittypet.
"Don't worry," I hissed. Lionheart looked at me, but didn't say anything.
"You fight well, for a kittypet," Bluestar meowed out of nowhere, "We've been watching you both. We wondered how you would deal with an intruder, Graypaw. You attacked him bravely." Graypaw looked pleased.
"Now, sit up, both of you!" Bluestar turned her attention to the kittypet, "You dont havebto crouch down like that." The tom sat up, but stared at Bluestar with no hesitation. "You reacted well to the attack, kittypet. Graypaw is stronger than you, but you used your wits to defend yourself. You also turned to face him when he chased you. I've never seen a kittypet do that before."
The tom's eyes widened at Bluestar's praise; he had not expected it.
"I've seen you before, and I've been wondering how you would perform out here. We patrol this border frequently, and that's why I've seen you before. And now, at last, you have dared to place your paws here. Also, you seem to have a natural hunting ability. Sharp eyes. You would have caught that mouse if you hadn't hesitated for so long."
"Really?" The tom asked.
"Bluestar, what are you thinking? This is a kittypet. He shouldn't have crossed the border, even if it did help with Graypaw's assessment. Send him home to his twolegs!" Lionheart meowed insistently.
The tom looked confused. "Send me home?" He asked, "But I've only come for a mouse of two. I'm sure there's enough to go around."
Bluestar looked outraged. A blue fire entered her eyes; one I rarely saw. One that I only saw when her Clan was insulted. "There's never enough to go around!" she spat, "If you didn't live such a soft, overfed life, then you'd know that!"
The tom shrank back. I did, too, surprised at how angry she as. Bluestar looked like she was ready to rip this kittypet's pelt off, and so Lionheart. In my opinion, they needed to calm down.
I turned back to the Kittypets, examining him. What about him was making them so mad?
Oh no...
Could it be?
No...
"Rusty?" It slipped out of my mouth. Bluestar and Lionheart whipped their heads around to stare at me.
"Bluetail?" Rusty asked, blinking "You're a member of this clan?"
"Yeah," I nodded,"this is ThunderClan."
"How do you know each other?" Lionheart demanded. I shook him off.
"How are you here?" I asked, "The other Twolegplace is miles from here!"
"Well, I live with different Twolegs now," Rusty replied, kicking around the dirt under his paws nervously.
"Oh," I meowed. Does Snowkit know that? When we rescue the kits, she'll explode with happiness!
Bluestar leaned over towards me, looking ever angrier, if that was even possible.
"How can you even look at this- this horrible excuse for a cat?" She demanded, "He doesn't understand anything!"
I shrugged. "That's because you haven't explained anything," I replied.
Bluestar looked like she was going to explode. "Me? Explain the complex ways of the clan to a mouse-brained kittypet?" She asked, horrified.
"Bluestar," I said calmly, " Calm down. He's only a kit. Give him a break." Sometimes my older sister could be blinded by anger. In those times, I was the one who always had to calm her down.
"Hey!" Rusty spoke up, "I'm not mouse-brained! Or, at least not that bad… And I don't intend to be a kittypet much longer! My whole life I've dreamed what it'd be like to be a warrior, like- like Bluetail, and Earthpaw, and- and- Snowkit!" Bluestar's eyes widened.
"You've known?" Bluestar asked, "You've known about warrior's your whole life?"
Rusty nodded."When I was four moons old, I still lived with my mother, brother, and sister. One day, Bluetail came to our nest, looking for help."
Bluestar snorted, "Doesn't surprise me."
Rusty ignored her, and continued on. "My mother fed Bluetail's kits, and raised them until they could live in the forest. Then, one day, they left. That was the absolute worst day of my life. I lost my best friend…"
"I'm sorry about that," I meowed, feeling guilty, "But I couldn't have my kits grow up to be kittypets, no matter how true your friendship was."
"I know," Rusty meowed, dipping his head, and I saw Bluestar looked shocked.
"Kittypet, I am shocked by your words. Not only did you fight off Graypaw, but you seem to have true character too! That's something we look for in Warriors in ThunderClan."
Rusty glowed. "Thank you," he mewed, dipping his head again. Bluestar turned towards Lionheart, and beckoned me over. I padded over to them.
"What do you think Lionheart?" Bluestar asked, "Could he train to be a warrior?"
"I'm not sure," Lionheart replied, "He does have character. But, do you know how long it'd take to train him? It'd probably be even be harder than a regular apprentice! I already have trouble with Graypaw, imagine training a kittypet."
"I say that he has a chance!" I spoke up. Bluestar looked at me.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"It's worth a shot," I said, shrugging, "If it didn't work out, I guess you could send him back to Twolegplace."
Bluestar nodded, considering. "Alright. If he wants to, I'll have Whitestorm come in the morning. And you too, Lionheart." Lionheart nodded. Then, we all turned around.
"I have a proposition for you, kittypet," Bluestar began, seeming to choose her words carefully."Since you seem so into clan life, we've decided that if you want to, you can join the clan."
"Really?" Rusty asked, "And I'd get to be a real warrior?"
"Remember," Lionheart broke in suddenly, "Bluestar is only offering you training. If you cannot train to be a warrior, you must come back here."
"It sounds fair," Rusty meowed quietly.
"Good," Bluestar mewed, "If you decide to join us, a patrol will meet you at Sunhigh tomorrow. Now, we must be going. Come on, Graypaw." Bluestar, Lionheart, and Graypaw turned to leave.
"Goodbye, Rusty, I hope you join us," I meowed before I turned around.
"I think I will!" Rusty exclaimed, "And then I'd get to live with Snowkit again! How is she?"
"Uh… great!" I said, and then I ran.
I just hoped that what I had said was actually true.