A Kit in Danger

No cat doubts that cats of all Clans must protect Kits. However, we know from bitter experience that not all Kits grow up to honor the Messenger Code that once gave them protection. Every full-grown tyrant or murderer was once a tiny furball that swelled a mother's heart with pride.

If even a Medicine Cat could see the future, would we protect each Kit the same as the rest?

SunClan Territory

Featherwind, Wolffang, and Whitetail are a hunting patrol. Pigeon will it satisfy the Clan's hunger? Featherwind thought. Whitetail sniffs the prey.

"There's not enough meat left to bother with it," Whitetail said. The air is still and hot. Wolffang spins around expecting to see a dog running towards them. Nevertheless, nothing stirs SunClan's hunting grounds.

"Fox!" shouted Featherwind. Wolffang and Whitetail stiffen. The red-brown creature is standing among the ferns on CloudClan's territory. Its fur is bristling along its spine and its head is held low.

"Is it stalking us?" Whitetail asked.

"Foxes don't hunt full-grown cats unless they're starving," Featherwind said. Wolffang peers closer and sees something trembling within the ferns directly in front of them.

"It's not interested in us. It's found easier prey," Wolffang said.

"That's not prey! That's a Kit!" Featherwind said. Featherwind springs over the thin river before Wolffang and Whitetail can stop her and races to defend the tiny Kit. "Get away!" Whitetail glances at Wolffang.

"I suppose we should her before she loses her ears and whiskers," Whitetail said.

Yes, all Kits must be protected no matter which Clan they are from, however this Kit is still on its own territory! Can't we wait for a CloudClan patrol to come to the rescue? Guess not… Wolffang thought. Featherwind is advancing on the fox, putting herself between it and the frightened Kit.

Protecting another Clan's Kit is one thing; saving your denmate from being savaged is another altogether. Whitetail thought. Side by side, Wolffang and Whitetail jump the small river, screeching out a battle cry. The fox jumps back and growls baring its long pointed fangs.

"You don't frighten us!" Featherwind yowled furiously. Featherwind lashes out with her claws unsheathed then she brings her paw back; full of reddish-brown fur. The fox snaps its jaws at Featherwind. Wolffang rears up on his hindpaws and swipes with both forepaws catching the creature on both its ears. Whitetail ducks low and runs at its snout striking as he passes. The fox shakes its head scattering droplets of blood from its jaws.

"Go, Warriors, go!" the black Kit cheered.

I had almost forgotten that the Kit was even here… Wolffang thought. Wolffang aims one more blow at the fox before dropping back onto all fours and springing backwards out of range of the snapping jaws. The fox growls once more before turning tail and vanishing into the ferns.

"Cool! You were wonderful! The way you sliced its nose! In addition, swiped his ears I wish I could fight like that!" Shadowkit cheered.

"What's your name, small Kit?" Wolffang asked.

"My name is Shadowkit."

"Well, Shadowkit, one day you will be able to fight as we do if you listen to your Mentor and train very hard. However, you shouldn't even be out of your camp yet. What if we hadn't seen you? That fox would have made prey out of you!" Whitetail said.

"But he didn't get me because you rescued me!" Shadowkit gloated as he bounces on his toes.

There is no talking sense into this featherbrained furball. Wolffang thought. "Just be more careful from now on." Wolffang nods to Featherwind and Whitetail and leads them back across the river. Shadowkit watches them go stretching his neck to keep them in sight.

"May HeavenClan walk your path! Thanks for saving me! SunClan will always be my friends! One day, I'll help you, too!"