Chapter Twenty-two part 2
Talonclaw burst through the gorse tunnel. "Stormtail! Stormtail!" Her gaze swept the forest, but she couldn't make out a gray pelt. She padded up the steep slope and headed deeper into the woods, tasting the air for his scent. I'll find him eventually... Maybe he went to Sunning Rocks for some peace and quiet. She padded off in that direction.
A sudden pain gripped her belly. No! No please no! StarClan, it's too soon! She collapsed on the forest floor. She was too far from camp for anyone to hear her.
She tried to control her breathing. Stay calm. It was so hard, she was terrified. Terrified for her kits, terrified for her coming ordeal.
***
Hours passed. She could see the sun sliding over the trees. Its glorious golden rays transforming her forest into a golden haven.
She nosed her kits. Three, dead. The final one struggled weakly at her belly. She was so tiny. "This is your home, my kits. ThunderClan." A sob racked her body. "I wish your father was here." She had never felt so alone. So weak. She wondered bleakly if her clan mates would come looking for her.
She gathered all of her kits towards her. If only you knew how much I love you! How much I had planned for you. How I would give my life to see you ready, and healthy for this world. She had lain in the forest, wailing her loss, too weak to move. There could be no greater pain than this.
She licked her last kit, trying to keep her warm. "Hold on." She begged. "Hold on, Goldenkit."
***
She had buried her kits. Goldenkit had mewled and fought for her life. StarClan... you took my kits from me.
Suddenly she stiffened. A strong scent hit her. Something was stalking through the undergrowth.
"Come out, coward!" She spat as forcibly as she could, her back arched and hackles raised. Immediately she smoothed her matted fur. "I was hoping some one would find me." She sniffed, something was wrong. "Are you al-" She shrieked as he leaped on top of her, claws extended and teeth barred.
He was using moves she didn't recognize. She rolled over, exposing her soft belly. He leaped for her and she thrust all four of her paws out. But she was too weak to do more than knock him off balance. He flipped over onto the ground. She stumbled to her feet, hissing.
"What is wrong with you?!"
But he was on her again, clawing her ears. She batted him away. Blood trickled into her eyes, blinding her. She staggered, and he clawed her shoulder, ripping the tabby fur and opening a deep wound.
"Greet StarClan for me, rogue." He wheezed in her ear.
She couldn't answer - couldn't breathe. She sank into starry darkness.