Chapter 11: Not So Subtle

I was not as stealthy as I thought because Frecklewish managed to track me down. I could see her signature pelt through the blackened trees like a ray of sunshine through leaves.

"Mapleshade? Where are you? I think Foamkit snuck out of camp."

I turned to her with mixed emotions. On one paw, I could use her emotional support. On the other, I really didn't want to explain to Birchface who she was. I had to suck it up. Frecklewish would come looking for her brother soon enough.

"I'm over here Frecklewish. I just wanted to see my kits again."

Birchface looked at me incredulously before spotting Darkforest Frecklewish emerging from between the trees.

"Mapleshade! There you are. You had me worried. Who's your friend?"

I saw Birchface freeze at her question. I could only give Frecklewish a sad smile.

"Frecklewish, this is your brother Birchface. He's been taking care of my kits in Starclan."

She looked at Birchface with such fascination. The gaps in her memory were filling somewhat. I turned to Birchface to explain.

"Birchface, this is and isn't Frecklewish. This Frecklewish is the part of the Starclan Frecklewish that she cast off. More specifically, it is her memories and relationship with me before my codebreaking was revealed. She's the Frecklewish I see as a sister. The unfortunate news is that she doesn't remember you."

I could see the shock cross his face. His sister not remembering him was too alien for him to comprehend. He turned to her.

"You don't remember me?"

Frecklewish looked apologetic in response.

"I'm sorry. I don't. Things are coming back now that I've seen you, but it's still fuzzy. I can remember you with Mapleshade and I, but there is nothing of us interacting alone. I guess the other me didn't want to give that up."

The two looked at each other with obvious tension. My presence at this moment was only making it worse.

"I'll leave you two to catch up/meet again."

I made my way back to my kits to spy Splitpelt and Snowtuft hanging with my kits. It was bizarre to see. Apparently, I hadn't snuck out of camp, but instead ran a patrol out of camp with only me not knowing I was leading them out. I could feel my ears burn with embarrassment.

"Splitpelt, Snowtuft, what are you doing here?"

Snowtuft answered this time.

"Well, when the cat who is almost a literal beacon of power decides to try and sneak off, it isn't exactly subtle. I may not be able to create like the rest of you, but even a newborn could feel your presence especially when you let out those waves. We thought we'd see what had drawn our leader away only to find these four kits chattering with each other. Who are those three to you?"

I shuddered at revealing another of my weaknesses, but I needed to start trusting my companions more. Thankfully there was a barrier to prevent any treachery targeting the three.

"Those are my kits. The ones I had and failed in life." I replied with a sad and bitter tone.

Splitpelt picked up on my tone with obvious ease. He was made of the founders after all. He was familiar with failure and sadness being the combined failures and poor experiences of them. I felt him push up against me.

"Life and death are always full of challenges and heartbreak. I know that more than most. It's you who reminded me that we don't have to dwell on them. We can make our own happiness and move forward. That isn't to say we forget it. We just use our experience to do better."

Splitpelt's heartfelt words were appreciated. I was also thankful that he didn't use this moment to flirt. He must have seen my face light up, because he decided to mess with me.

"I wouldn't mind giving you more kits to care for. You did want to see if it was a possibility."

There it was. I cuffed him in a joking manner. He was clearly trying to take my mind off it.

"So, tell me about them. With how special you are, I imagine they are just as much."

I could feel a smile starting to cross my face.

"You know when you aren't trying to flirt with me, you are a charming tom. Maybe reel in your flirting and I might someday consider it."

I could see him reel back in surprise. His flirting never worked on me, but apparently, he was a sucker for getting flirted with. I could only let out an amused chuckle before introducing him to the rest of my kits. Them being kits, obviously asked about Splitpelt's odd looks. That's when he gave an answer I was not ready for.

"I am Splitpelt. I am made up of four of the founding clan leaders. Thunderstar or Thunder as he was originally named is my right eye. His fearsomeness was matched by his dedication. Riverstar is my left eye. Their ferocity and kindness were renowned throughout all the clans. Windstar is my right hind leg. His adaptability and energy were legendary. Finally is Shadowstar, my left hind leg. His talent in stealth was matched by his strict moral code."

I was perplexed. Weren't there five founders?

"What about Skystar?"

I saw Splitpelt grimace.

"Skystar… He is not a part of me. He never gave away a part of himself. He was the first and the leader of the founders, but he held within him a greed. He thought himself perfect and above the rest. Despite all the good he caused, he died mad and alone. His clan was forever marred by misfortune following his death. I know he is somewhere here in the Darkforest, but he is allusive. He does not wish to be found. I think he hides here to avoid the other founders, always disagreeing with what they had done and chose."

I could only feel a strange pity for the Skystar of legend and his clan. He'd likely done everything he thought was right only to be proven a monster like she had. Their stories were so different, but I could imagine a strange kinship with this cat I'd only heard the name of. I dared not voice my opinion in case that set off Splitpelt, but somewhere in the back of my mind was the spark of a desire to meet that tom and get his side of the story. Was he the monster as depicted or was he another victim of fate and chance like I was. I hoped to someday find the answer.