"The kits are coming!" Wildheart yowled at the top of her lungs. Scorchstar scrambled to his paws, his amber eyes wide as he looked over his mate, who was clutching over in agony, letting out another yowl. She dug her claws into her nest made of sheep wool and moss, shredding it and sending it flying in the air.
Sandfall's kits, Sedgekit and Skykit, watched with wide, fearful eyes. Waspberry, WindClan's newest queen, let out a small mewl of fear at the pain Wildheart was visibly enduring. Sandfall nudged her kits to the back and bounded over to Wildheart. Scorchstar stared at his mate, not knowing what to do. Do I help? Do I give her something? Where's Violetheart? Is she here? This is so soon! He was knocked back to reality by a sharp shove from Sandfall.
"Stop sitting there like a fur-brain!" Sandfall snapped at him. "Get Violetheart!"
Scorchstar unsheathed his claws. "She's in pain!" he growled. "She needs me!"
"I'll do it, then." Waspberry brushed past the two cats and raced out of the nursery, disappearing into the grassland of the camp. Scorchstar stared at his mate, worry causing his heart to skip multiple beats.
"Isn't it too early?" Scorchstar asked Sandfall.
"It's been over two moons since she told you," Sandfall said, focusing her sharp green eyes on Wildheart. "She's been overdue for a while now."
"Does that mean the kits will be okay?" Scorchstar asked, his entire body turning numb as he stared at Wildheart, flailing in her nest. "Is Wildheart going to be okay?" Helplessness made Scorchstar feel miserable as he started to pace around Wildheart. He was the leader of WindClan, yet he couldn't do anything to help his clearly suffering mate! I promised to protect her, but how can I protect her from the pain of giving birth?
"Your pacing isn't going to help it," Sandfall growled at Scorchstar. "Give her some room."
"But…!"
"Sandfall is right." Violetheart's voice was gruff as the medicine cat appeared at the entrance of the gorse bush. Waspberry was right next to her, holding a stick in her jaws. "Get out of the way, Scorchstar. She'll be fine as long as she has her medicine cat with her."
"She needs me!" Scorchstar repeated.
"Don't you trust me?" Violetheart asked. "I was there at your kitting. I've done this plenty of times."
The flippantness in Violetheart's voice was off-putting, but when Scorchstar thought about it more, that meant that Violetheart was so used to this she could probably do it in her sleep. I trust her, Scorchstar thought. He finally gave Violetheart a nod and slipped out of the den, but the only thing that ran through his mind was Wildheart's pain.
"I love you, Wildheart!" Scorchstar called out as Sandfall pushed him out of the nursery. "Be strong, for me and our kits."
Wildheart's only response was a pained moan. Scorchstar winced and started to pace around the nursery. His thoughts ran free with a mixture of fear and excitement. It killed him to know that Wildheart was suffering through so much pain, but the end result would be their kits. Would her suffering be worth it? Scorchstar took a deep breath, trying to calm down, but it was no use thanks to the pounding of his heart that rivaled a war drum.
WindClan cats were starting to gather as hushed whispers exchanged between them, their tails pointing towards the nursery. Scorchstar ignored them, continuing to pace in circles as Wildheart continued to moan from the nursery. Just as he circled the camp for a fifth time, he felt a small touch on his shoulder, and he spun around to see who it was. Sunleaf was watching him, her green eyes bright.
"My dear son," Sunleaf murmured, nuzzling his cheek, "you must calm down."
"Calm down?" Scorchstar lashed his tail. "How can I possibly calm down while the cat I love the most in my life is suffering in there?" He pointed his tail towards the nursery. "Can't you hear her?"
"Giving birth is the most painful thing in the world," Sunleaf said, "but it is rewarding. The feeling you see when you see your kits for the very first time… it is worth all of it, Scorchstar. Stop thinking about her pain – she will, the minute she sees her kits. Think about being there for her. Running yourself exhausted isn't going to help you nor will it help her."
Scorchstar bit his lip as his mother ran her tail down his back, and then turned away towards the elders' den where Cloverwhisker and Deerheart were waiting for her. In camp, most of the cats' eyes were focused on the nursery. Songbreeze's tail twitched back and forth where she sat next to Lilystream. Blackdove's lips were pressed tight in a straight line, while Lightningtalon had his eyes focused on the nursery, although Scorchstar guessed it was out of worry for his pregnant mate, Waspberry, rather than Wildheart.
Brambledusk walked behind Scorchstar, and Scorchstar barely noticed his presence until the tom nudged him. Scorchstar gasped, turning behind to face his small, lithe deputy. He knew that every cat in the clearing had been surprised by his choice of deputy – Scorchstar hadn't exactly been keen on choosing Brambledusk, either. But something in his heart told him to choose the cat he trusted least… so Scorchstar could gain his loyalty and prove he was the best cat to lead WindClan.
"I know this is a bad time," Brambledusk meowed, "but scents of—"
"It's your first kit!" Sandfall yowled with joy. Scorchstar tuned Brambledusk out and raced to the nursery, but just as he was about to force himself in, Waspberry pushed him back with a surprisingly strong paw. Scorchstar gritted his teeth, stopping himself from batting at her.
"Why can't I go in?" Scorchstar demanded.
"Because there are more coming!" Waspberry retorted, her gray-and-white fur bristling. Scorchstar stepped back, unsure if he should feel happy that there were more kits on their way, or frustrated that Waspberry wouldn't let him in. He heard more mews of encouragement coming from the nursery, and the sudden shrill cry of a kit made Scorchstar freeze in his tracks. My kit!
The sound coming from his kit – son or daughter, he had no idea, but it didn't matter – shocked Scorchstar to his core. Then the shock was gradually replaced with a warm sense of love. I wish I could see my kit now. But none of the she-cats had let him inside, and he was beginning to think they never would. Suddenly, he could hear more small cries, different than the one before. More kits! He had more than one!
After what seemed like ages, the sounds gradually began to subside from the nursery, and Scorchstar approached the entrance, eager to be let in. When Violetheart came out, he was half-expecting the medicine cat to push him aside like Waspberry had, but Violetheart gave him a respectful nod and meowed, "You're a father. You have two daughters and a son."
"Two daughters and a son?" Scorchstar gasped. "Oh, that's wonderful! I'm going in now!" The WindClan leader shoved his way into the gorse bush, nearly sending Violetheart to the ground. Just as he entered the shadowed bush, he could see Sandfall in the corner of the den, her pale tail wrapped around Sedgekit and Skykit. Waspberry watched Wildheart nurse her kits from her own nest, her paws tucked under her chest.
Scorchstar approached Wildheart, and the moment his gaze focused on the three kits suckling at Wildheart's body, his entire body was overrun with warm, soft tingles. A quiet joy rose up in his stomach, and the fierce need to protect these little kits bubbled up inside his heart and steeled his muscles. It had only been seconds since he had seen them, but he already knew that he would give his life to defend these three kits. I'll be the best father, I swear, he promised his kits. He padded over to Wildheart, nuzzling her dappled cheek.
"You did great," he purred, his voice shrill with joy. He focused his gaze on the squirming bodies against Wildheart's stomach. One kit was dark red, his fur still damp from being groomed. Scorchstar gaped at him, and then he turned to look at the second kit. Her kit was ginger-and-white with stripes – so much like Habu, Swiftstar, Adderstripe, and Scorchstar himself. The last kit was silver with rippling dark stripes, her pelt sticking out against her siblings, and Scorchstar recalled that Grayflight, Wildheart's father, was a silver tom. She must get it from him.
"Aren't they beautiful?" Wildheart asked, her words soft as she gazed lovingly at the kits.
"They're perfect," Scorchstar said. They were so small and beautiful – defenseless and vulnerable, too. But, through it all, Scorchstar felt as if his heart would burst with joy. All the anxiety he had felt while hearing Wildheart's pain melted away like morning dew. The apprehensions he had about leading his Clan were gone, too. Any pain that had stayed with him from his life had disappeared. Right now, the only thing that mattered was Wildheart and her kits. "Can we name them?"
"Of course," Wildheart said, joy written all over her face. She nodded to the ginger-and-white tabby she-kit. "I'd like to name this one Hawkkit. She already seems as fierce and strong as one."
"You're right," Scorchstar agreed as Hawkkit squirmed near her mother's belly, batting at it with tiny paws. "Hawkkit is perfect." He gestured with his tail towards the dark red kit near his sister. "Redkit for this one, maybe? His fur is darker than mine."
"Perfect," Wildheart whispered. "What about the silver kit? She looks like my father, doesn't she?"
"She does," Scorchstar agreed. "How about Mallowkit for her?"
"I love it," Wildheart purred. "She's as sweet and soft as the herb itself." The tortoiseshell she-cat let out a breath. "Hawkkit, Redkit, and Mallowkit. Welcome to the world, little ones."
"I'm so happy," Scorchstar purred. "I never knew it would feel this good to be a father. You're going to be a great mother, Wildheart. I just know it."
"And you'll be a good father, Scorchstar," Wildheart said, lifting her head to lick Scorchstar's cheek. "I know you'll protect these kits with your life… and so will I."
"Mallowkit and Hawkkit look just as beautiful as you do," Scorchstar remarked. "Does Redkit look like me?"
"Just as handsome, yes," Wildheart chuckled. "Gods, Scorchstar, it was so painful. But then I see these three… and I'd do it all over again." The tortoiseshell queen licked Mallowkit's tufty silver fur. "They are going to be great cats."
My children, Scorchstar thought as he gazed at his three kits. Thank you, gods, for giving us these three kits, and for giving Wildheart the strength she needed to deliver them. Suddenly, Scorchstar remembered that he had completely blown Brambledusk off when he had come to the nursery. Scorchstar shut his eyes in frustration. Just as he was trying to prove Brambledusk that he deserved his loyalty.
"Oh, Wildheart, I hate to leave you, but I've got to talk to Brambledusk about something," Scorchstar told her. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
Wildheart nodded, but her gaze was focused solely on her kits. Scorchstar gave her one last lick around her ears and turned around. Every muscle was screaming at him in his body to stay with his kits. He wanted to – gods, he wanted to. But he was the leader of WindClan, and he couldn't neglect his duties. Scorchstar walked out of the nursery, his heart heavy, as he walked over to Brambledusk, who was sitting with a face carved from stone.
"What did you need, Brambledusk?" Scorchstar asked his deputy.
"ThunderClan scents were reported at the border," Brambledusk replied. "I came back here to report, and Harepaw was supposed to be with me. When I looked behind me, he wasn't there. I sent Russetstripe to find him, but they're still not back yet. I came to ask for your help to find them."
Scorchstar glanced at Brambledusk. For a moment, he wondered if this was a guise. Maybe a trap to kill him. But he shook his head. No. Brambledusk is my deputy, and I trust him. He wouldn't do it. "All right. Let's go." I'll come back alive, for the sake of my kits. Brambledusk gave him a sharp nod and bounded out of the hollow, and Scorchstar was hot on his heels. He could see the fur on Brambledusk's fur rising as the pale tabby tom led him through the moorland. The grassland, which only a half-moon ago had been bound with snow, was fresh and green again, at its highest growth. Scorchstar was thankful that newleaf was here – they needed the prey and warmth again, after the freezing leaf-bare.
Brambledusk followed a well-trodden trail in the moorland, racing over the mounds of hills and the ridges until they reached a massive slope that led down to the border with ThunderClan. Scorchstar could spot the stream bubbling below, and his heart sank in his chest as he heard hisses and howls coming from across the border. Hardening his muscles, he plunged down the hill until he reached the stream bank, Brambledusk behind him. The two cats crossed the stream with ease and Scorchstar recognized the pelts of Russetstripe, Briarpaw, Seedpaw, and Harepaw wrestling with multiple ThunderClan warriors.
Harepaw's claws scored into the jet-black pelt of Breezeflower, tearing into her skin, while Briarpaw and Seedpaw fought together, taking on the warriors Mistcloud and Mintsplash. Russetstripe slashed her claws down Goldensky's cheek, his crimson blood splattering across her ginger face. Scorchstar stopped, thinking that they were in trouble, but he realized that these cats didn't need help at all. They were taking on the patrol just fine. Harepaw flipped over Breezeflower with ease, while Briarpaw had Mintsplash yowling in her grip, and Seedpaw nipped at her heels. Russetstripe sent Goldensky to the ground, and he did not rise.
"Retreat!" Mistcloud cried out, staring at her Clanmates. "Retreat!" The gray she-cat plunged into the forest, blood streaming from the wounds on her dark gray pelt as she disappeared into the trees. Goldensky scrambled to his paws, following her as fast as he could. Mintsplash and Breezeflower raced after the two cats, their breaths ragged as blood created a trail behind their pelts.
"And don't come back!" Russetstripe yowled as they fled. Her green eyes flared with fury and she looked to the apprentices. "Nice job, you three." When she turned around, her jaw dropped as she came face-to-face with Brambledusk and Scorchstar.
Scorchstar's ears flattened. "What was that for?" he growled. "Were they trespassing?"
"Yes!" Harepaw bounded over to Scorchstar. "They stole a rabbit on our territory!" The brown tom pointed with his tail towards a dead rabbit near the bank of the stream. Scorchstar followed his line of sight. "Then they had the guts to say it wasn't them, when we saw them do it!"
"Russetstripe confronted them about it, and then Breezeflower attacked her," Seedpaw added. "We had to fight!"
"I must say, you apprentices did an excellent job in fighting," Brambledusk remarked, his amber gaze raking the three cats. "You sent those ThunderClan cats running away with only one warrior to help. I'm impressed."
Scorchstar felt his entire body light up. Brambledusk was right. Harepaw had been skilled and efficient in the way he had defeated Breezeflower, and Seedpaw and Briarpaw had worked together by fighting in sync and looking out for the other when they had been fighting two skilled ThunderClan warriors at once. I think I know what to make of this. Scorchstar gazed at Harepaw and he nodded. "You did very well."
Russetstripe shook out the blood on her fur. "It's solved, now," she said. "Let's go home."
Go home indeed. Scorchstar allowed Brambledusk to take the lead and he fell behind with Harepaw. Harepaw had grown so much bigger in the last few moons. How had Scorchstar not noticed? I've been a terrible mentor, he thought to himself, guilt making his heart drop. I've been too busy with Wildheart and being the Clan deputy that I let Blackdove train both Harepaw and Seedpaw.
"You did a good job," Scorchstar told the apprentice. He wondered if Harepaw would be too mad at him to say anything – after all, he was sure to have caught on. But there was nothing signaling that Harepaw had anything against the Clan leader when he responded with the usual happiness and joy he was known for.
"Thanks!" Harepaw exclaimed. "I think I taught that ThunderClan cat a lesson to never come back, don't you?"
"Of course." Scorchstar purred. Brambledusk had brought up a good point on how well they fought. WindClan needed new warriors, with Sunleaf's retirement and the queens moving to the nursery. And Scorchstar knew just the newest bunch to join the warriors' den. Harepaw's pelt was slick with blood, and Scorchstar could see a couple of scratches on his wiry body, but that didn't slow down the apprentice. Instead, it seemed to quicken his stride as the four cats followed Brambledusk as the WindClan deputy led them back towards camp.
The ridge of camp was visible from Scorchstar's view and was dotted with gorse bushes as the WindClan leader picked his way down the hollow. His pawsteps were lighter with the knowledge that he was a father now, and euphoria made his senses all the more heightened when he leaped onto the Tall Branch, calling everyone's attention in the ceremonial cry. Just as the cats gathered, he could see confusion cross their faces.
"Everyone!" Scorchstar yowled. "I want you to know that Wildheart has born my kits."
Surprise flashed on Russetstripe's face. She wasn't here for the kitting, Scorchstar realized. I wonder if Wildheart will let her see the kits. I know Wildheart hates her, but she's my sister, and these kits are her kin, too. I'll have to convince her. Next to Russetstripe, Blackdove's expression was pressed, and when Scorchstar looked at her closer, he could see a tinge of sorrow. What does she have to be upset about?
Scorchstar went on. "Their names are Hawkkit, Redkit, and Mallowkit. I'm sure they'll be good warriors, and I'm excited to welcome them into the Clan. In the meantime, I also want to share with you the success of three of our apprentices when they bravely took on a ThunderClan patrol with only one warrior accompanying them."
"Is it us?" Harepaw yowled from the gathering cats. Briarpaw flicked her tail across his mouth, and Patchshine nudged her son sharply.
"It's you," Scorchstar replied, feeling his whiskers twitch with amusement. "It's time that you three became warriors. Harepaw, Briarpaw, Seedpaw, step up, please."
Harepaw hopped up and down on his paws, and it reminded Scorchstar of the day he had become an apprentice. Just as the three warriors approached him, Scorchstar cleared his throat, remembering the words from when he had made Lightningtalon and his siblings warriors. "I, Scorchstar, leader of WindClan, call upon my ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Harepaw, Briarpaw, Seedpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Harepaw exclaimed the word three times, and Scorchstar held back a sigh. Hopefully being a warrior would calm the young tom down – even though Scorchstar greatly appreciated his drive to be a loyal warrior for WindClan.
"I do," Briarpaw replied, her voice ringing with confidence.
"I do," Seedpaw said, the words softly spoken but albeit still there.
"Then, by the powers of StarClan I grant you three your warrior names." Scorchstar leaped down from the Tall Branch. "Harepaw, from now on, you will be known as Harewhisker. StarClan honors your energy and enthusiasm, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan."
Just as Harewhisker walked up towards Scorchstar, Scorchstar rested his chin on Harewhisker's head and murmured, "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, more often."
"It's okay," Harewhisker said. "Blackdove taught me well, anyway. But the times you taught me… that was when I learned the most."
Scorchstar swallowed the lump in his throat as Harewhisker walked away. He was barely even my apprentice, Scorchstar thought. But I can't think about that now. I'm glad he grew up into a good warrior, and I'm thankful to Blackdove for training him when I didn't. When Scorchstar turned to look at Briarpaw, he said, "Briarpaw, from now on, you will be known as Briarsnow. StarClan honors your confidence and zeal, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan."
Briarsnow walked over to Scorchstar, her blue eyes glowing, and Scorchstar rested his chin on top of her brown head. Briarsnow licked his shoulder and walked away. Scorchstar watched as Seedpaw stood, alone in the clearing. Seedpaw had always been the shiest of them all. "Seedpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Seedfur. StarClan honors your commitment and compassion, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan."
Seedfur visibly beamed at her new name, and she trotted over to Scorchstar, who, as he had done with the other new warriors, touched his chin to Seedfur's head. Seedfur licked his shoulder in response and turned to face her Clanmates. Blackdove's green eyes shone with pride for her apprentice, and Songbreeze, who often wore a poker face, had happiness glowing in her blue gaze as she gazed at Briarsnow. She had taken over the apprentice's training after Wildheart had moved to the nursery. Scorchstar felt a glow of gratification as he gazed down at Harewhisker. Even though he hadn't been the best mentor to him, he swore to guide his paws as Harewhisker navigated the tough path of being a warrior.
"Harewhisker! Briarsnow! Seedfur!" cheered the WindClan cats until the names of the new warriors visibly rocked the hollow. Scorchstar felt a purr swell in his chest, but suddenly the cheers died down and the camp turned stone silent. What's the matter? Even the new warriors' eyes widened with shock, and Scorchstar turned to see what they all were looking at.
A massive brown tabby tom stood at the entrance of the camp, with a smaller, but still powerful pale brown tom at his side. Scorchstar immediately knew who these cats were, from how they carried themselves and the scent of pine sticking to their pelts.
Talonstar and Shrewfur.