Dawnstar's Trouble

Prologue
Poppyfur looked around her herb store, making sure everything was neat and in place before she left. The cream and black she-cat poked her head out of the medicine cat den, the sun was slowly falling and the half-moon was going to take its place. With one last check, Poppyfur exited the medicine cat den only to be greeted by a golden brown tabby tom racing towards her.

“What is it, Blazeheart?” She questioned with a half-sigh, she assumed it was another false alarm with his mate’s kits.

“I think Windflight is actually  having her kits this time! She’s in a lot pain, more than usual. Sunstream and Dovetail think it’s time too.” Blazeheart explained quickly, his amber eyes flashing with anxiety.

“I’ll check and make sure.” Poppyfur grumbled slightly, not wanting to waste her time with a queen who probably wasn’t even having her kits. Windflight had about three false alarms a day, though this was the first one for today.

Blazeheart followed Poppyfur to the nursery, clearly stopping himself from running ahead of the medicine cat. Any new father would be nervous about his mate having kits, though Poppyfur assured him that Windflight’s pregnancy had been completely safe and normal. Poppyfur stepped inside the medicine cat den where she saw Dovetail slowly lapping at Windflight’s head, trying to keep her calm while Sunstream tried holding her two kits, Lionkit and Goldenkit back as they eagerly tried to see what was going on with Windflight.

Poppyfur looked over Windflight, the pale brown she-cat did look to be in a lot of pain. The medicine cat ran her forepaw over Windflight’s belly, feeling movement. She took a deep breath, Windflight really was kitting this time. “It’s happening.” Poppyfur mewed, looking at Blazeheart and Sunstream. “Sunstream, do you remember what herbs I used for you?” The golden she-cat nodded. “Take Blazeheart and the kits if you have to go get them, I’m going to prepare Windfight.”

“I want to stay here.” Blazeheart replied stubbornly. Poppyfur snorted, not in the mood for his attitude.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You can’t do anything here yet, go get the herbs and be helpful. Then you can come back in and soothe her.” Blazeheart hesitated, but eventually turned tail and ran off towards the medicine cat den with Sunstream and her kits.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“How are you feeling, Windflight?” Poppyfur asked, forming a nest for the kits to fall into.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It hurts.” Windflight whimpered, her mew lined with pain. “Is that okay? Will the kits be okay?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Poppyfur let out a purr to soothe her. “The kits will be fine, pain is the most natural part of having kits.” Poppyfur looked up at Dovetail, noticing the pain and fear in the gray she-cats blue eyes. Dovetail may have just moved into the nursery but it wasn’t her first time having kits. Dovetail’s first litter of two didn’t survive kitting, but now she was back in the nursery with hopefully kits that survived.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Just breathe, Windflight. Blazeheart and Sunstream are coming with herbs. It will all be over soon, and then you’ll have kits of your own.” Windflight let out a pleased purr at Poppyfur’s words, her eyes slowly closing for just a moment before she let out a cry of pain. A few moments later, Sunstream and Blazeheart stepped back into the medicine cat den with a bundle of herbs and a stick.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Give the stick to her.” Poppyfur instructed Blazeheart who set the stick down in front of Windflight, nudging it towards her mouth. Windflight’s green eyes burned with love as she looked at her mate.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’ll let you take over.” Dovetail said softly, moving over to sit behind Poppyfur and letting Blazeheart be up by Windflight’s head.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Sunstream stepped outside, keeping Lionkit and Goldenkit occupied, Poppyfur was grateful for the intelligent queen’s action. Poppyfur placed her paw on Windflight’s belly once more, feeling a strong ripple. “They’ll be here soon, Windflight. Hold on.” The kitting she-cat’s body jolted in pain, her teeth clamping down on the stick that had been provided.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Blazeheart tensed but kept lapping at Windflight’s ears and whispering sweet and soothing words to the queen. Poppyfur waited for the next cry of pain, as it would probably bring a kit along with it.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Just as she suspected, Windflight bit down on the stick once more and a small kit tumbled into the nest. “Dovetail.” She commanded. “Come get this kit, get it’s blood flowing.” Dovetail didn’t hesitate, she picked up the small bundle and began rapidly licking its fur in the opposite direction. Poppyfur could see the determination in the queen’s actions, she didn’t want to lose this kit like she lost hers.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Windflight let out another cry of pain and another kit fell, Poppyfur gave this one to Blazeheart who quickly took to licking it and making it warm. Poppyfur’s ears twitched as she heard the first kit let out a loud mew. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">It’s a strong one. Good. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Poppyfur thought, placing her paw on Windflight’s belly once more. “There’s one more, Windflight. You’re doing wonderful.” There was another cry from across the nursery as the second kit began mewling for it’s mother.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Feeling hopeful, Poppyfur waited for the next kit. This one came quickly, quicker than she expected as a tiny kit fell into the nest. Poppyfur took it upon herself to lick this small kit, it was smaller than the older two but big enough to live. It didn’t take long before all three kits were crying for milk.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It’s a she-kit.” Poppyfur mewed, looking down at the kit before her. A small golden-brown tabby she-cat like her father. Only with a white chest and tiny white paws, Poppyfur felt a rush of joy as she looked at the squirming ball of fur.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“This one is a she-cat too!” Dovetail announced, Poppyfur looked over at the other she-cat. A small, light brown she-cat who thrashed and yowled like a fox in a fit. Poppyfur mewed with amusement. “She’s a fighter.” Dovetail purred, setting the brown she-cat at Windflight’s belly alongside the golden-brown she-cat.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“This one is a tom.” Blazeheart purred, love overtaking his entire expression. The tom was mottled brown, also squirming for milk. When Blazeheart set his son down, Windflight looked down at them as they fought for milk.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“They’re so beautiful.” Her voice cracked and her green eyes filled with love, she looked up at Poppyfur. “Thank you so much.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It’s my job.” Poppyfur dipped her head. “You did all the hard work.” Poppyfur dipped her head, looking to see if Windflight was still bleeding or in any danger. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Such an easy birth. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Poppyfur couldn’t help but feel grateful, ever since Dovetail’s lost litter she had grown anxious about helping queens have their kits, but after Sunstream’s successful birth as well as Windflight’s just now, she was starting to feel more and more comfortable.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Don’t you have to go to the moonstone?” Poppyfur turned to see Sunstream behind her. “It’s the half-moon.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Poppyfur suddenly remembered that she was on her way to the moonstone. “Yes, I do.” She looked back at Windflight who was still lovingly gazing at her kits. “Windflight, I will be back in the morning with some herbs to help you.” Windflight gave a nod and Poppyfur rushed out of the nursery, she was surprised to see that most of the Clan was still awake. Even the young apprentice, Fawnpaw. Poppyfur spotted Flowerstar sitting near the SunTree speaking with her sister, Stormwind.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“How are the kits?” Flowerstar asked when she spotted the medicine cat, her soft green eyes curious.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Perfectly strong and healthy.” Poppyfur replied. “There’s three, two she-cats and a tom.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Wonderful.” Stormwind purred, her blue eyes distant. Stormwind was Dovetail’s mother, another cat who had been devastated by the loss of Dovetail’s two kits. “With Lionkit and Goldenkit at four moons old, we’ll have a full apprentice den here soon.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That’s always a good sign.” Flowerstar purred. “Apprentices mean warriors.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’d love to stay and talk,” Poppyfur mewed, looking up at the night sky. “But I need to hurry to the moonstone.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I understand. “Flowerstar dipped her head. “I’ll see you when you get back.” Poppyfur dipped her head, bidding farewell to Flowerstar and Stormwind then ran as quickly as she could out of the camp and into SunClan territory.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She nearly sprinted through the territory, quickly reaching the MoonClan border. She made her way across the branch that acted as a bridge, figuring that the other medicine cats had already made their way to the moonstone without her. Poppyfur moved at a quick pace through MoonClan territory, leaping over the small river that separated MoonClan from the Spirit Woods.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">A beautiful and haunting area filled with white trees that glowed in the moonlight. In the center of these woods was the Spirit Tree, which housed the moonstone. Poppyfur scented the other medicine cats that had passed through here earlier. Poppyfur reached the Spirit Tree and descended into the dark tunnel with ease, remembering when he had been terrified the first time she had ever been in the cave. When Poppyfur stepped into the cavern, she could see the rest of the medicine cats resting around the stone. She didn’t waste any time touching her nose to the stone and letting darkness take hold of her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Poppyfur woke up up in the Spirit Woods, the usual place where she met with her StarClan ancestors. She looked around, still feeling breathless from her quick journey to the moonstone. It wasn’t long before a familiar, warm and sweet scent filled the air around her. Poppyfur noticed a shimmering, golden she-cat with green eyes.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Honeywing.” Poppyfur stood up, greeting her former mentor. Honeywing’s eyes were soft and kind, as they always were.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Welcome, Poppyfur.” Honeywing dipped her head. “How are the new SunClan kits?” She questioned.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Wonderful.” Poppyfur replied. “They were born very strong, the brown she-cat was very loud.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That’s good.” Honeywing purred. Poppyfur couldn’t help but notice a strange look in Honeywing’s eyes, what was the StarClan cat thinking? <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Is there anything else?” Poppyfur questioned. “Something you needed to tell me?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Honeywing looked away, something shadowing her bright gaze. “Yes there is.” The golden she-cat took a deep breath and looked back at Poppyfur, her eyes now steady and strict. “When the forest is in danger, a new dawn will blaze brighter than the sun.” A shiver went down Poppyfur’s spine.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What is that? Is that a prophecy? What does it mean?” The questions poured from Poppyfur, unsure of what to think. She had never received a prophecy before.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Honeywing hushed her softly. “Don’t worry about it too much, Poppyfur. You cannot use all your time fretting about this one prophecy. It will soon come to light what those words mean to you and to your Clan.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Since I got it tonight,” Poppyfur added. “Do you think that it has something to do with Windflight’s kits?” Poppyfur thought back to the brown she-cat, mewling and yowling as loud as can be. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Could she be the subject of this prophecy?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Time will tell.” Honeywing purred. “Now return to your Clan, Poppyfur. We will speak again soon, I promise.” She stepped forward, touching her nose to Poppyfur’s and before the medicine cat could respond she was waking up in the moonstone cavern with her fellow medicine cats.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Look who decided to show up.” Poppyfur didn’t even need to turn to recognize the toxic tone of Eagleclaw, the AshClan medicine cat. She turned to face him, his amber eyes sharp with annoyance. His brown tabby pelt was thin and dull, and he was incredibly skinny. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">How long before this cranky old tom joins StarClan? <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Poppyfur asked herself. Next to Eagleclaw was a much more pleasant cat to both look at and be around. His apprentice, Moonwhisker. A beautiful, silver tabby she-cat with icy blue eyes and striking black tabby markings.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I apologize for showing up late,” Poppyfur mewed, looking over at the other two medicine cats. Barkclaw of LichenClan and Ravenheart of MoonClan. “Windflight had her kits.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“How many did she have?” Moonwhisker asked, her blue eyes sparkling. “And are they healthy?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“She had three of them.” Poppyfur purred, Moonwhisker reminded her so much of Honeywing. “And yes they’re all very strong and healthy.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That’s wonderful news.” Ravenheart dipped his head kindly. “New kits are a blessing for all Clans.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That is very true.” Barkclaw added, his yellow eyes sparkling.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Can we stop chattering like a bunch of starlings and get a move on?” Eagleclaw growled. “I’d like to make it back to my den before I collapse of old age.” He grunted, pushing past the other medicine cats. The four of them shared an amused laugh and followed the bitter tom.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The medicine cats, with the exception of Eagleclaw shared idle conversation as they made their ways back to their own territories. Ravenheart and Poppyfur bid farewell to Eagleclaw, Moonwhisker and Barkclaw and walked together through MoonClan territory until Poppyfur made it back onto her own land.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">By the time she reached the camp, the sun was starting to rise. The dawn patrol would be leaving soon, Poppyfur figured she should run some herbs to Windflight before she went to bed. Once in camp, Poppyfur cast a glance towards Flowerstar’s den, she would probably tell her leader about Honeywing’s prophecy, but after she got some sleep.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Poppyfur grabebd a jawful of borage leaves from her den to bring to Windflight, she was surprised to find the she-cat already awake. “Welcome back.” Windflight purred as Poppyfur stepped into the den.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“How are the kits?” Poppyfur asked, looking at the three bundles of fur sleeping soundly against their mothers belly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“They’re wonderful.” Windflight gazed lovingly down at them. “They have names too.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What are they?” Poppyfur questioned.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“The tom is Turtlekit, because of his pretty brown coat, the brown she-cat is Willowkit and the golden-brown she-cat is Dawnkit.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Dawnkit?” Poppyfur echoed, the words of Honeywing’s prophecy ringing in her ears. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">When the forest is in danger, a new dawn will blaze brighter than the sun. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> “How did you come up with that one?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Turtlekit and Willowkit came to me so easily,” Windflight responded, wrapping her tail around her kits. “But I couldn’t think of a name for her, but when I was sleeping it came to me in a dream. From that moment on I knew it was perfect.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Poppyfur looked at little Dawnkit, she was smaller than her siblings and not as loud. She twitched in her sleep and her little face looked so peaceful. Poppyfur originally thought the prophecy would be about Willowkit, but now she was sure it was about little Dawnkit. What future did this she-cat hold in her paws?

Chapter 1
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Sunlight filtered in through the tiny gaps of the nursery, speckling the cats inside with golden light. A tiny golden brown she-cat rustled as the lights danced across her eyelids. She opened her green eyes, blinking away sleep. She rose to her white paws and stretched, yawning.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What are you doing away, Dawnkit?” Dawnkit glanced over her shoulder at her mother, Windflight. The brown she-cat must have been roused with Dawnkit stirred.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I just woke up, it’s morning right?” Dawnkit asked, her paws itching to explore and discover. Windflight let out a slight, tired laugh.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Almost, it’s dawn. The dawn patrol should be leaving soon.” Dawnkit’s ears twitched.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Can I watch?” She requested eagerly. Windflight’s eyes glowed softly, but her eyelids drooped. “From the nursery. Then get back to sleep.” The queen laid her head back down. Dawnkit bounded over to the entrance of the nursery, peering into the camp. Windflight had been right, outside the warriors den stood a group of warriors. A brown tom stood before them, giving orders. His long black striped marked him as the Clan deputy, Tigertail. Out of the group Dawnkit picked a particular golden-brown tabby tom. Her father, Blazeheart. He didn’t seem to notice her, he was focused on the patrol. The warriors soon left, leaving Dawnkit;s pelt buzzing with excitement. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Someday that’s gonna be me! <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Despite her reluctance, Dawnkit turned away, she slowly padded back to her nest and curled up. However, she didn’t sleep. She instead waited for one of her siblings to wake up.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit was the first one awake, she was full of energy from the second she opened her green eyes and the first thing she did was pounce on Dawnkit. This happened every morning so surprise wasn’t an issue. It was more the eight of her much larger sister crushing her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Get off me, furball!’ Dawnkit hissed through her teeth as Willowkit’s light brown fur covered her vision. Willowkit rolled off laughing. “Rude!” Dawnkit spat, smoothing her ruffled fir. She wasn’t really mad at her sister, it was all fun and games.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit sneered and shook, ruffling her fur even more. Her eyes turned to their brother Turtlekit. He was still sleeping as ball of mottled brown fur. Willowkit didn’t pounce on Turtlekit, she instead jabbed her paw into his side. Turtlekit let out a slight yel but did not wake up.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Toms are such lazy furballs!’ Willowkit hissed and launched herself on Turtlekit, the two did a somersault backwards. As Dawnkit watched she choked back laughter, she heard an angered his from Turtlekit as well as the laughter of Willowkit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit stumbled backwards as Turtlekit pushed her away. Dawnkit saw her sister come right towards her. Dawnkit scrambled out of the way, but not entirely. Her tail was crushed under the weight of Willowkit’s body. Dawnkit let out a sharp yowl of pain and yanked her tail out from underneath her sister.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Kits!” A harsh hiss came from Windflight, Dawnkit and her siblings turned to look at their mother whose eyes were ablaze with anger and annoyance. “Settle down.” She growled. “You’re worse than a bunch of foxes in a fit. You’re going to wake Dovetail’s kits.” Shame washed over Dawnkit, her ears went back and her pelt grew hot. She glanced over and saw that Turtlekit looked the same way, Willowkit however seemed bored.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“This den is so crowded.” Willowkit complained. “We can’t do anything with those kits in here.” She flicked her tiny tail.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Those kits will be your fellow warriors one day.” Windflight said sternly, the brown she-cat sighed. “I suppose you three are old enough to explore the camp.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit and her siblings moods were instantly lifted. “Really?” They said in unison.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Windflight nodded, then added sharply: “But behave and be respectful. One bad word and you won’t see the camp tull you’re apprentices!” But Willowkit was already gone and Turtlekit was on her heels. As Dawnkit rushed after them Windflight stopped her. “One moment, Dawnkit.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She stopped and turned to face Windflight. “Yes, mother?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Watch over them, Willowkit is reckless and Turtlekit will blindly follow her. Just take care of them. “ Her eyes sparked with concern.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit let out a soft purr. “I will, I promise.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Windflight’s eyes glowed. “Now have fun.” Dawnkit bounded from the nursery where Turtlekit and Willowkit stood waiting.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Slowpoke!” Willowkit hissed and lightly shoved Dawnkit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit shoved her back, laughing. “Where to first?” Willowkit looked around, her dark eyes squinting.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“There!” The small brown cat took off, not letting either of her littermates know where she was going. Dawnkit was quick to follow but struggled to keep up. Both Turtlekit and Willowkit were bigger, stronger and faster than Dawnkit. Being the youngest wasn’t very fun.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-indent:36pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">It’s your job to watch over them. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">A voice whispered in her ear. As she ran she looked over her shoulder to see no one there. In her confusion Dawnkit failed to notice Turtlekit had stopped an Dawnkit bowled into him who in turn crashed into Willowkit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Watch it!’ Willowkit hissed and rose to her paws; shaking off bits of dust.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What’s your problem?” Turtlekit growled at Dawnkit, who grew hot with embarrassment. “Where are we?” He asked Willowkit, turning away from Dawnkit. The three kits stood before a large tangle of brambles, they opened up and inside was filled with moss and bracken

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It’s a den.” Willowkit said. “A big one, I’m guessing the warrior’s den.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You would be correct.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">All three of them jumped and turned. A large tortoiseshell she-cat had approached them. Her distinct pale ginger paws gave away her name.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Sandfoot.” Willowkit spoke.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Sandfoot’s eyes glowed. “First time out of the nursery?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yep!” Turtlekit explained excitedly. Sandfoot gazed over each of the three kits.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Well, why don’t I show you where everything is?” She suggested. Dawnkit and her littermates nodded eagerly. “Well, there’s the apprentice den.” She flicked her tail towards a tree with a decent sized burrow underneath it. “Poppyfur’s den.” The medicine cat den was a large cut in the rockwall that sheltered the back of the camp. “The elder’s den.” The elders den was a log that leaned against a boulder that lined up against the backwall. “And there, is Flowerstar’s den.” RIght in the middle of the camp stood a large tree, the center was hollow and had an opening into the den. Dawnkit’s eyes went wide. That was where the Clan leader slept, her pelt tingled with excitement. “It’s not just Flowerstar’s den though. It’s also the--”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“SunTree!” Willowkit cut off Sandfoot.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You need to learn to speak when it’s your turn, Willowkit.” Her kind, yet stern voice didn’t seem to offset Willowkit. “But yes, it is the SunTree. It’s where Flowerstar calls Clan meetings and holds ceremonies.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It’s where <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I’m <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">going to stand one day!” Willowkit flexed her tiny claws and her eyes blazed with ambition.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Sandfoot gave her a small shove with her paw. “Only if you be patient.” Willowkit let out a snort of contempt “I need to go now little ones, enjoy the camp.” Sandfoot turned and bounded away.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“We should go to Flowerstar’s den. I want to see what my future den will look like.” Willowkit took off, and again Turtlekit was right behind her. Dawnkit let out a slight sigh before dashing after her littermates. They stopped at the SunTree, but Willowkit marched right on it. Dawnkit felt nerves creep up her spine. Surely they weren’t allowed to simply walk into the leader’s den. Yet, Turtlekit followed Willowkit, but could see the hair raise on his shoulders.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Come on, Dawnkit!” Willowkit hissed over her shoulder.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I don’t think we should do this.” Dawnkit said nervously, she unsteadily held her sister’s gaze.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Are you scared?” Willowkit sneered. Dawnkit’s ears when back but she stood straight.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“No, it’s just that if we get in trouble we don’t get to leave the nursery.” She tried to reason with her sister.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Whatever, be scared.” She continued on, Turtlekit followed but not without a doubtful glance over his shoulder at Dawnkit. Dawnkit sighed as her littermates vanished into the den. She attempted to cheer herself up by telling herself she could explore the camp by herself, but it only brought a hollow feeling to her heart. She was supposed to do it with her brother and sister. With a heavy heart and paws, she trudged away from the leader’s den.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit lifted her head and noticed the elder’s den. She remembered Goldenpaw telling her about the incredible stories the elders would tell. Dawnkit’s spirit was lifted slightly as she made her way to the den. Hoping they weren't sleeping, Dawnkit poked her head inside.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Who’s there?” A voice demanded. Dawnkit’s body went stiff. Was she not supposed to be here?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh, calm down Hawktalon, it’s just a kit.” Another voice spoke, this one a she-cat. “Come in little one.” Dawnkit took light steps into the den, the inside was dim and full of soft moss. Two cats rested inside nests, one was a black she-cat, beams of sunlight broke through the brambles and reflected off her eyes were the color of a cool, morning sky. The other cat was huge tom-cat with bold, black stripes over his brown pelt, his eyes were amber but seemed to be filled with clouds. However, the most striking feature was the claws that seemed to grow out of his paws.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What’s your name, kit?” The elder asked.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Dawnkit.” She mewed quietly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“She’s Windflight’s daughter.” The female elder, Dawnkit was pretty sure her name was Nightwing, explained. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Ah,” Hawktalon stretched. “Where are the other two?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">It took Dawnkit a second to realize Hawktalon was talking to her. “Uh, they wandered somewhere else.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Hawktalon narrowed his cloudy eyes. “Don’t lie to me, kit.” Dawnkit’s ears flattened and she stared at the ground. She wanted to protect her littermates but somehow, the elder knew she was lying.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“They went into Flowerstar’s den.” She mumbled, Dawnkit expected both Nightwing and Hawktalon to get furious but both of them let out a slight chuckled.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Trouble making kits.” Nightwing purred.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Why aren’t you with them?” Hawktalon questioned.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I didn’t want to get in trouble.” Dawnkit answered, sitting down now. She was starting to feel more comfortable.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“But that’s what being a kit is all about.” Hawktalon mewed. “When you’re an apprentice you can’t pull off shenanigans as well as when you’re a kit.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“But my mother said if we got in trouble we wouldn't be able to leave the nursery.” Dawnkit said. Hawktalon let out a mocking laugh.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Windlight’s always had a weakness for kits, she doesn’t mean it for a second.”  Dawnkit cocked her head.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“She doesn’t?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Hawktalon nodded. “I was Windflight’s mentor, she was always with the kits and giving them special treatment.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit felt amusement rise in her chest. She never knew that about her mother.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Dawnkit!” A somewhat angered mew came from outside, she recognized it as her mother’s.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Looks like your littermates have been caught.” Nightwing mewed, her eyes glowing with amusement.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’ll handle this.” Hawktalon rose to his paws, letting out a slight grunt as he did so.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What--” Dawnkit was cut off with a lash of Hawktalon’s tail.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Hush, kit. Follow me.” He said, tone harsh and kind all at once.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Don’t be too harsh.” Nightwing purred from her nest.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Hawktalon’s ears twitched in response. When they stepped out of the elder’s den, Dawnkit saw her mother looking around. Beside her were Willowkit and Turtlekit. Turtlekit’s ears were back, but Willowkit looked as if she had battled all of AshClan blind and won.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Windflight.” Hawktalon mewed boldly, the brown she-cat turned to look at him.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Dawnkit!” She shouted with relief and swiftly padded over to her kit. “Where have you been?” She demanded.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“She’s been with me and Nightwing.” Hawktalon explained. Dawnkit noticed that Hawktalon wasn’t looking directly at Windlight, he instead gazed past her, staring at nothing. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">He’s blind! <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit realized with alarm. How? Surely he couldn’t be a mentor and be blind. Windflight glared slightly then moved her gaze down to Dawnkit

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Why weren’t you with your brother and sister.” Windflight hissed the question.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit flattened herself to the ground, wanting to disappear. “I--”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Hawktalon stepped in front of her before Dawnkit could finish. “She was avoiding the trouble these two were getting into.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Windflight faced her former mentor head on. “They should have stuck together.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Dawnkit made the right decision and you know it.” Dawnkit looked over at her two littermates, Willowkit was glaring at her and Turtlekit avoided her gaze all together. Dawnkit hid behind Hawktalon. “Don’t punish them for being kits.” Hawktalon said boldly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Don’t tell me how to raise my kits.” Windflight hissed in response. “Dawnkit, come.” Dawnkit very nervously skittered over to her mother, avoiding Willowkit’s toxic looks. “Let’s go back.” Windflight growled and began leading her kits away from the elder’s den.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Keep your head up, Dawnkit!” Hawktalon called from behind them. “You’ve got a bright future ahead of you!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">When they returned to the nursery Willowkit and Turtlekit fell asleep rather quickly, but Dawnkit couldn’t sleep. She just lay curled up against her mother in the moss and bracken, staring out the nursery entrance. Night had fallen over the camp and cats were going to their dens.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Why aren’t you asleep?” Dawnkit felt her mother nuzzle her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit sat up and faced her. “I’m sorry for leaving Willowkit and Turtlekit.” She apologized, staring at her white paws.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Windflight let out a slight purr. “It’s alright Dawnkit, I understand why you did it.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Willowkit hates me.” Dawnkit mewed sadly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“She doesn’t hate you, she’s just mad she got caught.” Dawnkit looked over at her sister’s sleeping form, her ears twitched as she explored a dream. “You two will be friends again tomorrow, and if you behave I will let you back into camp.” Dawnkit felt her spirits lift in her chest.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Thank you.” She purred to her mother. Windflight touched her nose to Dawnkit’s then a slight question crept into Dawnkit’s mind. “Has Hawktalon always been blind?” She asked,

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Something shadowed Windflight's gaze. “No, he only recently became blind.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“How?” Dawnkit asked curiously.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Windflight let out a very slight sigh. “We were patrolling our old border that was set against the Thunderpath, it wasn’t a clan border, just one to keep us from going into twoleg territory. There was a strange, thick liquid on the surface. Hawktalon was investigating it and a monster dashed past, splashing the stuff onto all of us.” A haunted look crossed Windflight’s face. “The stuff was horrible, it clung to our fur like burrs. We couldn’t get it off, when we tried washing ourselves but the taste was horrid. It soaked through our fur and clung to our skin. Most of us got it our chest and shoulders, Hawktalon got it on his face.” Dawnkit shuddered as the image formed, Windflight moved so the light hit her left shoulder. It seemed lighter than the rest, but the fur was actually thinner. “The fur never completely grew back on any of us.” Windflight said, laying back down.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“How did you get it off?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Poppyfur, or Poppypaw at the time came up with the idea. We rubbed honey onto the stuck and licked it off, well we also had to nearly chew and claw it at but it eventually came off.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Wow,” Dawnkit mewed, enjoying her mother’s story.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Keep an eye on Stormwind, Bramblepelt and Icepetal. They all have patches like mine. Icepetal and I were only apprentices at the time.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I thought Hawktalon was your mentor.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“He was, I was made a warrior after it happened.” Dawnkit nodded slowly, her head starting to droop. Windlight let out a purr. “Go to sleep, Dawnkit,” She touched her nose to Dawnkit’s forehead. “Adventures await you.”

 

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit woke up early again, without disturbing her mother or littermate she went to watch the sunrise again.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What are you doing?” Dawnkit turned to see Turtlekit, sleep still swam in his green eyes.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Watching the sunrise,” Dawnkit replied. “Want to join me?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Turtlekit hesitated for a moment as his sleep fogged head worked. “Sure.” He mewed after a few moments and moved to sit beside his sister. The two watched the dawn patrol form, this time noticed the dark tabby shape of Bramblepelt. Dawnkit squinted her eyes at him after looking at him for a few moments she noticed a light patch of her on his lower chest as well as a few spots on his legs.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What are you looking at?” Turtlekit asked, more awake now.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Bramblepelt.” Dawnkit replied and relayed Windlight’s story.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Wow.” Turtlekit said when she finished. “That’s crazy, hope that doesn’t happen again.” Dawnkit nodded. They both heard a rustling as Willowkit stood from her nest. She blinked sleep from her eyes and gazed at Dawnkit and Turtlekit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What are you two doing?” She asked drowsily.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Now who’s the lazy furball?” Dawnkit said playfully. Willowkit puffed up and yawned.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You three are up early.” A purr came from from behind them, Dawnkit turned to see Dovetail looking at them, her kits nuzzled against her belly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You’re gonna make us lay down aren’t you?” Willowkit grumbled.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dovetail’s eyes glowed with amusement. “No, I was going to suggest you go into the camp and play.” All three kits were alert now.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Really?” Dawnkit mewed excitedly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dovetail nodded. “But stay near the nursery and out of dens.” She sharpened her gaze at Willowkit and Turtlekit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“We will!” Dawnkit said before her sister could reply. She felt Willowkit’s glare on her back but ignored it.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Let’s go!” Turtlekit meowed and ran outside, his sister’s following. “Where should we go?” He asked when they got outside.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“This way!” Willowkit bounded off towards the warrior’s den.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit bounded after her. “We’re not supposed to go in any dens!” She called out.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit stopped suddenly, causing Dawnkit to nearly crash into her. “We’re not going to.” Willowkit hissed, her green eyes annoyed.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Then where--”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit cut Dawnkit off. “Just shut up and follow.” Willowkit turned and started walking, but stopped to look over her shoulder. “Unless you wanna run away again.” Willowkit sneered and continued walking. Dawnkit’s pelt grew hot and she flattened her ears.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Turtlekit pushed past Dawnkit after Willowkit. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I can’t be scared. I’m a warrior! <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit dashed after her two littermates, determined to prove she was just as brave as them. Willowkit led them to an ear behind the warriors den the ground was raised up behind the den. The three littermates ran up the incline and at the top was a bush with lightly covered leaves and was decorated with bright red berries. A tree grew over the top, that plus the warriors den  and the wall of the camp made it almost like a den.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Woah, this is so cool!’ Turltekit exclaimed. “How did you find out about it?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit puffed out her chest. “I heard Lionpaw talking about it.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit looked around, she had to admit, it was a pretty cool place.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“This is our own camp!” Willowkit exclaimed. “And since I found it…” Her eyes sparkled. “I am the leader, Willowstar of BerryClan!” She beamed, Dawnkit suppressed a laugh. “You are my faithful deputy, Turtleclaw!” She touched her nose to Turtlekit’s.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What am I?” Dawnkit asked, feeling somewhat left out.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit looked at Dawnkit, narrowing her eyes. “The medicine cat.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Anger burned in Dawnkit’s chest, she took a step closer to willowkit. “What makes you so great that you get to be leader?” She said boldly. Willowkit seemed a bit surprised by this, but collected herself quickly. She stood over Dawnkit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’m bigger, stronger and braver than the both of you.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit was tired of backing down to her sister. “The only thing big about you is your ego.” Willowkit’s eyes blazed. “If you’re as brave as you think you are, then you’ll prove it.” Dawnkit challenged.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“How?” Willowkit demanded. Dawnkit could hear Willowkit’s confidence slipping. She looked around, looking for something for Willowkit to do. Then, she thought of it.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Eat those berries.” Dawnkit flicked her tail to bright red berries.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What will that prove.” Willowkit spat. ”They’re <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">berries <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Then it shouldn’t be hard.” Dawnkit sneered. It was written clear as the sky that Willowkit was scared. “It you’re too scared,,,” Dawnkit taunted.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’m not scared!” Willowkit hissed and moved towards the bush, using her claw to detach one of the berries. After hesitating a moment, Willowkit lowered her head and swallowed the berry. “Yech!” She spat. “That was so gro--” Willowkit was cut off by a bout of coughing. She attempted to speak again, but she coughed again and began shaking.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Willowkit?” Turtlekit mewed nervously. Again Willowkit tried to speak, but coughed instead. Her eyes were wide with fear and pain. At the sight of her expression, Turtlekit began yowling for help. Dawnkit stood in horror as she watched Willowkit’s body spasm with coughs.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What’s going on?” Turtlekit and Dawnkit turned to see the cream and black fur of Poppyfur. The medicine cat’s eyes went to Willowkit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Willowkit ate those berries.” Dawnkit explained, her voice trembling. Poppyfur’s eyes widened.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Those are deathberries!” Dawnkit’s blood went bold. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Deathberries? <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Poppyfur moved forward, grasping Willowkit’s scrugg in her teeth. “Turtlekit go get your mother. Dawnkit, follow me.” Poppyfur commanded, she turned and started dashing across the camp to her den. Dawnkit ran after Poppyfur, her heart pounding in her chest. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Please don’t die, Willowkit!

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Inside the medicine den was the heavy scent of herbs and several nests. Poppyfur set Willowkit down in one of them.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Will she be okay?” Dawnkit asked, her voice cracking. Poppyfur’s troubled gaze and no response made dread cripple Dawnkit’s heart. She glanced at Willowkit, she had stopped the violent coughing but she whimpered painfully and struggled to breathe.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">This is my fault. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit’s heart twisted with guilt. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">This is my fault. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Poppyfur rushed to the back of her den and returned with an herb.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Dawnkit, lay by her, comfort her.” Poppyfur commanded. Dawnkit instantly obeyed, climbing into the nest with her sister, pressing her pelt against Willowkit’s. Poppyfur forced the herb into Willowkit’s mouth and a moment later she vomited. Dawnkit let out an alarmed yelp, but Poppyfur assured her by saying: “It’s supposed to do that, she needs to get the toxins out of her system.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Poppyfur” Dawnkit heard Windflight’s cry as the she-cat burst in. “Oh my precious kit!” She cried and started moving towards Willowkit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Get back!’ Poppyfur hissed. “I need space!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That’s my kit!” Windflight hissed back.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“She’s my patient right now so do what I say!” She looked past Windflight. “Blazeheart, keep her and Turtlekit back. I need Dawnkit with me.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dawnkit hadn’t noticed her father there, but he obeyed the medicine cat. Beside Dawnkit, Willowkit let out a slight cough and lifted her head slowly. “Dawnkit…” She croaked her sister’s name.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Willowkit!” Dawnkit cried. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit let out a slight hush. “You were right...I was scared...but now...you need to be leader.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“No!” Dawnkit wailed. “We’re gonna be warriors and you’re gonna be leader!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Willowkit’s eyes started closing. “Promise me you’ll be leader….”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Willowkit…” Dawnkit whimpered.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Promise…”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I promise!” At Dawnkit’s words, Willowkit’s head fell gently into her nest.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Willowkit!” Dawnkit cried her sister’s name, she felt her sister’s pelt cease to rise. “No…” She whimpered. Dawnkit suddenly felt herself be lifted from the nest, it was Blazeheart. She couldn’t speak, all she could do was take a final glance at her sister’s dead body. She was taken to the nursery, but only one thought went through her head: She was a murderer.

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Chapter 2
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