Fools

 Fools

We were so foolish, thinking we were one and the same, and so foolish to think we were different.

We are neither.

We are simply fools.

by Deer and Dogwood

Chapter One ~ Dogwood
Lightning cracked overhead. The kits let out a loud wail. Rainclaw curled up tighter around them.

"Where's Mommy?" Fruitkit cried.

"Your mommy is coming back," Rainclaw whispered, trying to make her voice sound calm. But she was frightened herself. Redheart had been gone for day, and the storm showed no sign of letting up. In fact, every day it got worse and worse. The nursery was the driest place available. Toms were now sleeping in the nursery with their mates, using their terrified kits as an excuse to stay as dry as possible.

Blacktail returned to the nursery, carrying a soaked vole. "Thank you for watching the kits," he breathed. Rainclaw nodded. He turned to his three kits. "This was all I could find."

Whitekit began to cry. "You didn't find Mommy?"

"The vole's all wet," Reedkit complained.

"I know it is, but it's all we've got, so stop complaining," Blacktail snapped. "I worked hard for this!"

The kits cowered. Blacktail softened. "Look, I'm sorry. Daddy's stressed waiting for Mommy and trying to feed the Clan, so please be more understanding."

They nodded dutifully.

"Here, I'll go look for her now," Rainclaw said softly, trying not to let the kits hear.

"Thank you again, Rainclaw," Blacktail said. "You've been so helpful."

"I try my best."

Rainclaw slipped outside, the rain instantly drenching her pelt. Thunder rumbled. She staggered on, her body shocked by the sudden change in temperature. The wind pushed her around. It seemed like hours before she finally made it out of camp.

Somehow, in the tumult of the wind, rain, and lightning, Rainclaw found herself at the lake. Lightning flashed, and for a split second, she spotted a pale ginger body floating in the water. Redheart!

Rainclaw plunged into the churning water. It was much colder than she'd expected. She spluttered, choking on the water, as she tried to keep her head above the waves. But it was useless. The next instant they slammed against her, dragging her under.

The world was so dark. Lightning flashed again, and Rainclaw spotted Redheart's body sinking with her.