Air’s Quest
Allegiances
Windclan
Leader- Storkstar- Grey tom with blue eyes
Deputy- Duststorm- Small lithe sand colored tom with blue eyes
Medicine cat- Vineface- Brown tom with green eyes
Warriors
Emberfang- Yellow tom with green eyes
Snakenose- White tom with orange eyes, apprentice- Aspenpaw- ginger tom with amber eyes
Morningsun- Light grey she-cat with blue eyes
Fleetsnow- Huge grey-blue tom with brown eyes
Poolspots- Black she-cat with silver eyes
Flightrunner- Orange tom with amber eyes, apprentice- Moonpaw- silver she-cat with yellow eyes
Shardstep- Grey she-cat with blue eyes
Ravenheart- Jet black tom with amber eyes
Nutbelly- Brown she-cat with brown eyes
Foxmist- Red she-cat with misty blue eyes
Sunclaw- Orange tabby with yellow eyes
Queens
Maplefeather- Tortoiseshell she-cat with green eyes, mother of Spiderkit, Smokekit, and Perchkit
Elders
Blizzardbite- White tom with blue eyes
Mouseberry- Red she-cat with brown eyes
Thunderclan
Leader- Fernstar- Black tom with yellow eyes
Deputy- Firestem- Red tom with green eyes
Medicine cat- Meadowdrop- Russet she-cat with blue eyes
Warriors
Snailspots- Yellow tom with blue eyes
Lowspirit- black she-cat with orange eyes, apprentice- Loudpaw- ginger tom with blue eyes
Longwhisker- Black and white tom with extremely long whiskers
Fennelstripe- Yellow tom with brown stripes and brown eyes
Adderstripe- ginger tom with striking amber eyes, apprentice- Softpaw- white she-cat with yellow eyes
Plumcloud- Russet she-cat with blue eyes
Queens
Deerleap- Brown she-cat with orange eyes mother of Sedgekit and Leapkit
Elders
Hatchscar- Brown tom with scars on his ears and back, brown eyes Riverclan
Leader- Thrushstar- Small brown she-cat with white paws and amber eyes
Deputy- Rubblepad- Grey tom with orange eyes
Medicine cat- Silvermoon- Silver she-cat with blue eyes apprentice- Duskpaw- Red tom with green eyes
Warriors
Flameheart- Orange tom with orange eyes
Sneezetooth- Dark brown she-cat with yellow eyes
Russetmask- Orange tom with russet face and orange eyes, apprentice- Flailpaw- Black and white she-cat with copper eyes
Bouncecloud- Black and brown tom with green eyes
Splashskip- Grey-blue she-cat with blue eyes
Brightshell- Tan she-cat with green eyes
Queens
Oattail- Yellow she-cat with yellow eyes, mother of Slipkit
Elders
Willowberry- white she-cat with blue eyes
Troutheart- Tan tom with brown eyes
Shadowclan
Leader- Vinestar- Black tom with green eyes
Deputy- Nettlesting- Silver tabby she-cat with black stripes and blue eyes, apprentice- Hazelpaw- light brown tabby she-cat with brown eyes
Medicine cat- Stakestep- Yellow tom with green eyes, apprentice- Spikenose- Tom with spiky grey fur and blue eyes
Warriors
Wolfeye- Grey tom with yellow eyes
Lakemouse- Brown she-cat with orange eyes
Mallowfrost- White tom with brown eyes
Breezeclaw- Russet she-cat with green eyes
Bluepelt- Blue-Grey she-cat with blue eyes, apprentice- Marshpaw- yellow tom with blue eyes
Fallenstrike- Orange tom with amber eyes
Smallspot- Black and white she-cat with yellow eyes
Queens
Dapplecloud- Tortoiseshell she-cat with amber eyes, mother of Robinkit, Rushkit, and Talonkit
Olivefur- Black she-cat with brown eyes, mother of Mossykit
Elders
Haregorse- Tan tom with green eyes
Owlrunner- Brown she-cat with amber eyes
Chapter 1
I opened my eyes and I was on a hard, flat surface. I looked over at the cats I was with, one was a lithe, brown tabby she-cat who was sound asleep. There was a grey cat sleeping behind her.
“Hello Air. Echo and Cloud went to play by the rocks. Do you want to join them?” A black she cat with silver eyes asked.
“Who are Echo and Cloud? And who are you? Where is my mother?” I asked. At my last question, her face fell.
“My name is Poolpaw. Echo and Cloud are your littermates. Your mother… is dead. But your father is still alive.” She said. My eyes widened. Dead! My mother is dead! I thought. I couldn’t believe it. Then I decided to change the subject.
“Who are the other cats?” I asked.
“The brown one is Brook and the grey one is Stormfur.” Poolpaw said. I nodded and headed over to the place where my littermates were playing.
“Hi! I’m Air!” I said. The white tom, whom I assumed was Cloud, looked at me and smiled.
“I’m Cloud. That is Echo. Do you want to play with us?” Cloud asked. I nodded.
“We are playing a game we made up called ‘Conquer the Rock’. Right now Echo has conquered the rock and one of us has to try and conquer it! You try!” He added. I jumped over to the rock and leapt on top of it. Echo batted me with one paw and I pushed her off the rock.
“AHHH! Help me! Poolpaw! Cloud! Air!” Echo screamed. Then I saw it. A huge valley. Echo was barely hanging on.
“I’m coming Echo!” I yelled. I jumped by her paws and tried to help her up. She grabbed one of my paws and I tried to pull her up. I felt her paw slipping out of mine and suddenly, she was falling.
“ECHO! NO!” I yowled. I heard her scream and then, silence. Poolpaw had walked over to me and rested her tail on my shoulders.
“It’s my fault! All my fault! I pushed her too hard!” I yowled. I saw Cloud padding over to us. I ran away. I jumped over the valley and ran, not caring where I was.
“Air! Wait!” I heard Cloud exclaim from behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw him not too far behind me. Then I looked past him and saw Poolpaw running super fast towards us. I sighed and stopped running. Poolpaw and Cloud caught up to me.
“Come along kits. We musn’t look back.” Poolpaw whispered. We trudged across the mountain and once we got over it I saw a huge moor and a lake and a forest.
“Wow! Is this where our father is?” Cloud asked. I sighed. During the whole trip I was slowed by grief for my mother and for Echo.
“Let’s go. I will tell you what your mother wanted from you on the moor.” Poolpaw said. We ran to the moor and stopped at the edge.
“I’ll start with Air. Your mother wanted you to be a loner and to never join a clan. EVER. Cloud, your mother wanted me to take you to Windclan. But you must never speak of your sister.” Poolpaw said very seriously. Cloud’s eyes widened.
“But what if I forget about her!” He fretted.
“I won’t let you!” I declared. “I’ll come visit you sometimes!” I added.
“You cannot visit him. You may see him on a patrol sometime.” Poolpaw said sadly.
“Oh. Then I’ll see you when you are on patrol!” I exclaimed. Cloud nodded enthusiastically.
“Air, this is where we leave you. Be wary and don’t join a clan. Ever! Come along Cloud, we must leave now.” Poolpaw whimpered.
“Goodbye Air! I’ll see you when I go on patrol!” Cloud called. I waved my tail and he waved his in return. I knew I had to go somewhere so I looked around and saw an island in the middle of the lake. I headed towards it. Then I heard pawsteps behind me.
“Hey! You! What are you doing on Windclan territory?” The voice hissed. I gasped and ran into the forest. When I looked out I saw a ginger tom with amber eyes.
“Wait! I won’t tell on you! Who are you! My name is Aspenpaw!” Aspenpaw yelled. I came out of the forest and stood in front of him.
“Be careful or you’ll tell the whole world I’m here!” I exclaimed.
“What is your name? What clan are you in? Are you even in a clan? Can you join ours?” Aspenpaw asked.
“My name is Air. I don’t have a clan. I can’t join yours because my mother told me to never join a clan.” I explained. He nodded sadly.
“Can I see you again? Tomorrow? Here?” He asked me.
“I would like that.” I purred. He purred too and ran back to the moor. I smiled in spite of myself and continued going to the island. I crossed a huge log and realized the log stretched over the lake. I looked into the bushes behind the large tree and saw a place suitable for a cat to live in. I gathered some moss and piled it so I could sleep on something soft. I heard something small skittering beside the tree. I looked up and saw a water vole beside the tree. I snuck up on it and killed it.
“That was lucky.” Said a voice from behind me. I whipped around and saw a ginger tom with blue eyes standing behind me.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“My name is Loudpaw. I’m from Thunderclan. Who are you?” He asked.
“I’m Air.” I said.
“Well Air, I can teach you how to catch prey if you want.” He offered.
“Thanks.” I said.
“Do you live here?” He asked. I nodded. He sat down beside me and pushed the vole towards me. “Don’t waste it.” He said, smiling. I rolled my eyes and ate the vole. Loudpaw stood up and flicked his tail.
“Well, I should go. It is getting dark and Lowspirit will be angry if I’m not home soon.” He said, sighing. I purred loudly and he flicked his ears in amusement.
“Can I see you here tomorrow?” He asked. I nodded and he waved his tail and padded away. I sighed, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. As I drifted to sleep I saw a black cat with silver eyes, she kind of looked like Poolpaw.
“Hi! What is your name? I’m Air! How are you? Am I dreaming?” I asked. The she-cat purred and came up to me.
“My name is Deadfeather. I’m doing well and yes, you are dreaming. Also, I am your mother.” She said. My mouth dropped open.
“My mother? How is Echo doing?” I asked. She flicked her tail towards another patch of mist and Echo stepped out.
“Echo! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to kill you! I was just playing! I’m so sorry!” I wailed. Echo looked at me sadly.
“I know. But it was my destiny. Be careful where you tread from now on.” Echo said with a glint in her eye. I nodded and they disappeared.
Chapter 2
I woke up and remembered that I had to meet Aspenpaw by the stream. I thought about how Echo had said to tread carefully so I tested the ground before I put my paw down completely. Once I was by the stream, I saw Aspenpaw waiting.
“Umm, what are you doing?” He asked. I looked up and saw he was watching me do my weird step thing.
“Well, my sister came to me in my dream last night and told me to tread carefully.” I stated.
“I think that means to watch who you trust.” Aspenpaw said. I looked at my paws, embarrassed. Aspenpaw purred and licked my ear. Then in the distance I heard someone call him.
“Aspenpaw! Where are you?” The cat called.
“Oh. I have to go. Cloudpaw is calling me.” He said sadly.
“Wait. Cloudpaw? Can you bring him here?” I asked.
“Umm, okay.” Aspenpaw said. He ran over to the cat and they talked for a bit. They ran down the slope and came to the edge of the stream. Cloud’s eyes widened.
“Cloud!” I exclaimed.
“Air? Is that you?” He asked. I nodded and he nuzzled me. I saw Aspenpaw looking at us with jealousy.
“Aspenpaw, meet Air. Air, meet Aspenpaw.” Cloud said.
“We’ve met.” Aspenpaw growled.
“Oh. Well, Aspenpaw, Air is my sister. So no need to get jealous. Oh! Air, my name is Cloudpaw now.” Cloudpaw said.
“Can I still call you Cloud?” I asked. He sighed and nodded reluctantly.
“ASPENPAW! CLOUDPAW!” A cat yelled.
“Oh. Snakenose and Poolspots won’t be happy if we aren’t home soon.” Aspenpaw said.
“Cloud. Tell Poolpaw I said hi and I miss her.” I said.
“Okay. But Poolpaw is Poolspots now, and she is my mentor.” Cloud explained. I nodded and they walked back to their territory. I padded back to the log and I walked across it.
“There you are! I have been waiting for you!” I heard Loudpaw say from the bushes.
“Here I am.” I purred. He purred back and nuzzled me.
“Tonight is the Gathering. All the Clans will be here. You should probably stay in the shadows.” Loudpaw warned.
“I will.” I promised.
“Storkstar and Fernstar sit on that branch. Vinestar and Thrushstar sit on that branch. The medicine cats and deputies sit at the trunk and the warriors sit around the island. You should be careful and hope that you aren’t seen. If I get to go to the gathering I will sit by you.” He explained. I smiled and Loudpaw shoved a mouse towards me.
“Thanks!” I exclaimed. I ate the mouse in swift gulps.
“I should probably head back. You never know when Lowspirit will yell at you! She is a very grumpy cat.” Loudpaw said sighing. I smiled.
“Well, wish me luck. I’m going to get my warrior name tonight!” He exclaimed. I licked his ear and he left. I looked up and saw the sun was setting. I groomed myself and leapt onto the lowest tree branch where Storkstar and Fernstar sit. I decided to test this out.
“Hello everyone. Airclan is doing well and I have made friends in Windclan and Thunderclan. I am hoping to make some in Shadowclan and Riverclan. The prey is running well on the island and I ran into my brother Cloud today. My friend Loudpaw hunts for me and my friend Aspenpaw comforts me. That’s all the news in Airclan.” I said. I smiled to myself and thought that I should do this on gathering nights before any cat gets here.
“Wow! Did you think of that yourself? What is Airclan?” I heard a cat ask. I whipped around and saw a yellow tom with blue eyes.
“I did think of that. I made up Airclan because my name is Air.” I explained.
“Oh. That makes sense. My name is Marshpaw! I’m from Shadowclan! Looks like you have achieved your goal of getting a Shadowclan friend, Air.” Marshpaw said. I smiled and hopped down from the tree.
“So. Why are you here?” I asked.
“Well, my mentor, Bluepelt, told me to check out the island and make sure that there were no clans on the island. I smell Thunderclan though. There are Thunderclan and Windclan scents all over your pelt.” Marshpaw pointed out.
“Well, as you should know from spying on me in the bushes, I have a friend in Thunderclan and Windclan.” I said.
“Oh yeah! You said their names. Loudpaw from Thunderclan and Aspenpaw from Windclan.” He said. “And me from Shadowclan.” he added. I purred.
“Please don’t tell anyone I am here. I will not have a home if you do.” I pleaded.
“Okay. But don’t tell anyone I visited you. Deal?” He asked.
“Deal.” I answered. He smiled and flicked his tail across my ears and left. I sighed and climbed into the tree. I climbed higher and I was at a spot where I could see all of the island and no cat could see me unless they climbed up here too. Then I remembered that Loudpaw was going to meet me. I scrambled down part of the tree but then I saw cats starting to file in. I clawed back into my spot and watched as a grey tom jumped onto a branch. I assumed he was either Storkstar or Fernstar because he was on their branch. Then I saw Poolspots, Cloud, and Aspenpaw in the crowd and then I knew he must be Storkstar. Then more cats arrived and Fernstar jumped up next to Storkstar. Thrushstar and Vinestar were on the other branch.
“Cats of all clans! We, Windclan, have a new warrior. Please welcome Poolspots!” Storkstar yowled.
“Poolspots! Poolspots! Poolspots!” The crowd of cats yowled.
“We too have two new warriors. Loudtuft and Softleap.” Fernstar said.
“Loudtuft! Softleap! Loudtuft! Softleap!” The cats yowled. I purred when I saw Loudtuft standing there with his chest puffed out. Once the gathering had moved on, he slunk through the crowd back around to my den. I saw his tail flick nervously when I wasn’t there. He pressed his nose to the ground and followed my trail and looked up the tree. We locked eyes and he gasped. I saw Fernstar look behind him.
“Loudtuft! Get out from behind there! What are you looking at? What is up there?” Fernstar asked.
“Umm. I thought I heard an owl up there so I thought I’d check it out.” Loudtuft said.
“Well. At least you were thinking of the Clans. But please, take your seat among Thunderclan.” Fernstar growled. Loudtuft looked at his paws in shame and stalked over to his clanmates. Softleap licked her brothers shoulder and he leaned on her shoulder.
“Hi!” Someone said from behind me. I fell forward and barely gripped the branch. I felt someone pull me back onto the branch. I saw a black and white she-cat looking at me questioningly with her copper eyes.
“Whoa! Your eyes are different colors!” The cat exclaimed. I nodded, this cat was starting to freak me out.
“I’m Flailpaw. Who are you?” Flailpaw asked.
“I’m Air. How did you get here?” I asked.
“I climbed. Duh, mousebrain!” She purred.
“Uh-huh. Well, shouldn’t you be down with your clan?” I asked.
“I live in Riverclan. What clan do you live in? Oh right! You are a loner!” She exclaimed. She started climbing down the tree.
“Wait!” I called and she looked back. “Don’t tell anyone about this. I will see you tomorrow at sunhigh.” I said. She nodded and smiled. She climbed down the tree and I saw her join her clan as they left.
Chapter 3
Once all the clans had left I climbed down the tree and sat in my nest. I wasn’t tired but I soon fell asleep. I opened my eyes and I was in the same place as before.
“Echo! Deadfeather!” I cried. But then a dark ginger cat with green eyes stepped out of the mist. She wasn’t Echo or Deadfeather.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“I’m Squirrelflight.” She said kindly.
“Why are you here?” I asked.
“To show you what will await you.” Squirrelflight said. She walked into the mist and I followed her. I saw an older version of myself nursing kits. Then I saw myself wailing over a dead cat. I couldn’t make out who it was though. Then I saw Aspenpaw standing in front of me, attacking Loudtuft and Marshpaw.
“Squirrelflight, can these outcomes be changed?” I asked. She looked at me sadly and shook her head. My eyes widened and I collapsed to the ground.
“Do not worry little one. I will help you along the way.” She reassured me. When I looked up, she was gone. I woke up and groomed myself. Not wanting to see anyone.
“Hello?” I heard some cat say. I looked around and saw Flailpaw walking through the ferns that surrounded the island.
“Flailpaw?” I asked. She looked at me and bounded over to me.
“Hi Air! How are you?” She asked.
“I’m doing okay.” I answered. She looked at my makeshift nest and walked over and patted it down.
“Well. Do you want to learn how to catch fish?” Flailpaw asked. I was taken aback. Me?!? Catch fish? How? “I can teach you.” She added.
“Well, um, okay!” I exclaimed. “Sounds fun!” I added. We walked over to the edge of the island and she showed me how to fish. Soon, I was catching multiple fish.
“You can catch the fish but can you eat it?” She asked. I bit into one of the fish and it actually tasted pretty good.
“Air!” I heard from behind me. I turned around and saw Lodtuft with a vole at his paws.
“Hi there!” Flailpaw said. She seemed a little extra underneath Loudtuft’s gaze. Then I realized, she was in love with him. How didn’t I notice? She had been staring at him during the Gathering of the Clans!
“Who is this?” Loudtuft hissed.
“I’m Flailpaw!” She purred. Loudtuft relaxed a little. Flailpaw nuzzled up to him and he stared at her, confused.
“She likes you Loudtuft.” I giggled. He glared at me.
“Very funny, Air.” He hissed. But he didn’t move away from Flailpaw.
“Oh well. I have to go. See you tomorrow Air! See you at the next gathering, Loudtuft.” She purred. She left and I looked at the vole.
“Was that for me?” I asked. He nodded and I purred. I ate it gratefully but I preferred the fish. Then I heard the ferns rustle behind him and Aspenpaw stepped out.
“Air? Loudtuft? What is happening?” He fretted.
“Calm down Aspenpaw! Come share this vole with me! If you don’t like it, I have plenty of fish!” I offered. He shuddered when I said fish and I purred.
“Alright. I’ll have some vole.” He said. He sat next to me and pressed his pelt against mine. I licked his ears and saw that Loudtuft had left. I didn’t care.
“Wow! I didn’t know vole tasted good!” Aspenpaw exclaimed. I held back a mrrow of laughter. He purred and stood up.
“I have to leave. Have a good day!” Aspenpaw exclaimed.
“You too, Aspenpaw!” I said. He left and disappeared into the ferns.
“Well now! What should I do with those fish.” I said to myself. Soon I started having a conversation with myself about things like, what if the clans come here and I’m not prepared. But mainly the questions were mouse brained.
“AIR! How are you? What are you doing? Who are you talking to?” I heard from behind me. I whipped around and saw Marshpaw standing behind me.
“Oh! It’s you, Marshpaw! I was scared for a minute! I’m well! I’m talking to myself for whatever reason
“Wow! I didn’t know I was so scary!” He purred. I cuffed him over the ears and purred. He jumped on my tail and I drew it away quickly. I jumped on his back and wrapped my tail around his ears. He flipped me forward and put his paws on my chest gently.
“I win!” Marshpaw purred. I laughed and he got off me.
“Good job! Do you want some fish?” I asked. He screwed up his nose in disgust.
“It isn’t that bad.” I said quickly.
“Alright. I’ll try it. For you, Air.” He said. He looked at one of the fish I’d caught and tried a little. His face lit up.
“Great Starclan! This is amazing! Where are your other fish? Can you teach me how to catch fish?” He asked. I laughed and flicked my tail towards the fish pile. He grabbed a fish and started eating it. I laughed and flicked my tail over his ears. Then I heard,
“Air! Air! Help!” I whipped around and Marshpaw got up and we ran towards the sound. I looked around the island and saw Flailpaw coming up to me. She was on the ground, flailing.
“Flailpaw! What happened?” I asked. I licked her ears reassuringly.
“I think I broke my leg!” She wailed. I looked at her leg and saw it was at a really weird angle. I licked it but didn’t know what to do.
“Why would you come to me?” I asked.
“I fell off the log that leads here and hit my leg on it. I couldn’t swim so the current washed me up here.” She explained. I sighed and shook my head.
“Marshpaw, you look after Flailpaw. I’m going to Riverclan.” I said, determined.
“You can’t go to Riverclan!” Marshpaw exclaimed.
“I have to help Flailpaw! And the only way I can do that is if I go to Riverclan!” I hissed. Then I licked Marshpaw over the ears and licked Flailpaw’s leg. Then I ran across the log and raced into Riverclan territory.
“Who are you?” I heard a cat say. I turned around and saw a tan she-cat with green eyes staring at me curiously.
“I need to see your leader!” I exclaimed. She nodded and flicked her tail at me. We walked into the Riverclan camp and cats started growling.
“She wants to see Thrushstar.” The she-cat exclaimed.
“Brightshell, why did you bring her into our camp?” A grey tom with orange eyes hissed.
“Well Rubblepad I-” Brightshell started. I cut her off.
“Flailpaw is hurt and I don’t know what to do! She told me to come here and tell you to help her!” I yowled.
“Flailpaw?” Some cat hissed.
“I don’t believe you for a second. She went out to hunt.” An orange tom with a russet face and orange eyes hissed.
“Russetmask, you don’t know everything about your apprentice.” A silver she-cat with blue eyes said calmly. “I’m Silvermoon. Where is Flailpaw?” Silvermoon asked.
“I’ll take you to her.” I said.
“Okay. Duskpaw!” She yowled.
“I know! I have some herbs!” A red tom with green eyes, who I assumed was Duskpaw, said. He came out of a large den and I led them to the island where Flailpaw was lying. I saw Marshpaw hiding in the ferns. I nodded to him and he crouched lower. Silvermoon raced across the log and Duskpaw followed.
“Silvermoon! Duskpaw! I’m so happy to see you guys!” I heard Flailpaw exclaim. I ran over to them and I saw Marshpaw flick his tail towards me. I rolled my eyes and walked into the ferns.
“What?” I whispered.
“Should I leave?” He asked. I shook my head.
“When they do.” I said.
“I can hear you guys you know.” I heard Silvermoon say. I sighed and got out of the ferns. She looked at the ferns behind me and I flicked my tail to Marshpaw. He stalked out of the ferns and Silvermoon looked at him in surprise.
“So. You are Shadowclan cats?” She asked. I shook my head while Marshpaw nodded.
“Marshpaw is a Shadowclan cat. I’m a loner.” I explained.
“Ah. And what is your name?” Silvermoon asked me.
“Air.” I said. Then Silvermoon gasped.
“Who was your mother?” She asked.
“Deadfeather. I don’t know who my father is. My brother is Cloudpaw of Windclan.” I said. Silvermoon’s jaw dropped.
“I do believe your father is the Windclan warrior Emberfang. And I knew Deadfeather. She was a wonderful cat. You are very lucky. Now, help me get Flailpaw back to the camp. Actually, you don’t need to. Thanks for your help.” Silvermoon said. I had a feeling she wasn’t telling me everything.
Chapter 4
Marshpaw stepped up to my side and wrapped his tail around my shoulders. I looked at the ground and for whatever reason, started crying. My shoulders shook and my head sank.
“Shh. It will be okay.” Marshpaw whispered. I leaned into him and he licked my ears and my cheeks. The sound of his breathing was making me tired so we walked over to my nest and he helped settle me in and licked my ears one more time.
When I woke up Marshpaw was gone. I realized that it was well into the night and I was wide awake. I walked around the island for a bit and sat at the edge. I looked out at the lake and saw the moon glisten. Then I looked up a little and saw another sparkling thing. I stood up and padded across the log bridge. I got off on the moor and looked at where I’d seen the water. I raced by a huge red building and stopped in my tracks. There was a dead tom-cat lying there. He was a black cat and he looked like a well muscled cat. He was probably a warrior. As I continued to look at the cat closely, I saw something scratched into its chest. I put my paw on it and something whispered, my name is Ravenheart and I was a warrior of Windclan. I gasped and pulled back. I had heard that name before. Aspenpaw and Cloud had talked about him. I stumbled backwards and ran back to the island. I decided to not tell anyone about this.
“Hey there! Why were you running?” Someone asked. They stepped out of the ferns and I recognized Aspenpaw’s ginger pelt.
“Something scared me. That’s all.” I said, shrugging.
“Well, if you see a cat named Ravenheart, tell me.” He said. My eyes widened.
“Air? You know something, don’t you?” He hissed. I nodded. I flicked my tail towards the horseplace and he looked up there, petrified.
“No Windclan cat has gone up there in forever.” He gasped.
“If no Windclan cat had gone up there in forever, then what was Ravenheart doing?” I asked.
“I don’t know.” Aspenpaw admitted.
“Come on! We have to check it out!” I exclaimed. I ran onto the moor and heard Aspenpaw beside me. I took a sidelong glance at him and kept running. We stopped where Ravenheart was laying in the grass, dead.
“What happened?” Aspenpaw asked. He sniffed around Ravenheart’s body.
“There is another scent here!” He exclaimed. “We should follow it!” He said.
“We will need more cats.” I pointed out. He nodded.
“Who do you have in mind?” He asked.
“First, how many do you think we need?” I challenged.
“About five.” He said.
“Well. Seeing that Flailpaw can’t come, you should try to convince Poolspots and Cloudpaw to come! I will try and get Marshpaw or Loudtuft to come.” I said.
“Why not both?” He asked.
“If they both can come that would be wonderful! We will meet tomorrow at the island.” I said. Aspenpaw nodded and flicked his tail over my ears. I purred and ran back to the island. When I got there I sniffed around to see if anyone had been there while I was gone. But all I smelled was me, Aspenpaw, and fish. Fish! I was so hungry! If Marshpaw came he could share a fish with me while I told him about the quest! I looked over the lake and saw some little fish swimming about by the bank. I quickly swiped my paw into the water and caught two. I was just settling down to eat it when Marshpaw stumbled into the clearing.
“Marshpaw!” I exclaimed.
“Air!” He purred. He ran over to meet me and licked my ear. I smiled up at him and saw him looking hungrily at the fish. I rolled my eyes and nodded. When he took his first bite, I started talking about the plan.
“So, Marshpaw, would you be interested in helping me and Aspenpaw catch a murderer?” I asked. He looked up at me. His jaw dropped, spilling the fish within. I scrunched up my nose at that.
“Anything for you Air.” He said. I smiled and licked his head.
“Meet me here at sunup.” I said solemnly. He nodded and our tails twined. He purred and so did I. He walked across the log but then came back and grabbed the rest of his fish. I rolled my eyes and when I turned around I ran into Loudtuft.
“Great Starclan! You mouse brain! What were you doing?” I asked.
“I was planning on scaring you but I see that you had other plans.” He said, watching Marshpaw disappear into the forest.
“You do know he crosses Thunderclan land just to see you.” Loudtuft hissed. I shrugged and walked over to my nest.
“Meet me here at sunup.” I said.
“Why?” He asked.
“To stop a murderer.” I said bluntly. His eyes widened in surprise.
“Of course. Wait. Is Flailpaw coming?” He asked hopefully.
“Oh! I forgot! You haven’t heard! Flailpaw broke her leg.” I explained. His eyes widened in shock and he laid down and froze. I prodded him with my paw. He looked up and blinked the shock from his eyes. I stared at him and rolled my eyes.
“If you are going to be a fox heart and hang around here moping, then you will soon also have a broken leg.” I hissed. He stared up at me and sighed.
“I’m sorry Air. But I can’t let her get hurt! She is, well, she uhhh…. She kind of… umm, is, ya know...” Loudtuft trailed off.
“Great Starclan! She is expecting your kits isn’t she?” I asked. He nodded slightly.
“Well. If this quest we go on will help save my kits, then I will go!” He said boldly. I purred.
“Thank you!” I exclaimed. He nodded and ran across the log. When he disappeared into the trees I settled down into my nest. That’s when I saw her. Limping across the tree. I stood straight up.
“Flailpaw?” I yowled. Then I saw Loudtuft’s silhouette coming back toward the bridge.
“Fox dung!” I hissed. Then I ran out onto the bridge and Flailpaw smiled at me.
“Hi Air!” She exclaimed.
“What are you doing, Flailpaw!” I screeched. She sighed and didn’t answer.
“Flailpaw?” I asked. She looked up at me and I saw a sliver of fear in her eyes.
“I ran, er, limped away from Riverclan.” She whispered. “I want a new name, like yours. And I want my kits to grow up as loners.” She added. I gasped, horrified.
“What about Loudtuft?” I asked.
“He can sneak out to meet me.” She said plainly.
“Well. What name do you want?” I asked. She thought for a minute.
“How about, Misty. Or Pebble.” She suggested.
“I like Pebble.” I said. She nodded.
“Me too!” She exclaimed.
“Pebble? Who’s Pebble?” A voice asked. I looked over Flailpaw’s, er, Pebble’s shoulder and saw Loudtuft standing there, his eyes narrowed.
“I decided to leave Riverclan and join Air.” She said. Loudtuft sighed.
“But who is Pebble?” He asked again.
“Me!” Pebble said proudly.
“Flailpaw?!? You changed your name to Pebble?” He screeched. She nodded as if he hadn’t just screamed at her. Loudtuft looked at her leg and shook his head.
“So our kits won’t be born in a clan?” He asked.
“You can take some to Thunderclan!” Pebble exclaimed.
“Okay, Pebble.” He flicked her over the ears with his tail when he said her newly appointed name. Loudtuft licked her ears and nodded to me and walked across the log.
“So. What will we do first?” She asked.
“Make you a nest!” I exclaimed. She giggled and picked up some moss. I smiled and she quickly made a nest next to mine. I sighed and she settled into her nest. I got into mine and quickly fell asleep. I opened my eyes and realized that I was dreaming. I was looking into a river and I saw a pebble. I swept it out of the lake and saw three little scratches and a tuft of fur on it. That was when I realized that I wasn’t by a river, I was in a marsh. I saw the word ‘Air’ scratched onto the mud with a feather, a puddle, a leaf, and a rock. Then I woke up with a jolt.
“Finally! There are cats here!” Pebble exclaimed. I walked into the clearing and saw Aspenpaw, Cloudpaw, and Poolspots.
“Cloudpaw! Poolspots! Aspenpaw!” I exclaimed. I ran and licked my brother’s ear. I nuzzled Poolspots and Aspenpaw.
“Actually, I’m Cloudwhisker now. And Aspenpaw is Aspenstep.” Cloudwhisker explained. I nodded and Marshpaw bounded into the clearing. Aspenstep growled.
“Who are you?” Aspenstep hissed.
“I’m Marshfall.” He said.
“You guys got your warrior names and didn’t tell me?” I asked. They nodded. I sighed and Pebble came out of the bushes.
“Hi there Flailpaw! Do you remember me? I was Marshpaw when we first met!” Marshfall explained. Pebble nodded.
“But my name is Pebble now. Where is Loudtuft?” She asked.
“Here.” I heard Loudtuft say.
“Loudtuft!” Pebble exclaimed. She ran up to him and he licked her ears. I smiled at them and I realized that Pebble was still recovering from her injury. I didn't want to tell her that she would have to remain here.
"Pebble. You must stay here." I said.
Chapter 5
“WHAT?!? I don’t want to stay here!” Pebble wailed. I sighed.
“I’ll stay here with you.” I said.
“No. I will. I can go get Meadowdrop and Leappaw if something happens.” Loudtuft said. My eyes widened.
“Her kits shouldn’t come that soon. No need to worry. I would have one of them come out here to make sure her leg is okay.” I said.
“I’ll bring Leappaw. She is way nicer than Meadowdrop.” Loudtuft said. I nodded and licked Pebble’s and Loudtuft’s ear in goodbye. They nodded to me and Pebble pressed her cheek to my nose.
“Don’t die.” She whispered.
“I won’t.” I whispered back. She smiled and we left. We ran back to the spot where Ravenheart was still laying. His body was rotting. Then I saw another cat beside him. It was a brown she-cat and her orange eyes were wide open. I pressed my paw to her chest, hoping that I would hear her voice telling me who she was. Then I heard something. It was quieter than Ravenheart’s announcement. My name is Lakemouse and I was a warrior of Shadowclan. Lakemouse said. Then Marshfall looked at the cat and his eyes widened.
“Mother!” He yowled. “I will kill this murderer.” He hissed. I rested my tail on his shoulders as he sat there.
“Come on. You can avenge her death quicker if we find the murderer.” I said. He nodded and Aspenstep flicked his tail in the direction the scent went. It went away from all the clans. I sighed and Aspenstep and Marshfall lead the way. Poolspots was on their heels. I was farther behind and Cloudwhisker was beside me.
“So, sis, how has life as a loner been?” Cloudwhisker asked.
“Eventful.” I purred.
“How so?” He asked. So I told him all that had happened in my life from the last time I had seen him.
“Poolspots seems a little distant.” I pointed out. At that, Cloudwhisker got quiet. “What did you do?” I asked.
“YOU WHAT?!?” I yowled, glaring at him. Cloudwhisker put his head down shamefully and I growled. I saw Poolspots looking at Cloudwhisker. I noticed there wasn’t hatred in her eyes. There was longing.
“You really are a mouse brain.” I sighed. He looked at me, confused. “She obviously likes you!” I said.
“I didn’t stay to hear her answer. I ran away.” He admitted. I rolled my eyes.
“Go up and ask her again! This time, STAY WITH HER! When she says yes, you can put this behind you.” I said.
“You really think so?” Cloudwhisker asked hopefully.
“I know so.” I purred. He purred too and ran to catch up with Poolspots. Then something made me stop. I looked down and saw a trail of blood leading towards a hollow tree. I was very curious and scared so I, making the stupid desicion, followed the trail.
Once I got to the tree I looked inside. There were two cats in there. One was a large dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes and a scar across his nose. The other one was a dark grey tabby tom with black stripes and yellow eyes.
“Who are you?” I hissed.
“My name is Tigerstar, and this is Darkstripe.” The dark brown tabby tom said. I realized that I had heard the name Tigerstar before. It was last night when Pebble had started talking in her sleep about how Tigerstar was the meanest cat in the forest.
“Who are you?” Tigerstar asked me. I knew I had to come up with a different name and fast!
“I’m Cindermist!” I exclaimed. Darkstripe looked me over and sniffed my pelt.
“Alright. She passes the test.” He said. Tigerstar nodded and I backed out of the tree stump.
“Where do you think you are going?” Darkstripe hissed.
“With us.” Some cat said from behind me. I turned around and saw my mother standing there with my sister beside her. When I looked behind them I saw Marshfall, Aspenstep, Poolspots, Cloudwhisker, Pebble, and Loudtuft. Then I realized that Pebble and Loudtuft were supposed to stay at the island. That’s when something stabbed my shoulder and my head banged against the ground.
“Air!” I heard Marshfall scream. That was the last thing I heard before darkness enveloped me.
Chapter 6
When I woke up I saw Pebble looking over me.
“She’s up!” Pebble cried. I heard pawsteps coming towards me and I saw Marshfall running up to me.
“What happened?” I asked. Pebble and Marshfall exchanged glances.
“You were asleep, Air. For over two moons.” Marshfall said. My eyes widened.
“WHAT?!? You didn’t wake me up?” I yowled.
“We tried but you wouldn’t get up.” Pebble admitted. “Deadfeather came and told us that you were alive. She also told us that you would wake up when you wanted to.” She added. I nodded and I saw Pebble’s belly for the first time. It almost touched the ground.
“Your kits haven’t come yet!” I fretted. She sighed and looked at her paws.
“Loudtuft went to get Leapfern.” She said. Then I heard rustling in the bushes. Pebble looked at the bushes and Loudtuft came out with a brown she-cat who I assumed was Leapfern.
“Hello! I’m Leapfern! I’m assuming you are Pebble? Who are you two?” Leapfern asked.
“I’m Marshfall. This is my ma- friend, Air.” Marshfall explained. Leapfern raised an eyebrow and looked between us.
“Marshfall! Of course I’m your mate! Why wouldn’t I be?” I asked, completely clueless on why he hadn’t been straightforward with what he wanted. His eyes widened. He clearly wasn’t expecting me to say that!
“I didn’t know if you wanted a Thunderclan cat to know.” He said.
Leapfern rolled her eyes and went to work examining Pebble. Then Leapfern pressed on her stomach and Pebble yowled.
“Here they come!” Leapfern exclaimed. “Air! Grab a stick!” Leapfern instructed. She told Marshfall to do something but I didn’t pay attention to that. I was busy finding a stick. I ran to the roots of the tree and grabbed a stick. I ran back to them and put the stick at Leapfern’s feet.
“Give it to Pebble to bite on!” She exclaimed. I picked it back up and gave it to Pebble to bite on. Leapfern layed a ginger kit with white paws at my feet.
“Bite open the sac around her mouth and warm her up.” Leapfern instructed. I nodded and opened the sac. I licked her to get her warm. Once that was done I gave her to Pebble. Then Leapfern gave me a black and white tom.
“Do the same thing to that tom-kit.” She instructed. So I did. I saw that Leapfern had done that to the other, grey, tom-kit. I sighed and gave this tom-kit to Pebble.
“What shall you name them?” I asked. She looked at them closely.
“The grey tom-kit and the ginger she-kit will go to Thunderclan so Loudtuft can name them. But the black and white tom-kit will be named Ash.” Pebble said. Loudtuft and Marshfall came running towards us with pawfuls of wet moss.
“Loudtuft! Come name our other kits!” Pebble exclaimed.
“Loudtuft? What are you doing?” A voice asked. I looked over at the source and saw a white she-cat with yellow eyes asked, looking upset.
“Softleap? Why are you here?” Loudtuft asked. She looked from him to Pebble and back.
“Is this your mate? Congratulations brother.” Softleap said. Marshfall stepped closer to me and I saw Leapfern touch Softleap’s shoulder with her tail. Softleap licked her brother’s ear and nodded to Pebble. I watched them leave and licked my paws. Loudtuft was looking over his kits and I could tell he was trying to figure out what to name them.
“Marshfall! Air! I want you two to name the she-kit. The grey tom-kit is already named Stone. Stonekit when he gets to Thunderclan.” Loudtuft explained. I nodded and looked at Marshfall.
“How about Amber?” I suggested. Marshfall nodded enthusiastically.
“Those are great names!” Pebble exclaimed. I purred and Marshfall looked at the sky.
“It’s getting late. I should head back. Goodbye everyone!” Marshfall said. He licked my ears and ran off. I sighed and realized that Loudtuft was trying to get Amber and Stone to follow him.
“You may want to wait until their eyes open!” I purred.
“That’s true! They won’t follow you if they can’t see you!” Pebble said. Letting out a mrrow of laughter. I sighed and watched the kits scramble around as Pebble pulled them closer.
After ten sunrises the kits opened their eyes. Amber and Ash ran around happily. Ash pushed Amber into me. I purred as she looked at me.
“S-sorry!” She squeaked.
“Don’t worry about it little kit!” I exclaimed. She smiled shyly and walked back over towards her brother. I realized Stone hadn’t played with his littermates. I walked over to him and looked into his bright green eyes.
“Hello.” I said. He almost jumped out of his fur.
“Oh gosh! I didn’t know you were there! Who are you? I recognize your scent but I know you aren’t my mother.” Stone said.
“My name is Air. I was there for your kitting.” I explained. He nodded and I saw that he was sitting there and not doing anything. Then I thought of something.
“Stone, could you please fetch me the biggest fern over there?” I asked. He nodded and ran over to the ferns. I saw that he was measuring them with his whiskers and when he brought back a fern, it was quite small.
“Thank you so much! I needed this for my nest!” I said. He smiled under all the praise.
“I will be talking to your mother. Why don’t you play with Amber and Ash?” I suggested. He nodded eagerly and ran off. I walked over to Pebble and she looked up from grooming herself.
“Pebble, can I talk to you?” I asked. She nodded. I sat down next to her and settled into my nest.
“I-I think Stone is, um, well, er…” I trailed off.
“I know. He is blind. He will make a good medicine cat for Thunderclan.” She said solemnly. I licked her ears and saw Loudtuft emerge from the bushes.
“Hey!” He said.
“Hi!” Pebble exclaimed.
“Are the kits well enough to come with me?” He asked.
“Yes. Stone may have to ride on your back though.” Pebble said thoughtfully.
“Why?” Loudtuft asked. Pebble looked at the ground.
“He’s blind.” She whispered.
“Oh. That’s okay. I’ll carry him on my back!” Loudtuft announced. Then Amber and Ash scampered forward and they stared at him wide eyed. But Stone was a bit behind them. Loudtuft picked him up by the scruff and set him down next to his littermates.
“Hello kits. I’m your father, Loudtuft. I will be taking two of you to the clans. Who wants to go?” Loudtuft asked. All the kits squealed in delight.
“Alright then. Amber and Stone. You two will come with me. But don’t worry. Once you are apprentices, I will let you visit your mother, brother, and um, friend. I see the look on your face Ash. Do not worry. You will be here enjoying everything! Now come along Amber! Stone,climb on my back. But first you must say goodbye to your mother and Air.” He said.
Then Amber and Stone scrambled up to their mother and told her goodbye. But only Stone came up to me and said goodbye.
“Thank you for being kind to me. I think my mommy and daddy are mad that I am blind. I’m glad I helped you with your nest. It was probably not the biggest fern there but I tried!” He whispered in my ear. I purred.
“You are welcome. Your parents aren’t mad at you! They want you to be the best cat you can be! I think that was indeed the biggest fern out there! And even if it wasn’t, you still tried your best! And that is all that matters!” I whispered back to him. He smiled proudly and clambered onto his father’s back. Amber was already sitting beside Loudtuft.
“Goodbye my darlings! Have a good time!” Pebble called after them. Amber was bouncing around her father’s paws and Stone was clinging onto his father’s back.
“Why didn’t he take meeee?!?” Ash whined.
“Your father knows that you are the only one capable of surviving the harsh life of a loner!” Pebble explained.
“Oh. Well, Stone can’t see anything and Amber has about as much sense as a dead rabbit! So I was the obvious choice!” Ash boasted.
“The obvious choice for what?” A voice asked. I smelled Marshfall’s scent as he padded closer. I wondered how he had managed to disguise himself for that long. Or maybe I was just going crazy. Maybe he just got here. That would be the best case. The worst case would have been that he had been here before I scented him. That would mean that my senses had dimmed. A lot. Then Marshfall’s voice woke me from my thoughts.
“Well, little warrior. Why don’t you come to Shadowclan with me?” Marshfall offered. I rolled my eyes, knowing Pebble would never let him go. That’s when I felt it. A tiny squirming inside me. I looked down and realized that I seemed to have put on a couple pounds. My eyes widened. I looked up at Pebble, a look of horror mixed with surprise on my face.
“I don’t think you will need to take Ash to Shadowclan.” Pebble said, still looking at my enlarged belly.
“Why is that?” Marshfall asked.
“Because you are about to get some kits of your own.” She answered, flicking her tail towards me.
“What? Air! You didn’t tell me?” He asked.
“I didn’t know until today.” I said. He gaped at me and his eyes were wide open. He purred and pressed himself against my flank.
“Hey little sis!” Said a voice from behind me. I turned around, being careful not to injure my kits.
“Hi Cloudwhisker! Hi Aspenstep! How nice to see you!” I exclaimed.
“Air. I-I wanted to talk.” Aspenstep said, stuttering a little. He flicked his tail for the others to leave and they did. Marshfall glanced back at me but eventually moved on. I put out a paw to stop Pebble from leaving. She nodded reluctantly and padded to a spot beside me. I saw her gaze flick from me to Aspenstep.
“Air. I, um, wanted to ask you….” Aspenstep trailed off and my whiskers twitched with curiosity.
“Will you be my mate?” He asked quickly. I was astonished. Couldn’t he tell that I was carrying kits? Then again, he is a tom-cat. He probably wouldn’t know I was expecting if my belly touched the ground!
“Aspenstep. I’m sorry. I-I’m expecting Marshfall’s kits.” I whispered. Aspenstep’s eyes widened with hurt. He shook his head and I could see the tears creep into his eyes. He looked at me and ran.
“Aspenstep! Wait!” I cried. He shook his head and hissed at me. I had never felt so alone in my life. Pebble put her tail over my shoulders but that didn’t help the overwhelming sense that I had let everyone down. I couldn’t take it anymore. I ran into my den and saw the fern that Stone had picked for me. That urged the tears to flow. I layed in my nest and rested my head on the side of it. I saw Pebble talking to Marshfall and Cloudwhisker. I realized Ash wasn’t with them. Then I felt something curl up against my stomach. I looked down and saw Ash’s black and white pelt pressed up against my grey one. I sighed and closed my eyes. The darkness enveloped me only for a moment.
When I opened my eyes I was somewhere I had never seen before. Then I saw them. It was Loudtuft, Amber, and Stone! I was so happy to see that they were all together! I watched them file into a hole in a rock wall. I smiled and I saw Stone look at me. It seemed like he could see me, despite being blind. I nodded towards the hole and he smiled and raced after his father and sister.
I woke up with a start. I felt something wet on my face and I realized that I had been crying in my sleep. I looked around and saw that Ash had moved over to Pebble and was sleeping with her. I smiled and got up. Then everything from yesterday came flooding back. I knew I had to try to forget it, but not just yet.
“Air! Hi! I’m hungry but my mom won’t wake up.” Ash said, bouncing in front of me. I gasped and ran into the den.
“Pebble! Pebble!” I cried.
“Yeah? What is it?” She asked. Lifting her head up, confused.
“Oh thank goodness! Ash said you didn’t wake up when he tapped you!” I said.
“He tapped me? I didn’t feel it!” She said. “Ash. You need to start eating meat. I can catch a fish and you can try it!” Pebble added. He nodded excitedly.
“I can’t wait to taste fish! I wonder what it will taste like.” Ash rambled on and on about fish. Pebble and I exchanged amused glances and walked over to catch fish. Then I heard something. Pebble looked up, alarmed. She shushed Ash and pulled him close. I saw a six cats sit at the edge of the huge tree. I watched them closely and saw Leapfern, Silvermoon, and Duskpaw with them. I could tell they were waiting for something. I stared at them for a little bit and crept out of the ferns. When I stepped out, Leapfern looked at me and purred.
“Hello Air! How are you?” She asked.
“I’m doing well.” I answered. I flicked my tail towards the bushes and Pebble came out shyly with Ash following her. I saw Silvermoon’s jaw drop as she padded closer to Pebble.
“Flailpaw? Is it really you?” Silvermoon asked. Pebble sighed and Ash looked at her, confused.
“Yes. It’s me. But I changed my name to Pebble. And this is one of my kits, Ash.” Pebble explained.
“One of them? Where are the others?” Silvermoon asked. Pebble looked down self-consciously. I stepped in front of her protectively.
“So. Daughter of Deadfeather and Emberfang.You are still here.” Silvermoon said disapprovingly. I hissed at the silver cat. Then I saw the brown cat step forward.
“So Deadfeather was your mother?” He asked. I nodded solemnly.
“I’m Vineface. I was her father.” Vineface said, bowing his head. I smiled.
“Cloudwhisker is in Windclan and he is my brother! M-my sister Echo, s-she died.” I muttered. Vineface looked at me sympathetically.Then Silvermoon stepped forward.
“I don’t care about your little family reunion! All I want to know is where are Pebble’s other kits and who fathered them!” Silvermoon hissed.
“Silvermoon, maybe now isn’t the best time.” Duskpaw pointed out.
“Shut up Dusknose. Don’t forget that I was her medicine cat once!” Silvermoon snapped. “Let’s see if any of the other cats know anything.” She added. She sniffed around and disappeared behind the bush that we made as our den. She marched out from behind there. Fuming.
“What is it?” Pebble asked slyly. Then Silvermoon looked at Ash. She seemed to have another idea.
“So little kit. Where is your father? And your siblings?” Silvermoon asked. Luckily, Ash could tell he was going to get his mother into trouble if he answered, so he just shook his head. I sighed with relief and Silvermoon turned on the other medicine cats.
“I know one of you is hiding something. I could smell Windclan, Shadowclan, and Thunderclan scents! Which cat is her mate?” Silvermoon hissed. The medicine cats exchanged glances.
“I know nothing.” Vineface said.
“Neither do I.” Leapfern said and I looked at her gratefully.
“Stakestep! Spikenose! Do you know anything?” Silvermoon asked. Her gaze softened when she said Stakestep.
“One of our warriors named Marshfall has been out of camp for an extended amount of time. When he comes back he has her scent on him.” The yellow tom said, flicking his tail towards me. Silvermoon’s eyes widened.
“If what you say is true, Stakestep, then there is no denying that this she-cat who calls herself Air, is pregnant.” Silvermoon said darkly. Then I noticed Loudtuft’s ginger pelt coming across the log bridge. I saw a dark shape behind him and realized that was Amber. I saw Stone standing on top of him. I could tell Pebble had seen them as well because she was waving her tail wildly.
“Pebble! Air! Who is here? Wait. Leapfern? Why are you here?” Loudtuft asked. I sighed. Well. The secret was out.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Amber yowled. Silvermoon glared at Pebble but Pebble just ignored her. Amber ran up to her mother and purred. I saw Stone scramble off his father’s back. He bumped into Stakestep and looked up at him innocently.
“S-sorry!” He squeaked.
“It’s okay little kit. Do you want me to take you to your mother?” Stakestep asked. Stone shook his head.
“I want to see Air!” Stone announced. Pebble looked up.
“So you don’t want to see me?” Pebble asked.
“Well, I do, but I wanna see Air while you are with Amber.” Stone said.
“I’m right here.” I purred. Stone scrambled towards me and sat at my feet. He was facing the wrong way so I gently turned him around.
“Air! Air! Guess what? I got my clan name! I’m Stonekit! A real kit of Thunderclan!” Stonekit proclaimed.
“That’s great! I’m still Air. No exciting name for me.” I said.
“Who said your name wasn’t exciting?” A voice asked. I looked up and saw Marshfall smiling at me. He passed Stakestep and nodded to him. He clearly had a lot of respect for his medicine cat.
“Hello Stakestep. Where is Spikenose?” Marshfall asked. A cat with spiky grey fur came out of the shadows. I sighed and Marshfall continued towards me. I saw Stakestep’s eyes flash and for a moment I saw his eyes flash amber and his pelt flash brown. I realized that I had seen that color before. Tigerstar! I couldn’t believe it! Was Tigerstar possessing Stakestep? Then I looked over at Spikenose and his pelt turned grey with black stripes and his eyes turned yellow. I had seen that pelt before on Tigerstar’s friend, Darkstripe. So these medicine cats were being possessed by warriors? Pebble’s voice brought me out of my thoughts.
“Well! I suppose you will want to know what my kits names are. This is Ash, this is Amberkit, and this is Stonekit.” Pebble explained. I sighed and when I looked at Marshfall I saw his pelt and eyes flash. I gasped. Was my mate with Tigerstar and Darkstripe? I looked closer and saw that he had a brown pelt with a white underbelly and blue eyes. I blinked a couple times. Surely the love of my life couldn’t be a different cat? Marshfall noticed me staring and looked at his paws.
“Air. I want to talk to you. We all do.” Marshfall said. Flicking his tail towards the Shadowclan medicine cats and walked behind a bush. Stakestep glared at Marshfall but followed reluctantly. Spikenose nudged me forward and I hissed at him. I still walked forward though.
“Air, I hope you aren’t angry with me. I-I don’t know how I’m going to tell you this but, well, here goes. Marshfall, he um, never existed. My name is Hawkfrost and I know it might sound completely mouse brained but I-I am st-still in love with you.” Hawkfrost/Marshfall admitted, licking his paws awkwardly. I knew I shouldn’t be surprised, but I was. I had heard of all the horrible things Hawkfrost had done.
“So my kits’ father is going to be a dead cat? I can’t believe it! I never want to see you again! EVER! GET OUT! NOW!” I yowled. The cats fled and I ran after them, clawing their heels. Once I was halfway across the log I sat there, looking at my bloodstained paws. The blood of the one I loved. I didn’t understand it. How could he lie to me? I looked at my belly and licked it. Hoping my kits would never know their father.
“Wow. What happened?” Pebble asked. I didn’t answer. I just cried and cried. She led me to my nest. I couldn’t sleep in it though because it smelled like him. I got new moss but while I was there I saw his face in the ferns. I smacked myself with my paw. I grabbed the moss and made my new nest. I fell asleep and all I dreamed of was him. I couldn’t get him out of my head!
“Hey! Wake up! Air! Wake up! Come on! Quit being lazy!” A voice said. I looked up and saw Ash prodding my shoulder and yelling at me.
“Okay. I’m up.” I said, I stood up and stretched. I noticed that my belly was bigger than it had been over the last few moons. I sighed, knowing my kits would be born without a father. Then I thought of something.
“Hey Ash. I want you to distract your mother so she can’t find me. And wherever I put my paws, wipe it down with ferns.” I instructed him. He nodded eagerly and grabbed a fern. Where I stepped, he wiped the ground of my scent. Once I was halfway across the tree I told him to go back. Once he was safely on land I raced across the tree into Windclan territory. I saw a patrol walking the border and I ran over to them. I saw that Aspenstep was with them and he looked at me, surprised. He whispered something to his patrol and ran over to me.
“Air! What do you need?” Aspenstep asked.
“To tell you that you are the father of my kits!” I exclaimed. I hated to lie to him, but it was necessary.
“I thought Marshfall was the father.” Aspenstep pointed out.
“I thought that too. Then I realized that it was you.” I admitted.
“Wow! Kits! Our kits! They will be beautiful!” He assured. I faked a smile and put my tail over his shoulders. I couldn’t take all the lies but I knew that I had to. I saw some cats starting to come this way and I nodded to Aspenstep and told him to say hello to Cloudwhisker for me. He agreed and I raced back to the island. When I got there I saw Pebble and Ash playing a game. I snuck past them and flopped down in my nest, thinking. Well, Marshfall being Hawkfrost kind of explains his love for fish because Hawkfrost was a Riverclan cat right? I think so at least. But why would his next life be in Shadowclan and not Riverclan? Maybe because his father, Tigerstar was the Shadowclan leader for a time. I thought, flicking my tail. I sighed and pulled myself out of the nest. The extra weight of kits was not helping the cause. I couldn’t get all the way up so I just sat down and sprawled out pathetically.
“Wow. And I thought my sister could be pathetic!” A voice said. I looked up and saw Hawkfrost staring at me, his tail flicking in amusement.
“Go away. I don’t wanna see you.” I growled.
“Who is this?” Another voice asked. I recognized Pebble’s copper eyes glaring at Hawkfrost.
“Just an annoying and fox-hearted cat who I hate a lot.” I hissed.
“Wow Air! I think I’m actually quite inspiring!” Hawkfrost said, admiring his claws. Pebble flicked her tail, clearly confused. I tapped my head with my paw and looked at Hawkfrost. Pebble burst out in laughter because I had just made a sign that he was, clearly, out of his mind.
“I have no idea what you are talking about! I have never seen this cat before in my life!” I exclaimed. Hawkfrost looked at me like I had fish coming out of my ears.
“Well, light of my life, I am sure our kits will be healthy. After all, I am their father.” He answered, flicking his tail across my cheek affectionately.
“Ummm. What?” Pebble asked, her copper gaze flicking from me to Hawkfrost.
“I thought Marshfall was the father.” She added.
“Well, Marshfall never existed and I, Hawkfrost, used Dark Forest magic that was introduced to me by my father, Tigerstar. I transformed into Mars-” Hawkfrost never got to finish because I’d shoved moss into his mouth and pushed him off the island.
“That was weird.” Pebble said.
“Yeah. Definitely weird.” I said, gazing out across the lake. I hoped she couldn’t see that I was practically drowning in awkwardness, shame, and fear. Fear for myself, Pebble, Ash, and my kits. I saw the sun starting to sink and I flicked my tail for Pebble to leave. I heard her step through the ferns. I couldn’t believe that Hawkfrost had come into my home! I needed to keep a watchful eye out.
Chapter 7
I woke up and the soft breeze made the branches quiver. I looked up and saw that it was still nighttime. I didn’t want to sleep any longer so I pulled myself up and I had barely walked two steps when I felt something brush my underbelly. I looked down and saw that my belly fur was touching the ground. I hissed, annoyed. Knowing that I would have to deal with that. I walked a few more steps and collapsed to the ground. I clawed forward and felt my stomach convulse. I yowled loudly and saw a black and white pelt race across my vision.
“Don’t worry. You will be okay.” I heard a voice say before I drifted into darkness.
I opened my eyes to see four tiny kits pressed up against me. I smiled and looked down at them. I knew I should name them now. The black she-kit was going to be Feather. The brown tabby tom-kit was going to be Puddle. The tortoiseshell she-kit was going to be Leaf. The dark grey tom-kit was going to be Rock. I heard pawsteps behind me and saw Pebble padding up to me with Ash at her heels.
“Can I play with them mommy?” Ash asked. He was looking up at his mother who was looking at him with her eyes narrowed.
“I think you had better ask Air if you can play with her children. After all, they haven’t opened their eyes yet.” Pebble said, she seemed lost in thought.
“Can I play with your kits when their eyes open?” Ash asked. He looked at me with wide, pleading, eyes.
“Of course! I’m sure that my kits won’t mind. I have already named them. Would you like to hear their names?” I asked. Ash nodded eagerly and I looked up to see if Pebble was okay with this, but she wasn’t there.
“Well. The black she-kit is Feather. The-” Ash cut me off.
“She is pretty!” He exclaimed. I purred in delight and continued to tell him my kits names. But he was still staring at Feather. I had a feeling that Feather wasn’t going to be as important in my life story. I knew that I should put them in a clan. At the same time, I didn’t want them to not know either of their parents. I figured that as soon as they opened their eyes they would go to a clan.
“Hello daughter. My name is Emberfang. You may not know me but I am here to show you what clan your kits should go in.” A voice said. I looked up and saw a yellow tom with green eyes looking at me fondly.
“Are you my father? I heard Silvermoon say you were. Can you help me and my kits?” I asked.
“Yes to both. Starclan will tell you now. You may just have to look at them closer.” Emberfang said. I smiled and he disappeared. I looked at my kits again and saw that Feather seemed to be engulfed in shadows. A thunder cloud loomed above Rock. Puddle’s breathing sounded like a river. Leaf’s pelt was being whipped around by the wind. I knew what I had to do. I had to let go of my kits.
“Pebble!” I called. I saw her black and white pelt behind a fern. I knew she heard me and I flicked my tail. She walked over to me and stood in front of me.
“I need your help.” I said,
“With what?” She asked, clearly suspicious.
“I-I have to bring each of my kits to a different clan. They will be safer if they are more spread out.” I explained. She nodded quickly and looked at the sky. It was darkening to a midnight blue.
“We can go once Ash is asleep. I will carry two of your kits and you will carry the others.” Pebble said. She stared at me in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. I wondered if I should join a clan. A small voice in the back of my head whispered Riverclan. That is when I knew that I would be joining Riverclan.
“I will take Puddle and Feather. You will take Leaf and Rock. Leaf goes to Windclan and Rock goes to Thunderclan.” I explained. Pebble nodded and I saw Ash’s light blue eyes watching us from his den. Pebble looked at him. Then turned back to me. She rolled her eyes and dragged moss over his small den entrance.
“Alright. Time to go.” Pebble said. She walked by and gently picked up Leaf and Rock. I pulled myself up and grabbed Feather by the scruff. I then attempted to put Puddle on my back but I didn’t succeed. I grumbled to myself and Pebble sighed and put him on my back. I flicked my ears, embarrassed, and continued to Shadowclan.
Pebble said a short goodbye and raced in the direction of Windclan camp. I lumbered over towards Shadowclan. The territory smelled strongly of pine and I wrinkled my nose. I heard Feather whimper and I set her down. I was mindful not to drop Puddle as I laid down.
“Who are you?” A voice hissed. I looked up quickly and saw an orange tom and a black and white she-cat staring at me.
“I have come to bring my daughter to live in your clan.” I announced.
“Um. What?” The tom said, clearly confused.
“She said that she had come to bring her kit to Shadowclan, Fallenstrike.” The she-cat explained.
“Oh! In that case, welcome! What is your kit's name?” The tom, Fallenstrike, asked.
“Feather.” I said plainly.
“Okay. Welcome to Shadowclan little kit.” The she-cat exclaimed. She licked Feather over the ear and wrapped her tail around her defensively.
“Thanks for accepting her.” I said, relieved. The Shadowclan cats disappeared behind a tree and I tried to see if Feather was okay. I couldn’t see her but I had a feeling I could trust those cats, if no one else, to take care of her. I then ran into Riverclan territory. As soon as I stepped over the border a cat growled.
“Who are you? You can’t be a Shadowclan cat for I do not recognize you.” A dark brown she-cat said accusingly. I decided to go the ‘dramatic mother’ route.
“Help! I need some safety for my son! Please help us! I’m desperate! My mate left me as I was giving birth!” I wailed. The she-cat’s expression changed to sympathy.
“Did you have other kits?” She asked.
“Yes. They died.” I whimpered. I hated lying but I knew that it would get me into this clan.
“Oh how dreadful! I had kits once! If one of them had died I would’ve been devastated! Come to Riverclan! We will take care of you and your son!” She exclaimed.
“Thank you! Thank you so much! My name is Air and my son’s name is Puddle.” I explained.
“My name is Sneezetooth.” She said,
“Not to be rude or anything, but why do you have two names?” I asked. I knew perfectly well why but I had to act clueless.
“Well, Air. I am a warrior. I will take you to meet Thrushstar immediately!” Sneezetooth said.
“Oh thank you!” I exclaimed. She nodded and took me into some reeds.
“Thrushstar! I found a cat who is willing to join Riverclan! She has a kit and she needs refuge!” Sneezetooth yowled. Then I saw a silver she-cat come out of a den on the far side of camp. She narrowed her eyes when she saw me. I realized that this was Riverclan’s medicine cat, Silvermoon. Great Starclan! She will tell the clan who I really am! I thought. I gulped and shuffled my paws nervously. I felt Puddle being lifted off my back and I whipped around to see Silvermoon’s apprentice, Dusknose, setting my kit at my paws.
“Well. Who is this?” Somecat asked. I looked up and saw a small light brown she-cat coming down a pile of rocks.
“This is Air and her kit, Puddle. Air, this is Thrushstar.” Sneezetooth said. Thrushstar looked me over and sniffed me and my kit.
“Fine. She can join the clan. I will give her a warrior name now. But she will still need to be trained.” Thrushstar said, still eyeing me like a piece of prey.
“Let all cats old enough to swim the rapids gather around the Wet Rock for a clan meeting! We are here to accept a cat named Air and her kit named Puddle into Riverclan. Air! May Starclan light your path as I give you your warrior name! You will be known as Airmist! And her kit will be named Puddlekit! Meeting dismissed.” Thrushstar called. I liked my new name and Silvermoon came up to me and narrowed her eyes.
“Come into the nursery. Oattail will keep you company.” She said, I nodded and I picked up Puddlekit and walked into the nursery.
“Hello! Welcome to the nursery! I’m Oattail. You are Airmist, right?” Oattail asked. I nodded and set Puddlekit down in a nest. I curled myself around him and looked up at Oattail.
“This is Puddlekit. Are you expecting?” I asked.
“Yes. Dusknose said they would come in less than a moon. This is my second litter so I know what to expect.” She said,
“Puddlekit was born a few days ago. He was part of my first litter. My other kits died because I couldn’t catch enough prey to feed them. Their father left a few moons before they were born. I don’t know where he went.” I said, I hoped that my kits were safe in their clans and that Pebble and Ash were thriving.
“Wow! I hope Russetmask won’t do that to his kits!” She fretted.
“Is he the father?” I asked. She nodded.
“I’m sure that if he were a respectable cat, he would never leave his kits or his mate.” I assured her. She blinked thankfully and rested her head on the moss. I sighed and pulled Puddlekit closer to me. I couldn’t wait until he opened his eyes. For now, I closed mine and fell asleep.
“Air! I missed you!” A voice said. I looked up and saw Hawkfrost staring at me intently. Then he turned into Pebble.
“You betrayed me! How could you?” She hissed. Then she turned into Stonekit.
“Air? Where are you? My mommy and daddy don’t love me! Help me Air! I want to join you!” He screeched.
“Riverclan!” I whispered. Stone looked at me and faded into the mist. I was woken up by some cat shaking me. I opened my eyes to see a grey tom staring at me.
“What do you want? Who are you?” I asked.
“My name is Rubblepad and I am the clan deputy.” He explained.
“What do you want?” I repeated.
“You said the name Flailpaw in your sleep. Where is she?” He asked.
“Why do you want to know?” I hissed.
“She is my daughter.” He said, my eyes widened.
“She doesn’t want anyone to know.” I retorted.
“Fine. I’ll tell Thrushstar then.” He threatened.
“She is where the clans gather every moon. I lived there until my kits were born.” I said, he gasped and raced out of the den. I started licking Puddlekit nervously and I saw Oattail’s eyes open.
“Hello!” She said,
“Hi.” I said bluntly. She cocked her head to one side. I looked down at Puddlekit and saw that he was trying to open his eyes. I watched as they opened slowly and looked up at me. They were an icy blue. I gasped. Hawkfrost had the same icy blue eyes. Puddle could have been a clone of Hawkfrost. I shook my head and tried to ignore the fact that it felt like Hawkfrost was watching my every move.
“Hello there! Are you my mother? You must be! Can I go outside? Who is that? What’s your name?” Puddlekit asked.
“Well, Puddlekit, I am Airmist. That is Oattail and she is one of my friends. I suppose you can go outside. But I must be with you.” I said, he nodded happily and raced outside. I padded after him and sat at the entrance of the nursery. I saw that Silvermoon was sitting at the edge of the clearing, watching him. He ran over to her and sat at her paws.
“Hi! I’m Puddlekit! Who are you? Will you be my best friend?” He asked. Silvermoon looked at him, amused. She looked up at me and smiled.
“My name is Silvermoon. I am afraid I am much too old to be your best friend. But I can be one of your friends. Why don’t you go ask Slippaw to be your friend.” Silvermoon suggested. Puddlekit nodded and ran over to a light brown tabby she-cat with red front paws.
“Hi! Are you Slippaw? I’m Puddlekit! Will you be my best friend?” He asked. I saw her lip curl up in a snarl and she hissed at him. I ran over and put my tail around Puddlekit. The she-cat glared at me.
“Just who does your kit think he is? He is so stupid!” She hissed. I growled and pulled my ears back.
“And who do you think you are? You sure look like a rogue.” I hissed.
“Well you are one.” She retorted. I reared up and lashed out at her. I felt a strong pull to protect my kit with my life. I slashed my claws across her face and she pulled back. I sat back down and licked the blood off my claws. I saw that the whole clan was looking at me in horror. I hissed at her and picked up Puddlekit by the scruff. I stalked back into the nursery and set him down.
“What happened?” Oattail asked. I flicked my tail towards the clearing and she got up and looked out.
“Slippaw! Sweetheart! Are you okay? What happened?” She asked. Then I froze. I had completely forgotten that Slippaw was Oattail’s daughter. Fox dung! I thought.
“It was the rouge we took in! She did this!” Silppaw exclaimed.
“Why?” Oattail fretted. I growled. I knew Slippaw would make up some weird unbelievable story that no cat with sense could actually think happened.
“I know what happened. I watched the whole thing.” Silvermoon said. I was confused. Was Silvermoon actually going to stand up for me?
“Well, what happened Silvermoon?” Oattail asked.
“Puddlekit asked Slippaw to be his friend and she growled at him. Airmist felt Slippaw was threatening her kit so she defended her kit like any good mother would do.” Silvermoon explained.
“By hurting a cat? We are clan! We don’t hurt each other!” Oattail yowled.
“Well, Airmist just became part of the clan so she doesn’t know the rules yet. Anyways, if I had kits I would do everything in my power to keep them safe.” Silvermoon said. I noticed that she had hesitated on the word kits. Did Silvermoon have kits? I thought. I will ask her later. I decided.
“Fine. But if my kit becomes blind, then I will make sure Airmist gets kicked out of camp!” Oattail hissed.
“Trust me, Slippaw will not become blind.” Silvermoon said, clearly amused. Oattail padded back into the den and sat in her nest.
I looked down at Puddlekit and saw that he was trying to climb over my tail. He had his sights set on a butterfly that had landed in the clearing. I moved my tail and Puddlekit scampered across the clearing. He pounced on the butterfly but it slipped between his paws. As it fluttered away, he jumped up to try and grab it. His claws glinted in the sunlight and he caught one of the butterflies wings. He ripped it off and laid it at Oattail’s paws.
“What is this?” She asked.
“A butterfly wing. It’s pretty. Can you give it to Slippaw?” Puddlekit asked hopefully.
“I suppose so….” Oattail said. She looked around the den and suddenly she stiffened and her stomach convulsed. She let out a loud yowl and I heard paws running towards the den.
“What did I do?” Puddlekit asked. He snuggled up to me, clearly scared.
“Nothing darling. Oattail is just having her kits.” I said, I was trying to stay calm but I was freaking out. I squeezed my eyes shut and curled my tail around Puddlekit. I opened my eyes slightly and saw Silvermoon carrying kits into the den. She saw me looking at her and laid them at my paws. Oattail was sound asleep, with two healthy kits pawing each other.
“These kits are mine. Please nurse them.” Silvermoon begged. I nodded.
“Of course. I will take the kits in.” I purred. “I will say that you found them and brought them to me.” I added.
“Oh thank you so very much!” She exclaimed. I nodded and licked one of the kits heads.
“What will you name them?” I asked.
“What?!? I thought you should name them. You are their adopted mother, after all.” Silvermoon said. I looked at the two new kits that were suckling. The silver tom-kit looked much like Silvermoon and the orange she-kit looked a lot like a cat I had seen around the camp.
“Who is the father?” I asked. Silvermoon shuffled her paws and looked down.
“Flameheart. I suppose I could name one of the kits.” She said,
“How about Vixenkit for the she-kit. You can name the tomkit.” Silvermoon said.
“Smokekit.” I declared. Silvermoon nodded enthusiastically. She smiled and Oattail began to wake up. Silvermoon went back to looking after her. I looked down at Silvermoon’s kits and licked their heads. I heard a yowl from outside and I looked up. Silvermoon looked at me questioningly and padded outside.
“Mommy? What’s happening?” I heard Puddlekit ask. I looked at him and saw that he had just noticed his new nest-mates.
“Who are they?” He asked.
“They were found at the edge of the river and I have taken them in. As for what’s going on out there, I’m not sure.” I admitted. Puddlekit sighed and got to his paws. He looked up at me and then ran out of the den. I wanted to go after him but I knew I couldn’t leave Vixenkit and Smokekit here to starve!
“Puddlekit! Get back here!” I yowled. He ran back in and I saw Thrushstar sitting in front of two black and white cats and a grey cat. Two were toms and the other was a she-cat. The she-cat looked up and I saw her eyes. They were copper.
“Pebble!” I exclaimed. Pebble looked around and then her eyes settled on me.
“Air? Is that you?” She asked. I nodded and she ran over to me. I saw Stonekit sitting there, looking around. His unseeing eyes seemed to take in all that was around them. Puddlekit looked up at me confused.
“Stone! Ash! Come here!” Pebble yowled.
“Stone? Not Stonekit? Did he leave Thunderclan? How is Amberkit?” I asked. Pebble nodded and she didn’t seem to hear my last question. Ash walked over and when he laid eyes on me, his lip curled up and he growled at me. Stone walked over carefully and sat down. He sniffed the air and his sightless eyes looked at me.
“Air!” He exclaimed. I purred and licked his cheek. I saw Rubblepad standing outside the den. He was watching Pebble. Pebble looked over at him and sighed. She padded out of the den and stood in front of her father.
“Hello father. How is mother?” She asked. Rubblepad glared at her. Thrushstar stepped out of her den and her eyes widened when she saw Pebble.
“Flailpaw? Is it really you?” Thrushstar asked.
“Hello mother. My name is Pebble now.” Pebble stated.
“And these are two of my kits. Ash and Stone. I went to live with Air because I was tired of how stuck up my mentor was, how much my mother wasn’t around, how much my father didn’t care, how often my brother left me alone, and how I didn’t have any friends except Air and Loudtuft!” Pebble screeched.
“Loudtuft? Isn’t that a Thunderclan warrior?” Thrushstar asked. Pebble’s eyes widened.
“Yes. Yes he is. He is my mate and I’m not afraid to tell you.” She spat. I stepped forward and guided Pebble back to the nursery. I heard some cat walking behind me. I turned around and saw Slippaw walking towards the nursery. She looked at me and paused. I flicked my tail for her to follow me. I heard Puddlekit gasp as Slippaw walked into the nursery.
“Slippaw! I have something for you!” He yowled. I layed down and Pebble laid down next to me. Her gaze flicked to Vixenkit and Smokekit. I shook my head and she nodded. Soon she was asleep. I purred and fell asleep.
Chapter 8
“Hello. I would like to join your clan.” A familiar voice said, waking me. I blinked open my eyes and saw that Vixenkit’s and Smokekit’s eyes were open.
“Hi! Puddlekit was just talking to us!” Smokekit said. He was bouncing up and down.
“Hello Smokekit. Where is Vixenkit?” I asked. He turned around and I saw Vixenkit looking outside the den.
“What is it, Vixenkit?” I asked. She looked up at me with big orange eyes. I peered around the den and saw a familiar brown pelt sitting in the clearing.
“Hawkfrost!” I hissed. Pebble looked up from her nest and gasped.
“Oh no! What will we do?” She asked. I stepped forward and Puddlekit ran up to my side.
“That cat looks exactly like me!” He exclaimed. I stopped in my tracks and looked down at my kit. I saw his icy blue eyes and dark brown pelt. He looked exactly like Hawkfrost. Then I felt another set of eyes on me. I looked up quickly and saw Hawkfrost staring at me, surprised.
“You!” He said,
“You.” I snarled. “Get away from Riverclan!” I yowled.
“I thought you were still on the island! Is that our kit?” He asked quickly, looking at Puddlekit. I stepped back and Puddlekit looked up at me as if he expected me to say something.
“Y-yes.” I whimpered. Then Sneezetooth came over and growled at him.
“You left Airmist in the woods to die! She was with her kits and you just left! It’s a good thing she came to Riverclan! Now, what is your name?” Sneezetooth hissed.
“Hawk.” Hawkfrost said with a glint in his eye. Thrushstar came out of her den and looked at Hawkfrost.
“You look like Puddlekit. Are you the father?” She asked sympathetically. He nodded.
“Welcome to Riverclan! You will sleep in the warrior’s den. Would you like a warrior name?” Thrushstar asked. Hawkfrost looked at me. I was still in shock and Sneezetooth saw that I was taken aback. She looked at me and nodded.
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea to bring him into Riverclan. After all, he abandoned Airmist.” Sneezetooth pointed out. Thrushstar narrowed her eyes.
“Are you willing to go against your leader?” Thrushstar snarled. Sneezetooth looked at me, pleading.
“Good.” Thrushstar clearly saw Sneezetooth’s silence as a ‘no’. “Hawk, you will become Hawkfrost.” She said, my eyes widened and I saw two more cats come in through the entrance.
“I hope you don’t mind if my friends stay with us.” Hawkfrost said. Oh no! They will try to take over the clan! I fretted. I stepped forward and lashed out at the two cats whom I recognized as Tigerstar and Darkstripe. Pebble jumped onto Tigerstar’s back and clawed off a bunch of fur before he shook her off.
“My name is Tiger, that is Dark, and since I clearly beat this kittypet here I should join your clan.” Tigerstar announced.
“I’m not a kittypet!” Pebble yowled, flinging herself back at him. Another black and white pelt jumped into the fight. I realized that it was Ash and he had jumped on top of Darkstripe. Stone was padding forward but I held him back. I turned on my heel and leapt at Hawkfrost.
“TRAITOR!” I yowled. Hawkfrost stared at me in shock.
“You work for the Dark Forest! So does Tiger and Dark! Their real names are Tigerstar and Darkstripe!” I hissed. Tigerstar put mock horror on his face.
“The Dark Forest?!? Never!” Tigerstar gasped.
“If you aren’t clan cats, how would you know about the Dark Forest?” I challenged. Tigerstar shook Pebble off his back and stepped aside, showing three kits clustered in the entrance. One was a black tabby she-kit. Another was a dark grey tom-kit. The last one was a tortoiseshell she-kit. I immediately recognized them. They were my kits. Pebble looked at me, shocked.
“Hello.” The black she-kit said. I knew she was Feather but I couldn’t tell Riverclan I knew who the kits were.
“Nice accent, sis!” Puddlekit exclaimed. He ran forward and touched noses with Feather. I gasped. Puddlekit must have remembered Feather’s scent!
“Hello mother! How have you been?” Feather asked me.
“Mother?” Sneezetooth asked, looking at me. I raced into the nursery, grabbing Puddlekit by the scruff. Vixenkit and Smokekit were looking at me strangely. I licked their heads reassuringly. A small pink nose peeked through the nursery brambles. A tortoiseshell kit followed.
“Leaf!” I exclaimed. The sunlight crept through the holes in the roof and her pelt shone. She seemed well fed.
“I see Windclan is treating you well.” I said, Leaf nodded.
“Poolspots is treating me wonderfully! Eaglekit and Shimmerkit are awesome!” Leaf exclaimed.
“That’s wonderful!” I purred. Then Feather and Rock filed in.
“Hello, kits. Tell me about your life.” I said, Feather shied away and Rock nosed her forward.
“Smallspot and Fallenstrike are a little obsessive over me.” Feather admitted.
“But did you like it there?” I asked.
“Yes. Bluepelt and Mintkit were nice to me and stayed with me when Smallspot and Fallenstrike went on patrol.” She explained. I realized that the black and white she-cat I had seen when I dropped off Feather at the Shadowclan border.
“How about you Rock?” I asked.
“Softleap is kind to me and nursed me. Her kits haven’t come yet.” He explained. I nodded. Vixenkit and Smokekit sniffed them. Leaf jumped backward when she saw them lay next to me.
“Who are they?” She asked, jealousy edging her voice.
“They were found by the lake and Silvermoon brought them to me.” I explained. Leaf nodded and nudged Smokekit with her muzzle. I purred and Ash came in. His jaw dropped when he saw Feather. Her black fur glistened in the soft light of the nursery.
“Feather?” He asked, shocked. Feather turned on her heel.
“Who are you?” She asked accusingly.
“I’m Ash. I was there at your kitting.” Ash explained.
“Oh. So now you’re all moony over me? Why not Leaf?” She asked. Ash looked at his paws and dashed out of the nursery.
“Feather! You don’t have to be mean.” I reminded her. She rolled her eyes. I saw Leaf watching Ash through the nursery entrance. I sighed and swept my tail around them, pulling them close. Vixenkit looked up and snarled at Feather.
“You’ll soon find out whose in charge.” Vixenkit hissed.
“Yeah! Me!” Feather retorted. I sighed. Oattail opened her eyes and looked at me and my kits, confused.
“Who are they?” She asked.
“My lost kits.” I answered.
“This is Feather, Leaf, Rock, and you know who Puddle is.” I said, flicking my tail at each one as I said their name.
“Have you named your kits yet?” I asked. She nodded. There was a russet tom-kit and a white and tan she-kit.
“The she-kit is Lightningkit and the tom-kit is Webkit.” Oattail explained. I nodded and put my head on my paws. I felt like my life was slowly breaking down. For, even with all the happiness, Hawkfrost was still there. He would always be there. I heard someone come into the nursery. I looked up and saw Stone walking in. My kits looked up curiously. Stone almost stepped on Rock.
“Stone, be careful. I know you are blind but I’m sure you can feel where the kits are.” I chimed. Stone looked down guiltily.
“Sorry, Airmist. Sorry kits.” He said.
“It’s fine!” Feather exclaimed. Stone half smiled and Feather wound around his legs.
“Wow Feather! Could you be more obvious about the fact you like him?” Leaf asked. Feather took the same position that Stone was in. Then she looked up.
“Could you be more obvious about the fact that you like Ash?” Feather retorted. I heard paw steps pause outside the nursery. Leaf snarled at Feather and raced out of the den. I rolled my eyes as Smokekit ran after her.