Damaged

Chapter 13

Berryheart stared down at the blinded kit. Venomstar had told them that Forestkit had fallen and sliced his face on a sharp bit of rock, but she knew something more sinister was happening.

She knew her brother well enough to guess he had something to do with the kits face.

"Berryheart, I can't see." The kit mumbled.

"I know darling. You'll get better." Berryheart soothed. "Does it hurt?"

"A little. I feel a bit dry though." The kit was lacking moisture from the eyes.

"Tullippaw! I think Forestkits eyes need cleaning again." Pus and blood had kept oozing out of his eyes for the past few days.

"Yes Berryheart!" Tullippaw trotted in, her tail tucked between her legs.

"You miss Wolfypaw, don't you?" The apprentice has left with Swiftypaw a couple of days back.

Tullippaw bent over Forestkit and gently inspected his face. Berryheart watched wordlessly, as Tullippaw went to fetch moss. She was trying to test the apprentice.

Tullippaw came back and lightly soaked the moss in water mixed with a tiny bit of honey to make it thicker. She gently patted it on Forestkits bloodied eyes.

"Mum's cut ties with Wolfypaw." Tullippaw mewed, without looking up.

"Oh." Berryheart gently began licking the kits face, washing it carefully.

"I-i hope she's safe." Tullippaw burst out.

"Me too." Berryheart sighed. "I hope she's safe too."

"Mama?" A tiny voice squeaked at the entrance to the den.

Berryheart quickly stepped infront of Forestkit, shielding the bloody view.

"Yes darling?" She asked, Riverkit stared at her with wide eyes.

"I'm sorry... Its just I haven't seen you in a long time." Riverkit had been staying in the nursery whilst Berryheart tended to Forestkit.

"It's okay. Just meow before you enter next time." Berryheart didn't want to scar the young kits mind with blood and death.

"Okay!" Riverkit bounced back outside.

"Look after him and tell me if anything happens." Berryheart instructed Tullippaw.

"Of course." Tullippaw dipped her head in assent.

Berryheart followed Riverkit out of the den and saw the light brown tabby was waiting for her.

"Mummy, I have a question." Berryheart settled opposite her and tucked her paws under her.

"Yes?" Berryheart prompted her.

"Well Brightlife seemed really mad and Forestkit had been staying in the medicine den." She took a deep breath. "What happened?"

"I can't tell you now. Maybe when you're older?" Berryheart bargained.

Hurt flashed though Riverkits eyes. "B-But you can trust me." She mumbled.

"Of course I can trust you but I'm trying to protect you." Berryheart nuzzled her. "Go get some rest."

"Fine. One last question, will Forestkit be blind forever?" Riverkit looked deep into Berryhearts eyes.

"I don't know. His eyes might recover in time but he may never be able to see clearly again." Berryheart gently licked her head.

Riverkit got up and bounced away to the nursery where she was greeted by an anxious looking Tigerkit.

"You okay?" He asked, licking her ear. She purred her response and trudged into the den. Tigerkit glanced at Berryheart his orange striped black pelt shinning in the sun.