Oakheart's Promise - A Warriors AU

Chapter 41

Oakheart journeyed back towards the RiverClan camp. He would have to be in the clearing by dawn to assign cats to patrols. However, he was tormented by thoughts of Bluefur and their new kits. At the last gathering, she had told him that they would be born soon. Now, a moon later, they had three kits in ThunderClan.

"The gray tom is Stonekit," Bluefur had explained at Sunningrocks. "The she-kit that looks like me is Mistykit, and the white one is Mosskit. They're at the camp with some of the other queens. I told them that I wanted to walk around the territory and stretch my legs. They believed me."

The reddish tom responded by saying that Bluefur would have one moon before she needed to bring the kits to him. He now wondered if that was the right thing to say. Maybe I shouldn't have reminded her that she needs to give them up. However, they both knew it was the only way to preserve their chances of becoming leaders.

Rounding the last corner, Oakheart entered the RiverClan camp. He stumbled through the reeds, relieved to see that the clearing was empty. For just a moment, he pictured the ThunderClan camp as clearly as he could. He imagined Bluefur slipping into the hollow unnoticed and returning to the nursery. She's with our kits now.

"Good morning," a voice brought Oakheart out of his thoughts. The image of ThunderClan faded away and was replaced with the sight of Crookedstar in front of him. "The warriors will start waking up soon."

Before Oakheart could respond, he heard a tiny squeal from nearby. "Crookedstar!" He glanced down, spotting a small kit at the leader's paws.

Crookedstar crouched down, patting Minnowkit's back with a paw. "Go back to Willowbreeze," he instructed gently. "I'll be there soon."

"Okay!" Minnowkit mewed, scrambling away and back into the nursery. The kits were only two moons old, but they were already excited about becoming apprentices.

Oakheart silently watched Minnowkit exit the clearing. As she ran, the reddish-brown warrior imagined Bluefur in the nursery with Mistykit, Stonekit, and Mosskit. However, if they joined the same Clan, they would be giving up their kin and friends. Also, they couldn't both be leader at once. I can't make Bluefur sacrifice ThunderClan to join me. If Thistleclaw becomes the deputy, he'll destroy the forest!

I should assign patrols, Oakheart decided, moving to sit at the base of the boulder in the clearing. Just as he sat down, warriors began leaving their nests. They crossed the camp and sat near the stone with the deputy.

Gesturing to the first cat he saw, Oakheart started, "You will patrol the WindClan border with a few warriors of your choice." He made sure to specify, "I'll send out another patrol to ThunderClan later." He knew his scent may still be lingering at Sunningrocks, and he didn't want any cat to suspect that he had been meeting with Bluefur.

Soon, several warriors were leaving the camp on patrols. Oakheart sighed, relaxing knowing that his secret would be safe. However, his fur was chilled by the breeze that swept through the clearing. It was already freezing, but there were two moons until Leaf-bare. The dark, looming clouds threatened an early snow. Leaves tumbled through the camp while trees rattled in the wind.

This Leaf-bare will be difficult. Oakheart took in a breath of icy air. The river would freeze over again, and their supply of prey would be cut off. ThunderClan would likely attempt to take Sunningrocks again. The tom hoped he would never have to meet Bluefur in battle. I couldn't bring myself to attack her, but I would be betraying my Clan if I didn't.

He also knew that life wouldn't get easier for him. I made my choice as a kit, and I had to and still do have to suffer for it. However, thinking about Bluefur, he decided, I wouldn't have done things any differently.

"Oakheart!" Crookedstar called from the boulder behind the reddish tom. He turned to face the tabby, who continued, "We both should leave the camp, it's been a while since I've patrolled."

Oakheart agreed, "Of course. Where should we go?"

Crookedstar decided, "We'll go to the ThunderClan border."

Nodding, Oakheart led the way out of the camp. He leaped over a clump of dead reeds and followed a trail towards the river. Despite the bright, hopeful light that reached the path, Oakheart still felt an anxious pit in his stomach. Something is wrong, I can tell. I only hope I discover what it is before it's too late.