Oakheart's Promise - A Warriors AU

Chapter 44

"Wake up, Oakheart," a tiny voice caused the reddish tom to open his eyes. He glanced around the warriors' den and saw Stonekit in front of him.

Rolling over in his nest, Oakheart told him, "Go back to your parents in the nursery."

However, as Oakheart tried to close his eyes again, he felt tiny paws on his back. Stonekit gripped onto his fur, begging, "Please come outside."

"Okay," Oakheart sighed in agreement. He stood to his paws and followed Stonekit out of the den. Around him, the camp was covered in puffy snow. Willowbreeze and Crookedstar sat near the boulder in the clearing with their kits. Silverkit leaped into the snow, flinging some at Minnowkit. Willowkit joined in, tossing the snow and rolling in it.

"Go play with you sisters," Oakheart encouraged, nudging Stonekit forward. "I have to assign patrols."

Giggling, Stonekit bounded into the clearing and pounced onto Silverkit's back. However, the she-kit was much larger, causing him to slide off. Stonekit knew that he was younger and not as strong as his siblings, but he still tried his best to fit in with them. Oakheart remembered when he first asked his parents about his sisters.

"My sisters are so much bigger than me!" Stonekit had complained to Willowbreeze and Crookedstar.

Crookedstar explained, "That's because they're older than you."

"But why are they older than me?" Stonekit asked.

"They were born before you were born," Willowbreeze answered vaguely. They never told Stonekit that he wasn't their kit. When Graypool was first brought to RiverClan, she was faced with several cats who told her that she could never be a warrior. She hadn't listened to them, but it was better to keep Stonekit away from that possibility.

Thankfully, because of Crookedstar and Willowbreeze's explanation, Stonekit didn't grow up thinking he was weak. Now, at three moons old, he was just as eager as his sisters to be an apprentice. Luckily, he had no memories of Bluefur or that terrible night when Oakheart found him in the forest.

Oakheart hadn't told anyone that Stonekit was his. He figured it would be best if Bluefur's secret died with her. However, he still acted as a father to Stonekit, making sure to treat him well. The last thing he wanted was for his son to hate him like he once hated Rainflower.

I never hated her, Oakheart corrected himself. I only hated what she did to me. I could never hate my mother.

"I hope you'll be my mentor one day!" Stonekit exclaimed, cutting into Oakheart's thoughts. The warrior blinked, turning to gaze at the kit who now sat in front of him.

He reminds me of Bluefur, Oakheart thought sadly. The tom was dark gray, but his ears resembled hers closely, and his paws moved with the same grace hers did. He would be excellent at hunting forest prey if he was in ThunderClan.

"I'll train you to be the best warrior in the Clan!" Oakheart agreed enthusiastically, pushing away his negative thoughts.

"Oakheart," Crookedstar began, stepping between them. Oakheart had noticed that his brother was listening to them, but he had seemed distant. The leader suggested, "We should go on patrol together."

Nodding, Oakheart exclaimed, "Sure!" He lowered his head, tapping his nose to Stonekit's before standing and leaving with Crookedstar. Together, they made their way out of the camp and over the small stream that surrounded it.

Once they were far enough away from the camp, Oakheart turned to Crookedstar. "Why did you want us to patrol together?" He asked, making sure it didn't sound like he was accusing the leader.

With a sigh, Crookedstar answered, "I wanted to ask you a question." He hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. Then, leaning towards Oakheart, he asked, "Is Stonekit your kit?"

Oakheart knew that Crookedstar had made the connection. There was no point in lying to him now. "Yes," he nodded slightly. Crookedstar could have asked who Stonekit's mother was, but it was likely he already knew. Bluefur.

"I understand," Crookedstar added quickly. "I understand," he repeated, slower this time. He gazed at Oakheart, as if trying to convey a message. The reddish tom knew exactly what he was saying. I'll keep your secret.

"Let's go back to camp," Oakheart placed a paw on Crookedstar's shoulder. The tabby stood, leading them back over the small creek.

Oakheart turned to gaze at Crookedstar. He took a deep breath, remembering the events of only two moons ago. Mapleshade will never take you from me. I hope you know that.