Crimson Stains

Chapter 3

Spiralpoppy sits in camp, licking the newfound kit. As the dirt is washed away, it reveals ginger fur, Lizardstripe looks away. Inkstar shakes out his sleek black fur and speaks with Twistedpaw, nodding with approval as Twistedpaw beams with pride. I attempt to ignore the pange of sadness as I look at the kitten.

"Let all cats old enough to scale the walls gather around the Sharp Rock!" The deep voice of Inkstar bellows throughout the cavernous camp. The surviving six cat surround the Sharp Rock and look up at Inkstar standing on the ledge.

"We have found a new kit! Thanks to Twistedpaw's bravery, we were able to retrieve her and keep her from joining Starclan." He looks at Twistedpaw and nods. Twistedpaw does a little jump as a response and pretends nothing happened. "There is one noble cat able to feed this kitten, not old enough to eat prey. Lizardstripe, I know you've recently lost your kit and mate, but would you be willing to care for this kit?" He looks at Lizardstripe sympathetically.

She gasps lightly and looks down. I can see she's crying, a few tears accumulating on the stone. To every cat's surprise, she nods. "I think- I could do it. I'm the only cat who can provide milk, right?" She says as she looks at the kit, still nestled between the legs of Spiralpoppy. She approaches them and sniffs the kit, then licks her. "Her fur is orange- like Fawnkit. And her eyes-" she chokes up as she takes the kit, wrapping her tail around her.

She continues licking her, revealing deep red spots. "I- I'll name her Auburnkit" she says, attempting to ignore Auburnkits resemblance to her late kit. I look down at my paws. I understand how she feels right now. "Then it's settled. You, Lizardstripe, will care for Auburnkit and raise her as if your own. We all appreciate your generosity." He concludes as he dips his head. The clan begins to cheer Auburnkits name as Lizardstripe cleans away the dirt on her fur.

~~~~~

I watch as Lizardstripe slowly remakes her nest, clearing away the stale moss where her former kit used to sleep. I can tell how much she's struggling but I'm not sure what to say. I pad towards her, dipping my head with respect. "Hey, I just wanted to help you out with this nest." I start awkwardly, dragging away some brittle sticks. The silence is palpable. I speak again, "You know, I understand how you feel."

She stops. Auburnkit wriggles a bit in the finished half of the nest. Tears drip down onto the moss as I place my paw on hers. She pulls her paw away. "I'm sorry- I- I shouldn't have said anything-"

"No, no. It's okay. It's- just-" Lizardstripe interrupts, turning her head away. It's silent for a few more heartbeats. I can only hear our breath and the rustling of Auburnkit getting comfortable. "I'm sorry. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this." Lizardstripe's voice cracks slightly. I look down.

A few more moments of silence pass. I walk out of the den and reenter with a small shrew. "I know it's not a lot, but I think you need it." I say as I set it down in front of her. She looks at me and smiles a bit, dipping her head in gratitude. "Thank you."