The Flood Of Power Book 1: New Moon

Chapter 19

Dragging her paws through the mud, Threepaw dropped three mice off at the nursery. It had been raining since dawn, and there was no sign of clear skies.

Inside, Spinheart and Applelight were sharing tongues while their kits wrestled. Shadekit and Lightningkit were tackling Spiderkit while Otterkit and Breezekit were chasing Whitekit around the den. Applelight's four kits were still tiny and were a bit wobbly on their paws, but they had enough energy to run a lap around the territory.

"Is that for us?" Breezekit skidded to a halt in front of Threepaw and stared up at the mice in wonder.

Threepaw let out a purr. "I'm afraid I don't get to decide when you get to have real prey."

"Do Spiderkit and Whitekit get one?" Breezekit asked while Threepaw gave the two queens their prey.

"They do."

"When can I have fresh-kill?" Breezekit asked with a frown.

"Whenever your mother allows." Threepaw purred.

Whitekit bit into her mouse and mewed, "you can share with us!"

Breezekit bounded over to the older kits. She was about to take a bite when she swung her head around to stare at Applelight. "Go ahead." Applelight sighed. Breezekit took a bite of prey.

"Me too! Me too!" Lightningkit shoved his sister out of the way and took a mouthful of mouse for himself. "Mmm, it's so good!"

"Hey, I want some more!" Breezekit complained, trying to push past her brother.

"Wait your turn." Lightningkit told her as he, Otterkit, and Shadekit all dug in.

Whitekit and Spiderkit purred and waited until the younger kits finished eating before talking their share. Breezekit, having finally been given a chance to eat more prey, ate alongside the older kits.

Whitekit and Spiderkit are so mature already. They'll become fine warriors some day. Threepaw got lost in watching the kits. She knew that Stormpaw wanted kits, but she didn't know if she herself would want to have kits. I know I've wondered if Bluepaw would want to be my mate, but the chances of that are slim. Stormpaw and Swifttail will probably become mates as soon as she becomes a warrior.

"Alright, as much as I want to stay here with you guys, I need to go on patrol. I'll see you later!" She whisked her tail as she left. A squeak of farewell sounded behind her.

Emerging into the rain again, Threepaw found Needlebush, Brambleberry, Firepaw, Featherwing, and Whisperpaw. Firepaw glowered at her as she padded up. "Took you long enough."

"Come on, Firepaw, she was giving the queens and kits their prey. You were in the nursery with Whitekit and Spiderkit and know just how rowdy kits can be." Brambleberry meowed sternly.

Firepaw huffed but didn't object.

"Let's get going. The sooner we finish, the sooner we'll be back and can get dry." Needlebush meowed, seemingly more annoyed than usual.

As they headed out of camp and found their way to the border, Threepaw couldn't help but be amazed at how Brambleberry had made Firepaw behave. It just shows that he can change, even if just a little bit. Whereas Whisperpaw...she glanced at her sister, who returned the look with a glare.

They travelled along the ShadowClan border without much trouble. "Ugh. Do we really need to go to the end of the border? I'm sure we'd scent or see any trouble if there is any." Needlebush complained.

Brambleberry laid his soaked tail on her shoulders. "It isn't that far away. You can't possibly get more wet than you already are, can you?" He asked gently.