A Spark in the Night, part one: The Spark Ignites

Chapter three

"But we want to go to the gathering!" Wailed Featherkit.

"Uh-huh," added Shinekit. "We're five moons old now, we should go!"

"Please??" Softkit begged.

Willowleaf smiled. "You have to be six moons old, and besides, that'd be the deputy's decision."

At that, Shinekit confidently bounced out of the nursery. "Hey, Bluemist? Can we go to the gathering?"

Softkit peeked out. Bluemist, a gray she-cat with bluish spots, was holding back amusement as she looked at Shinekit. "No, but maybe the next one, if you behave well; you'll be apprentices then."

Shinekit scampered into the nursery. "We're going to the next gathering!!" He announced.

Softpaw was curling up to sleep, when she saw Leafpaw peeking into the nursery. "Have fun sleeping! We'll tell you all about the gathering when we get back!", he teased, with mock-excitement.

"You lousy piece of crow-food!" she hissed.

Softkit woke up to the scent of squirrel. She lifted her head, to find herself in the medicine den, and strangely warm. Gentletouch and Poppyflower were looking at her, worried. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Poppyflower glanced at Gentletouch, who nodded. "You're sick," she meowed.

Softkit widened her eyes. "For how long? Am I gonna be a kit forever??"

Gentletouch smiled. "No, it's only light whitecough. It should clear up in a few sunrises."

"Do I need any herbs?" asked Softkit, nervous. They taste gross!

"No," replied Poppyflower. "But we'll let you know if that changes."

Softkit nodded.

"Hey, Softkit!"

Softkit woke up to see Grasspaw and Leafpaw standing in the entrance of the den. Leafpaw was holding a bundle of small white flowers. "Gentletouch says you need these,'' meowed Grasspaw as Leafpaw put them down.

They left and Softkit lowered her head to eat the fragrant flowers. She was about to take a bite when Poppyflower burst into the den. "Softkit!!" she yowled. "What are you doing with that yarrow?"

Softkit looked at her. "Gentletouch sent Leafpaw and Grasspaw to give them to me."

Poppyflower shook her head. "She didn't. You still don't need herbs. Besides, yarrow makes you vomit."

Softkit narrowed her eyes. Those flea-bags are being jerks again!