Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 26

As dawn spilled over GlacierClan's camp, a joyful buzz pulsed through the clearing. The news of Sparrowstar's new litter had spread fast, igniting a warmth that cut through the chill of leaf-fall. Every cat seemed to have a bit more spring in their step, their eyes bright with excitement. Poppypool observed from the shadows of her den as warriors, apprentices, and elders exchanged whispers about the new arrivals, four kits in all: three daughters– Mousekit, Sagekit, and Cricketkit– and one son, Stagkit.

Cedarpelt had barely contained himself when Poppypool gave him the news. He'd raced to the nursery, his eyes wet with tears of joy as he padded in to see his family. It warmed Poppypool's heart to watch him disappear into the nursery, and she couldn't help but feel a little lighter.

But then her gaze drifted, catching on a figure sitting at the camp's edge, his expression distant and haunted. Hickorytree was watching the nursery too, but his face was etched with a quiet sorrow that cut through the camp's joyful hum. Without a second thought, Poppypool approached him, sitting beside him in silence for a moment before gently nudging his shoulder with her muzzle.

"Hickorytree," she murmured. "Are you alright?"

He looked at her, his eyes rimmed with tears he was fighting to hold back. After a moment, he sighed, his voice barely a whisper. "It's just... they're all so happy." His gaze returned to the nursery, his voice breaking. "Spiritsight should be here, Poppypool. She'd know exactly how to calm them, keep them safe. She'd... she'd do everything they need."

Poppypool felt the ache in his voice and placed a paw on his, her voice soft and reassuring. "I know, Hickorytree. Spiritsight's absence is felt by every one of us, but especially by you and the kits. But she's here, in ways we can't always see. I can promise you she's watching over you– and those kits."

Hickorytree stared down at their joined paws, struggling with his own heartache. "I just worry, every day. Am I enough for them without her? How do I make sure they don't feel this... this emptiness that I do?"

Poppypool's voice took on a firm, gentle strength. "You do it by telling them her stories, by reminding them how much she loved them. She's with you, in every story, every memory, every moment. You're stronger than you think, Hickorytree, and she lives on through you."

For a moment, he was silent, her words relaxing some of the tension in his shoulders. Then he let out a soft, bittersweet laugh, his shoulders slumping as he released the weight he'd been carrying. "Thank you, Poppypool. I needed to hear that. Sometimes it just... it gets to be too much."

"I understand," she said, squeezing his paw gently. "But remember, you're not alone. And the Clan still needs you too, now more than ever. With Sparrowstar's new litter and all the threats we're facing, the Clan needs its deputy back."

Hickorytree's gaze followed hers back to the nursery, where he saw Cedarpelt peeking out, beaming at his new family. "You're right," he murmured, straightening a bit. "The kits will be alright. You've done so much already, and you're right– they need their deputy." He smiled at her, something lighter and more hopeful in his expression. "I'll speak with Sparrowstar. It's time for me to go back to my duties."

Poppypool nodded approvingly. "Good. And I'll still be here for the kits whenever they need me. You've done more than enough, Hickorytree."

Hickorytree turned to her, a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. "Thank you, Poppypool. I don't know what I'd do without you."

At that moment, a familiar bundle of fur tumbled over Hickorytree's paws, squealing with excitement. The kits had noticed their father was out of the nursery and were now climbing all over him, nipping playfully and darting between his legs. He let out a laugh, the sound full and rich, his heartache melting in the presence of his kits.