Dawnstar's Decision

Chapter 20

Dawnsky plopped down on her nest in the dark cave. She needed rest more than anything at the moment, but she couldn't get her mind off what Cricket had told her two nights ago.

She shuddered at the mere thought of Bear turning into the horrible monster that Cricket described him as. She shook her head, feeling exhausted. Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. She gasped as she felt it again, Oh Star Clan! Please help me! She pleaded silently. She gritted her teeth as another spasm of pain hit her.

"Bear! The kits are coming!" She cried to her mate.

The large tom came bounding in the second he heard her, "Are you alright? I... I don't know what to do!"

"Of course I'm not alright!" She snapped, "Now go get me a stick!"

Bear quickly nodded and ran outside without question. She yowled in pain as she felt more convulsions, "Bear, help me!" She cried, shutting her eyes.

She pushed with all her might and the first kit was born, just as Bear stepped in the cave. He quickly licked it under Dawnsky's orders and guided the little kit to her mother. Dawnsky sighed, just one more.... she thought gratefully.

She let out another shriek of agony, and she breathed hard. Bear gave her the stick and she bit it so hard that she felt the stick splinter between her jaws. Bear looked clueless and very worried, "What do I do?" He asked her.

Dawnsky didn't have time to speak. She knew she had to use all of the strength she could muster, and she pushed hard, one last time and the second, much larger kit was born. Bear did the same thing that Dawnsky had told him to do with the first kit, guiding it safely towards her milk.

"They're beautiful." He commented with pride.

The first kit was a small, light brown tabby that looked a lot like her father. The second was white with black patches, just like his mother, though it had Bear's muscular build. The kits fought for milk, mewling loudly and kicking at each other.

Dawnsky smiled weakly at Bear, her blue eyes clouded with exhaustion, "They look just like us." She purred, giving the smallest kit a lick.

"What shall we name them?" Bear asked, curling his tail around his paws.

"How about you name the first born, and I'll name the second born." Dawnsky decided.

Bear thought for a second, and then his amber eyes brightened, "How about Sky?" He looked at her with a crooked smile.

She purred, "Aww, Bear, that's perfect! And for this kit...." she intensely studied the largest kit, "He has patches all over him, so I think we should name him Patch."

Bear nodded in approval, "Those are great names!" He looked at both of them with admiration, "And they will have the greatest mother, and grow up to be the biggest and strongest kits the world has ever seen."

Dawnsky chuckled, "And don't forget about their awesome father!" She nuzzled him happily.

"Sky and Patch," Bear echoed to himself while laying down, "Sky and Patch...."

Dawnsky looked at Bear with a smile before resting her head down on her nest in exhaustion. She couldn't believe it. She was a mother! I wish Speckledpath and Longfang could see this.... she sighed wistfully.

Suddenly, she felt as if someone else had joined her in the cave. Enjoy your happiness now, growled a familiar voice, because you won't have it for long.....

"Shadowstripe!" Dawnsky gasped, lifting her head.

Bear looked at her strangely, "Who?"

"I... I mean.... nothing! Nothing at all! I guess I'm just tired. Goodnight Bear." She laid her head back down and shut her eyes tightly in embarrassment.

She quickly drifted off into slumber, but could still hear Shadowstripe's threatening words. Enjoy your happiness now, Dawnsky! She shuddered and curled herself tighter around her newborn kits.

She stared at them for a while, feeling proud to be a mother. She loved her kits so much, that she didn't know how she could ever live without them. She thought of Oakfoot's prophecy, but one of your kits will fall to the darkest depths.... Dawnsky shook her head. "I will never let that happen..." she promised to her kits in a small whisper. Patch let out a small mew. I will protect these kits with my life, no matter what it takes... even if I have to move back to IceClan.

Suddenly, Dawnsky saw Shadowstripe apear right in front of her. She stiffened and let out a low, but intense growl. Shadowstripe just smiled, "Be careful what you promise, Dawnsky..." he grolwed menacingly, "Because you might not be able to keep it...." he laughed and dissapeared.

She narrowed her eyes, not phased by what the evil cat had threatened. I will do whatever it takes....

((Sorry for another short chapter! But anyways, it's about to get intense soooo yeah.... I hope you enjoy))