Burst of Fire

Chapter 9

Fire stood beside Oak as the Moorland cats climbed out of the hollow. Cloud introduced them to the tribe, and all the while Oak gaped in awe at the one called Lightningpool. He seemed to watch every move she made, and every glimmer of silver fur seemed to make him freeze.

"Hey, Fire?" Oak approached him, "Since I'm your young-one, I can tell you anything, right?"

"Bring it on." Fire replied.

"Well, I think that Lightningpool is really hot." Oak confessed.

"You're pretty bold." Fire told him with a stiffled meow of laughter.

"So I was wondering," Oak continued, "are the moorland cats our allies or our enemies?"

"Neither, really." Fire told him, "But after this, I think they'll be on our side."

"If the field dogs don't come back this time, could all of the tribes meet in this field? Anytime?"

"Yes, if their leaders would let them."

"Great!" Oak exclaimed, nearly bursting with excitement. "I'm going to talk to her!"

Oak dashed off towards the moorland cats, his black, tabby fur ruffling in the wind, his round, brown eyes gleaming in the light of the full moon. As his young-one approached Lightningpool, Fire purred with delight. Oak was already becoming a bolder and braver cat than Fire had ever been.

"Oh, Fire... You're becoming such a great teacher!" Came a soft voice from behind him. Fire knew the voice as well as he knew his own. Fire turned slowly to face a she-cat that he had not seen for many sunrises.

"Hello, Dove." Fire replied with a nod, "How is life in the Clouds?"

"It's perfect." Dove purred. "I just came to check in on my tribe. And it seems you've met some of the moorland cats." She continued, motioning to the newcomers. "I will see you soon." And with that, she was in the Clouds once more.

Fire let out a purr as he turned away from where Dove had stood. She was always like that; a dramatic entrance and a quiet exit. Cloud was leading the tribe back to clearing, and Fire was about to join him when Oak appeared at his side.

"So, how did it go?" Fire asked with a slight purr.

"It was great!" Oak replied, seemingly in another world. "Lightningpool said that we could meet by the hollow at dawn tomorrow, and I told her that I'd ask you. So can I?"

"Of course!" Fire replied with a laugh. "Just be back by sunhigh; we're having a hunting lesson."

"Thanks, Fire!" Oak meowed with excitement. "I'll go tell her!" With that, Oak was off to share the news with Lightningpool, who squirmed with glee before giving him a brisk lick on the ear and nudging him with her muzzle.

"Come on, Oak!" Fire called out to them, "We don't want to left behind!"

Oak dashed to Fire with a look of joy in his gleaming brown eyes, and the two cats followed Cloud back to their tribe. Fire was filled to the brim with excitement for his young-one. He too was a young cat who had fallen in love recently. Nothing was going to stand in Oak's way when it came to relationships, because Fire would be there for him.

Not much of a help... Fire thought with glee, But I can at least hope that his path will be smoother than mine was!

Little did Fire know that his road was going to get bumpier still.

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Cloud sat in his shelter under the big-rock, a strange emptiness echoing inside of him. It's actually somewhat boring, being leader... he thought, When times are peaceful, there is nothing to be done but to think. It was sun- high, the day after the battle with the field dogs. Fire had gone out with Oak just a few moments ago and wouldn't be back until dusk, so Cloud couldn't keep them around for a friendly conversation.

"Cloud!" Came a small voice from the shelter entrance, "May I speak to you?"

"Of course!" Cloud called back. Sun appeared at Cloud's side; an anxious look on his face.

"I wanted to talk to you about Rose..." The kitten stammered. "She still hasn't gotten over Dove's death, and... and she's been hiding in the back of the birth-clearing, not talking to anyone. She's... not even talking to me. But she mutters under her breath... about the cliff at the edge of the field. She... she wants to jump..." Sun trailed off, unable to say anymore without wailing.

Cloud felt sick. His energetic daughter... thinking of killing herself because of pure grief? Cloud nearly yowled with terror and disbelief. It was a grief that he'd caused. Cloud nodded to Sun, sorrow welling up in the young cat's midnight blue eyes. Sun's golden fur seemed to sag as he continued,

"Cloud, I love her, and I want to help her. Only..." He was wailing now. "I don't know where to start!"

"It's... It's alright, Sun." Cloud tried to comfort him. "It would be hard for anyone if their mother died. Just give her some time."

"NO!" Sun exclaimed, suddenly angry. "That isn't all that's bothering her! She keeps muttering... about how you look at Stone! So soon after Dove dies, you go after a different cat! Imagine, being Rose, still grieving, wishing that her father would grieve with her. Only the father is too busy finding a NEW mate! Go and talk to her! Go and apologize for not being there for her! Unless, of course, you don't even care!"

Sun spun around and trudged out of the shelter, seeming confused and sad. Cloud watched him go, his heart nearly breaking. He recalled glancing at Stone, admiring how fit she was and the way her icy eyes sparkled, even without the sun. Cloud recalled gazing admiringly at her soft, sleek black fur; he had been fondly watching Stone and her young-one practice their stalking skills.

Oh, I do love her! Cloud realized with guilt. I feel like I could bite my tail off, I've been so oblivious about the things that my daughter is going through! Cloud lifted his head to the sky, wailing softly,

"Oh, Dove! What am I supposed to do now?"