Morning Clouds

Chapter 10

Splashing Creek took a deep breath. I can do this.

"Dew," she began. "Can you go and get Dappled Pelt?"

The gray she-cat nodded and ran off.

"Night," Splashing Creek meowed. "Can you get everyone out of the den?"

Night nodded, looking a bit flustered, and nudged RiverClan's five kits and a confused-looking Gecko's Chirp out.

"Mama!" Flower Stream squealed, trying to push past Night into the den. "I left my lucky pebble in there!"

Soft Breeze jutted her chin out to match her sister's. "Well I left my lucky feather!"

Ember Dawn puffed out her chest. "I took my lucky rock with me." she declared proudly.

"You three are idiots!" Storm's Wind snorted.

"Hey!" Flower Stream exclaimed, leaping on him. The two kits rolled over in a play-fight. Ember Dawn, Soft Breeze, and the final kit, Rain Splash, joined the tussle.

Gecko's Chirp shook her head and nudged the kits away from the den, Night following.

Splashing Creek took a deep breath and entered the den.

Moss Tail crouched beside Dawn Mist, who lay on her side, panting. Some wet moss lay beside her.

Splashing Creek crouched beside the kitting she-cat. She racked her brain frantically for what Dappled Pelt had taught her about kittings. Something about biting down on a stick?

"Night, I need a stick."

The black queen hurried out.

"Dawn Mist, when the pain comes, push with all your might." Splashing Creek commanded nervously.

Night came back in with a sturdy stick and knowingly placed it between Dawn Mist's jaws. Dawn Mist proceeded to bite down on the stick, and a wet bundled slid out. Night nipped the sac and licked it before placing it at Dawn Mist's belly, where it began to suckle.

Splashing Creek watched in wonder. How does a kit that tiny and young know how to do that?

She was snapped out of her thoughts by Dappled Pelt and Dew rushing in as the second kit slid out. The medicine cat immediately took control, flashing around the den.

Splashing Creek stepped back, eyes wide. I barely did anything!

Dappled Pelt sighed. "Two beautiful kits. Two toms."

Dawn Mist began to purr.

Dappled Pelt began to back out of the den. "I'll get you some borage. Come on, Splashing Creek."

Splashing Creek followed, a little dazed.

At the entrance, Drizzle and Pine Needle hung around nervously. "Is it over?"

"Yes. You have two little brothers," Dappled Pelt purred.

Drizzle's eyes lit up and she charged happily into the den, her brother following.

Dappled Pelt led Splashing Creek to the medicine den, got borage for Dawn Mist, and came back. "You need to make sure Dawn Mist has enough water," she instructed. "And milk. If she needs milk, give her borage. You know what borage looks like?"

Splashing Creek nodded dubiously.

Dappled Pelt gave an approving nod. "Don't let too many cats crowd her." She rose to her paws. "Bye. I'm going back to finish the meeting with Skystar."

With that, Dappled Pelt hurried out of the den, leaving Splashing Creek stunned.

Again.

//-//

Unknown POV

The cat glanced swiftly from side to side.

No one was watching.

They carefully backed into the brambles, ears pricked for any movement.

They knew it was dangerous, stupid, and would get them in a lot of trouble.

But it was worth it.

Because on the other side of the brambles lay cats who actually understood them. For the first time, they didn't feel like an outcast.

And that was exactly what they needed.

And it was exactly what would cause their doom.