At Willow's End : Tales Of Seven

💜Chapter Two💜

Finchkit ran through the forest, tears streaming down her muzzle, quickening her pace, stumbling over fallen branches and through logs, her mind whirling, shivering with every step.

First, Mama leaves me and Father all alone. Then, my first friend rejects me...
I'm the deputy's only kit. I shouldn't be treated like an enemy. ForestClan, why me?

"Stop right there, kit! You're on EarthClan territory. Rainpaw, go fetch her. "

Finchkit went limp in the jaws of the sweet smelling tom as they trekked through the snow, cold, exhausted, hungry and afraid.

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"Wake up, little one. You need to eat so we can take you home."

Finchkit refused to listen to the soft voice and the temping scent of mouse, for it reminded her of Berrysplash, telling her to open her eyes when she had been only three sunrises old and the mother of two tried to get her to drink her milk again.

"I don't want you!" She had yowled as soon as her eyes opened, struggling to find her father and real mother, because, knowing by scent, Finchkit knew something was off, but strangely, familiar...

"Your mother is dead! Our mother and father just  took pity on a runt like you cause our sister died too!" Willowkit's voice echoed painfully.

"She's shaking like a leaf!"

"Do you think Lightningstar knows that she's here?"

A snort.

"A two moon old kit? In weather like this? Would you notice anything when you're trying to feed your Clan?"

A growl.

"Mouse-brained Queens! Letting the poor dear run off like this!"

A gasp.

"She reminds me of Shadedfern! Do you think she's her daughter?"

A purr.

"The spitting image. Now, come along, Tawnystrike. Rainpaw. We must return this young one home before the snow thickens. Thank you for telling me, Dawnstep."

"Of course, Mintstar."

Finchkit felt herself being carried away from the warm nest, she wanted to protest, but said nothing.

"There she is! Owlfeather, we found her!"

Finchkit forced her eyes open to met a patrol of familiar faces.

Her father among them,  looking furious.

"Technically, I found her, Sparrowpaw." Rainpaw mumbled dryly through Finchkit's fur, setting her on the cold ground.

"Whatever you say, young  Sparrowpaw. We're just returning your kit home." Minstar mewed, smiling kindly down at Finchkit.

Tawnystrike just shook his head, pawing the ground, snorting.

She trembled under the accusing glares of her Clanmates and wanted to run again, far far away.

What did I do wrong?

Finally, her father took charge, fluffing up his fur against the cold.

"Sparrowpaw, go get her.  I'm sure Lightningstar will have a suitable punishment in mind for a run away kit. We have a warrior and apprentice ceremony to get to. Good day, Mintstar. Healer Rainpaw. Tawnystrike. Thank you for bringing my daughter home."