Warriors: Storm and Flood

Chapter Twelve

  Frosttoe lay in the nursery, her tail drawn over her nose to try to get comfortable; about a moon had passed and Minnowshade had given birth to Oatkit; the small, pale tom seemed to mewl night and day, no matter how much his mother tried to coax him to sleep. Frosttoe was thankful for Minnowshade's apologies, and she enjoyed Oatkit's company, but she had found herself exhausted since the kit was born. He's a lovely kit, she thought with a large yawn. But he needs to learn when to rest!

Oatkit began to wail again and Minnowshade stirred awake, licking his head and murmuring softly to the kit. Frosttoe finally had enough, rising to her paws and padding out of the den; the night air was cool as it ruffled her fur, and she could scent water in the air. It's going to snow soon. She realized, then let out a sigh; when the snow came, the clan's prey was limited. The lake and streams would be frozen, so Riverclan would have no choice but to hunt on land. That's fine by me. I hate getting my paws wet.

The camp was silent still as she padded toward the reed tunnel, nodding to Ripplefeather as she passed; the silver and black she-cat nodded curtly in return, whisking her tail in acknowledgement. However, before Frosttoe could get very far outside the tunnel, a rippling pain passed through her belly, making her screech. What's happening? She wondered, crouching down and trying to suppress another yowl. Her efforts were fruitless though, and she howled again; before she knew it, Ripplefeather was at her side, the she-cat's yellow eyes wide with alarm.

"Your kits are coming!" She exclaimed and nudged Frosttoe to her feet, giving her shoulder rapid, comforting licks. "We need to get you to Emberfern." Ripplefeather trotted alongside Frosttoe as they hurried back to camp, crossing the clearing to the nursery. Minnowshade glanced up and drew her tail protectively over Oatkit, who had tumbled over her to see what the commotion was all about.

"Keep away dear," she murmured to the curious kit. "You're too little to see."

"But I want to see the kits!" Oatkit protested, his voiced an argumentative squeak. The rustle of reeds made the light brown kit's ears flatten and hide behind his mother; Emberfern nosed her way through and purred at Frosttoe.

"You're doing fine," the tortoiseshell murmured and settled next to her, running a paw over her belly. Frosttoe groaned painfully, closing her eyes tightly. It hurts so much! She thought frantically.

"I brought some wet moss," Ferretpelt mumbled through the soaked moss that hung from his jaws. He brought it over to Frosttoe, who lapped at it thankfully. I've never been so thirsty!

"The kits will be here before you know it," Emberfern reassured her as another ripple passed through Frosttoe's body, making her screech. "Minnowshade, take Oatkit outside. I need all the room I can get."

"Should I tell Hollowtail?"

"Yes, but let him know to stay out of the nursery. You know how anxious toms can get."

Nodding, Minnowshade picked up a protesting Oatkit by the scruff and hauled him out of the den, leaving Emberfern and Ferretpelt to tend to Frosttoe. Another wave of pain hit her and she dug her claws into the moss below, groaning and flattening her ears. There was movement in front of her, and when she opened her eyes she saw Ferretpelt holding a stick in front of her. "Bite on this," the grey tabby meowed gently. "It'll make it easier to bear."

Frosttoe lay down her head, her flanks heaving with exhaustion; she glanced down at the two little bundles at her belly and let out a soft purr, drawing her tail over them. My beautiful kits. She thought to herself, leaning down and giving their heads each a soft lick. The reeds at the nursery's entrance rustled and Hollowtail peeked through, his yellow eyes round like moons with worry.