Odds And Ends (random book)

SCRIPTORIAL | Round Alpha

2017
WattyWarriors
Watty Warriors Fan Magazine SCRIPTORIAL

Single elimination one-on-one short story writing tournament for Warriors.

Result - advanced

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'Sunheart, settle down' Ivystorm told me. 'I'm just excited' I said. And it was true. I don't think I ever get so jumpy at anything except for a kitting. Watching new life come into this world, it always makes me glad to see cats of all clans blessed by such a miracle. And I was really eager to watch one of my best friends go through it.

The breeze began to pick up slightly as Sunheart made it to the top of the small hill, overlooking most of the moor in front of her. She attempted to spot the two apprentices who had taken off for prey.

The first one came through, Tigerpaw. I remember one time when you said if you ever had kits, you wouldn't name any of them Tiger. Forgive me, but I don't think I remember why. Maybe it was because a dangerous leader from long ago shared the name... but I guess it's not important now.

I looked into his tightly shut eyes for you. I knew you couldn't. You told me to tell you if he was okay, and that she didn't feel good. Ivystorm mocked you, saying though all your toughness as a warrior, that 'a little bit of kitting would bring you down.' I told you he was just fine. Maybe a little small, but I knew you wouldn't care.

Then I saw the blood... none of us were ready for that. You kept saying 'Tigerkit.' We told you not to speak. We tried to see what was wrong; it was all supposed to be so simple. You just kept repeating his name, 'Tigerkit.'

The second kit came out. But she did not move. And neither did you after that. You kept mumbling, 'Tigerkit.' Ivystorm screamed at you to stay awake. She seemed so brave that day.

All I could do was sit there and watch. Kit after kit. The she-kit, then another, then a tom, and a she-kit, all born still. Ivystorm was busy trying to wake you up. I tried nudging them, cleaning them, nothing.

'Hey, stay with me! Can you hear me?' I remember Ivystorm would not give up. The apprentice had to walk over and tell her you were gone. She smacked the poor cat away. She dropped into the pool of blood under her and yowled as loud as she could. She was devastated. And so was I.

I felt so weak... I couldn't look into your blurred eyes any longer. It all happened too fast, too sudden. And all that was left of you was the wailing kit lying among his motionless littermates.

Sunheart spotted what she was looking for; the two cats were a ways away from each other, stalking a rabbit. She quickly darted from her spot on the hill, moving quickly and low to the ground on their position.

Now, Tigerpaw is an apprentice. And I believe he will become a fine warrior, no. He will be, just as you were...