Snowdrop's Ignorance -Editing-

I*

Snowkit blearily forced her eyes open, taking in her blurry surroundings. Blinking to clear the blurriness, she was greeted with the sight of the figures of two other kits and a large she-cat. She was snuggled next to the she's stomach.

"Snowkit? Your eyes are open!" the large she purred, pleased that her daughter was finally able to see. "Nightkit, Smokekit, wake up."

  "Huh? Wha's'it?" the dark gray kit mumbled sleepily.

The black kit looked around before spotting Snowkit. "Snowkit's awake!"

"Does that mean we can play now, Blackfire?"

"Of course not. Your sister has barely opened her eyes!" the black she-cat scolded, flicking Smokekit's nose with her tail. "Besides, it won't do if you end up catching a cough."

"But Blackfire," Smokekit whined, "what if we're super careful?"

Blackfire sighed. "Fine. But I will be watching you. Don't think for a second that you won't be watched."

The kits cheered, scrambling to stand up. Snowkit shakily stood and took a step forward. Her body trembled with effort but she pressed on, unwilling to fall behind. As she took another step, she nearly tripped, causing Blackfire to gently grab her by the scruff.

"Careful, little one." The kit was set down on her paws. Blackfire nudged her forward, ear twitching in amusement as the kit wobbled forward. It took some time, but the three kits and exhausted mother had finally gotten outside the nursery.

Smokekit and Nightkit were bouncing around in front of the den, eyes bright and tails bushy as they took in their surroundings. Snowkit winced at the bright sunlight as it hit her face. It hurt her eyes and she found herself cowering underneath her mother. Despite that, her eyes were wide with wonder. The camp was huge and she had no idea which dens were which.

Noticing the kit's distress, the molly gave the she-kit a lick and carefully pushed her forward. "Go play with your sisters."

"It's too bright, Blackfire," Snowkit mumbled, ears pinning back against her head. "Can we go back into the den?"

"I'm afraid not. I need to keep an eye on your sisters," Blackfire paused. "Smokekit, come here. Get away from the warriors' den, please."

The other kit begrudgingly did as asked and stalked away, pouting. The mother sighed and shook her head. Snowkit peeked out from under her mother, nose twitching as she took in the scents of the camp.

"Blackfire?" the kit asked, looking up at the older. "Do we have a father?"

She was startled for a moment before answering, "You do."

"Who is he?"

"No one important, little one. He is...not with the clan."

"Oh..."

Silence fell over them and Snowkit shook her fur, cautiously stepping out from under her mother. Curiously, she looked around, tail held straight up. The she-kit took another step, watching as the sunlight shone on her white paws. She looked up at the blue sky, purring as she began bouncing around.

The sight of something flying around made her pause and look at it. She crouched, tail wagging as she crept forward. With a squeak, the kit jumped on the flying insect, pinning it beneath her paws. There were several purrs of amusement from watching cats. Embarrassed, the white kit stepped off the dead insect and hurried back to her mother.

•••

It was a couple moons later when Snowkit awoke in the middle of the night. Her mother was standing, unaware of the kit's curious gaze. As soon as Blackfire left, the kit followed, making it a goal to not get caught. She crept behind the black she-cat, following closely. The five-moon-old kit noted they were leaving camp.

She snuck out, following her mother without being noticed. Watching as the black molly reached the border with IceClan, Snowkit startled. The cat waiting on the other side of the border wasn't familiar, but had a scent that she often smelled on her mother.

"Blackfire," they greeted. It was a tom, the kit realized.

Blackfire purred, nuzzling against the tom. "I missed you."

The bushes rustled on the other side of where Snowkit was hidden. Suddenly, a group of rogues leapt out, beginning to fight the two Clan cats. Snowkit watched with wide eyes as one of the rogues dug their teeth into Blackfire's throat.

The light gray tom that the queen was nuzzling against immediately attacked the rogue, hissing furiously. Snowkit wasn't sure how long she watched, but eventually the tom fought the rogues off. Blackfire's body was still, likely growing cold like the prey the kit would eat.

The tom looked in the direction of where the kit was hidden. "Come out."

Snowkit hesitated before doing as he asked, stepping out of the bushes. "Who are you?"

"Icestar." He flicked his tail.

The kit stepped closer. "Why were you meeting my mother?"

Icestar stiffened. "Your mother?"

"Yes."

"I was not aware she was pregnant. How old are you?"

"Five moons."

"Mm." Icestar appeared to be thinking of something, his face scrunched. "Who's your father?"

"Dunno. What's with all the questions? Why were you with my mother? Are you an enemy? Do I need to fight you off?"

"I'm not your enemy. You don't need to fight me. As for why I was with Blackfire..." the tom trailed off.

Snowkit huffed. "Well?"

"You're a sassy one, aren't you?"

"You didn't answer my question!"

"She's my mate."

"What's that mean?"

"It means I'm your father. Now come. I shall take you to IceClan camp."

"Eh? Why?"

"You really think I'm going to leave a kit alone? Especially my own kit?"

"W-Well, no..."

"Then come on. I'll give you a badger ride."