Flood

Fox Breath

Owleyes sat patiently in the shade of a rock while he watched his two kittens battle the gentle waves lapping the shore.

'Careful, you two!' The king called out. If his young went too far, they'd risk being swept away by the current. No matter how unlikely it was, it was his job as their father to worry as much as it was the medicine cat's to heal.

The tom of the two, Barkkit, glanced over at his father. His white muzzle was scrunched together, like it always is when he is purring. 'We are, Owl, we are!' The kitten reassured.

But Owleyes wouldn't take that for an answer. He struggled to his paws and herded his kits underneath the rocks that were the nursery. As he slumped down again, Barkkit began to insist that Beekit wrestle with him. His sister merely shook her head and bounded over to join Owleyes in a quick snooze.

Owleyes felt a sharp pain in his side. He groaned and rolled over. A familiar voice chided:'You sleep like a Tailess, Owleyes!'

'You should get a little rest too, Tawnybreeze,' the tom mumbled. He cowered away from the setting sun, which was seeping its away through the rocks.

'StarClan, no!' The same head butted into his ribs.

'Wake.'

Jab.

'Up.'

Jab.

'Fox.'

Jab.

'Breath!'

With the final hit, Owleyes bolted upright. He blinked away the sunlight, and turned to see his mate carrying two kits that were yowling with delight.

'Good morning, my dear,' Tawnybreeze purred. She shook Barkkit off her blue back and led them out into the light.

It appeared as though the entire camp was pooling outside. The elders were bickering under the shade of a thin, tall tree. Several warriors shoved tangles of water-reeds underneath the brush. Finally, above it all, sat Maplestar. She was perched on the side of the abandoned Tailess-made structure that loomed over the river. Her cream-ginger tabby coat had been groomed neatly, and her ears were pushed back.

Below her sat her mate, Fawnpatch.He was much more calm than his mate, who was daring and strict. The two had a litter of their own, who Maplestar practically abandoned to soar higher in the ranks.

Six moons ago, Maplefang was appointed leader. She had already used up three of her nine lives battling off foxes and currents. Many cats of RapidClan could tell Fawnpatch was very concerned for the leader's health.

By the time Owleyes recollected himself, Tawnybreeze had taken the kits to the top of the hill, and was helping them tumble back down.

'Beekit, watch out! Are you alright? You almost fell down that hole. Barkkit, use your hind legs when you're climbing to get some effort off your paws. Nicely done!'

The sight warmed the tom's heart, and he stepped cautiously over the slippery rocks to join his family.