FInleap's Story

Chapter 1

 

Chapter 1

 

                “Finkit!” Astershadow called, frowning. “Finkit, come on, it’s time to leave. You won’t have to see Shadowkit after all this mess.” She mumbled, looking over towards Cleftwren’s den.

 

                “I’m sorry, Astershadow! I really am! I didn’t mean to bury Shadowkit alive, I swear!” I cried, coming around the corner.

 

                “Yeah, well, maybe it’s better you two aren’t in the same Clan.” Astershadow said, picking up me in her jaws.

 

                “He’ll be okay, won’t he?” I asked as he was rocked back and forth as Astershadow walked. “He will, won’t he?”

 

                “Yeah, yeah, Shadowkit’ll be fine,” Astershadow growled. “He’ll just have one eye less, okay? Littlestar is having a renaming ceremony tonight.”

 

                “Astershadow?” I asked, and the she-cat gave an annoyed snort. “Can you tell me what Shadowkit’s new name is? I’m sure Birchstar will be fine with you bringing news of my brother. I’m going to have the best life there, y’know. I’m gonna become leader and have a mate and have kits.” I paused. “And I’m not gonna throw the she-kits out like they are trash. Because they are not. They are just as good as the toms.”

 

                “Congratulations,” Astershadow said as she dropped me at the border. But there was something softer in her voice. “You follow your dream, Fishface. And find your way to camp. I’ll let you know what Shadowkit’s new name is.”

 

                “Bye, Astershadow!” I called after the grumpy she-cat who I’d once called my mother. “See you soon!” I looked at my surroundings. I smelled a morning patrol that’d been here earlier, but no new scents. I’d have the find the camp myself.

 

                “Who’re you?” I turned to find an older cat looking down at me in disgust. “Who are you, kit?”

 

                “I’m Finkit, sir,” I stammered. ”This is ValeClan territory, right?” I asked.

 

                “Yeah, that’s the name,” The cat muttered. “I’m Tidalclaw. I’ll take you to the camp and get you a better parent. Looks like what you need, though not for long. How old are you? Six moons? You sure look like it.”

 

                “Yes, I am six moons, Tidalclaw. But my Clan wasn’t running so good, ever since the disappearance of our leader, Tabbystar.” I said.

 

                “Oh? You’re in Tabbystar’s Clan?” Tidalclaw seemed surprised. “Well, various Clan leaders have been disappearing. We just hope Birchstar won’t. Now, come along.”

 

                I followed Tidalclaw back to ValeClan camp, where Birchstar was waiting, looking anxious. “Tidalclaw! I was worried sick!” He mewed.

 

                “Ah, Birchstar, how many times must I say that I don’t need your help and guidance? I’m your father and elder – I know more than you.” Tidalclaw laughed.

 

                “Yes, Tidalclaw, I know, but that’s not the point! It’s very dangerous for a elder to be out alone, and- Who is that?” The young leader looked at me.

 

                “This is Finkit, Birchstar. He’s from Tabbystar’s Clan, but he came to live here.” Tidalclaw said, smiling.

 

                “We don’t have enough freshkill to feed more mouths this leafbare! He just brings trouble in his wake, Tidalclaw.” Birchstar said, annoyed.

 

                “You’re turning away an innocent young kit, Birchstar? What kind of foxheart are you?” Another young cat appeared at Birchstar’s side, and Tidalclaw flicked his tail in annoyance.

 

                “No, Russetstrike, I’m not,” Birchstar turned and glared at me. “Do you want to raise him?” He asked Russetstrike.

 

                “Bleck, no,” Russetstrike hissed. “If I raise any kits, they’ll be my own, Birchstar.” She muttered, turning tail to go back to her duties.

 

                “She’s a strong young she-cat, Birchstar,” Tidalclaw said, “But she’s not the right one for you. Are you still thinking of asking her to be your mate?”

 

                “I don’t know, Tidalclaw,” Birchstar lied down and put his paws over his head, his ears flattened. “I love her, I really do, but I don’t know if it’s the right choice for me as a leader to make. If I do anything to show my love at the moment, I’d make her deputy.”

 

                “Both are not wise choices, Birchstar,” Tidalclaw said. “She’s a well-respected warrior, but she deserves neither your love nor future leadership.”