Bearheart's Shame

Chapter 18

Bearheart stretched up from her nest. Streamstar had returned to his camp four moons ago, but Riverscar had stayed. She was grateful for his staying. He was away from his clan, but had stayed simply to make sure she would be fit enough to travel to Moonclan's camp.

"Bearheart. You're awake. Good. Antwhisker wants to check you over." Riverscar came up to her.

Bearheart nodded.

She padded out of the den, glancing around the camp. Ferns began had begun shooting up through the earth crisped by leafbare. Newleaf was beginning and the world around her was warming up.

"Bearheart. Come to my den." Antwhisker beckoned her forward, and she trotted after him.

Antwhisker began to sniff her wounds, touching them every so often to check for heat or swelling.

"You're safe to travel."

Bearheart bounced happily. She would be grateful to be free of the accusing stares of her to-be former clanmates. All but her kits had cast her out, ignoring her when she asked to join their patrol. Not that Antwhisker would let her.

"Thank you, Antwhisker." She mewed as she padded away.

Snowshadow limped up to her. She had become a medicine cat and had received her name the same night as her sister.

Bearheart glanced around the white and black she-cat, and noticed Silverwisp and Whispermoon following closely behind.

"Goodbye. We'll miss you." Snowshadow dipped her head, eyes shining with sadness.

"Thank you for taking care of me. My birth mother will never understand that what you did for me was the kindest deed of all." Whispermoon smiled sadly.

Silverwisp was flicking her tail agitatedly behind her.

"We can't just let you go! You're being forced out of your own clan!" She exclaimed.

Bearheart sighed. "Silverwisp. It's okay. This is what I want. I want to be with my mate. I would take you, but you'll be happier here. I'm sorry."

Silverwisp turned away, anger flaring in her eyes.

Bearheart exhaled heavily.

Doefang bounded up, Dustberry and Liontail on her heels.

"We'll miss you so." Doefang meowed.

"I thought you all were angry with me?" Bearheart gazed questioningly at her littermates.

"We were, but it was mouse-brained. We shouldn't have been angry with you." Doefang was staring at Bearheart apologetically.

"It's okay." Bearheart meowed in return.

"I'm so sorry! I'm going to miss you. I'm sorry that I turned my back on you!" Doefang leapt forward, nuzzling up to Bearheart.

"You had kits to care for."

"Bubblekit, Stumpykit and Bearkit are almost five moons. They'll be apprentices in no time. I didn't have to keep caring for them. They can look after themselves." Doefang looked at her paws.

"Doefang. It's okay. I'm just glad we made up before I left." Bearheart meowed

Doefang looked up, eyes brimming with emotion.

Liontail stepped forward. "It was good to be with you. I hope you'll be happy in Moonclan." The golden tom looked grief stricken, and Bearheart felt sympathy rise inside her.

"I'll miss you, brother." She pressed her nose to his head.

Dustberry smiled at her. "Good luck." His eyes were glazed with grief, and Bearheart grinned at him.