Warriors: The Rise Of FireClan

Chapter 11

  Wolfkit, Falconkit, and Bouncekit were five moons old, almost old enough to become apprentices. Drizzlestar was already expecting her second litter of kits.
  Wolfkit dropped into a hunting crouch, stalking towards Frostkit, who was busy talking with Redkit. Once he was close enough, he pounced on top of her and pawed Redkit, knocking him over.
  The two kits squealed in surprise and they begun to play fight.
  Wolfkit jumped back, panting, his eyes shining with excitement.
  "I have a great idea!" Wolfkit said, looking from Redkit to Frostkit. "Let's explore outside of camp!"
  Frostkit looked unsure but Redkit nodded excitedly.
  "That's a great idea! And if we find prey, we can catch it to prove that we're ready to be warriors!" Redkit mewed.
  Frostkit shifted her paws. "I... I guess. But how will we get out without being seen?"
  "We sneak out of camp through the dirtplace." Wolfkit answered, wrinkling his nose. "Come on!"
  Making sure no cat was watching, Wolfkit led the way out of camp and into the forest.

  "Are you sure this is such a good idea?" Frostkit asked, following Redkit and Wolfkit deeper into FireClan territory.
  "Oh come on. There's nothing wrong with having a little fun!" Wolfkit said, lifting his head up high.
  Redkit sniffed the air, then made a face. "What's that smell?!"
  Wolfkit shrugged. "I don't know. Should we check it out?"
  Redkit's eyes widened. "Yes! It could be an intruder and we can chase them out!"
  "But remember what Blackstar said." Frostkit began. "There are predators in the forest like badgers and foxes."
  Wolfkit rolled his eyes and walked towards the smell, ignoring Frostkit's words.
  Wolfkit stopped, pricking his ears as he heard the bushes move.
  He unsheathed his claws and got into a battle stance. "Come out and show yourself! This is clan territory!"
  Frostkit let out a wail of horror as a large fox sprung out of the undergrowth, lunging towards the three kits.
  But before the fox could reach them, a red and white pelt jumped in front of them, taking the hit.
  "Redstrike!" Blackstar yowled as she and Tigerstar raced over to the scene.
  The tom didn't reply as the fox shook him then threw him. Redstrike landed on the ground, motionless.
  "No!" Tigerstar shouted, lunging at the fox. He seemed to fight like all of StarClan, biting and swiping at the creature. Wolfkit watch with amazement and fear as Tigerstar bit down on the fox's throat, killing it.
  Tigerstar took a step back, panting. He suddenly whirled around to the three kits, his eyes blazing with fury.
  "What were you thinking!" Tigerstar yelled. "Because of you, Redstrike is dead!"
  Blackstar curled her tail around the kits, shaking. "Tigerstar, it's not their fault. Redstrike died like a true warrior."
  Wolfkit looked up at Blackstar. Her eyes were clouded with grief and it seemed hard for her to speak. She left the kits to crouch beside her dead mate, Tigerstar soon joining her.
  Wolfkit looked down with guilt. This was all his fault.
  He was responsible for this warrior's death.

  Ever since Redstrike's death, Blackstar and Tigerstar hadn't been themselves lately. Hazelstar was trying her best to comfort Tigerstar and Drizzlestar was trying to make Blackstar feel better.
  It was especially hard for Drizzlestar, considering now that she not only had to take care of one but two litters of kits. The day after Redstrike died, Drizzlestar had her kits, Clawkit, Leafkit, Maplekit, Fallkit, and Mudkit.
  Leapfrost had just left the nursery, and Drizzlestar watched him go.
  She sighed and looked at Blackstar, who was in the nest beside her.
  Blackstar met her gaze, sensing that something was troubling her friend.
  "What's wrong?" Blackstar asked, wrapping her tail around her paws.
  Drizzlestar looked down. She knew she could confide in Blackstar. "These kits... they aren't... they aren't Leapfrost's."
  Blackstar's eyes widened. "Then who's are they? Does Leapfrost know?!"
  "They are Tigerclaw's." Drizzlestar blurted, spitting out the last word. "I still love Leapfrost, and I'm not sure if I should tell him or not."
  Blackstar narrowed her eyes. "Remember what happened to me when I kept secrets away from ca's?"
  "What should I say?" Drizzlestar whispered.
  Blackstar shrugged. "Just say, 'Leapfrost, these kits aren't yours but don't worry, I still love you.'"
  Drizzlestar frowned. "Really?"
  "That's literally all you have to say! But who knows how he will react." Blackstar said.
  Drizzlestar took a deep breath and rose to her paws. "I just hope I don't break his heart."

  When Drizzlestar told Leapfrost the kits weren't his, Leapfrost's eyes widened with shock. For a second he thought this was just a dream. Some kind of sick joke.
  Leapfrost opened his mouth, but no words came out. Finally, he spoke.
  "I... I thought you loved me." Leapfrost managed to say, his heart twisting with pain.
  Drizzlestar's eyes softened. "I do! Tigerclaw means nothing to me! I promise."
  Leapfrost took a step back, shaking his head. "I just can't believe you lied to me all this time."
  Before Drizzlestar could say anything else, Leapfrost turned around and ran, not looking back.
  He raced towards the twoleg-place, aware of paws thundering after him. He glanced over his shoulder, half expecting Drizzlestar to be behind him. But it wasn't. Instead it was Blackstar who was chasing him.
  "Leapfrost!" Blackstar shouted. But he ignored her and kept running.
  Leapfrost quickly ran across a thunderpath, heartbeats before a row of monsters went by. He knew for sure Blackstar wouldn't catch up with him now.

  Leapfrost stopped near an old twoleg den, panting. He had been running for a long time, and he was very far away from clan territory. He didn't even recognize this place.
  But one thing he knew was that no one would be able to find him. At least that's what he hoped.
  But how long was he going to stay away? His clan and kits needed him.
  Drizzlestar betrayed me. I can't go back. Leapfrost thought, lying down in the soft grass.
  "Who are you?" A voice suddenly said, making Leapfrost jump.
  He turned around to see an orange tabby tom with green eyes behind him, his head tilted.
  "I haven't seen you 'round here before." The tom mewed, his accent thick. 
  "I'm Leapfrost." He answered, licking his scraped paw pad. "And no, I live far from here."
  "Well, why'd ya leave?" The tom questioned.
  Leapfrost let out a low growl and the tom chuckled softly.
  "Oh where's my manners. I'm August. Welcome to my home." August dipped his head politely. "Stay here as long as ya like. Well, as long as you can hunt."
  "Thank you. I still don't know if I want to go back home or not." Leapfrost admitted.
  August smiled. "I'm sure you'll make up your mind soon. But only you truly know where your heart lies."
  Leapfrost sighed, nodding. "You're right. But maybe taking a break from home will do me good."