Warriors Fanfiction: Super Edition-Owlflight's Path

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"You are not leaving camp, you should rest for tomorrow!" Oakcharge growled, his shirt fur bristling against the pre-dawn frost. Owlflight sighed.

"I'll do fine, Oakcharge. I need to get some strength back for the Gathering tomorrow, I've been resting in the Nursery for a moon!" Owlflight was standing beside Bearheart at the camp entrance, her fur thick for the coming leaf-bare. "Look, Bearheart is with me. He won't let anything happen, so please just let me walk. Just to the river and back. I want to see the sunrise. " Her voice was pleading.

Oakcharge sighed, "You'll just find a way out anyway I suppose. Don't leave Bearheart's side, and be safe." His voice was earnest. Owlflight licked her brother's cheek.

"I will, I promise. Now let me go before the sun rises fully over the endless water!" She chided with amusement. Oakcharge stepped out of the way and Owlflight left camp with Bearheart at her side.

As the two cats weaved through the undergrowth at a leisurely pace, a companionable silence fell over them. As they walked, the dim forest was full of soft, early morning sounds. The gentle chirping of autumn crickets faded into the merry birdsong of larks and finches.

"What kind of birds do you like?" She asked suddenly, genuinely curious. He glanced at her.

"To eat or to listen to?" He asked, his gruff voice quiet among the lull. Owlflight laughed, caught off guard.

"Both, I suppose," she smiled slyly at her dear friend. His eyes shone with wry amusement.

"Pigeons to eat, and.. I would have to say owls to listen to." He said meaningfully. Owlflight, without knowing why, found her ears growing hot.

"I like hearing bumblebees. I know they're not birds, but they fly and they'll make greenleaf hunts in the meadow feel less lonely.." Her eyes pooled a bit, but she tried to brush off her grief. Rowanoak was with her, and nothing would change that. Her thoughts were interrupted as Bearheart brushed against her.

"Are you okay?" He asked, simple but worried. Owlflight gave him a watery smile.

"I'm worried. I was raised by my mothers father, having never knew my mother. But having Crowfeather's presence and guidance was wonderful. The queen that raised us, Beeflower, she was patient and loving. But Crowfeather taught us respect, toughness and resilience... he was as good as a father to us. And my kits will never have their father.." Her voice choked. Bearheart was quiet, leaning into her comfortingly. He breathed out.

"I know you're in pain, Owlflight, and that you're grieving. But you'll heal one day, with the help of your kin, friends and especially your kits. He will live through you and your kits... and if you let me, I will be a father to your
kits— hear me out before you shoot my offer down immediately." He gave her a glance as she opened her mouth with an angry protest.

"I won't ask you to be my mate... I love you, but I won't ask, because you still love him and as long as you do, I'll be happy for you.. but kits deserve two parents, and I will love your kits as my own, if you'll let me..." His voice was steady, earnest and full of love. Owlflight stopped, not even noticing they were at the river.

"You love me?" She asked, her voice hushed. Bearheart met her gaze bravely.

"I do, I have since the ship.." His look was firm and honest. Owlflight felt guilt deep through her for not seeing the love in his gaze before now.

"Bearheart.. I can't love you right now, I still love him," she said through a pained whisper, and he nodded, accepting. Owlflight leaned into him. "But if you want to love my kits, I'd never stop you. I'd be happy to know they will be born into a place full of cats who love them."

Bearheart smiled, licking her head happily. "Thank you, Owlflight.. Please know that— I will wait for you, however long it takes. I loved a cat once before, and I loved her even after I healed and after I had begun to love you. The love I have for her.. it will never go away. But that doesn't mean I don't have enough room in my heart to love again." As he finished speaking, a comfortable silence fell upon them once more.

One day, Owlflight thought, I will be able to love again. And she was glad Bearheart would be there for her when she could. Owlflight gazed over the river, watching the dark, bubbling water brighten as dawn began to break.

Owlflight watched as a young oak shed its last leaf, mesmerized as the leaf fell into the river just as morning light began to shine above it. A sudden rush of water sent the leaf into the air, and Owlflight felt a sudden release in her, followed by pain.

"By StarClan," she hissed, teeth gritted in pain. Bearheart stood immediately.

"What's wrong?" He asked immediately, worried. Owlflight lies down on her side, panting.

"I-I think the kits are coming," She wheezes uneasily, as another burst of pain rippling through her. Bearheart felt his fur fluff in shock.

"I thought they weren't due for another moon," he gaped, and Owlflight glared.

"Well, that's clearly not what they wanted," she snapped, "Leave me here, go find the others." She told him in a calmer tone. Bearheart flicked his tail.

"I won't leave you alone," he said, and before Owlflight could respond, another cat joined them.

"You don't have to," Lakeheart said around herbs as she slipped out of the chilly river, shaking off water. "I'll tend to her." Bearheart glanced at her uneasily, and the medicine cat smiled. "She is in safe paws. I'll take care of her. I promise." Bearheart held the she cats blue gaze before nodding and running back to camp.

Owlflight blinked at Lakeheart. "Thank you," she murmured. Lakeheart smiled.

"Of course," she purred, then licked Owlflight's head. "Now, let's get ready to meet your kits."