Dark Sky

Chapter nine

Another moon had passed since Sandpaw's arrival to Skyclan. 

Sandpaw woke up at dawn when a paw poked his side.

"C'mon, wake up! Were going on dawn patrol!", said Rockpaw.

He was still sleepy when he padded in the clearing, but leaf-fall's cold air hit him and finished to wake him up. He shifted from paw to paw to keep them warm, eager to start his day. A few moments later, they were joined by Breezewing, Badgerstripe and Vinefoot. His mentor was leading the patrol.

They headed to the Shadowclan border and were beginning to refresh the scent-markers when Moonpaw erupted beside them, panting.

"I come from the camp", she said, gasping for breath.

"Embertail is having her kits, and she request you."

Sandpaw didn't hesitate and ran back to the camp as fast as he could. He didn't care if he missed the patrol, he might be punished but Embertail was more important than his duties. She needs me!

After what seemed to be an eternity, he and Moonpaw finally made it back to camp. His pelt bristled when he heard Embertail's screech of pain. It hurted him too, but on the inside.

He raced to the nursery, and forced his way pass Doedapple, who was trying to stop him.

"She needs peace!", the cream she-cat scolded.

"Well she needs me more", he yelled back from over his shoulder.

It was crowded inside. Beside Embertail, Owlwing was showing to Beepaw where to put her paws to help the delivery. He crouched beside the queen. When her pain-filled gaze met his, he felt her body relax against his flank. She gave him a faint smile and he started licking her ears to calm her down.

"You're doing well", he whispered, unsure if he was talking to her or to himslef. "It'll be over soon."

He felt a stronger spasm ripple throught her body and clenched his teeth when she dug her claws in his paw.

"There's one!", Beepaw yelled, excitment sparkling in her voice.

"It's a she-kit", Owlwing announced. "Hold on, there's two more left". Soon after that, three strong kits were nuzzling close to their mother's belly.

"Two toms and a she-kit! Well done!", Beepaw congratulated Embertail.

"We'll leave you two some privacy", said Owlwing with a smile, glancing at their enterwined tails.

They both blushed, flustered, but their embarrassment melted like ice in the sun when they looked at the kits.

They were beautiful.

The she-kit had the same chestnut fur as her mother, and one of the toms was a dark gray tabby with a white chest and  three white paws. The other tom had a reddish brown pelt, with white stripes on his chest blending in. Even if they weren't his kits, he felt pride and love bursting in his chest, so strong it almost choked him. He rested his head on the queen's shoulder.

--- POV switch time whoop whoop

When Fernflower came back to camp from a hunting patrol, it was nearly midday. The sun was high in the sky as he dropped a starling and a blackbird on the fresh-kill pile.

"Hey!", Birdclaw greeted him happily. "Have you heard the good news?"

"No, what is it?", he answered, curious.

"Embertail kitted!", she mewed. Startled, he ran to the nursery to find her. Walking in, he saw Shadefeather, still covered by green paste to heal her mysterious injuries, and Featherfoot, drowsing peacefully in her bracken and moss nest. At the back stood Sandpaw, his chest puffed out proudly, and, beside him was his sister, three tiny kits lying close to her belly.