The river trickled beautifully through the water, as Branchstalk swiped up a fish from under his paws. Joy filled him as he heard his sister and mother cheer for him. Branchstalk purred, pride swelling through him. He turned and saw Shinefire facing him, her smile telling a story of a admiration. His chest flared, and as he offered to share with her and her kits, Branchstalk woke up to Fireshine trying to calm Quailkit and Redkit down. "I miss Graypaw!!" Quailkit cried, as he was forcibly picked up by Fernbriar. A water droplet fell on Branchstalk's head as he sighed irritably. He was in StoneClan camp now. He had no mother, no Shinefire, an injured sister, and a broken Clan.
Branchstalk helped Twistedleg tend to Silvermoon and her kits, while Mousepaw did a general check around the camp. He was an excellent helper. Branchstalk placed some ice he found deep in the cave onto Silvermoon's burns. She was mostly okay except for a couple scars and obviously the burns. But she could easily get extremely ill fast. Her kits, had extreme breathing problems. Spottedpaw in particular had developed a harsh cough. For now, everyone was asleep. He hoped they would stay asleep and safe for a bit longer. Whitepaw and Mistpaw refused to leave their mother and sibling's side. Branchstalk dipped his head to them as he left.
The caves were much different from the forest, Branchstalk could commend StoneClan cats for never complaining about rocks in their paws. He liked exploring the cave, it was a strange quiet the deeper you went into the cave systems. Branchstalk has been going there to do his mourning. Before he could travel into the caves, he noticed his sister's ex-mate, Cloudtuft talking to Dustfur. Which was odd. From Silvermoon's rambling, she said Cloudtuft disliked the muscular brown tom. Cloudtuft noticed Branchstalk and ran over. His eyes filled with worry. "Are they all okay?" He asked. Branchstalk hadn't allowed most cats to visit them yet. It was gruesome. But also, he didn't want any drama. "They're okay. Spottedpaw has a cough, and Silvermoon has had multiple issues sleeping and such but, Moonpaw, Sparrowpaw, and Spottedpaw will be released sooner than Silvermoon." Branchstalk answered. "Was she woken up much?" He continued. Branchstalk didn't think he was a monster.. just a liar. "Yes, but not much. Any conversations she's had has been with me or the kits. Or just to ask for water or food." He replied. Cloudtuft sighed. "Do you think I'm horrible?" He managed, choking up. Branchstalk just sighed. "It doesn't matter what I think. Do you think you're horrible? If so, than work to change it. Maybe than Silvermoon will listen to you, but she's going through a lot right now. Give her time." Branchstalk replied, annoyance lining his voice. He turned around and started to leave. Cloudtuft's ears pricked at his tone. "You're so busy worrying about everyone else.. have you ever thought for yourself? Have you ever really thought what Branchstalk needs?" He paused, his throat clenching with emotions. "Not.. Not recently." Branchstalk admitted. "Maybe, you should take your own advice. You need time too." Cloudtuft murmured, before turning around and leaving. Branchstalk sighed, his whiskers twitching as he found an indent in the cave to rest in.
"That's correct Branchpaw!" Badgersight purred. Branchpaw smiled, as he turned and met eyes with his practice patient, Lilystorm. Her mate of course stood over her with a happy purr. "Good job! You would've totally saved her life if it were real Branchpaw!"
Branchstalk jolted awake. Now they were gone too.. he'd lost so many cats.. Too many too fast. He sighed, padding over to Cricketpaw and Dawnpaw. "Hey Branchstalk," Cricketpaw greeted hollowly. Dawnpaw dipped her head. "I heard Multistar is going to make you two warriors for your bravery." Branchstalk tried to bring good news. The apprentices looked to each other and smiled to each other for a quick heartbeat. "Would Tumbleweed be proud of us?" Cricketpaw asked. "And Shinefire?" Dawnpaw added. "They'd be proud of both of you.. I know they are." Branchstalk murmured.
"For your bravery, smarts, and will, Cricketpaw and Dawnpaw, I now name you Cricketwhistle and Dawnshine. I welcome you as full members of AlderClan." Multistar named. The gathered cats called their names, trying their best to be happy. Branchstalk just looked around as he called their names. No matter what would happen.. nothing could fix this broken Clan so quickly.
YOU ARE READING
Firestorm (Book Three; Series One)
Fantasía"The dry season is coming. The Firestorm will start in the heart, and spread out until it's too late. The destructive union will take rein, and destroy us all." Branchstalk must handle the green-leaf rush of new kits and apprentices, whilst also f...
