Shadows in the Night

Chapter Nine

As promised, here is chapter nine! I spent a while writing this, so I hope you like it :D

“Nightstar!” A voice called. The black she-cat blinked, rising to her paws and padding out of the leader’s den. She leapt down from the highrock, wincing as a sharp pain pierced her stomach. I have to remember to see Leaffur about that. Nightstar turned to meet her deputy, Owlfang, who was setting the patrols for the day. The brown tom dipped his head, and rasped, “greetings, Nightstar.” 

The LightningClan leader winced inwardly. And this time it wasn’t because of any pain whatsoever. He’s getting old- I wonder if he’ll resign soon. “Greetings, Owlfang. Is there a problem?” The deputy nodded. 

“I’d like to talk to you about my... aging,” he meowed. Nightstar dipped her head in respect as Owlfang continued. “I think that it’s about time that I resign to be an elder. As soon as Wolfkit and Thrushkit become apprentices, then i’ll go and join Littleclaw.” I followed his green gaze to Mosspelt and her kits playing in the clearing. Wolfkit ran over to his father and jumped onto his back, and Owlfang fell to the ground in mock defeat. 

“We got him! Come on, Thrushkit!” Wolfkit yowled, his blue eyes flashing in triumph. Thrushkit quickly scurried over and let out a shrill squeal, recoiling in surprise when Owlfang let out a grunt as Wolfkit bounced on his flank. 

“Let your father up, little ones,” Nightstar meowed, and the two kits quickly obeyed, Sitting up straight with their tails curled around their fluffy paws. Owlfang wearily staggered upright, and Mosspelt padded over to her mate, licking his cheek.

“They’re really a handful,” the gray she-cat commented, and Nightstar let out a mmrow of amusement. “Webfoot promised that he’d watch them today, so that I can take some time off to rest.”

“I’ll take all of the kits out for a short walk, if you’d like,” I meowed to Firestorm, who wearily staggered out of the nursery with her two kits following. Pinesplash purred in gratitude, bringing his made a squirrel to eat. The ginger queen dipped her head in thanks and collapsed onto the ground. 

“I can’t believe that kits one moon old cause so much trouble!” She meowed, but his voice was full of love. Sighing, she added, “thank you.” A brown she-kit with white splotches and a russet tom padded up to Nightstar. 

“Are you our clan leader?” The russet tom squeaked.

“That’s a dumb question, Mouse-brainkit!” His littermate squealed and batted at him.

“My name’s not mouse-brainkit! It’s Scorchkit!” Ramming into his littermate, they started to play fight. Nightstar purred, and started to follow the kit when she was intercepted by Webfoot. 

“Hi Nightstar!” He purred and twined his tail with Nightstar’s. She closed her eyes and embraced the moment.

“Guess what duty we’re on today?” Nightstar meowed, breaking the silence. “Kit duty.” 

Webfoot widened his blue eyes. “We’re taking this lot out for the day?” Nightstar nodded, her green eyes glimmering in amusement. 

Waving her black tail, Nightstar called out to the kits, “come on, we’re leaving!” Scorchkit and his littermate, Hazelkit ran up to their leader, and Thrushkit and Wolfkit weren’t far behind. The brothers were two moons older than Firestorm’s kits.  Padding out of camp, the kit patrol passed Leaf’s den. The prisoner had kitted recently, and she had three kits. She had refused for the clan to see her and Blacktail’s offspring, so she was surprised when a pretty light brown tabby squirmed her way out of Leaf’s grasp. The she-kit bounced over to the kit patrol.