Jayfeather's Curse

Chapter 10

For the past ten days I have been searching for her. I know I should just give up but I really don't want to. I have imagined strolling into the camp with her at my side and feeling all the stares of our clan mates on us and the shock mixed with excitement rolling off them in waves. I can almost hear their whispers.

Nightfall is beginning to approach so I wander around trying to find some kind of shelter to curl up in to try and keep warm. I walk up a big hill, and at the top I scent the faintest trace of cat. I hope that this cat can help me hunt. Tasks that take other cats no time can take me until Moonhigh.

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"But Lilypaw! I'm hungry!" Willowkit mews with her brother chiming his agreement. I let out an exasperated sigh and plop down onto the grass. They both peer at me confused.

"If you two are so hungry, you can catch yourself prey. And some for me too while your at it." They begin to open their mouths in protest but I stop them before they can get a word out. "I have shown you how to hunt. I want to see if you can do it yourselves. I have caught you two prey many times. Now I want you to catch me some," I finish and I see that they aren't convinced. I instantly know what to do to get them to catch something. "Whoever catches the biggest piece of prey doesn't have to come with me to collect moss before we go to sleep tonight."

With that they are off and taunting each other hoping to get some rest tonight. It's been days and I haven't seen the slightest trace of a cat anywhere. I settle down under a tree in the shade and wait for them to come back. I wistfully taste the air hoping to catch a scent of a cat, but there is nothing. I rest my chin on my paws and close my eyes for a quick afternoon nap...

"Go away! That's my mom! You're going to die!" I hear Willowkit shriek and I raise my head and groggily open my eyes to see Willowkit leap on a gray tom who is standing right in front of me. Shimmerkit growls and prepares to spring on him.

Jayfeather! My mind screams, and I dart forward to get Willowkit off my blind friend, only to realize that this gray cat isn't Jayfeather. I feel my heart drop and a weight comes crashing on my shoulders. I rush up and grasp Willowkit by the scruff and haul her off him.

"I'm very sorry for her actions, I don't know what she was thinking," I apologize while shooting a glare at the two kits, Willowkit especially.

"It's no problem, I understand how kits are. You're lucky you have two little protectors," he mews and I can't help but giggle.

"I'd love to see them both try and fight you. They're little pipsqueaks," I joke and the kits open their mouths to protest, but the stranger speaks before they can get anything out.

"Hey, I wouldn't be too quick to joke. I was pretty scared of this little guy-"

"I'm not a little guy! I'm old enough to catch my own prey! I'll go get mine!" And with that he bounds away to go find his catches.

"I have to go get mine first!" Willowkit exclaims and runs after her brother. The stranger watches them go and turns to me.

"Those kits are quite a handful. Such beautiful souls. You are a lucky mother," he mews.

"Oh they're not my kits. I found them as newborns after I found their mother dead, and I've raised them ever since. I love them like they're my own though."

"You're very lucky. But the little she-kit said something about Jayfeather, what is a Jayfeather?" He asks and I laugh.

"That's my friend. He's the reason I'm out here actually," I admit, and his eyes cloud with confusion.

"Then he's not much of a friend now is he?" He asks and I wish it was as easy as that.

"No, he's my closest friend. But we got into a small fight and I left the territory and got a little bit lost, and just decided to stay out here for a little while. I found these two and decided to raise them a bit before I went back. Now Jayfeather and I are trying to find each other and get back to the clan so I can see my family again." Again confusion clouds his features.

"Clan? Territory? What is that?" He asks, and I feel compelled to tell him.

"Just one more thing I need to ask you before I explain," I tell him.

"What is it?" He prompts.

"What's your name?"

"Stream. Now onto the explanation," he demands. And with that I explain everything about the clans. As I tell him about it, I take this chance to look him over. He is a broad shouldered cat with muscles that ripple under his thick gray fur as he settles down into a comfortable position. He has brilliant blue eyes that watch and analyze everything anyone does, but he has a friendly and inviting face. As I finish the story his eyes light up in excitement.

"You mean you get along with all your clanmates and you don't fight over prey?" He asks in amazement.

"Yes!" A little voice pipes up and Willowkit settles beside me with two mice at her paws. Her brother follows close behind her with two mice and a mole. "Everyone shares the prey, and the elders and queens get to eat first. The clan needs to make sure the cats who have taken care of us for many moons get to eat first."

"Well it sure seems that you know the rules for when you join the clan," Stream says and Willowkit puffs out her fur in pride.

"I'm ready to get to the clan and keep everyone safe!"

"And I can't wait to fight people!" Shimmerkit exclaims with a growl at the end.

"The clan isn't just about fighting. It's about taking care of the cats who would, in turn, take care of you," I tell him and he frowns. "Hey you two, its time for bed. Eat up and we're gonna find a place to settle down for nightfall."

"If you like you can come to the cave I sleep in. It's warm and has plenty of space for more nests."

"That would be amazing. Come on you two. Grab your catches and follow Stream," I say and grab the mole to help lighten the load. Stream scoops up two mice leaving one mouse for each of the kits to carry, and we're off to his den.

By the time that we arrive at the cave, the sun has set and the winter chill has set in. I drop the fresh-kill and head back out to find moss for our dens. I trust Stream even though I've only known him for a little while. He seems so fatherly. He did mention something about knowing how kits are. I wonder if he has a mate and kits. He definitely could have a mate. He is a handsome cat. His blue eyes could dazzle all the she-cats in the territory. I just hope I don't fall for it.

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I snuggle into the den with him and his gray fur surrounds me in warmth. Our three beautiful kits are cuddled in my stomach sleeping soundly. I can hear the soft breath of my mate as he sleeps soundly. I hear footprints approach and I lift my head to see who it is...

"Lilypaw! Is that you?" I hear an all too familiar voice cry.

I snap out of my dream and feel the two little ones raise their heads in confusion. I look at the entrance of the cave to see the face I've been craving for moons.

"Jayfeather!"