Fernfreckle's Dream

Chapter 13

The first moon or so in Flowerclan was very challenging for Fernfreckle. He wasn't used to hunting in their territory, and the lack of hot springs made his paws ache. However, no matter how much he struggled, Darkstar was always right by his side to help him. He was so focused on getting used to his new clan, he barely got involved with what was going on around him.

Of course he had heard that Mossclan was having some issues, as Stoneleap had lashed out at Willowcurl, a Frostclan warrior, and two rogues. He also heard that he had taken one of Honeystar's lives, but he refused to believe Stoneleap would do anything like that. Those two rogues who were attacked by him said he had green eyes, when he actually has blue eyes. Fernfreckle wasn't too sure who to believe, do he just avoided the conflict. Although, that did leave him with a heavy feeling of guilt.

He worried for his nephew, but Darkstar ensured him that there was nothing to worry about. Honeystar was taking care of the situation. No matter how much Fernfreckle heard those words, he was still worried. He yearned to help, but was also too afraid at the same time. He wasn't too sure what to do.

He lays asleep one night, curled up with Darkstar in the leader's den. He was too worried to sleep, as usual. He took a deep breath.

Maybe I should help him, he thought. He's my kin, and I should help him if he needs it...

"Ferny, why are you still up..?" Darkstar murmured. "You were shaking a little. Are you cold?"

"Oh, my bad..." Fernfreckle felt his body heat up a little. "Just.. worried about Stoneleap."

"I'm sure he's alright," Darkstar purred, gently brushing his tail across his cheek. "He's a strong warrior, and it sounds like Honeystar has everything under control."

"He KILLED her," Fernfreckle choked. "How can she have everything under control if he's killed her?"

"She still has eight more lives," Darkstar meowed. "She's told me and the other leaders that she'll take care of it herself."

"I don't know..." Fernfreckle sighed.

Both went quiet for a while.

"Listen..." Darkstar mumbled. "I know there's a lot going on in Mossclan, but.. there's actually something else I've been thinking about."

"What?"

"Ferny, what if we.. uh.. had kits?"

Fernfreckle's eyes widened a little.

"Kits?"

"If now's not the time, I'm.. fine with that. But I do want to raise kits with you."

"N-Nono you're all good," Fernfreckle stammered. "I'd like kits too, but.. who would have them for us?"

"I want the kits to look as similar to us as possible," Darkstar meowed. "So.. someone who looks like one of us."

"Well, I'll volunteer to uh.. y'know," Fernfreckle looks away awkwardly. "I'm not attracted to she cats anyway soooo..."

"Right," Darkstar nodded.

"Maybe Wolfaster would work," Fernfreckle suggested, thinking of the dark furred dancer.

"Maybe, but I think she's a bit too busy working at the Purple Tulip."

They both think for a while.

"I GOT IT!" Darkstar sprung onto his feet. "Come with me. I know JUST who to ask. She was a Flowerclan cat once before she was exiled, and she could stay in camp while she nurses the kits!"

"Uhhh.. sure, why not?" Fernfreckle stood up and followed his mate out of the den.

They leave camp and walk side by side for a while, excitedly talking about kit names the whole way. Right before Fernfreckle's paws start to hurt, Darkstar stops him in front of a den. He gently knocks on the side, and some rustling is heard from inside. A she cat wiggles herself out of it, her pelt a dark gray with a few lighter gray stripes on her back and around her tail. Her gray eyes are quite similar to Darkstar's.