Born to be Different (Chapter 11)

CHPTER 11:

Lightkit watched Ravenstar from her den as her mother slept that morning, she watched nervously, scared the old leader would keel over in a heartbeat. Ravenstar was crouched over the fresh-kill pile picking out something to eat. Her blue eyes were glazed over and her black fur stuck out in all directions with her muzzle looking more grey than black revealing her old age. It had been five moons since the incident with Hazelstep and lots had happened.

Ravenstar had come down with greencough, and only a few sunrises had past when it was reported that Sootkit had caught it too. Lightkit turned her gaze to her father who was watching the leader reluctant to ever leave her on her own, MoonOwl had explained to Lightkit that Cloudchaser feared the leader would pass slip away in his absence.

The greencough was more controlled now and cats could get closer to the sick cats, Lightkit had been taken to Whitebelly’s den many times now to be checked, her mother called her a miracle when she didn’t get sick. Whitebelly was just as anxious as Cloudchaser, he was often with Ravenstar beckoning her to move into the medicine cat den, but Ravenstar always refused telling him she was fine and to focus on Sootkit. This often caused Whitebelly to send apprentices to fetch catmint for him at twoleg place. Despite this, Lightkit heard the talk of Leafbare coming soon and with it, snow and lack of plant life, meaning no more catmint.

Deep in thought, Lightkit spotted Hazelstep with all her kits, but Sootkit talking to Brambleshadow, she looked exhausted and Lightkit couldn’t help, but feel sorry for her, unfortunately, the greencough came with worse accusations. Lightkit was blamed and she was constantly glared at.

Lightkit got to her paws to go see Sootkit, while Hazelstep was busy. She was taller now and her legs carried her to Whitebelly’s den, as she arrived two apprentices darted out speedily almost knocking her over.

“Whoa! Sorry Lightkit, stay clear!” The male one called back with a laugh as he raced ahead of his female companion.

Lightkit smiled. “Sorry Pollenpaw.” She mewed.

She had met Pollenpaw and his sister Swiftpaw not too long ago; they were the older apprentices of Windclan, older than Segepaw and Falconpaw. They were siblings and both of them often kept to themselves and weren’t friendly, or even that social to anyone else, they stayed together through everything, but Lightkit found they tolerated her.

Whitebelly then emerged with a chuckle, he looked worn out from working.

“Those two don’t know when to slow down; at least they are helpful in fetching herbs.” He told Lightkit.

She was happy to see the humor had not left his eyes despite all that had been happening in the clan. She went forward. “Morning Whitebelly, how’s Sootkit?”

He looked distracted as she asked then sighed. “He’s the same, unfortunately no more improvement.”

Lightkit felt disappointed, but stayed positive. “Well as long as he’s not getting any worse.” She mewed. “He’s got another moon to get better so we can be apprenticed together.”

Whitebelly laughed and nodded. “That’s right. Wow, you kits get old fast.” He stood up looking to Ravenstar. “Make it a quick visit.” He told Lightkit. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes Whitebelly.” Lightkit purred and padded into the den. The smell of sickness still lingered in the dimly lit den, but Lightkit had grown used to the smell of the herbs. Inside she could make out a small sleeping shape in the far corner in a comfy nest lined with feathers. She smiled as Sootkit slept; his breathing was calm as his silver tabby body rose and fell rhythmically.

“Sootkit,” She whispered with a purr and sat by his face tickling his pink nose with her tail. “Hey, Sootkit, wake up.”

The tom kit groaned sleepily and turned his head looking at her with the same blue gaze, he had looked at her with when they first met. He squinted.

“Am I in Starclan? Are you a Starclan cat?” He asked with a yawn.

Lightkit giggled. “Mousebrain.” She joked softly. “It’s me Lightkit, you’re still in Windclan.”

She saw humor light up his eyes and he laughed sitting up, his ribs were slightly visible, his sickness had washed away his appetite.

“I know, but you still look like an angel.” He mewed with a smile making Lightkit’s fur go hot with embarrassment.

“How are you feeling?” She asked and sat beside him. He licked his paw drawing it over his ear not losing his smile.

“Great actually,” He told her enthusiastically. “And I am ready to become an apprentice for Windclan.” He stood up puffing out his chest; Lightkit nudged him gently as he marched around looking very dignified. He faced her sitting back down looking worn out from his marching, he was still weak.

“I can’t wait to be apprenticed; I’m going to make Windclan the best.” He mewed. “And you’re going to be with me all the way. What could be better?” He laughed excitedly.

Lightkit laughed halfheartedly, she stopped then sighed thinking of her father. “I don’t even know if I will be one ever.”  She mumbled, Sootkit looked sad then nuzzled her to make her look up.

“Ravenstar is leader, not your father, and you have every right to be a Windclan warrior.” He purred. “Besides, it’d be no fun without you, you’re my best friend.”

Lightkit smiled gratefully at him, she’d grown closer to him since he improved, she often snuck in to play mossball with him and they bonded well.

Sootkit looked around sighing contently. “Just you wait.” He told her. “I’m going to lead this clan, Sootstar, and I’m going to be the fastest warrior, with a mate and maybe even my own kits one day.”

Lightkit nudged him. “Slow down, you still need to be an apprentice first.” She told him winking. “And Segepaw is already the fastest; he’s going to be tough to beat.”

Sootkit laughed. “Ha, he’s going to have some competition with us.” He crouched, looking ready to race. Suddenly he started coughing making him sit down again. Lightkit looked concerned sniffing him.

“Okay, take it easy, you need water or Whitebelly?” She asked quickly, his coughing stopped almost as quickly as it arrived and he shook his head smiling again

“No, that always happens, don’t worry.” He told her licking her cheek, she blushed suddenly, but before she could say anything a ginger head poked into the den.

“Hey kit, Hazelstep, the queen of the Dark Forest is on the prowl.” Cobrastrike grinned as Lightkit, he then smiled at Sootkit. “Hey, Sootkit, how are you?”

Sootkit grinned. “Way better, thanks for the warning Cobrastrike.”

Lightkit smiled at him sheepishly. “Sorry for what he said about your mom.” She apologized.

He shrugged good-humoredly. “No problem, he’s not wrong, go on before she gets here.” He encouraged. Lightkit batted him playfully then left.

“Bye, Sootstar!” She called using his chosen name, the idea of racing through Windclan territory with him by her side made her heart sore as she ran around camp. Cobrastrike watched smirking.

“So I’m guessing you had a nice visit.” He purred. “He’s a good kit.”

Lightkit gave him a look and pulled back her ears smiling. “Cobrastrike! Quit it.”

“Aw, why? I love that kit; he’s a good egg, unlike his siblings.” He muttered looking at Brambleshadow, who was play fighting with his kits.

“Lightkit padded over watching also, feeling sadness knowing her father would never treat her like that. “Well,” She mewed. “Hollykit’s not bad.”

Cobrastrike shrugged. “Guess you’re right.”

At that point Ravenstar was heard coughing again and Lightkit’s red eyes darted to her, she was with Whitebelly and Cloudchaser.

“Nonsense.” Ravenstar purred and pushed away the catmint leaves Whitebelly was trying to give her. “It’s for Sootkit. And I want you to check on the other kits again please Whitebelly.” She told him gently.

Whitebelly sighed in defeat and Cloudchaser stepped forward speaking kindly yet sternly. “Ravenstar, please, you need them too, the kits have been checked three times already this moon, and they’re okay.”

Ravenstar looked amused. “You know Cloudchaser, if I had a kit, like Lightkit, I’d be more worried about her well-being than wasting my time with some elder.” She winked at him making him frown.

Cobrastrike smiled and twitched his whiskers; Lightkit felt his breath hit her ear as he whispered. “Just like her to worry for others.”

Lightkit continued to watch as he spoke. Cloudchaser sighed closing his eyes at Ravenstar. “That kit is fine Ravenstar, and you are way more than just an elder, this clan needs you.”

Ravenstar stood up, her fur dull and she looked tired. “Cloudchaser,” She began as he rushed to assist her to her den. “All of us will pass someday, leaders come and go, but the clan moves on. As they will when I die, and you and the next cat after. The only thing this clan will have forever is the memories of those who have passed.”

Lightkit suddenly saw Ravenstar look to her, a twinkle in her eye. “The greatest of those, will be remembered most of all…”