#slatekit

Today was the day of his Border Trial, and he really thought it’d be uneventful. Maybe he’d happen upon some other cats at the border who he could rightfully tell to watch their backs as he proudly made it known that he was a proud member of SeedClan. But this... this was not what he expected.

“You... You’re the CherryClan Healer...” Softpaw whispered in disbelief.

The black and white she-cat hissed, her fur bristling fearfully. Her tail tucked protectively over a bright-eyed young kit, while another hid under her belly. Just when he thought he saw them all, a third gray kit peeked out from behind.

Softpaw didn’t know what to say. There was a CherryClan cat in their territory. It was the Healer from CherryClan. She had three kits.

“Healers can’t have kits and... wait what re you doing out here? And these kits they... they don’t look newly born...”

“Because they’re not,” she quickly hissed back.

Softpaw’s ears fell back. “Your name is... Sorry I’m still an apprentice so um...”

The black she-cat remained rather stiff, bright yellow eyes warily fixed on the SeedClan tom. “...Maplefern. And I’m no Healer, nor CherryClan cat. I’m simply a rogue now, and me and my kits will promptly leave your territory. So please, I-”

Before she could finish, the black she-cat winced. The blue-eyed kitten quickly scrambled away from Maplefern, turning back to look at his mother with wide and concerned eyes.

“Mama, does it still hurt?” he softly asked.

“You said we have to stay out until you’re all healed,” the gray tom kit spoke up as well, nudging his mother worriedly.

The smell of blood suddenly hit Softpaw’s nose. His silver eyes widened, noticing the small drip of blood coming from underneath Maplefern’s flank.

She’s injured...

The kits were young, but not unable to walk. Softpaw guessed they were two moons old or so. These were rival clan cats but... if what Maplefern said was true, then she had no one to help her, nor her kits. If she died... then her kits would surely die too.

Softpaw felt a twinge of guilt. Goldeniris said they couldn’t trust cats from outside the clan, but the code also stated they were to never harm kits, and that Healers were peaceful and kind cats, not to be injured either.

The apprentice sighed, flicking his long tail. “Come on, you need more help. Fallendapple has had good luck with herbs this season and can help you.” He stepped forward, picking up the gray tom kit by the scruff. “And your kits.”

“Put me down!” the gray kit cried, squirming in Softpaw’s mouth. “Mama! I don’t want to leave Mama!”

Maplefern’s ears fell back, lips curling as she readied to hiss and strike the apprentice, but stopped. As she looked down at her two remaining kits, her fur would lie flat.

“...Fine. Do know I can tend to my own wounds though. Me and my kits will be gone once I am healed.” She picked up the brown tom kit underneath her, nodding for the last kit to follow.

The dark tabby tom kit paused, looking warily at Softpaw before ducking behind his mother. He stayed close to her, Softpaw following suit as he carried the timid gray kit back with them.