#wisteriakit

She often saw Seedpaw, stretched out and mouth frothing. Flies buzzed around her decaying skin as she screamed and writhed until finally she was still. Fallowpaw always lingered in the edges, crying and doing nothing to save her. Sometimes, Wisteriakit dreamed of a ticked ginger tom with amber eyes that she did not recognize. He always looked like he was trying to say something to her, but she could never hear him. Whenever she tried to reach him, he would vanish before she could touch him.

The desperate look in his eyes haunted Wisteriakit almost as much as the visions of Seedpaw dying over and over.

***

Wisteriakit was unsure what time of day it was when she woke to a commotion in the healer's den. It was the smell of blood that roused her, combined with the warm scent of Trouthowl. She cracked open her eyes, trying to blink them into focus.

"Good to see you can still fight, your years in the nursery haven't weakened you one bit," Primrosestripe said, clearly amused.

"You and I both know that claws will always remain sharp," Trouthowl said. Her cheeriness relieved Wisteriakit. If Trouthowl wasn't worried, she didn't need to be worried.

"Besides, it was just a few rats. I've had more tussles with those bastards than I can count," Blueclaw's voice rang out. "I warned Rushseed that trying to stockpile food like that would bring vermin, but we all know what she thinks of me."

"Ah, she'll come around," Sleekbloom said nonchalantly.

"Oh yes, Rushseed, the cat who famously knows how to let things go," Primrosestripe laughed. "Fallowpaw, grab the burdock root and some cobwebs. We'll get these two patched up and send them to one of our other dens until the threat of infection has passed."

"O-okay Primrosestripe," Fallowpaw's voice waivered, and Wisteriakit felt something catch in her throat. The healer's apprentice hadn't seemed right since Seedpaw's death. Her declaration that she was never meant to be a healer also stuck in Wisteriakit's head. She wanted to ask her friend more about it, but couldn't summon enough strength to stay awake long enough to ask.

"Oh, come on Fallowpaw. You've got to be more confident than that, I'm just asking you to fetch herbs, I'll tell you if you bring the wrong ones," Primrosestripe snapped. "If you can't do something that simple, maybe you shouldn't be a healer."

Wisteriakit flinched at the older healer's strong words. Tension had been growing between the two of them, causing the usually good-humoured Primrosestripe to lose her temper towards Fallowpaw.

"I'm sure she's doing her best," Trouthowl offered.

"She was doing great before Seedpaw died," Primrosestripe said, voice softening. "Cats die, it's part of being a healer. You can't save everyone. If she can't handle that, she's not cut out for this."

"She's young, and Seedpaw was her friend. You've been doing this for a long time, I'm sure she'll grow into it," Trouthowl offered.

Primrosestripe did not respond.

"I found the burdock root, I think," Fallowpaw said quietly.

"Let's see," Primrosestripe said. "Yup, you've thet's it. Now, help me apply it. Sleekbloom, thank you for your help but you can go."

"But it's so boring in the elder's den, I'm just wasting away there waiting to die," Sleekbloom sighed. "At least the rat invasion was exciting!"

"Hey buddy, you're the one who chose to retire," Blueclaw reminded him.

"My joints aren't what they used to be, with Seedpaw gone, there didn't seem to be much of a point carrying on," Sleekbloom sighed. "Besides, I thought I would still be able to get out and help you with Gingerpaw." The elder cast a glance to the apprentice, curled beside Wisteriakit.

"And you will, once Gingerpaw heals up," Blueclaw reassured him. "He's a strong one, I can't see a rabbit taking him down for good."

Wisteriakit wondered if Gingerpaw was awake to hear this. She knew that there were times when Blueclaw had come to visit where Gingerpaw had pretended to be asleep.

"We'll see," Sleekbloom said grimly. "I'll come and visit later, so you don't die of boredom while your wounds are healing."

"How are the three of them doing?" Trouthowl asked once the elder had finally left. "And tell me honestly. I helped raise them all, and I'm the closest thing to a mother that Gingerpaw and Wisteriakit have. I deserve to know the truth."

Wisteriakit wanted to protest and remind Trouthowl that Rushseed was her mother, but she didn't have the strength to form the words.

"It's hard to say. Their bodies are all still so weak, normally a poisoning patient would have recovered by now. They have the fight to survive, but they might not have the strength to pull through. Only time will tell, it is in the paws of StarClan." Primrosestripe admitted solemnly.

Wisteriakit could hear their conversation fading. She fought to stay conscious, wanting to hear more of the conversation, desperate for some consolation that she wasn't dying, but her strength was waning and soon she slipped into darkness once more.

***

The ginger tom was here again. His mouth was open, and it looked as though he was speaking, but silence hung over Wisteriakit like a heavy storm cloud.

"Who are you?" She asked. "What do you want with me?"

If the ginger tom responded, Wisteriakit could not hear him.

"With all due respect, Rushseed, at this point fathering litters isn't going to help. Antlerfleck and I are the only two BleakClan-born cats capable of fathering kits, that is only going to get us so far," Sleekbloom said. "I hate it as much as you do but I'm thinking long term survival here."

"Well, it's not like Blue is going to be fathering any litters," Rushseed sniffed.

"If you have a problem with me being trans-" Blue bristled before Rushseed cut him off.

"Being trans isn't the issue here. I'm just pointing out that Sleekbloom's logic is flawed." Rushseed growled back, claws flexing. Wisteriakit's breath caught in her throat. She had heard many stories about how great a fighter her mother was, was she finally going to see her in action? Despite her excitement, Wisteriakit couldn't help but feel a pang for the Blue. If he was driven out, did that mean that Wisteriakit also didn't deserve a place in BleakClan?

Before either cat could spring at each other, Shadowstar emerged from her den and bounded between the two cats. "Stop this! Rushseed, it's okay. Sleekbloom came to me asking if Blue could join us. I told him its a good idea, our war against the Fringe has caused many, many deaths. I refuse to let them beat us by driving us to extinction, even if it does mean compromising our bloodline."

"Your mother would be ashamed of you," Rushseed spat. "If the great Dapplestar could see you now-"

Shadowstar flinched, and a for a moment Wisteriakit thought that she would cave to Rushseed, but then Antlerfleck stepped up to join his mate.

"Dapplestar made Shadowstar leader, and a clan leader's word is law. You would not be so bold as to break the code, would you?" Antlerfleck warned.

There was a long pause, and Wisteriakit wondered if Rushseed would attack Antlerfleck instead. After what seemed like an eternity, Rushseed smoothed her fur and backed down.

"Fine, but if this all goes to shit don't say I didn't warn you," Rushseed snarled and walked away, tail flicking.

"Well, Blue, now that you're here we've got to give you a proper name," Shadowstar dipped her head at the newcomer and made her way up to the Tallbranch. "Since we are already gathered, let's begin."

Wisteriakit watched Blue with curiosity. Now that the conflict had passed, his pelt had smoothed once more and he was looking steadily up at Shadowstar.

"Blue, you have not trained with us, but your survival as a loner in these woods for so many moons has proven your skill as a warrior. I ask only for your loyalty. I will make you a warrior, but should your devotion to BleakClan waver you will be driven out or killed. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?" Shadowstar asked, her hazel eyes meeting Blue's evenly.

"Shadowstar, I promise I will spend the rest of my days proving my loyalty to this clan. A friend of Sleekbloom is a friend of mine, you won't regret this," Blue vowed. Wisteriakit looked over at Rushseed, curious about how she was reacting to the fact that he did not use the right words. The deputy was glaring at the loner and Sleekbloom with a fury that Wisteriakit had never seen before.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Blue, from this moment on your will be known as Blueclaw. StarClan honours your friendship, and we welcome you as a full warrior of BleakClan. Now, as a way of proving yourself I shall give you an apprentice." Shadowstar beckoned forwards Seedkit and Gingerkit.

"Shadowstar, you cannot be serious," Rushseed yowled. "Inviting a stranger into our midst is one thing, but letting him train one of our warriors-"

"I'd gladly take on another apprentice, now that Yewswoop is a warrior," Puddlebud piped up, waving her now-healed tail.

"I'll give him Gingerkit, so he is not training a clanborn kit." Shadowstar conceded, looking a little wary. "But please, do not interrupt the ceremony again."

The murmuring died down, though Wisteriakit could tell that the clan wasn't happy.

"Why can't I be trained by a proper BleakClan warrior?" Gingerkit hissed in Wisteriakit's ear.

"You don't like Blueclaw?" Wisteriakit whispered back, surprised. "I wish I could have him as a mentor." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted them. What if Rushseed had heard? Looking back at her mother, she was glad to see she was too angry about the ceremony to be paying attention to her adopted kits.

"Gingerkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Gingerpaw. Your mentor will be Blueclaw. Blueclaw, you have a lot to prove to the clan, and so does Gingerpaw. I hope you two will make the clan stronger, and make up for your outsider heritage." Shadowstar announced.

Gingerpaw touched his nose to Blueclaw's with gritted teeth, but did not say anything more. Blueclaw was beaming with pride, and Wisteriakit was glad that he was not phased.

"Seedkit, you too have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Seedpaw. Your mentor will be Sleekbloom. Sleekbloom, it was your decision to bring Blueclaw into this clan. He will be your responsibility, and thus I am also giving you an apprentice so that you may show your friend your mentorship skills. I know this will be your last apprentice before you retire, so Seedpaw, I hope you gain as much wisdom from your mentor as you can."

"I'm going to be the best apprentice BleakClan has ever seen!" Seedpaw exclaimed as she touched noses with Sleekbloom.

"Not if I beat you there first," Gingerpaw growled playfully.

Wisteriakit felt a pang of envy. Now that Seedpaw and Gingerpaw had joined Fallowpaw as apprentices, it was just Wisteriakit and her siblings left in the nursery. She would miss the time she got to spend with her friends, her own apprenticeship felt ages away.

"Just two more moons, and that will be us," Violetkit said. "I wonder who our mentors will be! I think I'd be fine with anyone, except for Puddlebud or Yewswoop, they're scary!"

"I want Rushseed to be my mentor," Wisteriakit said, feeling resolve well up in her chest. If she was Rushseed's apprentice, she would know exactly how to make her mother proud of her. She would do anything Rushseed told her to, and she would be the bravest warrior ever.

"Apprentices aren't supposed to be trained by their parents, mouse-brain!" Violetkit laughed.

"No, but think about it! The warriors without apprentices are Shadowstar, Rushseed, Puddlebud, Antlerfleck, Yewswoop and Pondskip. That's six of them. There are five of us. Pondskip is probably too young to have an apprentice, she was made a warrior early for killing that rogue on her own. I think one of us will be trained by Rushseed." Wisteriakit said excitedly.

"Well, if anyone is going to be trained by Rushseed, it's going to be me!" Lilackit said, puffing out her chest. "Just you wait and see!"

"Oh yeah? Well I'm going to get Gingerpaw and Seedpaw to teach me everything they learn so that I'll be the best kit and Rushseed will ask for me herself!" Wisteriakit boasted.

"Alright kits, that's enough excitement for now. It's time for your afternoon naps," Trouthowl interrupted, herding the five remaining kits back until the nursery. Wisterkit looked back at Gingerpaw and Seedpaw, getting ready to go out on their first day of training.

Soon, Wisteriakit told herself. I'll join you soon.

***

"You'll never believe the task Blueclaw just gave me!" Gingerpaw bouded over to Wisteriakit. It had been a quarter moon since he had been apprenticed, and Wisteriakit missed him so much it hurt.

"What?" Wisteriakit asked.

"He wants me to play with you! Something about 'looking after the young of the clan.' I think he meant it as a chore to teach me some humility, but if he wasn't so new he would have known that we are best friends! This is no chore at all!" Gingerpaw grinned.

"So we can play?" Wisteriakit could hardly keep her paws still.

"We can play! How about another round of mossball? Think you can beat me this time?" Gingerpaw teased.

"You're on!" Wisteriakit growled playfully.

Despite Wisteriakit's determination to beat him, it was clear that even just a quarter moon of apprentice training had greatly honed his skills. It was more of a challenge than she expected, and in the end she once again found herself the losing party.

"Better luck next time," Gingerpaw gloated.

"Well, just you wait until I'm an apprentice!" Wisteriakit vowed.

"Oh, I believe it! I can't wait until you join us. The apprentices den feels so empty after how much space you and your sisters take up." Gingerpaw mused. "Of course, I can get more sleep without Violetkit's babbling but-"

"Hey Gingerpaw! Wisteriakit!" Pondskip's voice rang out across the camp, slightly muffled. She had just returned from a hunting patrol with Puddlebud and Yewswoop, and she was carrying the biggest rabbit Wisteriakit had ever seen. "Look what I caught, do you want to share?"

"Yes please!" Wisteriakit licked her lips. "Rabbit's my favourite!"

"I know, that's why I brought it to you!" Pondskip grinned, eyes shining. "It's too big to eat on my own!"

The rabbit was delicious, Wisteriakit ate until she felt like she was going to explode. Judging from Gingerpaw and Pondskip's expressions, they both felt the same.

"That was a great catch!" Wisteriakit said, dipping her head to Pondskip. "Thank you for sharing!"

The day was turning out to be one of the best that Wisteriakit had in a while. She had been so worried about her place in the clan once she had noticed that Rushseed only seemed to care about clanborn cats, but Gingerpaw wanted her, and Pondskip thought of her when she caught her favourite prey. She belonged, she was sure of it. She just had to show it to Rushseed so that Rushseed would believe it too.

As the sun began to set, however, the day soured. The rabbit that had filled Wisteriakit with such warmth had turned, and now her insides churned violently within her, making it difficult to stand.

"I'll take you to the Healer's Clearing," Trouthowl said, brows furrowed. "This doesn't look too good."

Wisteriakit tried to walk, but she was in too much pain. Trouthowl ended up having to carry her by her scruff. On the way, they were joined by Gingerpaw and Pondskip, who looked equally miserable.

"There must have been something wrong with the rabbit," Pondskip said darkly. "Puddlebud said it looked off, but I told her it was fine. I wish I had listened to her. I'm sorry, it's my fault you both are suffering."

Wisteriakit wanted to say something, but the pain was too intense. She could feel herself slipping out of consciousness. She was dimly aware of being set down on a mossy bed, and Primrosestripe sniffing her.

"Fallowpaw, grab the yarrow, we need to make them throw up the tainted prey." Primrosestripe sounded scared.

"Are they going to be alright?" Lilackit's voice piped up. Both she and Seedpaw had been brought to the Healer's Clearing earlier that day for heat exhaustion.

Primrosestripe wordlessly took the yarrow from Fallowpaw, not responding to Lilackit's question. Wisteriakit suddenly felt very scared, it was not like the head healer to be so blunt. She dutifully swallowed yarrow leaves as they were shoved in her mouth, throwing up as soon as they hit her stomach. Beside her, she could hear Pondskip and Gingerpaw retching and vomiting as well.

Once their stomachs were empty, Primrosestripe moved them to a clean nest.

"Fallowpaw, these three need close monitoring overnight. I want you to move Lilackit and Seedpaw to another den and stay with them for the night, You've treated enough heat exhaustion patients to know what to do. Don't hesitate to get me if either of them get worse or if you need help. The poison is out of these three, but only time will tell if they will pull through." Primrosestripe ordered.

"I won't let you down," Fallowpaw vowed. Her voice was the last thing Wisteriakit heard as she slipped into unconsciousness.

***

It was the middle of the night when Wisteriakit regained consciousness. Her stomach still ached and she felt too weak to do more than lift her head. Fallowpaw had burst into the den in a panic.

"Primrosestripe! Come quick! I-I think something's wrong with Seedpaw! It's like what happened with the cats who ate the rabbit!" Fallowpaw exclaimed.

"What?" Primrosestripe got to her feet. "But that shouldn't be possible! She couldn't have eaten the rabbit-"

Wisteriakit strained to hear more as the two rushed away. It took every bit of strength she had to keep herself awake, desperate to hear if her friend was okay. After a few minutes, Fallowpaw returned, shaking and crying.

"What's wrong...?" Wisteriakit rasped, her tongue feeling heavy in her mouth.

"Wisteriakit? You're awake?" Fallowpaw looked panicked. She glanced at Gingerpaw and Pondskip, who were both still unconscious. "I messed up, Wisteriakit, I messed up big time. Primrosestripe, she sent me away. She said I was getting in the way and that there's nothing more we can do for Seedpaw and that she's-"

Fallowpaw paused to choke back a sob.

"Seedpaw's dead."

Wisteriakit's blood turned to ice in her veins. She wanted to scream and cry and race over to Seedpaw to see it for herself, but she was frozen in place.

"It's all my fault, I never should have been a healer, I never even wanted this! I was going to be a warrior, and then a leader like my mom! If..." Fallowpaw trailed off as Primrosestripe returned.

"We've got to tell Shadowstar, but first, tell me exactly what happened," Primrosestripe said. "Seedpaw died from a poisoning, but I can't figure out how she could have been poisoned when she ate the same bird as Lilackit and Lilackit is just fine."

"It was me...." Wisteriakit lied. "I brought her.... some rabbit...."

Primrosestripe's gaze snapped to Wisteriakit, aware for the first time that she was awake.

"Thank you for your honesty, Wisteriakit. Come on, Fallowpaw, let's continue this conversation outside, and then we can go talk to Shadowstar together." Primrosestripe guided Fallowpaw out with her tail, and Wisteriakit once again slipped into unconsciousness.

"Her temperature is back to normal," Fallowpaw said. "Her symptoms are gone, I'd say she is good to go!"

"And Puddlebud?" Primrosestripe inquired.

Fallowpaw went over to sniff the older warrior's tail. "The infection is gone, but the wound hasn't healed. She should be able to leave soon, but we need to keep an eye on it a little longer."

"Very good," Primrosestripe smiled. "You have the makings of a great healer!"

Fallowpaw beamed, though Wisteriakit could tell that there was a sadness behind her eyes. She didn't understand, wouldn't her friend be happy to be praised by her mentor?

"Does this mean I can go?" Wisteriakit asked, unable to keep her paws still any longer.

"I'll send Fallowpaw to go get Trouthowl, I know you know the way back, but I don't want you to overdo it. I'm sure Puddlebud would appreciate a kitless den for a bit." The healer flashed an amused glance at the gray and white tabby.

"The peace and quiet will be nice," Puddlebud agreed.

Wisteriakit was about to open her mouth to complain when she smelled Trouthowl approaching the den.

"Trouthowl! You knew I was all better! You came to get me!" Wisteriakit exclaimed, bounding over to meet the queen just outside the den. Her face fell when she saw Lilackit alongside her. Was her sister here to show her up somehow?

"That's great news!" Trouthowl smiled. "I'm just bringing Lilackit to the healer's clearing for a flea treatment."

"I told you I do not have fleas!" Lilackit said indignantly.

"You were up half the night itching and I've seen them jumping out of your pelt, this is not up for debate," Trouthowl said seriously. "You don't want to make your sisters itchy, do you?"

Lilackit stuck her tongue out at Wisteriakit, but didn't say anything more.

Wisteriakit tuned out as Primrosestripe, Fallowpaw and Trouthowl talked about Lilackit's fleas. Growing bored with the conversation, she decided to give up on waiting for Trouthowl to be ready to take her home. She wasn't going to get hurt anyways!

It was easy enough sneaking away, with how much they were fussing over Lilackit. As soon as she was through the stone tunnel, she broke into a sprint and raced towards Gingerkit, who was batting around some moss.

"Wisteriakit! Are you feeling better?" Gingerkit exclaimed. "Do you want to play mossball? Seedkit promised me she'd play, but she's late."

"Of course I'll play, I'll beat you into a pulp!" Wisteriakit growled. She was glad to be able to play with the older kit again. In a moon, he and Seedkit would be apprentices and it would just be Wisteriakit and her sisters in the nursery. Seedkit and Gingerkit has promised to keep playing with them when they were apprentices, but Fallowpaw had made the same promise and had been too busy.

Gingerkit sent the mossball sailing over Wisteriakit's head. She lunged to get it, surprised to find how stiff her muscles felt after nearly a moon in the healer's clearing. She almost missed it, but managed to snag her claw on it at the last moment. She tossed it back, and Gingerkit caught it deftly.

The two kits raced back and forth, determined to outdo each other. To Wisteriakit's frustration, her smaller size and time spent with heat exhaustion meant that Gingerkit was outpacing her. Frustration welled up in her, filling every vein of her body and driving her forward. She was so distracted, she didn't notice Trouthowl return until-

"Gingerkit, Wisteriakit, have either of you seen Seedkit?" Trouthowl asked. Wisteriakit shuddered inwardly at the concerned expression on her face and shook her head.

"She was supposed to play mossball with me, but never showed up," Gingerkit huffed. "If she's off doing something fun without me-"

"Thanks you two, you can return to your game," Trouthowl said, looking distracted. She rushed off towards the warriors' den.

"Come on, let's keep playing! Or are you just going to let me win?" Gingerkit asked cheekily.

"Wait, Trouthowl looks really worried." Wisteriakit said. "I think something bad has happened to Seedkit."

Rushseed, Antlerfleck, Shadowstar and Sleekbloom jumped into action, confirming her suspicion. Shadowstar looked panicked, and Rushseed was taking charge.

"Shadowstar, you should take Pondpaw and Antlerfleck and follow her trail out of the camp. I'll take Sleekbloom and Yewpaw and start sniffing around our borders, if someone has stolen her I want to be sure they are punished swiftly. Seedkit is currently our only clanborn kit, we can't lose that BleakClan blood."

Wisteriakit's pride at her mother's leadership skills faltered at the mention of BleakClan blood. Was that why she ignored her kits? Because they were born outside of the clan? Wisteriakit pressed her claws into the ground, wishing she was an apprentice. If she was old enough, she could join a patrol, and she could show Rushseed that she was strong enough to be a BleakClan warrior.

"We could go and find Seedkit," Gingerkit whispered. "I don't care we're not six moons yet!"

"Well I care, we're not ending up with more missing kits, whatever Rushseed says about clan blood," Trouthowl said, coming up behind the two kits. She was glaring at the deputy, and Wisteriakit was surprised by the vitriol in her gaze. "Besides, Primrosestripe said that you had to rest, I think you've had enough play for today. Time to go have a nap."

"But I want to be sure that Seedkit is okay! She's my friend!" Wisteriakit protested.

"I'm sure she will be," Trouthowl licked Wisteriakit on the head. "The best warriors in BleakClan are looking for her."

"And Rushseed is one of the best warriors, right?" Wisteriakit asked as she settled into her nest, eager to try to read more into Trouthowl's response. She couldn't imagine why Trouthowl wouldn't like Rushseed, but she had seemed so angry at the deputy earlier.

"Of course, little one. Your mother is a brave warrior, and I know you will make her proud someday," The queen said softly, starting to run her tail over Wisteriakit's body to soothe her to sleep. The earlier expression was gone, filled with one of warmth and love. Wisteriakit found herself more tired than she had thought, and soon she drifted off. The last thing she heard before slipping into sleep was Trouthowl's lullaby.

***

A couple days had passed since Seedkit had gone missing, and there was still no sign of her. Rushseed still tirelessly sent out patrols, but they all turned up nothing. Wisteriakit and Gingerkit kept coming up with plans to go and look for their friend, but Trouthowl was keeping an extra close eye on the remaining kits to make sure they didn't slip away.

On the dawn of the third day, Yewpaw walked into camp carrying a thin but alive Seedkit. Antlerfleck, who had been standing guard overnight, woke everyone up with an excited yowl.

"Where was she?" Rushseed asked, eyes narrowed at the kit. "Do I need to set up a raid patrol?"

"I just found her wandering, I didn't ask." Yewpaw said bluntly.

"Well, I think this calls for a warrior ceremony, don't you think Shadowstar?" Rushseed asked, looking pointedly at the clan leader. "After all, it's thanks to Yewpaw that the true BleakClan isn't dying out."

"Oh, right! You have a good point, thanks Rushseed!" Shadowstar jumped awkwardly to her feet and leaped up onto the Tallbranch. "All cats old enough to catch- oh you're all here anyways."

"Can we watch the ceremony?" Wisteriakit asked, asking the question she knew all her sisters wanted to know the answer to.

"Please? We'll be quiet!" Lavenderkit said wide-eyed.

"Of course you can watch, you will be in Yewpaw's place someday," Trouthowl said. "Just don't interrupt."

"I, Shadowstar, leader of BleakClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her as a warrior in their turn. Yewpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," Yewpaw said, yellow-blue eyes gleaming.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Yewpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Yewswoop. StarClan honors your justice, and we welcome you as a full warrior of BleakClan."

"Yewswoop! Yewswoop! Yewswoop!"

The clan cheered, welcoming Yewswoop by her new name. Wisteriakit joined them, hoping that being a warrior would mean that Yewswoop would be nicer. Pondpaw was cheering loudest of all. Wisteriakit as Trouthowl made her way over to the newly named warrior, affection in her eyes, and Wisteriakit remembered that Yewswoop was her kit.

"I'm proud of you, you deserve this. And thank you for finding Seedkit," Trouthowl licked Yewswoop's shoulder.

"Thanks," The warrior said, not meeting her mother's gaze. "Though I didn't do it for you. Rushseed was right, we're close to losing what makes us BleakClan." Yewswoop's glare swept across the gathered kits, the intensity of it caused Wisteria to cower away.

"Yew-" Trouthowl began, but her daughter cut her off.

"Don't." She walked away, tail flicking. Trouthowl didn't follow.

"Come on Seedkit, lets get you to the healer's clearing. You should probably be looked over after your big adventure," The queen guided the kit, who followed, shakily and wide eyed.

Wisteriakit moved to join them, aware of her sisters and Gingerkit following behind her.

"No, you can talk to Seedkit once Primrosestripe and Fallowpaw have made sure that she is okay." Trouthowl said. "Go back to the nursery and try to get some more sleep."

The kits returned to the nursery, but there was no way they were sleeping. Everyone had their own theories about where Seedkit had gone.

"I think she was taken by a fox!" Lavenderkit said, shaking a little at the thought.

"That's stupid! if a fox had taken her it would have eaten her!" Violetkit snorted. "I think she went to spy on the other clans!"

"Well, I think she was taken prisoner by TigerClan! And she fought them off all on her own!" Lilackit piped up.

"Come on, a kit can't beat up a whole clan," Violetkit objected.

"Wait until she comes back, we'll see!" Lilackit was getting frustrated, and Wisteriakit could tell a tantrum was coming along, Lilackit hated being wrong.

"What do you think, Iriskit?" Wisteriakit asked, hoping to change the focus away from the brewing argument.

"Don't you all know? It's obvious," Iriskit said. Her purple eyes were deep and unblinking, and she said nothing more.

"Fine, don't tell us then," Violetkit snarled, attention finally turned away from Lilackit.

Wisteriakit and Gingerkit exchanged glances. The two of them had talked privately about the night they had found Gingerkit's parents. Both of them had decided if they had made it out to search for Seedkit, that would be the first place they would look. All four cats who had been on that adventure had found it difficult to forget those rotting bodies. There was no way either of them were going to share their theory, Lavenderkit would tattle to Trouthowl in a heartbeat.

After what seemed like an eternity of bickering and theorizing, Trouthowl returned with Seedkit.

"She'll be okay," Trouthowl announced. "She just needs food and rest, so say your hellos and then let her sleep."

The six other kits crowded around Seedkit, who looked around with a tired joy.

"Please Seedkit, tell us where you went!" Wisteriakit begged.

Seedkit looked around, then whispered. "I went to The Moonhollow, to see if I could see my mom. And I did, I spoke to her! I-"

Seedkit never got to finish her sentence, because at that point Trouthowl shooed the other kits away. Wisteriakit looked back at Seedkit as she went, feeling the bitter claws of jealousy clutch her heart.

The glassy stares of Gingerkit's parents had bored into her, eyes half-eaten by flies and maggots. They had reached for her, groaning, the scent of rotting flesh overwhelming her senses. Then the cats had become Trouthowl and Rushseed, then the faceless parents she had never known. She still felt as though they were staring at her now. Wisteriakit shivered, despite the heat.

"Hey," Fallowkit's voice sounde from the other side of the den, and Wisteriakit saw the reflection of two sage-coloured eyes. The older kit nodded towards the entrance, then walked out of it. Wisteriakit got up and followed, feeling shaky.

"Are you having more nightmares?" Fallowkit asked once they were out of earshot of the nursery. Wisteriakit nodded, feeling too sick to speak.

"I couldn't sleep either, I'm too excited for tomorrow," Fallowkit admitted, and Wisteriakit suddenly remembered that Fallowkit's apprentice ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow morning. "I'll stay up with you until you feel like you can go back to sleep again."

Wisteriakit felt like she was aching all over, and hunched down into a loaf. Fallowkit looked down at her.

"Do you want to talk about it? I often talk to Antlerfleck or Trouthowl when I have a nightmare and it helps me feel better," Fallowkit offered.

Wisteriakit opened her mouth to speak, trying to find words to describe the horror that filled her sleeping moments. Instead what came out of her mouth was vomit.

"Great StarClan!" Fallowkit yelped, jumping aside. "Wisteriakit, are you okay?" She reached over, touching a nose to Wisteriakit's forehead once she had finished throwing up. "You don't feel good, Wisteriakit. I'm going to bring you to Primrosestripe."

Wisteriakit was aware of Fallowkit gripping her by the scruff and carrying her to the healer's clearing. The heat was overwhelming, and she felt dizzy. She suddenly felt moss beneath her as she was set down, and looked blearily up at Fallowkit, who was talking to a groggy Primrosestripe. Both of them were looking down at her with concern. Wisteriakit opened her mouth to say that she was okay, but before she could, she passed out.

***

When Wisteriakit woke, morning sunlight lit up the healer's den. Primrosestripe and Fallowkit were talking to each other in voices too soft for Wisteriakit to hear. A few tail-lengths away, Puddlebud was curled up. Her tail wound had grown infected in the past moon, and even now she was unconscious.

"Am I going to die?" Wisteriakit croaked, drawing the attention of the two talking cats.

"No, you are going to be fine," Primrosestripe reassured her. "You have heat exhaustion. If I can cool you down before it turns into heat stroke, you are going to be just fine. You're lucky Fallowpaw caught it, she was a big help last night."

"I missed your ceremony," Wisteriakit's heart sank. It was going to be the first apprentice ceremony she had ever seen, and she was looking forward to it. "Did you get Rushseed or Sleekbloom as a mentor?" Wisteriakit felt a flash of jealousy at the thought of Fallowpaw spending so much time with her mother.

"Actually, I'm Primrosestripe's apprentice!" Fallowpaw beamed, looking up at her mentor.

"But..." Wisteriakit was struggling to process. "You've always wanted to be clan leader, you can't be clan leader as a healer! Shadowstar is your mother, and Dapplestar was her mother, you're supposed to!"

"Leadership doesn't always have to pass from kin to kin," Primrosestripe explained. "Leaders just often like choosing their kin as deputies. Dapplestar tried to change the warrior code to make leadership pass through blood, but not enough of the other clans agreed."

"I wanted to be important to my clan," Fallowpaw explained. "And I'm not guaranteed to be a clan leader, but I can be guaranteed to be a healer! Besides, after helping you last night, I realized how great it feels to help make your clanmates feel better! Primrosestripe gave me a bunch of tasks, and it was so much fun! So in a way, you helped me change my mind, and realize what I really wanted to do! Thank you, Wisteriakit!"

Wisteriakit felt a warmth in her chest, and she smiled. Fallowpaw had helped her, and she had helped Fallowpaw back. Is this what it felt like to grow up in a clan, helping one another, having each other's backs? Wisteriakit couldn't imagine any other life.

"Quiet! If we're arguing, Rushseed won't like us!" Wisteriakit reminded her sisters. She glanced back to see if their other two littermates, Lavenderkit and Iriskit, were on their best behaviour. Lavenderkit was snuggled next to Trouthowl; the golden molly almost never left the queen's side. Iriskit, a darker sandy tabby, was lingering a little ways back. Despite her supposed disinterest, Wisteriakit could tell that she was watching everything intently.

When Rushseed finally reached the nursery, she walked right past without sparing any of her daughters a glance. Wisteriakit's tail fell and she tried to bite back her disappointment while her mother placed the kit down in front of Trouthowl.

"Another one?" Trouthowl frowned. "Where did you get this one?"

"It doesn't matter," Rushseed grunted. "You know BleakClan needs more kits, we've lost so many warriors recently."

"Maybe we wouldn't have lost so many warriors if you didn't keep throwing us into battle every time someone looks at you wrong," Trouthowl huffed. "Are you adopting this one too?"

"No, my daughters are special. I don't care what happens to Gingerkit, either he survives or he doesn't have what it takes." Rushseed said. Wisteriakit couldn't help but feel a rush at her words, though the gray molly still wasn't looking at her.

"At least you named this one," Trouthowl said dryly.

"He told me his name was Ginger, so he's Gingerkit," Rushseed shrugged, turning and walking away. "I've got patrols to organize, I trust you'll be able to get him settled?"

"I'll show him around!" Wisteriakit offered, bounding up to Gingerkit. He was bigger than her, around the size of Seedkit. She guessed he was around three moons old as well. He was mostly white, save for a pale ginger back and darker ginger ears, tail, and two dark streaks on his face.

"Me too!" Lilackit thrust herself forward, not wanting to be outdone by her sister. Wisteriakit glared at her, why did she always have to try to be better than her?

In some ways, she liked Lilackit because she was the only littermate who shared Wisteriakit's gray coat, even if it was only in fragments. Lilackit was mostly golden, like Lavenderkit, but the tip of her tail and part of her face were the same gray as her. Wisteriakit liked being gray, it made her feel closer to Rushseed, but it if weren't for Lilackit, she would wonder if she was even related to her ginger sisters at all. Trouthowl told her she had the same purple eyes as Lavenderkit and Iriskit, but Wisteriakit had never seen her own eyes, so she didn't know if it was true. Wisteriakit wondered if Lilackit was so competitive because of her gray patches, as if she thought she could beat Wisteriakit to Rushseed's approval because of it.

"I don't want to go with Lilackit," Wisteriakit complained, once she was done glaring. "I can do it by myself!"

"I'm sure you can, little one," Trouthowl reached her head down to lick Wisteriakit's head, "But let Lilackit go with you. In fact, all five of you should go, it's about time you got some fresh air. Seedkit and Fallowkit are already out there."

"I don't want to go! I want to stay with you!" Lavenderkit whined, leaning in to Trouthowl.

"I'll be right here waiting when you return, my sweet," Trouthowl reminded her.

"Alright, alright, let's go then," Wisteriakit tried to hide her annoyance, but she couldn't stop her tail from flicking.

Gingerkit fell in beside Wisteriakit as the six of them scrambled out of the nursery and out into the newleaf sun. Wisteriakit looked up at him in awe, glad that he had at least chosen to walk beside her.

He leaned in, close to her ear and whispered, "We can ditch them all later, if you want."

"So, Gingerkit, where did you come from?" Lilackit bounded up before Wisteriakit could respond.

"I dunno, out there somewhere," Gingerkit flicked his tail towards the camp entrance, which was a tunnel within the thornbushes that surrounded the BleakClan camp. "I was napping, and woke up to hear fighting. Then, this gray cat came, the one who brought me here, and told me that my parents had gotten very hurt, and she had promised to take me somewhere safe. I wanted to say goodbye, but she said they needed their sleep. They must have been so tired, they were very still."

"That gray cat is our mother, Rushseed," Wisteriakit explained.

"Well, she's not our real mom," Violetkit explained. "She rescued us too, like she rescued you. We don't see her much though. She told us that if we get big and strong and become good warriors to the clan, then she will be proud of us! So we have to train very hard so she'll like us!"

"That's where I got these scars from!" Wisteriakit puffed out her chest to show two straight lines on her chest. "Apparently we were stuck, and Rushseed had to use her claws to get us out! She accidentally hurt me, but it's what we had to do to keep us alive. Trouthowl says it's they are special scars, because it means we were able to survive."

"You must have been very brave," Gingerkit said, tilting his head as he looked Wisteriakit up and down.

"I was!" Wisteriakit held her head up high. "Oh look, there's Pondpaw and Yewpaw! We should go say hi!"

Wisteriakit bounded over to the apprentices den, which was in a hollowed out fallen tree not far from the nursery. The two apprentices were cleaning out their nests and laying down new moss.

"Hey, little kits!" Pondpaw called in greeting, waving her tail. According to Fallowkit, the black tabby had been apprenticed just last moon, around the same time Wisteriakit and her sisters had been born.

"Don't call us little!" Wisteriakit frowned. "We came to see if you need any help! We're showing Gingerkit around, he's new!"

"I saw Rushseed bringing him in! Is he our newest BleakClan recruit?" Pondpaw asked.

"I guess I am," Gingerkit shrugged.

"Pondpaw, get these kits out of our fur and help me with the nests!" Yewpaw hissed. "We don't need them messing everything up." The light brown molly glared at the kits. Her face and tail were darker than the rest of her body, and she had intense white markings above her eyes and down her nose.

"We better get out of here," Iriskit said quietly.

"Yeah, Yewpaw is a big meanie!" Violetkit yowled, clearly making sure that Yewpaw could hear her. "It's funny, because Yewpaw is Trouthowl's kit, and Trouthowl is so nice."

"Yeah, and Pondpaw is Puddlebud's kit, but Pondpaw is really nice and Puddlebud is really scary," Lilackit explained, clearly not wanting to be outdone by Violetkit.

"Puddlebud is Yewpaw's mentor, maybe she taught her how to be scary," Wisteriakit offered.

"That's not what Fallowkit says. Fallowkit shared the nursery with Yewpaw for a moon before she was apprenticed, and she says Yewpaw was scary before she was Puddlebud's apprentice." Violetkit said, shrugging. "Some cats are just like that, I guess."

"Oh, here's the warrior's den!" Wisteriakit interrupted, bounding over to a large cluster of shrubs. "It's very big, but only Rushseed, Puddlebud and Sleekbloom sleep there right now. Trouthowl says BleakClan has lost a lot of warriors recently, and that's why it's a good thing there are so many kits!"

"There won't be so many kits if they keep disturbing my nap," A growl came from the warrior's den as a large black and white marbled tom emerged. His purple eyes glinted menacingly, and his fur was rumpled from sleep.

"Oops," Violetkit giggled. "Sleekbloom doesn't like kits, run away!"

The six kits scattered as they raced away from the grumpy warrior, screaming and laughing as they went. They regrouped on the other side of camp, next to another shrub, out of breath and giggling to each other. Only Lavenderkit wasn't laughing, and instead was looking around, wide-eyed and nervous, as she cowered behind Gingerkit.

"Soon, Sleekbloom will be an elder," Violetkit smiled. "And then he'll be stuck in this old den all on his own. It's empty, BleakClan has no elders right now. Trouthowl says elders are really important because they have served the clan for a long time and they can share their wisdom with younger cats. They often tell stories to kits and apprentices, Sleekbloom will hate that!"

"I hope you weren't bothering Sleekbloom, all the warriors have had to work extra hard to bring in enough prey to feed you kits, not to mention all the battles we've had to fight recently. He's earned his rest." Antlerfleck's words were harsh, but there was a good-natured gleam in his yellow eyes.

"Antlerfleck!" Wisteriakit exclaimed, running up to the warrior. He was a cream coloured tom with one brown back leg. The kits had grown to like Antlerfleck. He had been staying the nursery with Fallowkit since she was weaned, to let his mate Shadowstar return to her duties, and he always came up with a lot of great games.

"I heard we have a new kit in our midst, welcome Gingerkit!" Antlerfleck grinned.

"We're giving him a tour!" Lilackit puffed out her chest.

"I can see that!" Antlerfleck said. "How about I show you the leader's den? That's an extra special place, only Shadowstar and I can go there without permission, but I can give you permission for a little bit."

"Yes please!" Wisteriakit beamed. She had only been in the leader's den once before, when Fallowkit had shown her and her littermates around shortly after they had opened their eyes. She was excited to see it again.

Antlerfleck led the group of kits towards a large tree on the edge of the camp, a little smaller than the one that the nursery was under. There was an entrance carved out of the tree near the roots, which lead to a winding tunnel sloping upwards. The den was about halfway up the tree, near a hole that lead to a branch where Shadowstar called clan meetings.

The leader was waiting for them. Shadowstar was a pale ginger flecked tabby with hazel eyes. Trouthowl had told the kits that she was very young to be clan leader, and had gained the position because her mother, Dapplestar, had been the previous leader of BleakClan. She had only been leader for five moons, which seemed like an eternity to Wisteriakit, who had only lived for one, but Trouthowl assured her it was a very recent development.

"Well, what do we have here!" Shadowstar grinned as the kits marched in, following Antlerfleck in a neat little line. "Rushseed had told me she found another kit to take in. Gingerkit, it is a pleasure to meet you. Have you met Fallowkit yet? She's our daughter." Shadowstar gazed lovingly at Antlerfleck.

"Not yet, but I will soon!" Gingerkit puffed out his chest.

"Well, if you kits ever need anything, I'm here," Shadowstar said. "You are all going to be fine warriors, I am certain of it."

Wisteriakit puffed her chest out in pride, noticing her littermates were doing the same. Only Gingerkit didn't respond. He probably didn't realize what it meant yet, but he would.

"Alright kits, you should probably go. Shadowstar is very busy," Antlerfleck said, flicking his tail towards the winding tunnel. "I'll see you at the nursery later."

Wisteriakit took the lead before Lilackit could beat her two it, and lead the kits down the tunnel. There was only one thing left in camp to show Gingerkit, and that was the healer's clearing.

The healer's clearing was through a stone tunnel in the middle of a boulder. It was a small clearing, only a third of the size of the camp, and it was dotted with boulders of various sizes. The largest housed the healer's den and the majority of the healing herbs, but there were dens in all the other boulders as well. Trouthowl had explained that this was so if cats were sick, they could be kept separate from other sick and injured cats to stop the spread of disease. Each boulder had their own small stock of herbs, in case the healers needed to get supplies in a hurry. On the edge of the clearing was a small stream, not deep enough for fish, but the perfect size to have constant access to water.

Wisteriakit lead the group of kits to the healer's den, hoping that Primrosestripe would be in. To her delight, the light brown tabby was there, placing a marigold poultice on the tail of a silver and white masked tabby molly.

"Oh, kits! You should come back another time!" Primrosestripe urged. "Puddlebud got injured in the fight against the rogues earlier today, I'm just patching up her tail."

Wisteriakit knew she should listen to Primrosestripe, Trouthowl had told her to always listen to a healer, and Puddlebud wouldn't like her getting too close, but curiosity got the better of her. Besides, she wanted Gingerkit to call her brave again. Making sure to move slowly, she made her way up to take a closer look at Puddlebud's tail.

The tail looked ripped up quite badly. Multiple patches of fur and flesh were missing, leaving oozing wounds behind. Wisteriakit was entranced, and there was something about the smell of blood that felt... almost comforting. She would have stood there for moons, it felt like, if Puddlebud didn't turn and snap at her.

"Listen to Primrosestripe, kit," The silver-and-white molly growled, baring her teeth. "I don't need everyone poking around my wound."

Backing away a little ways and trying not to shake, Wisteriakit looked back up at Primrosestripe. "Will she have a scar like me?" She asked

"We'll see," The healer grimaced. "Now, please go, kits. You can show your new friend around when I'm not busy."

Wisteriakit knew better than to disobey Primrosestripe twice, and turned away, walking back towards the other kits. She was happy to see a gleam of respect in Gingerkit's eyes, and in most of her sisters'. The only one who did not seem impressed was Lavenderkit.

"I'm telling Trouthowl that you didn't listen to Primrosestripe," She stuck out her chin, clearly trying to hide how scared she was.

"Tell her what you want, I don't care," Wisteriakit lied. She hoped the bravado would be enough to dissuade Lavenderkit from telling, she didn't want Trouthowl to be upset with her.

"Can we go back to the nursery now?" Lavenderkit asked, looking away. "We've seen everything now."

Wisteriakit had to admit she was getting tired. It was almost time for their afternoon nap. Taking the lead again, she led the rest of the kits back towards the gnarled tree that the nursery was beneath. As she went, she looked at Gingerkit. He looked back at her and smiled.

***

Wisteriakit was roused from her sleep by the voices of her friends. A quarter moon had passed since Gingerkit had joined BleakClan, and he had gotten quite comfortable. He had a natural confidence to him, and seemed to like to take charge in the same way that Wisteriakit did. It wasn't annoying the same way it was with Lilackit though, he wasn't competing with her. In fact, he respected Wisteriakit's own ideas and leadership, and the two often took charge together.

Gingerkit's voice was one of the voices that had woken her. As she blinked the sleep from her eyes, Wisteriakit realized that the voices were coming from outside the nursery. Careful not to disturb her sisters sleeping next to her, Wisteriakit crept outside to see what was going on.

Gingerkit was talking to Fallowkit and Seedkit just outside the nursery. They stopped when they saw Wisteriakit emerge.

"If you're talking about something secret, you should go further away," Wisteriakit warned. "You woke me up, you could wake up Antlerspeck or Trouthowl."

"Thanks, Wisteriakit." Seedkit blinked at her. The gray spotted molly was very close to Wisteriakit and her siblings, as she also was growing up without her real parents. "Do you want to join us?"

"Seedkit, she's too young," Fallowkit frowned. "No offence, I like playing with you, but I'm worried you'll get in the way." The older kit was mostly white, but also had some gray and ginger spots. She was getting close to being an apprentice, and seemed like far less of a kit than the others.

"Oh, let her come," Gingerkit pleaded. "Wisteriakit can handle anything."

"Alright, but lets go, before we wake up anyone else," Fallowkit said impatiently. "I don't want Lavenderkit telling on us again."

"Again?" Wisteriakit's eyes widened. "Are you sneaking out of the camp?!"

"Shhh, not so loud!" Fallowkit said. "Keep this quiet, and I'll make you deputy when I'm leader."

Wisteriakit followed the older kits in silence, eager not to be sent back to the nursery. Sleekbloom was on guard at the entrance to the camp, and the kits kept close to the thornbushes around the edges. Wisteriakit had wondered how they would get past Sleekbloom, until Fallowkit pointed out a small gap in the camp wall. It was too small for a full grown warrior, but the perfect size for a kit. Fallowkit led the way, followed by Seedkit, Gingerkit, and finally Wisteriakit.

The world outside the camp seemed massive. Trees stretched on as far as Wisteriakit could see, dressed with moss and undergrowth. At first, she was overwhelmed by how vast everything was, but she quickly got herself together. She didn't want the older kits to change their mind and send her back.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"I want to see if I can find my parents," Gingerkit admitted. "I love BleakClan, and I want to be a warrior, but I want to be sure that they know I am okay."

"That's where we've been going, every night," Seedkit said. "We haven't found them yet, but I know I wouldn't stop if I could find my mom."

Wisteriakit felt a strange tug in her heart. Somewhere out there, she had parents too. Parents who had given birth to her. Would they be proud of her, if they knew her? Did they miss her? She pushed the thought away. Rushseed was her mother now, she didn't want to think about her other parents. It hurt too much.

Gingerkit led the way now, trying to remember which way Rushseed had brought him. It was hard to tell which scent trails were from the right day, she went out on so many patrols. Wisteriakit followed, trying to ignore how much her feet were starting to hurt.

Eventually, they reached a point where BleakClan scent was dizzyingly strong. Wisteriakit realized this must be the border. There was no strong scent just beyond it, so it wouldn't be any border shared with the other five clans. None of the other three kits hesitated before crossing it, so Wisteriakit didn't either.

It wasn't long after crossing the border that Gingerkit realized where they were. He was running now, Wisteriakit could barely keep up. Fallowkit noticed and let the young kit scrabble up on her back, carrying her the rest of the way. The two of them had fallen behind now, but Fallowkit managed to follow their scent trail and catch up.

Seedkit was standing at the roots of the tree, a little ways away. Wisteriakit could smell her fear-scent, and wondered what was wrong. It was then that she saw Gingerkit, a little ways ahead. In front of him were two grown cats, one completely ginger save for white paws and tailtip, the other was mostly white save for some gray markings that looked similar to Gingerkit's. They were completely still, and they smelled awful.

Wisteriakit couldn't tear her eyes away. The grown-up cats had been hurt quite badly, dried blood poured form gaping wounds, staining the grass beneath them. Their eyes gazed on, fear and anger etched into their faces. Flies were buzzing around them, and there were chunks taken out of them, like they were mice bitten by very large cats.

"Please get up, I'm okay! Primrosestripe will make you all better, but get up! I'll take you there!" Gingerkit urged, alternating between nudging them and trying to pull them up. He turned back to the other kits. "Please help me! You've got to help me get them to Primrosestripe!"

"I'm sorry, Gingerkit," Fallowkit said in a voice so quiet it scared Wisteriakit. "Your parents are dead."