Clan: The Blessed Lupus
Quest Number: 1
Response:
The young she-cat's eyes searched the surrounding cats, listening to their hushed murmurs as they began to gather around the sacred tree. Piercing eyes of curiosity peered around as their eager whispers grew louder upon seeing their leader, the Anyara, leap gracefully down from the high branches of the tree. With stunning elegance, the older she-cat stepped towards the young cat, her head held high and her own eyes glimmering with pride. A wave of nausea struck her chest as her gaze met the intimidating older cat's. Guilt and anxiety clawed her insides, as if trying to pull itself free from the confines of her own body. Quickly, she lowered her muzzle to stare at the ground, a gesture seen as respect but simply an escape from the pressure for the young cat.
A raspy yet comforting purr resounded from the Anyara as she grazed her muzzle against the ear of the nervous feline before her. "You may lift your head, little one. This is a moment of great pride you shall always remember." Her quiet words reverberated within her mind. While the intent was to be comforting, it only instilled more fear in her soul. I don't believe I want to remember this moment, she thought to herself as she tentatively lifted her head to look upon her leader once more.
Today was the day Aurelia would receive her constellation-given name as an official member of the Blessed. For most cats of the Blessed, it is a highly revered and sacred moment to be remembered and cherished for the rest of their lives. For Aurelia, however, it meant much more... and much worse. This moment would be a test before the spirits of her ancestors and their god, Lupus. She had practiced with her mother for many moons prior to this day. Her demeanor, her tone, her gestures, and her actions would be eyed by every cat and the spirits themselves in this very moment. She had to be perfect, to seem perfect, if their plan was to ever work.
With a deep breath, she buttressed her resolve and feigned a glimmer of bliss in her eyes. Her gaze seemed to fool the Anyara as she let out a warm purr in response. “Let the constellations bear witness as I bestow their sacred name upon this burgeoning soul." The young she-cat had to force her ears from folding back in disgust. A sacred name... for you fools, perhaps. But it is of no sacred name to me. Yet, as the thought crossed her mind, the Anyara continued to speak. "Aurelia, henceforth, your astral name shall be known as Napkora, born under the morning star, defying the very clutches of death. Once deemed the kit bereft of heartbeat, now you stand before us resolute, with a heart beating with vigor. With a resilience as rare as yours, you shall be granted the echelon of lumination, entrusted with the mantle of guidance and mentorship. May you wield your special gifts for the greater good of the blessed and continue to radiate us with your brilliance.”
Aurelia bowed as the Anyara gently rested her muzzle atop her head, her whiskers tickling her ears. Her heart began to race as she braced herself for the next step. Her own mother's words replaying in her mind...
"Remember, Aurelia. This is the most important part. The Anyara will place her muzzle against your head and say the sacred proverb. You must brace yourself, for the spirits will take this opportunity to grant you their blessed. You mustn't, under any circumstances, reveal our plan to them. Steel your mind and soul at this very moment, just as I have taught you. This is important, Aurelia. To avenge your parents and avenge all those we have lost to the sickening ways of our 'beloved blessings'."
Her mother's voice, wrought with her hatred and contempt for the god she vowed to worship, echoed in her mind. She inhaled slowly, taking in as much air as she could, before allowing herself to exhale even slower. As if dispelling all thoughts from her mind. With each second she exhaled, her mind became further and further clear until there was nothing left but peace. Peace and quiet.
The Anyara, not perturbed by her actions at all, called out the sacred proverb: "“Áldottak a csillagok macskái, akik a dicsőséges Lupust szolgálják.” As the words were spoken, Aurelia held her breath, not daring to allow any of her thoughts enter her mind. She could have sworn she felt a chill pass her body, as if something- rather someone- was entering and exiting her mind. Yet, the feeling passed right as the final words were uttered, like a leaf drifting off into the wind.
The gathering cats erupted in cheers, "Napkora! Napkora! Napkora!" Aurelia took a deep breath, allowing herself to feel once more. I did it... I survived... she thought to herself, her eyes glowing with relief and excitement to have finally achieved what she had spent so long practicing for.
Before her, the Anyara purred in delight. "Welcome to the Blessed, Aurelia." With a polite nod, she motioned for the young cat to return to the crowd. Without delaying a second, she turned and hurried towards her mother, who sat to the side separate from the other cheering cats. Their eyes met exchanging a mutual sense of relief and joy.
"You finally have your name, Aurelia." Her mother meowed quietly, rubbing her cheek against her daughter's. "Now we can finally start working on our plan," she added even quieter, her blue eyes glimmering with a knowing look.
The younger she-cat nodded, returning the same look. "Certainly," she answered, as she sat down beside her mother.
☽...later that evening...☾
It had been a long day of sharing tongues with her fellow Blessed and making idle chat regarding her naming ceremony. The pointless chatter made her weary, exhaustion tugged at her legs willing her to rest, but she knew she still had more to do. More her mother and her needed to discuss. So now, at the peak of the moon's flight, she was sitting along the riverbank with her mother right beside her. The two she-cats staring across the ripping water, listening to the lulling stream.
"You did wonderfully today, Aurelia." Her mother broke the silence, yet their eyes remained facing forward. "You've worked so hard for this, your parents would be proud."
Those words sliced at her heart, reminding her of the lives that had been lost for her to get here. "I wish they could be here..." she murmured solemnly, allowing her words to drift in the breeze traveling along the water's current.
The older she-cat beside her pressed closer, her warmth comforting her ever so slightly. "Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will avenge them." The cat's lip curled back revealing a threatening snarl as she continued on, "Those mouse-brained cats follow Lupus so blindly. Oh how I wish they could see the cruelty of our 'god' with their own eyes. Countless lives have been lost in this never-ending hunt to grow the Blessed and for what reason? To simply have more numbers? More mindless worshippers for that.. for that... Fallen." She spat her words out venomously, but Aurelia couldn't help but shiver hearing her mother refer to their god in such a manner. The she-cat didn't seem to notice her reaction as her hissing did not end, "Our god is cruel and heartless. She lets her own die for the sake of procuring more. It's senseless murder at that point! And her 'blessings' are nothing more than empty promises. When has a blessing truly ever helped us? It never saved your parents or my father!"
Aurelia pressed her face against her mother's shoulder fur, "Heed your temper, Mother. Someone may hear you." She murmured into her fur, terrified her mother would be caught and exiled for such treasonous statements.
With a frustrated sigh, she felt the she-cat's shoulders relax and her fur lay flat. "You are right, Aurelia. After all, you already know the truth of this world. I don't need to say it again to you."
She slowly nodded in response, turning to look upon the moon's image glistening atop the river. Her 'mother' had told her the truth only a few moons ago. Of how her real parents had died shortly after her birth. How it was the Blessed's fault for exiling her father for attempting to return home prior to completing his duties as a Hidden and her mother followed him in his leave. And how the Blessed refused a burial for them, asserting that they were traitors unworthy of respect. It made her blood boil to remember everything she had learned, all of the darkest secrets buried within the seemingly holy Blessed. Her mother was right. So much bloodshed for a conceited God. If only she could tell these secrets to her sister who seemed to so passionately follow the rules and whims of the Blessed's word. Surely Elowen could help their plan as well? Surely she would understand, even if this truth would reveal they are not truly sisters?
With a sigh, she shook her head. It was burden enough to have such knowledge and it was her burden to bear. Her sister seemed happy as she is knowing the world now. She couldn't ruin what little light her sister still held, not now, not ever.
A raspy yet comforting purr resounded from the Anyara as she grazed her muzzle against the ear of the nervous feline before her. "You may lift your head, little one. This is a moment of great pride you shall always remember." Her quiet words reverberated within her mind. While the intent was to be comforting, it only instilled more fear in her soul. I don't believe I want to remember this moment, she thought to herself as she tentatively lifted her head to look upon her leader once more.
Today was the day Aurelia would receive her constellation-given name as an official member of the Blessed. For most cats of the Blessed, it is a highly revered and sacred moment to be remembered and cherished for the rest of their lives. For Aurelia, however, it meant much more... and much worse. This moment would be a test before the spirits of her ancestors and their god, Lupus. She had practiced with her mother for many moons prior to this day. Her demeanor, her tone, her gestures, and her actions would be eyed by every cat and the spirits themselves in this very moment. She had to be perfect, to seem perfect, if their plan was to ever work.
With a deep breath, she buttressed her resolve and feigned a glimmer of bliss in her eyes. Her gaze seemed to fool the Anyara as she let out a warm purr in response. “Let the constellations bear witness as I bestow their sacred name upon this burgeoning soul." The young she-cat had to force her ears from folding back in disgust. A sacred name... for you fools, perhaps. But it is of no sacred name to me. Yet, as the thought crossed her mind, the Anyara continued to speak. "Aurelia, henceforth, your astral name shall be known as Napkora, born under the morning star, defying the very clutches of death. Once deemed the kit bereft of heartbeat, now you stand before us resolute, with a heart beating with vigor. With a resilience as rare as yours, you shall be granted the echelon of lumination, entrusted with the mantle of guidance and mentorship. May you wield your special gifts for the greater good of the blessed and continue to radiate us with your brilliance.”
Aurelia bowed as the Anyara gently rested her muzzle atop her head, her whiskers tickling her ears. Her heart began to race as she braced herself for the next step. Her own mother's words replaying in her mind...
"Remember, Aurelia. This is the most important part. The Anyara will place her muzzle against your head and say the sacred proverb. You must brace yourself, for the spirits will take this opportunity to grant you their blessed. You mustn't, under any circumstances, reveal our plan to them. Steel your mind and soul at this very moment, just as I have taught you. This is important, Aurelia. To avenge your parents and avenge all those we have lost to the sickening ways of our 'beloved blessings'."
Her mother's voice, wrought with her hatred and contempt for the god she vowed to worship, echoed in her mind. She inhaled slowly, taking in as much air as she could, before allowing herself to exhale even slower. As if dispelling all thoughts from her mind. With each second she exhaled, her mind became further and further clear until there was nothing left but peace. Peace and quiet.
The Anyara, not perturbed by her actions at all, called out the sacred proverb: "“Áldottak a csillagok macskái, akik a dicsőséges Lupust szolgálják.” As the words were spoken, Aurelia held her breath, not daring to allow any of her thoughts enter her mind. She could have sworn she felt a chill pass her body, as if something- rather someone- was entering and exiting her mind. Yet, the feeling passed right as the final words were uttered, like a leaf drifting off into the wind.
The gathering cats erupted in cheers, "Napkora! Napkora! Napkora!" Aurelia took a deep breath, allowing herself to feel once more. I did it... I survived... she thought to herself, her eyes glowing with relief and excitement to have finally achieved what she had spent so long practicing for.
Before her, the Anyara purred in delight. "Welcome to the Blessed, Aurelia." With a polite nod, she motioned for the young cat to return to the crowd. Without delaying a second, she turned and hurried towards her mother, who sat to the side separate from the other cheering cats. Their eyes met exchanging a mutual sense of relief and joy.
"You finally have your name, Aurelia." Her mother meowed quietly, rubbing her cheek against her daughter's. "Now we can finally start working on our plan," she added even quieter, her blue eyes glimmering with a knowing look.
The younger she-cat nodded, returning the same look. "Certainly," she answered, as she sat down beside her mother.
☽...later that evening...☾
It had been a long day of sharing tongues with her fellow Blessed and making idle chat regarding her naming ceremony. The pointless chatter made her weary, exhaustion tugged at her legs willing her to rest, but she knew she still had more to do. More her mother and her needed to discuss. So now, at the peak of the moon's flight, she was sitting along the riverbank with her mother right beside her. The two she-cats staring across the ripping water, listening to the lulling stream.
"You did wonderfully today, Aurelia." Her mother broke the silence, yet their eyes remained facing forward. "You've worked so hard for this, your parents would be proud."
Those words sliced at her heart, reminding her of the lives that had been lost for her to get here. "I wish they could be here..." she murmured solemnly, allowing her words to drift in the breeze traveling along the water's current.
The older she-cat beside her pressed closer, her warmth comforting her ever so slightly. "Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will avenge them." The cat's lip curled back revealing a threatening snarl as she continued on, "Those mouse-brained cats follow Lupus so blindly. Oh how I wish they could see the cruelty of our 'god' with their own eyes. Countless lives have been lost in this never-ending hunt to grow the Blessed and for what reason? To simply have more numbers? More mindless worshippers for that.. for that... Fallen." She spat her words out venomously, but Aurelia couldn't help but shiver hearing her mother refer to their god in such a manner. The she-cat didn't seem to notice her reaction as her hissing did not end, "Our god is cruel and heartless. She lets her own die for the sake of procuring more. It's senseless murder at that point! And her 'blessings' are nothing more than empty promises. When has a blessing truly ever helped us? It never saved your parents or my father!"
Aurelia pressed her face against her mother's shoulder fur, "Heed your temper, Mother. Someone may hear you." She murmured into her fur, terrified her mother would be caught and exiled for such treasonous statements.
With a frustrated sigh, she felt the she-cat's shoulders relax and her fur lay flat. "You are right, Aurelia. After all, you already know the truth of this world. I don't need to say it again to you."
She slowly nodded in response, turning to look upon the moon's image glistening atop the river. Her 'mother' had told her the truth only a few moons ago. Of how her real parents had died shortly after her birth. How it was the Blessed's fault for exiling her father for attempting to return home prior to completing his duties as a Hidden and her mother followed him in his leave. And how the Blessed refused a burial for them, asserting that they were traitors unworthy of respect. It made her blood boil to remember everything she had learned, all of the darkest secrets buried within the seemingly holy Blessed. Her mother was right. So much bloodshed for a conceited God. If only she could tell these secrets to her sister who seemed to so passionately follow the rules and whims of the Blessed's word. Surely Elowen could help their plan as well? Surely she would understand, even if this truth would reveal they are not truly sisters?
With a sigh, she shook her head. It was burden enough to have such knowledge and it was her burden to bear. Her sister seemed happy as she is knowing the world now. She couldn't ruin what little light her sister still held, not now, not ever.
{1,573 words}
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Quest Number: 2
Response:
A Threatened Secret
Word Count: n/a
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Quest Number: 3
Response:
Several nights had passed since Howlburn's exile. The night it was revealed he was a traitor was still fresh on her mind, like an open wound refusing to heal. So many accusations were flung, she had never seen her Kin so furious. It was as if everything she knew, everything she trusted, and everything she loved was shattered before her very eyes in an instant. What compelled her to leave her Kin and join her mate in his exile, she did not know. All she knew now was that her decision was made and there was no turning back. This was her life now.
With each step she took farther and farther away from the territory of the Kin, she could feel her stomach twisting in knots of fear. What was in store for her was completely unknown to her. And it terrified her so. Her mind raced endlessly, wondering what could be waiting for her in the Blessed's territory she had now heard so much about. From what [urlhttps://www.chickensmoothie.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=124&t=4607543#wrap]Stagstride[/url] and Hickorystump's daughter has said, there was nothing left for them there. That a fire had raged the land and scattered the cats of the Blessed far and wide. It seemed as though there was no hope for the Blessed and she couldn't quite understand why they still decided to try and return. Yet, it's not like she had much of a choice, since Howlburn agreed to return as well.
"I think this would be a good spot to rest," Nutmgefluff's voice abruptly interrupted her thoughts, drawing the group of exiles to a halt.
Sparrowwhistle nodded in agreement, "I can take a small group to go hunt while the rest of you prepare some shelter." Murmurs of agreement sounded from the surrounding cats before he continued speaking, "Alrighty then. Hickory and Holly, mind joining me?"
The chipper young she-cat bounced up, her energy seemed boundless throughout this journey, "Of course!" Her less energetic yet bemused father nodded from beside her and the pair slowly walked towards the elder black tom.
"Wait, I am coming too," a fiery red-chocolate tom called out to the three cats.
Hickorystump looked hesitantly from the red tom to Waspsting, "Are you sure, Howlburn? Why don't you stay with your mate?"
The tom's ears flicked indignantly as he continued to walk towards the group, "She'll be fine on her own. Let's go, I'm starving." His words rolled off his tongue with a chilling nonchalance that pierced the spotted she-cat. Hickorystump passed one final sympathetic look at her before shrugging and motioning for the group of hunters to proceed.
She watched the group of cats walk off, disappearing into the shrubbery. He's right, I'll be fine. I like the independence, she reminded herself, doing her best to push back the pang of loneliness she immediately felt upon losing sight of him.
An aggravated growl sounded from behind her, drawing her attention from the shrubbery. "Toms... they can be so dense." Nutmegfluff huffed, her pretty cream-colored tail lashing behind her. "How do you put up with him?" she asked Waspsting, her sharp blue eyes piercing into hers.
The spotted she-cat huffed, "I don't need to put up with him because I love him! Besides, I think it shows how much he respects me and my independence." She puffed up her chest, holding her head up high. There was no way she'd let anyone else know how much her mate's indifference stung her, especially not Nutmegfluff of all cats.
The cream she-cat continued to stare at her before slowly shaking her head, "I guess respect means something different for me, then." Her tail swept along the dirt as she turned her body to face a blue-cream tom. "Stagstride, I will take Vermillion to fetch some bedding for tonight. Watch over Waspsting, will you?"
"I'm not a ki-!"
"Sure, whatever. Don't be long though, I want to go searching for some more herbs for the journey," the tom interrupted her, hardly paying any mind to the irritation emanating from her.
Nutmegfluff nodded as she beckoned her son to follow her into the forest. Once out of ear reach, Waspsting turned to glare as the older blue-cream tom. "You don't have to kit-sit me, you know! I am not a useless kit."
The tom snorted in response while seemingly searching for a good spot to begin clearing for a nest. "Then perhaps you should stop acting like one," he muttered while using his paws to kick away some dry leaves.
The fur along her spine bristled with indignation, her lip curling back into a rageful snarl. "I am not acting like a kit!"
"Sure, sure," he murmured, not taking his eyes off the forest floor as he cleared away the dead leaves. "You don't seem to mind being treated like a worthless kit when it's 'Howlburn' doing it," he added.
The blood in her veins boiled in fury from his mocking tone, "How dare you!" In an instant, her claws unsheathed and she prepared her hind legs to leap towards the infuriating tom. "You don't know me and you don't know Howlburn!"
The tom looked up from the ground to stare at her, his eyes muted and unfeeling. "I've known Scorch far longer than you have. And I also have known you since you were a kit. You're too naive for a tom like him." With an enraged yowl, she leaped towards the tom aiming for his back. Her paws outstretched before her and landed squarely on his shoulders, her claws sinking deep into his tender flesh. As she reared back, bracing her jaws to sink into his back, the tom slowly shook his head. He seemed completely unfazed by the she-cat's attempt at hurting him, "See? Naive."
Before she could question his arrogant tone, a blur of deep red fur barreled into her, quickly knocking her clean off the tom. She skidded across the dirt, her back eventually making contact with a nearby tree. Pain shot though her back and she cried out in agony, her eyes wincing shut from the pain.
"That was too far Hickory! You only needed to knock her off a little. She's carrying kits, for Lupus' sake!" the sound of Stagstride's grating voice was muted amongst the ringing in her ears. Her mind felt as if it was spinning in a violent current, struggling to grab onto land and ground itself. Wh-what did he say? Did he say, kits?
"Sorry, sorry. You're right..." a tom's voice, of which she assumed to be Hickorystump's, sounded from the direction she had been knocked from. Large paw steps vibrated the earth as the tom made his way towards her pathetic, hunched body. "Let me help you up, Waspsting." With a slow effort, she opened her eyes and looked up at the large, furry red tom, his own amber eyes seeming regretful and concerned, yet tinged with a hint of ferocity towards the she-cat who hurt his mate. His paw was outstretched towards her in an attempt to help her get up, yet she swatted it away angrily.
"I can get up on my own," she hissed out as she used her uninjured shoulder to slowly push herself up from against the tree. Yet, another bolt of pain shot through her, bringing her body to slump right back unto the ground. "Rabbit dung!" she spat as the rough bark scrapped her shoulder.
Stagstride slowly walked over, still seeming completely unbothered by the open wound on his shoulder, "Do try to stop being so stubborn, Waspsting."
Her green eyes blazed with fury, "Stop talking down at me! And-and what was that you said about kits?!"
The tom stared at her, his head cocking to its side, "Oh, you didn't know?"
Anxiety and unease rumbled deep within her chest, her heart thumping painfully fast. "Know what?" she asked, hardly able to disguise the pain and concern in her voice.
The two toms before her exchanged a look before turning back to face her once more, their gazes drenched with pity as if they found a lost kit sopping wet in the pouring rain. "Waspsting... you're pregnant."
With each step she took farther and farther away from the territory of the Kin, she could feel her stomach twisting in knots of fear. What was in store for her was completely unknown to her. And it terrified her so. Her mind raced endlessly, wondering what could be waiting for her in the Blessed's territory she had now heard so much about. From what [urlhttps://www.chickensmoothie.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=124&t=4607543#wrap]Stagstride[/url] and Hickorystump's daughter has said, there was nothing left for them there. That a fire had raged the land and scattered the cats of the Blessed far and wide. It seemed as though there was no hope for the Blessed and she couldn't quite understand why they still decided to try and return. Yet, it's not like she had much of a choice, since Howlburn agreed to return as well.
"I think this would be a good spot to rest," Nutmgefluff's voice abruptly interrupted her thoughts, drawing the group of exiles to a halt.
Sparrowwhistle nodded in agreement, "I can take a small group to go hunt while the rest of you prepare some shelter." Murmurs of agreement sounded from the surrounding cats before he continued speaking, "Alrighty then. Hickory and Holly, mind joining me?"
The chipper young she-cat bounced up, her energy seemed boundless throughout this journey, "Of course!" Her less energetic yet bemused father nodded from beside her and the pair slowly walked towards the elder black tom.
"Wait, I am coming too," a fiery red-chocolate tom called out to the three cats.
Hickorystump looked hesitantly from the red tom to Waspsting, "Are you sure, Howlburn? Why don't you stay with your mate?"
The tom's ears flicked indignantly as he continued to walk towards the group, "She'll be fine on her own. Let's go, I'm starving." His words rolled off his tongue with a chilling nonchalance that pierced the spotted she-cat. Hickorystump passed one final sympathetic look at her before shrugging and motioning for the group of hunters to proceed.
She watched the group of cats walk off, disappearing into the shrubbery. He's right, I'll be fine. I like the independence, she reminded herself, doing her best to push back the pang of loneliness she immediately felt upon losing sight of him.
An aggravated growl sounded from behind her, drawing her attention from the shrubbery. "Toms... they can be so dense." Nutmegfluff huffed, her pretty cream-colored tail lashing behind her. "How do you put up with him?" she asked Waspsting, her sharp blue eyes piercing into hers.
The spotted she-cat huffed, "I don't need to put up with him because I love him! Besides, I think it shows how much he respects me and my independence." She puffed up her chest, holding her head up high. There was no way she'd let anyone else know how much her mate's indifference stung her, especially not Nutmegfluff of all cats.
The cream she-cat continued to stare at her before slowly shaking her head, "I guess respect means something different for me, then." Her tail swept along the dirt as she turned her body to face a blue-cream tom. "Stagstride, I will take Vermillion to fetch some bedding for tonight. Watch over Waspsting, will you?"
"I'm not a ki-!"
"Sure, whatever. Don't be long though, I want to go searching for some more herbs for the journey," the tom interrupted her, hardly paying any mind to the irritation emanating from her.
Nutmegfluff nodded as she beckoned her son to follow her into the forest. Once out of ear reach, Waspsting turned to glare as the older blue-cream tom. "You don't have to kit-sit me, you know! I am not a useless kit."
The tom snorted in response while seemingly searching for a good spot to begin clearing for a nest. "Then perhaps you should stop acting like one," he muttered while using his paws to kick away some dry leaves.
The fur along her spine bristled with indignation, her lip curling back into a rageful snarl. "I am not acting like a kit!"
"Sure, sure," he murmured, not taking his eyes off the forest floor as he cleared away the dead leaves. "You don't seem to mind being treated like a worthless kit when it's 'Howlburn' doing it," he added.
The blood in her veins boiled in fury from his mocking tone, "How dare you!" In an instant, her claws unsheathed and she prepared her hind legs to leap towards the infuriating tom. "You don't know me and you don't know Howlburn!"
The tom looked up from the ground to stare at her, his eyes muted and unfeeling. "I've known Scorch far longer than you have. And I also have known you since you were a kit. You're too naive for a tom like him." With an enraged yowl, she leaped towards the tom aiming for his back. Her paws outstretched before her and landed squarely on his shoulders, her claws sinking deep into his tender flesh. As she reared back, bracing her jaws to sink into his back, the tom slowly shook his head. He seemed completely unfazed by the she-cat's attempt at hurting him, "See? Naive."
Before she could question his arrogant tone, a blur of deep red fur barreled into her, quickly knocking her clean off the tom. She skidded across the dirt, her back eventually making contact with a nearby tree. Pain shot though her back and she cried out in agony, her eyes wincing shut from the pain.
"That was too far Hickory! You only needed to knock her off a little. She's carrying kits, for Lupus' sake!" the sound of Stagstride's grating voice was muted amongst the ringing in her ears. Her mind felt as if it was spinning in a violent current, struggling to grab onto land and ground itself. Wh-what did he say? Did he say, kits?
"Sorry, sorry. You're right..." a tom's voice, of which she assumed to be Hickorystump's, sounded from the direction she had been knocked from. Large paw steps vibrated the earth as the tom made his way towards her pathetic, hunched body. "Let me help you up, Waspsting." With a slow effort, she opened her eyes and looked up at the large, furry red tom, his own amber eyes seeming regretful and concerned, yet tinged with a hint of ferocity towards the she-cat who hurt his mate. His paw was outstretched towards her in an attempt to help her get up, yet she swatted it away angrily.
"I can get up on my own," she hissed out as she used her uninjured shoulder to slowly push herself up from against the tree. Yet, another bolt of pain shot through her, bringing her body to slump right back unto the ground. "Rabbit dung!" she spat as the rough bark scrapped her shoulder.
Stagstride slowly walked over, still seeming completely unbothered by the open wound on his shoulder, "Do try to stop being so stubborn, Waspsting."
Her green eyes blazed with fury, "Stop talking down at me! And-and what was that you said about kits?!"
The tom stared at her, his head cocking to its side, "Oh, you didn't know?"
Anxiety and unease rumbled deep within her chest, her heart thumping painfully fast. "Know what?" she asked, hardly able to disguise the pain and concern in her voice.
The two toms before her exchanged a look before turning back to face her once more, their gazes drenched with pity as if they found a lost kit sopping wet in the pouring rain. "Waspsting... you're pregnant."
{1,355 words}
