Shining Sparkles Abound

It had been a long day. The sun had just started it's descent from the highest point in the sky when the pain started. At first, Dappleshine had continued about the duties she had been permitted by Mistlepaw and Scorchclaw to do, but as the sun sunk lower in the sky the pain came more often and harsher, her paws faltering under her as her head swam due to the agony. Over the last couple moons, her belly had swollen larger, carrying an unknown number of kits that had been fathered by Sparkfrost. Her pelt grew warm at the thought, she did care for the tom, and she loved him, but it wasn't a romantic love. She knew it wasn't going to last forever, their talk in the medicine den when their short relationship had bloomed made that all too clear. He had values and hopes that far surpassed her wildest dreams, and she wanted to encourage him to do what made him happy, and follow where that happiness took him. He had helped her unearth her own dreams, and find a conviction deep within herself to chase them, even if she had to follow them to the edges of the horizon. The start of her life had been filled with journey, chasing something so familiar yet not at all, so why should she stop now? Another sharp twist of pain in her belly made her double over, stumbling as she tried to catch her breath as it faded away again, much slower than it came. First, though... She was going to give birth, and love and cherish this kit with her entire being. No matter what the stars may hold, these would be her first kits, and she was going to shower them with her affection. She waved her tail to Scorchclaw where he stood, motioning to the nursery with her head, hoping he understood. She had been determined to continue her duties as long as she could, having known nothing else the entire time she'd been a warrior, but as pain gripped her in it's claws once more she admitted to herself that it was time to give in.

The stars shone overhead, distant, silent, and beautiful. The sun had set while she lay in the nursery, the pain growing stronger until it was almost unbearable. Stars, she would fight all the eagles in the forest if the pain would go away, even just for a moment. She had found a stick, and gripped it tightly in her jaws when the pain grew too much to bear, vision swimming. The stars were a consolation, and as she looked up in the small gaps of the nursery she took comfort in their soft light, picturing for a moment that Dewshine and Gingerstripe were gazing down upon her, offering her their words of encouragement from above. Mistlepaw was there at her side as well, guiding her through the process with her soft voice, and Dappleshine appreciated her presence even through the pain. The nest was so soft, having been prepared just days before by herself and one of the apprentices, and carefully inspected by Mistlepaw to ensure that no thorns or sharp stones had made their way into the nest, and as the pain rose to an unbearable crescendo, the kit made it's entrance into the word. Blue eyes met the yellow-green of the medicine cat apprentice as the new queen let out a long breath. Her entire body ached as she leaned forward, nipping the sack around the kit and helping to lick it's fur the wrong way hesitantly, while expecting the next round of agony to begin with the next heartbeat. It never came though, and in fact the worst of the pain ebbed away slowly, the dull aching of her body still present as she felt her kit take it's first breath, followed by it's second and third. Relaxing slightly as she realized that her kit was fine, she swept her tail around to gently usher the small creature towards her belly, a purr rumbling deep in her chest despite the agony she had just been in. One of the most wonderful gifts in the entire forest had been granted to her, and stars knew that the tiny she-cat nestled at her belly was breathtaking in her beauty. Nuzzling the top of the single kit's head, she mewed breathlessly, tears of joy stinging the sides of her eyes. "Dacekit. Should your father agree, my dear little one, your name will be Dacekit."

The moon hung high in the sky, large and stunning, shining down on the river current which sparkled beyond the walls of the quiet camp, and Dappleshine felt that all was well in the forest for this single, perfect moment. Curling herself around the frame of her kit, she watched the she-kit intently, taking in all of her features and movements. What a perfect little kit.

The world was loud - louder than the little kit had ever known. Everything had been muffled up until a little while ago, but here and there she heard sounds of voices talking, though she didn't realize that was what they were nor what they were saying. The tiny little kit had pale, damp peach-fuzz fur that was all too wet to make out its distinct color, but the form that it covered seemed lean and strong: a good RiverClan kit. She felt movement beside her like a wall of warmth, and a thick wave of milk-scent washed over her. Blindly the kit began to turn her face into her mother's belly fur until she found her mark. She settled in, and immediately her body began to vibrate with a purr that could practically be heard from the next den over.

Dacekit was not disturbed from her meal when her mother nuzzled her head and spoke her new name for the first time; the newborn kit continued to suckle contentedly. Whenever Dappleshine readjusted, Dacekit was quick to once again wriggle herself in as close as she could. She didn't know who this warm cloud was. All she knew was that she loved her.

Mistlepaw had never helped deliver another queen's kits before. Starclan, she became a medicine apprentice only a little over a moon ago! Pricklebush was not here to guide her, and Dappleshine's kits wouldn't wait for him. She was forced to assist the soon-to-be mother all on her own. Taking a deep, shaky breath, the tuxedo she-cat entered the nursery, herbs in hand. It didn't matter if she was ready or not; her clanmate needed her, and it was her duty to be there. She stooped down and nudged raspberry leaves towards her maw. After watching the queen gulp them down, she handed her a stick."Bite down on this when it hurts," she meowed, sitting by her side and watching with concerned eyes. Starclan, what if something went wrong? Her heart thumped wildly in her chest, so loud it drowned out practically all her thoughts. Now wasn't the time to think, anyway. Dappleshine's kits were coming, and it was crucial that she was ready for them. Even if, Starclan forbid, it all went horribly wrong. "It's going to be okay, Dappleshine. Deep, slow breaths. When a contraction comes, I'm going to need you to push as hard as you can," she instructing, voice as soft and comforting as she could make it. She couldn't imagine how hard it must've been to give birth to kits. It looked excruciating...Mistlepaw grimaced, eyes never leaving until, finally, a kit entered the world. A long sigh of relief left the queen's maw, and she could only assume that the worst of it was over. As the new mother nipped open the sac, Mistlepaw aided her in licking its fur the wrong way up to its first breath. She too, sighed in relief as its mother wrapped its tail around it and brought it closer to her belly. The gray and white she-cat's eyes shone with warmth and appreciation for the suffering Dappleshine had just endured to bring such a beautiful creature into the world. "Your kit is lovely, Dappleshine. Congratulations," the Riverclan medicine cat mewed, smile widening.

With all the pacing he had done, Scorchclaw could have worn a hole in the ground. The day had drawn to a close hours ago, and Silverpelt had full reign of the night sky. While most cat had retired to their nests, a few cats still lingered in the spacious clearing, their pelts half-melted into the shadows. Among them was the large RiverClan deputy. Any thought of sleep had been driven far from his mind by the unease. Ever since Dappleshine had entered the nursery earlier in the evening, the cats outside had received little news of her state. He knew that Mistlepaw was with the young queen, but the sense of helplessness he felt weighed heavily on his shoulders. It was a similar anxiety that he had experienced when Pebblestreak had been kitting. Nervous energy was building up within him, and it made him unable to sit still, yet the last thing he wanted was to leave camp. At any remark tossed his way, he would snap out of his distant state to fix the offender with an icy glare, before his thoughts wandered back to the Nursery.

At long last, the wait was over.

Scorchclaw entered the Nursery on Thornbriar's tail. He lingered by the entrance as the ShadowClan warrior approached Dappleshine―waiting, watching. When the two she-cats had settled down together, he stepped forward. The words had been premeditated. They were words that he said often enough, as a deputy congratulating new queens. But they had seldom felt as genuine as they did now, as full as emotion as they were now. "Congratulations, Dappleshine." His voice was low and uncharacteristically gentle. "I wish your daughter a strong, happy future. I am certain that she could hardly ask for a better mother."

Dappleshine, the cat that was like a daughter to him, was now a parent herself. The thought was almost unbelievable. It seemed he was no longer as young as he had once been.

The dark patched pelt of Magpiepaw bunkered down beside a patch of reeds nearby the nursery, watching the reactions of the cats in the clearing before his eyes anxiously darted back to where his best friend was laboring, trying to bring himself to approach like he so desperately wanted to.  Yet, as usual, his paws wouldn't move.  This time though there were several things blocking his way rather than just his own burdens; firstly the fact that Mistlepaw would probably kick him out for disturbing the young queen, that is if he was able to get past the pacing Thornbriar at all.  Once in a while, the ShadowClan she-cat's fiery glare was cast upon him, and he couldn't help the way his fur prickled.  Great StarClan, she could send a badger running with just one look!  So, he stayed where he was, drawing lines in the sandy earth with a shaky claw.  When he had first learned second-hand of Dappleshine's pregnancy, the news had deeply shocked him.  How could someone younger than him already be a mother?  Another shock had come from learning that his own adopted brother and mentor was the father!  It had taken him a while to come to terms with all this change (not helped by the fact that he had been sick in the medicine den with a cold for a quarter moon) but now, piled on all his other feelings towards his...estranged best friend, the tom just felt numb.

It wasn't like her warrior ceremony; the idea of being a father had never really occurred to him seriously before, and frankly, the thought scared him to his core.  Being a parent was a choice he knew he didn't have to make so suddenly...but being a warrior had always been his dream.  Even when he was a terrified kit by Finchstream's side, he had admired her stories of hunting and fighting for RiverClan...and it was finally within reach.  Golden eyes narrowing determinedly, Magpiepaw lifted his head and nodded to himself; once I get my warrior name, everything can go back to normal!  I'll be worthy of her friendship again...and I'll make my family proud, no matter what.  For now though...

As cats began to enter the nursery, Magpiepaw waited behind before standing up, padding cautiously up to the entrance and peeking in, blinking to see through the darkness.  The sight, for a moment, almost took his breath away.  Dappleshine, tired but overjoyed, with a tiny tortoiseshell kit by her side.  Oh...it looks so much like Sparkfrost!  Pride, both for his friend and for his brother, rushed through him, and a faint smile managed to find it's way onto his bi-color face.  "C-Congratulations..."  His voice was low, too low for Dappleshine to hear, and he left quickly, heading towards the camp exit.  Maybe he didn't have the courage to face her just yet...but gifts could be anonymous.

Hopefully, if he was lucky, Dappleshine would find a nice juicy fish waiting for her before the moon rose.

Minkpaw sat on the edge of the clearing, not too close to the nursery. The hulking, scarred form of the ShadowClan warrior outside made sure of that. Occasionally, he would glance over, once or twice accidentally meeting her warning gaze as she kept others out, but for now he kept still, his tail wrapped around his paws. It still amazed him how he hadn't noticed that Dappleshine was having kits until almost the time of the gathering; the she-cat hadn't really seemed much different from usual. The fact that Sparkfrost had fathered the kits was also a bit of a surprise.

Especially since there was another tom who had shown considerable interest in her. His ears pricked as a movement caught his eye, the black-and-white shape of Magpiepaw hunkered down in the reeds shifting just slightly. Why don't you go in? He mused as the ShadowClan cat at the entrance finally turned before squeezing inside, Scorchclaw on her heels. Watching for just a moment longer, he finally rose to his paws just as the other apprentice hurried off, an oddly excited look on his face. Minkpaw shook his head with a small smile. I'll never understand cats and love. You're all crazy. The thought slid off his mind like water as he cautiously approached the entrance, half expecting someone to drive him away. Inside, the smell of milk and warmth emanated like a soft breeze, bringing back bittersweet memories of kithood days.

For just a moment, he stood there, his eyes closed as he remembered. He could almost hear them... but they were too distant to reach. Maybe one day he could feel at home back here where he had been born, but that time still seemed a long way off. And the lure of what lay beyond....

But in the present, he owed someone congratulations, and maybe himself one last quiet moment among the Clan, along with the friends who remained there. A smile lighting up his eyes as he opened them, he gently nosed his way in. Almost immediately, his eyes moved to Dappleshine, the soft grey queen curled around a tiny, mewling form at her belly. With Scorchclaw and the ShadowClan warrior there - as well as Mistlepaw - it was a bit crowded, but neither the mother nor her kit seemed to mind. He moved forwards, being careful not to get too close to the one-eyed warrior nearby.

"She's a beautiful kit," He purred, green eyes sparkling as he took in the calico pelt, a feeling of wonder at her tiny size filling him. Was I that small once? "What's her name?"

Sparkfrost hardly understood that he was going to be a father. Even when the she-cat explained it to him, the idea had sat somewhere outside of his brain, not quite soaked up into the contents that he stored. Besides, between the conflicting thoughts of belonging and usual busyness that he threw himself into, the calico warrior hardly thought of it. It wasn't until he returned to camp from a hunt, jaws taut with several fish, that it occurred to him to check on Dappleshine. He had enjoyed her presence and would certainly miss her with his inevitable flight from the camp and from Riverclan. They had still spent a good amount of time together as they recovered, in more ways than one, in the medicine cat's den. At the thought of seeing her, a smile crossed his maw and he spat out the prey into the pile before turning towards the nursery. It was when he began to trot over that he noticed the unusual gathering of cats there. Both Shadowclan and Riverclan scents mingled together. What was going on?

Nosing his way through the crowd in search of Dappleshine, he did not one conclude that a birth had happened. Until, he was a kit. The creature was so tiny, and so precious, he immediately was filled with love for it. An overwhelming desire to curl around the little cat stopped him suddenly and seemed to knock the breath from his lungs. Sparkfrost's dull gaze finally moved slowly from the creature and up to meet his friends. There were plenty of questions there and without thinking much, he heard himself meow, "Dappleshine there's a kit! Is this your kit?" His head tilted slightly as he asked. Before she could answer, his eyes ran over Dacekit's coat once more. It didn't look too much like her. And then it occurred to him with a glance at his own paws, "Is this my kit?" He didn't think anything of the cats gathered around or how they might watch him with strange looks. A overjoyed smile crossed his maw as he considered the kit again, and again. She was marvelous, perfect, adorable and small. He immediately was overwhelmed. Tears of joy gathered in the edges of his eyes and excitement ran through his paws like electricity. This was his kit. He had a kit.

A tired smile was cast Mistlepaw's way as the she-cat's purr rumbled even louder. It wasn't long before cats started filing in, starting with Thornbriar and Scorchclaw. Her two adopted, willing or not, parents, who she adored. Leaning into Thornbriar as she settled down next to her, she smiled gratefully at Scorchclaw and spoke softly. "Thank you, both of you. Isn't she beautiful?" She looked back at her kit, nuzzled into her belly, filled with warmth and love. She kept thinking that if she looked away for too long, the small creature would be gone, emptiness at her side in her place. She thought she heard a noise by the entrance, and could have sworn that she saw a familiar tail as it fled from sight, but quickly shook the notion away. Magpiepaw hadn't spoken to her in moons, why would tonight be any different? As Minkpaw walked in, she attributed the sound to his approach, and purred, welcoming him in.

Thank you, Minkpaw, I've chosen to name her Dacekit - should Sparkfrost agree that is." Speaking of the cat... where was he? Suddenly the entrance to the nursery darkened, and she looked up to meet the kit's father's gaze. He stopped abruptly, staring at the kit that she was curled around. She uncurled the tiniest bit to allow him a better view of the kit, revealing the fur that was so similar to his own to be seen. She laughed lightly at his question, exhaustion battling with the humor of it. "Yes, featherbrain, this is our kit. I wish to name her Dacekit. Is that okay with you, Sparkfrost?" She looked up at the tom, noting the tears in his eyes as she curled back around their daughter and her tail around her legs.

"Our kit..." He breathed, finally. As Dappleshine uncurled slightly, his hazel-green eyes widened to further drink in the precious sight of the tiny creature whose coat colors were reminiscent of his. Sparkfrost couldn't help the broad smile across his face. When his kit's mother called him a featherbrain, his whiskers twitched at the humor. She was such a good kit mother, and an even more wonderful friend to him. Nothing could be more perfect than this moment between them and what was to come. For a moment, the scatter-brained tom almost forgot the voracious thoughts of other worldly desires that consumed him. When it came to the question of name, he nodded eagerly with approval before dipping his head to nose the top of her head ever so slightly, "Welcome, little Dacekit, I'm going to show you the whole world someday."