An Uncertain Future (open)

Addershade had enough worry about his own well-being to keep him preoccupied for hours and hours even in the best times.

And this was far from the best of times.

He no longer had just himself to worry about, either. He had a family now-- one that was growing quite large as of late. And now it was all of them who occupied his every thought. In this world that seemed to be getting darker and more turbulent with each passing day....would they be alright? Would he be able to protect them? He was just one cat. How could he possibly keep them safe?

It feels like there's something bad getting closer and closer. A wave that's getting higher and higher until it inevitably crashes down onto us all, he thought, the familiar beginnings of dread stirring in his stomach. And what will we do when it does?

He turned his head and gazed at the nursery, where his mate was sleeping soundly inside, the newest additions of his family with her. They were innocent. And the world wasn't. And he didn't know what to do but hold onto a hope he was sure was incorrect that everything would be okay.

Well he thought, even if we are just sitting foolishly in the calm before the storm, at least...at least, for now, I can be with them. My family.

Willowkit squeaked and opened up her eye.  She blinked her eyes against the bright light.

Oblivious to her father's worries, Maplekit cuddled closer to her mother and sister. She desperately wanted to go explore and play, but her tiny body demanded the warmth and comfort of her companions, so she stayed put (not that she could go far anyway).

Willowkit noticed her sister shivering a tiny bit, so she snuggled up close to her, protecting her from the cold.

Addershade noticed the two kits moving closer to each other and to his mate, huddling against the chill in the air. He moved close to them, too, and watched them all fondly.

"I promise I'll keep you safe," the dark pelted tom purred, his voice warm and low.

It wasn't a promise he was sure he could keep, and he hated that fact. But nevertheless, regardless of everything and anything that stood in his way-- it was a promise he'd try to keep, to his very last breath.

Applepaw had heard that Lightsong had given birth to another litter. He had quickly hurried down to the nursery, seeing his father standing there. With a curt nod, he headed towards the snuggling kits, smiling. ”What are their names?” he asked, turning back towards Addershade after smiling warmly at his two new sisters.

Nightpaw ran in to see his younger sisters. He bent down and sniffed them before sticking out his tounge playfully. "Can I play with them please?" Asked Nightpaw excitedly. He liked his new sisters and wanted to play with them.

Addershade smiled as two of his older children, Nightpaw and Applepaw, entered the nursery.

"Hello, you two," he said happily. It was always nice to have his family around him. "These are Maplekit and Willowkit," he indicated each little she-cat in turn. "And yes, you can play with them, once they wake up!" He told them, and then added, "Just make sure to be careful!". He knew the two toms had quite a bit of energy between them, and he didn't want them to accidentally hurt one of the little kits in their excitement. But it would be okay-- he'd be here with them to make sure that didn't happen, after all.

Maplekit, alerted by the sudden sounds, was very interested in the two toms who joined their little group. She'd never seen them before, and her curiosity dragged her from her mother's side. For a moment she simply stared at them, but eventually, she mewed a hesitantly hopeful greeting. "Hello there! Who are you?"

Applepaw smiled at the inquisitive kit. “I’m Applepaw, your big brother. This is Nightpaw.” he gestured to his brother with his tail. ”He’s your other brother. You’re Maplekit, right?” He said to the one who had talked to her. Then he smiled at his other sister, Willowkit.

She smiled, all apprehension fading away. She didn't know she had brothers! She stood as tall as she could and tried to seem strong...well, as strong as a little kit can. She wanted to make a good impression, after all. "Yeah! I didn't know we had more siblings, why don't you guys live in here with us?" Her head cocked to the side with the question.

"They're apprentices!  They sleep in the apprentices' den!"  Willowkit squealed.  She couldn't wait till she was an apprentice. "Can we play with you?"