Patchkit hung onto the root, as he felt his pelt soaked with water. He glanced at his siblings as they were swept away. “Mommy!” Patchkit wailed, as he glanced at Mapleshade's limp body. She seemed to be alive. Suddenly, Patchkit felt as he was lifted out. It was a large, pale cat with green eyes. “Are you alright?” he said through muffled fur. Patchkit just slowly nodded.. The cat slowly placed Patchkit next to Mapleshade. Mapleshade imdeaditly started started rasping her toung over his pelt. “I'll fetch Darkstar” a cat called, darting off. “Are you two ok?” the pale cat asked. Mapleshade noded. The pale cat rested his head onto Mapleshade's back. “Thank you, Appledusk” Mapleshade rasped. “Thanks to you...one of my kits are alright...” “Of course I'd safe one of our kits” he smiled, curling his tail around her. Our kits? Patchkit thought Appledusk is my father..? The murdurer of Birchface!? Still, Patchkit did feel thankful this cat had saved him. Suddenly, a large dark gray cat leapt from the bushes, followed by a dark brown she-cat, whom looked furious. Then a white cat padded over aswell. “What is the meaning of this!?” the dark gray she-cat hissed. Patchkit assumed this was Darkstar. “I-I can explain..” Appledusk stammered. “Oh you better!” The brown she-cat spat, stomping up to them. Appledusk loward his head. Patchkit could see Mapleshade glaring at him aswell. Darkstar tapped her claw inpateintly on the rock. “Well?” she hissed. “I-I met up with this cat..we f-fell deeply in love. S-she has barred my kits...” he stammered “But I don't regret my decsions!” He stated. “Wait” the brown she-cat hissed. “your saying you'd choose this.. this ThunderClan creture over me!?” the brown she-cat spat. Appledusk remained silent. “I'm about to bare your kits! Yet you choose her!? Were through Appledusk.” “Thats fine Reedshinel. I don't need you” Appledusk said coldly. Darkstar raised her paw. “Now you explain.” Darkstar said, pointing to Mapleshade. “Me and my kits were exiled from ThunderClan..” she murmureed. “we've come to seek shelter here... at RiverClan...” the cats at the patrol let out shock gasped. “Please Darkstar...” Appledusk begged. Darkstar heistated. “The warrior code reqires me never to decline a queen or kit in need. Against my wishes, yes. Mapleshade and her kit may be accepted into RiverClan. However..” she turned to Appledusk. “You will be savorly punished.” she scowled at Appledusk. Appledusk nodded weakly. *** Patchkit glanced at the RiverClan camp in wonder. It was huge! “Reedshine, take these two to the nursery.” Reedhsine flicked her tail as Patchkit and Mapleshade followed. As they arrived to the nursery, Reedshine scowled at them. “You don't deasearve Darkstars mercy. And you wont revive my pity.” Reedshine hissed. “Shut up!” Mapleshade snapped, as they turned trotting into the nursery. Mapleshade curled up, her white tail around Patchkit. “Goodnight” she mewed softly. Patchkit then drifted off to sleep.
