Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nightwing POV.

Nightwing rushed through the bracken entrance to the Batclan camp, sprinting up the rocky slope that led to the forest. He was followed by Batstar and Jaybird. Bounding through the forest with the speed of warriors. Ducking and leaping through thick foliage. Paws pounding on the leaf-strewn floor. Jaybird and Redpaw had reported Deathclan scent on Batclan territory and rushed back from the Deathclan border to alert Batstar. Nightwing could not think of a worse time for Deathclan to start their tricks. They had just experienced the worst bout of whitecough that any of the senior warriors had seen. Half of the clan had been wiped out. Including kits, warriors and elders. The rest of the clan were on high alert. Well aware of the clan's current fragility.

Their clan leader had gathered a patrol to investigate the potential border invasion and ordered Redpaw to guard the camp. The patrol were now on their way to the border, eager to protect their territory.

The three warriors surged through the forest. Their sleek muscular bodies moving with strength and precision. As they approached the border Nightwing scented the air. Immediately, he caught the scent of Deathclan. Close and fresh. He wrinkled his nose at the rotten stench. In his mind, the scent had always smelt like crowfood. Ever since he was a kitten. His ear twitched as a subtle rustling came from a bramble bush. He could smell that the Deathclan scent was strong there. He signalled for Batstar and Jaybird to follow his lead, stalking towards the bush.

"Intruder! Show yourself!" He yowled, his hackles raised. A body jerked from within the bramble bush. The three warriors, ready for anything, didn't expect Lilymist from Deathclan to slither out of the bush holding a tiny black kit by the scruff. Shock and confusion muddled his thoughts. What was the leader of Deathclan's daughter doing in their territory? Especially, with what looked like a newborn kit.

"Lilymist, what are you doing on our territory?" Batstar demanded, approaching the Deathclan queen. Lilymist placed the kit gently on the forest floor, making sure to place him on a patch of moss. She lifted her head to look directly at Batstar, her nose practically in the clouds.

"Hello, Beloved," Lilymist hissed, her voice like venom.

"Beloved?" He and Jaybird meowed in shock, looking between the two cats. Nightwing knew they must have seen each other during gatherings, but the way the two looked at each other suggested something more. A longing shielded with hurt.

"Lilymist, what are you doing here?" Batstar mewed, sounding like the leader he was. His eyes moved from Lilymist to the tiny scrap of fluff on the ground. Nightwing saw Batstar's eyes grow soft. His leader could never resist the sight of a kit. You could mistake him for a queen.

"You speak as if we never shared that night those many moons ago," Lilymist mewed coldly. There was a sadness in the way she spoke, in the way she moved. It became obvious when she gazed down at her slumbering kit. Batstar's body turned to stone, his wide eyes centred on the tiny kitten at his paws.

"Is this..?" Batstar's voice was weak, a slight tremble in his words.

"Yes, he is yours," Lilymist replied. "His name is Batkit."

The Batclan cats were silent for a moment, letting the shock run its course. Nightwing and Jaybird exchanged concerned glances. However, Nightwing could see the seething anger within Jaybird that threatened to take over the concern. Nightwing didn't want to be angry at his leader, but this was a betrayal. It went against everything their clan stood for. Not to mention the warrior code. Deathclan were villains. They killed without cause or mercy. Throwing kits into battles as if they were senior warriors. How could Batstar have a kit with a cat like that?

"How old is he?" Jaybird demanded, throwing a glare at Batstar. Lilymist's eyes landed on Jaybird. The queen surveyed him regally like Jaybird was a lowly mouse.

"Two moons," she said finally. Nightwing knew it had to have been recently due to the size of the kit and the lingering roundness of Lilymist's belly.

"And you didn't tell us until now?" Jaybird hissed, ears pinned back to his head.

"I had no other choice!" Lilymist hissed back, the fur on her spine standing on end. "You don't understand!" The queen bared her teeth.

"Lilymist, please," Batstar interjected. Nightwing could hear the care in his leader's voice. It was like he was talking to his kin. How long had they been seeing each other? He could see the years of love behind Lilymist's eyes. How could this have been going on without them noticing? "Let us understand," Batstar said.

"My father will get him killed!" Lilymist yowled, tail whipping side to side. "I need my precious kit to survive and he won't if he stays in Deathclan!" Nightwing heart drops, suddenly understanding what Lilymist was asking of them.

"You want us to take him?" Nightwing asked.

"I need you to, he needs you to!" Nightwing looked down at the tiny kit that hadn't even opened his eyes yet. He squirmed weakly in his little bed of moss, not able to hold his little head up. Nightwing had to stop himself from approaching, cautious of Lilymist's reaction. Despite, the fact that Lilymist was giving the little scrap of fur up, he knew not to get in between a queen and her kit. However, a fondness wormed its way into him at the sight of the tiny tom. He was anxious to get the kit to camp. It wasn't safe at the border. He took a couple of hesitant steps forward. Lilymist hissed at his approach causing him to arch his back defensively. "Make no mistake, I am entrusting my kit to you, Batstar." Lilymist hissed, glaring at Nightwing. "Do not raise him to be soft."

"What are you implying!" Jaybird hissed, baring his fangs at the bossy she-cat.

"Jaybird, stand down!" Batstar ordered, his features a stony visage. Their leader stood his ground. Standing tall and confident. He turned to Lilymist and said, "If we are to take this kit as our own, he will be raised as Batclan." Lilymist regarded Batstar silently as he took in his statement. She looked satisfied.

"Train him as a warrior, his destiny does not lie in medicine cat duties," Lilymist said disdainfully.

"His destiny will be clear to me in time," Batstar said. Lilymist huffed, rolling her jade eyes. A smile crept onto her face, love clear on her features.
"Why is he sleeping so soundly?" Nightwing asked warily, knowing the reputation Deathclan has build.

"I can smell sleeping herbs on him," Batstar answered.

"Well smelt, If only you were a Deathclan cat," she said wistfully. There was a sadness in her voice, mourning what could have been. By the look on Batstar's face, he wishes the same to some extent. Nightwing felt as if he were intruding and he could tell Jaybird felt similar when they shared a disgruntled glance.

"Okay, let's wrap this up before this kit freezes in the moss!" Jaybird hissed impatiently. Lilymist's eye landed on Jaybird violently. Even from where Nightwing was standing the she-cats eyes felt like a claw to the face. She then glanced down at her trembling kit. Her eyes turned sorrowful once again. She gave the kit a few gentle licks before rushing back over the border into her territory. Lilymist stopped and turned to look at Batstar and the kit one last time, and then finally, she disappeared within the forest.

"You have a lot to answer for, Batstar!" Jaybird hissed, rounding on their leader with his hackles raised. Batstar stared back regretfully, but there was still strength in his gaze. He regarded Jaybird with authority.

"I know, but you must know that my heart has always been with my clan," Batstar mewed. He sounded sincere, but Nightwing knew it took more than words for Jaybird to forgive. Nightwing understood that Batstar's actions broke the warrior code and thus betrayed the clan, however, as he stared down at the little kit mewling in the moss, he couldn't bring himself to care too much. To question or protest. They have a new little kitten. As the other two cats bickered Nightwing gently scruffed Batkit and started to make his way towards camp. He needed to get this kit safe.

Nightwing slithered through the forest like a snake, quiet and efficient. His speed only dips when Batkit let out a hearty mew. Warmth spread through Nightwing's body. He focused on the feeling of Batkit scruffed between his jaws. The weight and warmth. It had been so many moons since they had a kit running around camp. The last time was just as whitecough hit the clan. Nightwing sped up, eager to bundle their new kit in the nursery. He was relieved to hear Batstar and Jaybird coming up a little ways behind him. Knowing what was good for them, they were quiet. Bickering would not help the clan and it would certainly not help Batstar's kit.

The cats travelled through the forest in silence. Reluctantly ignoring any fresh kill scent on the way. The quicker they got to camp, the safer their new addition would be.

They were almost at camp when Nightwing noticed Batstar lingering closer to him as they padded on. His blue eyes were attached to Batkit's tiny form. He stretched his neck to sniff his new son, stumbling slightly as his paws hit a large root embedded in the ground. Nightwing purred in amusement before placing Batkit on the ground in front of Batstar.

"You wanna carry him?" Nightwing watched as Batstar stared down at his new kitten. He sniffed the kit's tiny body, then started fervently licking him. Batkit smelled like a Deathclan cat. Nightwing could imagine that it was driving Batstar insane. It was hard to ignore for Nightwing as well.

"Why are we stopping?" Jaybird asked grumpily, having not calmed down quite yet. Batstar froze. Like a spell had been broken.

"You're right, we need to get him to the nursery," Batstar said, hurriedly picking Batkit up by the scruff. The three cats continued towards camp. Nightwing was relieved to see the rocky hollow they called home, all the familiar sounds and scents a comforting presence. The cats gracefully climbed down the rocky slope and through the bracken barrier to the camp.

Immediately Blackbat, Redpaw and Eagleheart rushed towards them. Nightwing could see the questions on their tounges. However, those questions were interrupted by shock. Their eyes were glued to the tiny new addition, a new set of questions eager to be asked. Nightwing could see twitching tails and upturned fur. They must be able to smell Deathclan.

"Any injuries, Batstar," Eagleheart asked. The older cat was always the best at keeping calm in shocking situations, this time being no different. The only indication of his unease being the occasional twitch of his tail.

"No, thank you, Eagleheart," Nightwing answered on behalf of Batstar, who was on a mission to get to the nursery. The nursery was a small cave sitting opposite of the entrance to the camp. The mouth of the cave was shielded by a thick bramble bush that harboured a cat-sized slit within it. It was unfortunately not getting much use until now.

"Batstar, what in Starclan is that?" Redpaw asked as he trailed after their leader with wide cautious eyes.

"It's a kit, mouse-brain!" Jaybird mewed. Redpaw glared at his clanmate, his tail flickering moodily.

"I know it's a kit, what's it doing here?" Redpaw mewed exasperatedly as they all followed Batstar into the nursery. Their leader immediately busied himself with creating a nest for the tiny new addition. Scraping clumps of moss and bracken into place.

"We have a new clanmate," Nightwing said cheerfully as he helped Batstar create a comfortable nest for Batkit. Redpaw looked on with terribly concealed looks of shock and confusion.

"But he's Deathclan!" Redpaw exclaimed, his fur ruffling and his whiskers twisting in discontent. The scent of Deathclan was steadily spreading in the air. It was clear that the scent was making the others nervous. Nightwing wasn't too comfortable with it himself. His fur itched to scent the little kit. Instead, he settled with nosing moss around Batkit as his sire placed him in the new nest. Tucking the precious kitten in comfortably.

Now that Nightwing was up close to his new clanmate he was eager to get a good look at him. The kit was smaller than average. You could almost mistake him for a runt. His eyes were still closed from the sleeping herbs. Nightwing wondered gleefully as to what colour they'd be. He also noticed that Batkit had many scars, obviously from battle. A strange feeling arose in him. It was present when he saw Batkit dangling within the jaws of a Deathclan cat. Despite being the kit's mother, she wasn't to be trusted. As his thoughts return to Lilymist fear filled his belly. Batkit will get hungry soon.

"How are we gonna feed it?" Redpaw asked, as if he read his mind. The nursery was deathly quiet for a moment before Batstar spoke up.

"Eagleheart and I will consult Starclan, Batkit will be fed." Batstar assured, sounding as if he was trying to convince himself aswell as his clan. Nightwing watched the mice circling in Redpaw's brain. Looking confused as he was lead out of the nursery by Eagleheart, Jaybird trailing behind. Nightwing followed them out imagining Batstar would like some alone time with his kit. He glanced back to see Batstar curled protectively around Batkit. Warmth spread through Nightwing's chest and he found himself staring wistfully at them. The feeling soon turned sour as he noticed a nagging emotion raising in his throat. He couldn't get it to leave him alone. Jealousy. A strange jealousy. At least that's what it felt like, but he must be mistaken. He continued following his clanmates out of the nursery. The smell of kit must have been messing with his head.

"Urg, the smell of kit..." Jaybird groaned, shaking his wide head. So it wasn't just him, Nightwing purred in amusement. The clan would have to get used to the new addition, scent and all.

Eagleheart padded into his medicine den, mewing about traveling herbs under his breaths. He must going to mother mouth at moon high. Nightwing padded after the old tom who usually asked for Nightwing to accompany him. The tom was getting old and was not as strong as he used to be. He needed a strong young cat to help him return safely to the clan, who needed their medicine cat desperately.

A plethora of herbs washed over his senses immediately as he entered Eagleheart's medicine den. The smell bringing immediate comfort and familiarity. The den was made out of a cave which was sheltered by a blanket of hanging moss. It draped itself over a large chunk of the rocky hollow. Making moss an easy find for the medicine cat. Unlike the other clan's territories, where the resource was scarce. Nightwing nosed through the moss, prepared for his senses to be inundated with a plethora of herbs. He watched Eagleheart rush around his den. Mumblings tumbling out of his mouth like pebbles down the hollow. The old cat was gathering three bundles of traveling herbs. These herbs stave off hunger and keep cats strong during long journeys. Nightwing waited silently, not wanting to interrupt his clanmate's work. Nightwing was watching a wayward fly try to escape the den when he heard some-cat enter. He turned to advise the cat not to bother Eagleheart, but was silenced by the shock of seeing that the cat was Batstar.

"Batstar, who is watching Batkit?" Eagleheart asked after dropping a bundle of herbs on the ground, looking close to scolding their leader. Which would not be a rare occurrence. Ever since Batstar's mother and father were killed by badgers Eagleheart took over guiding their kitten to the right path. Being a part of a clan was his only salvation. Nightwing assumed this was why Batstar was so adamant about protecting clanless kittens and giving them a family. He didn't want any kitten to go without the love and protection of a clan, and this wasn't just an ideal in his head. Batstar took in all of the warriors and Redpaw in as kittens. Unsurprisingly continuing the trend with Batkit without question. However, he also knew far too well the depravity of Lilymist's father, Deathstar. Batkit would be thrust into warrior training as soon as he could open his eyes and not the customary six moons. Even sending kittens into battle was not beyond Deathstar's cruelty.

"Blackbat," Batstar said simply, his eyes filled with determination. "I must share tounges with Starclan." Eagleheart spared a look of worry mixed with understanding. It was just like Batstar to go seeking answers himself. However, it made sense. Nightwing had never experienced it himself of course, but he knew that leaders sharing tounges with Starclan was a powerful resource. "I must also ask you to stay in camp, I don't want you taking any long journeys," Batstar said kindly yet firm.

Eagleheart stared at their leader silently for a few moments, pawing the herb bundles into a neat pile. "If that is what you wish," Eagleheart said.

"It is."

"I know I am the only medicine cat left in the clan, but I must still carry out my duties," Eagleheart mewed. Batstar nodded, padding up to the old cat.

"It's only for now," Batstar assured, pressing his nose into Eagleheart's cheek with a purr. "The White cough left us weak, but we will grow strong again."

"Take Nightwing with you, at least," Eagleheart said, motioning his head towards the grey tom. Batstar's fur rippled. Nightwing purred with amusement. Batstar must have forgotten he was there. The Batclan Leader wasn't the sort of cat to show affection so openly when executing his duties as leader. Especially to his father/medicine cat. Nightwing found it funny and comforting that a cat never grows out of kitten-like behaviours. Even one's like Batstar who always wanted to keep a reputation of being stoic and unbreakable.

"What's wrong?" Nightwing said. "You look like you've seen a dog eating your prey," he joked good-naturedly. Batstar's tail flicked in mild annoyance.

"Just take your herbs and ready yourself for the journey," Batstar grouched as he bent down to grab his own bundle of herbs in his teeth. Nightwing followed suite, munching down the herbs. He grimaced from the bitter taste, still not used to it even after many journeys to mother mouth.

"Be safe," Eagleheart mewed softly, his eyes blinking affectionately at the two of them. There was a sadness lingering in his eyes. It slowly appeared as Eagleheart started to slow down. His body unable to keep up with his medicine cat duties. Eagleheart was still strong for his age, but the work of a medicine cat is alot even for a cat in its prime. Nightwing wished he could help his clanmate, but he was never good at remembering herbs.

"We will," Nightwing said cheerfully as he and Batstar exited the medicine den and padded towards the bracken entrance, up the slope and into the forest.

The two cats headed past the dark pine forest of Batclan and up towards the moors and old wheat fields of Superclan. They skirted around the Twoleg-place north of Batclan territory. Superclan sits opposite of the twoleg-place. A field owned by no cat sitting in between. To get to mother mouth they have to travel northward across the field, far enough away from both twoleg-place and the Superclan border. There's an old abandoned twoleg den that sat on the northern end of the field, a place to rest and find fresh kill.

They approached a small thunderpath that separated Batclan from the twoleg-place and what made up part of Superclan's Southern border. The two cats could see Superclan's flowing moorland from where they were standing. Superstar (lol... I know...I couldn't think of anything else) was an honorable cat, but it was best to keep away from the other clan's borders.

The thunderpath they had to cross was luckily devoid of monsters most of the time, but Batstar still demanded caustion whenever any cat had to cross it. The two darted across when it was deemed safe. The scent of stale wheat was starting to surround them, as well as crowfood from the west and Superclan scent from the east. They padded up a small dirt path, smoothed out by many moons of paw-steps. The path sat next to a tall wooden fence that led into twoleg-place. Nightwing was glad it was there, otherwise they would never travel so close to the twolegs.

They hadn't been journeying for very long when Nightwing heard a tiny squeaking noise. His ears perked and his tail twitched. Coming to a stop, he scented the air. Nothing smelt out of the ordinary. He could smell Batstar, of course, but maybe something was off. It almost smelt like Batstar was in two places. Nightwing looked to Batstar, who was continuing on as normal.

"Did you hear that?" Nightwing called. Batstar stopped and padded back over to his clanmate.

"What's wrong?" Batstar mewed in concern. Another squeak sounded causing Batstar's ears to twitch in turn.

"That sound, it almost sounds like a..." Suddenly a tiny black body surged up from the wilted wheat, a tiny high-pitched war cry sounding from it. Tiny claws poked into his pelt, barely grazing his skin. He yowled in surprise, ready to duck into a roll to throw the offending attacker off.

"Stop!" Batstar demanded, his voice booming from his muscular form. His attacker jumped from his back and Nightwing spared no time spinning around to face them. The wind was knocked from his lungs.

"Batkit!" Nightwing bleated, his eyes wide as he took in the kitten's scruffy form. His fur was standing on end, his back raised and his jaw was open in a venomous hiss.

"Father, this cat was following you!" Batkit exclaimed, skittering to hide behind Batstar's legs. Nightwing's fur bristled in shock and by the looks of it Batstar was even worse off. His ears were pulled back, tail whipping wildly and his eyes were filled with panic.

"What on Starclan are you doing here?" Batstar boomed furiously, stepping away to face the tiny kit. Batkit shrunk back, a mix of confusion and shock on his face. There was pain there too, that spoke betrayal.

As he watched the tiny trembling kit something snapped within him. It felt as if something in his brain was changing. He was overwhelmed by the urge to put a stop to the kitten's fear. To keep him happy and comfortable.

"Batstar, take it easy," Nightwing mewed, placing a paw on his leader's broad chest. "If he runs, we're crowfood!" Batstar's eyes widened, looking at Batkit's uneasy face guiltily. He heaved a tired sigh.

"I'm sorry, Batkit; but it's dangerous outside of the camp, especially for a kit!" Batstar mewed slightly less stern now, but there was still anger there.

"Mother said I needed to stay with you, father!" Batkit responded. "She said I would live with you in your clan!"

"So why did you leave the clan?" Batstar grumbled flatly, his ears twitching backward.

"I need to prove my worth within the clan!" Batkit mewed. "I will join you on this mission!" Batstar was surprised for a moment before shaking himself out of it.

"No, this is no mission for a kit!" Batstar shouted before amending, "kits like you shouldn't even be going on missions!" Batkit recoiled, his ears pinned back as his lip started quivering. Nightwing couldn't tell whether it was from sadness or anger.

"I'm being barred from missions?" Batkit cried in outrage. "What did I even do wrong?" Nightwing lay his tail across Batstar's scarred muzzle, stopping his rant from forming.

"All kits are barred from warrior duties, buddy," Nightwing explained kindly. "Batclan operates much differently from Deathclan." Batkit was silent for a few moments as confusion cemented itself onto his face. He slowly glared up at Nightwing.

"How do you train your warriors?"

"Kits become apprentices when they turn 6 moons old," Nightwing said cheerfully.

"That's so much time wasted!" Batkit exclaimed. Nightwing shook his lean head with a smile, ignoring Batstar's grumbling complaints.

"I disagree, being a kit is the most important part of a cats life!" Nightwing proclaimed.

"How so?" Batkit said.

"A good kithood helps a cat grow to be an honorable warrior," Nightwing said. "With a good heart!"

"A good heart?"

"Yes," Batstar interjected sternly. "A warrior must fight not only with their claws, but with their heart aswell." Batkit scrunched up his nose in annoyance and in what Nightwing guessed was confusion.

"How do you kill somecat with your heart?" Batkit asked grumpily. Batstar sighed and shook his head, causing Batkit's fur to stand on end. Nightwing could tell the kit desperately cared about what his father was saying. He just wanted to understand. To follow in his father's pawsteps. Nightwing's heart ached for him. It's going to be a difficult path ahead.

"Get back to the camp, Batkit," Batstar ordered. Batkit started.

"I can be of use, I promise!" Batkit pleaded, his ears pinned back almost laying flat on his head. Nightwing could only imagine what those foxheart Deathclan cats were putting into this kittens head. Anger pulsed in his bones for the poor kit.

"Your worth is not decided by what you can do for this clan, Batkit!" Batstar exclaimed. Batkit froze. Nightwing could picture the mice running circles in the kit's head. It was as if they were speaking a different language.

"We can't let him go back to camp on his own," Nightwing said.

"We're not taking him to mother mouth," Batstar said. Nightwing sighed.

"He'll just run from camp again if we go back, besides we're running out of time to make it back to camp before dark," Nightwing said, giving Batstar no room to argue. Batstar grumbled under his breath and started to continue northward towards mother mouth. Nightwing purred and motioned for Batkit to follow them.

The two cats walked on either side of Batkit as they headed through the old wheat fields. The kit was trying his hardest to keep up with their long strides. It was a little amusing seeing his tiny legs going so fast, but also troubling. He breathed in fast puffs and even tripped over his own clumsy feet a few times. Nightwing could guess that Batkit would be resistant to assistance. It was like having a senior warrior inside the body of a kit. All the ferocity and pride of a Deathclan warrior.

"Batkit, let me carry you," Batstar demanded impatiently, stopping in his tracks. Nightwing winced, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at his leader. It's almost like he's never had to deal with a stubborn kit, even though he's raised a paw full.

"What? Why?" Batkit hissed, his fur spiking. His tiny body fluffing out, making him look like a dandelion. Batstar huffed grumpily.

"You are slowi-" Nightwing quickly silenced Batstar with his tail, a sheepish apology given through a glance.

"You'll be able to achieve a better view from Batstar's back, you'll see the enemy coming," Nightwing mewed. He knew what worked on a kit. He had helped raise his silblings from kitten-hood. Batkit was no different. No matter how much Deathstar tried to claw the kit out of him.

Batkit's eyes narrowed in what Nightwing assumed was suspicion. The kit's stance tense. Then he closed his eyes, raising his nose in the air.

"Ah, yes," he mewed; trotting over to Batstar. "I suppose I am the only one for the job." Nightwing purred in amusement, throwing a pleased look at Batstar; who just shook his head with his own mirthful mew.

Batstar lowered himself towards the dry peat and waited as Batkit scrambled onto his back. As they continued, Nightwing could tell Batkit was taking his job very seriously. His eyes scoured the Superclan borderline like a hunter stalking it's prey. The determination and precision of a senior warrior shining brightly in his eyes. Nightwing purred in amusement. It surprised him, the endearment he felt. It scared him slightly aswell. He wasn't sure why. He loved all his siblings and he had gotten used to suddenly having a new addition. Though, admittedly, none of them used to be Deathclan.

They had been going for a short while when Batkit's firm mew sounded.

"Batstar, enemy cats approaching our border!" Batstar's wide head turned towards the border as the two warriors came to a stand still. Nightwing stifled a purr of amusement at Batkit. The kit's midnight fur was standing completely on end. He looked like a moss ball. A very grumpy moss ball.

Nightwing's mind was brought back to the subject at hand when Batstar let out a light hiss. Which caused Batkit to let out one of his own.

"Do you want me to gut these prey theives?" Batkit hissed, his back curved and tail whipping wildly. Batstar sighed.

"No!" He hushed, a hint of embarrassment in his mew. Nightwing followed Batstar as he approached the border. He could already scent the new arrivals and knew they were of no threat. It was Superstar accompanied by a patrol of Superclan warriors. The Leaders greeted eachother with a respectful nod. Nightwing knew that the two have moons and moons of history. A friendship built on saving eachother's fur. They seemed at ease as they met on opposite sides of the border.
The warriors, however, were alert and ready for anything. Despite their leader's friendship they were still a rival clan. Nightwing took note of each warrior, taking in their scent. There was a she-cat called Lotusleaf and a tom called Coolbreeze.

"Hello, Batstar!" Superstar mewed cheerily. "And who is this?" He purred when Batkit started to climb Batstar's head, his tiny paws braced on his father's forehead.

"I am Batkit, son of the mighty Batstar, I am going to be the fiercest warrior in Batclan!" The kit hissed, stepping on Batstar's ears in the process. The warriors all shared an amused smirk, remembering the days of kittenhood. Except Batstar who was trying to shake Batkit off of his ears.

"What a lovely kit, Batstar," Superstar mewed. "I didn't know you had taken a mate." There was an awkwardness there that Nightwing couldn't place. It's as if Superstar suddenly couldn't look at Batstar.

"I haven't..." Batstar responded. The superclan cats eyes widened, glancing at eachother in confusion. Batkit just grumbled, seemingly upset that no-one was reveling in his strength.

"Well... Lotusleaf just had her kit a moon ago, his name is Superkit, a similar age to your little one by the looks of him," Superstar said cheerily, glancing over at his mate proudly.

"This is the first time I'm leaving the camp since kitting, really needed to stretch my paws," Lotusleaf mewed. She looked at peace, leaning into the wind of the moors like it was an old friend she hadn't seen in moons. Batstar seemed to soften at their words, a purr raised in his throat.

"Congratulations, old friend," Batstar mewed fondly. "And you too, Lotusleaf. May Starclan be with you." The Superclan cats nodded and took their leave. Superstar blinked his eyes at his old friend before following his warriors.

"You have friends in other clans, father?" Batkit questioned, sounding almost scared. Nightwing's tail twitched.

"I do, friendship is important between the clans, even if others don't see it that way," Batstar mewed. Batkit settled back down on Batstar's back as they continued on their way, looking down at his paws.

"Grandfather punishes cats who become too close with the enemy," Batkit muttered under his breath as if he was revealing some deep long kept secret. Nightwing kept silent, but aware of his surroundings. Ready if anything threatened the Batclan cats. They were almost to mother mouth. The ground becoming more rocky than those of the fields. There was a giant red twoleg nest not far from them, but there are no twolegs living in it.

"I'm aware of Deathstar's methods and I believe they are not the way of Starclan or the warrior code," Batstar mewed. Batkit looked confused. Like his little world was being shaken.

"How do you know?" The question was soft, open but conflicted.

"Because my grandfather was there when the code was founded and my father never let me forget a word of it," Batstar mewed fiercely. "I also know that Deathstar keeps the sacred principles of the warrior code from his clanmates!" Batstar hissed, growing more and more heated. Batkit shrank, his ears pulled back.

"Batstar, calm down!" Nightwing implored. Batstar shook his head, shocked at his outburst.

"I apologise, Batkit," Batstar mewed. "It's good to ask these questions and I'm glad that you are." He assured. Batkit still looked wary, like he was waiting for a punishment. However, the wariness vanished as they approached mother mouth. The kit looked up at the gaping maw of the cave in wonder. Grass and rocky slopes let up to the entrance. By the looks of the sky they were right on time. The sun had set and the moon was creeping onto the horizon. Silverpelt was shining brightly, their warrior ancestors must be active. A perfect time to visit the moonstone.

"This is where we part, Batkit," Batstar mewed. Nightwing scruffed the tiny kit and lifted him onto a patch of moss outside mother mouth. Batkit tutted.

"I could have gotten off myself!" He hissed. Nightwing smiled and gave the kitten a wink.

"But with a little help you didn't have to," Nightwing replied. Batkit stared at him as if he had grown another set of ears. Nightwing chuckled, raking his tounge over the kit's forehead. Which was met with a glare and a hiss.

"Behave you two," Batstar ordered. Batkit straightened.

"Yes, Batstar!" The kit mewed obediently, throwing a glare at Nightwing when Batstar turned and entered mother mouth. Nightwing laughed, stumbling joyfully on his paws. This kit was too much fun. His tiny furious face trying to be taken seriously, but he was just too adorable. Nightwing wondered what his own kitten would be like. He had pondered it before, but for some reason he couldn't conjure an image. It seemed easier now.

"How much did your mother teach you about clan life?" Nightwing asked. Bakit took a second to think, scrunching up his face and tilting his head.

"Batstar is our leader and I must be the strongest warrior in the clan," he mewed. Not much then.

"I'll help you learn all the different roles in the clans," Nightwing mewed. Batkit looked confused, but nodded regardless.

The two cats sat together and mewed on about anything and everything. Batkit was particularly interested in Silverpelt, his green eyes glowing in it's light.

"...every single star is one of our ancestors." The kit stared up at them his eyes widening in amazement. He looked to Nightwing when he stopped talking, motioning him to carry on. Nightwing chuckled and continued.

"The moon's light helps our medicine cats communicate with them." Batkit's eyes shot towards the moon his ears perked as if he was trying to hear it. "It's pretty rare for a non-medicine cat to talk to Starclan though," Nightwing explained. Batkit's tail dropped, falling silently on the moss he was sitting on. Nightwing's heart clenched. He couldn't stand the look of disappointment on the kit's face.

"We must return," Batstar's voice suddenly sounded. The black cat's face was determined as he spared no time in scruffing Batkit and helping him climb on his back. "Let's go." The cats padded on. Nightwing could tell Batkit was starting to struggle. The kit's eyes were slipping shut at times and Nightwing could even hear his belly rumbling. Nightwing knew Batstar could hear it aswell from the way their leader was speeding up.

"What did you do in there?" Batkit asked sleepily.

"I talked with Starclan in my dreams," Batstar responded. Batkit yawned.

"I want to dream with Starclan," Batkit mewed as he settled down comfortably on Batstar's back.

"Sweet dreams, little one," Batstar purred, slowing down to let Nightwing scruff the slumbering kitten, whose backside was already sliding off of Batstar's back.

The two continued quietly and, thankfully, without much interruption until they found themselves back at the thunderpath. The sky had turned a flaming gold colour as the sun threatened the horizon. They took turns in carrying Batkit who had awoken a couple of times to tell Batstar that he was hungry. Batstar just ignored the kit and sped up.

"What are we going to do, Batstar!" Nightwing hissed, confused by his leader's indifference to the kit's suffering.

"Come," Batstar mewed around his kit's scruff. He quickly padded towards twoleg-place. Nightwing froze, watching in disbelief as his leader walked between two twoleg nests. Batstar stopped and looked back at Nightwing, his eyes watching him expectantly.

"You're not giving him to the twolegs, are you?" Nightwing asked gravely, his voice pleading. Batstar looked startled by the accusation. He placed Batkit gently on the ground.

"Of course not, now come!" Batstar ordered before picking up Batkit and continuing on his way. Nightwing begrudgingly followed Batstar into the belly of the beast. His fur standing on end at every little sound. The smell of twolegs was revoltingly strong here and he could even smell the faint scent of dog.

Batstar lead them to a wooden fence that was attached to a twoleg nest. The two cats jumped over the fence with their hearts in their throats. They walked with their bellies brushing the ground, eyes alert for any threat. Suddenly Batstar started walking briskly towards a tiny red twoleg nest. It had two metal bowls sitting in front of it. One filled with water and the other filled with old waterlogged twoleg food. Batstar set Batkit on the ground, staring down at the food in sorrowful confusion.

"This can't be what Starclan meant, Batkit can't eat this, he needs milk!" Batstar hissed, curling his broad paws around Batkit's slumbering form.

"Did Starclan tell you to come here?" Nightwing asked, looking down at the kitten. He prayed to every star in the sky that the kitten would be okay. He could hear the kitten's stomach growling as fiercely as a Lionclan warrior.

"Yes, but there was another thing, 'where stars shine away from the sky'," Batstar mewed thoughtfully. Their eyes scanned the ground for any fallen stars or shiny objects. "My father spoke those words, he would never lead me astray," Batstar hissed. Nightwing started, leaders weren't allowed to give details of what they experience in their dreams with Starclan. His heart started thumping against his ribs. Batstar had spoken with his father? What if his own mother and father were waiting in Starclan for him to become leader? He didn't really want to be. He didn't want his adopted father to die, and Batstar was the best leader they could ever have. There was no way he could lead like him. Fair, honest, and bloodthirsty when he needed to be. However, if there was a chance he could speak to his parents again...

"What are you doing here?" Yowled a voice before a black and white kittypet leaped down from the fence, landing in front of them. The two clan cats jumped into battle stances, their fur spiking, ready for a fight. It was a she-cat, a queen even. She was beautiful, with long fluffy fur and bright green eyes. Around her neck was a collar covered with small shiny rocks. A gasp sounded from beside him. Nightwing glanced over at Batstar. His face bore a look of shock.

"The star..." Batstar whispered under his breath. Nightwing's body shuddered. Batkit was saved!

"Get away!" The she-cat screeched, a clawed paw swiping at them. She was guarding the tiny twoleg nest. Spitting and hissing at them if they got too close. Nightwing could just about see inside and there was way too much blood and too little movement for a normal kitting. Nightwing felt his pelt grow cold. His chest erupting in an ache that felt like it had been there forever. There was unimaginable pain that he could suddenly see in this young queen's eyes.

"Please, wait!" Batstar pleaded. The she-cat turned on him, her eyes burning with urgency. "We have a kit, he needs milk, please," Batstar mewed. The she-cat glanced down at the kitten, her eyes dulling.

"Well, I haven't stopped bleeding so, I guess I've killed another kit," she said, her voice broken. Her body was trembling. Nightwing only now noticed, but there was alot of blood covering her back legs. Nightwing's heart leapt into his throat, he looked over at Batstar in panic. His leader looked serious, but calm. He didn't even flinch.

"We have a medicine cat, he can help you. You will not die this day!" Batstar implored. The she-cat looked down at the ground, she looked tired.

"What is your name?" Nightwing asked after a few beats of silence.

"Selina," she said.

"Where are your humans, Selina?" Nightwing asked.

"Gone," the queen replied simply. "You're clan cats, aren't you?" She asked. The clan cats nodded. "You can help me?"

"I will do everything in my power to do so," Batstar mewed. Nightwing's eyes widened, Batstar was usually distrustful of kittypets. Maybe he felt pity for the injured she-cat.

"Alright..." Selina relented, turning back to her kittens and giving each of them a loving lick.

The clan cats made their way back to camp, careful of their precious cargo. Batstar hovered close to Selina. Helping her navigate around obstacles and encouraging her when she winced in pain. As they entered their territory Nightwing could scent Jaybird and Redpaw close by. He could hear them calling for Batkit. The sour smell of panic surrounding the area.

"Batkit is with us!" Nightwing called into the forest.

"Nightwing?" Jaybird called, running over to him with Redpaw in tow. "That little brat snuck out!" Jaybird hissed, looking ready to claw the kit's fur off.

"Not now, we have a bigger problem, go tell Eagleheart to get the medicine den ready!" Nightwing ordered. Jaybird looked shocked, but spared no time in running off towards camp. Redpaw fell instep with them, trying to subtly get a glance at Selina.

"Who is that?" Redpaw asked. "She smells like a kittypet."

"It doesn't matter, she needs our help," Batstar mewed firmly.

When the cats made it to camp Eagleheart was waiting for them at the entrance. Batstar immediately handed the kit to Blackbat.

"Make sure he doesn't escape again," Batstar mewed, sounding a bit harsh. Blackbat nodded, her head drooping guilty. Nightwing went over to her and gave her cheek a comforting lick, watching as Eagleheart, Batstar and Selina entered the medicine den.

"Shouldn't we go in and make sure she don't try anything," Jaybird asked. Nightwing shook his head.

"She's gonna feed Batkit, mousebrain," Redpaw mewed, which won him a hiss in return. Nightwing chuckled as his brothers.

"Starclan answered Batstar's plead for help," Nightwing explained, turning to Batkit and Blackbat. "We should get him into the nursery."

It felt like they had been waiting moons for an update on the she-cat. Jaybird and Redpaw had gone to continue their duties, while Nightwing and Blackbat stayed with Batkit in the nursery. The kit was up and about now. Less energetic than before, but he seemed alright. Blackbat was grooming the kit from head to toe, a purr rumbling in her throat. Nightwing pawed at the bedding in the nursery, making sure it was dry and comfortable for Selina. He grabbed the moss Redpaw dropped at the entrance and built a new nest just for her. His ears twitched as he heard Batstar's voice approaching the nursery. He motioned Blackbat to get ready and she plopped Batkit into the new nest.

"Hey, I was comfy," the kit complained groggily. Nightwing chuckled and made way for Selina and Batstar to enter. The she-cat entered slowly, hobbling on shaky legs. She froze when her eyes met the nest.

"Is this for me?" She asked, sounding fragile.

"Of course," Nightwing replied kindly. Selina waddled over to the nest, settling down gently next to Batkit. The kit in question looked up at her in bewilderment, trying to inch away from her.

"Who are you?" The kit complained.

"This is Selina, treat her kindly, she agreed to feed you," Batstar ordered sternly. The kit settled, though he still didn't look pleased. "Let's give them some space," he said to his clanmates. As Nightwing left the nursery he threw an encouraging smiled to Batkit, who looked a little nervous. He couldn't imagine another cat stepping in for his mother. Hopefully, in time, everything will fall into place.

Chapter Text

Batkit's P.O.V

Batkit was so warm, the fluffy feeling of morning surrounding him. He buried his face into the fur of his mother. The scent of milk strong, stronger than normal. The camp was always chaos, but they were safe in the nursery. The only place he could be loved. The only place he could protect his mother from the bloodthirsty warriors of Deathclan, especially from his Grandfather.

He snuggled further into the moss, stretching his paws over his mother's side. Suddenly there was a rustling at the bramble entrance. His eyes snapped open like a snake striking its prey. A black and white cat was trying to break into the nursery. His heart started hammering in his chest. He leapt in front of his mother, his fur spiking and back arching. He hissed and spat with all his might. Watching with satisfaction as the cat jumped out of it's fur, dropping the fresh kill it was holding between it's jaws.

"What's all the racket about?" A voice sounded behind him. He whipped around and stared up at the she-cat he now remembered to be Selina. Not his mother. His heart sank as the memories of the previous day ran through his head. He was alone. Completely and utterly alone. "You can go now," Selina said to the can he now realised was Redpaw. The apprentice left the nursery, throwing Batkit a glare before doing so.

Selina hauled herself out of her nest. Hobbling over to the mouse Redpaw had dropped and gulping it down in a couple of bites. Batkit watched as she returned to her nest, keeping his distance. "You're going to have to feed at some point," Selina mewed. "I can hear your stomach from here." Batkit's fur bristled.

"You won't replace my mother, I will never feed off of you!" Batkit hissed. Selina's tail twitched.

"You're going to get me thrown out of this dump!" Selina hissed back. He could tell the queen was still in pain as she shuffled to get comfortable.

"I don't care! I want my mother!" Batkit cried, tears welling in his eyes. Selina shrieked in frustration.

"Go cry to her then!" The she-cat yowled. Batkit lept to his paws and ran through the bramble entrance of the nursery. He couldn't take it anymore. His heart felt like it was breaking apart. He ran into the dirt clearing of the camp, his heart skipping a beat when he heard Selina's voice scream after him.

"Batkit! No!" She screeched. He almost hissed in frustration, but before he could he was pushed to the ground. Selina had thrown herself on top of him. He was bewildered for a second then his body shuddered in fear when he saw the cause. A giant hawk a swooped down and tried to carry him off. The bird was flailing in confusion, it's talons embedded into Selina's back. Droplets of blood were falling into the dirt in front of his face. His body felt cold with panic. Bile and shame raising I'm his throat.

"Selina!" His father's voice yowled. Suddenly the hawk was accosted by a large black body. Slammed into the dirt. Felled by a fierce bite to the head.

"Father!" Batkit exclaimed, running over and throwing himself at the clan leader.

"What were you doing outside of the nursery alone?" Batstar scolded in-between feverishly licking him. Batkit couldn't stop the tears from falling down his furry cheeks.

"I-I'm sorry," he cried. Batstar turned to Selina, who had the rest of the clan attending to her.

"Thank you, Selina," he said. "You saved my son." Selina turned her lidded eyes onto Batstar and Batkit, a trembling smile on her face.

"He's quite the trouble maker, he's lucky he's cute," she said shakily. Batkit looked on at the she-cat as she was helped into the medicine den by his father. Nausea gnawed at him, his ears growing hot with shame.

"C'mon Batkit, let's get you back into the nursery," Nightwing mewed. The deputy nosed at him, pushing him towards the bramble covered cave.

"I want to see Selina!" Batkit mewed, struggling against Nightwing's nose.

"I wouldn't suppose she'd want to see you," Jaybird muttered, licking his flame coloured pelt absently. "Considering you're the reason she's injured." Batkit wilted.

"Jaybird!" Nightwing hissed, batting him on the ear with a sheathed paw. Batkit ran into the nursery, bursting through the bramble and shoving himself into the moss. After a few seconds he heard somecat enter and settle down next to him.

"She's going to be okay," Nightwing assured. Batkit spat at the bluefurred tom.

"I don't care about that kittypet!" Batkit hissed. "She could die for all I care!" His voice wavered, erupting more frustration within him. He couldn't stop it anymore. He freely cried with his face hidden in the moss.

Selina P.O.V

Selina shifted in her nest, trying to get comfortable. She sighed in exasperation. She didn't know why she was still trying. Her body felt like it was on fire, the herby scents of the medicine den were giving her a headache and she couldn't get the sight of that mousebrained kit about to get swept away out of her head. Why did she even care? He wasn't her kit. Tears flooded her eyes, her ears pinned to her head. No, she had no kits. She was alone.

She found herself staring at the shadow of the willow branches covering the caves entrance. They were plastered all over the medicine den from the moon's light. She thought about praying to the clans silly gods before deciding against it. Nothing would bring her kittens back. Suddenly, her eyes caught on to movement. The willow branches were swaying. She looked over at the entrance and saw a tiny black kit.

"Batkit? You just can't do as you're told, can you?" She mewed amusedly. The kit silently padded up to her nest, looking solemnly at the ground.

"Batstar said you lost your kits," Batkit mewed, looking up at her. Selina flinched, shifting uncomfortably. "I say we go find them!" Batkit mewed determinedly. Selina's eyes widened and her fur tingled. She purred.

"Oh kitten, my kits passed away," Selina mewed gently. Batkit wilted, looking back down at the ground.

"Oh, sorry," he muttered. Selina shook her head.

"It's alright, thank you very much for trying to help," Selina purred. She lent over and gave the kitten a few loving licks. Her heart glowed when Batkit lent into her.

"You must miss them like I miss my mother," Batkit said. His big hopeful eyes staring up at her.

"I do," she purred back.

"I guess we should stick together," the kit said, trying to sound indifferent. Selina chuckled fondly, a purr roaring in the back off her throat. Suddenly, she was warm. She still felt rotten, but now she had somecat to share it with.

"I'd like that." Batkit's face lit up as he padded into her nest. A gentle purr rumbling in his tiny form. Selina curled around the kit, her heart warming as she felt him start to feed.

Chapter Text

Batkit's P.O.V

Batkit scrambled over Selina as she lay in the camps dirt clearing. He was pretending she was a Crowclan warrior. Nightwing had told him all about the clan that sat far south-east of camp. Their territory was made up of swamp land that had been contaminated by twolegs. They feed on contaminated frogs and twoleg rubbish. Some say that many of the cats even eat crowfood which is how they got their name. Their leader is Jokestar. An unpredictable cat of unknown origin.

"Die, crowclan scum," Batkit yowled. He beamed as Selina made a show of rolling onto her back.

"Oh no! What a ferocious kitten you are!" She mewed, playfully swooning in fear. Batkit bristled.

"No, I'm a grown up cat now!" Batkit complained. Selina chuckled.

"Oh, I'm sorry Mr. Grown-up cat," she purred amusedly. He pouted, about to respond, but his father leaving his den caught his eye. He leaped on top of the hollowed out rock. Batkit tilted his head, wondering what his father was doing.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own pray gather around the highrock for a clan meeting!" Batstar suddenly called. Batkit watched as all his clanmates stopped what they were doing to stand attentive in front of Batstar's den. Selina stayed put, watching idly with a look of contemplation.

"What are they doing?" He asked her.

"Not sure, kitten," she replied. She then started to groom her fur, seemingly losing interest. Batkit padded towards the gathering cats and sat down next to Nightwing. Everyone's eyes were glued to his father, who started to speak.

"Crowclan scent has been found at the South-eastern border." Spitting and hisses erupted from the cats bellow. Batkit looked around at them in surprise before quickly letting out a few ferocious hisses of his own. "I'm taking a patrol to the border by the old badger sets, Nightwing, Jaybird and Redpaw, come with me." His father jumped from his perch and the aforementioned cats followed him out of camp. Batkit padded back over to Selina, who was still working on grooming her fur.

"When can I go on patrol?" Batkit asked moodily, pawing at the ground in a big sulk. Selina paused her licking, looking Batkit over with fondness.

"When you grow into your ears," Selina purred amusedly. Batkit started, looking up at his ears which was annoyingly easy to do.

"What's that supposed to mean!" He hissed, his fur spiking on his back. Selina chuckled.

"Relax, kitten," Selina mewed. She lay her head down on the ground and closed her eyes, basking in the sun. "You should enjoy your kittenhood while you can."

"I should not have a kittenhood, my mother said I was born to be the most deadly warrior in the forrest!" Batkit declared, puffing his chest out proudly. Selina opened one unimpressed eye.

"She sounds like a rose," she said sarcastically.

"Selina, may I have another look at your wounds," Eagleheart mewed from the medicine den. Selina hauled herself up, still limping slightly as she padded towards the medicine den. Batkit streaked after her, eager to explore inside the mystical medicine den. He loved all the scents around the den, imagining all the ways they could be applied. Something called him there. A cool, tingling feeling that grew stronger at night. Sometimes he left the nursery to stare up at the moon. When he did he could hear whisperings on the wind. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but they sounded like fellow cats.

"Thank you, Eagleheart," Selina mewed as she lay on one of the nests for injured cats. Eagleheart was applying a green substance to the wounds on Selina's back. Batkit scented the air and identified them as chewed up dock leaves. Eagleheart had told him before that they are good for soothing pain in scratches and sore paws.

Batkit rushed over to Eagleheart as he finished up with Selina. He tumbled over his own feet following the elder around the den. Asking all sorts of questions about his dreams with Starclan and the duties of a medicine cat. Eagleheart chuckled and purred at his enthusiasm. However, before he could start regaling him in tales of moonlit dreams, two cats rushed into the medicine den. It was his father and Nightwing. Batkit was about to run over and greet them, but stopped dead when he scented blood. He watched in horror as Batstar dragged a limp Nightwing by the scruff, trailing blood on the dirt and stone ground. The deputies fur was a mess of blood, dislodged fur and dirt. Eagleheart rushed over to one of the unoccupied nests, motioning for Batstar to place Nightwing onto it. The elder's skin was twitching under his fur, his ears pinned back against his head.

"What happened!?" Selina exclaimed, hauling herself from her nest and coming to stand beside Batstar. The Batclan Leader's chest was heaving, like he had sprinted here at full speed. He also looked roughed up, his fur a mess.

"Crowclan at the border," Batstar huffed gravely. Selina soothed her side against Batstar's, giving him a comforting lick on the cheek. Batkit stared at the two in confusion before turning back to Nightwing. A nasty feeling cultivated in the pit of his stomach. His body feeling cold, but hot at the same time as his heart hammered in his chest. Batkit padded closer to Nightwing when Eagleheart rushed towards the herb stores.

"Is he dead?" Batkit asked with a voice as fragile as a butterfly. Batstar came over to him and raked his tounge over Batkit's head.

"No, of course not, he was just knocked unconscious," his father soothed, curling his tail around him. "Look, he's now waking up." Batkit stared down at the blue/grey furred cat, not daring to even blink. Nightwing's eyes were easing open, his eyelids looking as heavy as boulders. His blue eyes land on Batkit, a lazy smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Don't look so scared, buddy. I'm fine..." Nightwing croaked, which didn't stifle the gnawing dred in his gut.

Eagleheart, do you need help?" Batstar asked, rushing over to the elder. Batkit ignored them. It felt like he was in a trance. He couldn't look away from the slowly oozing wound on the side of Nightwing's neck. Matted and dislodged fur soaked in dark red that was camouflaged in Nightwing's equally dark fur. The sight made his skin crawl. He couldn't fathom why. He had seen cats being ripped apart in Deathclan. The sight should remind him of home.

Batkit's attention was snatched when he noticed a cobweb spun within a break in the den's stone wall. He glanced at Nightwing's wound deciding in that moment that he didn't want to see the steady flow of dark red anymore. He padded over to it, luckily it was pretty close. He stuck his tiny paw into the sliver and spun the web onto it. He hopped back over to Nightwing and haphazardly pressed the cobweb onto the wound. Nightwing let out a quiet hiss, shifting uncomfortably.

"Batkit!" Eagleheart mewed, his eyes wide in shock. Batkit jumped away from the deputy like he had been struck by lightning. He cowered as Eagleheart and Batstar rushed over to him, his heart thumping in his chest. Thankfully, Batstar was holding a bundle of herbs in his teeth. One weapon that couldn't be used against him. He heard Eagleheart gasp.

"How did you know to do that?" Eagleheart mewed. Batkit shuffled nervously, his ears laying flat on his head.

"What did I do wrong now?" Batkit hissed grumpily, fear making his voice tremble.

"Why nothing, my boy," Eagleheart assured. The elder approached Nightwing and pressed the cobwebs firmly against the wound, though Nightwing didn't seem to feel it. "Cobwebs are exactly what Nightwing needed!" The man praised. Batkit froze. He had never been praised for something that wasn't violent. He had... helped? It felt nice.

"Smartly done, Batkit," Batstar mewed fondly. Batkit puffed out his chest, his face aglow with pride. He wondered if his mother would be proud of him. If she would gaze proudly at him like these cats were.

"I feel better already," Nightwing mewed, his voice hoarse. The tom was still in bad shape, but his eyes were fully open now.

Batkit watched as Eagleheart treated Nightwing, making a note of each herb used. Selina came and sat next to him, grooming Nightwing's messy fur. Batstar watched them with a look Batkit couldn't quite decipher. It was fond. Longing.

The peace was broken when Jaybird burst into the medicine den, his chest heaving and eyes wide with panic.

"It's Crowclan, they're attacking!"

Chapter Text

Jaybird's P.O.V

Jaybird pushed his body to its limits. Sprinting through the forest like his life depended on it, which in this case it did. He was ordered by Batstar to re-scent the border after the fight with Crowclan. However, it seemed like the crowfood infested fox hearts weren't finished with them. He heard the caterwauling before he saw the poisonous faces of Crowclan peeking out from their fetid swamp land. He didn't need to wait for them to start chasing to know their moves. This was an invasion. He needed to warn Batstar. His heart thumped violently in his chest as he weaved through trees and bushes. Jumping over brooks. Climbing over rises. He jumped the slope into the rocky hollow, weaving past Blackbat. The she-cat gasped as they narrowly avoided banging into eachother.

"Get ready for a battle, Blackbat!" Jaybird hissed. He sprinted into the medicine den. Jaybird knew their leader wouldn't leave the side of the injured Nightwing, who had been swiped off the edge of a rise and cracked his head on the rocky ground. The Crowclan leader, Jokestar cackling down at him.

"It's Crowclan, they're attacking!" Jaybird hissed, his chest heaving and eyes wide with panic. Batstar's eyes widened for a moment then fury bloomed in his eyes. The leader turned to the frightened cats deep within the medicine den.

"Stay in the medicine den and don't dare leave!" Batstar ordered sternly, his eyes connecting with Batkit the longest. The kit stared at his father with expertly disguised fear. Trying to look tough, no doubt. Which was hard with Selina pulling the kit behind her, basically stuffing the kit against her stomach.

"Eagleheart, battle herbs!" Batstar ordered. The elder nodded and got to work immediately.

"Wait, I can help..." Nightwing assured, pulling himself up onto his stomach. The deputy looked rough. The bleeding looked to have been staunched, but by the way the tom was breathing, we was in a bad way.

"No, Nightwing!" Batstar hissed, charging out of the medicine den before he could argue.

"Down, mousebrain!" Jaybird hissed at the blue furred tom before following Batstar.

Jaybird, Batstar, Redpaw and Blackbat all gathered at the base of the rocky slope, in front of the bracken entrance. Choruses of caterwauls grew louder. Bodies shaking the forest as they steamed through the trees. Crazed faces loomed over the top of the rocky hollow. Jaybird growled, rage surging through his heart. How dare these dogs threaten their clan? Threaten their way of life? The warrior code? He could see the deranged visage of Jokestar manning his clanmates. Twoface, Riddlepelt, Penguinbeak and Scarecrow. The leader was mostly bare of fur with only a few tufts of black fur, which was tinted green from swamp water. His maw was stained with blood, making it look like a psychotic smile. His pitch black eyes looked like beady otherworldly slits, his whole face looked wrong. The other cats of Crowclan were equally as strange looking with green tinted fur and odd facial features. For example, one side of Twoface's face looked like a grey rotting mess. Jaybird had no idea what had happened to it and he didn't want to either. The terrifying thought of what could possibly lay within Crowclan territory. Something that could twist and corrupt these cats to this degree. For it to lay so close to their beloved home. A fire roared in Jaybird's heart. A deep caterwaul flying from his throat.

"Want to dance, Batstar?" The mad leader croaked. "Or what about your precious kittens?" The cats of Crowclan cackled and jeered. Batstar flew forward, a war cry bellowing between razor sharp teeth.

"You will leave our territory with your tails between your legs!" Batstar declared, throwing himself at Jokestar. Jaybird surged up the slope, focusing on Penguinbeak. An easy target that he could get to run and squeal like a pig in a heartbeat. He was a black and white, flat-faced cat. A round body and chubby legs. Once he got this pig nosed flea bag out of their territory, he could focus on the bigger threats. He swiped a clawed paw across Penguinbeak's face. Revealing in the way the cat screeched, bloody dripping into the folds in his face. As Penguinbeak stood reeling Jaybird charged at him. Headbutting him in the ribs. Throwing him off balance long enough for Jaybird to bite down on his tail. Penguinbeak let out a enraged shriek, retreating into the forest before Jaybird could fully let go of his tail. He smirked and turned his gaze on the rest of the battle, checking up on his clanmates.

Redpaw was up against Riddlepelt, the apprentice would have to use his head to go up against the riddle spouting cat. Thankfully, the apprentice was the smartest in the clan.

Blackbat was at odds with Scarecrow. He almost felt sorry for the fear mongering moggy. Blackbat was one of their strongest warriors and was scared of nothing. Let alone any of the dirty tricks Scarecrow had hiding in his jaws.

Batstar was fighting Twoface and Jokestar, who were much faster than the giant tom. Batstar's blows were devastating, but he had to catch his prey first. Jaybird rushed over to his father, his heart ready for battle.

"Batstar, I'll take Jokestar!" Jaybird shouted to his leader, leaping in beside him. He could see the reluctance on his father's face, but the tom was no fool. He knew Jaybird's speed was a better fit for Jokestar. His father nodded and rounded on Twoface.

"Demoted to the kit?" Jokestar grumbled, looking less than pleased. Jaybird bared his teeth, hissing and spitting at the mad cat. Jokestar beamed a crazed smile, a devious edge to him that made Jaybird wary. "Twoface, the pod!" Jokestar yowled. Twoface suddenly flung a small round object from his jaws. It soared over to Jokestar who caught it in his mouth. Of what Jaybird saw of the object, it looked like an egg from an insect. The mad cat cackled as he bit down on it, causing a plume of purple dust to spill around his chops. Jaybird leaped forward, claws poised to kill. Before Jaybird could connect with Jokestar, the mad cat blew a cloud of purple smoke into his face. His eyes burnt and watered at the intrusion. He shook his head in a feeble effort to rid himself of it.

"Jaybird!" It sounded like someone was shouting, but the voice was distorted and sounded far away. His thoughts felt clouded as his heart started to thump in his chest. A looming horror erupting in his mind. His legs were weak and his paws were trembling. He felt claws slashing at his pelt, slicing his skin. He managed to open his eyes and was met with the distorted visage of Jokestar. Blood was dripping from his maw and claws. He clawed back a few times, the only instances that he was able to fight through the fear. He felt his claws catch Jokestar's dry leathery skin. Jokestar yowled and surged at him fiercely. He felt an unimaginable pressure at his throat before everything fell dark.

Nightwing P.O.V

He heard the fighting and hauled himself from his nest. He couldn't let his clanmates face Crowclan alone. He limped out of the medicine den, ignoring Eagleheart's protests. He glanced at Batkit for only a second, his worried little face painful to witness.

The camp was alive with battle with blood soaking into the dirt and dislodged fur blowing in the wind.

"Jaybird! No!" Came a screech from Batstar, who was being pinned down by Twoface. Nightwing looked to what his father was screaming. His blood turned cold. He felt faint. His brother. Jokestar's teeth were embedded deep in Jaybird's neck. A fetal bite. Jaybird was still, not even his tail was moving. Nightwing let out a caterwaul of pure rage. He bounded towards Jokestar, ignoring the searing pain in his body. Focusing on the pain in his heart. Nightwing slammed into Jokestar just as the Crowclan leader released his brother. Jokestar hissed at him. His body squared. Nightwing slashed at the villain with all his strength, slicing straight through Jokestar's right eye. Jokestar screeched, blood pouring down his face. He staggered for a moment before rushing off into the forest, and more importantly, out of their camp. The other Crowclan cats followed soon after, realising pretty quickly that they had been abandoned by their leader.

Nightwing buried his nose into Jaybird's cold fur, feeling Batstar's muscled form beside him. His father was muttering incoherent apologies and his siblings weren't in better shape. He lifted his head, turning to see Batkit. The tiny kit was staring at Jaybird's motionless body with a look of discomfort. But he didn't look as harrowed as he would expect a kit to be. It worried him, but his heart was tired and he had a brother to honor with a silent vigil.

Chapter Text

Batkit's P.O.V

Batkit was confused... again. All the cats in the clan were acting strange. They were silent for a long time, Nightwing only talking to him to explain what was going on. They apparently were honouring the dead by being silent. Which was ridiculous because cats died everyday. In Deathclan everyone would have to be silent all the time. Deathstar would probably punish a subordinate for holding onto crowfood. Once you were dead you were no longer useful to the clan. Which meant you no longer mattered.

In the following days his father continued to mope. He patroled the forest obsessantly, and when he wasn't patroling he was moping in his den. He'd been cold to everyone. Pushing cats away when they offered comfort. His father must be worried about the lack of strong warriors in the clan. Batkit would have to reassure him. When he is given his warrior ceremony, he will be the strongest warrior in the forest.

Bakit followed Selina as she entered Batstar's den, a piece of fresh kill in her jaws. His father was laying in his nest, staring at the ground. Batkit wilted, he had hoped his father was being normal again. He wanted him to teach him to fight.

"Father! Teach me to fight!" Batkit yowled as he barreled into the stone den. His father started, his fur spiking. A muffled groan came from Selina. The she-cat dropped the squirrel in her jaw infront of Batstar, throwing a stern look in Batkit's direction.

"Batkit, what are you going on about now?" Selina mewed, exasperated. Batkit puffed out his chest.

"I will be the strongest warrior in the forest, then I can defeat Crowclan!" Batkit declared. Selina smiled, shaking her head at him fondly. The she-cat turned to Batstar, who had gone back to staring at the ground. She started grooming his rough, messy fur, a purr rumbling in her throat. Batkit pouted, he hated being ignored!

"Father, when will you train me?" Batkit insisted, padding up to the sluggish black cat. Batstar sighed and lifted his weary eyes from the ground. The Leaders eyes held a potent sadness which permeated through the whole camp. Batkit for one was sick of it. Sick of being ignored. Sick of being confused. Sick of the uncomfortable and stern scolding looks directed at him, but most of all he was sick of being homesick.

"If I could help it, none of you would be fighting," Batstar mewed in a low gravely voice. Batkit's determination didn't falter. He would gain his father's trust. No matter his prior soldier's failings.

"Father, I know your warriors failed you, but I will not!" His father started, rising to his paws. His face was contorted like someone had shoved crowfood under his nose.

"Do not speak of him that way! He did not fail me! I-I failed him!" Batstar hissed, venom dripping from his bared fangs. Batkit cowered from the hulking cat, his heart running like a hare. His father towered over him, casting a dark shadow over him. He had failed. He was going to die before he could prove himself to his father. Suddenly a paw struck Batstar's head.

"How dare you talk to him like that! You're scaring him!" Selina hissed with a rivaling venom. She batted him a few more times. His father took them, looking quite scolded.

"My son..." Batstar watched Selina as she padded over to Batkit. She licked his ears, a purr tumbling from her throat. She stared down at him fondly, causing warmth to spread through Batkit's body. She turned back to Batstar, a scowl back on her face.

"How can you not see what's right infront of you, even I can tell a traumatised kit when I see one," the she-cat's voice was harsh, but it also trembled weakly. Batkit didn't know what her words meant, but he was glad father wasn't angry anymore. Batstar's eyes widened, his fur standing on end. His eyes landed on Batkit's trembling form and the kit forced himself to meet his father's eyes out of respect.

"Batkit, I'm sorry..." Batstar muttered guiltily.

"I know the pain of losing kits, but you still have kits left to look after! If you don't, you'll lose them!" Selina mewed gravely and padded back over to Batkit. She scruffed him and rushed out of Batstar's den.

"Everything okay?" Nightwing asked as he made his way to Batstar's den. Selina ignored the deputy and rushed into the nursery. Batkit heard Nightwing sigh, which seemed to trigger a niggle in his stomach. He didn't mean to upset father.

Selina settled down in their nest, tucking Batkit against her tummy.

"You hungry?" She asked. Batkit shook his head. The lingering niggling in his stomach chasing away any hunger. A frustrated sigh came from the she-cat. "Don't you listen to that mouse-brain, kitten." Selina mewed, dragging her tounge over his ears until Batkit jumped out of the den, his fur spiking.

"I'm supposed to be father's perfect weapon. Mother says it's my destiny!" Batkit hissed in frustration. Selina scoffed.

"The only thing you're supposed to be is cute and drinking milk, and at moment you're only doing one," the she-cat scolded.

Selina's P.O.V

Selina sighed comfortably and nestled deeper into their nest. Batkit had finally settled down and started feeding. Giving way to a lovely little feeling in her heart. She closed her eyes. Her aching muscles finally relaxing, the pain easing into a gentle throb. Her wounds were almost healed now. Thanks to Eagleheart. When she lived with her twolegs they used to take her to a white room where she would be prodded and poked. She much preferred Eagleheart. He was gentle, kind and was so patient with her kit. Wait, her kit? She sighed miserably. Lately her brain was toying with the idea of leaving the camp and taking Batkit with her. She knew she would have to leave eventually, but had come to think of the clan kit as her own. The thought of being separated from him made her feel dizzy and nauseous. However, she couldn't do that to Batstar. Not after all he had done for her.

Nightwing's P.O.V

Nightwing steeled himself as he stood in front of Batstar's den. He looked to Blackbat who had agreed to accompany him. She must have been sent by Starclan because Nightwing was dreading seeing Batstar. He was hardly containing his own unbridled guilt, he didn't need to deal with his father's aswell. His sister always seemed to know when a clanmate was struggling. She twinned tails with him and smiled at him encouragingly. Nightwing took a breath and entered. Their father was laying in his nest, eyes glued to the floor.

"Batstar, you wanted to see me?" Nightwing mewed warily, padding over to the black tom. Batstar slowly raised his head, his eyes landing on Blackbat.

"Please leave us, Blackbat," Batstar mewed gently. The black she-cat hesitated for a moment before doing as she was told. Nightwing understood, of course. She couldn't go against their leader. They all respected their father too much to. When Blackbat was gone Batstar arose from his nest. His face grave, blue eyes staring at him intensely.

"We are avenging Jaybird," Batstar growled. The cat's eyes sharp like talons. "I want us to storm the Crowclan camp the-" Nightwing's mouth reacted faster than his brain.

"What? Batstar! You can't be serious!" He blurted out.

"Why can't I?" Batstar retorted angrily, his tail puffing up.

"You would risk more of your warriors for revenge?"

"Just you and me, I know that the others won't follow me, but you will," Batstar pleaded. His eyes were full of desperation, his thick muscled legs holding him up haphazardly. It was clear that his father had not slept. Nightwing sighed. His mind reeling and his heart was caught up in a raging storm of grief. He shook his head, willing the tears forming in his eyes to stop.

"Batstar, this is insane! Let us wait for the Gatheri-"

"We can't let them get away with this! Jaybird was only three moons into being a warrior!"

"I know, Batstar! You are not the only cat that lost him that day! I lost my brother!" They were both shouting now. Teeth bared and tears streaming. Their was a sudden commotion at the entrance of the den that died down as quickly as it came. Nightwing lurched forward as Batstar collapsed, his legs just seemingly giving up.

"I'm sorry..." Batstar wept, his fur trembling. Nightwing rushed to his father's side. Grooming his fur. He settled down next to the distraught cat.

"We will wait until the gathering and make them pay for what they have done infront of all the clans," Nightwing hissed gravely.

"Y-yes, thank you..." Batstar mewed tiredly, his eyes slipping closed. Nightwing stayed with him until he was sure his father was asleep.

"Rest well, Dad." He padded out of the den, finding himself face to face with Blackbat, Redpaw and Eagleheart. They wore worried faces, staring at him expectantly.

"He's fine, he fell asleep," Nightwing mewed tiredly.

"What are we going to do about Crowclan?" Redpaw asked, his own anger flickering on his face.

"We're going to confront Crowclan at the gathering," Nightwing mewed. His clanmates nodded, looking satisfied with that answer. He sighed, glad that was over with. A headache was creeping up his neck. He glanced over at the nursery. Maybe seeing Batkit would cheer him up. It usually did.

Chapter Text

Nightwing's P.O.V

Nightwing pushed past the bramble entrance and padded into the nursery. The soft milky scent immediately soothing his frayed nerves. Selina was gently grooming Batkit as the kitten napped. She froze as he entered, looking up at him warily. Nightwing paused, not sure what he had done to earn her ire.

"Hey Selina, I'm gonna take Batkit off of your paws for awhile," Nightwing mewed cheerfully. Selina's face contorted like she was scenting crowfood, which quickly turned into a sickly sweet smile.

"I'm fine, thank you," she mewed. "Batkit would rather stay here." Nightwing stood in bewilderment, a small feeling of annoyance creeping up on him.

"Well, let's ask him," he mewed with an awkward smile. He refrained from pawing at the tiny kit. He knew the wrath of one-thousand she-cats would have him buried next to the dirtplace (where cats go to the toilet). Nightwing called out to Batkit, ignoring Selina's attempts to shush him. Batkit stirred, dragging his paws over his face as he stretched his little legs out. A purr climbed up Nightwing's throat. His body aglow with pride. This was exactly what he needed. Batkit opened his vibrant green eyes, blinking the sleep out of them. He looked up at Nightwing and smiled. That smile. It was the reason he would fight on. Why he will make sure Jaybird was avenged. All the future lives of Batclan depended on it. He will protect Batkit and Redpaw from the fate of battling a warrior with no code of honour. Speaking of Redpaw, he needed to catch up on his apprentice's training. A great opportunity to show Batkit what he had to look forward to.

"Hey buddy, do you want to watch me and Redpaw train?" Nightwing asked. Selina and Batkit both started, but their reaction was far from the same. Selina stared at him with a look of horror. While Batkit beamed up at him, his eyes wide with elation.

"No, he does not!" Selina declared, covering Batkit with her tail. "Do you really think it's a good idea after what happened?" Nightwing steeled himself, fur standing on end. He understood her fear. She didn't deserve his anger. However, the last thing he needed was a reminder of his brother's body growing cold by the elder's den.

"With all due respect, Selina. He is our kit, we will protect him and decide where he can go," Nightwing said firmly. Selina's eyes turned fierce. They stared with a warning. Hit him like a weapon. The she-cat wasn't impressed. The way Selina's tail was curled around Batkit, who looked up at her with curious green eyes, it reminded him of his own mother. He sighed. "He'll be fine, I promise."

"Can I?" Batkit pleaded, pawing at Selina's front. The she-cat's face melted like snow in greenleaf. Nightwing had to stave off a smirk. The kit knew how to get what he wants. He would have to keep in eye on that trick though. It could easily be used against him.

"Fine," Selina sighed. Batkit jumped up from the moss and joyfully ran over to the nursery's entrance. Once the kitten was out of earshot, Selina's sharp eyes snapped onto him. "Bring him back in one piece," the she-cat ordered. Nightwing followed Batkit out of the den, not feeling the need to respond to Selina. She had gotten too attached. He knew the she-cat planned on leaving as soon as her wounds healed. A horrid feeling simmered in the pit of his stomach. She wouldn't try to steal their kit, would she? His fur stood on end. He would have to keep a closer eye on her.

Nightwing ducked his head into the apprentice's den. Redpaw was cleaning out the moss in his nest. Nightwing was glad he could finally get a training session in with Redpaw. He had been neglecting his mentor duties and was feeling pretty guilty about it.

"Hey, Redpaw, gonna need you in the training patch," Nightwing mewed with a smile and a wink. The apprentice immediately perked up. His tail shooting up and his breaking out in a beaming smile.

"R-really? I-I'll be right there!" Redpaw mewed excitedly as he rushed to finish his apprentice duties. Nightwing chuckled fondly and turned back to Batkit. He motioned the kit to follow him, padding over to the training patch that sat up a slope hidden behind the elder's den.

Batkit's P.O.V

Batkit stood in a dirt clearing that was cornered by trees. It overlooked the whole camp. There were large stones piled up on the edge of the hollow, presumably to stop cats from falling. Batkit inched closer and stuck his nose over the edge. It wouldn't kill a cat, but he wouldn't want to take the fall. Suddenly he felt teeth at his scruff.

"Away from the ledge, Batkit." Nightwing moved him towards the trees, plopping him down in the grass.

"I'm no kit! I can look after myself!" Batkit spat. He wasn't some useless kit. Deathstar's training moulded him into a tool of death. Though, now his training had stopped he feared his skills were slipping. Maybe he was becoming soft. His tail twitched in discomfort. He couldn't let that happen. What would mother think? He may have to take it upon himself to train in secret.

"Batkit, you are safe here. I know what happened with Jaybird was scary-"

"You don't have to sound so guilty," Batkit cut in. Nightwing gaped at him, obviously not sure how to respond. Batkit could tell the death of Jaybird was still weighing heavily on the deputy. It was strange to him. To mourn at all, let alone for so long. "I saw you fighting Jokestar. You fought honourably!" Batkit continued. Nightwing chuckled, tears welling up in his eyes.

"It wasn't enough..." he murmured under his breath.

"Jaybird would have appreciated you spilling Jokestar's blood," Batkit mewed. Nightwing snorted.

"He would have, yeah..." A tounge suddenly raked itself over his head, between his ears. "Thank you," Nightwing mewed. He looked up at the deputy, however, before he could respond a call sounded close by.

"Nightwing, I'm ready!" Redpaw mewed determinedly as he ran into the dirt clearing. Nightwing perked up, approaching the apprentice. Annoyance swirled in his gut. Redpaw, to him, seemed foolish and under-trained. The cat had not earned any scars in battle. He almost looked like a kittypet. Batkit got his first scar when he was four days old.

"You see, Batkit, Redpaw is my apprentice. I'd say he's almost ready to become a warrior!" Nightwing mewed as he showered Redpaw with a look of pride. Batkit's needle-like claws dug into the sandy ground as Redpaw approached him with a friendly smile.

"I suppose I should call you brother," Redpaw mewed happily. A growl revved up in Batkit's throat.

"You will call me no such thing, pretender!" Batkit hissed. It made sense now. He could see the game Redpaw was playing. He won't be so easily replaced. Redpaw recoiled, looking a Batkit as if he could grown a second tail. Nightwing padded between the two of them. A sheepish chuckle on his lips.

"Take it easy, Batkit!" Nightwing mewed before turning to Redpaw. "Sorry, Redpaw. He can be a little feral sometimes," Nightwing muttered under his breath. However, Batkit's keen ears caught it. His fur spiked and his tail lashed side to side. Heat blooming on his face.

"Spar with me, pretender! Let us see who is truly Batstar's kin!" Batkit hissed, squaring his shoulders and barring his teeth. The other two cats started, looking at eachother in bewilderment.

"I-I don't wanna fight a kit," Redpaw mewed anxiously. Batkit grinned, all teeth.

"You are right to fear me! You wouldn't last a day in Deathclan!" Batkit gloated. Redpaw's face turned sour, his body taut and ready to spring. Nightwing seemed frozen in place, staring at him with a look of sorrowful confusion. Batkit ignored him as much as he could, his anger fueling his actions.

"I'm not scared of a tiny kit and I wouldn't want to live in a clan with no honour!" Redpaw declared, mirroring Batkit's battle-ready stance. Nightwing shook his head and placed himself between the two quarreling cats.

"Alright, that's enough!" Nightwing scolded, his tail facing Batkit. Redpaw recoiled from Nightwing, a look of betrayal on his face.

"Why are you taking his side?" Redpaw cried. Nightwing looked down at his apprentice with an accused look about him. His eyes wide and ears pricked. "He isn't even a real clanmate, he's Deathclan!" Fury washed over Batkit like a violent wave. He could hear Nightwing's voice, but he didn't care what words were spoken. He charged up onto Nightwing's back, running up his spine. He then used the deputies head as leverage to leap into Redpaw. His clawed paws connected with the apprentice. One on his shoulder and the other digging into his cheek. Redpaw is thrown to the ground with Batkit standing ontop of him. Redpaw let out a caterwauling screech and surged onto his feet, but Batkit bit onto his ear and held on. The apprentice bucked and spun, letting out a pained hiss. Batkit's heart was hammering in his chest, the scent of blood gathering in the back of his throat. He could feel Redpaw's ear ripping in his teeth and before he knew it he was thrown to the ground. He skidded on the sandy dirt until he hit the rocks surrounding the hollow, he tried to stop himself, but he was tumbling over the rocks before he could.

Selina's P.O.V

"Batkit!" A shout sounded from outside the nursery. The voice sounded like Nightwing. Panic erupted within her, her face growing hot as she threw herself clumsily from her nest. Moss and feathers went flying as she lept out of the nursery. Her heart hammered against her chest. Her eyes hastily scanning the camp for any whisperings of her kitten. She had just enough time to see Batstar leave his den before she spotted a small black shape lying in front of the elder's den. Her eyes bulged out of their sockets and her jaw hung like a fish. The world moved in slow-motion. She fought with time, trying desperately to get to her kitten. The second she reached him she buried her face into his fur. Taking in his warmth. Taking in his rising chest, feeling it fall. He's alive. Selina started feverishly licking Batkit's chest, trying to rouse her kitten. Her body almost gave out in relief when Batkit groaned and shifted where he lay in the dirt. The voices of the clan cats that were before rejected by her consciousness, were now welcomed back. However, not warmly. Selina's eyes darted up to the cat who was supposed to be keeping her kitten safe. The deputy flinched under her stare. Fury tugged at her fur. Her eyes alight with a raging fire.

"I knew this would happen! I told you he shouldn't have been outside of the nursery! I told you!" Selina ranted. Nightwing dropped his gaze guiltily. Watching as Batstar gently scruffed Batkit and headed towards the medicine den. Selina waited for Batstar to be out of ear shot before saying, "he's not safe here." Nightwing's guilty gaze hardened. Selina followed Batstar. In her heart, she knew what she must do.

Chapter Text

Superclan

Clark: Superstar
Lois: Lotusleaf
Jon: Superkit
Kon: Coolbreeze
Cara: Flamebird
Diana: Wanderheart
Cassie: Wanderpaw
Donna: Windypelt

Deathclan

Talia: Lilymist
Ra's: Deathstar
Bane: Baneclaw
Slade: Deathstroke
Shiva: Venomheart

Crowclan

Joker: Jokestar
Riddler: Riddlepelt
Scarecrow
Twoface
Penguin: Penguinbeak
Hugo Strange: Strangedusk
Harley Quinn: Barleyfur
Poisonivy
Cluemaster
Mr Freeze: Frozenheart

The Gathering: A gathering is a peaceful meeting of the Clans on the night of a full moon. This meeting happens at fourtrees. A hollow where four giant oaks stand, creating a square. All of the clan leaders sit on a giant rock called The Great Rock and talk about recent goings on to the rest of the cats who sit in the hollow. If the peace is broken and someone hurts another the clouds will cover the moon, ending the gathering.

Selina P.O.V

"Will you be alright here?" Batstar mewed, his big blue eyes looking down at her softly. She shifted in her nest and pulled Batkit tighter against her belly.

"We will be fine, thank you," Selina replied with a gentle blink of her eyes. Batstar blinked back, but let out a troubled sigh.

"I'm sorry, again, about the scare you got yesterday. Nightwing usually has a better hold on the kits. The loss of Jaybird has hit him hard." Batstar mewed, an ever-present wariness in his eyes. Selina smiled at him comfortingly.

"I understand, Batstar," Selina replied.

"I know you want to leave as soon as possible, I just wanted to make sure you know that you can stay here how ever long you desire," Batstar mewed, almost sounding bashful. Selina froze, a small gasp fluttering from between her lips. She looked up at Batstar with wide eyes. He stared back hopefully. She shook her head ever so slightly which grew until she gained the bearings to speak.

"No... I don't belong here..." She mewed in a whisper. Batstar nodded with understanding, but she could tell the cat was saddened. He cleared his throat.

"As I said, the clans are now heading to the gathering. If you need anything ask Redpaw or Eagleheart." With that the Batclan Leader took his leave.

Staying in Batclan? No. She couldn't stay here. She didn't belong here. Her kitten wouldn't be safe here.

Nightwing P.O.V

Nightwing sat at the entrance to the camp along with Blackbat. They were waiting for Batstar to return and lead them to the gathering. Anxiety and anticipation of the upcoming gathering followed him like a dark cloud. He had hoped to have his apprentice and brother with him, but Redpaw had been sequestered to the apprentice's den for the duration on the gathering. A punishment for the fight that had broken out. Batkit, of course, was also barred from leaving his den. Nightwing felt terrible about what had happened, and even more terrible that the kits got punished for it. He's the one who let the training session devolve like it did. His inaction caused Batkit to fall. Thankfully nothing was broken. Just a few bumps and scrapes. However, now Selina is going to be left virtually alone with Batkit. He hated to say it, but he didn't trust the she-cat. He appreciated the fact that she saved Batkit's life, but he had a strange feeling she was planning something. He had tried to stick his nose in as much as he could. Spending as much time as possible with Batkit, but the kitten seemed to become more attached to the kittypet than his own kin. Nightwing could bet that Selina would be hard pressed to let the kitten out of her sight, let alone leave without him. He had brought this all up to Batstar but, of course he's already smitten with the she-cat. 'Don't be ridiculous', he'd said. 'She would never do something like that.' Nightwing begged to differ. With those shiny pearls around her neck, he could see her becoming a cat burglar.

Nightwing's attention was drawn to Batstar exiting the nursery. He padded towards them with a troubled look on his face. Nightwing assumed that he couldn't get Selina to stay.

"Let's go," Batstar mewed blankly and lept up the rocky hollow, sprinting into the woods. Nightwing and Blackbat kept up with him expertly. Their muscles rippling as their paws pounded the earth. Weaving through trees the three cats surged through the forest like bolts of lightning.

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the cusp of fourtrees. They stood on the edge of the hollow. Nightwing could hear the familiar chittering of cats, and by scent he could tell that Superclan and Deathclan were already there. He could see from Superclan, Superstar, Coolbreeze, Flamebird and Wanderheart. From Deathclan, Lilymist, Venomheart, Deathstroke, Baneclaw and strangely no Deathstar. Very strangely. Who will announce Deathclan's news?

"Crowclan aren't there yet," Nightwing mewed to Batstar.

"Good," Batstar replied, his voice a grave growl. The Batclan Leader motioned with his tail and the three cats steamed into the hollow. The first face he saw was Superstar. The cat looked troubled, by his spiking fur it was clear the tom was on edge. His ears perked when he caught sight of Batstar, his tail curling upward.

"Batstar, how are you?" Superstar mewed as he rushed over. He looked over the three cats fondly. "Has Jaybird been confined to the warrior's den again?" The cat's words were cheerful and kind, but even the most pure intentions can sting. Nightwing winced, peeking over at his father beside him. Batstar's eyes glazed over for a few moments then flickered back onto Superstar.

"C-crowclan attacked our camp a few days ago..." Batstar mewed in a breathy whisper, glancing warily at the bushes around Fourtrees. Superstar choked on a breath. His eyes growing wide with horror. The shock faded fast and was swiftly replaced with anger.

"They attacked your clan too? Foxhearts!" Superstar hissed. Nightwing's heart skipped a beat. Tears welled in his eyes at the thought of the horror that was inflicted on such a noble clan; and one of Batstar's oldest friends.

"Did they k-" Batstar couldn't finish his sentence, his eyes squeezing shut. Thankfully, it seems Superstar knew what his friend was trying to say.

"Wanderheart's kits, all three of them," Superstar mewed solemnly. Nightwing looked towards Wanderheart, who was padding up beside Superstar. The she-cat looked poised and determined. The rage of a scorned queen blazing in her eyes.

"They were even killing kits?" Nightwing mewed under his breath, a rolling storm brewing inside his head.

"You know what to do, right Batstar?" Lilymist mewed suddenly, padding up to them. Batstar was silent, waiting for Lilymist to continue. "Avenge your fallen, Jokestar has lived long enough!" Cats yowled their agreement, coming from all the clans. Nightwing glanced at his father. He knew Batstar hated killing. He took no pleasure in it, but he would kill if his clan was on the line. There shouldn't be any need, however.

Batkit's P.O.V

Batkit shifted as Selina stood up in their nest. She gave him a few licks on his forehead before padding over to the nursery's entrance. She turned her head to look back at him.

"I'm going to go fetch a mouse from the fresh-kill pile, if you behave and stay where you are supposed to I'll let you try some," Selina mewed with a kind but firm look before leaving the nursery. Batkit's eyes narrowed as she watched her leave. The she-cat knew what to say to get to him. The thought of being able to try fresh-kill and not be stuck with kittens milk was almost temping enough to stay him. However, it wasn't. If his father thought he was going to be left behind while all the others go to this 'gathering' then he was sorely mistaken. The fight wasn't even his fault. It was that stupid kittypet apprentice.

He stomped out of the nest, his feet making a delicate crunching sound from the feathers. He poked his head out through the bramble bush entrance, watching as Selina padded towards the fresh-kill pile. Batkit scampered out of the nursery and tucked himself behind the apprentice's den that lay next door. Carefully he edged closer to the camps exit, before making a run for it when he saw Selina picking out a plump mouse from the fresh-kill pile. He bounded up the rocky hollow. Thankfully, his tiny paws didn't displace many of the rocks. The only time he has ever been pleased to have small paws. A rush of triumph erupted within him as he galloped into the forest. He tightened his jaw to keep himself from laughing out loud joyfully.

"What!? W-what are you doing here?" A sudden voice sounded from from deeper in the forest. Batkit's fur prickled and his tail twitched. Of course, it's him! Redpaw's blue eyes pierced through leaves, becoming brighter as Batkit moved closer. The apprentice looked anxious. Almost like he was up to something.

"What are YOU doing here?" Batkit accused venomously, his eyes like slits. Redpaw narrowed his eyes back at him.

"That's none of your business, go back to the nursery where you belong, Batkit!" Redpaw hissed and turned back towards the forest. Batkit growled, his back curving in fury.

"You're going to the gathering even though Father told you not to!" Batkit declared like he had solved a long kept secret. The kit ran to catch up to Redpaw as the apprentice continued to pad deeper into the forest.

"So what? So were you!" Redpaw hissed back, not even sparing a glance at Batkit.

"Well I deserve to go, one day I'll be leader and I'll banish you-" A sudden wail cut through the forest like a claw in the dark, stopping the two cats in their tracks. Batkit winced, the skin on his back shuddering under his fur.

"Batkit!" Selina howled from the heart of camp. Redpaw let out a smarmy cackle.

"She's gonna flay your tail!" The apprentice snickered. Batkit hissed, pressing himself towards the grass.

"That apprentice!" A wild growl sounded from the irate she-cat. Redpaw's smirk was wiped off of his face. He turned, getting ready to run deeper into the forest. Batkit quickly jumped and clamped his teeth around Redpaw's tail. The apprentice yelped and steamed through the trees. Thankfully towards Fourtrees, Batkit noticed. He smirked around Redpaw's tail, he truly was a genius. Redpaw kept running. Swaying and jerking at points, most likely to throw him off. However Batkit didn't release Redpaw's tail until the apprentice's paws hit a protruding tree root. As Repaw went flying into the grass Batkit skilfully leaped onto the root, watching as Redpaw skidded in the grass. Redpaw hissed furiously and leapt to his feet, large grass stains down his white front.

"What is your problem?!" Redpaw hissed. Batkit huffed nonchalantly.

"Peers are merely my competition," Batkit mewed simply. Redpaw hissed and was about to start howling before other voices sounded close by. It sounded like they were cheering for something. Redpaw and Batkit shared a look before rushing over to a stone ledge. They peeked over it and looked down at a hollow full of cats. Was this the gathering?

"Oh no, we're on The Great Rock!" Redpaw fretted under his breath. "Batkit, we can't be here!" He whispered to the kit. Before Batkit could answer a thundering caterwaul echoed through the forest.

Batstar's P.O.V

Fear scent and Crowclan was mingling in the air. A caterwaul echoed from the trees as Jokestar's scarred visage slipped past shadowed bushes. He was tailed by Cluemaster, Poisonivy and Barleyfur. The other Crowclan warriors looked reluctant to step into the moon's light. They even looked reluctant to be there in the first place. Jokestar's eye was shut still from Nightwing's attack. The wound was still scabbing and the eye was most likely useless now.

"Jokestar! You seem eager to reveal yourself to those who would have your head!" Nightwing hissed, padding towards the insane cat. Batstar stopped his son with a paw, not taking his eyes off of Jokestar. The cats from Superclan and Deathclan followed suit, cornering Crowclan. Hissing and spitting furiously at them. Jokestar let out a crazed cackle.

"The Moon is high and there's not a cloud in the sky, I know you cowards will do nothing to break your sacred traditions," Jokestar scoffed mockingly. Batstar schooled his rage. He was never going to let Jokestar turn him into something he wasn't. He was banking on them not breaking the peace treaty. He could feel Nightwing trembling beside him and he pressed his body against his in an attempt to calm him. Jokestar's one eye rounded on Batstar. "And I know Batstar would never kill, even to protect his own," Jokestar spat venomously. Nightwing let out a vicious war cry and charged at Jokestar.

"I am not Batstar!" Nightwing hissed as he lept onto the unsuspecting cat. Nightwing opened his jaws akin to a snake and bit down on Jokestar's neck as he was still in the air, biting down as he landed. With a sick wet noise Jokestar's throat was ripped from his body, almost decapitating the Crowclan leader.

"Nightwing! No!" Batstar yowled mournfully. He never wanted this to be put onto his son.

Waves of shock and fear scent filled the hollow. Harleyfur took a step forward, tears running down her face until Poisonivy padded infront of her and motioned her to flee. Cluemaster followed them as they slid into the bushes.

Nightwing stood over Jokestar's body, his chest heaving. Blood covered his mouth and disappeared down his dark furred chest. He raised his head to the sky and every cat in the hollow followed suit. Dark clouds crept over the sky and swarmed the moon, snuffing out the light of Starclan. All was dark and silent.

"Mother!" Batkit's voice suddenly sounded. Batstar whipped his head around towards the sound. He looked on in horror at Redpaw and Batkit standing on The Great Rock.

"Batkit! What are you doing here!" Batstar shouted. Batkit ignored him and lept off of The Great Rock. The kit ran to his mother, pressing his face against her chest.

"Oh Batkit! I missed you, my love," Lilymist purred, holding Batkit against her with a paw.

"Nightwing, where are you going?" He heard Redpaw ask worriedly as Nightwing threw himself out of the hollow and into the forest. Batstar almost followed him, but he needed to keep an eye on Batkit.

"He'll be okay," Batstar reassured, but Redpaw didn't look convinced. Blackbat jumped out of the hollow and looked back at him.

"Follow?" She questioned, her eyes full of worry. He nodded and she set off into the forest.

Batstar turned his attention back to Lilymist who had turned to speak to her fellow clanmates.

"Go, remember what I told you," she said. Her clanmates left without a word. Something about it made Batstar's whiskers twitch with suspicion. What was Deathstar up to? Where was he?

"Batstar, we are returning to our territory, it isn't safe here," Superstar mewed, leaning over to give him a lick on the shoulder. Batstar nodded and watched Superclan retreat into the bushes. When they were gone he padded up to Lilymist.

"Where is Deathstar?" He demanded, trying to push down the discomfort at Batkit's proximity to his mother. She bent to down lick Batkit's head then padded towards him. She lent her face towards his ear.

"I killed him," she whispered. Her eyes trained on him. Watching his reaction. His heart dropped.

"Why?" He mewed under his breath. Her brows furrowed, although she tried to seem indifferent.

"I thought you'd be pleased," she mewed. Batstar was speechless, he couldn't understand why she would do this. Just for him? No.

"For Batkit?" He hissed. She smiled.

"Always," she purred, her voice like a gentle rose. However, he knew she was more akin to a lily. "I would die for him."

"You would kill for him," Batstar stated, guilt gnawing at him.

"I would," she replied, an almost smug look on her face. "Thank you for having him, but I think it's time he returned home." Batstar started, his jaw clenching.

"You're taking him?" Batstar muttered under his breath, blindsided by her words.

"No!" A voice screeched. Batstar looked up at The Great Rock just in time to see Selina leaping off of it. She landed in front of him pushing Batkit towards him with a paw.

"Selina!" Batkit exclaimed in shock. "I-I'm sorry I left the nursery," he mewed guiltily, looking up at her with his beautiful green eyes. Selina smiled and chuckled down at Batkit.

"You are in so much trouble," she chuckled fondly. Lilymist hissed.

"Batstar! Who is this she-cat?" Lilymist hissed.

"She's the cat that has been feeding Batkit," he said. Lilymist snarled in Selina's face, which the kittypet took with her chin raised high.

"Your services are no longer needed," Lilymist hissed, dragging Batkit back to her side by his tail. Selina gasped and Batstar thundered towards them, giving a warning glare to Lilymist.

"Be careful with him! Batstar won't let you take him!" Selina yowled, tears kissing the sides of her eyes. Lilymist smirked and turned to Batstar.

"Well? Will you deprive a kitten of their mother? Will you deprive me of my kitten?" Lilymist mewed. Batstar sighed, his heart torn in two. He had failed Jaybird. He had failed Nightwing. What sort of cat would Batkit turn into under his care? Would he even survive to see Warrior-hood? He screwed his eyes shut, trying to stop the tears coming down his face.

"If he wants to go with you, you can take him," he said mournfully. Selina gaped at Batstar.

"No!" She sobbed. Batkit jumped at the sound, backing up towards Lilymist, who glared at the kittypet.

"It's clear he feels safer with me!" Lilymist hissed. She then looked down at Batkit. The kit looked between the three of them, Batstar, Selina and then finally Lilymist.

"I want us to be together," he mewed. Lilymist smirked, glancing smugly at Selina. Batstar's heart sank, he'd lost another kit. Or maybe, that kit had been saved from him.

"I know, kitten," Lilymist purred, scruffing Batkit and running off towards her territory. Selina yowled like jaguar, throwing herself towards Lilymist's retreating form.

"No, Selina!" Batstar hissed, blocking her path with a muscular arm. Selina turned to him and batted a clawless paw at him. He let her repeat the action a few times before she collapsed against him, sobbing into his fur. "I'm sorry..." he mewed guiltily.

Chapter Text

Nightwing's P.O.V

Nightwing sprinted through the trees, stopping at the river that ran through their territory. His choking breaths came out in wet gasps, moisened by the sticky blood covering his muzzle. Nausea climbed up his throat as he dunked his head into the river. The stark cold water seemed to pull him from the suffocating panic roaring in his chest. Red ribbons ran through the river. He had killed Jokestar. He didn't regret it. However, killing so liberally in front of Batkit and Redpaw was a regret. It was the sort of thing they were trying to discourage. He shook his head of water then sat on the bank, letting himself catch his breath.

He heard movement in the trees and looked up to see Blackbat and Redpaw rushing over to him. A shaky sigh left him as he ducked his head, wide eyes trained on his reflection in the river. He couldn't bring himself to lift his eyes. Even when he felt Blackbat's tounge scrape over his cheek, washing off the last of the blood on his face.

"I'm sorry for doing that in front of you guys," Nightwing choked out. He felt Redpaw sit down on his left, while Blackbat settled at his right.

"Death was inevitable for him," Blackbat mewed.

"Yeah, Jokestar was evil and needed to be stopped!" Redpaw reassured him. Despite his siblings words guilt still gnawed at him like a tick.

"Batkit... I hope I didn't scare him," he mewed. Blackbat rested her tail on his back.

"He's seen worse," Blackbat mewed. Nightwing finally raised his head to look at her, she stared back at him mournfully. Blackbat had spent most of her kitten-hood in Deathclan, she would know above anyone else the horrors that lay in their territory. Nightwing sighed. He felt hopeless. He couldn't protect his brothers. Not from the things that have already happened and not from the things that are sure to come.

A shout came from Fourtrees. It sounded like Selina. She must have come to retrieve Batkit. The three cats ran back to Fourtrees, following the sorrowful cries of the kittypet.

"Batstar, what happened!" Nightwing called as Fourtrees came into view. Batstar turned to him, his eyes red and his tail drooping.

"H-he's gone..." Selina murmured under her breath. She was trembling, her face wet with tears.

"Who's gone?" Nightwing asked with an edge of panic.

"Lilymist wanted Batkit to live with her in Deathclan," Batstar explained, his tired eyes pointed to the floor.

"What?" Nightwing exclaimed, his heart suddenly hammering in his chest. "How could you let her take him!" Anger swirled in his chest, swamping his heart. Batstar hissed.

"Batkit is as much her's as he is mine, the only one who doesn't have a claim on him is you!" Batstar raged. Nightwing flinched, his words sharp and spiteful. "I'm sorry..." his father mewed, his face drenched in guilt. Nightwing ignored him and started padding towards camp. Nor he or Batstar could protect his brothers. Not even from their own selfishness.

Batkit P.O.V

Batkit watched as his surroundings slowly grew familiar. He couldn't turn his head very well from Lilymist holding him by his scruff, forced to look onward as Deathclan crawled closer. Nervousness coiled in his belly. He didn't want to be away from his mother, but he didn't want to leave Batclan either. He started when two cats appeared beside them, dragging what looked like a cat. Hid mother set him on the ground.

"Baneclaw, Deathstroke, good work. Put him next to the pit when you get into camp." she mewed before picking him back up. She continued on to the Deathclan camp, where the stench of blood was thick. The camp was made on a large sand pit which was surrounded by bracken and the entrance was an old hollowed out log. The sight of blood sinking into sand was burned into the back of his mind. The sight of what was to come since the day he was born. But that was honorable, right? At least he used to think so. Father says that life is precious and pain isn't always inevitable. Mother would scoff at his words.

Lilymist hurried into the camp which held a familiar dead atmosphere. Everything was a dead brown colour, unlike the pretty Batclan camp. Lilymist padded into the leader's den. Which was made from an old badger set. Anxiety churned in his stomach, he could still scent his Grandfather within the den. The scent was stale, but strangly still burned his nostrils. Lilymist placed Batkit down gently, giving him a few tender licks on his head.

"Now my love, you will grow to become the strongest warrior in the forest," she cooed, tucking him into her nest. "Now sleep, kitten." Batkit waited for her to pad out of the den before wiggling out from the moss and feathers. He had never stayed put, he wouldn't start now. He wanted to see the cat Baneclaw and Deathstroke were dragging. It's scent seemed familiar. He poked his head out of the badger set. Lilymist, Baneclaw, Deathstroke and Venomheart were crowded around the quicksand pit in the centre of camp. The pit was circled with small rocks so no-one accidentally fell in. His mother always told him to stay away from it. Sometimes he swore he could see a subtle green light shining from under the sand.

"Throw him in," Lilymist mewed, a devious excitement present in the way she spoke. Baneclaw and Deathstroke obeyed without question, dragging the dark red body into the quicksand. The quicksand rippled as the body slunk into the pit. A few seconds past and the sand refused to settle. The surrounding cats backed away from the pit as a green light murmured from underneath the sand. The grains sputtered and raved like a tumultuous wave, smashing against the rocks at the pit's edge. Beams of light flashed, reaching up into the sky. Batkit cowered, flattening himself against the floor of the den. The cats gathered around the pit didn't falter. They looked confident as the quicksand spat and bubbled. Were they doing this? What was happening? He had never seen the pit like this before.

A horribly pained caterwaul pierced through the night, echoing into the sky. A large body surged from the sand, its claws scraping on the rocks desperately. The red furred cat was alive! Its head broke free, jaw opening wide to gulp down air. Two bright beams cut through the darkness as the cat opened its eyes. A low groan oozed out of its mouth. Batkit watched, captivated as the cat pulled itself onto the sandy ground. Its hulking figure hardly keeping itself up. Batkit squinted his eyes, trying to focus in on the cat in the darkness. His heart dropped as his eyes caught their face. The familiar and contorted face of Jaybird. His eyes glowed a bright unnatural green. His fur flattened and matted with dried blood. Jaybird roared with fury. He looked feral.

"Venomheart, the poppy pulp!" Lilymist ordered before jumping onto Jaybird's back. The red furred cat staggered, but wasn't felled until Baneclaw joined Lilymist to help get him to the floor. Jaybird hissed as Venomheart approached him with a bundle of leaves in her mouth.

"I don't see the point of this, Lilymist," Venomheart mewed with disinterest as she opened the bundle and pressed it to Jaybird's mouth with a paw.

"She's trying to get her beloved Batstar's attention," Deathstroke mewed amusedly. Lilymist hissed, stepping off of Jaybird as the cat went limp.

"Need I remind you who is deputy, Deathstroke?" The she-cat hissed venomously. Deathstroke straightened, shaking his head obediently. "Good, now put him in the elder's den," Lilymist ordered.

Batkit rushed back into his nest as Lilymist started to return to the den. His tiny heart hammered in his chest. He didn't understand. He was home. He should be happy. So why wasn't he? He felt the urge to go to Jaybird. To be close to Batclan scent. He heard the rustling of paws on leaves and quickly closed his eyes. Lilymist chuckled.

"My curious kitten," she mewed. "Finally all mine."

Chapter Text

Batkit's P.O.V

Batkit had no idea when he fell asleep. He doesn't remember trying to sleep in the first place. He sat up in his nest, fur spiking with frustration. He had been planning to see Jaybird when his mother fell asleep. He stood, shaking feathers and bits of moss off of his pelt. His mother had left the den already, leaving behind a cold, lonely nest. He imagined waking up in Batclan. Being gently swayed from sleep by one of Selina's daily grooming sessions. She would ask him if he'd slept well. Wrapping her body around him. Sometimes father would come to stand guard at the nursery's entrance and pretend he wasn't watching them. Sometimes Nightwing would come sit with them and bicker with Selina. However, he was here alone and cold.

Suddenly a shout came from outside the den. It was Jaybird's voice yowling in distress. Batkit threw himself out of the den, the cold morning breeze making him shudder terribly. He could see Jaybird and Baneclaw outside of the elder's den. Now it was lighter he could see that Baneclaw had no fur and wore a strange leather covering on his muzzle. You could see the cat's muscles clearly, ready to kill. The strange cat was towering over Jaybird, who was crouched on the ground and trembling. Jaybird looked confused, like he wasn't sure which way was up.

"W-what's happening t-to me?!" Jaybird exclaimed, his voice raw. "What did you do to me?!" His screams were gut wrenching. Like hearing a piece of prey screech before it's ripped apart. His stomach turned. Part of him was glad that he didn't get to try fresh-kill for the first time.

"I'm tired of your wailing, be quiet!" Baneclaw hissed, rearing his long clawed paw back. Ready to strike. Batkit's heart jumped. The familiar tickle of his fur standing on end prickling all over him. Part of him wanted to run back into his nest and hide, but his father would truly hate him if he were to let Jaybird get hurt.

His paws dug into the ground, the muscles in his legs straining as Batkit practically flew over to the two cats. He intercepted Baneclaw's muscular arm, grabbing and biting down on it just enough to direct his claws away from Jaybird. Baneclaw yowled in outrage, turning his thunderous eyes onto Batkit. He snarled behind his leather mask.

"Lilymist's little Prince, don't tell me your time in Batclan has turned you soft!" Baneclaw hissed with a hint of amusement.

"Baneclaw!" A screech sounded from the camp entrance. Baneclaw cowered and turned towards the voice. It was Lilymist. Baneclaw immediately started padding towards her, his eyes glaring at the floor. "Join the hunting patrol," she ordered. Baneclaw nodded, leaving the camp with a twitching tail.

Lilymist approached him with a stare of pure love. Usually he loved attention from his mother, but something felt off. Batkit looked over at Jaybird, who was panting on the ground. The cat's eyes were wild with anger and fear. Now he was closer he could see small wounds on his face and arms, they looked fresh and were slowly bleeding onto the sand.

"What did you do to him?" Batkit asked anxiously.

"The magic of the Lazarus Pit forced life back into him, isn't it amazing?" Lilymist gushed with a smile that was a little bit too wide. Batkit swallowed thickly, his throat suddenly dry.

"Will you give him back to father?"

"Not in this state, his mind is being taken over by the Lazarus' magic. He needs to be brought out of it," Lilymist mewed.

"How?" Batkit asked, tilting his head. Lilymist smiled lovingly at him.

"If I know a Batclan warrior, he won't be able to resist an injured kitten," she mewed. Batkit's heart plunged into his stomach. He took a few steps away from her.

"W-will you...?" Batkit stuttered. Lilymist's face grew stern.

"You can just pretend for now, but Batkit, when you are leader you must make many painful decisions. You need to be strong enough to make them and soon," She mewed gravely.

"Leader? Is Grandfather really gone?" Batkit asked in a panic, tears brewing in his eyes.

"Of course he is," she hissed, padding into her den without another word.

Batkit stood absently for a moment. This couldn't be right. He doesn't remember home being like this. Had his home really changed this much since he'd been gone? Or was it him? Had he changed?

Barkit ran over to the elder's den where Jaybird had retreated, the smell of fear scent sickening. The elders den was a little used cave with cobwebs and dead vines littering it. Elders were deemed leeches on the clan so when a cat gets too old they are sacrificed. Batkit remembers the first time he was allowed to sacrifice an elder. He used to look back on it with honour and pride, but now he was conflicted. If Eagleheart was in Deathclan he would be dragged to the centre of camp and killed. Batkit closed his eyes and shook his head, willing away the moisture from his eyes. Eagleheart had been kind to him. He didn't look at him like he was something to be scared of. Unlike Father, who looked at him like he was always a claw length away from killing someone.

Batkit warily padded into the elder's den. The smell of Batclan scent a small comfort despite the strong fear scent. He could hear the displacement of leaves and low yowls of distress. He continued forward, watching as green light flickered off of the cave walls. Batkit swallowed thickly. He remembered Jaybird being a big cat, but now as he cowered in front of his imposing figure he truly felt small.

"J-Jaybird," Batkit stuttered out, easing his paws forwards. A furious hiss echoed around him as pain erupted from one side of his face. He collapsed into the dead leaves, blood trickling down his face.

"Batstar?" Jaybird cried miserably before gasping in horror. "Batkit, no!" Jaybird rushed over to him, feverishly licking his wounds.

"You mangy furball..." Batkit murmured weakly. Half earnest, half trying to keep Jaybird from thinking he'd killed him.

"I-I can't remember- where are we?" Jaybird mewed between licks. It sounded like he was talking to himself more than Batkit.

"Do you remember Crowclan's attack. Dying?" Batkit asked, trying to keep himself upright against Jaybird's large tongue. Suddenly the bombardment stopped. The green glow returning to Jaybird's eyes as his face grew grave.

"Yeah, I... remember," Jaybird muttered under his breath, his eyes suddenly far away.

"Snap out of it, mousebrain!" Batkit hissed, closing an eye when a tear of blood ran over it. Jaybird shook his head, only looking a little bit annoyed by Batkit's insults. "I'm guessing mother took your body from Batclan, brought you to Deathclan and resurrected you." Jaybird's face hardened with confusion.

"What sort of magic- nevermind, why am I asking a kit?" Jaybird cut himself off, rolling his luminous green eyes. Batkit bristled.

"I know more about Deathclan than you, mousebrain!" Batkit hissed. "Grandfather and the pit have been here as long as the forest has, so has the magic presumably," he explained. Jaybird raised a brow ridge.

"What were they feeding you in this dump, the brains of apprentices?"

"If they were the practice would be completely useless in Batclan," Batkit mewed with his nose in the air. Jaybird snickered.

"You're alright, kid," Jaybird mewed, leaning forward to groom the wounds on his face. "Sorry about the scratches," he mewed guiltily. Batkit scoffed.

"I've had worse injuries leaving the nursery for the first time!" Batkit boasted, sticking his nose in the air as he waited for Jaybird to compliment Batkit on how hardy and strong he is. Instead, Jaybird hissed. The cat's giant tail whipping back and forth like a tree in a hurricane.

"Urgh, I can't wait to get us out of this dirt place," Jaybird muttered. Batkit pouted, confused and hurt by Jaybird's disgust.

Suddenly Jaybird stiffened as the scent of his mother slivered into the cave like an adder. Batkit felt his own body tense aswell. He could only hope that she hadn't heard what they were talking about. He turned to face his mother, trying to ignore the sound of Jaybird's thick tail swiping furiously at the cobwebs. Lilymist had a large smile on her face. A devious twinkle in her eyes.

"Batkit, perfectly executed, my boy!" Lilymist mewed. Batkit couldn't help but preen under the praise, deciding that the swipe to the face was worth it.

"Mother, Jaybird can return to Batclan now, a-and I would like to join him," Batkit mewed, cowering from the reaction he hasn't yet received. Lilymist looked like he had just swiped her across the face. Her nose scrunched up and her lips curled into a grimace.

"You want to abandon your destiny?" Lilymist hissed. "Your mother?" She screeched.

"Batstar is also his father, he has a right over Batkit aswell!" Jaybird hissed.

"Batstar abandoned Batkit, he gave him up!" Lilymist hissed back, her fangs on full display. Batkit bristled, his heart bleeding for a happier time. He couldn't think of one.

"That's not true! Father wanted me!" Batkit cried, trying to convince himself more than Lilymist. The she-cat let out a furious battle cry, surging toward him and scruffing him roughly. Batkit squeaked as her fangs pierced his scruff.

"Hey, let him go!" Jaybird hissed from behind them. Batkit tried to look back at him as Lilymist stormed over to the nursery. He could hear several cats running over to them, hissing and spitting at Jaybird to move away from Lilymist.

"Don't even think about it, Batclan coward!" Baneclaw's rough voice hissed. There was a commotion that Batkit couldn't see. No matter how hard he tried.

"Jaybird!" Batkit yowled as he was dropped into an old nest in the nursery. He turned in the nest to watch his mother speaking with Deathstroke.

"Guard the nursery don't let him leave," she ordered firmly before leaving the nursery. Now Batkit was alone with only the sound of his rapidly beating heart. He screwed his eyes closed, trying to stop any tears from falling. He was never going to make it home.

Chapter Text

Jaybird's P.O.V

Jaybird hissed furiously as Baneclaw threw his body at him, forcing him out of the camp entrance and into Deathclan territory. Lilymist padded up to him, her nose in the air and eyes cold.

"Go, end my beloved's pain, but do not come back; I won't be throwing you in the pit a second time," she mewed spitefully.

Jaybird remained silent, watching as the Deathclan cats returned to their camp with slitted eyes. So Lilymist was doing this for Batstar only. That was the only reason why he was alive. He closed his eyes and sighed. He should have stayed dead. Batstar was a foolish coward. He betrayed his clan by messing around with Lilymist. Now he needed to save the son Batstar failed to fight for. But for that, he would need help. He turned and started sprinting towards Batclan territory. He was thinking about what he would say to Batstar before he had to stop dead in his tracks. His brows furrowed deeply, not quite believing his eyes. On the cusp of Deathclan territory stood Selina, Nightwing and Eagleheart. All standing and staring at him, looking like they had seen a ghost.

"Jaybird?!" Nightwing hissed in surprise, tears flooding the sentimental fool's eyes.

"Oh, my boy!" Eagleheart mewed around sobs, running to him alongside Nightwing. Jaybird's ears bowed bashfully as the two cats nuzzled and licked his face. He didn't stop them, though, knowing the grief he must have caused them. He should have fought harder. He should have been stronger.

"How are you alive?" Selina asked in a breathy whisper, staring at him with wide, unbelieving eyes. He thought about explaining the ins and outs of The Lazarus Pit, deciding eventually against it.

"Clan cat rubbish?" He offered, hoping she would leave it at that. She rolled her eyes and scoffed

"Clan cat rubbish," she accepted, her tail twitching anxiously. He knew why she was here, but he wanted to ask her himself. However, before he could, Nightwing spoke.

"It was the Lazarus Pit, wasn't it?" He asked, already knowing the answer. Nightwing looked deeply into his eyes. Most likely witnessing the green depths of the Lazarus.

"She must have had somecat come and steal your body while the gathering was on," Eagleheart mewed.

"Why would she do that?" Selina asked with a look of disgust.

"To please her Beloved Batstar," Jaybird mewed mockingly. Selina rolled her eyes.

"That cat is obsessed," she grumbled, her tail twitching grumpily. No matter how much he wanted to make fun of the obviously smitten she-cat, he was silent. By the looks on the other's faces, they were fighting a similar battle.

"You guys are here for Batkit, right?" He asked. The cats nodded, their faces growing determined.

"Batstar is compromised, your death hit him hard. He let Lilymist take Batkit back to Deathclan," Nightwing explained. Jaybird shook his head, disappointed in his father's actions but also slightly surprised that Batstar took his death so hard.

"Which was a grave mistake," Selina hissed.

"It was; the pit affected me when I first awoke, making me go crazy. Lilymist sent Batkit to break me out of it and I swiped him across the face pretty bad," Jaybird mewed guiltily.

"It wasn't your fault, Jaybird. It was Lilymist; she pulls the strings," Nightwing mewed reassuringly, brushing his flank against him.

"She always has a spiteful plan behind her ears," Eagleheart added, his eyes roaming his body for any wounds. Which he knew littered his body like stripes on a tabby.

"What are we waiting for? We need to save Batkit!" Selina hissed with panic clear in her voice.

"We should have a plan first," Eagleheart mewed between licking his wounds. Selina looked at him expectantly, her fur spiking and her tail twitching.

"We should wait until Deathclan is scenting their borders. We can take whoever is left in camp; then, it'll be easy to take Batkit and run," Jaybird mewed. Nightwing nodded determinedly.

"We can hide in here," Nightwing mewed as he padded over to a large patch of bracken that was a comfortable distance from the border. However, that means they would be waiting in Deathclan territory. It wasn't a problem for Jaybird, but trespassing was against the warrior code. He could imagine Batstar's lecture as if he were standing right in front of him. What the old cat didn't know wouldn't kill him.

"Great, and the wind is coming towards us so they won't scent us," Selina added.

"Now you're thinking like a clan cat!" Nightwing mewed cheerfully, a toothy smile on his face. Selina nodded at the blue-furred cat with a small smirk. She seemed to be standing more confidently now, no longer watching her surroundings in fear.

They didn't have to wait long until the Deathclan cats made a move. They slicked out of the camp entrance like a mischief of rats, their eyes tinted with a green glow. The Batclan cats shoved their bellies to the ground as Lilymist, Baneclaw and Venomheart hastily padded past them and towards the Deathclan-Batclan border. Jaybird felt Selina tense as Lilymist slipped past the patch of bracken they were crouched within.

"Thief..." Selina hissed under her breath. The sound was equally as quiet as a feather as it was fierce as a Lionclan warrior. Jaybird only just kept himself from hissing at Selina to keep quiet, wincing as he saw Lilymist stop. The she-cat turned, her eyes furrowing into slits. She scented the air. It felt like an eternity before the she-cat carried on her way. Jaybird let out a big sigh as soon as the Deathclan cats were far enough away. He turned to Selina.

"Save your anger for when she realises we took Batkit," Jaybird mewed mildly. He didn't want to get on her case when she already looked guilty. Selina nodded, frustration clear on her face.

"Now let's go. Eagleheart, Selina; you focus on getting Batkit out of there. The rest of us will deal with Deathstroke," Jaybird mewed. The cats all sprinted towards the Deathclan camp, their senses heightened by the smell of Deathclan surrounding them. Jaybird and Nightwing entered through the hollow log entrance first, eyes alert for any movement. Jaybird felt rage flow through him as his eyes met Deathstroke. The white-furred cat was swiping at Batkit, who was trying to leave the nursery. Deathstroke's claws were sheathed, but there was power behind some of those swipes. His muscles rippled under his fur with every solid hit. A fierce caterwaul sounded from behind Jaybird. Jaybird growled in frustration. Selina must have seen what was happening.

"Selina, don't! Deathstroke is a senior warrior!" Nightwing hissed.

"Who beats up kits!" The she-cat yowled, leaping at Deathstroke like she had gone feral. Selina smacked into Deathstroke throwing him from his feet and into the sand, too fast for him to cry out. The one-eyed cat reeled and tried to swipe at Selina with a giant clawed paw. However, before he could land his hit, Selina surged down and bit down on Deathstroke's splayed paw. Jaybird winced as a crunch sounded in the tense silence, which was broken by a yowl of pain from Deathstroke.

"I guess we're swapping places," Nightwing mewed in amusement before sprinting over to the nursery. Jaybird and Eagleheart followed. The old medicine cat joined Nightwing in searching the nursery for Batkit, while Jaybird kept an eye on Selina's battle. Ready to jump in if she started to struggle. Though that may not have been necessary. Deathstroke was limping, his body hunched over as he cowered from the she-cat. Deathstroke's one eye met Jaybird's, it filled with terror.

"Get her away from me!" The Deathclan cat yowled. Jaybird's muzzle stretched into a wide grin. He stepped forward to stand beside Selina, whose fight had paused for a moment.

"I wouldn't bet on it," Jaybird laughed. Deathstroke growled.

"If Deathstar were here, you'd be dead! All of you!" Deathstroke screeched, his eye wild with fury. Selina chuckled bitterly.

"Such a shame Lilymist killed him then," she mewed sarcastically. Jaybird looked at Selina in shock. Why would Lilymist kill her own father?

"What?!" Deathstroke exclaimed, his face contorting in shock.

"She's right, Lilymist told Batstar so at the gathering," Nightwing mewed as he approached them, Eagleheart tailing them with Batkit scruffed in his mouth.

"No! Mother would never kill Grandfather!" Batkit cried, struggling in Eagleheart's grip. Selina turned quickly and rushed over to Batkit.

"My baby!" Selina cried, covering the kit in licks as Eagleheart placed him gently on the ground.

"Selina!" Batkit cried back, stuffing himself under her belly.

"Take the kit for all I care, Lilymist will answer for what she's done," Deathstroke hissed gravely, limping towards the Deathclan warrior den.

The Batclan cats wasted no time fleeing the Deathclan camp with Batkit. They didn't stop until they made it back into Batclan territory, thankfully avoiding bumping into the Deathclan border patrol. As they neared camp Batkit spoke up.

"Do you think Batstar will want me back?" Batkit asked anxiously.

"Of course he will, Batkit!" Nightwing mewed encouragingly.

"I don't think he ever wanted to let you go in the first place," Eagleheart added. Selina gently set Batkit on the grass, licking at the wound on his face.

"And now we can tell Batstar everything we witnessed in that horrible place," She mewed.

"Nightwing?! Eagleheart?!" A call came from down in the camp. Batstar was leaping up the rocky hollow, panic in his eyes. "Batkit!" He exclaimed when he made it to them. He rushed over to the kit, nuzzling and grooming him fervently.

"I'm so sorry..." Batstar mewed weakly, bringing Batkit closer to him with a trembling paw. Jaybird felt his chest grow tight at the sight of his father. The cat looked bad. His fur was ungroomed and his eyes were heavy with exhaustion. He must have been worried about Batkit. There was no way his death would have hit the old man that hard.

"We have another surprise for you, my boy," Eagleheart mewed fondly as he padded up to Jaybird. Batstar's gaze moved from Batkit and snapped onto him like a lightning bolt. His eyes grew wide as he slowly padded up to Jaybird. His father reached a paw out towards him, gently caressing the side of his face.

"You're r-real?" Batstar mewed desperately. Jaybird's heart was hammering in his chest. He blinked his eyes rapidly as tears threatened to fall.

"Of course I am, old man," Jaybird croaked. Batstar's face crumbled, a broken smile pushing its way onto his face.

"My Jaybird!" He cried, nuzzling and grooming him just as he had Batkit. Jaybird's ears flattened in embarrassment.

"Dad! I'm no kit!" He declared grumpily, but without any real heat to it. When the two finally separated Jaybird felt his fur prickle as a sour scent filled his nostrils.

"Deathclan!" Nightwing yowled before he had the chance to. Jaybird turned to see Lilymist, Baneclaw, Deathstroke and Venomheart standing in their territory. Lilymist's face was ablaze with fury, her tail puffed up like a pinecone.

"Batstar, you have something of mine!" She yowled. Batstar padded in front of the Batclan cats, motioning them to move back. Jaybird did as he was told, but stayed ready to attack. Batstar walled tall, his wide head held high.

"Leave my territory," Batstar ordered, sounding as firm as stone. Jaybird could tell Lilymist was surprised at Batstar's tone; he had never talked to her like she belonged to a rival clan. Jaybird smirked, satisfaction plain on his face. Deathstroke chuckled, making Jaybird's smirk waver. What was that snake up to? The one-eyed cat stepped forward, his eye trained on Batstar.

"As you were, Batstar. Deathclan has its own set of problems to deal with," Deathstroke mewed before turning to glare at Lilymist. "You'll get no assistance from us.Traitor." With that, all of Deathclan except Lilymist sprinted back into the forest. Lilymist gasped, watching her clanmates flee like she was watching water burn.

"I would follow them if I were you, before you become kittypet food," Nightwing mewed smugly. Lilymist glared at Selina, who looked ready to pounce.

"I swear this isnt the end, revel in this false victory while you can!" The Deathclan she-cat hissed at them before fleeing back into the forest.

Jaybird could feel the palpable relief wash over Batclan. Finally, their family is all together again. They all padded into the camp, the feeling of safety and home surrounding them.

"Selina.." Batstar mewed, approaching the she-cat determinedly. "I know you feel like you don't belong here, but a warrior name can be yours if you wish for it." Selina gasped, her ears fluttering.

"Selina, you can't leave!" Batkit mewed, running under Selina's tummy and looking up at the she-cat pleadingly. Selina chuckled.

"I suppose I can't," she mewed fondly, tears blossoming in her eyes. "So, what name do you think would fit me?" She asked, slightly nervous. The cats were silent for a moment before Batkit spoke up,

"Pearlshine!"