The riotous cacophony of the cicadas was the first hint that they were at long last approaching familiar grounds. Though he normally found the annual chitter of the bugs to be one of the worst parts of summer, Hawkstar found himself softened considerably by homesickness. He could not hold off a smile at even the most annoying reminders of home.
He glanced sideways at Dawnpool, his eyes softening, as he gave her a playful pawing before bolting up the nearest hill. Spread down below the apex, was his forest. Tired old oaks and pines, the winding river and rusty expanse beside. The hills, the waves, it all seemed to chant welcome home welcome home.
He waited for Dawnpool, realizing with a small puncture in his spirits that he was about to be faced with his Clan and kin’s potential judgment of his love life, once again. He worried not for himself, for he had endured far more scathing gossip in the months after his fling with Juncostar was discovered, but he hated the idea of Dawnpool suffering similar scrutiny on his account. StarClan, don’t let her change her mind about me, he pleaded internally.
But they had….other worries, to attend to. As she caught up to him, Dawnpool was joined by a not inconsiderable number of kittens all ranging in ages from barely walking to almost apprentice aged. All colors shapes and sizes, they crowded around the two adults oohing and ahhing over the view. Some of them began to playfight, or sniff the grass and paw at bugs. It had been like this the entire journey, thus he was much later in returning than he’d told the Clan.
“Come now, not far. Stick to your buddy and listen if Dawnpool or I give the signal to hide, or run.” He said wearily, over the chatter of high-pitched voices. “Hey! Bubbles in your mouths if you can’t keep quiet. Yes Kuro, that means you too– Yes Booser, I know Leo’s not touching you, just ignore him–”
Is this what it’s like being a Queen? I need to apologize to Chant…. He thought wearily.
The trip through the territories was blessedly uneventful, they met not even a rival patrol much to Hawkstar’s relief. Soon they were entering the ravine camp through the cool moist entrance tunnel.
The Clan quickly reacted, many cats stopping what they were doing to rush forward and greet the returning pair. But they halted, several faces amused and confused at the herd of little cats around them. Suddenly shy, the group flattened themselves to Dawnpool’s side as Hawkstar made his way to the highrock. He had the briefest impression of what she might look like tending to their own kits, and something tugged in his chest, but he set the thought aside.
“ThunderClan! Let all cars old enough to catch their own prey, gathering beneath the highrock for a Clan meeting.” His voice was somewhat hoarse from shouting at their charges all weekend, but it carried nonetheless. Those not gathered already arrived in dribs and drabs until his full Clan was assembled.
“Firstly, allow me to be sentimental if you will, for I have missed each and every one of you in my time away. I know I was not forthcoming with my reasons for leaving, and I appreciate your trust and your discretion. I know of late there have been many times I was not worthy of either.”
There were a few laughs among the crowd.
“Secondly, as I am sure, you have noticed Dawnpool and I have not returned alone.” He Cleared his throat. “I’ll just get this out of the way– yes, she and I are mates now. Those of you who were taking bets, settle your debts before I catch on to it or I’ll give you a good clawing. But no, none of those kits came from us.”
“When we were in the city we encountered two rogues who had stolen several kits away from their families. We dealt with said rogues, and chose to bring the children home for the time being. As you can see, this is going to disrupt life in ThunderClan. I expect cooperation and patience from all of you.”
He fixed them with a determined stare.
“Our Queens will need help, this is a large group and you can’t expect them to shoulder this task alone. Dawnpool and I barely made it home in one piece.”
More Laughter. Hawkstar shifted on his perch, carefully sifting through words in his head for his next announcement. This one was far less likely to elicit such a humorous response.
“I will therefore be calling on other cats to assist with caring for these kittens. Some of you, I am sure, are eager and willing to help. For those who are not….I ask that you follow my orders as you would a patrol assignment. We must come together. These younglings did not ask for these difficult circumstances, let us show them the bravery ThunderClan is known for.”
To his relief, there was a low murmur of general approval, with some dissent to either side.
“If no one has any outstanding concerns, I will begin handing out the assignments. Those wishing to volunteer, please step forward.”
Hawktar smiled as a few cats stepped forward. It spoke well of his Clan that already, some were amicable to helping out. His Leadership had not been long enough to take any credit for this but he knew better than to take it for granted all the same.
“Thank you, both of you.” He mewed to Basilfang and Grizzlytooth. “Basilfang, you will take Bacon here. And Grizzlytooth, if you’ll take Maverick, I think these will be good matches. Come to me if you have any concerns. Your charges will be spending their nights in a temporary den, you are encouraged to sleep there yourselves though we may not need every guardian to do so. It’s during the day these little furballs need the most minding.” He mrrowed, as one such kitten pounced on his tail claws out. His amber eyes watered slightly but he pressed on, being very brave about it.
“I am afraid two Warriors will not be enough to shoulder all of these kittens. I will therefore be handing out some assignments as well. If you have any legitimate reasons against caring for a kit I don’t know about, I am willing to listen, but bear in mind this is something we must all come together to resolve.”
He swept his gaze once more over the sea of faces.
“Echo! Yes, good. You can take Barbie and Ken here, if you don’t mind. I think you can handle two.” He winked. “And ha, yes, thank you Elmstrike. Briarstep shall be handling the patrol, but we’ll need as much help as possible if we’re to succeed in finding these little ones' families.”
“Vanillabreeze, I will be assigning you Trillium here.” He went on, beginning to feel the weariness in his bones for his journey in earnest. He glanced back at the crowd of frightened and tired kittens behind him.
“The rest should be alright in the care of our nursery Queens, though if any cat wishes to lend further assistance just let myself or Briarstep know. I’m sure the Queens would appreciate it.” And with this, he signaled the end of the meeting by leaping down from his perch. He landed with a touch less grace than normal, and limped tiredly back to his den where he could look forward to a long rest at Dawnpool’s side.