No? These kits weren't hers?
Maybe a friends? I've taken care of my friends kits a lot in the past too. It isn't until the word RiverClan passes her lips that he slowly begins to realize what may transpire. His assumption is proved correct when Aurora asks if the clan could take them in. Part of him wanted to scream, while another part of him wished he hadn't stumbled upon them. Hadn't gone for a walk to clear his mind. Apparently he couldn't even be given a moment of rest.
It sounds like they're were just gonna show up anyway. If I didn't decide here it would be there. With everyone else.
Poseidon speaks up. Explaining what happened and why they planned to go to RiverClan. Of the twolegs habit of separating litters.
"I know. I used to be a kittypet myself."
This would reassure Poseidon, that is... If Pikestar had graced the other tom with a smile instead of consideration. After all, they've already taken in so many cats thus far. He's more than well aware that Frostmoth is displeased at the sudden increase of mouths to feed during Leafbare, but he argued that those who joined would be able to contribute in some way. Even the questionable Umber and Dark could provide by bringing home some prey or by using their claws should their clan face themselves at war with Thunderclan. Loonstar's gaze, words, and odd demeanor didn't bode well. Something terrible was going to happen. The question was not if, but when.
Although, it did strike him odd that Poseidon assumed that clan life would be safer. He should be proud that RiverClan gave such an impression, and yet all he was concerned about was these kits. Of their futures. It's true that they may be separated from their siblings, but they would have warmth. Food. He couldn't promise that there was going to be food. If they weren't going to be fighting another clan, or if another heist would strike them.
"Clan life isn't safe. We aren't the only ones in this forest. RiverClan would like to avoid battling another clan during Leafbare, but I can't promise you that it can be avoided entirely. Food might be scarce too. Many cats have joined us this moon. One of them has even given birth to two lovely kits. By adding four mouths to feed, we may have to go hungry. Unless we had extra sets of paws just to help around. That would mean... More mouths to feed though."
How many kits will become apprentices next moon? A silver paw is brought to his temple as he tries to scrounge up the images of the kits in the nursery.
"Hmmm... Pricklekit and Jasperkit will be old enough next moon. Wavesong's kits will be old enough two moons from now. We have ten kits running around right now, with more on the way."
Would they feel bad about asking now? Or would they feel reassured by the number of kits around. That despite the struggles that came with living in the wild, RiverClan thrived despite it all. Thrived enough to have this many kits running around and expecting more soon. Whatever the case, he still isn't sure of what the right decision is. To prioritize his clan or these kits? After all, it was this pair of campground kittypets that found them. From what he could see, these kits were doing well in their care. Even if it was temporary. It's not these kits wouldn't be looked after. What made these cats turn to RiverClan was the desire to keep these siblings together.
One... One he could understand. Considering his own child was separated not by twolegs by the clan leaders themselves. Sablestar had made it clear that their kit would know nothing of their siblings. As for Pikestar himself? He was reunited with his siblings the moon before, yet he can't say he felt particular distraught about being separated from them. After all, they were nameless blobs of color. He did just fine without them.
He isn't given much more time to ponder for an answer when he hears his name. instinctively he looks to the source,
"Yes?"
A small cream kit begins to ask him question after question. He can't help but chuff as they hop around him. Their demeanor reminded him a bit of himself.
"I have two children. Iciclewish just became a warrior this moon. Pricklekit will become an apprentice next moon, so you'll only get to play with them for a little bit."
He bends his head down to look directly at Sleet.
"We have ten kits in the nursery, and they're nice."
It's not a total lie. Each kit had their own personality for sure, but he wouldn't say any of them were particularly mean spirited. The only kit that he could say would be considered mean was Piranhakit. However, that was mostly due to the child's need to bite everything in their path. Pikestar's own tail was a victim of Piranhakit's fangs.
Another kit hisses at Sleet. Reprimanding her. Awkwardly he watches as the scene plays out, only nodding when Sleet introduces her brother. Sort of.
It must be rough, huh? He's then introduced to another.
It would help if you give me a name... It quickly becomes apparent that the four kits in front of him are close.
Separating them would make things worse. If anything they look a little hungry. They're also due for a bath. He looks to Aurora and then to Poseidon. A paw rubbing his neck. With a sigh, he finally gives an answer.
"We can take them in. It'll be difficult for a few moons, but we'll have more warriors and apprentices soon. Follow me, I'll need help bringing them to camp."
Without another word he grasps Sleet by her scruff and begins to return to RiverClan camp.
