What if the Three had Curses instead of Powers?

Epilogue

In the bustling clearing, amidst loud chatter and the patter of cats leaving for patrols, a play-fight erupted between Lionkit and Hollykit. They now faced each other with playful growls.

Squirrelflight, their watchful mother, felt a knot of worry tighten in her belly as she observed them. Brambleclaw, their father, had assured her that he would step in if things got out of hand, but Squirrelflight couldn't shake the sense of unease.

Lionkit, his golden fur ruffled with excitement, reared up on his hind legs. Hollykit, her emerald eyes wide with apprehension, tried to retreat. But in a swift and horrifying moment, Lionkit's sharp claws flashed out, raking across Hollykit's tender muzzle.

Hollykit let out a piercing yelp and stumbled towards Squirrelflight, who instinctively coiled her body around her daughter, shielding her from further harm. 'Leafpool!' Squirrelflight's voice cracked with fear as she called for the medicine cat.

Leafpool rushed out of her den, her paws coated with the sticky residue of herbs. Lionkit, oblivious to the aftermath of his actions, pranced up to Squirrelflight, his eyes gleaming with pride. 'Did I do good?' he squeaked.

Squirrelflight's gaze burned with a mix of fury and heartbreak. She desperately wanted to punish him for his recklessness, but she knew that severity would only damage their relationship. Instead, she forced a semblance of calm into her voice. 'You are strong, Lionkit,' she said, 'but it's important to know that you should never use your claws in play-fights.'

Lionkit's face darkened with resentment. 'You're just mad because I'm stronger than Hollykit!' he spat, before stomping away back to the nursery.

As Squirrelflight watched him go, a wave of guilt and longing washed over her. She yearned to hug him tight and reassure him that she loved him unconditionally, but she feared that he would only interpret her affection as weakness.

And so, she forced herself to turn away, her heart heavy with the realization that her son had taken a path that she could not condone.