AshClan's Future {COMPLETE}

Chapter 21

"Set those leaves out to dry." Eagleclaw instructed Moonwhisker. She gave a nod as acknowledgment and gathered the leaves that Eagleclaw had set to the side while he was forming balls of moss in the back of the den. Moonwhisker set the leaves down to dry in the warm sunlight. After she was done, Moonwhisker closed her eyes and took a moment to bask in the sunlight. Things were peaceful around camp.

She could hear the sounds of active Clan life. Ivyheart organizing patrols, Featherpaw boasting about is training to Petalpaw and Leafpaw. The tiny Rosekit and Blossomkit playing with Lionpelt outside the nursery and Cinderclaw and Sandnose having a conversation outside of the elder's den. Moonwhisker opened her eyes, watching her Clan.

Things had been peaceful since Goldenstar had led an attack on SunClan, all injuries were healed up. Moonwhisker didn't agree with Goldenstar's decision to attack SunClan on such a small detail, and the loss of SunClan's warrior Stonewhisker sat bitter on her tongue. Moonwhisker knew that Eagleclaw resented Goldenstar for such a stupid choice, and Moonwhisker couldn't help but agree. The battle had done nothing but kill an innocent warrior and use up herbs.

Another thing that stuck in Moonwhisker's pelt like a burr was Riverstorm. Her sister followed Goldenstar so closely, and was happy to run into the battle without a second though. Riverstorm was brash, arrogant and reckless. She couldn't help but wonder if Riverstorm was treading down the wrong path as Featherstorm had warned her.

Echoheart was living a simple life as a loyal AshClan warrior, she had stayed behind during the fight and seemed to actually be quite happy these past few moons. Moonwhisker was worried about Riverstorm, and she was becoming more and more convinced that Riverstorm was heading down the dark path she had been warned about. I have to do something about it. Moonwhisker told herself, she had to bring Riverstorm back from that path. I know she wants to be leader, but what will happen if a cat like her becomes leader?

Featherstorm had warned her of death and blood shed following her sisters, and Moonwhisker had to do everything to stop that from being the future that AshClan would have to face. I need to talk to her, hopefully reason with her. She glanced at Echoheart who was leaving on a hunting patrol. I wonder if she could help. Moonwhisker pondered, though Riverstorm and Echoheart hardly ever got along. Perhaps if I can mend their relationship, Riverstorm won't go down that path!

"Moonwhisker!" A sudden cry broke Moonwhisker's train of thought. She saw Rainsong standing at the nursery with wide eyes while Lionpelt held Rosekit and Blossomkit back. "It's Ravenfur! She's kitting!"

Moonwhisker rose to her paws quickly, she ran into the medicine cat den where Eagleclaw had already her Rainsong's cries. Together the two medicine cats gathered everything they needed and rushed into the nursery where Ravenfur was. The black queen was panting heavily, her claws shredding the bracken in her nest.

"Where's Mousetail?" She whimpered. "I want Mousetail." She was clearly panicking.

"You need to relax, Ravenfur." Eagleclaw grumbled. "Your kits need you to be brave right now."

"Mousetail left on the morning patrol." Lionpelt explained. "He should be back any moment."

"Lionpelt keep the kits back please." Moonwhisker asked him. "If you see Mousetail, send him this way."

Lionpelt dragged his daughters out of the nursery and kept them inside. Moonwhisker placed a tender paw on Ravenfur's belly, feeling a ripple. "They're coming very soon." She reported to Eagleclaw who nodded.

"It hurts so much." Ravenfur wailed. "I can't do this."

"Yes you can." Moonwhisker rasped her tongue across the queen's ears. "Your body is made for this, StarClan will guide your kits here to us. Have faith in us."