AshClan's Future {COMPLETE}

Chapter 23

Echoheart watched her reflection in the surface of the slowly flowing river. Her heart was a storm of emotions. The fight with Riverstorm dug into her pelt like claws, ripping her apart. She hated her sister for saying things, but her emotions were deeply conflicting. Riverstorm is my sister, I'm supposed to love her. Echoheart reminded herself. I love Moonwhisker, but Riverstorm..? Thoughts of Riverstorm only filled with Echoheart with feelings of rage and pain. Do I hate her? Or am I just mad?

Echoheart flexed her claws, what had truly scared her was her desire to hurt Riverstorm during their argument. She had wanted so badly to hurt her sister, she wanted to feel her claws ripping through her pelt, blood spraying-- Stop! Echoheart swung her head, shoving the thoughts away. "I would never hurt Riverstorm." Echoheart told herself, the taste of doubt bitter on her tongue. "I would never hurt Riverstorm." She repeated several times. She stared at her paws, struggling to take some calming breaths.

She closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of the forest. She could hear the sound of the gently rushing water, as well as the chirping of birds overhead. She breathed in the scent of pine, a scent that was becoming so foreign to her. With each passing day it was becoming harder and harder to call the pine trees of AshClan her home.

Maybe Riverstorm is right. No one will remember me, maybe that's all the reason I need to leave. She lifted opened her eyes slowly, casting out her green gaze towards MoonClan. Would they welcome me? She wondered. She would no longer have to live in the shadow of her sisters, maybe she could finally be her own cat.

In this moment, Echoheart's paws itched to run, to leave AshClan territory and never look back. Even if MoonClan didn't welcome her, she could live as a rouge or loner. I could forget AshClan, I could forget all the struggles I've faced. I could leave it all behind.

Echoheart's heart started to pound, her paws burning to get moving. Just take the first step...

"Echoheart!" A voice suddenly rang through the trees, pulling Echoheart's mind back to reality. She looked over her shoulder and saw Graypelt padding swiftly through the trees, his amber eyes burning with concern. "There you are, I've been looking for you."

"Why?" Echoheart was shocked at how sharp her tone was. She rose to her paws and turned to face him.

"When the patrol came back I heard about the fight you had with your sister. I wanted to check on you." Graypelt explained.

"I'm fine." Echoheart grumbled. "I lost my cool with Riverstorm, I'm just so sick of her. I'm sick of the way she treats you."

"I don't blame you." Graypelt commented.

"What?" Echoheart met his gaze.

"Unlike the others, I'm not fooled by Riverstorm. She's reckless and arrogant, she walks about like she owns the entire forest. I don't like it, she got a SunClan warrior killed. What if it had been an AshClan warrior that died?"

Echoheart lowered her head slowly, letting out a weak chuckle. "Glad to see that someone in this Clan doesn't think pride and arrogance is what makes a warrior great."

"I've always thought you were a better warrior, Echoheart." Graypelt's tone grew softer. "You've always been better than her."

Echoheart's eyes went wide slightly. "You did?"

Graypelt nodded slowly, taking a step forward. "You're so caring, you care about the wellbeing of your Clanmates over your own, that's what makes a good warrior. I wouldn't mind seeing you lead the Clan someday."

"I don't think being leader is in my future." Echoheart admitted. "It's not a life I've ever wanted, I just want to be a good warrior."

"Then mission accomplished." Graypelt chuckled. "You know," He cleared his throat, looking around sheepishly. "I've always....admired you Echoheart. You're an incredible warrior, and I truly care about you." Echoheart's pelt started to burn as she watched this tom confess his feelings for her.