The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

76. Repetition

     The sun was slowly beginning to rise, spears of light fell through the trees as dawn arrived. Echolight listened to the morning songs of birds, picking a small bundle of marigold up in her teeth. She ached for sleep, but it was hard to find it amongst her frightening dreams. The warnings from StarClan echoed in her head, as did the argument between the leaders at the last gathering. When she slept, as the haunting words were whispered in her ears, she saw terrifying scenes of dying, wailing cats, and thick stinging brush. 

     She saw one of two things in every dream: a storm that rained hot blood, and a cat with no face. Their head, when turned, revealed a terrifying bone structure; a bloodstained skull with yellowed teeth. 

     She set the bundle down and sat, trying to collect herself. What was she supposed to do other than watch and wait? And who could she tell?  

     I wish Cobweb were here. He would help. 

     Once more, she picked up the bundle and carried it with her as she navigated the undergrowth. She missed Cobweb and Palemist with all her heart. But they’ll both live on through Spottedmoss’s kits. Still, it ached to think of the losses she had faced. And what about Spiderkit? He’ll be crushed when I choose Tawnykit. Will I lose him as a friend as well? 

     She blinked as she left the trees and worked through the tunnel, emerging on the other side and strolling through the camp. She glanced around, finding Sandfoot munching on a mouse, Skykit and Pinekit bumbling about their father’s paws, Scorchwing gently grooming a sleepy Poppyclaw. 

     I wonder if they’ll have kits one day too.  

     Something stirred in her — jealousy — and she picked up her pace and fled to her den. I chose to be a medicine cat. This is the life that I wanted, and I’m happy to have my duties to the Clan. She dropped the marigold. Every cat, young or old, is like my kit. 

     “Echolight?”  

     Great. 

     “Can you check Fang’s leg? She says it’s hurting again.” 

     Echolight twisted and stared at Grayfur. “I gave her two poppy seeds before I went out. How is she even awake?” 

     Grayfur shifted her paws awkwardly. “I don’t know.” 

     “She probably didn’t even take them.” Echolight huffed as she pushed out of the den. Fang was impossible to deal with, spitting and raging at anyone who came close. Echolight hadn’t just given her poppy seeds to ease the pain, she’d hoped the rogue would sleep through the day so she wouldn’t have to deal with her. 

     Echolight rounded the warriors’ den and nudged past Redwing. “Fang,” she said sharply, and the tabby lifted her head and blinked. She curled her lip and laid down again. 

     “What?” 

     “If you don’t take the herbs I give you, you won’t get better.” 

     “How do I know you’re not poisoning me?” 

     Echolight wanted to rake the smug rogue’s ears off. “Why would we take care of you all this time just so I could poison you? You’ve been eating the seeds all this time! You wouldn’t be in so much pain if you just did what I tell you.” 

     Fang’s head rose again, and she glared daggers. “Don’t you have other things to deal with instead of bothering me?” 

     “I’m trying to help you.”