Warriors: Beetlestar's Path

Chapter Sixteen

     Shadowy clouds broiled overhead and darkened the entire world. A shape rose up from the murk and opened blank amber eyes. The trees behind it quivered, and as it opened its mouth, water flushed through the woods and over the bank. The cat stood still, even as the flood rocked the earth, and it's eyes glowed like a terrible sun. 

     Beetlestar laid in his nest and stared at his trembling paws. Only two days had passed since he took on his nine lives, and each moment was filled with exhaustion and stress, and the nightmares only made it worse. They woke him up, and when he would finally manage to fall back asleep, they would wake him once more. And each night terror contained the yellow eyed traitor. 

     He pushed himself up and groaned at the ache in his bones. The very air felt wet, warm and humid after soft rains throughout the night. When he glance outside the medicine den, he could see nothing. The sun still hadn't risen. It's as good a time as any to start the day. It's not like I'll be getting any more sleep. 

     The camp clearing was empty save for Piketooth at the entrance, standing guard with a nodding head and a look of discomfort. Beetlestar approached, paws squelching on the spongy earth. "Hey, go get some rest. Have Littlestep take over, and wake up Shatteredstone and send her to me."  

     Piketooth blinked in response and set off for the warriors den. A few moments later, Littlestep emerged and settled by the reed tunnel. Shatteredstone came shortly after, with Acornpelt leaving the nursery and following on her heels. "It's time already? Goodness, it's early," Shatteredstone grouched.  

     "Er- If it's okay, I'd like to go with you. To help out," Acornpelt mewed. Before Beetlestar could answer, she cut in. "Brownspots said she'd watch the kits last night, and I've been so shut in, I want to help out." 

     "I suggested it. It's good for a queen to get out and help the Clan. Helps prevent her from getting too rusty," Shatteredstone explained, butting in. Beetlestar dipped his head. 

      "Okay, that's fine. I appreciate the help. Shatteredstone, go wake up Troutpaw, have him do some stretching and eat something. Give us time to get ahead, but don't wait too long." When Shatteredstone mewed a quick "Okay," Beetlestar turned to Acornpelt. "We have a whole lot of walking ahead of us. I hope you're up for it." 

     Acornpelt brightened. "Good. Thank you. It'll be good to be of some use." 

     The sun had finally risen, dispelling the mist that had coated the entirety of WaterClan's territory. Beetlestar shifted carefully on a long, bendy willow branch, adjusting himself for want of comfort. The ache in his paws had begun to ebb away and he took in a deep breath. The wet air cooled his throat and lungs, and the sound of the river behind him soothed some of his nerves. 

     Acornpelt shuffled her paws beside him. She already looked so tired. Three moons in the nursery had worn her out and stolen much of her strength, inactivity making it hard to keep up her energy. But she had powered through all of the trudging of the day. Beetlestar only hoped that it would be worth it, and that Troutpaw would succeed in his current test. Today was the day of his warrior assessments, and so he was tasked with tracking down Beetlestar and Acornpelt as if they were intruders. They had trampled all across WaterClan's meadowlands, zigzagging and creating false trails, and had finished at the Three Willows. 

     So now they would wait.  

     The test was meant to judge Troutpaw's tracking skills and focus, and just how quickly he could hunt them down. There was also another challenge. A challenge of strength and wisdom. 

     Two shapes appeared in the distance, one light brown and the other white with brown spotting. Beetlestar nudged Acornpelt and angled his ears towards the two. "You go after Shatteredstone. Climb down and attack. I'll go for Troutpaw after that. When Shatteredstone lifts her head up, touch her neck with your paw. That'll be a killing blow."