Warrior Cats: Sky of Storms

Chapter 8

The next day, the patrols were only warriors. Echopaw wanted to see the dog, but then again, she only had a little battle training.

Waterpaw had been made a warrior last night and earned his name, Waterstorm. Echopaw had been the first to chant his name, and she had been so excited for him.

Several moons later, the dog was still in the territory. Mistystar had been very sick lately, and she wasn't well enough to lead the Clan. Reedwhisker had been taking control of most of the leadership, even standing in for Mistystar at Gatherings.

Reedwhisker explained that they shouldn't attack the dog without Mistystar, so every cat had been tense. Every tree you turn could meet the fierce fangs.

Heavystep had joined the elders the other day, and Echopaw thought he was more than old enough.

"Hey." Echopaw jumped, startled out of her train of thought. She was becoming a warrior tonight, and she felt proud of herself.

She turned to see Waterstorm behind her and she waved her tail excitedly. "Do you want to go hunting for your last time as an apprentice?" He asked. Waterstorm's eyes glittered with protection and anticipation.

"I'd love to." She said sadly. "But I promised I would train once more with Reedwhisker and Splashfur."

Waterstorm's eyes didn't slide down in disappointment. "I understand. We'll hunt another time."

He walked away, his tail still waving. Splashfur emerged from the warrior's den with his apprentice, Rockpaw, the son of Bluetail and Sunbeam. They had a daughter as well, Pebblepaw. Her mentor was Stormfur. Bluetail and Sunbeam had another litter on the way.

Splashfur waved his tail in greeting at her as Rockpaw scampered along beside him

Reedwhisker emerged from the medicine den, looking perplexed. Echopaw walked over, not wanting to talk to Splashfur.

The tom made it obvious that he had feelings for her, and he acted like he never noticed Echopaw and Waterstorm with each other. Every time she was talking to Waterstorm, Splashfur would interrupt and ask to go on hunting or on a patrol.

Speaking of patrols, Reedwhisker reported the other day that he saw a lot more activity at Sunningrocks than usual. ThunderClan cats would sit on the rocks, staring into the river.

Echopaw didn't think much of it. If they wanted to invade RiverClan, she would be ready, and fight them off to protect her Clan.

Splashfur sat down next to her. Echopaw felt uncomfortable, knowing that Waterstorm's eyes were burning into her pelt. Splashfur had grown a lot bigger than her, and she felt tiny next to his towering shape.

"Are you ready for your last day as an apprentice?" He asked. Echopaw tried to control her bristling fur. He spoke to her as if she was a kit!

"Were you?" She retorted back, standing up. Splashfur looked taken back, and he licked his chest embarrassingly.

"Sorry." He said. "I guess I should treat you more like a warrior now." Reedwhisker walked up to her and said, "Let's go."

Once again she felt Waterstorm's burning gaze, and she winced. Reedwhisker headed for the sandy clearing where they had trained last. She walked up ahead, wanting to finish this quickly so she could hunt with Waterstorm.

"Why the rush?" Reedwhisker asked her. She didn't answer, instead racing down the slope toward the sandy clearing.

She turned to see Rockpaw racing after her, his eyes eager and his ears straight up. He flung his paws onto the sand and let out a triumphant yowl.