Warrior Cats: Sky of Storms

Chapter 16

Echowing fluffed up her fur against the cold wind. With leaf-fall here, her Clan was becoming more restless and tired. She had no deputy, and everything seemed out of control. Fights wound up every day, and Echowing had a few scratches herself from trying to stop the fights.

Moonwhisker and Sunfur acted as if they were loners. They stood on the outskirts of camp, sometimes going on patrols and helping out wherever they could, but Echowing needed to talk to them about leaving.

She had not talked to them yet, like she planned too, since everything was so stressful and busy. Swallowtail's injury became worse, and she had to join the elder's den early. Echowing was disappointed about that, since Swallowtail was one of the top cats she would have choice to be her deputy.

Wavefire constantly reminded her that she needed to get her nine lives, but Echowing kept making excuses, anything to keep her from going to the Moonstone. I'm not ready. 

Twigkit and Sunkit became apprentices, and their mentors where Stormfur and Blackclaw. Echowing was proud of her apprentice, and she hoped she could spend more time with the two warriors in the future.

Wishkit, Thunderkit, Skykit, Tidalkit, and Hopekit spent less time outside, now that fights broke out every day. Echowing tried to stop by the nursery every once in a while, but she found herself too busy to spend any time with them. 

Poor Sunbeam. Echowing winced. The queen had to take care of all five kits by herself. Wavefire had used up her whole supply of borage to make sure Sunbeam had enough milk. Echowing would have liked for Mosspelt to stay in the nursery and keep company for Sunbeam, but the she-cat was restless, and barley slept in her nest after Dawnflower died.

Blackclaw and Hawkfrost remained in the medicine den still, after the fight with the dog, they both were the most injured. Blackclaw had a shredded ear that wouldn't stop bleeding, and his leg was broken and crushed. Wavefire was worried he would never walk again.

Hawkfrost's nose was scathed horribly, and the skin was all gone. He couldn't smell, and the only smell he could make out was his own blood. Echowing checked on them the other day, only to find them groaning in pain.

Echowing looked up at the night sky, but it was covered by dark clouds. There was no Gathering tonight because the moon was covered, and Echowing felt a little grateful that StarClan was giving her more time to prepare for becoming leader of RiverClan.

Every cat had gone to sleep, except Wavefire and her, who were sitting on Highrock together. It wasn't smushed, and Echowing felt comforted with her friend's fur against hers. Wavefire is the closest thing I have of Waterstar now. 

Swallowtail was sitting outside the elder's den, asleep, but she constantly twitched as if she was fighting. Waterstar's mother may not be Swallowtail, but she grieves as much as the rest of us. Echowing may be experiencing more pain than any of us, with her half-son and mate gone.

At least Dawnflower is reunited with her son. I wonder why Waterfur had two mates in the first place.

Wavefire glanced at the brown tabby elder. "She is not well, and if she doesn't get better, she will end up like Reedwhisker."

Echowing glanced at her friend, and Wavefire shuffled her feet uncomfortably. "I think it's time we make our way to the Moonstone." Before Echowing could say something, Wavefire interrupted. "You are ready, but you just don't know it."

She looked up at the sky. The moon was covered, but you could see the light that shined through. It was almost dawn. "Tomorrow, we will go."

Wavefire sighed and nodded, jumping off the Highrock and walking toward the medicine den. Echowing looked back at her parents, who were talking in low whispers.