Warrior Cats: Sky of Storms

Chapter 25

Echostar took a deep breath and lifted her head from the ground, watching as the big, towering Twoleg nest expanded into the sky. Her heart beat rapidly as she listened to the loud clanking noises from inside and the smell of the Twoleg stench.

Beside her, Firestar was oddly quiet as well. For a moment, he just stared at it, but then he turned towards the cats and watched their fearful expressions. Sorreltail was a new warrior in ThunderClan, but Echostar was surprised at the bravery in her eyes as she stood next to Brackenfur.

The other cats from ThunderClan were Thornclaw, Brightheart, Brambleclaw, Mousefur, Rainwhisker, Dustpelt, Sandstorm, Graystripe, Whitepaw, Spiderpaw, and Shrewpaw. Echostar was surprised that Firestar had brought apprentices. He was usually very cautious with young cats.

Firestar opened his mouth to speak to the big patrol, but he stopped suddenly and looked at her. She nodded and he stepped back, dipping his head respectfully. 

"Today, RiverClan," She thundered, fluffing up her fur so she looked bigger. "We take over the source of the black water today. We take back RiverClans territory so it may regain its strength and we may become strong again!"

RiverClan yowled in new energy, but only a few ThunderClan cats joined. Others looked sad, scared, or even angry at a few RiverClan cats. Firestar noticed this and stood up to speak.

"ThunderClan, we are here because of a wrong we committed. It may not have been all of us, but if one of us breaks the warrior code, we all do." He scanned the crowd, and Echostar noticed that Ashfur wasn't there.

Firestar probably did that on purpose. She thought. I could name a couple of RiverClan cats who would lash out at him.

Echostar turned, taking deep breaths. This was it. Her moment. She realized she felt like this would repay Waterstorm's death. Like this would finally lift the grief off her shoulders.

Beside her, Bluetail nodded at her, signaling she would give the command. Echostar took a deep breath, but before she called the signal, she said to Bluetail, "Be careful, okay? Please don't put yourself in danger."

Bluetail gave Echostar a meaningful look and said, "I would only do that to save my Clan, Echostar. You know that." Echostar nodded in agreement and watched as Bluetail swiftly darted away to ensure that everyone was prepared. This is why I reinstated him as deputy, she thought, impressed by Bluetail's unwavering loyalty towards their Clan.

Echostar firmly planted her paws down and let out a loud yowl. ThunderClan and RiverClan charged into the Twoleg den, hissing with fury. Echostar led the way, followed by Rockheart, Firestar, Graystripe, and Bluetail close behind, as they all darted towards the stairs.

A Twoleg blocked their way, but Firestar and Graystripe lunged forward and landed on the Twoleg's legs. It screamed in pain as blood bubbled from its wounds, and it fled the nest.

She found herself charging up the stairs, fast as a fish. Other Twolegs watching with star-struck eyes stared at them as they darted by, scared of what happened to their friend. But one stuck out an arm, tripping Rockheart, Firestar, and Graystripe. It started to grab them and Graystripe yowled for help.

Sandstorm, Dustpelt, and Sorreltail rushed up the stairs with Blackclaw close behind. Echostar saw Sunbeam glance up, but she didn't come. Blackclaw leaped over the battling cats and yelled, "Echostar! The den's structure is weakening. It could collapse any moment!"

Echostar looked down and saw that he was right. The rusty, black walls were shaking as Twolegs through cats into them with immense strength. Vile black smoke started to cloud her vision.

It'll destroy the whole thing by itself. She thought. We won't have to do anything to block it! But something told her that she should still try. She whipped around, ushering Blackclaw and Rockheart away. "You too go and evacuate everyone. Bluetail and I will go cover up the ramp."

Rockheart stared at her, then pulled her aside. Bluetail and Blackclaw turned away respectfully, looking at the roof. "You can't. What if you die? I- I can't live without you."

Echostar took an instant step back. I knew this was going to happen. I can't though, he was my apprentice! He is way too young, and... and... I will never get over Waterstorm. He was the only one for me. 

Echostar took a small breath and said again, "Go evacuate everyone else." She turned away, and she and Bluetail raced over to the ramp. She could practically feel Bluetial's curiosity pulsing off him, but he said nothing.

Echostar witnessed the exact same scene she had dreamt about. She saw buckets filled with black water, as well as empty ones. The ramp was covered in a sticky goo, and when she glanced downwards, she saw a long and narrow half-pipe that extended towards the river.

Unlike her dream, the river was darker and dirtier. Echostar hissed and looked around for something to shove inside it, but suddenly there was a scream. Echostar's heart lurched. It was the same scream she had heard in her dream!

But Bluetail was up here with her, so that means it was Sunpaw! "Hurry! Shove that piece of wood into the ramp! We have to go!"

No cat was left on the second floor. Everyone was streaming out, even the remaining Twolegs. Pieces of rubbish fell down on their heads. Bluetail hissed loudly as a piece of metal hit his neck with a loud thud.

He fell over, and Echostar screamed. "No! Bluetail!"

Through the chaos, she dipped her head to check his heartbeat, but her deputy suddenly surged up, wincing. "Come on!" The den was falling apart completely, but Echostar wouldn't leave until she knew everyone was out.

Bluetail must have had the same thought, because he scurried around the corners, sniffing every dark hole and turning over boards.

Suddenly, the loudest creak ever broke her eardrums. Only one other cat was left in the den, just like in her dream, it was Sunpaw.

I have to save him! She thought. Before Bluetail does! I have more lives them him, I'll be fine. She jumped forward as the roof started to collapse, but Bluetail got there first.

Echostar watched in horror as the metal fell down on top of the two cats, and a small golden paw appeared at the end of the Twoleg rubbish. It was Sunpaw's paw, limp and lifeless.