Warrior Cats: Sky of Storms

Epilouge

Echostar gazed down proudly from the Highrock. It was a bright and sunny day, and the fresh kill pile was full. Everything felt peaceful. 

The sound of kits wailed inside the nursery, and Echostar jumped down from the rock, realizing she had not yet met Pebblewing's kits. Such a beautiful day to be born. She thought, smiling. 

Rockheart waved his tail to her as she passed, who was sharing a vole with Sunbeam. Bluetail was teaching Thunderpaw and Skypaw an advanced battle move in the corner. She waved her tail in greeting. 

My Clan is progressing. 

Inside the nursery, it was cool with a fresh breeze blowing from the entrance. She saw Pebblewing lying on her side, and Blackclaw, the father, watching her fondly. Two tiny kits squirmed beside the curve of Pebblewing's belly, fighting for milk.

One of them was a grey and white tom, like Pebblewing, and the other was a black she-cat. Echostar purred as she gazed down at them. "They're beautiful. Have you decided on names?" Pebblewing nodded, returning her purr. 

"Duskit is the black she-cat." She said. "And the tom is Wingkit because of the pattern on his side. See?" She nudged the tom and Echostar saw with surprise that Pebblewing was right. It reminded her of the dream she had of the kit with wings. 

Wings. She thought. Wings... 

Echostar's trail of thought was broken by Rockheart, who cleared his throat and said, "Echostar? May I speak to you?"

The leader gave him a suspicious glance, but she said goodbye to Pebblewing and followed Rockheart to a secluded corner.

"Is everything alright?" She asked, twitching her ears nervously. Rockheart nodded. "Oh yes, everything is fine. I just had an idea I wanted to run by you."

Echostar flipped her tail up and down, suddenly curious. "Go on."

"I was thinking." He started. "What if something similar to the Twolegs happens again? We'd need more water, and there's nothing in the warrior code that says we can go into unexplored territory..."

Echostar took a step back. "What are you thinking? Leave the river?"

"No! No!" Rockheart shook his head. "StarClan forbids that, but... I just think it would be nice if we had more, um, secretive territory."

Echostar scrunched up her forehead, thinking. Was Rockheart right? More territory would be nice, more territory meant more prey, but would StarClan approve? And what if they ran into trouble and some cat got hurt?

I will not have more blood on my paws! She thought. Mudfur? What do you think? 

She waited, but there was no response. She jumped a little as Rockheart cleared his throat again. 

"I'll think about what you've said." She meowed carefully. "This could be a dangerous journey."

Rockheart stood up. "Any cats injured would be drawn in my blood. If you let us explore, I promise you I will protect every cat there with my life. I promise you, this will benefit the Clan greatly."

Echostar's head began to spin, and she stood up quickly, murmuring, "I must speak to Wavefire."

Is Rockheart right? Is this what's best for my Clan?