Warrior Cats: Shadow Propechy (ENG VER.)

CHAPTER 9

As he climbed the ravine, he could see the huge dark trail that formed the Black River. Just beyond it, the small grove of the Rain Forest was visible, as well as the Great Cliffs. Wolfstar looked back, scanning the fields. Following close behind him was Sharpear, Tinypaw, Salmonnose, Nightsky, Flamepaw, and Mudfur.

At his request, Treestripe and the others had stayed at the guard camp. Morningcloud didn't look happy to see her companions go, but Wolfstar didn't care. Up ahead, Shellstar was guiding them, watching for any danger. Sharpear walked shoulder to shoulder with the leader, clearly unhappy with the way they were making.

Despite warnings from the deputy, and even from Treestripe, Wolfstar decided to follow the shore cat to her territory. I hope you're making the right decision, thought Sharpear.

They hurried down the hill, furry paws crunching the soft, icy grass below. A strong, freezing breeze ruffled his tabby fur, but Wolfstar didn't mind. The cats only stopped when they approached the Black River. Its smell was foul, even from afar. Flamepaw frowned.

"Do we really have to cross it?"

"There is no other way, little one" Shellstar meowed, ignoring the way Flamepaw looked at her after using the word little. "But don't worry, I'm used to it. We'll cross safely."

Flamepaw stirred, not very pleased. The field cats approached the leader, who slowly followed Shellstar.

"Wolfstar," Tinypaw called to his mentor. "Are you sure about this?"

Wolfstar blinked his yellow eyes reassuringly at the apprentice. "Don't worry. Just do what she says."

Tinypaw nodded, calming down. Shellstar stopped near a line of bushes that ran along the length of the Black River. An extremely loud noise made the field cats crouch down in terror.

"What was that?" Salmonnose approached Mudfur, brushing the bristling gray fur against the older warrior.

"A monster," Shellstar explained, staring in the direction the massive creature headed. "They're dangerous, but they don't leave the Black River."

"You mean we'll have to cross the Black River with those things chasing us?" Flamepaw settled on her mentor's furry paws. "No way!"

Nightsky didn't scold the apprentice, but gently licked her ears. Wolfstar looked at his warriors. "If we're quick enough, they won't catch us."

"We'll just have to be smart." Shellstar approached, her tricolored fur ruffled slightly by the cold. "Let's divide into two groups. I will help you across."

The cats looked uncertain, but agreed when Wolfstar nodded.

"Okay, Sharpear, you lead the first group with Mudfur, Nightsky, and her apprentice," Shellstar meowed, looking at the deputy. "Wolfstar, you'll take the second group, with your apprentice, and Salmonnose. I'll help both groups cross."

The cats joined in, climbing the slight incline to the Black River. After passing through the thorn bushes, they came face to face with the huge dark trail just a few tails away.

"It's hot," Flamepaws meowed, brushing her mentor's colorful fur.

"And it stinks," Mudfur added.

A huge monster ran past the cats, leaving a fetid smoke behind, making the warriors wrinkle their noses and crouch on the ground in fear. The tortoiseshell she-cat grumbled again, but remained glued to her mentor's side.

"Okay, when I say so, the first group will cross the Black River with me," Shellstar meowed, looking at the warriors.

Sharpear was in the lead, signaling the cats with his tail to come closer. He looked at the shore leader, nodding in agreement. "We are ready."