Warrior Cats: Shadow Propechy (ENG VER.)

CHAPTER 21

Dawn took a long time to arrive. After returning from the beach, Wolfstar had to rest to avoid getting sick, as did Morningcloud.

The days were getting shorter and colder. Snow now falls almost every day, forcing the cats to dig paths across the camp.

The disease threatened to return now that the leaf-bare season had begun. Things would get worse, and Wolfstar spent his entire day forming plans and formations in case they were attacked. The patrols changed the routes, in addition to always having a warrior or apprentice surrounding the camp.

At the moment, he was pacing back and forth, restless and nervous, eager to hear from Shellstar. Three sunrises had passed since his visit, and with each heartbeat that passed, his chest felt like it would explode.

Sharpear got tired of telling the leader to calm down, as he was sure it would take at least a moon for Shellstar to form a concrete response.

"We can't wait for a moon!" Wolfstar countered, whipping his tail, but not out of irritation. "Mountainstar could decide to march into the forest at any moment!"

Sharpear agreed, hiding his paws with his tail. "I think you should go out for a bit. Go talk to Morningcloud, she was asking for herbs earlier."

Wolfstar faced his deputy, finally sighing. "Right."

The two cats left the leader's den, walking side by side. Sharpear said goodbye and went to the warriors' den. Wolfstar bounded towards Morningcloud's den, swearing under his breath as his furry paws were covered in snow.

He entered the den, meowing softly. "Morningcloud?"

The medicine cat turned to him, her mouth full of leaves. She released them, spitting gently onto the rock. "Come in," She approached the leader. "Is everything fine? You didn't get sick, right?"

"No, I'm fine," Wolfstar replied, watching the she-cat sigh in relief. "Sharpear said you need more herbs?"

"Oh yes! Perfect. I need more catmint and mint for fever," She bit off a leaf and showed it to Wolfstar. "This one, see?"

Wolfstar sniffed the small green leaf and nodded.

"Grows in the Old Nest. It's easy to find."

"Okay. I'll go right now."

"I would go in your place, but I'm supervising Sparrowwing's kits. They are sick, again."

Wolfstar agreed again, leaving the den. He decided he would go out alone, so he could reflect on everything that was happening.

He climbed the ravine, stumbling toward the Old Nest. Snow completely covered the territories, in an icy white sea. It took longer than usual because of the thickness of the snow, but Wolfstar continued, steadily.

On the way, his mind began to work, imagining, thinking. Am I really a good leader? He wondered, jumping up to get rid of the snow in his fur. Am I worthy to bear the name 'star'? Am I making good decisions?

Wolfstar's insecurity came back to haunt him, leaving him in doubt and apprehensive about himself. Wolfstar stared at the forest, not far away, wondering if preventing that war would really be the right decision.

If the HillClan destroyed the GroveClan, that means they would leave the forest, which would give more territory to the FieldClan...

He shook his head. No. I can't think like that. Every Clan deserves its place in the territory. Even a Clan like the GroveClan.

Wolfstar saw the Old Nest below the high ravine he was in. Its old, decaying structure was covered in snow. He went down, almost falling because of the humidity, scattering snow everywhere. As he approached, a smell invaded his nostrils. He froze, not believing what he felt. His ears and eyes move quickly, scanning its surroundings. A cold breeze brought that sweet, familiar smell again.

It's my mother's scent...

Wolfstar blinked, knowing it was impossible. I already dreamed about her. Maybe it's StarClan giving me a sign. Wolfstar looked up at the sky, covered in gray clouds. A storm was approaching.

He ignored his mother's distinct scent, looking for the herbs he was asked for, but the only thing he could smell was the sweet scent of Grassfur.

Angry and confused, Wolfstar just bit the plant that looked like catmint and mint, taking a small amount of each.

On the way back, Wolfstar thought about his father. He remembered the way Redstar always knew what to say and do, in any type of situation. Wolfstar purred loudly as he remembered times when Redstar was still alive.

Remembering his father made the brown leader feel lighter. He looked up at the sky, which, even though it was cloudy, seemed to shine with stars. He closed his eyes, ignoring the taste of catmint in his mouth. Help me in moments of darkness like these, he prayed, continuing his walk shortly after.

Upon arriving close to the ravine that hid the camp, Wolfstar's nostrils caught a different smell. The plants he carried prevented him from distinguishing the smell, but as he descended the ravine, his nose was invaded by the fragrance of salt.

Wolfstar dropped the plants on the ground when he recognized the scent of the ShoreClan, but what made him run through the tunnels, almost collapsing because of his strength, was the smell of panic that was together, permeating the entire camp.

When passing through the tunnel, Wolfstar was blocked by his own warriors, who were circulating and preventing the leader from catching a glimpse of the messenger.

"Get out of the way!" Wolfstar growled, gaining passage.

Upon entering the circle of curious cats, Wolfstar found a small cream cat—an apprentice—, almost lying down, panting. His fur was wet, dirty with dirt and blood, and his paws, lighter than the rest of his body, were clearly damaged from running a huge distance at full speed.

Morningcloud was at the apprentice's side, along with Sharpear and Treestripe. Wolfstar approached, hovering over the little apprentice. "Tundrapaw, right?" he asked, looking at his companions. "What happened?"

Sharpear shrugged. "He just arrived and threw himself on the floor..."

The apprentice coughed, hard, earning support from Morningcloud. Wolfstar could see a huge cut on his chest, staining the previously well-groomed fur a bright red, which ran down his left paw.

He opened his eyes, staring at the cats surrounding him. When he found Wolfstar, his body shrank, but he stood up soon after, shouting with all his might:

"Shellstar was killed!"