Sins of The Storm

Prologue

Crowstar heaved a heavy sigh as he sat down next to the stream that crossed PineClan's territory. Closing his eyes, he inhaled the chilly night air. The scent of pine and rain flooded his nostrils. Sometimes, when he had to make an important decision, he would come here to think. The mix of the scents of the pine forest and the night air always calmed him down.

He opened his eyes to stare at his reflection in the water. The gray hairs in his muzzle could be seen clearly. I've grown old, Crowstar thought with another troubled sigh. As much as he didn't want to admit that he wasn't as good as he was before, it was true. He could feel that his days would come to an end soon. And today, he felt it coming closer than ever.

He shook himself, trying to wiggle free of the claws of the icy fear that held his heart in its piercing talons. I won't be afraid of death, he decided, determined. I don't have any reason to be afraid. It's going to be my well-deserved rest. He did everything he could in his life. He was satisfied, except for one thing. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at the sky. He couldn't see the stars, nor the moon because of the storm clouds covering them. Still, he knew that his ancestors were watching over him. StarClan, I'll be joining you soon. There is just one thing I have to do before I go.

Suddenly, the bushes rustled behind Crowstar, and he could even hear a twig cracking. Tensing, he turned around to see where the noise was coming from. His heart hammered in his chest, and suddenly, the StarClan felt closer than ever. I should've never come here alone! Not after planning to do such a thing! The whole Clan knows it's true, and someone's here to stop me! Fear creeped up his spine, making him freeze to the spot. Trying to stop his trembling, Crowstar called into the night shakily.

"Who's there?"

No answer came. Newfound bravery filled the old leader as he thought of PineClan. He couldn't die here. Not now. Not before he could do what he wanted to do. I won't give up easily. I won't run away. He backed down from many fights before, but today wasn't the day he could do that. Determination washed over him as he unsheathed his claws, waiting for the attacker.

But much to Crowstar's surprise, no one sprang out threateningly out of the bushes. Instead, a she-cat made her way through the pine trees gingerly. She didn't look like someone who wanted to attack at all. The leader dropped his defensive position, relieved. I'm as paranoid as a senile elder! He let his fur lie flat. He knew this warrior too well; she couldn't even hurt a fly. She wasn't the one to be scared of.

"Crowstar? Is that you?" She called, taking a few hesitant steps towards him. What could she be possibly doing out here at night? She doesn't really like the dark. If she chose to come here, it must be something important.

"Yes, it's me!" He answered, signaling her to come forward and meet him. The warrior trotted swiftly towards him, sitting down in front of him. Crowstar eyedher curiously. She was panting a bit, and her eyes were just as wide as the moon. It's like she's afraid of something. "Hello. What brings you here?" He asked, tipping his head to the side.

The she-cat sighed, looking away to avoid the leader's gaze. Crowstar knew that she needed a moment to get herself together; she has always been a little shy. "I came here to talk to you..." She meowed finally.

A warning bell rang in Crowstar's mind. He could feel that she wanted to talk about the one thing he is trying to avoid. After all, they are her family! She of course wants to know if the rumors are true!

"About what?" He tried to force his voice to be calm, but it came out shakier and weaker than he would've liked. Embarrassment washed over him. I can't let my warriors see my weaknesses! I'm their leader, for StarClan's sake!