Warriors - Cursed Blood

Prologue

PROLOUGUE

The moon gloomed over a pool of crystal water. Six cats scrambled up a slope that led to its presence. They sat around quietly as a russet-furred cat beckoned an apprentice forward.

"Shypaw," the she-cat meowed, "I welcome you to the Moonpond. As a medicine cat apprentice, you must promise to withhold information from these sacred dreams, never to share them with any cat but the leader or me."

Shypaw straightened, "I promise, Foxnose."

The cats laid down around the pond, their paws hovering above the water.

"StarClan awaits for you, Shypaw." Foxnose mewed, taking a sip of the water.

Shypaw followed her lead, lapping up the water. Mist formed around her, and her body felt weightless and free. She swiftly turned around and spotted a cat in the distance. She chased towards the cat, and notices it is Meadowpaw, Foxnose's apprentice before her. She had died from greencough the winter before, Shypaw was just a kit then. Meadowpaw fled, but Shypaw curiously followed.

"Speak to me!" Shypaw yelled as they entered a small clearing.

Meadowpaw disappeared in front of a cave. Shypaw walked inside, seeing sick and dying cats all around. It was a rogue group, some were strong, but pain was still hinted in their eyes. She saw a dark gray she-cat, appearing so familiar to her.

The she-cat hissed as blood poured out of her eyes, "A flame will spread, quick and strong. Don't forget the water, yet it won't bring back the dead."

She jolted awake, panting for air. The rest were still sleeping soundly. Shypaw wondered if they received the same prophecy. Or was she just having a nightmare? She thought about the she-cat who spoke. Why was she so familiar? StarClan brought her upon one big challenge, but she was prepared, ready to be the best medicine cat apprentice of them all.