Tornadostorm's Super Sad Story; Here me talking allot about Twister's sad life? Come here and check out the details! Book 2

I looked up as Mistystream called my name “can you go on the Sun High patrol?” I nodded “of course.” “Shadowdragon, you two?” I glanced at the senior warrior next to me. I had been a warrior for several years now. And this tom sitting next to me glancing up at our young deputy, was a warrior when Goldshimmer found me.

I shrugged it off. Pulled back into reality by him nodding to Mistystream “Yeah, I have the time.” Mistystream nodded “Meeting dismissed then.” Swirlstar nodded to her, and the two cats left the High Rock.

Shadowdragon stood up, turned, and walked out of the camp. “HEY WAIT!” I yowled. Running after him. “SHADOWDRAGON!” I slowed to a halt once I left the camp. I had lost sight of the surprisingly speedy CloudClan warrior. I lifted my mussel to the air, and scented the slight draft blowing past me. I easily scented Shadowdragon. But… There was someone else I smelled…No, two other cats I smelled.

The scents tickled my nose, so familiar…. Yet… I haven’t scented them in forever. My tail pricked in interest, I trotted forward, following my nose. I gasped at what I saw. Three cats. Two standing next to each other, and one facing them.

The one facing the other two was Shadowdragon, obviously. But… The other two.. “Moonflame, Goldshimmer…” I whispered under my breath, my eyes portraying my terror. “How!?” I said in a louder tone.  The three cats looked at me. I slowly approached. “Tonadostorm!” Goldshimmer greeted. Excitement in her tone. “I thought you left the clan?!” I said a purr breaking my voice. She smiled. My gaze moved to Moonflame. My heart broke the instant I saw her.

“MOONFLAME!” *pant pant* *Sound of running paws*  *Slam..Thud* “Oh no… I..Can't..Get to her in time!”

“This will be a huge loss to both clans.. Moonflame was an amazing warrior…And…An amazing mentor…”

I ran forward and hugged her, and began sobbing. I hugged her really tightly. “I missed you so much.” My voice was breaking Moonflame leaned forward, and licked my cheek. She whispered “I missed you too.”

“Wh..What..What happened?” I whispered Moonflame murmured “I wasn’t killed, back then. I wasn’t exactly in good condition, but I didn’t die.” She sighed. “When I recovered my consciousness.. I went to seek out the loners who had attacked us.”
She lowered her head “I never found them.” I leaned my head on her shoulder, taking in the familiar scent of my old friend. I turned to Goldshimmer and Shadowdragon. “Come on, you guys! The clan will be so happy to see you all!”

I turned and dashed back towards the camp. The others followed.

I was right. The clan was very excited to see them. A feast was thrown, and celebrations commenced in both clans.

But Moonflame and Goldshimmer weren’t the only ones to return to the clans. Whisperbreeze, Dapplestar, and even Rosestar from my kithood made appearances. As well as some others.

But that’s the present.. Allot of stuff has happened sense I went to visit Littleleap, and Dew. Deerpaw became Deertail (Oh my goodness, am I proud of her!) several cats have died, and several new kits have joined our ranks. Some of them show real promise.

I awoke with a start. It had all been a dream. Well, most of it had. Deerpaw had become Deertail, and there were some new kits and apprentices in both clans, but the return of her old friends… Of Moonflame… Was all a dream. Sorrow filled me as I remembered my mentor’s death.

I stood and stretched. Mistystream was asleep nearby. Her ear twitched, and I froze, not wanting to awake the deputy. I then strode out, careful to dodge the tails of Roseblossom, and Whitefeather as I moved. I watched the red sunrise. Smiling at its beauty. I noticed Deertail over by the fresh kill pile and approached her “Hey there.” Deertail glanced up. “Hey! Wanna go on a patrol with me??” “Was I assigned one?” I was feeling tired. I didn’t want to walk around the borders of my territory for hours. Deertail shrugged “I could ask.” I shook my head. “No, no. Mistystream is asleep.” Deertail looked vaguely annoyed. I could understand why. I had been too busy with my own thoughts, and things lately to spend much time with my former apprentice.  

Now I felt like something else was holding me back, a weight on my shoulders. As the feeling didn’t go away over the course of the day, I decided to go talk to the clan medicine cat, Mustardblossom. But before I could get there, suddenly Jewelsky came rushing into the camp. “HELP! WE’RE UNDER ATTACK!!” I gasped. Several of the clan, including me, rushed to the LightningClan camp.

Wolves were everywhere! There was at least one wolf for every member of LightningClan. And Fawnstar in particular had several wolves surrounding her.  I rushed to help her. I was batting at several wolves. One snapped back at me, but I barely dodged it, and clawed his lip. He yelped, and stumbled backwards. I moved and stood next to Fawnstar. She was badly hurt.

Moving generally together, we fought back the wolves until only one was left. Suddenly I heard Stealthvixen yelp off in the distance. I ran forward to defend her, leaving Fawnstar with that last wolf. I helped Stealthvixen fight off the huge brute she was fighting. The fox’s tail was lashing wildly, and her ears were flat as she ‘snickered’ at her opponent. I leapt on the wolf’s back, and bit the back of his neck. I easily slipped off, not having much room for my feet on a creature only a bit bigger than myself. The wolf bit at me, grabbing the soft fur at my neck, and ripping at it. I screeched in pain as the fur was pulled from my body. I slashed at his nose, causing a similar sound to come from him.

The wolf then ran off at a huge blow to the throat from Stealthvixen. Not deadly, but quite painful. Stealthvixen panted, and looked at me relieved. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome.” Suddenly both of us heard Glimmerpaw call out “FAWNSTAR NO! HANG ON!” I wheeled around, and dashed back. ”Oh no.” I thought to myself. ”What have I done?!” When I got there it was too late. A wolf was flinging Fawnstar around by her neck. Throwing her into the air, letting her hit the ground, the picking her up again. I rushed and leapt at the wolf’s face. He barely reacted at first. Then he dropped Fawnstar and tried to bite me when I covered his eyes.

The wolf ran off when I bit really hard, and clawed at his eye closest to my face angrily. I fell when he did so, and rolled quickly onto my feet. I turned and ran to Fawnstar’s side. She was unconscious. “Oh man.” I put a paw gently on her throat, which was twisted in a weird way. It kinda scared me, looking at her. When I put my paw on her throat, I couldn’t feel her pulse. She was dead.

My eyes grew wide. “She…She’s dead..” I whispered to Glimmerpaw, who stumbled backwards in shock.

It wasn’t horribly long before the battle was over. With CloudClan’s assistance, the wolves were chased off. And both clans were quick to realize Fawnstar’s death. After helping LightningClan get themselves together somewhat (Gathering the wounded, and such) the members of CloudClan including me returned to our camp. And announced to the rest of the clan what had happened to Fawnstar, who was thankfully the only casualty of both clans.

But I still felt that weight, though it was more on my spine now. So while Mustardblossom checked me over for injuries, I explained my problem to her. She felt my spine with a tender paw, then my stomach. The smile that she got when she felt my stomach scared me. She said in –thankfully- a hushed whisper “You’re going to have kits, Tornadostorm!” My eyes grew wide ”What?! Again?!” I forced a smile. Feeling more scared than anything. “May I...” A look from me silenced the medicine cat. No, I did not want her, or anyone, to know who the father was. I sighed, hoping Dew would take it well that she was about to have siblings.

It was later that night that I left the camp, and went to tell my family. Littleleap’s eyes grew wide when I told him. Then they sparkled “Really?! I’m so excited!!” He leaned forward and hugged me. Dew, who was nearby when I told Littleleap, gasped “Wait, WHAT?” I looked at her, wide eyed “I…I don’t know what to say, Dew… Sorry?” Dew looked down, appearing somewhat ashamed. “I wonder what it’ll be like.” She whispered softly. “To have siblings.” The words stung me. ”You did…Do… Have siblings. A brother and a sister… But they’re… Dead…” I looked down “This will be fun!” The young she-cat said finally.

“I need to stay with my clan, at least for now.” I whispered after around an hour of talking and planning amongst ourselves. Both cats looked at me. “OK.” Littleleap said. “Come by sometime, ok?” I nodded, and left. Dew had looked hesitant, but she seemed to concede defeat when I left.

I arrived back at my clan, and slept heartily through the night.

I went there allot most nights from then on. It began to feel like when I first met Littleleap, before he had been banished from his clan.

~~~

It was about two weeks later. And I was visiting Littleleap and Dew a bit earlier than usual. They greeted me whole heartedly. (By now I was slightly bigger than a normal thin she-cat, but it wasn’t super noticeable.) Littleleap hugged me. I opened my mouth to speak to the two cats, when suddenly a loud howl sounded nearby. Littleleap climbed out of the cave. Dew and I followed him closely. He turned to say something to Dew. I continued on, following my ears and my nose to locate the creature.

What I found shocked me.  The wolf had Crystalstream pinned. And a little red kit was cowering away from it. I ran down to help. The wolf turned to me as I ran. Growling fiercely.  I continued to charge. I wanted to save my friend. Crystalstream looked already badly hurt, and unconscious.

I vaguely heard Littleleap’s voice behind me. “NO DON’T!! TORNADOSTORM STOP!”  I ignored him. Seemingly forgetting myself.  I could tell he lengthened his stride by the sound of his paw steps, as we rushed down the hill towards the wolf who now had his whole body turned to us, his head lowered and his hackles raised in a growl. Littleleap’s faster pace finally got him ahead of me. He hadn’t the time to jump infront of me and stop me, so he leapt onto the wolf for the same purpose of protecting me. I forced myself to slow down, which came in large loud thuds of my paws.

The wolf easily flung Littleleap. And bit his stomach, hard. I gasped “LITTLELEAP!” I ran forward as he screeched in pain, clawing desperately at the wolf’s mussel. I swiped at it. It moved its head to dodge the attack, thankfully letting go of Littleleap to do so. Littleleap rolled onto his side, and lay there, eyes squeezed shut in pain, breathing heavily.

Dew rushed to my side. She had apparently followed us. “Come on!” I shouted desperately. We rushed forward together and both attacked the wolf. I clawed at its face, and Dew clawed at the back of it’s neck. Both our attacks together were enough to make the wolf run off.  I turned quickly to Littleleap. “Are you ok?!” I ran to him, and crouched at his side, which was badly bleeding. Tears filled my eyes. He coughed. “I… I’m f..Fine.. Go… Go help your friend.” Dew looked at me comfortingly “I’ll stay with him.” I nodded slowly, moving towards Crystalstream.

She looked very badly beat up. “Crystalstream?” I whispered. No response. I gently nudged her. Still nothing. Panic rose in me. More than it already had been. I rested a paw on her neck…. “No..” I whispered. “Not again… PLEASE NO!” I shouted, Dew looked up to me worriedly. The little red kit moved to say something, but I ignored her.  Crystalstream was dead….

Suddenly I heard a loud, and frightening coughing fit could be heard from Littleleap. I ran over to him. “No! Hang in there!” I put my nose in his fur. “please.” Dew looked like she was about to cry. Her whole figure was stiff, and she was staring at Littleleap with a shocked and scared expression. Littleleap smiled slightly, his mouth open, looking at me with only his eyes. “I…I..I would do… An..Anything for.. y..You, you know …that.. Right?”

I stared at him, feeling horror creep into my very bones. “Of…Of course…” He looked away from me. His breath coming in wheezes “So..  Y..You know… That.. I..I would..have done this… For you… Anyway…” Tears streaked down my cheeks now. “I..I’m sorry! SO sorry!” I croaked out. He let out a long soft breath. It startled me. He coughed more. A drip of blood appearing at his mouth. It was at that moment, filled with horror, pain, and shamethat I realized he was dying.

I laid myself down next to him. Resting my mussel on his neck. “Just hang on, it’ll be ok.” I whispered. “T..Tornado..storm… I wa..want you to… Take care of..the kits..OK? Be a…Good mother.. To them?” his voice was deep and strained. Like it hurt to talk. “I..I love you, Littleleap” I whispered “I..I..I..love..y..” His voice tailed off. And he closed his eyes. I suddenly burst into tears. Dew pressed herself against me. “I..I’m sorry mom!” I licked her comfortingly. Not sure what else to do “Why…? Oh my dear you have nothing to be sorry about.”

I felt overwhelmed. I had a daughter, and unborn kits, and I had just lost my mate. I closed my eyes, tears streaming from my cheeks onto Dew’s head. I felt lost.

 
I was at the camp. It was the middle of the night. Suddenly I felt a prodding in my shoulder. It was Whitefeather. "Are you ok? Your mumbling in your sleep... Kind of woke me up." I glanced blearily up at her. "Oh sorry." Honestly I didn't remember if I had dreamt or not. Suddenly I realized why I had been mumbling and fidgeting in my sleep. A shock of pain pulsed through my stomach. Yes, it had been several weeks sense Littleleap died. I had spent all of that time helping Dew get back on her paws. Only rarely returning to my clan.
 
My absence didn't seem to bother them too much though. I'd have my excuses. But now I stood. Whitefeather looking after me worriedly. "I've got to go." I rasped. Pain making my throat tighten. I stumbled out of the den, and through the nearby dirt tunnel which was faster. I made my way towards the border of the territory, hurrying as fast as I could, though I was slow under the weight of my own paws. "If I can just get to Dew..."
 
I made it just across the border and collapsed. I knew my kits were coming, and I felt terrified that I would end up having them alone. Luckily a black silhouette appeared between the trees, and hurried over to me. It was Dew. She had been hunting along the border. "Oh man..." She whispered. I just lay there. Unable to move through the pain. She crouched next to me.
 
The process was long, and miserable. Much worse then when I had had Dew, and her stillborn siblings. After a while, I was so tried, I felt like I was just numb to the pain. But then I realized... I was done... I had had my kits. Dew gently nudged the bundles towards me. Two healthy kits. A little white kit with black paws and mussel, with a white grey stripe down her back. I smiled. Realizing how much of a perfect mix of me and her father she was. And her younger brother, a black tom with white ear tips and tail. I smiled at both of them panting. I felt a little faint though.
 
For several minutes I faded in and out of consciousness. Finally, I seemed to recover a little. I felt both kits suckling at my stomach. After a few more minutes, Dew whispered in my ear "we need to go." She spoke in a soft, matter of fact tone I nodded and forced myself to my feet. The kits mewed as they suddenly didn't feel my warmth. I picked up the little white she-cat. Dew picked up the little tom. We headed to the crystal cave. For a second I felt grief spike my heart as I remembered the first time Littleleap had shown me this place.
 
I lay down pressed against the wall. both little kits suckled once more. I wrapped my tail under them. The hard floor was too cold for their soft bodies.
 
Dew glanced at me "I'll go get some moss and some fresh-kill for you." I nodded gratefully. Just happy to be able to rest.
 
 
Dew took a while finding the moss and fresh kill, but she came back, and made a little nest for me and the kits. I curled up gratefully, and the kits started to doze. "What are you going to name them?" Dew whispered. I looked at them. feeling uncertain. "Umm.. What do you think of Black, or Blackkit for the little tom?" I inquired. Dew shook her head. "No, how about Coal?" I thought about it. "Coal. I like that." I turned my attention to the little she-kit
 
 
her mostly white pelt glowed like the crystals in the limited light. I was tempted to name her Crystal, but I realized that reminded me too much of Crystalstream. I looked at my daughter thoughtfully. "How about Ice?" I murmured to Dew. I didn't get a response, and never noticed the silence. "Yeah, I like that. Ice, or Icekit." I gave each sleeping kit a final lick before I laid my head down. Just then Dew came back. I hadn't noticed her leave. She had a shrew in her jaws, and dropped it at my paws. I glanced at it "Eat something." she murmured. Laying in a nest near mine. I sniffed the shrew, and ate it hungrily.
 
Then I dropped off into a doze.
 
It had been about a week and a half sense I had given birth to my second litter. The kits were just opening their eyes. The younger tom had grown stronger, and was now bigger then his older sister. I was watching the two mewling and climbing over each other as I was sprawled in my nest. I knew I had to leave... But I didn't want to repeat Dew's story all over again. I closed my eyes. Just wanting this moment to last forever.
 
But it ended all too quickly as Dew murmured "your clan is probably looking for you." from where she sat putting some extra prey she had caught earlier. "I know." I responded. "But can I really leave these two kits here? With no father too look after them?" Dew narrowed her eyes "I can take care of one... I.. Don't think I could take care of two though." I nodded, feeling hoarse.
 
"who would I bring with me... And who would stay behind?" Dew walked over and liked Coal(kit) on his head. I blinked. My mind suddenly made up. "Coal.." I whispered. Nudging the little black tom. he barely responded to my gestures, still too weak to do much on his own. "I'm going to take your sister with me... Back home... I'm leaving now." Dew watched me with wide eyes. "Goodbye, Dew. Goodbye, Coal." I gently grabbed little Icekit by her scruff, and stood. Fear made my heart pound the whole journey home. I was scared as I crossed into my territory, and headed to the camp.
 
I decided I'd tell the clan she was my daughter, but never say who her father was. What would the clan think if they knew they had a murderer's daughter among them?
 
I heard gasps and murmurs as I walked into the camp, carrying a little white bundle of fur in my jaws. Icekit mewed softly, and I put her down at my paws. "This is Icekit. My daughter. Please accept her into the clan."

It had been a few days sense then. The clan had happily accepted little Icekit as one of them. It took a little while, but once they realized I'd never give a straight answer, the questions about Icekit's father died off.  
 
Things mostly went back to normal after that. I'd spend allot of time in the nursery with Icekit, and while I wanted to sleep in the warriors den with my friends, my daughter needed my attention much more. I tried a few times to go and see Coal and Dew, but my absences were much less welcome when I had a kit to look after. Understandable.
 
It was early morning, but late enough that most of the clan was already awake. I was sunbathing on a random rock near the edge of the camp, watching Icekit play with some of the other clan kits. Such as Morningkit, Drizzlekit, and Applekit. They were all tussling around having fun. Oddly enough, Icekit seemed quite proud I was her mom. Now that she found her voice. Squeaky and high pitched as it was.
 
Applekit tackled Icekit, pinning her. "HEEEY" Icekit squealed "YOU CANNOT DEFEAT TORNA-O-ORM'S KIT!!!" She pawed desperately at Applekit, and finally kicked the little sorrel she-cat's stomach until she was freed.
 
Morningkit took his opportunity and leapt at Applekit. They rolled through the dying grass. I took a sharp inhale as I opened my mouth to yawn. I felt a nip in the air. Leaf-bare was coming soon. Heh. Of course my daughter had to be born in leaf-fall. Drizzlekit just sat wide eyed, watching the whole scene unfold in utter bewilderment.
 
Suddenly Swirlstar rushed into the camp. When did she leave?? I stood, and leapt down, gently herding Icekit and her friends into the nursery. I had a feeling something was about to royally go down. She leapt onto the high rock. I saw Mistystream make her way over and join her up top. Looking at her leader in confusion. "We must go to LightningClan!" Swirlstar huffed, hurried and breathless.
 
Sense I was standing in the entrance to the nursery I heard a faint "can I go too?" From Icekit. I looked over my shoulder and glared at her "You are too young for any adventures." I said sternly. Catching myself off guard by my own town. Heh. Guess I had kits but I was never really a mother until now.
 
Swirlstar, panting, scanned the group. She picked out several warriors, including me, herself, Roseblossom and Mistystream, to go to LightingClan. Then explained what was going on. "There are badgers on the edge of LightningClan's territory. Silverstar has asked some of us to help her drive them off... But we must hurry, they are moving swiftly towards the border. Of course-" She furrowed her brow, hesitating a second to catch her breath "-it happens to be the border closes to their camp."
 
The warriors murmured, several more volunteering to go. Most were allowed, some rejected for various  reasons. The most common one being a small case of green cough going through the clan.
 
Once everything was decided we all gathered near the camp entrance, and waited for Swirlstar, who was discussing something with Mistystream. Neither cat seemed particularly happy, but all I could really catch was an unsure twitch of Mistystream's whiskers. After a few more minutes they were done talking, and both made their way down to us.
 
"Come" Swirlstar said with a formal edge to her tone. "Let's go." She made her way through the small crowd gathered, and broke into a run once she was out of the camp. We all filed out after her.
 
It wasn't a long journey to the border. But the noise was audible much before the battle was visible. I slowed to a lope, and examined the scene. In a large clearing just beyond the border LightningClan warriors were battling a large group of 7 particularly aggressive badgers. I recognized a few cats in the clearing, I saw Silverstar swiping at the nose of a large male badger, and Glimmerwing dashing around helping the apprentices, and younger warriors.
 
"Wow that looks like some fight." I heard Deertail whisper beside me. I glanced at her "Don't worry. Just stay out of the range of their claws and you'll be good." At Swirlstar's battle yowl, we all dashed out of our cover of the darkness of the tree line, and across the border into a field. Instantly I engaged in a fight with a smaller female who was giving Blackpetal some trouble. I pinned my ears, and scrunched up my nose as I screeched furiously at the badger to get it's attention off Blackpetal. I dodged to the side, and swiped at it's shoulder/neck area. I drew blood, but it's skin was tough. My claws didn't cut very deep.
 
Blackpetal took a second to catch her breath, then got back into the fight with me. Together, we batted it it's nose, chest and neck. Finally, it gave up trying to bite and claw at some small, fast moving targets, and ran off with a few well wishing yowls and hisses from us.
 
I gave Blackpetal a pleased smile, and she returned it with a grateful one. I turned to go and help Deertale and Cometsong with a slim, young male, when suddenly I was knocked over and I felt huge claws rake my side. I screeched in pain. My head hurt and my vision flashed white. I squirmed to try to get to my paws but I couldn't focus my eyes, I felt like I was blind. Suddenly I felt a rush of wind over my head, and the cry of a badger in pain. Taking a second to re-center myself, my vision returned, and I looked over my shoulder to see Swirlstar furiously batting at the badger. A huge female, with all she had. I stood. My side stung. It hurt to breathe, and my fur felt wet with blood.  I took another moment to analyze the situation. Swirlstar couldn't fight this badger alone, I knew that. But was I in any condition to help her?
 
Who cares
 
I leapt forward, forcing my unwilling legs to move. I reared on my hind legs, batting at the badger's neck, while Swirlstar kept it occupied, by batting at it's nose, and backing off just enough to taunt it, arching her back and hissing.
I tried to time my attacks in a way that wouldn't distract the badger from Swirlstar, his 'real' opponent.
I did pretty well, I thought, I was starting to do some serious damage. But the badger continued to attack just as strong and just as furiously as before. I started to get confused, how could it keep going after all I'd done to it?!
 
I paused for a second, backing off to catch my breath. The badger took it's chance, and lunged at Swirlstar. She screeched. My gaze was jerked over to see what was going on. Swirlstar lay limp on the ground. a huge gash in her shoulder chest and neck area. The badger prepared for another swipe. I dashed forward, lengthening my stride as much as I could. I leapt, throwing all my weight into the badger's head. It hurt. The badger was knocked over by my sheer force. I took my chance and vigorously attacked it's exposed belly. Biting onto it's side, and kicking out with my back feet.
 
The badger finally stood, me clinging on for a minute or two, and when I fell to the ground, it dashed off. It took me a minute to get over the intense pain from my injured side, before I got up and tried to get to Swirlstar.
 
I was blocked by another badger though. I continued to fight it with Glimmerwing and Roseblossom until it too was driven off. In the end, I had to continue fighting and didn't get a chance to see if Swirlstar was alright, until finally all the badgers were driven off.
 
I stood in place. Breathless and unsure. Could the battle really be over?? Really? I felt faint. I could barely hear Whitefather's voice in my head asking if I was ok.... I passed out.
 
The next thing I know, I'm waking up in the medicine-cat's den. my side bandaged with herbs and cobwebs, and a little white kit bundled up next to my stomach. I smile down at her. I still feel a little woozy and dizzy, but much better. I glance around. The medicine cat seems to be absent. And I seem to be the only one besides Icekit is in the den. After a few seconds, once the dizziness fades, I stand, hearing Icekit's soft protest as she flops onto her side.
 
Stepping outside, I see the clan gathered around the high rock. Mistystream and Cometsong stand on it. Glancing again around the gathered crowd, I notice both clans gathered there. Some hurt, others looking pretty much 100%.
 
I take my place near the back of the group, and listen in, trying to catch up to the conversation.
 
"-and there are a few casualties of the battle." Cometsong was explaining. She glances at Mistystream wearily. Mistystream, catching her eye, takes over. "Including Swirlstar, and Silverstar." A collective gasp. I'm part of it. Apparently Swirlstar didn't make it. I close my eyes tightly and look down. I could have- I stop myself there. Heh. No point thinking that way. What's done is done. I've learned that from experience.
 
I listen back in. "-will be going to the Moon Pool tonight." Mistystream murmurs. "And so will I." Cometsong adds. I perk my ears. Of course, they're leadership names! Heh. Yes. I realize it's been a while sense Ashstar. I'd almost forgotten the procedure. I patiently await them to finish the meeting. The rest is trivial. They remind us to get some rest and recover from our wounds. Then announce who's going with them to the Moon Pool. And as I suspected, not me. I'm not a medicine-cat after all.
 
I go to bed early that night. Deertail seems worried about me. "I'm fine." I say with a chuckle. "My side hurts that's all. Nothing sleep can't cure." She narrows her eyes. "Seriously." I lick her on the nose, she giggles and looks away. "You rest up too. That was a tough fight." She nods "Of course Tornadostorm." I head to the nursery.
 
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Mistystream watching me, about to leave for the Moon Pool. I don't take much notice.
 
~~
 
I wake up to Icekit prodding me in my shoulder "MOM! MOM!!" I glance up, still bleary. "Mommy! Mistystwe-staw and Cometstaw aw back." She smiles broadly. "Dey callin' a meetin'." I nod slowly, and stand. Making my way out of the den, I murmur softly "Thank you." She beams at me ever stronger, and I sit once again near the back of the clan. Mistystar is standing on the High Rock. I'm guessing Cometstar came to give Mistystar her well-wishes, and left for her own clan.
 
Mistystar watches me, waiting until I sit down to begin. "So you must know why we are gathered her today." She addresses her clan. She is trying to act professional there is a glint of excitement behind her eyes. "We must choose the new deputy of this clan." She murmurs. "Let Swirlstar look down, and approve of my choice." She scans the clan, for effect I assume. "Tornadostorm, please step forward?" I jolt. What...??? Why does she want to talk to me?! My side stings slightly, but the pain seems to fade as I stand, and make my way up the High Rock. Realization dawns on me, as I walk. I...I'm going to be a deputy! I sharply inhale, and hold my breath, as I stand next to Mistystar, looking down on the clan with a wide eyed shocked expression.  A slight breeze ruffles our fur. I can feel it from up here! Wow!
 
I flick my ear as Mistystar begins to talk again. "Tornadostorm, do you accept the responsibilities and duties affiliated with this position in your clan?" Mistystar's speech is unique. I smile. I like it. "Y-yes... Th-thank you.. So much... I... Want to help you as much as I can.." Mistystar nods, silencing me. "Then you will now be called Tornadostorm, deputy of CloudClan!" The clan erupts in cheerful congratulations, chanting our names
 
"MISTYSTAR TORNAODSTORM MISTYSTAR TORNADOSTORM!!!" I feel pride and excitement bubble up in my chest. I look at Mistystar and whisper one last thank you, before she calls "Meeting dismissed!" And we climb down the High Rock.
 
~~~
 
A few days later, I'm kinda settling into my position. The responsibility has been dumped on my like a boulder, and I feel it's weight as I confusedly and hurriedly try to assign patrols. Mistystar has been very understanding, and I appreciate that. She is one of my long time friends after all. Thought makes me smile, and relax a little, being able to think more clearly, I finish up assigning patrols, and tiredly jump down.
Things have been strange, maybe a little hard. I can still feel the weight of Swirlstar's death on the clan, but it's lighter. And we recently got the news that Cometstar had chosen Glimmerwing to be her deputy. I like that choice. She'll be a good leader for her clan.

I'm beginning to think that things are starting to change for the better.

It had been a few months sense Swirlstar's death, and I woke up one morning to see a  thick layer of snow on the ground that put extra weight (and oddly comfortable insulation) on the dens, and camp border. I gently nudged Icekit "Hey." the older kit, probably around 6 moons old now, looked up at me. "Yeah?" "Look outside." She turned her gaze out the entrance of the nursery, where we were, and saw the snow. She gasped "Wha...What is that?!" "That's snow." I answered, standing. I had to wake the clan up after all, the dawn patrols needed to head out soon. Icekit dashed out of the nursery ahead of me. Followed by Willowkit, Morningkit, and Applekit. I heard them start squealing and jumping around, making a soft crunching sound as they landed in the deep snow. It caught in my fur and dragged. Making it extremely difficult for me to walk. I made a low growl in my throat as I saw the same snow layering the High Rock.
 
I took an extra long time judging the jump, and with a soft grunt and a huff, I leapt and made it to the top. a loud crunch, as I landed, and a poof as snow on the edge of the high rock fell to the ground below. I took a soft scent of the air. It was cool and crisp, and I felt my fur fluff against the once gentle breeze that now chilled me to my bones. I opened my mouth to wake up the clan when I felt a soft touch on my shoulders, I looked to see an obviously newly awake Mistystar looking at me with calm knowing. Her gaze changed to expectance as she looked down into the clearing. I followed her gaze. She was looking at Icekit. Larger and stronger then her younger 'siblings'.  She looked like a miniature version of an adult cat. I realized with a jolt what Mistystar meant. I glanced back at her with shock, and she blinked at me. I looked back down at the clearing, trying to see why Mistystar was choosing now. Icekit had been 6 moons for several days already. Then I saw a familiar sorrel pelt come out of the warriors den, and stretch. Flashing me a confused expression as she wondered why I hadn't woken her up.
 
I smiled. "Of course." I whispered. This is the first time Mistystar had managed to catch me before I sent Roseblossom out on patrol sense Icekit became 6 moons old. Without a word, I leapt down, trotted over to the kits, still play-fighting in the snow, and grabbed Icekit by her scruff. She started squealing and protesting, pawing hopelessly at air as I carried her into the nursery. She was getting heavy. I set her down in our nest, and started grooming her. "Wha...What are you doing?" She asked in a stressed tone that said she just wanted out of here to play. "You're 6 moons old." I responded simply between licks.
 
"But-" "You're 6 moons old." I cut her off, chuckling. I didn't hear Mistystar call a clan meeting, and I was glad she was waiting for me to finish grooming my daughter. Once she was clean and her fur glistening as white as the world around her now was, I moved so she could pass me, and gently used my tail to herd her out, and guide her away from her friends as I lead her to the High Rock. As soon as we left the den, Mistystar called in an authoritative tone "Let call cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!" I sat Icekit near the front of the group, then climbed the High Rock and sat myself next to Mistystar, curling my tail around my paws.
 
"Icekit. Please come forward." Mistystar called, her eyes locked with the little white kit in amongst the crowd around her. Her eyes grew huge, and she hesitantly approached the High Rock. At Mistystar's encouraging swish of her tail, Icekit Leapt onto the High Rock. Clawing and pulling her way up the last part, and standing between me and Mistystar, where I had left room for her. "Icekit, you have reached the age of 6 moons and are ready to be made an apprentice." Icekit gasped, and I felt my heart swell with pride, a cheesy grin creeping onto my face.
 
"So from this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Icepaw, apprentice of CloudClan." Icepaw squealed softly, struggling to maintain composure. I watched her out of the corner of my eye, as Mistystar scanned the crowed for Roseblossom before announcing Icepaw's mentor "Roseblossom." She said. Making eye contact with the young warrior "You have shown great experience, devotion and agility as a warrior, and I hope you pass these qualities onto Icepaw as her mentor." Roseblossom's eyes went wide, and she straightened her neck, stiffening.
 
 "Y-yes, I will. Thank you Mistystar." Mistystar nodded. "Congratulations, Icepaw, Roseblossom!" She said in a rather down to earth calm tone. "Meeting dismissed" I gently pushed Icepaw with my tail, until she leapt down from the High Rock and touched noses with Roseblossom.
 
I watched as the two of them talked, Icepaw bouncing around excitedly, then Roseblossom left with her to explore the territory. Passing through a group of envious kits who were playing with Icepaw moments ago to do so.
 
~~~


Evening came, a feast was held, I didn't assign Roseblossom to any patrol, so she could have some time with Icepaw. But now, I was extremely tired I had stayed up late to make sure the Moon high patrols all knew what was going on. I made my way to the warrior's den, where my old nest waited for me. Fairly dirty, and the moss was dry, but I could live with it for a night. I curled up and rested my tail over my nose, preparing to fall asleep, when suddenly I felt a prod on my shoulder.
 
I glanced up, and saw Icepaw looking down at me with a worried expression. I met her gaze with a dreary one of my own "I-Icepaw? What's going on?" I said, unable to fight the sleepiness in my voice. "I..I can't sleep." Icepaw whispered. "I'm to excited." I yawned, and sighed, then sat up. I blinked my eyes several times to try and wake up, I really couldn't. The weight on my eyelids was too much. Without a word, I started navigating the mess of tails, limbs, and whiskers that blocked my path to the entrance of the warriors den. Once I finally made my way out, Icepaw close behind, I made my way to the middle of the clearing and sat myself down. Looking at Icepaw expectantly.
 
"shouldn't you be too old to come to me because you can't sleep?" I thought to myself as Icepaw sat in front of me and fumbled for words "I know, it's exciting." I said at last, forcing a tone that wasn't motherly. She should be more then just a kit to me now. Icepaw smiled a large cheesy grin "I know!! And Roseblossom is gonna be a great mentor, I know it! And... And!! Aaah! It's all so exciting I can barely contain it!!" she giggled, then straightened her posture, and lifted her mussel, a gesture I had seen in many apprentices, including myself, when I was her age. I also realized her enthusiasm and energy was also very common among apprentices, and young warriors, I realized with a smile as I remembered myself as a young warrior.
 
"You can't sleep huh?" I asked finally, after she was done excitedly babbling. She stopped and stared at me for a second with her mouth partially open "eeeh.. No, I can't." She said finally. Tilting her head. "Ok then." I said. Stretching, and yawning, once again trying to shake my persistent drowsiness. I stood, and with a swish of my tail beckoning my daughter to my side as I made my way out of the camp. I gave a respectful nod to Whitefeather and Whisperbreeze, who were on guard, as I passed.
 
We walked for a long time, or at least it felt like it. My paws must have been slow with my fatigue, as the young cat half my size kept up with me easily, even going at a leisurely pace herself. Finally, Icepaw spoke up "Uhh. I smell the CloudClan border... Where are we going, mom?" I glanced over my shoulder at her, barely able to see her through my half close eye. "Somewhere you may or may not find familiar." I chose my words carefully, so that she wouldn't protest.
 
It wasn't too long after that I began to smell the familiar scent of Dew, (and more stale and old, of Littleleap) in the air, and I followed the scent to the cave. Right about now it's crystals would be shimmering brilliantly. I let out a soft murrow, to alert anyone inside of our presence. Icepaw stiffened next to me "I smell cats." She whispered "yep." I said back. Suddenly I saw two violet eyes peering at me through the darkness "Tornadostorm?" Dew's soft voice called back. "Yeah. It's me." I said, taking her calling me by name as an invitation to approach. Icepaw followed my lead
 
"How have you been?" I asked as I made my way into the light of the crystals. Dew walking after me, and Icepaw. "I've been ok." She answered "It's been hard to care for Coal all by myself." Icepaw made a soft 'uhh' noise that reminded me I hadn't introduced her. "OH! Dew, this is Icepaw." I said gently. Flicking my tail at her. "An apprentice, right?" She inquired "Yeah. Heh. She's about the same age I was when I met your father." Icepaw looked completely bewildered "Oh wow. That was a long time ago." "Yeah. A whole lifetime." Dew looked over Icepaw for a few seconds. "Well. Nice to meet ya, Icepaw. I'm Dew. Your sister." Icepaw's eyes grew wide "my... Sister?" I nodded in the faint light "Yep. From a litter before yours." "Oooh... COOOL! Nice to meet you Dew!!!"
 
Suddenly a little dark, dark grey tom with faint black stripes and white paws, belly, mussel and tail tip stepped into the light. He was a little bigger then Icepaw, but seemed around her age. "Oh. You're awake!" Dew greeted informally. I looked him over. Could that really be... "Coal, I'd like you to meet your mother, Tornadostorm. And your sister, Iceki-paw." My eyes grew wide. It really was Coal! I couldn't help but purr. He looked happy and healthy. Heh, and just as gruff as the cat who raised him. Icepaw gasped "You're my BROTHER?! And you look to be around my age, you must be from the same litter!! OH MY GOOOSH!" She bounded forward to him and rubbed her cheek on his shoulder, purring
 
Coal tensed, and pulled away a little at her approach, but didn't really object. He glared at her for several seconds, then his face softened "Right! Dew told me I had a sister named Icekit. I never thought you'd look like this!" Icepaw pulled away with a giggle "Well what'd you think I'd look like, mouse-brain?" She pawed him playfully. He pawed her back, and the two engaged in play-fighting.
 
Dew pulled her attention away from the two young cats, and back to me "So, how have you been?" I nodded gently. "Good. Well, mostly good. Swirlstar was killed recently by a badger. Mistystream is now Mistystar, and... Well.. She chose me as her deputy." Dew's eyes grew wide "R-really? But.. Dad was the deputy of his clan, wasn't he? How'd you... Get the position..?" I never realized how skeptical Dew would be of deputies, but considering the only deputy she knew killed someone to get the position was exiled from his clan, forcing everyone in his family except his mate to live as loners like this... Of course she felt that way. "Mistystar just chose me." I answered calmly. "Nothing bad or anything."
 
 I gave a genuine, comforting smile. "Don't worry about it, Dew." She sighed in defeat, and nodded. "Um... You look really tired... Do you want to... Stay here for the night?" I was surprised by her invitation "I.. I.." "I would love to.." "I would, and I really want do" I said hurriedly "But I need to be back at the clan to arrange patrols in the morning. Early." Dew nodded "Why don't you rest here for a while.. anyway... I'll wake you up before too long. You look like you can barely stand on your own four paws." I glanced down. This much was true.  
 
I found a comfortable spot in the corner of the cave, and curled up. I was asleep in moments.

It had been several weeks sense Icepaw's apprentice ceremony. The night of her ceremony, I had stayed with Dew overnight, but Icepaw had woken me up early enough the next morning to make it back before we were missed.
 
But now, the snow on the ground was slightly crunchy. Enough that I would fall through partially, but not enough to clump in my fur as much as when it was fresh.
 
But now we had an entirely different problem.
 
 I watched with dismay as the hunting patrol returned, consisting of the overworked Roseblossom, Icepaw, Whitefeather and Deertail. They stumbled and tripped tiredly as they entered the camp. I saved them the trouble of making their way all the way to me, by jumping down, and walking over to them. My paws were shaking under their weight and my breath came in soft wheezes.
 
The patrol had no prey.  "Nothing?" I asked, forcing the disappointment out of my tone. Whitefeather lowered her head and shook her head slowly. "No." she responded sadly. "Darn. Alright get some rest."
 
That's right. Leaf-bare had brought terrible hunting. In fact, there had been only a few pieces of prey caught over the last several days. The clan was looking horribly thin. I could see the bones under the pelts of every cat. Even the kits.
 
 Icepaw moaned "Mooom, I'm so tired!" She let out a whine. My eyes grew wide "No, no, get some rest Icepaw." I murmured Icepaw stumbled away to the Apprentice's den. Deertail fell into a coughing fit "You should get some Catmint from the Medicine-Cat's den." I murmured to her. Catching Whitefeather pause to look over her shoulder at the brown warrior "I don't have time." Deertail wheezed. "I'm needed." I shook my head. "You have Greencough, Deertail. Go get some Catmint, and some sleep." Deertail lashed her tail violently at me. I ignored it.
 
 
Yep. Ontop of the no food, a bad case of Greencough was going through the clan. And with their weakened bodies, the Greencough was taking lives. So many in fact that the clan was left with only a few cats. And frighteningly few young kits. Only three had survived, Willowkit, Morningkit, and Northkit. But Northkit was deathly ill with Greencough, and Willowkit was showing symptoms. Including that, both Medicine cats, Mustardblossom, and Creekpaw, had died. Mustardblossom had worked herself to death, once the Green cough started, and ended up dying from starvation, and Creekpaw caught the sickness soon after. The clan was left with no replacement for them. We were in a desperate situation.
 
 
I saw Mistystar, thin, and fragile looking, slide out of her den on the Rock-Ledge, and gaze down hopefully at the Fresh Kill pile. Empty. She sighed, and leapt down, approaching me. My stomach ached, and I felt slightly woozy with hunger, but I tried not to show it. "Mistystar." I greeted, trying to sound formal. "Did you send out a hunting patrol earlier?" "Yes, they came back just now. Nothing." She sighed. "I hope hunting gets better." "Yes, our clan can't keep going like this." Mistystar glanced at me.
 
 
I sighed, curling my tail, and pressing it firmly against my stomach to try and quell my hunger slightly. Subconsciously running it over my ribs as I thought. Easily feeling them through my fluff. "Maybe there'd be better hunting out of the forest?" A cold breeze blew through the camp, ruffling our fur, and chilling me to the bone. Mistystar looked thoughtful. "I guess we could stay with LightningClan for a while." I looked worriedly down at my paws. "LightningClan is in a worse state then us." I reminded. "They have only two healthy warriors. Stealthvixen and Jewelsky." I explained "Most of their clan are sick, or have died from the Greencough, and lack of food. Even Cometstar seems to be ill."  Mistystar stared me in the eye, her expression unreadable. I felt inclined to look down at my paws. Had I stepped out of line?
 
 
"I see what your saying." She said finally, her words carefully chosen. I straightened, my guilt eased by her calm tone. I smiled at my friend. "Maybe we should look for new hunting grounds." I nodded in agreement. "Or we could find somewhere else in this forest where the fresh kill are more plentiful." She continued. I blinked back. Swishing my tail. "Right... Maybe this should be left up to the clan." I looked over the cats meandering through the camp. No patrols were assigned right now.
 
 
A shot of pain jolted through my stomach to my chest and legs. I crouched down "uurghh." "You need to eat." Mistystar said, looking at me worriedly "I know." I replied softly, letting a fond purr rumble in my throat. "But there is nothing." Mistystar sighed. "I'll bring this to a vote." She said decisively. "Would you mind gathering some stones?" I nodded "Sure, Mistystar." I stood, forcing my shaky legs to move as I dug at the bottom of the rock ledge, kicking snow up under me and onto my belly.
 
 
I grabbed several little stones that had chipped off the great boulder where Mistystar had her den. Grabbing enough for one for each member of both clans, I rolled them with my nose and paws into the middle of camp. I let out a sigh.
 
 
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Rock Ledge for a clan meeting." I heard Mistystar call behind me. I should have gone and joined her, but I didn't feel my paws could carry me up the ledge. So I crunched through the snow and sat at the ledge's base, turning to face my clanmates
 
 
"We all know hunting has been scarce these past few weeks" Murmurs of agreement rippled through the clan. "And Tornadostorm and I have come to a decision. We must leave this camp." The clan sent approving, yet tired murmurs, to my surprise. Mistystar continued "We must either find a new place in this forest, where there may be fresh kill, or travel to an entirely different forest, where there may be more for us."
 
The clan looked at each other, confused. Mistystar hesitated a moment, before continuing. "These stones before you are how you shall vote. Take one, and place it on either side of the main pile." She scanned the area, then leapt down, striding through the snow, which didn't seem very deep, once it hardened, and drew an X on one side of the pile, with her claw, and a O on the other side. "X will be for leaving this forest for a new one, and O will be for finding somewhere new in this forest." She glanced up, then swished her tail to Deertail "would you fetch LightningClan please? They need to be a part of this." Deertail nodded, falling into another coughing fit, then turned and ran off.
 
 
Cats of CloudClan began voting. The votes seemed pretty tied.
 
Deertail arrived after a few minutes, with a few scrawny cats-and a fox of note, which made my eyes light up-into camp, and they too, gathered around the pile of stones, and watched as the others voted, and took turns voting themselves. This process felt long, and I couldn't help but lay down. Until I felt Whitefeather's tail rest on my back "It's your turn." She reminded gently. "Right." I stood, and approached the pile. Taking a stone, a sharp pointed thing, and placing it on the X side, I took a step back for the next cat to vote.
 
Once everyone had voted, Mistystar and Cometstar approached. I noticed with a prick of worry how tired, and sick Cometstar looked. But kept my thoughts to myself as both young leaders began pawing and counting the stones. Not one left in the middle.
 
Once both she-cats had finished, they approached the High Ledge, and turned to face us. Cometstar's raspy voice was projected through the wind throughout the camp. "And the results are-"