A Whisker from Death

It was an ordinary day at Thunderclan camp. Firestar just sent out the morning patrol. Then he spotted Sandstorm heading for Cinderpelt's den.

"Hey Sandstorm!" he yelled

"Oh, hey Firestar, I was just heading for Cinderpelt to check something. I need to talk to you afterward about it." She said bleakly.

"Um…okay. Just make sure of it then. See ya around." He said.

"Yeah, see ya." Sandstorm sighed as she walked into the medicine cat's den.

Later that day

Sandstorm had completely forgotten about telling Firestar the news the Cinderpelt had confirmed. It wasn't until Bramblepaw's naming ceremony that Sandstorm had remembered. She finally caught up with him the next morning.

"Hey Firstar." She spoke

"Oh, hey Sandstorm. Did Cinderpelt confirm about whatever?" the leader asked

"Yeah. And um…I was just gonna talk to you about that but uh…I just remembered I had to go do something important. Bye!" the she-cat rushed into the warriors den then came out and entered the queens den.

Was Sandstorm…No! She just wanted to check up on the queens. That's all.Firestar thought.

One week later

Sandstorm continued to ignore Firestar because of her news.She just didn't have the courage to talk to him. Sandstorm had been sicklately yet Cinderpelt didn't do anything about it. This worried Firestar very much. He decided to talk to the medicine cat to see what Sandstorm had her check the other day.

"Hey Cinderpelt." He said on the way in.

The medicine cat looked up. "Well,well,well look who's here."

The confused leader looked around. "Who?"

"You ya idiot!" she growled.

"Okay, okay. But what do ou mean?" he asked.

"I was just getting to that. Anyway, what are you doing here, are you sick?" she asked

"I have to ask you about Sandstorm. I'm deeply worried about her sickness which your too lazy to notice!" the leader proclaimed.

Cinderpelt then felt a flood of anger and fury flow over her.

"EXCUSE ME…LAZY?! Honestly Firestar! This is really all your fault when you look at it." She growled.

"What are you talking about?" Firestar said in confusion.

"Oh like you don't know! Sandstorm is pregnant and it IS technically all your fault now ISN'T IT!" she hissed.

Firestar couldn't breathe. He was trying to wake up from a dream or something. Suddenl Cinderpelt realized, the fire in her eyes turned into te soft blue eyes the were before.

"She didn't tell you yet, did she." Cinderpelt spoke in a soft voice.

"No. And she is in for quite a ride when I see her." He said on the way out.

Later on

Sandstorm took a walk around camp to get some exercise. Then was spotted by Firestar.

"Look, I know you're gonna have my kits. I respect that but, I have one question…why did you not tell me?" the leader said with questioning eyes.

"I was afraid you would leave me. Are you?" Sandstorm said with fear and worry.

"No. Of course not." He spoke.

That night

Firestar began to have a dream which seemed more like a nightmare.

At the sound of his friend's distress, Fireheart pushed forward until he could crouch beside Cinderpaw. He was in time to see Silverstream raise her head and feebly lick Graystripe's face.

"Good-bye Graystripe," she whispered. "I love you. Take care of our kits."

Then the silver tabby's body gave a great shudder. Her head fell back, her paws jerked, and she was still.

"No, Silverstream, no."Graystripe pleaded, "Don't leave me. Please Silverstream, please, no."

With a shudder, Firestar awoke. Then he feared that Silverstream's fate would soon become Sandstorm's.