I just HAD to write this. I finished The Fourth Apprentice, and I just HAD to write this. No, this isn't my idea for Fading Echo prolouge, infact, I bet this happens a long ways after that. This is the begining of the Dark Forest invasion. If you have no idea of what I am talking about, this is your warning, do not read. (Only for those who have read OOTS)
"All cats gather 'round the silver pool."
The commanding voice of Shadow, the ancient leader of ShadowClan, rang across the once peaceful forests of StarClan. Every cat heard and obeyed, coming towards a silver pool in the center of StarClan.
The four leaders of the Clans, Shadow, Wind, River, Sky, and Thunder watched them gather. Every cat knew why they had been summoned, it was obvious from the darkening sky, and the blackening forest.
Shadow grimaced before continuing, "You all know why you're here, a war is coming. The cats of the Dark Forest won't rest until they have wiped us out completely."
"We're already dead," a stubborn, young apprentice reminded them.
"That doesn't matter, you mousebrain," Shadow hissed, her tail lashing angrily, "You must have seen what had happened! The cats of the Dark Forest won't settle for being a place for rejected cats, and they won't stand for just ruling the skies! They want to rule all cats, living and dead!"
"For those of you who don't know what event she's talking about, I don't know either," Thunder's voice was hinted with amusement, but the seriousness that radiated from his dark silhouette showed his true feelings. "Several events have taken place these past days, such as the domination of Breezepelt and Tigerheart. More cats will join the Dark Forest. Or perhaps you were referring to the presence of Brokentail, Tigerstar and Hawkfrost at the birth of Poppyfrost's kits?"
"I was talking about all of them," snarled Shadow, "And I advise that we take the same actions. Try and convince cats not to join them. Their presence at Poppyfrost's kitting is still a mystery to us, but we can still take action."
"There's one problem, mousebrain," retorted Wind, "We can't travel in cats' dreams, at least, not the way they seem to be."
"We'll learn," retorted River, "If the Dark Forest really is growing stronger, than so must we."
"But StarClan can't."
A ghostly voice floated from the edge of the crowd where SkyClan's early members sat. The voice belonged to Skywatcher.
"This is the three's destiny," Skywatcher persisted, "We can only hope that they will find their place soon enough."
"So we do nothing?" asked Sky.
"Yes," Skywatcher answered simply.
Suddenly, a dark blow ran through the crowd like a wave of wind. Darkness filled Shadow's heart, and her insides screamed with pain she had never experienced before. All the other cats were groaning too, as dark pain washed over them. Only Skywatcher wasn't effected, he stood there, his eyes closed.
Like the wind, it finally flew away, leaving every cat panting, excluding Skywatcher. Shadow opened her eyes finally, waiting for the pain to ebb away. But it didn't. The sky darkened, as if it felt the presence they had. Blood roared in Shadow's ears, but through it, a raspy, eerie voice whispered.
"This is only the first blow."