The Calm before the storm

Chapter 2

Gazing through the leaves, Longtail spotted Riverclan hunting skilfully in the river. Although the clans were rivals, he couldn't help admiring their slender bodies, silky fur and sharp hunting skills. At the present time, the two clans were showing much hostility because of the Sunningrocks. Both clans believed that it was their territory, and many battles had already been fought, however none solved the problem.

When Longtail returned from his trip carrying a vole and a sparrow, no cat seemed to notice as they were focussing on Spottedleaf. She was rushing from her en to the nursery with her jaws stuffed with herbs. Willowpelt's kits must be coming he thought. Privately, he thought that Willowpelt had chosen a bad time to have kits; she already had Greykit, and he was only 3 moons old.

A cry of joy interrupted his thoughts. Whitestorm rushed into the nursery to see his offspring. A little while later he exited and smiled proudly at the watching cats.

"They are beautiful, just beautiful!" he purred loudly.

"Have you chosen names for them yet?"asked Mousefur, cocking her head to one side.

"Yes. We have called the white she-cat Chrystalkit in honour of her piercing blue eyes, and the pale grey tom Stormkit. They will become warriors that this clan will treasure," meowed Willowpelt, padding out of the den, "They are asleep now and I must rest too."

Longtail padded over to Whitestorm, a sparkle in his eyes.

"They sound just perfect."

"Believe me...they are..."

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Longtail was dreaming. He saw the forest in all its glory. Greens of all shades, brimming with prey. It must be Greenleaf here he thought. Suddenly a sharp claw poked him in his back, and he snapped back into reality. Darkstripe loomed over him.

"Patrol," he meowed.

"But...I was having this really great dream," murmured the young warrior.

"And now you can go on a really great warrior patrol," he meowed unsympathetically.

As Longtail padded out of the den, an icicle shattered on his head.

"Ouch," he muttered.

Leafbare had begun...