Chapter 2: The Secret

Ravenpaw stood, frozen, staring at Crowpaw's body. "Crowpaw?" she whispered hoarsely.

The badger snarled, it's paw striking at Ravenpaw.

"NO!!" yowled Ravenpaw, squeezing her eyes shut, waiting for impact. There was a crunch from above her, and when she peeked her eyes open, she could only stare in amazement.

A large rock wall had blocked the badger's attack. "Oh...my..." muttered Ravenpaw, rather awed at what she could do.

Ravenpaw padded back to Crowpaw's limp form not far from her. "Crowpaw?" she whispered softly, willing him to move, but he remained still.

Ravenpaw sighed, and set to work figuring out how to get down the rock wall. But as this seemed to be a defensive thing, she didn't get anywhere.

"Fox dung!" she growled, and paced to the back of the little 'cave' formed by the rock wall.

Her eyes widened. There was a small tunnel. But there's no way I can fit through that! she thought dejectedly. Suddenly a thought hit her. She could use that...that power of hers to make the hole wider!

Placing her paws around the hole, Ravenpaw focused her energy on that one point, then let it out in one big breath. She felt the earth wriggle at her paws, the tunnel was widening!

She smiled in relief. Her crazy idea had worked!

Her strenght failed her, and she collapsed beside Crowpaw. Her eyes closed, and she was instantly asleep...

The starry cat watched her daughter, her eyes warm, from the moonlit pool. "Ravenpaw..." she murmured.

Grayfur was beside her, whispering, "You know that won't do you any good! Her father...!"

Ravenpaw's mother glared at Grayfur. "Her father is gone," she whispered coldly.

Grayfur laughed harshly. "You know Rage will never be gone! He will torment your kit, just to get back at you, Midnight."

Midnight sighed. "I know...but I want Ravenpaw to live without fear of Rage or any other cat!"

Grayfur nodded. "I know you do, Midnight, but you should know, that is beyond the power of StarClan."

Midnight nodded sadly, and resumed watching her daughter, desperately praying Rage hadn't already set his sights on her...