Waterpaw and Wave padded silently through the forest. The buzzing of bees roared overhead. There were now so many, no prey could be found. The whole area was sticky, and the sky was no longer clearly seen.
"The bees have taken this too far!" Waterpaw hissed. She glared at the bees, then the leaves, and the abandoned nests of squirrels and birds.
"Yes, I know." Wave sighed.
"How long have we been traveling?"
"Four nights, Waterpaw." she responded.
"What? That long?"
"Time flies by fast."
Waterpaw swiveled her head. "Hey look! It's the hive!" It was across the Thunderpath, its giant yellow coat gleaming from afar. "Let's check it out."
"But isn't this the other territory of the other Clans which you speak of?"
"Of course it is." Waterpaw smiled. "But no cat will ever dare to head to it. Do you know what I mean?"
"Yes, but-"
"The it's settled then. Follow me." Waterpaw took a deep breath and stepped forward. The Thunderpath was right under her paws. She was soon in the middle of the path. "Come on! Before the monster-"
It was too late. A monster emerged from the shadows, it swerved, and pulled over by Sunningrocks. A Twoleg emerged. But because of Waterpaw's darker pelt, it didn't notice her.
The Twoleg murmured something very softly to Wave. It was coming closer, and closer, with its paw outstretched.
"Wave!" Waterpaw hissed. "Run!"
Wave tried. But she wasn't quick enough. The Twoleg picked her up from the ground, cuddled her in its arms, and began to head for the monster.
"Give her back!" Waterpaw yowled. She ran towards them.
"Waterpaw! Help me!" Wave's voice became muffled as she was stuffed into the monster's belly. The Twoleg stroked her hand kindly across her head.
"No!" Waterpaw screamed desperately. She tried to run after them. But the monster was too fast. It rushed to the back of the horizon, and disappeared within the midnight fog. Waterpaw halted sadly. "No," she murmured. Her head hung low as she turned tail.
The night seemed to feel colder, and more lonely then it has ever been before.