Disclaimer: I am getting really tired of writing these. So this time I want you to gues. Who owns Warriors?

a/n- I know this chapter is really short. I mean REALLY short, but I updated twice yesterday, so cut me some slack -ducks rocks-... Please?

Chapter 7: Gone

Riverstripe sprinted back across the rocky ground, scattering pebbles as her legs flew under her. She had volunteered for scouting duty now, when the land was steep, but there were no heights. After two days of traveling in the lead, returning only to check in with the others, her limbs were weary. This was the only time she had ever returned with important news. Not good,she reminded herself, but important.

As the Clans came into view she slowed, skidding to a halt at Shadowpelt's paws. Immediately Windheart, the other 'leader' not on scouting duty, hurried forward from the back of the line were she had been making sure no one fell behind. "What is it Riverstripe?"

Panting, it took Riverstripe a moment to get her breath (she was no runner) but then in her anxiousness to tell them what she had seen, her words slurred together.

"Whoa, Riverstripe," Shadowpelt murmured, "calm down and tell us what's bugging you."

Taking a deep breath despite the fact that she was already impatient with herself, she mewed, "A river! A huge river! We'll be there by dusk."

Shadowpelt stared. "Is there anyway to cross?" Riverstripe had, at first, shared the concern in their eyes, but now she had a plan. A risky plan, but it was the only way. "Ice. The entire river is frozen over. It's chancy, but it's the only hope we've got." Windheart hesitated. "Is it thick enough?" Riverstripe was quiet for a moment. She'd run into the same problem. "It looks thick enough, but with so many cats crossing, I don't know. As I said, its chancy." Shadowpelt exchanged glances with her and Windheart before turning to a Sentry. "Go fetch Thunderfoot."

Windheart shivered as they approached the flowing river. She hated water. The entire party stopped and Windheart hurried to the front despite her fears. She had to keep the Clans safe and if that meant crossing water, then so be it!

Riverstripe had already stepped warily forward with one paw onto the ice. Slowly she placed her other paw on, then her last two. She started cautiously onto the ice, but by the time she had reached the middle she was practically running with the ease of long practice. As a Swimming Cat she was used to this. Only when she was safely on the other side did Thunderfoot cross after her, taking her place on the far shore as she returned to the middle to help any cat who needed it.

Windheart and Shadowpelt stayed on the other side to keep the group organized. They, to Windheart's relief, would not have to cross until last. Shadowpelt looked no easier about doing this than she.

"Okay," Windheart yowled, "Elders first, along with Queens, and kits. Once they've all gone, then Trainees and apprentices. The rest of you will be broken into groups to cross when told."

"I will personally skin any cat who crosses without permission," Shadowpelt added and Windheart fought hard to hold back a snort of laughter.

Shadowpelt watched as the third to last group of warriors crossed. All that remained was a small group of Hunters and a group of Soldiers.

"Okay," Windheart yowled, looking as sick as Shadowpelt felt (walking on water was not a natural thing,) and started forward. Slowly, she leaned her weight onto the ice, and then, panic flaring in her eyes, scurried across to the far side.

Shadowpelt started over, forcing himself not to follow Windheart's example. Stopping just past the middle, he beckoned for the others to follow, not daring to open his mouth in fear of being sick. At least he was able to contain, unlike Windheart, who had disappeared into the bushes. The others padded forward. It wasn't until the first two had made it safely and the rest were on the way, that the ice started to creak. Again, the all to familiar feeling of panic welled in his chest.

Behind him, he heard Riverstripe yowled, "Quickly!" As the weight of so many cats began to weigh down on it, the ice groaned louder. Suddenly, there was an earsplitting crack and the last cat in line dropped with a yowl. Hurrying forward, he vaguely heard Thunderfoot yell, "Shadowpelt, no!" But as the cat continued to scrabble for a hold, the black tom ignored his fellow leader. He lunged forward in time to catch the cat by the paw just as he started to disappear.

Hauling him up he switch his grip to the cats neck. The tom grunted in pain, but tried to help. Despite their best efforts, Shadowpelt was beginning to see with a sinking feeling that it was hopeless. He was slowly being dragged in too. The tom seemed to have come to the same conclusion. "Let go," he rasped, "I'll die even if you do manage to get me up. Just let me go." Shadowpelt hesitated, torn. But as his paws began to slip again, he sent looked into the tom's eyes. He saw not fear, but sadness, and acceptance. With one last look of sorrow, he released the tom.

Immediately, the almost lifeless cat was swept under the ice, gone.

Gone.

Short, I've said it. Please don't hurt me! If your feeling really nice, you'll not only not hurt my, you'll review! -wink wink, nudge nudge-

Oh yea, thanks to all who reviewed last time! People are reading this!