When the River Runs Red

by AsterEris

After Firestar's generation has passed away, a new group of strong leaders and warriors arise to take their place, but tragedy befalls them, when one of the clans is destroyed by....that is what Stormpaw, Leopardpaw, Aspenpaw and Shadowpaw must find out..

2. Tragedy

"Fernstar! Fernstar!" The anguished cry came rolling from beyond the bramble fence that surrounded the ThunderClan camp. "Fernstar!"

"Who is making that awful noise?" meowed Lilytail, peering out of the nursery and looking around.

"I don't know, but it sounds like Lakeheart to me!" muttered Stormpaw, swiftly padding to the tunnel.

"Fernstar!"

"Yep, definitely," said Stormpaw, slipping out through the tunnel.

The white tom was almost ready to become a warrior, and he fully expected the ceremony any day. His father, Yellowpelt, had spoken with Fernstar about the ceremony, but hadn't told Stormpaw anything about the conversation.

Stormpaw found his way to Lakeheart, who was lying on his side exhausted, calling out the leader's name.

"Stormpaw!" the warrior panted, trying to drag himself up. "I've just heard…I've just heard the most horrible-…horrible news-" he panted.

"What? What is it, Lakeheart?" questioned Stormpaw eagerly.

"Will you tell Fernstar and Fernstar only, Stormpaw?" asked the warrior, looking deep into the apprentice's eyes.

Stormpaw stared back, and was silent for a moment. "Yes, I will."

"Then tell her…tell Fernstar…RiverClan is no more."