Chapter Two- Messengers

After the meeting had been dismissed, Nettleflower had told Echopaw to relax for the rest of the day, as they would be up at dawn tomorrow to begin training. Hollypaw headed to her sister's side as they watched their father disappear into the leader's den with the rest of the requested cats.

"We should see what they're talking about," Hollypaw suggested mischeviously. Echopaw gave her a stern look.

"That's not our place. I don't want to get in trouble for sneaking around like a dirty mouse our first hour of being apprentices." She glanced over her sister's shoulder. "Besides, Coyotepaw's coming our way. Don't you want to see what he has to say?" Hollypaw turned excitedly, her tail swishing back and forth.

"Well, come along, kits," he mewed teasingly. "Cloudflight told me it's my job to show you around the apprentice den, and get you she-cats comfy cozy in there."

"You can't call us kits anymore," countered Echopaw as she twitched her ear. "We're apprentices now, after all."

"You'll always be kits to me," Coyotepaw replied as he began to lead them to the huckleberry bush that concealed the apprentice's den. "Even when we're elders."

"That's not fair," Hollypaw complained, but she didn't sound like she really minded much. Coyotepaw seemed to ignore the remark as he slipped under the leaves.

"Watch your step, kits. There's a drop." Hollypaw disappeared after him, and from the sound she made, she hadn't been too careful. Echopaw sighed softly at her sister before ducking under the leaves, watching her paws. The ground sloped down, and she found herself in a dugout below the bush. Moss beds were around the edges, a few more than were necessary. The moss looked soft and fresh, though, and Echopaw began to sniff around to see who slept where.

"You can pick whatever's not being used," Coyotepaw meowed, sitting on his own bed. Hollypaw, as expected, sniffed the beds closest to him, but her ears drooped, and she headed to the other side of the hollowed out den.

"Don't you get muddy and rained out laying in a hole?" Echopaw asked, even as she pawed some loose moss into a bed for herself near the door.

"No, not really," came a new voice from the entrance. Mothpaw had entered the den, and was looking at Echopaw curiously, even as he answered her. "We have brambles and things surrounding the edges of the hole, you see? That way not only does it block most of the rain, but if an enemy cat tries to come inside anywhere but the entrance, they get a face full of thorns."

"Oh," Echopaw mewed thoughtfully, looking around and now seeing the brambles she had missed earlier. "That's clever..." She felt a bit silly not seeing them, now, but instead focused on building her bed.

"How was the dawn patrol? Did you really smell a bunch of ForestClan that close?" Coyotepaw questioned his friend.

"We did!" Mothpaw replied, turning his attention away from the new apprentices, his tail flicking excitedly. "I was the one who smelled that they had forgotten some buried fresh kill, and Snowtail told me I had a keen nose. Maybe I'll be able to attend the Gathering now." Coyotepaw looked far less enthusiastic.

"Forgotten?" He meowed worriedly, glancing at the other two before getting to his paws. "Maybe we should talk about this with Cloudflight and the other warriors... It might not have been forgotten..."

"You mean you think they left it and wanted you to find it?" Echopaw interjected. The toms exchanged a look, before Coyotepaw nudged his friend out of the den.

"That's none of your business," Coyotepaw snapped.

"But you just said-" Echopaw tried to argue, but the older apprentice was gone.

"If they wanted the kill found," Hollypaw mewed, moving to sit beside her littermate, "that would be a threat, wouldn't it?" Echopaw's whiskers twitched a bit as she looked after the toms.

"Probably... Coyotepaw's right when he says it's not really our place. We're still too young to understand all of that right now." Echopaw sat down on her bed of moss, realizing, for perhaps the first time, how vast and complicated the forest could be, and she felt a tremble of apprehension and fear at the thought of all she didn't know and understand. She had always been considered wise and clever compared to the other kits, but being an apprentice or warrior was a lot more dangerous and complex.

"Hmph." Hollypaw made a sound of annoyance and returned to trying to get her bed together. "I'm tired of always being too young." Echopaw couldn't help but agree.

"Why don't we go see if our mentors have any tasks for us?" Echopaw suggested, trying to change the mood. "Surely we can't waste the whole day here in camp. They must have something for us to do."

"Alright," Hollypaw conceded, heading out of the apprentices' den into the rain. She ducked back inside a moment later. "It's a downpour out there," she lamented, her fur wet already. Echopaw hesitated, but then fluffed up her fur.

"Then let's go and see of the Elders need anything from us. Cinderstep always says their bedding gets really wet after heavy rain."

"You go," Hollypaw sighed, shaking her fur off. "I'd rather stay dry, since Silverdream told me to get my rest for tomorrow."

"Suit yourself," Echopaw meowed. "I'll bet Nettleflower will be awfully impressed that I'm taking initiative." She tried to convince her littermate with her tone, but still exited the den alone. Echopaw gasped, and quickly understood why. The rain was heavy and thick, and Echopaw found she could barely see a few tail lenths in any direction. The black she-cat shivered, but then determinedly set off towards the elder's den. She saw that most cats had retreated indoors, except for a miserable looking apprentice just leaving the Elder's den. He caught sight of Echopaw and shook his fur as he approached her.

"Hey, Echopaw, what're you doing out in this weather?" he meowed. "I thought I heard Nettleflower and Silverdream give you and Hollypaw the day off."

"She did," Echopaw replied, now regretting she hadn't just stayed inside. "But I know how the queens and elders have a hard time with heavy rains, so I was going to see if they needed anything." The older apprentice gave her a strange look.

"Well, Halfsight's sent me to get fresh kill for the elders. You can go and do that, if you want, while I check on the queens."

"Alright," Echopaw answered enthusiastically, hoping to brighten the tom's mood. "Will you tell all of the queens I said hello?"

"I suppose..." The older apprentice passed her. "Go and get two rabbits for the elders, and be quick about it."

"Alright! See you around, Tawnypaw!" Echopaw called after him. He didn't respond, and she let her tail and ears sag a little, before heading to the fresh kill pile. Nettleflower was there with a lovely gray she-cat, burying the kill that wouldn't fit under the stack of branches designed to keep it dry.

"Echopaw?" Nettleflower gave her apprentice a puzzled look. "What are you doing? I told you to go get rest." For the first time, Echopaw wondered if she was going to get in trouble for not relaxing.

"I'm sorry," she mewed shyly. "I just ran into Tawnypaw, and I offered to help him take care of the Elders. I need two rabbits, please."

"Best not get used to this," the other warrior meowed, amused. "Tawnypaw complains about every little task he's assigned now. The enthusiasm of apprentices is a fleeting thing."

"Well, if Mouseberry doesn't mind you doing half her apprentice's work, then help yourself," Nettleflower replied finally. Echopaw, relieved, gathered up two of the rabbits, but then looked at them curiously. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to carry two of them when they were each almost as big as she was, but she finally grabbed them by the scruffs of their necks and began to carry them across the clearing.

Her neck and jaw strained under the weight of the rabbits, and she nearly tripped over them several times, but was determined to carry them all the way to the elders' den. Soon the weight was relieved as Nettleflower fell in step with her, taking one of the rabbits. She didn't speak until they reached the entrance to the ferns that made up the elder's den. Then she set the rabbit down and shook off her wet fur.

"You're a determined one, aren't you?" she meowed. "You better take the rest of the day off, and get plenty of sleep." Her tail flicked back and forth and she trotted off again. Echopaw looked after her, and got the suspicion that the she-cat was planning something. Ignoring her feeling, she ducked into the den.

The three Clan elders were huddled together in their beds, and, as usual, Cinderstep was complaining, loudly.

"Blasted cold. And damp, too. I'm sick of this rain. I'm sure if we were deeper in the forest, and not in a clearing-"

"Oh, give it a rest," the other she-cat snapped. "No wonder Halfsight's gone deaf. Your mewing must have worn out his ears." Echopaw purred in amusement as she listened to them, and approached, dropping the rabbit in front of them.

"Oh, Echopaw," Halfsight mewed. His voice sounded strange, since he could barely hear himself now, but he was kind and enjoyed Echopaw's company. He was Darkthorn's father, and being her kin, had always had a soft spot for the young cat.
"You and Hollypaw must be apprentices now. I could even hear everyone calling your new name."

"Yes, we were named this morning," Echopaw meowed loudly, hoping he'd be able to hear her. "My mentor is Nettleflower." From the way he titled his head, it was clear her grandfather had barely heard a word she'd said.

"That's nice," he replied, trying to sound encouraging.

"Where's Tawnypaw?" Bluetalons interrupted. "I thought he was going to be bringing us our lunch."

"Oh, he went to help the queens," Echopaw answered, pushing the rabbit closer. "I have another outside I'll go and fetch." Cinderstep nodded to excuse her, and the young apprentice proudly grabbed the rabbit, dragging it back to where Halfsight and Cinderstep had already begun to eat.

"Thank you, Echopaw," Bluetalons mewed gratefully, giving the black kit a little nuzzle. "Now you go and stay dry."

"Is there anything else you need, though?" Echopaw asked worriedly.

"No, little one," Bluetalons answered. "And if there is, we'll have Tawnypaw assist." Echopaw said her goodbyes and headed back into the downpour, retuning to the apprentice den, where her sister was napping. She decided, since there was nothing else she could do until the rain subsided, that a nap sounded wonderful, and soon Echopaw was fast asleep on her new bed.

------------

When Echopaw awoke, there was sunlight streaming through the wet leaves of the huckleberry bush, which had been dripping on her nose. She shook her head and pawed at her muzzle to wipe away some of the damp and looked around. She was alone in the den, and leaped to her paws immediately, worried she'd missed something important. Bounding out of the den, she found a few warriors milling about, but had her eyes out for her sister. She could still smell her littermate in camp, and soon caught sight of her, sitting almost ashamed as Silverdream and Fernflicker sat in front of her.

Great, Echopaw thought with a small sigh, twitching her whiskers. She was probably sneaking around like she wasn't supposed to. Echopaw waited until the two warriors moved away, before hurrying to her sister's side.

"What did you do?" She mewed worriedly.

"I didn't do anything," Hollypaw answered miserably. "Mothpaw did! He dared me to go and climb the old owl tree, and I almost got eaten!"

"Eaten?" Echopaw's eyes widened in fear.

"I woke up the owl and it scared me out of the tree, so now that the old owl's awake, Fernflicker and the warriors have to be extra careful to keep guard on camp." Hollypaw looked downcast. "And Silverstream's disappointed in me, and she said that my training tomorrow is going to be extra difficult."

"Maybe it won't be so bad," Echopaw mewed, trying to encourage her to lighten up a little, though she did feel bad for her littermate. "If it starts off hard, it can only get easier."

"I guess," Hollpaw replied glumly, though her ears perked up a little at the thought.

"Come on," Echopaw meowed, batting at her sister's ear. "Let's enjoy the warm weather, and climb some safe, small trees."

Chapter One- Pawsteps

"Echokit! Echokit, wake up! Wake up!" The black kit curled up more tightly, trying to ignore her sister's paws kneading her side. "Echokiiiit! Come on!"

"Go away, Hollykit!" she finally hissed, swiping at her smaller littermate. Hollykit jumped back and batted at her sister's tail.

"But we're going to be apprentices today! Fernflicker said so!" At that, Echokit was on her paws, her bright orange eyes glimmering with excitement.

"Are we? Are we really, Mama?" She looked up at the lovely queen beside them, who purred and licked her daughter between her ears.

"Yes, Echokit. You must wait for Thornstar to call us to gather," she explained calmly. The beautiful, white she-cat was the oldest queen in the nursery, and after birthing the litter she was already expecting, she was planning to retire.

"When is he going to do that?" Hollypaw mewed excitedly, her tail swishing back and forth.

"Later, my little one," the queen answered. "Only he knows when."

"I want to be an apprentice, too!" chimed in another kit, bounding forward, away from his mother.

"You're too little, Stormkit," Hollykit sniffed. Echokit sat and purred softly.

"You'll be big enough some day, though," the darker she-cat assured the dissapointed kit. He brightened at that, and returned to his mother and napping littermate.

"Thank you, Echokit," purred the rosy brown queen, Stormkit's mother.

"You're welcome, Rosefeather," Echokit replied shyly. "I was just telling him the truth though."

"We all need to hear the truth sometimes," Rosefeather meowed, and nodded at Echokit's mother. "You're raising her to be a very wise warrior, Clearpool."

"Well, my oldest is the medicine cat," Clearpool answered proudly, before nuzzling Echokit. "Why don't you two go and play outside? See if the elders have any advice for you?" Both kits groaned.

"But Mama, we've already heard all of their stories!" Echokit protested.

"Hundreds and hundreds of times," Hollykit added dismally. The queens purred in amusement, when the youngest spoke up.

"Hollykit, Echokit?" The black and white she-cat called their attention. "Seedkit still has a cough. Why don't you go and find Puddleweed, and see if she has any more tansy, instead?"

"Okay!" Echokit volunteered immediately. She loved going into the strange smelling den where her oldest sister worked and lived, and seeing all the colorful and fragrant herbs. Puddleweed was the only living cat from their mother's first litter. The others had fallen victim to greencough, the elements, and other Clans through the moons.

"Fine," Hollykit agreed reluctantly, clearly wanting to do anything else. She followed her sister outside, where it had begun to rain slightly. "Aww. Now we're going to get all wet and muddy!"

"It was so clear last night," Echokit mewed, leading her sister across the clearing where their Clan made its camp. "I peeked outside and I even saw a star move across the sky."

"Fascinating," Hollykit replied dryly.

"What are you kits doing out of your den?" meowed a young tom as he approached them, his brown and gray fur already damp from being out in the forest that morning.

"Good morning, Coyotepaw," Hollykit greeted, suddenly fluffing up her fur and trying to seem happy and enthusiastic. Echokit sighed. Hollykit had been infatuated with Coyotepaw for as long as she could remember. Rosefeather, his mother, and Clearpool had thought it adorable, but Echokit found her sister's behavior exhausting. "We're going to see Puddleweed and get medicine for Seedkit. It's very important."

"Is she still sick?" Coyotepaw mewed worriedly. "I thought Darkstream said she was feeling better."

"She is," replied Echokit before her sister could pipe up. "But she's still got a little cough and Darkstream wants it to be cleared up."

"Understandable," Coyotepaw meowed. "Do you want me to go and fetch it for you?"

"No thank you," Echokit answered, and glanced at her sulking littermate. "But we'd appreciate it if you walked with us."

"We really would," Hollykit purred quickly in agreement, her tail swishing excitedly. Coyotepaw flicked his ear.

"Well, if you insist," he mewed at last, and began to walk alongside them towards the medicine cat den.

"We're becoming apprentices today," Hollykit informed the older tom eagerly. "Fernflicker told me so when she came to check on Darkstream's kits this morning."

"Is that so?" Coyotepaw sounded as though he was merely humoring the kit with his response. She, however, didn't seem to pick up on this.

"Yes! We'll be denmates again, soon." Echokit gave the apprentice an apologetic look as her sister continued to fill him in on their entire morning up until this point. When they entered the medicine cat den, Puddleweed was nowhere to be found. Instead, a tortoiseshell she-cat was there, trying to get a sniffling, runny nosed kit to eat a small mix of herbs.

"Come on, Branchkit," she purred softly, nudging it closer to him. "If you eat this you can go back to your mother and littermates."

"It tastes icky," Branchkit protested.

"Hello, Spottedclaw," Coyotepaw interrupted. The she-cat looked up at them.

"Don't tell me these two caught the same thing as Darkstream's kits?"

"No, we're fine," Echokit assured the medicine cat apprentice. "But Seedkit's got a cough again, and Darkstream wanted us to bring her some extra tansy." Spottedclaw hesitated, before moving to where the herbs were stored.

"How is Mountainkit?"

"He's acting like he was never sick to begin with," Hollykit answered, looking around the small den. It had been made from a long abandoned fox hole, and was warm and large enough for several cats.

"He misses his brother, though," Echokit added, breathing deeply the scents of the herbs. She couldn't help but be disappointed that she didn't have the chance to be a medicine cat herself. The healing of her Clanmates fascinated her.

"You hear that, Branchkit?" Spottedclaw meowed as she gently used her claws to put a small dose of tansy on a leaf. "You best eat those herbs so you can go back to playing with your brother." The kit made a noise of protest, but soon began to nibble at the mix in front of him. Spottedclaw purred her approval as she carefully picked up the leaf and handed it off to Coyotepaw. "Now make sure Seedkit gets plenty of rest and doesn't overexcite herself."

Coyotepaw dipped his head in a nod, and flicked his tail for the kits to follow him. Hollykit was hot on his heels, but Echokit hung back a moment.

"Thank you, Spottedclaw!" she meowed gratefully.

"You're very welcome," the medicine cat apprentice replied, before adjusting the moss around where Branchkit sat. "Now you head back to your den and keep your distance from Darkstream's litter until all of this is finally cleared up. The last thing we need is an outbreak."

"Of course, Spottedclaw. See you!" Echokit emerged from the comfortable den into the clearing, where a patrol of warriors and apprentices was just returning, among them the young Mothpaw, who had been promoted to an apprentice only a half moon ago. He was wide-eyed and had walked with a new spring in his step ever since he had recieved his new name. However, the warriors, and even Mothpaw, looked grim and worried, and Echokit watched them walk towards Thornstar's den.

"Echokit, come on!" Hollykit called, already halfway across the clearing, trying to keep up with Coyotepaw. The black kit watched her father, Darkthorn, and Snowtail, the Clan's most senior warrior, exchange words with Fernflicker, before the three of them vanished into the fallen, hollow tree where their leader made his home. Her ears perked up curiously, but as Hollykit yowled for her again, she hurried across the clearing and ducked into the warm, dry nursery.

Coyotepaw had already given the tansy to Darkstream, who nudged the slumbering Seedkit awake to take the medicine. Coyotepaw turned to leave, and slipped out quickly, mewing to Rosefeather that he was going to see how his friend had gotten along on his first patrol.

"Bye- Coyotepaw..." Hollykit's ears drooped as the apprentice left without glancing at her. She sat down, but the moment she touched the ground, a loud and familiar yowl cut across the clearing.

"Let all cats capable of catching their own prey gather now before Dead Tree for a Clan meeting!" Echokit and Hollykit gasped, and nearly tripped over one another as they scrambled out of the den. Purring in amusement, Clearpool pulled them both in and passed them.

"You two say goodbye to your denmates first. Then you can come and find me." Hollykit huffed, but Echokit obediantly turned and looked at the queens and kits who she'd spent her entire life living with.

"I'll miss you all," she mewed. "And I promise to come and visit."

"Bye!" was all Hollykit had to say, and she bounded out of the den. Echokit bowed her head to the queens and followed her sister into the rain, which had grown heavier. Standing tall, upon the bleached, fallen tree in which he lived, was a handsome, massive ginger tom, whose pelt stood out like a beacon. The Clan gathered beneath him, looking up at their leader expectantly as they took their seats.

Echokit found her mother and sat beside her, while Hollykit sat a few tail lengths away beside Coyotepaw.

"Your father is by the Dead Tree," Clearpool remarked absently as her kit sat down. "That means he has something important to say." Echokit peered around the other cats to see.

"Puddleweed, too," she meowed in surprise. It was as if all her kin were included in this meeting. Once everyone had gathered, Thornstar flicked his tail from side to side to indicate silence.

"We have much news to cover this day," Thornstar announced, once the Clan had quieted down. "Most of it, thankfully, fortunate. The first being that Darkstream's kits are growing healthier by the day. Only Branchkit remains ill, and he should be cured before the Gathering, I am told." Purrs of joy rippled through the Clan, relieved the threat of spreading illness was gone.

"I also hear Speckledcloud's new litter is all doing very well. Next, however, is a subject most... unpleasant." The warriors all sat up taller, and a handsome dark tabby leapt upon Dead Tree to stand beside the leader. Clearpool's ears stood straight as her mate prepared to speak. "Darkthorn. What have you to report?"

"The dawn patrol found scents and signs of ForestClan cats hunting along our border. They haven't yet crossed our lines, but they've come frighteningly close, and if this continues, or they cross our lines, we could have war," Darkthorn said gravely. The silence that met this was almost deafening. But soon Fernflicker, the deputy, hopped up beside the two noble toms. The tortoiseshell warrior was smaller and younger than them both, but her skills and wit were what won her Thornstar's favor.

"We, of course, will take precautions to strengthen our borders, and increase patrols until the Gathering, when we can speak to them about this in a calm situation. For now, mentors and apprentices need to be wary about hunting near borders, or straying near them without company. If ForestClan warriors are lurking, there could be serious injuries."

"That is sound advice," Thornstar mewed, sounding annoyed that the lower ranking cats had spoken for him. "We are all aware how a war with such a large Clan would end, and we shall seek to do all we can to avoid this. There is no need for worry." Everyone, however, seemed ill at ease as Fernflicker and Darkthorn pounced back onto the ground. As they did, Puddleweed quietly climbed Dead Tree to sit beside her leader.

"Much more interesting, our medicine cat has recieved a prophecy, the first in nearly two generations." The two elders who had been capable of attendance exchanged a look, recalling the last prophecy that had graced the Clans, and they were not fond memories. Puddleweed sat up straighter, and spoke proudly.

"I know this prophecy will bring some peace of mind. It advises us how to proceed, what we must do if we want to survive this agressive behavior from our fellow Clans." She paused, letting her words sink in a moment. Echokit leaned forward, her full attention on her sister, orange eyes wide with awe.

"Last night, I couldn't sleep, and so, stepping outside, I looked to StarClan. They sent a star shooting across the sky." Echokit gasped, remembering the star she had seen, and Hollykit looked at her littermate in surprise. "They sent me a message; 'The forest thickens its hold, and nothing else can grow. Listen for an echo.'" Echokit felt a shiver run through her suddenly, her whole body shaking though it was barely cold.

"I can only guess they are warning us of ForestClan's agression, and what we must do... for now that is all I can say." Puddleweed hopped to the ground as the Clan erupted into mews and discussion. Hollykit and Coyotepaw joined Echokit as Clearpool stepped away for a moment to speak with Darkthorn, who had approached her.

"Echokit," Hollykit mewed excitedly, "you told me you saw the star, too! Your name is Echo, so maybe the prophecy was about you!" Echokit looked at her sister skeptically, even though the chill she had felt was certainly odd.

"Don't be absurd," Coyotepaw mewed harshly. "StarClan isn't that obvious."

"That's not true!" Hollykit argued. "I heard the last time they warned about the ocean, and a cat named Oceanfur went crazy and stole a bunch of kits!" Coyotepaw twitched his whiskers and was about to reply when a yowl silenced everyone.

"Enough!" Thornstar's tail was swishing back and forth in annoyance. "We have a final order of business. And then I would like Puddleweed, Fernflicker, Darkthorn and Snowtail to gather in my den." The Clan settled down and fixed their leader with their full attention once more. "Today, we gather as we name two new apprentices. First, Hollykit, step forward and stand before your Clan."

Trembling with excitement, Hollykit hurried to stand before the cats, stumbling over her paws in her rush. A few cats purred in amusement, Thornstar included.

"Hollykit," he mewed, trying to sound official once more, "you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Hollypaw. Your mentor will be Silverdream. I hope Silverdream will pass down all she knows on to you." Hollypaw's embarrassment was forgotten as she locked eyes with the elegant silver she-cat who would mentor her.

"Silverdream," Thornstar continued as the she-cat came to sit before him. "You are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from Bluetalons, and you have shown yourself to be a skilled hunter and graceful, which may greatly benefit this one." The cats purred their laughter again, the mood around camp feeling a bit lighter already. "You will be the mentor of Hollypaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her."

Silverdream bowed her head in a nod, and then turned and touched her nose to Hollypaw's mewing something quietly to her which made the new apprentice sit up a bit taller. RainClan erupted, chanting "Hollypaw, Hollypaw!" Echokit was on her paws in excitement, her whole body feeling like it was full of crickets.

"Echokit, step forward and stand before your Clan," Thornstar meowed once everyone had quieted down. The black kit took a deep breath and walked quickly but carefully to stand before everyone who had gathered. Whispers had rose up as soon as her name was called, and she heard snippits as she passed by the apprentices and wariors.

"You don't think-"

"-could be-"

"-listen for-"

"Well, she said-"

"-echo?"

"No."

"Yes."

"-star shooting across-

"-can't be."

"-must be."

"Echo..."

She was acutely aware of every eye on her as she turned to face her Clan, who were all watching her carefully now. She trembled slightly, and felt like her legs were going to give out under her any moment now. Luckily, Thornstar's voice commanded instant silence, and cut through Echokit's worried thoughts.

"Echokit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Echopaw. Your mentor will be Nettleflower. I hope Nettleflower will pass down all she knows on to you." A small white she-cat sitting near the front of the crowd stood and moved to sit by her apprentice, looking at her almost apprehensively.

"Nettleflower, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from Snowtail, and you have shown yourself to be couragous and a swift warrior. You will be the mentor of Echopaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her." Nettleflower dipped her head and then turned to her new apprentice.

Echopaw turned and touched her nose to her mentor's.

"I will do my best to help you achieve your destiny. Whatever it may be," the warrior meowed quietly. Echopaw felt a bit of embarrassment. She certainly didn't feel like she was destined for much beyond the life of a warrior, but she couldn't help noticing how her Clan chanted "Echopaw" louder than she ever remembered a name being said before.

Prologue- A Prophecy Revealed

The sea beat relentless on the shore, spraying salt and foam upon the ancient she-cat sitting alone on the damp sand, her face turned up to the sky. At her back, the driftwood dens in which her clanmates, all younger than she, slept peacefully were silent and still.

"Seeking council from StarClan?" A voice came from behind her, but if the medicine cat heard, she made no indication to respond, her yellow eyes, one clouded by cataracts, fixed upon the skies above. A beautiful silver she-cat with an air of royalty about her sat beside the ancient medicine cat. Their furs matched in hue, but that is where their similarities ceased. The elder of the two had long, tangled fur, matted around her paws with sand and bits of kelp. The younger was the Clan's leader, and her pelt was sleek, healthy, her whiskers and tail long like banners, and scars decorated her long legs. "Creepingwillow? I said-"

"I heard you," the old medicine cat mewed in a cracked, dry voice. "They're being stubborn," she accused the stars. The leader purred her amusement.

"Are they?"

"Mmhmm... Even my own sisters aren't piping up, and you remember Snowshell used to love her own voice." The younger she-cat again purred at the memory of the old queen that had passed away only eight moons ago, who certainly had enjoyed talking the ears off any apprentice willing to listen. "Haven't heard a single thing from up above in almost two moons. Must be waiting to tell me nose to nose."

"Oh, now don't say that," the younger cat mewed in worry. "I'm not ready to lose such a trusted friend."

"Well, Softstar, I'd warm up to the idea if I were you," Creepingwillow creaked, then coughed, her breath rattling. "It'll be a blessing if I see Leafbare."

"You say that every year," Softstar countered, "and yet you live on and on, the second oldest cat in all the Clans, and by far one of the healthiest."

"Bah. My luck will run out one day soon," Creepingwillow replied, hunching her shoulders slightly as a particularly strong wind sent a chill over the waves.

"As will happen to each of us in our turn," meowed Softstar thoughtfully. After a moment she stood and shook the loose sand from her fur. "I'll see you at sunrise. Try to get some sleep, my friend."

Creepingwillow grunted softly in reply, turning her gaze up just as a shooting star flickered across Silverpelt, vanishing so quickly it would have been missed in a single blink. "Aaah, there they are." She got to her feet and mewed softly in pain as her stiff back legs ached. Softstar paused on her way back to her den, ears pricking up.

"Anything of interest?"

"A prophecy," Creepingwillow answered, as though it was as casual a thing as the tides.

"A Prophecy?" Softstar turned, her full attention on the medicine cat now. "What did they say?" Creepingwillow shook the sand from her fur and began to limp slightly towards her own den, sighing a little before she replied.

"'The forest thickens its hold, and nothing else can grow. Listen for an echo.' It was meant for Puddleweed, from RainClan. I only hope she's seen it." At hearing it was not meant for her Clan, Softstar's ears drooped a bit in disappointment, though she could make no sense of it anyways.

"Oh. Well, the Gathering is in a few days, and we can ask her then."

"You can ask her," Creepingwillow sniffed. "I'm getting too old to make my way to Gatherings. You best remember it." The ancient she-cat ducked into her den then and said no more. Softstar looked up at the night sky as a wave crashed just before her paws.

"'Listen for an echo...' Let's hope we hear it soon."