Warriors: Rising Storm - Book Four (Completed)

Chapter Twenty

Shadowpaw padded into the nursery and looked around. The walls were finally up and looked great, but very different from when he was in here. He glanced around, remembering how the nursery used to be.

As he looked around, memories flooded his mind of the old nursery, where he had spent many cozy nights as a kit. The old nursery had been warm and inviting, with soft moss and feathers lining the den.

Determined to make things right, Shadowpaw set to work. He gathered up a bundle of feathers and moss and began to arrange them in a cozy nest in the corner of the den. Next, he found some thick strands of ivy and wove them into a curtain that could be drawn across the entrance to the nursery, providing some privacy for the nursing queens and their kits. Finally, he added some finishing touches to the den, including a small pile of twigs and leaves for the kits to play with.

Frostfur then padded up to him. "The nursery looks beautiful. Just like how it was before."

Sandstorm then padded up beside him. "Take a break and come hunting with me." She mewed softly, nudging his shoulder.

Shadowpaw nodded his head and touched his forehead to Frostfur before following Sandstorm out of camp.

The camp finally started looking like it should. The Clan worked hard to get it back in order and everyone was exhausted. Shadowpaw was then determined to catch enough prey for the whole Clan tonight. 

Shadowpaw followed Sandstorm to the Great Oak tree. "There should be some prey around here." Meowed Sandstorm, sitting down to observe her apprentice.

Shadowpaw prowled through the forest, his green eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement. He noticed a squirrel leaping from tree to tree in the distance. He tensed, ready to chase after it, but Sandstorm put a paw on his shoulder.

"Wait." She said. "You're fast, but squirrels are tricky. They'll lead you on a wild chase if you're not careful."

Shadowpaw nodded, listening intently. Sandstorm had a reputation as one of the best hunters in the Clan, and he knew that he had a lot to learn from her.

"What should I do, then?" He asked.

Sandstorm's eyes gleamed. "You climb the tree."

Shadowpaw's heart leapt into his throat. He'd never climbed a tree before, let alone chased prey up one. But he trusted Sandstorm, and he knew that he had to push himself if he wanted to succeed as a warrior. With a deep breath, Shadowpaw began to climb. The bark was rough under his paws, but he focused on the squirrel, which had paused on a branch just out of reach.

"Almost there." Sandstorm called from below.

Shadowpaw reached out a paw, stretching as far as he could. Just as he thought he had it, the squirrel darted away, out of reach.

"Keep going!" Sandstorm urged.

Shadowpaw didn't think he had any more energy left, but he gritted his teeth and pushed on. With a final leap, he grabbed onto the branch and scooped up the squirrel. He scrambled down the tree and landed on the ground, triumphant. Sandstorm was grinning from ear to ear.

"Well done," She said. "You'll make a great hunter someday."

Shadowpaw beamed with pride. He knew that he still had a lot to learn, but with Sandstorm by his side, he was ready to face any challenge that came his way.

As Sandstorm and Shadowpaw continued on their hunting, they caught a familiar scent on the breeze. Sandstorm's ears pricked up, and she signaled for Shadowpaw to follow her.

As they crept closer, they heard the sound of voices in the distance. They carefully made their way towards the noise, staying hidden in the bushes and trees. They got closer and saw a group of ShadowClan warriors gathered around a large tom with tabby fur and long talons. Sandstorm's heart skipped a beat as she recognized him as Tigerclaw, the former ThunderClan deputy who had been exiled moons ago for his treacherous ways.

But as they listened to his words, their shock turned to horror. Tigerclaw was no longer a rogue or an exile; he was now the leader of ShadowClan, and he was calling for the other Clans to join him in conquering the forest. 

Shadowpaw felt a chill run down her spine. He knew that Tigerclaw was ruthless and cunning, and with the power of a Clan behind him, he could be even more dangerous than ever before.

"Come on," She whispered to Shadowpaw. "We need to get back to ThunderClan and warn them of what's happening."

Shadowpaw nodded, his eyes wide with fear and excitement. As Sandstorm and Shadowpaw arrived back in ThunderClan territory, they immediately sought out Fireheart. They found him near the entrance to the camp, and Sandstorm quickly relayed what they had seen and heard in ShadowClan territory.

"Tigerclaw is back," She said, her voice low and urgent. "And he's the leader of ShadowClan now. He was talking to a patrol about taking over all four Clans."

Fireheart's eyes widened in disbelief and horror. He had always feared of him coming back, but not like this. "We have to warn the other Clans. We can't let him succeed in his plan." He meowed, trying to sound confident. 

Sandstorm nodded in agreement. "I'll go with you," She mewed. "We'll make sure that the other Clans know what's going on."

Fireheart nodded, his expression grim. "We'll leave immediately."

Sandstorm turned to Shadowpaw. "Stay here and let Waterlily know what has happened. She will find a way to tell Bluestar."

She then raced off to gather the other ThunderClan warriors, while Fireheart began to make his way towards Fourtrees. Shadowpaw stood in horror, not wanting to move. If Tigerclaw was really leader of ShadowClan, they were in for some dangerous times. He shook as if to clear it, then bounded towards Waterlily. She was tidying up the medicine den and she tucked away some moss in the corner behind the small pool. 

"Waterlily." He mewed softly. 

Waterlily looked up in alarm and could feel his fear as he said her name. "What's wrong?"

"Tigerclaw is back. We believe he is leader of ShadowClan. He might be trying to overrule the other Clans. Fireheart and Sandstorm are on their way to warn the other Clans."

Waterlily widened her eyes. "Tigerclaw is back?" She repeated hoarsely. 

"Yellowfang, Tigerclaw is..." She turned her head, then remembered that Yellowfang was dead. Her eyes clouded with sadness and she laid back her ears on her head. "I will let Bluestar know when I believe she is ready to know. For now, we must let Fireheart handle this."

Shadowpaw tensed. "Won't she find out?"

"Perhaps."

Shadowpaw tilted his head to the side. "What will you do then?"

"If she finds out?" She paused, waiting for his nod. She then continued. "I would have to tell her. She is still our leader, but she has to be at the right mindset to deal with stuff like this. She is in no state of mind to think about Tigerclaw coming back."

Shadowpaw nodded his head then padded away to the apprentices' den. As he laid down to sleep for a bit, he began thinking of what all Waterlily told him. Tigerclaw murdered innocent cats. Who knows how many more cats he has killed by now.