Beside the rockpool ...

[✲Mythwĭng✲]

Mythwing sat beside the rockpool to quench her thirst. As she lapped at the chilly water, Mythwing recalled the advents of her busy day. Firstly she had taken her kits to see Flamefox, then she had gone hunting, then taken Fernkit, Oakkit and Leopardkit for a walk. She was exhausted . . . yet she wanted something to do . . . someone to talk to . . .
"Mother?" Mythwing was awakened from her thoughts.
"Yes, Oakkit?"
"May I have some mouse?!?"
"Certainly, but share it with your sisters . . . and when you're done-"
Oakkit yawned.
"- go to bed. You've had a big day."
"Okay ..." Oakkit stifled yet another yawn, "Fernkit, Leopardkit . . . want some mouse?!?"
"Yes please!!!" came one reply. Leopardkit said this.
Oakkit twiched his whiskers, "Fern. . .?"
"No thanks . . . ." Fernkit was pawing at a herb growing from a crack in the cave wall ". . . hey, Mum, I think I found some Borage!!! You want some?"
"What does it do, little one?" Mythwing stepped toward her inquisitive kit.
"It helps queens gain milk . . ." came Fernkit's reply.
Of course! My milk dried up a couple of days ago!!!
"You're so smart, Fern!!!" Mythwing cried, "My milk dried up a couple of days ago . . ."
"Well, then, chew on these Borage leaves!" Fernkit said in a matter-of-fact voice, "don't worry . . . they're not bad for you!" Fernkit snapped some leaves off their stems and lay a few on the ground.

Myth bent down and licked up the leaves her kit had offered her. They where bitter . . . and they had a hairy texture on her tongue . . . but Mythwing knew that she could trust her kit. "You're going to be a Medicine-cat apprentice . . . aren't you Fern?"
Fernkit pricked her ears, "Definately! . . . That's if we get a Medicine cat, though ..."

[Flamefox]

Flamefox was walking through the forest to get to Echoclan after he let Iceflame go for a walk. He did have the kits. "Dont worry about that we all are going to have Medicine cats soon. Id thought id leave the kits here while i give Silverwolf a visit you mind? They will be tired an asleep."
"I'm tired!" shouted Foxkit.
"Youll be able to sleep soon" said Flamefox calmly.

[✲Mythwĭng✲]

"Of course!" Mythwing meowed, "come and settle in, guys!" As her five kits 'snuggled-up' together, Mythwing touched her nose to Flamefox's, "have a good time . . .! Oh, and you can leave the kits here for as long as you like!"
She stepped back from her mate. "Say hi to Silverwolf for me!"

[Flamefox]

Flamefox licked her shoulder."Ok I will." he said as he walked away.

[✲Mythwĭng✲]

"Goodbye!" Mythwing meowed after her mate.
Now she was bored. The kits were sleeping and there where hardly any cats in EchoClan.
Apart from Snakepaw. Where is she? Maybe I'll have a rest . . . then Snakepaw and I can do some training . . .
Mythwing settled into her nest, and her kits, still only half asleep, dug into her warm belly-fur. Her eyes grew heavy. As sleep grasped her gently in its jaws, Mythwing had one last thought . . . but she couldn't quite remember it . . . the only thing she could remember was fire . . .

[✲Mythwĭng✲]

Mythwing woke up shaking. Everything in the cave was glowing red. Then voices sounded in her head . . . whispering, rasping voices . . .

The wild ones came,
with fire they had tamed,
jealous of all that we are,
scourge us, they did,
so we ran, and we hid,
and we thought of them no more,
but now they are back,
burning things black,
ready to fight again,
one from each Clan,
save you, they can,
Just be prepared for the storm . . .

Mythwing blinked her green eyes open. The cave wasn't tinted red any more. What did this mean?!? Was it about the Great battle? What shou-
"Mother?"
"Y-yes, Echokit?"
"Are you ok? I can sense you're uncomfortable . . ."
"I need to t-talk to you father about s-something." Mythwing heard her voice quaver.
"What is it?!?" of course, this was Oakkit.
"Warrior things . . ."
"CAN I KNOW?!?"
"Most definately not if you shout!" Mythwing gave Oakkit a stern look.
By now, all three of the other kits had woken up.
"How about we go to SkyClan? I need to talk to your father . . ."
"Yes!" shreiked Foxkit, "can we go hunting?!?"
Mythwing sighed, "If you're good, and you stay with me . . . then yes"
"YAY!" all of the kits cried. They leapt out of their nest an began to run around the cave, pouncing on invisible enemies.
"Settle down!" Mythwing meowed joyously. She loved it when her kits were excited . . . but at the moment she didn't seem to love it as much as she usually did . . . her kits were happy they were going to see Flamefox again . . . but the reason was grim . . . very grim . . .