i wasn't ready, i hadn't been ready, how could i ever have been ready? the quiet chatter of cats during the peaceful gathering was interrupted by a loud boom, with the earth beneath my paws rumbling as i glanced around in panic, my eyes wide as cats who had no business at a gathering erupted through the bushes, stampeded past me, with cries of, "it's erupting!" echoing through the clearing. fear seized my heart with its strong claws, and i couldn't help but freeze as i saw the giant cloud of ash rising high above everyone's heads, and the burning, molten lava that began running down the sides of the mountain, setting the trees around it on fire. i backed away, watching the sparks and flames from the distance, barely hearing the words of those around me, urging us to run- run where? the beaches? all i know is that i have to find glis and heri. my paws pound on the ground, soot and ash thick in the air, clogging my throat, making it hard to breathe. i need to check for anyone else, anyone who remains is in danger. the fire will come soon, and i can already see the red and orange liquid, or whatever it is, approaching, reaching its fiery claws closer. it's hard to breathe, but i can manage for now. i see twolegs, running for cover in the distance, their monsters roaring to life. i watch one let out a shrill scream as he falls over the edge and into the lava. i shut my eyes as the screams end with a bubbling sound, waiting, knowing if i'm too early in looking i might be sick. twolegs might not be able to communicate with us, might just be cruel monsters, but i can see the fear. i know i have to move, or i might be next. the memories flash past my eyes, and thank starclan i hadn't fallen, thank starclan i had found rosehaven, except where was starclan? if they had been watching over us, this never would've happened. if they had been watching over us, ollie wouldn't be gone, otto wouldn't be gone, our home wouldn't be gone. i stare at the damage to my home, the fire, the ashes, all that starclan has let happen. and starclan can go burn in the flames. -- sunny trauma! she hates starclan even more now woohoo!