Blue Moon (warrior cats fic)

chapter 3

Startling Sky could barely muster the strength to move her limbs in the habitual lengthy strides. For this reason, every step she took was dragged. At her side, Singing Finch padded on with the same slow pacing - oddly quiet for once. Streaking Hawk trailed farther behind from the two of them, most likely silently mourning for the littermate that had been lost.

Of course, all three of them were mourning. Smooth Feather had been the highest ranking of the Hunters (in other words, also the most skilled), and would be greatly missed by all members of Blue Moon. Startling Sky could only imagine the sorrowful wails that would rise from the throats of their group mates, when the three of them returned to camp empty-pawed of prey, and also with a formidable hunter missing from their ranks.

Actually, no; not a formidable hunter. Two.

Although, one cat was missing because they had just died serving the clan, while the other had simply wandered off from their duties and was currently nowhere to be found.

Startling Sky was going to let out all her bottled anger and claw Raining Frost if he showed up later to camp with the usual cheeky, unsure grin on his face and hazy look in those pale blue eyes. She'd make sure he never left in the middle of completing his duties ever again.

She had known from the start that it would be a bad idea to let the former-rogue join their group, but of course, Alpha had insisted. After that, there had been no more space for arguing, for the group leader's decision much outlawed the Beta's. Compared to Alpha, she was practically powerless.

Startling Sky wasn't sure how she was supposed to feel about that. How had cats, who'd managed to find themselves at the second-highest rank, dealt with being so near full control, yet were powerless to do anything but their Alpha's bidding? Perhaps they didn't have the kind of thoughts she had altogether.

She pushed the jumble of thoughts and ideas beginning to form, forcibly, out of her mind. How had the subject of her worries gone from Smooth Feather, all the way to the amount of power she had in the group?

"I'm sorry," she murmured, briefly brushing against the fur of his limp body.

Singing Finch swished her tail. "It's not your fault he's... away from us," she mewed, though in a quiet tone. This was the first time she'd spoken since his death, and though her words were reassuring, the she-cat remained staring down at her paws without lifting her gaze.

Startling Sky blinked sadly. What about Streaking Hawk? What did he think? The tabby tom had been following their conversation with pricked ears. Surely he had something to say. But when she turned her head to glance at him, he suddenly seemed more interested in observing a passing butterfly rather than meeting her gaze.

...

Her eyes darted from left to right, following the paw movements of her group mates. They were digging the hole outside of camp where Smooth Feather's body would be laid to rest with the earth, while his spirit roamed freely in the stars. She wished she could stand there with them to say the very last farewells to her friend before he was gone forever, but it was a tradition for the Protectors to do the dismal task.

Singing Finch sobbed from where she was watching the ritual. Streaking Hawk sat beside her, his head bowed and, with that, his expression hidden.

There was nothing else that could be done. Startling Sky turned away abruptly and padded in meaningful strides towards the leader's den. She needed something to be settled, and it had to be done sooner or later. Her paws skidded to a stop in front of the lichen which hung over the entrance of the small.

"Alpha, I need to discuss something with you," she called through gritted teeth. Her claws dug deep into the soil underneath in a single, brisk movement.

A familiar heavyset she-cat slid out, giving her sleek light-gray pelt a shake to clear off the caught debris. She set her dark blue eyes intently on Startling Sky. "I can tell it's important. Come inside."

Startling Sky followed the larger she-cat inside, though rather ungracefully and having to duck to avoid hitting her head on a low spot. Once they had both settled down comfortably on either side of the space under the rock ledge, she took a deep breath, "Do you still remember what we talked about last time? About having a strict border for our territory?" Even in the dark gloom of the den, she could see a shadow pass over Alpha's calm and placid gaze. "So... what do you think?"

"No," said the tabby she-cat, rising to her paws. "We're not changing any rules. Why should we? Fangtooth hasn't been doing us much harm lately."

Startling Sky sprang forward to block the leader's exit. "No harm at all," she mimicked the higher-ranking cat with a sarcastic tint in her voice. "That is, if you ignore the scraps of half-eaten prey patrols occasionally found scattered deep in our territory, engulfed in their scent!"

"That's enough!" Alpha bellowed, drawing herself to her full height. She thrust her muzzle forward, snarling. "Don't make me regret my decision to make you Beta," she hissed. "I could have chosen from the more experienced and senior cats, yet I gave the role to someone barely over the age of twelve moons!"

"I-"

Alpha cut her off sharply. "I'm giving you a chance at authority and responsibility. Take it!"

Without another word, the cat Startling Sky had respected so much just a heartbeat ago stormed out, her light-gray tail lashing behind her like a whip.

She couldn't help but feel very taken aback by what the leader of Blue Moon had said. She wanted to throw something brash and rude at Alpha before she left earshot, but at the same time she felt as though her throat had clenched up, refusing to utter even a word; never mind a full sentence in retort. There was no way to defend herself if her muzzle refused to cooperate. She could do nothing but watch as the heavyset she-cat went out of view by sidling into another den. Probably to attend unfinished business.

Or deciding on which cat she should choose to replace me, she thought bitterly. Giving the role to someone else? As if I'd be upset about that!

Startling Sky tried to convince herself that it was really no big deal, when she knew perfectly well that it was. She loved being Beta. She especially loved the power that came with the rank; like the ability to make important decisions for other cats and issuing orders. Or, honestly, just simply being a crucial part of something as large as the group. To give that all up? It felt as though she were giving up the use of a limb.

No; she couldn't give up her rank. She would not allow herself to step down so easily. She had to keep this spot, even if it meant keeping her thoughts and opinions on borders to herself. It purely wasn't something worth letting slip from her grasp. But for that to work, there had to be a change made.

From then on, Startling Sky would keep her muzzle shut.

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author's note: it's been nearing two weeks since the last update, so i was quick to get this one out! i think my updating schedule will look kind of spontaneous, but it'll probably be something like one chapter every 1-2 weeks :)

please leave a comment! i promise to read and reply to them all <3