Warriors #2: Midnight ✓

Chapter 23

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"I think we've found what we're looking for."
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Starspeckle's heart raced as the urgency of their mission pushed them forward. Morning arrived, and he rose to his paws with determination, his tail swishing anxiously. Time was running out, and they needed to press on to reach their destination before midnight. Checking over his friends, Starspeckle noted Tawnypelt's improved condition but couldn't help but worry when he saw her wince as she put weight on her injured shoulder.

With a nod to signal their readiness, Starspeckle met their gazes before leading the way through the weaving trees. His pace quickened, and soon he was running with the wind, a surge of exhilaration coursing through his veins. The sense of freedom and power enveloped him, and he knew they were close to something significant, which held the key to their journey's purpose.

But his swift run came to an abrupt halt as he reached the edge of a towering sandy cliff, waves crashing below. His blue eyes widened at the sun setting over the water, but he quickly shook himself from the distraction. Turning to his friends, he spoke with determination, "We need to find the cave with pointed teeth before midnight." The others nodded and set off randomly along the cliff, periodically checking for any signs of a cave. Starspeckle remained cautious near the cliff's edge, wary of the long drop.

As they continued their search, the cliff gradually became less steep, allowing them to descend closer to the water. Stormfur's voice broke the silence, offering a glimmer of hope, "Even if we can't find the cave tonight, there are still plenty of places to shelter." Starspeckle nodded, considering the growing darkness and Tawnypelt's fatigue from her rat bite.

Suddenly, scrambling paws and a yowl pierced the air from behind him. Starspeckle whirled around and gasped. Brambleclaw had slipped and fallen off the cliff into a hollow. Acting on instinct, Starspeckle threw himself after the brown tabby warrior, attempting to haul him up, but their combined weight caused them to slide further downwards. Squirrelpaw, displaying her loyalty and bravery, launched onto Brambleclaw, trying to prevent him from going further. Still, her efforts proved futile as the soil beneath them gave way, sending them all tumbling into the abyss. In the last fleeting moment before losing consciousness, Starspeckle caught a glimpse of a blinding light and heard the yelp of his friends.

Then darkness consumed him.

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Ow, ow, Starpseckle winced as a searing pain shot through his head and shoulders. Slowly, he blinked open his vibrant blue eyes, greeted by the sight of a pebbled beach stretching out before him. At his side stood Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw, their sleek forms moving gracefully as they engaged in conversation. Joining them was Stormfur, his sleek fur glistening under the golden sunlight. They were all engrossed in their chatter until their eyes met Starpseckle's awakened gaze.

"Star!" he heard his sister's voice yowl from afar, and he looked up to find her peering over the edge of something. Confusion clouded his mind as he mustered the strength to ask, "W-what happened?" His voice was barely a whisper, still weighed down by the lingering haze of unconsciousness.

"Vi falt over kantet, men før vi kunne falle i vannet, reddet du oss," Stormfur replied, his voice filled with a purring undertone. Starpseckle blinked, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar words that fell from his companion's mouth.

"I... I saved you?" he murmured in disbelief, searching for confirmation. Brambleclaw nodded vigorously, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "You did! It was truly astonishing, as if you sprouted wings," he purred respectfully, his voice carrying a touch of awe. Starpseckle sank onto the pebbled ground, his thoughts racing, while Squirrelpaw tilted her head, concern etched upon her delicate features.

"Are you alright?" she inquired softly, her voice laced with genuine worry. Starpseckle took a moment to collect himself, his gaze fixed upon his trembling paws. "I... I need some time," he stammered, his voice betraying his inner turmoil.

The others nodded understandingly, their eyes filled with empathy as they began making their way toward the entrance of a nearby cave. "Be careful as you descend!" Stormfur called out, his voice carrying a note of caution. With a heavy heart and a mind adrift, Starpseckle followed their departing figures, lost in a sea of contemplation and uncertainty.

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"We should find something in here," Crowpaw snarled as he settled down next to Starpseckle, who remained lost in his thoughts. Throughout the journey into the heart of the cave, Starpseckle had not uttered a single word. He had walked with his head bowed and his tail dragging behind him. Crowpaw had been uneasy, but he knew better than to ask what Starpseckle was pondering. Perhaps even Starpseckle himself was unaware of his thoughts.

"We'll make it through; just relax," Tawnypelt growled from her spot near the flickering light that streamed into the cave through a gap in the ceiling.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of paws, and a black and white snout emerged out of the darkness — a badger. All the cats, except for Starpseckle, hissed and unsheathed their claws in defense.

However, when the large creature peered down at them, they saw kind eyes gazing back. "Do not fret," the badger said, and Starpseckle looked up at her. "Midnight," he meowed, and the badger smiled. "Finally, Starpseckle."

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"Do you... know each other?" Brambleclaw asked, his curiosity piqued. Midnight, the badger shook her head. "Not formally, no, but I have sent him dreams of what he needs to know. He is the one who received the dream first among all of you, and he is the one who will lead, you see," she explained.

She approached the white and orange warrior, and they touched noses before she bowed. "It's good to have one of the dragons among us, Starspeckle, finally," she said, and Starspeckle flicked an ear, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Thank you," he replied.

Flames danced around him and his friends, and they gasped in awe. Midnight smiled. "Are you ready to finally embrace your true destiny, young warrior?" she asked. Starspeckle locked gazes with her wise eyes. "I don't know," he admitted hesitantly. "I have so much to do for my clan; I don't know if I can become like my mother." Midnight nodded understandingly and gently nudged him. "Follow me," she said, leading the way into the cave's darkness. "The rest of you as well." All the cats followed the kind badger, and soon they arrived at an illuminated chamber, where a large crystal shimmered with flickering flames at its core.

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

"What is this?" Crowpaw asked, his voice filled with wonder. Sunfall and her sister stared wide-eyed at the sight. "The Dragon's Heart," they whispered in awe.

Midnight nodded. "Yes, young warriors, this is the Dragon's Heart." She looked at Starspeckle. "Touch the crystal with your snout, Starspeckle. It won't harm you." With a mixture of trepidation and trust, Starspeckle stepped forward and touched the heart with his snout, and suddenly, everything burst into a brilliant blaze of light, engulfing him.