Warriors #1: Moondance of Fate ✓

Chapter 1

I let out a wide yawn, my body sprawled out before the cozy fireplace, basking in the comforting warmth radiating from its flames. It was a delightful change from the usual routine during winters. Normally, I'd be out on the moor as much as possible, since my twolegs preferred not to stay home around the time of crimson leaves, leaving me to my own devices outdoors. Yet, this time around, the hearth offered its inviting embrace, and I couldn't help but relish in its embrace.

I stretched luxuriously, my light tabby fur rippling as I did so, and cast a glance outside where the snowflakes dwindled gracefully to the ground. A quick survey of my surroundings within the nest revealed an absence that struck me as odd. Where were my brothers? I pondered, a sense of curiosity tugging at my feline instincts.

Suddenly, I found myself pinned to the ground with a hearty "oouf!" escaping my lips as heavy paws pressed me down.

"Hah! You didn't stand a chance, Moon!" my brother, Star, hissed triumphantly in my ear. I couldn't resist, and I growled in response, swiftly whirling around and playfully swiping at his belly with sheathed paws.

"Hey, that's enough, you two!" our bigger brother, Fire, bellowed as he strode across the floor, his brown tail flicking impatiently. "Our twolegs are taking us out today."

I wriggled my way out from under my brother and leaped up when he attempted to swat at me. "No way!" I whined happily, excited at the prospect of an adventure with our twolegs.

Fire rolled his eyes in response before flicking his tail at Star, who huffed and sat up, his tail still twitching. "Really?" Star mewed, looking at Fire for confirmation.

"Yes, they said so," Fire responded with a knowing glance. He had always possessed a special ability to understand the twolegs, a skill that set him apart from both Star and me. It occasionally left us a tad envious, especially since he often garnered more attention and cuddles from those skinny creatures than we did.

But then, a sudden thought raced through my mind like a bolt of lightning. If we were going out with the twolegs, that meant I could visit the forest! There was an inexplicable pull that drew me to those towering trees, even though I couldn't quite fathom why. It was as if something deep within me tugged me towards the woods, and as long as I returned home before dinner, my twolegs allowed me to stay out there as long as I pleased.

However, my brothers didn't share the same enthusiasm for my forest adventures. Fire, in particular, often complained about how many times his heart nearly leaped out of his chest when I didn't return long before the clock struck seven.

"Well, whatever. I'm going to nap," Star hissed with a touch of irritation, his tail held high in an arrogant manner. With that declaration, he sauntered away, leaving me and Fire standing there.

Fire and I exchanged glances, then Fire dipped his head and slunk away as well, retreating to find his own quiet spot for some rest. I remained behind, gazing at the gently falling flakes of snow, lost in my own thoughts.

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I inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh, crisp air as the twolegs opened the glass doors, granting us access to the outdoors. It felt invigorating to have the snow crunch beneath my paw pads, even if it bit into them with its icy coldness. None of that mattered; this was the wide world, not just a warm floor.

My attention was suddenly drawn by the rustling of bushes nearby, causing me to look up and focus on the snow-covered brambles. I narrowed my eyes, arched my back, and unsheathed my claws. Whatever was coming out of there, I was not going to let it invade our territory.

But what emerged from the brambles was another cat, a tabby gray tom with pale blue eyes and a sneering expression that sent a shiver down my spine.

The cat blinked at me, and it was then that I noticed he was blind. I remembered an old blind cat that used to be around here, though I couldn't quite recall his name. He had been kind, so perhaps this cat was, too, although he was clearly larger than me.

I dipped my head and let out a gentle mew, trying to be friendly. "Hello there," I greeted him, but his ears twitched, and he responded in a cold tone, "Who are you?"

My ear twitched in response, and his response stung a bit. I had only been trying to be friendly. "I'm Moon," I said, working my claws into the snowy ground underneath my paws. The gray tabby snorted and asked, "Are you a kittypet?"

I huffed and tilted my head. "If you mean I'm a housecat, then yes," I replied, not backing down.

The cat, Jayfeather, sniffed the air and introduced himself, making it clear that we were on ThunderClan territory. I just stared at the gray tabby, feeling as though he was speaking another language. After a moment, I shook my head in disbelief.

"ThunderClan," I echoed, still trying to grasp the concept. Jayfeather nodded solemnly.

"Yes, and you're trespassing," he declared, his tone firm and unwavering.

I snorted in mild frustration and turned my gaze toward the direction where my nest was, but the snow-covered undergrowth obscured it from view.

"Very well, I'll leave then—" I began, ready to make a hasty exit. However, just as I was about to depart, a smooth voice interrupted my departure.

"Oh, I don't think you will," the newcomer purred, causing me to pivot around and face yet another cat. This one was a golden tabby tom with warm amber eyes and a luxurious ruff of fur adorning his neck. He didn't seem openly hostile, but there was an air of caution about him that suggested he wouldn't be extending his paw in friendship without good reason.

I blinked at him slowly, taking in his scent, which was sweet and redolent of the forest, much like the smaller cat.

"Who are you?" he mewed after scrutinizing me for a while, and I huffed in response. "I'm Moon, and I'm what you call it? Oh yes, a kittypet," I replied, my tone icy. Jayfeather hadn't been particularly friendly with me, so I saw no reason to extend warmth to another stranger.

The golden tabby, Lionblaze, blinked and dipped his head. "I'm Lionblaze," he introduced himself. "Why don't you come with us? I'm sure Firestar wants to talk to you."

"Firestar?" I repeated, and suddenly, it all started to make sense. These were the clans by the lake, the ones my mother had mentioned to me before I was old enough to leave, and my brothers had definitely talked about them. A tingling sensation rippled through my fur, and my tail flicked with anticipation.

"Sure," I mewed gently, and Lionblaze smiled. "Come on, then." He waved his tail, and I followed him deeper into the snowy forest, my heart pounding with curiosity and excitement.