Warriors #1: Moondance of Fate ✓

Chapter 6

"I am glad Millie has chosen to keep her name. I am no warrior, but I am a ThunderClan cat. I stay in the nursery rather than hunt and fight because that is what I do best. I care for our young as though each kit were my own. This is my gift to the Clan, but I do it in my chosen name."— Daisy

I sprawled out on the mossy ground, a gnawing hunger in my belly. The clan had been battling scarcity for days, and I couldn't fathom why. Yesterday's hunting had been a disappointment, lost in my own thoughts.

Hollypaw, sleek as midnight, growled, "Had enough of this chaos? Let's get out of here." She sauntered over, and I met her sharp green gaze, "Of course," I muttered, rising and shaking my silvery-black pelt. I followed her without a second thought.

Moving felt liberating, even in the sweltering heat. At the lake, its once-rippling shores now strangely still, Hollypaw paused, her tone sultry, "I wanted to talk." I raised an eyebrow, "What's eating at you?" She dipped her head, "I might have potential, but you... you're something else. I reckon you're one of the three."

I blinked, momentarily stunned. "Uh, I'm nothing special. I come from a Twoleg's den," I protested, flicking my tail dismissively. Hollypaw retorted, "So did Firestar, and he's the one who saved the clans at the old forest territories." She wound her tail around mine, adding, "Never doubt yourself. You're extraordinary." A sly grin crept across her face, and she nuzzled my nose, purring loudly.

The rest of the day was a mix of cozy companionship and hunting. As we returned through the gorse tunnel, I clutched a small field mouse, while Hollypaw proudly carried a shrew. Scanty prey, but it was a start.

No matter what chaos lurked at the lake, we, as a clan, would face it together with our undeniable Warrior Cats swagger, ready for any challenge that came our way.

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"So, how'd the hunting with Hollypaw go?" rumbled a voice behind me, and I turned to find Brambleclaw, his eyes filled with warmth and amusement. "Well, just fine," I responded, dipping my head in respect to the deputy.

Brambleclaw snorted, his whiskers twitching with a smile. "I can see that. You know, when you first arrived, I wasn't sure about you. But now I know I can trust you with anything. You're a good cat, Moonpaw, and I'm confident that you'll be ready for your warrior assessment before we know it." He touched his nose to mine, and I blinked in astonishment.

"Maybe," he continued, "if I have a word with Firestar, you could be ready...tomorrow." I stared at him in disbelief, hardly able to contain my excitement. "Really?" I exclaimed, barely able to keep my voice from rising too loudly.

Brambleclaw nodded, and I couldn't help but let out an exuberant squeal of gratitude. "Thank you, thank you!" I whispered, a rush of joy surging through me. With my tail held high, I departed, leaving Brambleclaw with a chuckle and a muttered comment, "That cat...she's going to turn this whole clan upside down, one way or another."