Warriors #1: Moondance of Fate ✓

Chapter 7

The moment had finally arrived, and I could hardly contain my excitement. I couldn't believe that today was my warrior assessment. I practically bounced with anticipation, unable to stand still. It was as if I were a kit once again.

Firestar seemed to notice my eagerness, and a glimmer of amusement danced in his green eyes. I gave him a shy smile before lowering my head and padding after him. After a short walk, he stopped and turned to face me.

"Alright, you know the basics. Just hunt until the assessment is over, and we'll be watching you, even if you can't see us," he explained, dipping his head.

I swallowed hard but nodded firmly. I could do this. Yes, I could. "Go on," he urged with a rumbling laugh, and I shot him a playful, annoyed look before rushing off, eager to prove myself. I needed to find prey, and I needed to find it quickly. The drought had been dragging on for too long, and prey was scarce. Who knew how much longer it would last?

So, I padded on, determined to succeed in my warrior assessment. And guess what I found?

I came upon a startling sight—a dead dog in front of me. I squealed like a kit and jumped aside, my fur standing on end. But to my surprise, the dog wasn't actually dead; it was unconscious. I cautiously approached it, nudging it with my forepaw, a bad move as it turned out.

The beast growled and opened its daunting golden eyes, glaring at me. I blinked, my confusion growing. Why could I understand a dog?

"Now, why did you wake me up, bug?" it growled, its voice rough and deep.

I was taken aback, struggling to find words. "I... I didn't mean to wake you, sir," I stammered, my voice shaky. The dog scoffed but slowly stood up, towering over me. He had a strong male presence, and his scent reeked of it. I wrinkled my nose and turned my head away politely as he began to groom himself.

"I'm... I'm Moonpaw, and I didn't mean to wake you, sir," I repeated, this time with a bit more confidence. The dog raised a paw and tilted his head toward me.

"Greetings, Moonpaw. I'm Rufus," he said, and I gently touched his massive paw with mine, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Okay, I better go. I'll see you around," I mumbled, then swiftly turned and scampered away, shaking my head in disbelief.

And that's how I met my new canine friend.

But, oh, StarClan, the clan wasn't happy about that encounter!

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"Why were you conversing with the dog?" Lionpaw hissed, his fur bristling, and his brother, Jaypaw, looked equally agitated. I just blinked at them, not sure how to explain.

Hollypaw, on the other hand, appeared more intrigued. "What did you tell him?" she asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

"Hollypaw!" Jaypaw hollered, batting at his sister. Hollypaw dodged his playful attack and wrapped her tail over my shoulders. "Let these worrywarts fret about it. We two are going to have a girls' talk," she whispered into my ear, making me smile.

But before we could slip away, I gave the boys a condescending glance. "What he said to me is my business," I growled, and with that, I walked away, leaving the two brothers gawking in surprise.

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"But really, what did he say?" Hollypaw pressed, once we had reached the peaceful shore of the lake. I shrugged, trying to keep my composure. "He just asked me why I had woken him up. I mean, I thought he was dead for StarClan's sake."

Suddenly, realization struck me like a lightning bolt. "Oh, mouse-dung! I forgot about my warrior assessment!" I exclaimed, standing up abruptly and giving Hollypaw a quick farewell. I bolted off toward the forest, hoping that maybe, with a dog on the prowl, prey would be easier to find.