Warriors #1: Moondance of Fate ✓

Chapter 20

The dark pine forest loomed overhead, and in its somber embrace, I felt smaller and more vulnerable than I ever had in ThunderClan. However, I knew that here, I could find refuge from Sol's hurtful words and his cold, calculating gaze.

My steps came to a sudden halt when the bushes nearby rustled, and a massive pine tree cast its shadow over me. As I inched closer to investigate, a russet-furred cat leaped out from the underbrush, and I let out a startled gasp.

"R-Russetfur!" I squeaked, my nerves on edge. The reddish-brown she-cat snorted, her fur bristling with suspicion. "What's a ThunderClan warrior doing on ShadowClan territory?" she hissed.

"I-I've only come to see my father," I meowed, dipping my head respectfully toward the ShadowClan warrior. Russetfur rumbled a growl of disapproval, then turned to lead the way, her agile form gliding through the forest.

I followed her closely, navigating the complex terrain of tall tree trunks, Twoleg nests, and dense underbrush. The path eventually led us through a broad gorse tunnel that brushed against my fur as I ventured further. As I entered ShadowClan's camp, I encountered numerous cats, all with cold and scrutinizing gazes. Some, however, seemed to recognize me as one of their own.

A young brown-striped warrior approached me and pressed his muzzle to my cheek, offering a warm welcome. "Welcome, Moonfall," he meowed, his tone friendly. Then he gestured with his tail toward where Blackstar was waiting. I dipped my head in thanks and made my way toward the rocky den where ShadowClan's leader was expecting me.

My father straightened up in his nest, his smile warm and welcoming. "My daughter, you came," he purred, and I hastened over to him, burying my snout in the thick fur of his neck. "Father," I mewed, my voice trembling with emotion.

Blackstar extended his tail over my back, beginning to groom me gently on top of my head. "There, there, my dear. You're safe here," he murmured between each loving stroke, his presence providing me with the comfort I had longed for.

Once I had settled down, I sat upright and shook my head. "Sorry for arriving so unannounced," I began, but Blackstar shook his head. "Never apologize; you're always welcome here. Enjoy your stay, ShadowClan is here for you always," he assured me.

He leaned forward and affectionately licked my cheek and over my eye. "Now, tell me why you came running from ThunderClan. They're treating you kindly, aren't they?" he inquired, a tone of concern in his voice.

I couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Yes, they're sweet, but no, it's a new cat in the Clan called Sol, and he seemed like he could turn my Clanmates against me, and I... I don't want that. ThunderClan means as much to me as ShadowClan does," I explained with a heavy sigh.

Blackstar nodded and twined his tail with mine. "I'm glad to hear that, Moonfall. Just know that if he ever dares to come here, we'll gladly open our paws for you," he assured me.

I purred, resting against my father. "Thank you, Father," I mewed, feeling his warmth and support. "Always loved."

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Several sunrises later, I felt it was time to return home. I rose in the nest Blackstar had arranged for me, and as I looked over at my father's broad and dark form where he lay asleep, my heart warmed. Who would have thought that such a stern cat could be such a loving father?

I stood up, stretching, and then strode out of the den, leaping down the winding trails that led to Blackstar's den. "Hey," Tigerheart beamed, one of the young warriors I'd met yesterday. I nodded in greeting and began to groom myself. "Are you leaving?" he asked. I looked at him and replied, "Yes," while shaking my head to fluff out my fur. "I would think that the flea-brain is out of the Clan by now." Tigerheart nodded, running his tail over my back. "Remember, you're always welcome here," he meowed. I smiled and nuzzled his cheek before heading toward the entrance, where Russetfur was waiting for me. "Ready?" she asked. I nodded, and together we trotted out into the forest, on our way back home.