Warriors #3: The One Who Killed the Sun ✓

Chapter 1

Lillykit's POV

The sun's rays beat down relentlessly upon me, prompting a graceful wriggle of my hindquarters as I leaped playfully towards the rolling leaf ball, a mischievous chuckle escaping my lips as it evaded my grasp and darted towards the waiting paws of Cherrykit and Molekit.

 "Indeed, retreat from my prowess!" I proclaimed with a touch of whimsy before my ears pricked up upon hearing the resonant voice of my adoptive mother, Moonfall, calling out to me. Adjusting my posture to exude confidence, I approached her with my head held high, offering an apologetic glance at the two kits. 

"Yes, Mother?" I inquired politely.

"Pray tell, are you cognizant of the occasion we commemorate today?" she inquired, a subtle glimmer of anticipation flickering within her sapphire orbs, as my fur bristled and my tail swished. "Indeed, I am well aware! It is the day of my long-awaited apprentice ceremony!" 

At last, I would join the esteemed ranks of the true Clancats; Moonfall had discussed my integration with Firestar, rendering my formal acceptance into the clan a reality. Furthermore, I would embark on the momentous journey of acquiring my warrior appellation. The anticipation was nigh palpable as I contemplated the identity of my mentor. Perchance may be Lionblaze, even Moonfall herself, or Jayfeather, although his path is that of a medicine cat...

Moonfall emitted a gentle chuckle, her tender tongue delicately caressing my earlobe.

 "Indeed, my dear, you expressed your desire to be embraced into the clan fold, but do bear in mind that this necessitates your adherence to our esteemed community's sacred codes and customs. It would be prudent to heed them," she remarked with a derisive snort, her luxurious tail swishing elegantly. "Not that I have any influence in such matters." 

She then nodded towards a resplendent golden tom who composedly settled beside her, their shoulders barely grazing and his tail gracefully entwining around her. I beamed up at my adoptive father, Lionblaze. "Greetings, Lillykit. Are you prepared to embark upon the path of apprenticeship?" he queried, bending down to tenderly nuzzle me. I nodded enthusiastically, exclaiming, "Without a doubt!"

"I possess utmost certainty that you shall excel, my dear," he remarked with conviction, his eyes glistening with a profound pride. I had traversed a considerable distance, accompanying him on our journey, only to be embraced under his benevolent guardianship and welcomed into this noble clan. Ah, the tapestry of life unfurls with abundant blessings indeed.

"Attention, all felines of sufficient maturity to engage in the pursuit of their sustenance. Let us convene beneath the towering presence of the Highrock for an esteemed gathering of our sacred clan!" Firestar's commanding voice echoed through the air, and we instinctively redirected our gaze toward the regal figure adorned in hues reminiscent of a blazing inferno.

 With unparalleled dignity, he stood atop the majestic Highrock, his resplendent coat shimmering amidst the fading daylight, evoking a profound sense of reverence.

I, in turn, felt a surge of profound admiration. This majestic feline is my esteemed leader and a cherished confidant to my beloved mother. How privileged I am to entrust my fate to such an exemplary being.

Encouraged by Moonfall's gentle nudge, I bestowed upon her a worried elegance, yet she merely mouthed the word "proceed" silently.

 Thus, I gracefully advanced towards the shadow cast by the towering Highrock, directing my gaze to the distinguished leader who presided over our esteemed clan. A smile graced his countenance as he once again addressed us, his voice resounding. 

"Tonight, we shall witness a most momentous occasion—a significant addition to our noble lineage. We warmly embrace a new apprentice, one who hails not from our feline kin but rather from a courageous wanderer who shall be forever remembered for her courage and unwavering commitment to our collective prosperity. Mistpelt's daughter, Lillykit, shall henceforth be welcomed into our fold!" With verdant eyes fixed upon me, he continued, "Lillykit, until the day arrives when you earn your rightful warrior appellation, you shall be known as Lillypaw. I extend my heartfelt embrace as you enter the realm of ThunderClan, invoking the blessings bestowed by the esteemed StarClan. May your vacation within the clan be filled with joy and fulfillment."

Shifting his gaze, he turned his attention to a stalwart gray tabby tom whose icy blue orbs seemed to dissolve the depths of my very soul. 

"Ashfur, a moon has passed since you last mentored an apprentice, and you have proven yourself through your guidance of Lionblaze. Henceforth, you shall undertake the next apprentice in line," Firestar proclaimed. 

Ashfur's eyes flickered momentarily, a subtle blaze lingering within them, yet he assented with a nod and approached me, tenderly touching his nose to mine. I respectfully bowed and assumed a position beside my mother, with Ashfur at my other flank. Although my mother glared fiercely at Ashfur, the gray tom appeared remarkably unaffected by her disapproval.

With that matter settled the collective focus of the clan shifted towards Ashfur. "Pray tell, what shall be our next course of action?" I inquired, to which he responded with a nonchalant shrug.

 "Let us partake in a ritual of sustenance, savoring a portion of nourishing prey. Afterward, I shall guide you on an exploratory expedition through the vast expanse of our hallowed territory," he declared. I nodded to his proposal, proceeding to the pile where the fresh kill was stored.

 Drawing out a plump mouse, I consumed it peacefully, relishing each delightful morsel until only the final bite remained. With contentment and satisfaction, I swallowed the last mouthful and gracefully sauntered towards Ashfur, venturing into the verdant embrace of the forest.