Warriors #3: The One Who Killed the Sun ✓

Chapter 2

Moonfall's POV

Honestly, never before had my voice resonated as loudly as it did when Lillypaw departed from the camp alongside Ashfur. The truth is, the gray tom and I harbored our past grievances. However, my heart swelled with immense pride as my adopted daughter embarked on her path towards becoming a warrior.

"Notably swift is her growth, wouldn't you agree?" Lionblaze purred, his eyes aglow with both delight and affection. I smiled and leaned into his comforting presence, basking in his warmth.

"Indeed, she is blossoming remarkably. I am overcome with an overwhelming sense of pride, and I harbor no doubt that Mistpelt shares in this sentiment," I mused, gazing heavenwards where the stars twinkle steadfastly, even as the first glimmers of sunrise emerge. "I ought to have been there when she drew her final breath... I should have been by her side." I attempted to interject, but the words caught in my throat.

"I understand, my love," Lionblaze murmured, delicately grooming my ears to assuage my sorrow. "I, too, miss her deeply, even if our bond formed somewhat slower." Nonetheless, he chuckled briefly before standing up, his golden fur gleaming beneath the sunlight. "I must join Thornclaw for our shared hunt, as promised."

I nodded silently, observing as my companion stole away from my side, venturing off to join the golden-striped male eagerly awaiting him at the entrance of the thorny tunnel.

A sigh escaped my lips.

Surely, StarClan attentively watches over us, does it not?

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

I silently prowled through the lush woods, embarking on a hunting expedition alongside my loyal companion, Squrrielflight. This venture has become a regular occurrence in recent moon cycles. However, today, there was a palpable shift in the air. An unspoken tension hung in the atmosphere, causing my fur to bristle with unease, and my tail to twitch with a mind of its own.

"Perhaps we should make a swift escape to WindClan instead," Squirrielflight jested, playfully knocking into my shoulder with her tail. I shivered in response. "Something is not right... There is an inexplicable disturbance lurking in these surroundings," I hissed, instinctively flexing my claws in a rhythmic pattern. My acute sense of smell heightened, as I cautiously twitched my nose, hoping to catch any lingering scents. And there it was, as we crossed a small brook, I detected it.

The scent that permeated the air was intriguing, a mix of sweet musk intermingled with the earthy essence of dried foliage and the remnants of a rodent's life force.

Anger surged within me, a spark igniting beneath my chest. But alas, my rage got entangled with apprehension, clouding the clarity of my thoughts. Nevertheless, I pressed on, resolutely determined to find the source. I agilely maneuvered through the overhanging branches, evading their grasp, and gracefully leaping over patches of vibrant green blades.

Then, as if time stood still, I abruptly halted. A pair of luminous, golden eyes stared deeply into mine from the enigmatic shadows. Slowly, a tall, magnificently patterned tortoiseshell-and-white tom emerged, stepping forward with regal confidence. Squirrielflight emerged beside me, her fur bristling in anticipation.

"Pray tell, who do you think you are?" she growled, her teeth bared and claws unsheathed. I glanced at her, and then back at the tom, who appeared unperturbed, almost amused that he had been stumbled upon by two formidable warriors, capable of tearing the fur off his frame.

"I am known as Sol. And what names do you honor yourselves with?" he inquired, tilting his head slightly, making my fur stand on end. "I..." I started, but Squirrielflight interrupted with a sharp retort, "Why should we reveal our names? You could very well be nothing but a rogue!" I swiftly extended my tail to halt her outburst before fixing her with an earnest stare. "Please, remain calm," I turned to Sol, "I am Moonfall, and this is Squrrielflight. However, she speaks the truth. What brings you to our revered territory?"

Sol's countenance brightened, revealing his gleaming fangs. "Indeed, I have heard tales of the illustrious warrior clans dwelling by the lake, and I found myself irresistibly drawn to their abode, seeking enlightenment," he eloquently expressed, his tail gracefully curling upwards, amused by Squirrielflight's agitated state.

"Nay, you are forbidden!" she fiercely interjected, diverting her attention to me, her emerald eyes sharp. "We shall escort this interloper to Firestar, regardless of his self-proclaimed identity. It is our esteemed clan leader who shall pass judgment!" With a flick of her tail towards the forest, she concluded emphatically, "Follow us, but do not attempt to deceive or betray our trust."

Sol graciously lowered his head in acknowledgment, and we began our peaceful journey through the verdant forest, retracing our steps to our camp. As we trod along the thorny path, Sol, in a display of camaraderie, subtly leaned against my form. "I believe, dear companion, that you exude an air of familiarity in these sacred lands. Could you perhaps guide me to the territories of the other esteemed clans?"

His question was accompanied by a gentle purr, sending a shiver through my being, though I tried to suppress any stirrings of emotions. I bristled momentarily, but quickly composed myself, suppressing the fervency within me. No, it cannot be. I am devoted to Lionblaze. I must not succumb to the charms of a fickle tom.

"I must decline," I retorted icily, walking away from his presence and moving closer to Lionblaze, who was hastening towards me, accompanied by the enthusiastic presence of Lillypaw at his side. "Moonfall," Lillypaw affectionately purred, pressing against me and nimbly weaving around my paws. I tenderly brushed my nose against her head and gently entwined my tail with Lionblaze's.

Startled by Sol's enigmatic presence, Lionblaze inquired with a hint of suspicion, his gaze fixed intently upon him, "Pray tell, who is this stranger?" Meanwhile, a composed and serene Sol sat with tranquil composure, resembling a sophisticated feline, as Firestar gracefully descended from his den.

"I do not know," I whispered, digging my claws into the earth as I listened intently to Firestar's inquiries toward the mysterious visitor. "Please, reveal your name and the reason behind your presence in this expansive territory, known as the 'lake'?" Sol respectfully dipped his head toward the ThunderClan leader. "I am Sol, and these friendly she-cats have graciously brought me here. As for my motive in venturing into the realm of the lake, it arises from my immediate connection with all of you noble warriors," he replied with polished eloquence.

Firestar narrowed his gaze, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Is that truly the truth?" Sol nodded affirmatively. "Without a doubt." Firestar hummed thoughtfully. "Very well, ThunderClan does not turn away those in need. You may stay among us until you decide your next move. But be warned, do not engage in deceitful schemes or hidden agendas."

"Indeed, indeed," Sol acknowledged with a respectful inclination of his head. Firestar offered a pensive hum as he surveyed the collective presence of the clan, eventually fixing his gaze upon my own. "Moonfall, as you and Squirrelflight have ushered him to our abode, it shall be your charge to attend to his well-being and ensure abstention from untoward activities," he decreed. As those words reached my ears, a surge of agitation ruffled my fur. Yet, as I met Sol's gaze, all indignation dissolved, perhaps hinting at a more manageable situation than initially perceived. "Certainly, Firestar," I replied, masking any outer signs of discord.

As the fiery hues of dusk graced his countenance, Firestar exhaled with satisfaction, allowing his tail to gracefully flick. "Clan, you are now released," he proclaimed, granting permission for each feline to depart. With purposeful strides, we dispersed, and as I embarked on the path towards Sol's company, I encountered Squirrelflight, who had set out on her own parallel route. "You could have voiced your objections to Firestar, expressing your disinterest in this arrangement!" she hissed, her tail agitatedly swishing to and fro. Amusement danced within me, and I gently nudged her side. "Worry not, for this circumstance may not be as unfavorable as initially perceived," I uttered deliberately, savoring each syllable. In response, she rolled her eyes with a resigned sigh. "Very well, but remember that I am not to be held accountable if this transpires differently than expected."

A smile graced my countenance as I regarded her. "Indeed, Squirrelflight, we shall endeavor to ensure that such a lamentable outcome does not come to fruition," I reassured her with a glimmer of optimism.