Warriors #3: The One Who Killed the Sun ✓

Chapter 3

Lillypaw's POV

While enjoying a vole that my companion Ashfur skillfully caught during our recent hunting expedition, I was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Moonfall and Squirrelflight, accompanied by an unfamiliar tom. Curiosity piqued, I sat up attentively, observing the newcomer's intense gaze directed towards my adoptive sibling. It was evident that he harbored a hidden agenda.

I stood up, taking a few steps forward to intercept their path. "Moonfall, who is this?" I inquired, casting a brief glance at the tortoiseshell tom whose eyes seemed to hold a glimmer of mystery. Moonfall gestured with a flick of her tail towards the tom standing behind her, introducing him as Sol. Meanwhile, Firestar, having descended from his den atop the Highrock, looked on with keen interest.

Firestar's gaze turned cold as he addressed Squirrelflight and Moonfall, "Who is this cat?" Without waiting for a response from the she-cats, the tom named Sol took a step forward, tilting his head towards Firestar. "I am Sol, and I have traveled a great distance to reach the lake and speak with you, Firestar. The tales about you are renowned, not only within the lake territory but throughout the territories of the old forest," Sol remarked, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I must say, it is an honor to finally meet you."

Firestar directed his attention towards Moonfall and Squirrelflight, instructing them on their next tasks. "Moonfall, go find Lilypaw and escort her to the apprentice den. Squirrelflight, you and I will have a conversation with Sol," he stated firmly. With a flick of his tail, Firestar turned around and began making his way towards the Highrock. I followed his lead, glancing up at Moonfall as she faced Sol. "I'll be back," she assured him. Sol nodded, his smile gentle. "Go on, don't wait for me. Take care of your daughter," he replied before walking alongside Squirrelflight up the steps to the Highrock. Moonfall and I headed towards the apprentice den, where my adoptive father, Lionblaze, awaited. "Moonfall," he greeted warmly, nuzzling his mate's ear before rising to his paws and slipping inside the den.

Lionblaze turned to face both his mate and me, his anger evident as his fur bristled. I felt a pang of fear, almost shrinking under the intensity of his furious gaze. However, Moonfall placed her tail gently on my shoulders, keeping me grounded. "I did what I believed was right," she responded calmly, her voice cool and collected.

Lionblaze snorted and lashed his tail in frustration. "You allowed a complete stranger into our camp! What if he had posed a threat to you?" he hissed, his concern evident. Moonfall simply tilted her head, seemingly unfazed. "Why would he do anything? I was with Squirrelflight, and I am more than capable of taking care of myself," she replied, before diverting the conversation. "Lillypaw, my dear, how did your training with Ashfur go?" she asked, changing the subject. I felt the tension ease as the focus shifted, and I relaxed my claws, responding, "Yeah... Ashfur and I caught a rabbit, a vole, and some squirrels too."

As we continued our conversation, the sound of Firestar's voice calling out for Moonfall interrupted our exchange. Lionblaze and I exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the urgency in Firestar's call. Moonfall stepped outside, and I followed closely behind, with Lionblaze close behind me.

As Moonfall and Sol walked out of the camp, I couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and worry. Lionblaze sensed my unease and wrapped his tail around mine, offering silent reassurance. "Let's follow them," he whispered in my ear. I smiled and nodded, grateful for his presence and support.

We followed Moonfall and Sol from a safe distance, careful not to draw attention to ourselves. Eventually, they arrived at a picturesque stream running through the forest, its surface shimmering under the sunlight. Sol dipped his paw into the water, sighing in awe. "I never thought the forest would be so beautiful," he murmured, breaking the silence. He chuckled before continuing, "I must confess, Moonfall, that the true reason I sought out ThunderClan was to meet you. Your name is sung far and wide."

I couldn't contain my excitement and let out a little gasp, wagging my tail in anticipation of what was to come.

My adoptive mother appeared surprised, her fur bristling slightly. "Oh, really?" she questioned, her tone reflecting her curiosity.

But then, a mischievous smile spread across her face, and she leaped over the stream. "Catch me first, and I'll pull it out of you!" she challenged, darting off towards the river's edge. Sol shook his head, amused, and gave chase. Lionblaze and I hissed in frustration, realizing we were being left behind. I decided to take a shortcut to catch up with them.

As I ran across the RiverClan border, I noticed Mistystar emerging as Sol walked past her. However, she turned away and snorted in disdain. A RiverClan warrior attacked Sol, knocking him down and labeling him a foolish rogue.

"No!" Moonfall shouted, coming to Sol's defense. "Don't attack him! He's with me!"

Mistystar regarded Moonfall before snorting. "Then you're just as stupid as him. Get the villain out of here now, Moonfall."

My anger surged, and I leaped over the stream, landing on Sol's paws to prevent his escape. I glared defiantly at Mistystar, baring my teeth. I couldn't fully comprehend why I was taking such proactive measures against Sol, but I was determined to make sure he didn't leave.

"Let me go," Sol grunted, turning away from me and making a dash back towards his camp, as far as I could tell. Mistystar stared after him before turning and walking away. The warrior who had attacked Sol followed her, and they disappeared into the bushes.

Moonfall snarled, facing us. "What in the name of StarClan are you doing here?"

Lionblaze's tone turned sharp as he retorted, "Well, we couldn't let you try to cheat on me. What else are we doing here, Moonfall? You're dating a StarClan member with questionable intentions!"

Frustrated, Lionblaze walked away, and I cast one last glance at Moonfall before following him into the bushes, unsure of the consequences our actions would bring.