Warriors #3: The One Who Killed the Sun ✓

Chapter 4

Moonfall's POV

The morning sun was just beginning to warm the forest as I stretched my limbs and let out a wide yawn. Beside me, Sol lay with his thick tortoiseshell pelt fluffed up against the slight chill carried by the breeze. I could feel his warm breath against my cheek as he murmured "You know that the clan doesn't really love you, right?"

I opened one eye to gaze at my friend, taking in his concerned expression. "That's not true," I replied confidently. "If they didn't care about me, then Lionblaze wouldn't have fought so fiercely with his brother over me when we were apprentices. And Firestar has always been so gentle with me - he clearly wants the best for all his clanmates. Even Leafpool, though she can be distant at times, has proven herself a loyal friend when I've needed her guidance or support."

Sol didn't look fully convinced, so I continued. "This clan is my family. We may not all get along perfectly all the time, but in times of trouble we come together and support one another. I know I can count on them just as they can count on me. Our bonds run deeper than any petty squabbles - we are united by our shared spirit and duty to ThunderClan."

With that, I stretched once more and rose to my paws, ready to start the day's duties and patrols alongside my clanmates. Whatever doubts Sol still harbored, I had faith that as long as I remained loyal to ThunderClan, its members would continue to accept me as one of their own.

Sol let out a long sigh as he lifted himself to his paws, flicking his tail in frustration. He leaned in close, so his breath tickled my ear fur as he whispered, "Well then, I guess you're not worth the trouble after all."

With that, he turned and padded briskly away, parting the thick brambles at the camp entrance with practiced ease. Glancing over his shoulder, Sol called, "It was lovely to meet you, Moonfall," before disappearing into the forest undergrowth.

I watched him go with a pang of sadness. Though Sol and I had only shared tongues for a short time, I had hoped our bond might deepen into something more. But if he could not accept my loyalty to ThunderClan as paramount, then perhaps we were not meant to be.

Still, I would not forget Sol's kindness during our quiet mornings together. And who knew - if, in time, he came to understand what being part of a clan truly meant, perhaps our paths would cross again under brighter skies. For now, I had duties to attend to for my clanmates, who had proven themselves truer friends than any passing romance. My heart would mend in due course.

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As I talked with Squirrelflight about repairing the bramble wall, Lillypaw came bounding up to stand beside me. "You look troubled, mother," she mewed, her bright eyes filled with concern.

I turned and gave my adopted kit a gentle lick between the ears. "I'm fine, dear. Why don't you go play with the other apprentices? It's a free day for all of you." But Lillypaw remained stubbornly at my side.

"No, I want to know what's wrong and where Sol is," she pressed. "I haven't seen him since you two went out on patrol together." I huffed and licked my paw briefly before turning away from Squirrelflight.

Looking down at Lillypaw, I mewed gently, "It's a personal matter, and one I must handle alone. Sol decided he no longer wished to stay in the clan. I couldn't force him to remain where he was unhappy." Lillypaw's eyes widened as she took this in.

"Oh, I'm sorry mother. I didn't mean to pry," she replied, nuzzling against my leg affectionately. I purred and licked the top of her head once more. "It's alright, dear. Why don't you run along now - I'm sure Dovepaw and the others are waiting for you." With that, my adopted kit bounded off to play, leaving me to continue my duties with a lighter heart.

A rustle in the ferns caught my attention and I turned to see Lionblaze emerging from the warriors' den where we were repairing the bramble wall. "You handled that well with Lillypaw," he chuckled, shaking his head.

A pang went through my chest as I realized he was mocking me. I just rolled my eyes. "What do you care?" I asked pointedly. "It's not like you cared about Sol anyway."

Lionblaze huffed and pressed against my side. "No, I didn't," he admitted. "But I care about you, Moonfall, and I always will. After all, we are mates, aren't we?"

His words stirred something deep within me. Perhaps Sol had been right to question my clan's devotion. For a moment I wondered if it might be worth leaving it all behind to be with him instead. But then I shook those doubts away. ThunderClan is my family and home. They have proven their loyalty time and again, through good times and bad.

I met Lionblaze's gaze steadily. "We are mates," I agreed. "And ThunderClan will always come first for me. My place is here, protecting this territory and these cats. That is where my true heart lies."

Lionblaze purred and licked my ear affectionately. I knew our clan would remain strong as long as we stood united.