Warriors #3: The One Who Killed the Sun ✓

Chapter 6

Moonfall's POV

The pain in my stomach was excruciating as I dragged my body toward the medicine den. It felt as if a fox had bitten me deep in my belly or the Twoleg medicine cat had stabbed me with her needle, except this pain was much worse and refused to subside. Every movement sent sparks of agony through my torso. I shuddered as a wave of pain rolled up my spine, causing my fur to stand on end.

"Moonfall, where are you going?" Squirrelflight meowed with concern as she came over to nuzzle me. I tried to push myself up with my paws to continue on to the medicine den but the pain was too severe. A whimper escaped my mouth as I collapsed back to the ground, twisting my snout in a snarl as another surge of pain ripped through my stomach. "I...I need to get to Leafpool and Jayfeather. I can't stand this anymore," I gasped out between pants.

Squirrelflight must have seen the desperation and anguish in my eyes, for she immediately called out for help. "Leafpool!" her yowl rang through the camp. Paws turned toward us as other cats woke up, their eyes bright with worry at the sight of me writhing in agony on the ground. Through the haze of pain, I thought I heard even Lionblaze try to summon Leafpool. But the medicine cat did not come quickly enough. Darkness began to creep into the edges of my vision as unconsciousness offered a brief escape from the torment. I heard Squirrelflight cry out my name one last time before the blackness swallowed me whole.

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I gasped as consciousness returned, expecting to find myself in the medicine den being treated by Leafpool and Jayfeather. But to my confusion, when I opened my eyes I was not in camp at all. Tall starry trees stretched endlessly around a large open glade - StarClan's hunting grounds.

"No, not this again," I groaned as I struggled to my paws. My grandmother, Bluestar, approached with a silvery pelt that seemed to sparkle under the moonlight. "Oh Moonfrost, stop dying on us," she meowed with a hint of humor. "You don't have that many lives left, and Yellowfang is getting weary of bringing you here time and time again."

Anger and frustration welled up inside me. "Then stop taking me from my Clan!" I spat back. Bluestar's whiskers twitched worriedly as she sighed. "It is not by our paws that you keep ending up here, young warrior. Ever since that fateful day you saw Sol, your life has been spiraling out of your control." She swept her tail nervously. "He is the one killing you, Moonfrost. His obsession with you is draining the very spirit from your body."

I stared at Bluestar in disbelief. So it was Sol, my former companion, who was behind my mysterious illnesses and injuries. But how was he harming me from so far away? And more importantly, how could I stop him before he succeeded in destroying me for good?

Bluestar's words troubled me deeply. I wished she had more answers, but it seemed even StarClan was blind to Sol's dark intentions. "What reason could he possibly have for haunting me so?" I murmured.

Bluestar's eyes glimmered with sympathy. "I'm afraid I do not know either, young one. But you must find him to end this torment." She paused, flicking her fluffy gray tail thoughtfully. "Your daughter Lillypaw may hold a clue. She seemed wary when you collapsed in the forest - I suspect she knows more about Sol's presence than she has let on."

My ears pricked up at the mention of Lillypaw. I had noticed her unease that day as well but been too distracted by pain to question her. It seemed Sol may have crossed paths with her, though to what end I could not guess. I sighed, shaking my head which caused another stab of agony in my belly.

Bluestar leaned over, resting her tail gently on my paws. "There is one more thing, Moonfrost. You must see that you are heavy with new life. These kits will be in danger unless you discover the root of Sol's vendetta and put an end to it once and for all." Her words sent a chill through my fur, giving me new resolve to face Sol and demand the answers I needed, for the sake of my unborn offspring as well as myself.

"Please, I must return to find Lillypaw," I begged, gazing pleadingly at Bluestar. But she shook her head, stepping aside for my mother Starfall to approach. Her gray eyes were grave with sorrow as she looked upon me.

"You cannot go back yet, dear daughter," Starfall meowed gently. "It is for our leaders to show you the path." She flicked her tail toward the forest, where the deep gray pelt of Bluestar emerged from the starry trees.

I gasped at the sight of ThunderClan's former leader. "Bluestar, I need answers from Lillypaw. Sol must be stopped before he harms my kits," I pleaded. But Bluestar only smiled softly. "In time, Moonfrost. Though you carry a new life, StarClan has a plan that does not yet allow your return. Sol will face punishment for the deeds he has committed against you, I promise."

She touched her muzzle to mine in a comforting gesture. Then she nodded to where a white tom had appeared, his yellow eyes warm and wise. "This is Whitestorm, an old friend. He will be your mentor and guide you as the answers you seek are revealed."

I dipped my head respectfully to Whitestorm, feeling a sense of calm despite my worries. If StarClan had chosen this noble warrior to mentor me, then I knew I was in good paws and the truth would be made clear in due time.