Warriors #3: The One Who Killed the Sun ✓

Chapter 10

Moonfall's POV

As I took a deep breath and leaned against my father Blackstar, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the past on my shoulders. This marked the second solar cycle that I found myself amongst his clan, listening intently as he barked out commands with unwavering authority. The thought of returning home gnawed at me, yet I longed for just a few more moments in this foreign land where I could learn from him.

Growing up, I had spent most of my time away from the familiar confines of our den, nurtured by the love and care of those we called twolegdens – an oddity among our kind. But now, faced with the reality of leaving this newfound family behind, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being torn between two worlds.

"It is time for you to return to your own clan," Blackstar mewed gently as the final patroller departed for the night. I glanced at him, my heart heavy with reluctance. "I wish to spend at least one more day with you, Father." But Blackstar shook his head, his eyes filled with concern. "No, you must go. Firestar will not hesitate to send a patroller after you if you remain any longer. You've been gone for far too long, Moonfall." He whispered the last part softly into my ear, his voice tinged with affection. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I licked his cheek in gratitude, then stood up and jumped down from the pile of stone debris that served as his den.

As I touched the ground, Russetfur approached, her tail flicking respectfully. "It is indeed sad that you must leave us, Moonfall," she said, her gaze warm and understanding. "Should I join a patrol to escort you safely back to your clan? We would miss your presence here." Her offer spoke volumes about the bond we had formed during my extended stay.

I flashed a warm smile at Russetfur, shaking my head when she offered her assistance. "Thank you, but I came here alone, and I shall leave alone as well. However, take this as a token of my appreciation," I said, touching my muzzle gently to hers. Whispering into her ear, I added, "You are definitely a great deputy, Russetfur. Thank you for everything." With that, I turned and began to make my way back towards the boundary, my tail swishing gracefully in farewell.

The ShadowClan warriors and apprentices lined the edge of the territory, their voices raised in a chorus of well-wishes and goodbyes. Despite their tough exterior, these warriors were fiercely loyal to those who earned their trust. My heart swelled with pride as I realized that, even though it had only been two days since I arrived, I had become one of them. It was bittersweet to say goodbye, but my thoughts drifted toward my beloved mate and our precious kits, waiting patiently for my return. Home was where my heart truly belonged, and it was time to reunite with my family.

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As I neared the ThunderClan border, the sun had risen higher, casting its golden rays through the treetops and bathing the forest floor in a warm, hazy glow. I let out a contented sigh as the sunlight caressed my gray tabby fur, bringing a sense of comfort and happiness. Just as I prepared to continue on my journey home, my ears perked up at the sudden rustling and the piercing screech that followed.

My muscles tensed instantly; I recognized that screech anywhere. Without thinking twice, I sprinted towards the source of the noise and soon burst into a clearing, my heart racing upon witnessing the scene before me. Lilypaw, my dear friend and daughter, was engaged in a fierce battle with a familiar mottled tom.

"Sol!" I exhaled sharply, my paws digging into the damp earth as I charged forward to intervene in the conflict.

Throwing myself into action, I launched myself at Sol, my body colliding with his and pinning him to the ground. "Don't hurt her!" I snarled menacingly, my hackles raised and my eyes blazing with fury. Sol appeared taken aback by my sudden appearance and struggled weakly beneath me, pawing feebly at my face. "M-Moonfall?" he stammered, trying to comprehend how I had managed to appear so suddenly and under such unexpected circumstances.

I bared my teeth, pressing a paw firmly against Sol's neck, my voice low and threatening. "By StarClan, what are you doing here? Last I heard, you claimed I wasn't worth it, that you wouldn't bother with the Clans anymore."

 Sol gasped and shivered, his ears flat against his head, clearly cowed by my stance and the seriousness of the situation. He hesitated for a moment, gathering his courage before finally speaking, his voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. "I-I..." He paused, swallowing hard as I eased my paw from around his throat. "I've...decided I'd like to stay anyway. I was in ShadowClan, and these...feuds...your daughter suddenly just comes attacking me!" He glared at Lilypaw, who stood behind us, her fur matted and her eyes bright with anger.

I huffed incredulously, my eyes narrowing suspiciously. "In StarClan's name, what would you be doing in my father's territory? He would have told me if there was an intruder on his lands!" I unwounded my claws and tapped him forcefully on the nose, my voice firm and resolute. "From now on, stay away from us." Relinquishing my hold on Sol, I immediately wrapped my daughter in my embrace, nudging her gently to try and snap her out of her panic-stricken state.

"Hush, Lilypaw, you'll be alright," I reassured her softly, licking her ears in an attempt to provide some semblance of comfort. She trembled violently, however, her eyes wide with fear and her mind seemingly lost in shock.

Sighing heavily, I felt my heart ache as I watched Lilypaw slip further into her terror. She was too far gone to leave here; she would collapse if we didn't do something quickly. Glancing at Sol, whose fur was bloody and who sported a torn ear, I couldn't help but wonder how things had come to this. He seemed as resilient as ever, despite the injuries he had sustained.

Frustration boiled within me. Why had he had to show up? If he hadn't, the Clans would have been peaceful! A wave of anger washed over me as I turned to Sol, my voice sharp and full of threat. "Stay here with Lilypaw and make sure you don't hurt her. If I find out you've laid one more paw on her, I swear - and StarClan forbid - I'll never forgive you!"

Carefully, I released Lilypaw, helping her lower herself cautiously onto the ground. Casting one last glare at Sol, I sprinted towards our camp, praying fervently that my clanmates would be there, safe and sound, and that Lionblaze would already be there. Together, we could work to bring our daughter back to us.