(✓) Warriors ▸ Shadows of the Domestic [1]

Chapter 22

The next day dawned, and I felt a gentle touch on my ear accompanied by a soft voice, "Wake up, dear, you and I have an adventure today." I opened my eyes, the familiar scent of Brindleface filling my nose and bringing immediate comfort.

Taking a deep breath, I saw her eyes light up with warmth. "Brindleface, hello," I purred, stretching luxuriously before rising and shaking the sleep from my fur. "What are we doing? You mentioned we would go out," I meowed as I settled down to groom myself. Brindleface nodded, her expression filled with quiet excitement.

"Yes, I asked Bluestar if we could patrol the territory, and she agreed," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation. I blinked in surprise. "Did she mention nothing about me sleeping in your nest?" I asked.

Brindleface shook her head, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "No, not even Tigerclaw had a word of complaint about it," she reassured me.

I hummed softly. "Strange, but alright, I'll take it." I continued to groom myself, Brindleface joining me in the soothing ritual. We sat there for a short while, a peaceful silence enveloping us, before we shook out our fur and stepped out of the warriors' den.

Outside, Frostfur sat with her head bowed, her paws tucked close, the very picture of despair. My heart ached at the sight. I sighed softly and touched her shoulder with the tip of my tail. "Frostfur, don't worry about your kits. Firepaw and Graypaw will find them," I meowed soothingly.

She looked up, her blue eyes bloodshot and filled with grief. "Are-are you sure?" she sniffled.

I nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm sure. Hey, how about you come with us and help patrol the borders?" I offered gently.

"It will take your mind off things," Brindleface added gently, her green eyes filled with empathy. Frostfur's gaze flickered as she considered the offer. Finally, she rose to her full height, shaking out her fur with resolve. "I might as well join. I'm doing no good sitting here and mourning," she mewed, her voice stronger. "Do I need to groom myself?"

I shook my head with a reassuring smile. "No, it's just us she-cats, so no one will mind."

Frostfur's features softened, and she pressed her nose to mine in gratitude. "You are a remarkable young she-cat, Harepaw. I am proud of you."

My heart swelled with warmth at her praise, and I smiled back at her. With newfound determination, we began our journey together, stepping out into the world, bound by shared grief and the strength we found in each other.

We had barely made it halfway out of the tunnel when a sharp scent of tomcats filled my nose, causing me to sneeze. Brindleface giggled softly. "What, have you never filled your nose with that smell before?" she teased.

I flicked my tail playfully in her direction. "No, and most of all... ugh, it's Tigerclaw," I said with a note of disgust. Frostfur let out a deep mrrrow of laughter. "He does smell awful, doesn't he? But still, he is a great warrior," she sighed wistfully.

I exchanged a glance with Brindleface. "Don't tell me you like him," I meowed, half-joking but with genuine curiosity.

Frostfur shook her head vehemently. "No, definitely not. Even though he is remarkable... no, I'm still mourning Lionheart." The mention of his name made my heart twist painfully, and I averted my gaze.

Brindleface sighed and hissed softly, her tone gentle but firm. "Please, don't mention him so often. It's still hard for Harepaw."

I shook my head, determination glinting in my eyes. "Let's hunt," I said, and we started to spread out in the clearing, the morning sun casting golden rays over everything.

Soon, I spotted a small vole scurrying through the underbrush. My heart quickened, and I licked my lips in anticipation. With a swift, graceful leap, I pounced, my claws digging into its soft belly. A tiny squeak escaped its mouth before it fell silent. Gently, I tore its throat and kicked some earth over its lifeless body.

Turning around, I saw Frostfur burying a mouse with practiced ease. "Well done!" I called out, my voice carrying a note of pride.

She flicked her tail happily in response, her eyes bright. Then I scanned the surroundings for Brindleface. She had vanished into the foliage, her presence a ghostly whisper in the vibrant forest.

I finally spotted her, poised and focused, stalking a blackbird with predatory grace. My heart swelled with admiration. Crouching down, I positioned myself behind her, ready to leap into action if the bird tried to escape. We moved as one—sisters of the wild, bound by instinct and the silent rhythm of the hunt.

Our breaths mingled with the cool morning air, the forest around us pulsating with life. I could feel the anticipation, the electric charge of life and death playing out in a timeless dance.

The blackbird soon grew aware of our presence, but Brindleface was quick and unrelenting. With a feral scream, she launched herself at the bird, her claws sinking into its wing, dragging it downward. Despite its desperate flapping, I leapt forward, pinning the other wing with precision.

Our eyes met, a silent understanding passing between us. Then, with a swift motion, Brindleface bit down on the bird's nape, her teeth finding their mark. The creature went limp, its struggle fading to nothing beneath our paws.

"Fantastic job, both of you!" Frostfur purred joyfully, padding over with her mouse clutched in her jaws. I returned her smile, my tongue flicking out to clean the blood from my whiskered cheeks. "I'm starting to feel a bit hungry, but let's catch a bit more so we can return to the clan with pride," I meowed.

They both nodded, determination sparking in their eyes. With renewed energy, we fanned out once more, each of us moving with the silent grace of seasoned hunters. The thrill of our success pulsed through my veins, sharpening my senses to every rustle and whisper in the underbrush.

We caught a few more mice, a finch here and there, and even managed to snare another rabbit. By the time we trekked back into camp, the sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden warmth onto our weary backs. A sigh of relief slipped from my lips as I placed my two finches onto the fresh-kill pile.

Tigerclaw strode over, his intense gaze sweeping over our haul. "Well done," he grunted, his voice carrying an undertone of begrudging respect. I exchanged wide-eyed glances with the two she-cats behind me before bowing my head and padding away, my tail flicking lazily.

"Did Tigerclaw just compliment me?" I meowed, scarcely believing it once we were out of earshot.

Frostfur let out a burst of laughter, a deep rumble from within. "I think he did! How peculiar!" she chuckled, shaking her head in bemusement.

A smile tugged at my lips as I settled down to wash my paws, the day's dust swirling away. Brindleface excused herself, returning in no time with one of the speckled finches I had caught earlier. She placed it delicately between the three of us. "For us to share. We've earned it," she purred, her eyes glowing with pride.

I couldn't help but beam at her, a sense of accomplishment warming my heart. We began to eat, each bite rich with the flavor of hard work and camaraderie. Together, amidst our shared victories and the gentle rustling of the forest, the meal felt like a feast, the bonds of friendship making each morsel all the more satisfying.