Warriors #1 (Arc 2): Dawn Shadows

Chapter 3

Goldenshine's POV

"Goodness, where is Nightwing?" I grumbled, flicking my tail impatiently and trying not to sneeze as I pushed my head deeper into a bush I was peeking into. "She's literally been gone since sunhigh."

Dustystorm let out a snort behind me. "And you literally aren't going to find the answer to your question by sticking your head in shrubs." I shot him a look, ears flattening, and he gave a playful shrug. "But either way, she usually gets back around this time."

I fully pulled my head out of the bush, my fur prickling with a mix of irritation and worry. "So, are you saying we should be concerned, or expect her at any moment now?"

Dustystorm didn't have to answer because right then, we both turned toward the camp entrance as Nightwing's sleek black pelt slipped through the brambles. Dustystorm glanced back at me with that adorable, smug expression of his. "The latter."

"Wow, I wonder how you were able to figure out how to answer me," I shot back dryly, flicking my tail over his nose before darting toward Nightwing. My eyes flicked nervously to the cats gathering around, preparing to leave for the... well, Gathering. "Hey! Thank StarClan you're here, you loosey-goose! We're about to head to the Gathering, and Lilypetal invited you, if you wanted to come."

As I had expected, Nightwing's eyes widened in surprise and she let out an excited gas[. "Your mother, the deputy, invited me to the Gathering? I'm so there!"

I couldn't help but let out an amused sniff – I had perfectly predicted my friend's reaction to that news. "Perfect timing! We're heading out soon," I said, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

Nightwing's ears twitched as she glanced around. "Oooo, how soon? I'm starving, and I was hoping I'd be able to grab something quick to eat before we go."

Dustystorm narrowed his eyes at her, concern flickering in their depths. "When was the last time you ate?"

Nightwing's whiskers twitched nervously. "Oh, I grabbed a small mouse before I left today, but that maybe held me over for two heartbeats?"

I exchanged a look with Dustystorm as we trailed after her to the fresh-kill pile. Strange... "You couldn't hunt while you were out?"

Nightwing didn't look at us, her focus entirely on the pile. "Nope. What do you think I could scarf down quickly?"

Dustystorm flicked his tail. "Another mouse, maybe?"

Nightwing let out a snort. "No, Dustystorm, you practically inhale mice because you hate their guts and can't stand to look at them."

"But they taste so good," Dustystorm protested.

Nightwing purred with amusement, her eyes sparkling. "In honor of Darryl, I will indeed pick a mouse to eat." She reached into the pile, grabbed a mouse, and immediately began to chow down.

I shot Dustystorm a quizzical look. "Darryl?"

"Yes, Darryl," he replied with a solemn nod. "Oh, what a mouse."

I blinked at him, bewildered. "Darryl's... a mouse?"

"A very important one," Dustystorm said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "He's part of the reason I realized I didn't want to be a housecat anymore."

Nightwing piped up, her words muffled by the mouse she was still chewing. "-and part of the reason you realized that you didn't want to be with Chloe anymore."

Dustystorm's tail twitched bitterly, and my eyes jokingly narrowed back at him at the mention of the cat he'd loved before me. "Thank you, my sister," he muttered before looking back at me. "Anyway, Darryl also made me realize how annoying mice are. But hey, I'll still eat them."