WARRIORS :: Moonwatcher's Path

Prologue

Prologue

Moonwatcher sat with his tail curled over his paws, gazing into the endless expanse of stars. He could feel his entire body trembling with anticipation, he knew it was coming, something intense.

"Hello." The voice startled him, fluffing out his fur. He turned to see the starry form of Ripple sitting next to him. "You knew to come."

"It's time. Rain is dying." She flicked his shoulder sympathetically with her tail.

"I always knew you would become a leader, I expected to see it." Her new was harsh with remorse.

"You were stolen from us, Ripple. Snakefang, he-" Moonwatcher stopped speaking, his throat tight. He truly hadn't spoken to his old housemate in many moons.

"I watch over him everyday. I hope one day for him to move on." She settled down in her paws, licking her chest fur.

"Where should I go?" He finally asked, a shiver rolling over him. She peered at him with her clear blue eyes.

"You decide..." Her voice trailed off into nothing as she slowly disappeared. He sighed, closing his eyes.

Moonwatcher woke in Rainstar's den. She slept soundly beside him, curled into a tight ball. He nuzzled his pink nose into her soft fur, inhaling her sweet scent.

Padding out into the clearing, he turned his face to the moon. From under the fern thicket, he could feel a pair of eyes on him. Sandhawk slid stealthily from under the shade and came to sit beside him, their pelts brushing. He took comfort in his familiar scent and radiant warmth.

"It's times like these that I'm glad I have friends." He murmured. A purr rumbled up out of the pale tabby and a smile spread on his maw.

Will I still have friends, after I break away? The thought plagued him. He stood and gave his pelt a shake. Sandhawk nodded to him silently before padding quietly up the slope and out of the clearing. Moonwatcher stretched and reached around to lick the base of his tail.

I can do this. The thought rang out in his head. With a confident flick of his tail, the black and white tom paced back to his den for the night.