Warriors Fanfiction: Super Edition-Owlflight's Path

Chapter Five

Soft morning light filtered through the roof of the warriors den, and Owlflight stretched sleepily, then bent backward to clean the morning dew that clung to her fur. Whitetail and Oakcharge were right, leaf-fall was coming fast this season. The morning air was brisk, and Owlflight had to fluff out her fur against the cold. She gently nosed Buzzardwing awake. The white she-cat grumbled, her eyes opening slowly as she blinked sleep away.

"Come on, Buzzardwing," Owlflight whispered softly, " It's time for us to leave. Wake up Oakcharge and Ravenheart, I'll wake up Beeflower and Whitetail to say goodbye." Buzzardwing let out a massive yawn before getting up and padding toward Ravenheart. Owlflight exited the warriors den, stepping into the cold morning air. Few cat were up, and among them was Harespring, who called to her.

"Morning, Owlflight," the deputy greeted, "Today's is the big day, huh?" Owlflight nodded nervously.

"I'm a bit nervous," she admitted sheepishly, and the deputy chuckled as he walked toward her with a plump mouse hanging from his jaws.

"I'd be surprised if you weren't," he meowed, dropping the mouse at her feet, "Here, eat this. You'll need to keep up your strength. Oh, and Kestrelflight wanted to see you in his den to give you the traveling herbs. I'll go wake Beeflower for you while you do that." Owlflight thanked Harespring before heading toward Kestrel flight's den. The medicine cat den reeked of herbs that always made Owlflight's nose itch. She knew that medicine cats were important, but she could never understand the appeal. Being around stinky herbs all day would drive her insane. Kestrelflight was sorting some herbs into two piles, most likely the traveling herbs thought Owlflight.

"Good morning Kestrelflight," Owlflight greeted cheerily. The mottled gray and white tom looked up absent-mindedly.

"Is it?" He asked, "The way I see it is that were one more morning closer to leaf-fall, and that means that I'm one more morning closer to a smaller herb supply." Kestrelflight shoved an herb bundle toward her. "Eat those," he said, "Burnet and chamomile for strength, daisy to help ease future aches, a little bit of heather nectar to ease the taste. I know you dislike herbs. I'm sure Leafpool will provide you the rest, but this is what I have to spare. I must prepare for leaf-fall. Send Buzzardwing in when your done, Owlflight and-" the medicine cat paused, "-may StarClan light your path, Owlflight." He touched her ear with the tip of his tail in goodbye as she finished swallowing her herbs, and went back to sorting his various herbs. Owlflight padded out of the WindClan medicine cat den for the last time and looked over her shoulder.

"Goodbye, Kestrelflight," she murmured quietly, " May StarClan light your path, as well."

***

As the sun continued to rise, Owlflight and Buzzardwing made hasty goodbye's to their Clanmates. Ravenheart and Oakcharge were now escorting the to the border where the were meeting Leafpool. Saying goodbye to Beeflower had been painful for both the departing she-cats. Owlflight dreaded saying goodbye to her brother and sister. Buzzardwing was padding beside Ravenheart, talking to her quietly. Owlflight padded alongside her brother, but Oakcharge was stony and silent, and it caused a sliver of apprehension to race along Owlflight's spine.

"Oakcharge," she said, hesitantly breaking the silence, "Are you upset?" Oakcharge let out an amused grunt.

"I'm saying goodbye to two of my littermates soon, Owlflight. Can't I be moody?" Owlflight snorted at his sarcastic tone.

"You, my brother, are beginning to sound like Crowfeather. But you're right, you should be feeling a little bit glum. I'll miss you Oakcharge, you and Ravenheart. But this is something that I must do." Owlflight's voice sounded confident and full of faith. Oakcharge flicked his sister on the nose with his tail.

"I know that, you mouse-brain. I wouldn't let you go if this wasn't so important to you. I promised Hollyleaf I'd protect you and Ravenheart. Don't let me break my promise. Stay safe." Owlflight purred, nuzzling her brother, and they continued toward the border.

The forest that sheltered the WindClan-ThunderClan border was chilly, but birdsong and light filled it in the early morning air. Leafpool sat on a stone near the stream that separated the two territories, her tail wrapped around her paws. She stood and stretched as the cats approached.

"There's more of you than I was expecting," Leafpool said teasingly. Buzzardwing purred, and bounced in excitement.

"I'm accompanying Owlflight and you to the rising place,' the white she-cat said, her fur bristled in excitement. Owlflight looked apologetically at Leafpool. "I hope that's alright?" The brown tabby questioned.

"That's fine," Leafpool replied, "Hollyleaf said that this would likely happen. However, Buzzardwing, you should know this journey will not be easy. Are you prepared for whatever will come?" Buzzardwing lashed her tail.

"I am," she meowed.

"Very well," Leafpool said before looking at Oakcharge and Ravenheart, "I'm so happy to have met Hollyleaf's kits. Oakcharge, I can sense her determination in you. And her courage. And Ravenheart, you look so much like my daughter, and I can tell you have her heart. We will meet again someday, of that I'm sure. But Owlflight has a different path. StarClan has made that very clear to me. This goodbye may very well be your last. Make it count." Leafpool dipped her head at the two WindClan warriors before padding some ways away, giving the littermates privacy for their goodbye.

Owlflight touched her muzzle to Ravenheart's. Her sister nuzzled her. "Goodbye, Buzzardwing, Owlflight. May StarClan light your path, and may you find good hunting, swift running and shelter when you sleep." Oakcharge touched his forehead to hers and Buzzardwing's. "Goodbye, sisters." Owlflight felt tears burn behind her eyelids, parting from her brother in sister.

"Goodbye," Owlflight said, voice shaky. "I hope StarClan will let our paws cross once more. I love you." And with that, Owlflight and Buzzardwing crossed the border, following Leafpool into ThunderClan territory.