Warriors: The Power of One: Prologue
Two cats huddled under a tall oak tree, far from both of their homes. The sun was slowly setting as the two decided to stay there for the night. Their hearts were heavy with thoughts of who they'd left behind, but their spirits were resolved to be with the one they loved.
"Are you sure we're doing the right thing, Crowfeather?" Leafpool asked. She looked deep into his blue eyes and knew that this was the cat she belonged with forever.
Crowfeather swept his tail around her comfortingly. "Yes, my love." He said. "We belong together. This is the only way."
Leafpool knew deep down that her clan needed her and that her friends and family would mourn her as though she were dead when they discovered that she had gone missing. But she also knew that she loved Crowfeather, and couldn't imagine being separated from him. He was right, this was the only way. Listening to the beating of Crowfeather's heart, Leafpool slowly drifted off into the land of dreams.
Suddenly, Leafpool was awakened. "Crowfeather," she whispered, "Are you awake?" Crowfeather groaned and sat up.
"What?" He asked.
"I thought I heard something in the forest," Leafpool replied, "It was probably nothing, don't worry about it."
Crowfeather stretched. "No, it's alright. I'll check and see." Crowfeather padded out from under the oak tree and tasted the air.
Before he had time to react, a large black shape stepped out from the bushes and approached Crowfeather quickly.
"Look out!" Leafpool warned.
A dauntingly big badger stepped into the moonlight just as Crowfeather was preparing to attack, but suddenly Crowfeather stopped. "Midnight?"
The badger bowed her head. "Greetings Crowpaw, I come with grave news."
Crowfeather looked at Leafpool and explained, "Don't worry, this is Midnight, the badger from the journey to the sun-drown place. Alright, Midnight, what's wrong? And by the way, my name is Crowfeather now. I became a warrior soon after we returned to the forest."
Midnight bowed again. "Good to hear of your change of name. But sadly, no time for polite speech. Clan cats are in danger from my kin. We must warn them quickly."
Crowfeather padded over to sit next to Leafpool. "We can't go back, Midnight. We've left for good."
Leafpool agreed, adding, "You can still warn them, though." She was trying not to imagine the worst that could happen to her clan. Thinking about that too much would only make her question her decision, and that would do no good.
Midnight replied, "Very well. I will go and warn the clans. Do not fear. I will make no mention of you two."
"Thank you, Midnight. But you must be going. Farewell and take care!" Crowfeather meowed, louder as Midnight turned and disappeared into the forest.
Leafpool hoped that her family would be safe. She wondered if she would have been able to help her clan by going back. But no, her place was with Crowfeather. Nothing would convince her otherwise. She had made her choice, and now she would live with the consequences.
Not too far away, a host of badgers headed to attack the ones they hated. Four groups of cats had taken their homes, but the badgers would have their revenge. With stealth they attacked one of the cat's camps, hoping to drive the cats away. After killing three members of the clan, they were forced to retreat, many warriors from both sides wounded. With a glance back as the cats finally gave up chase, the leader of the badgers warned, "This is not finished. You have not won. Someday my people will return and we will crush you forever. You have been warned."