[A.N. Thanks to those of you who have reviewed, I really appreciate it! Keep reading and check out my other new Warriors fanfic, Soaring Smoke. Thank you all!
Chapter 5: The Journey Begins
The sky was darkening, which was what Fawnfur wanted. The clouds nearest to the horizon were turning amber with the dying light of the sun and stars were beginning to peek out from the wisps of cottony clouds being blown around.
Fawnfur had never had such a good look at the sky before. WindClan's territory boasted of almost no trees and very few shrubs. The sky was wide open and stretched before her endlessly. She had passed through ThunderClan quickly because she had known the land, but here in WindClan she was a stranger. Fawnfur knew that if she was caught, it would mean a battle. WindClan was very protective of their land these days. So she keep her body close to the ground as she swiftly ran alongside the lake. For the first time, Fawnfur was grateful of the sandy tan color of her coat; she was blending in with the soft earthy tones of the ground easily.
Fawnfur ran her tongue over the roof of her mouth, wincing at the aftertaste of the herbs Longfeather had given her. The medicine cat had assured Fawnfur that the disgusting medley of plants would keep her awake throughout the night and would prevent her from needing to hunt for food. Longfeather had warned Fawnfur that this sleepless state would only last until the next morning. Fawnfur would have to travel through and past WindClan that night.
She quickened her step, furiously sniffing at the air, watching out for traces of WindClan cats. Stale scents dotted the land here and there but Fawnfur knew that a patrol should be coming out soon, to secure the land before night fell entirely.
As she continued to run, she glanced up at the sky once more. The sun had disappeared from view. A dark blue was sweeping over the sky like a disease as night came. The remaining clouds in the sky were standing out like pale fish amongst a deep sea. Fawnfur cast her gaze around and finally found what she was looking for: the brightest star in the sky.
It was twinkling fondly down at the earth and it was positioned directly ahead of her. StarClan had stayed true to their word: they were leading her to her family.
Fawnfur smiled, despite her growing fear of being in another Clan's territory alone. She thought of ThunderClan, of the home she was leaving behind. Spidersilk's image flashed into her mind. She hated leaving the tom behind but she knew she had too. She would find her mother and father.
And then what? a voice asked inside her head. Then what will you do? Become a happy loving family with the cats who abandoned you?
Fawnfur hissed. She hadn't thought about what she would do when she met her family. She wasn't sure what her reaction would be.
"All I want," she whispered to the night, "is answers."
The stars didn't reply, they just glimmered and twinkled down at Fawnfur, silently watching.
xxx
It was moonhigh, the silvery orb was hanging still in the center of the sky, casting a long glow on the moors. Fawnfur's paws flashed in the moonlight as she ran. Her breath was getting ragged and her feet were beginning to ache. She hadn't stopped at all. She wasn't tired or hungry but she was alone and afraid.
I didn't know that WindClan's territory stretched this far, thought Fawnfur, once more glancing to her left at the passing hills and humps. She was coming to the end of their territory: she could see the curve in the lake coming up. If she kept following the lake she would eventually hit RiverClan.
Fawnfur was slightly surprised that she hadn't met any WindClan cats. She felt that StarClan had granted her an unusual amount of luck to go with her on her journey. Fawnfur tilted her head up to the sky, glancing at the bright star, the one StarClan had sent to guide her home.
As she came to the edge of WindClan's land, Fawnfur thought she heard a quiet scuffling from behind her. She whipped around, her claws out, her heart pounding. Was it a WindClan patrol, ready to ambush her?
But no. There was no one there. Just an empty landscape.
Fawnfur sighed. You're nervous. You just think you're being followed. Stop being so paranoid. It was probably just a mouse.
She looked ahead again and followed the star as it led her away from RiverClan. Longfeather had told her that the next place the star would probably take her through was the Twolegged place by WindClan. Apparently these Twolegs kept horses as pets.
Fawnfur smelled the Twolegged place before she saw it. The pungent scent of horses crept over the whole place, making Fawnfur screw up her nose in disgust. Finally, the Twoleg's den came into view. It was a tall structure that looked like it was made from wood and another material Fawnfur couldn't put a name to. Fawnfur peered into the darkness and saw that no lights were on in the den. She also noticed that the small field that usually contained the horses was empty. Fawnfur decided everyone was asleep and so she carefully padded across WindClan's border and on to the compact dirt path that skirted the Twolegged place. Fawnfur didn't think any monsters would be traveling on this path because it wasn't stone, like the others. She carefully tiptoed along the path, glancing over at the Twoleg's den every so often. A few times, Fawnfur thought she heard a twig snap, or a leaf rustle behind her but she put the sounds out of her mind.
I'm just trying to scare myself. No one is out here. Everyone in their right mind is asleep. Except for me, she thought nervously.
When the Twolegged place was behind her, Fawnfur once more gazed up into the sky, searching for the star. It was still shining overhead serenely. It was directly above the darkened forest that sat behind the Twolegged place. Fawnfur took a deep breath and darted forward, into the trees. She immediately felt her fur prickle uncomfortably. Even though she was under the cover of the trees and she should feel at home in the dense and quiet forest, Fawnfur was apprehensive. Something wasn't right about this place.
An owl hooted above her, making her jump. Fawnfur stared through the trees, trying to find the sky but it was blocked by the thick branches. The feeling of unease in her belly grew. Her tail was bushy with fright. Fawnfur suddenly realized her fear-scent was as clear as day in the still forest.
"Dammit," she hissed, trying to calm herself down.
The branches to her right started to shake violently as a large, heavy-set cat pulled himself out of the undergrowth. Fawnfur stared in terror as the dark furred tom unfolded himself. His claws were curved and ivory colored, glinting menacingly in the half-light. The cat's eyes were amber and took in Fawnfur's appearance greedily. His body was covered with scars and gashes. Fawnfur thought he must be a rogue. She noticed that he held a dead rabbit in his mouth which he dropped to the ground when he saw her. He growled loudly. Fawnfur gulped.
She was in deep trouble and no one was around to help her.
