The Starry Chronicles Book 1: Strike of the Viper

by Living 4 Christ

The first installment of a fanfiction following an OC, who is Firestar's third daughter, and is created at the time of TNP. The twolegs never invaded, and the Clan's continue to thrive peacefully in the forest, but secrets have yet to be revealed, and dangers arise from the most unexpected places. (Rated T for gore.)

2. Prologue

Prologue

A soft breeze rippled the trees as the moon climbed to its highest point. The forest was quiet, but down below the cover of brush, a young she-cat crept low. Her eyes were wide with fear as she scanned the horizon for the wild forest cats. She knew she was in their territory, but she had come by choice.

A sudden squeak came from her, but she had not made the noise. Clamped securely in her jaws was a kit. Her eyes were not yet open. The she-cat placed her young kit on the ground for a moment to get a better grab on her scruff, and then dashed out of the bush into another. The dried, dead leaves crunched loudy under her paws, causing her to flinch with every bound.

Under the safety of the bush, the chill of leafbare caused her to shiver, and she set her kit down again to give her a quick clean and to rid her of the scent of twolegs. She was hopeful the forest cats would disreguard the scent. The cat who lived at the twoleg nest beside her's had promised her this would work, and that her brother, the leader of the Clan she was hoping to find, was a gracious and fair cat. She had called it ThunderClan.

She breathed deep, trying to calm herself, and picked up her young kit again. The scent of the ThunderClan cats was stronger, and she knew she was almost there.

Finally, the she-cat stopped when she was in sight of the gorse tunnel. Flickers of movement passed before the camp entrance, and she flinched back into another bush.

With a deep sigh of fear and regret, the cat placed her kit onto the ground. She was about to back away when she realized it may be a while before her kit was discovered. She didn't want her to be cold, or worse, freeze to death. She piled up pinestraw and leaves until she knew there would be no contact with the forest floor.

After carefully placing the kit on top, she gave her a lick of comfort as she squirmed on the straw and leaves.

"Take care my kit," she whispered as sorrow filled her eyes, "I will return for you."

With one last look of pain and heartbreak, the she-cat disappeared into the night, leaving the kit alone and cold.