Sunfawn’s Hope
by Sunfawn
To all my friends, and the (sadly not real) cat who inspired this story
Allegiances
TrappedClan
Leader:
Fangstar (A black tom with green eyes and big teeth)
Deputy:
Vinefox (A light ginger tabby tom with green eyes)
Apprentice, Blackpaw
Medicine Cat:
Nightleaf (A spotted black tom with amber eyes)
Warriors:
Stonecliff (a light gray tabby tom with amber eyes and ragged fur)
Crimsonclaw (an unnaturally red tom with one blue and one green eye)
Stormhail (A dark blue gray and ginger tabby tom with blue eyes)
Flintfeather (a black tom with white fur tips and blue eyes)
Apprentice, Dustpaw
Foxsun (A ginger spotted tom with yellow eyes)
Apprentice, Mousepaw
Badgerclaw (a black tom with a big white stripe running down his back and dark amber eyes)
Grassfur (A light gray spotted tom with light green eyes)
Windheart (A ticked light brown tabby tom with blue eyes)
Apprentice, Graypaw
Male Apprentices:
Mousepaw (A white and gray ticked tom with amber eyes, very distrustful, son of Stonecliff and Birdwing)
Graypaw (A hurtful gray tom with green eyes, son of Stonecliff and Birdwing)
Blackpaw (A secretive black ticked tom with green eyes, son of Fangstar and Needlewhisker)
Dustpaw (A dilute tortoiseshell tom with green eyes, son of Honeyheart and Grassfur)
Females:
Honeyheart (A pale gold tabby she-cat with blue eyes)
Apprentice, Breezepaw
Birdwing (A black and white she-cat with green eyes)
Apprentice, Goldenpaw and Poppypaw
Oakfoot ((A brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes, pregnant with Foxsun’s kits) deceased)
Needlewhisker (A gray and white she-cat with blue eyes)
Apprentice, Sunpaw
Lilybloom (A dark gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes, pregnant with Stormhail’s kits)
Female Apprentices:
Sunpaw (A tall golden tabby she-cat with white spotting and blue eyes, daughter of Honeyheart and Grassfur)
Goldenpaw (A bright white and yellow tuxedo she-cat with green eyes, daughter of Honeyheart and Grassfur)
Breezepaw (A light gray she-cat with blue eyes, daughter of Stonecliff and Birdwing
Poppypaw (A gray and white spotted she-cat with amber eyes, daughter of Stonecliff and Birdwing)
Elders:
Harewhisker ((A brown and white tom with amber eyes and short legs) deceased)
Cloudsky (A pale gray and white tom with blue eyes, father of Fangstar) deceased)
Chapter One
Yawn. I stretched my jaws wide, soaking up the warm green leaf air. The sun warmed my face just enough, making my cheek fur bristle. The second I opened my deep sky-blue eyes, the sun blinded me, a change of attitude from the gentle warmth on my face earlier. I squinted my eyes and looked away.
I was lying in my moss nest, with my mother’s stomach pressed against my back and my siblings pressing me from both my left and right.
“Mom. Honeyheart.” I mewed, looking straight at her as she grooms her chest fur.
“Yes, Sunkit?” She changed her grooming to the top of my head, speaking in between licks.
“When am I becoming an apprentice again?” I asked, even though I already knew the dreadful answer.
 “Today, Sunkit. Goldenkit, and Dustkit as well.” She meowed, stopping licking and gave me a sad look.
 “Why don’t I get to hunt and fight? Dustkit gets to!” I meowed indignantly.
 “You know the rules, sweet flower. TrappedClan has superior males, and females only serve males and have kits.” She murmured.
 “That’s not fair!” I whined.
 “What’s going on here, my little fawn?” My father, Grassfur, stepped in, his massive gray paws practically shaking the ground. In TrappedClan, many mates are only together for kits. My parents are almost the only ones that love each other.
 “I’m not going to serve males!” I hissed, glaring into his light green eyes. “I’m going to run away!”
 “Sunkit, I’m sorry, but you know that's not possible. The mud hills bordering the island always drown in it, and Fangstar will catch you before that.” he muttered, averting his gaze.
“Fine.” I mewed dejectedly, giving into the pressure like I always do.
“I’m sorry, golden fawn. But you can still hunt and find someone you love.” My parents nuzzled me as Grassfur mewed.
“Why do you call me fawn?” I asked, all worries about my apprenticeship gone.
“Because of your white spots on your haunch!” Grassfur purred.
I giggled, making my siblings shake, waking them up.
“Hey!” Goldenkit mews. Her yellow tuxedo pattern looked so like mine, yet so different.
“Get her!” Dustkit growled playfully, leaping at me with paws outstretched.
He almost bowled me over, but I locked my paws together so he couldn’t. Goldenkit piled herself on top of us, using her whiskers to tickle us.
“Kits! Your ceremony is right before sunhigh, and guess what? IT’S SUNHIGH!” Honeyheart scolded, trying her hardest to keep her laughs in.
“Oh no! Do you think Fangstar will delay our apprenticeship?” Dustkit asked, worried about his precious ceremony.
“No, he won’t. But let’s get you cleaned up.” Grassfur mewed, while he started grooming Goldenkit and Honeyheart grooms Dustkit. They finished quickly, and then they both licked me, also finishing grooming me faster than blinking.
I step outside, towards Fangstar calling a meeting.
“All cats that can, come here beneath the Scarlett Tree!” He yowled, fixing everyone with a hard glare. I walked toward him, sitting along the edge until we got called in.
“Today we gather to honor three new apprentices. Dustkit, come forward.” Fangstar continued. My ear twitches, impatient for my turn, but I stay seated.
“You have reached the age of six moons as a male, and you are being apprenticed to fight for our clan and learn how to be served by females. Your mentor shall be Flintfeather. Flintfeather, you were mentored by Grassfur, and I hope you will pass on your knowledge to Dustpaw.” Fangstar mewed solemnly.
Dustpaw crammed his nose to Flintfeather’s too hard, making them both break out in giggles, and then Flintfeather led Dustpaw to the inner ring of the circle to watch our ceremony, sitting beside all the other males.
Okay; list of nice males. Grassfur, Dustpaw, and Flintfeather. I mentally noted.
“Goldenkit and Sunkit, please come forward. You have both reached the age of six moons as a female, and you are being apprenticed to learn how to hunt and serve males. Birdwing, since we do not have enough working females, you will mentor Goldenpaw alongside Poppypaw. Honeyheart will resume mentoring Breezepaw. And Sunkit, your mentor will be Needlewhisker. Needlewhisker and Birdwing, I expect you to train your new apprentices to serve males dutifully.” Fangstar continued, and Goldenpaw and I both touched noses to our mentors.
“Meeting dismissed.”
“So, Sunpaw, let’s go learn how to hunt!” Needlewhisker exclaimed excitedly, the youngest of the not pregnant females.
“Yay!” I squealed.
Needlewhisker bounded away, calling after me saying, “We’re going to the stream!”
As I sprinted after her, the thrill of hunting made flashes of catches legendary animals, like deer, flashed through my head. I would be a hero!
The stream glimmered, like a tail of silver and blue. Excitement with a taste of dread fluttered tough, hunting was cool – but serving males?
I shoved the thoughts away as I noticed Needlewhisker stop beside the stream, going to hide in a clump of bushes while gazing at a huge old oak with acorns beneath.
“Taste the air.” She instructed as I joined her under the bush. “What do you smell?”
I opened my mouth to scent any prey smells, and what came was...
“Squirrel? But... fresher?” I asked tentatively.
“Exactly! Well, done! But why is it fresher?” Needlewhisker prodded.
“Because... it’s not dead!” I exclaimed.
“Good. Now, it came out to eat the acorns. I’ve seen you in camp practicing your hunting crouch, and it looks better than even Breezepaw’s. So go catch it.” Needlewhisker meowedordered encouragement.
I twitched my ear in response as I stalked forward, eyes trained on the plump squirrel in front of me, fattened by the greenleaf growth. My paws were lightly placed as if the ground would break on impact.
As I crept closer, the squirrel continued to nibble on acorns. I eventually stopped, and unleashed my claws, ready for my first catch.
Three, two, one... now! I leapt, my claws sinking into the tail. I nipped its spine, feeling the pleasure of my first kill. I could feed my clan now!
“Congrats! That was impressive for your first try!” Needlewhisker praised.
“Let’s take it back to cam-” I started.
“Well, well, well. Who do we have here? Some females only for making kits and serving males trying to be cool? How pitiful.” Three apprentices stepped out of the tree in front of me, a cruel sneer plastered on their faces.
“Mousepaw!” I exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
“We were spying if you couldn’t tell. Seeing how our next potential mate will be.” Graypaw, the gray tom next to the darker gray Mousepaw, sneered.
“And why?” Needlewhisker rose to her full height, towering over the barely out of kithood me, and two moons older than me Mousepaw, Graypaw, and Blackpaw, the third tom standing on the other side of Mousepaw.
“Graypaw just said it, she-cat!” Blackpaw hissed snarkily. He glared at Needlewhisker, but when he turned to me, I saw a slight change in his gaze. A small twinkle. More hatred or.... no, that can’t be. Just forget about it, Sunpaw.
“Just leave us alone!” I hissed, pawing the squirrel in front of me.
“Fine. But we’ll be back.” And with that, they walked away. I picked up my squirrel and headed back toward camp, wordless as I ran. My eyes hurt as I glared anywhere that could take my anger.
“Sunpaw! Wait!” A voice called after me, probably Needlewhisker or one of the toms. I ignored it and kept running.
“Wait! Sunpaw! There’s a bush!” The voice called again; this time sure to be Needlewhisker.
I finally realized where I was, just a length to far right from the camp entrance heading straight for...
Crash! Branches snapped as my weight fell heavily into it. Twigs intruded into my fur, leaves tickling my ears. The squirrel somehow flew from my grasp, and my head was free enough to see it make it through the heavy bushes and vines, landing directly on top of... Blackpaw! He was crouching beside the freshkill pile, scouring it for food.
I scrambled backwards, my hind paws trying to grab a hold. Jaws grasped my tail and yanked me free, twigs and leaves decorating my ruffled fur.
“Next time, listen to your mentor!” She snapped, anger sharpening her gaze. I shrunk, debris falling in the process.
“I-I’m sor-sorry, Needlewhisker.” I stammered, tears starting to fall from my eyes. “I tru-truly a-am.”
Her gaze softened, but not without pity. “It’s no big deal, but just be careful next time, alright?” She mewed, lowering herself to be eye to eye with me. I nodded shakily, standing up after, walking through the correct entrance this time.
Luckily, nobody except Blackpaw was in camp, but his gaze was fixed onto mine. The same look as earlier was merged with curiosity.
“Sorry about that, Blackpaw.” I murmured, afraid of what he would do to me. Toms have the right to inflict punishments on she-cats whenever, anyways.
“It’s alright.” He dismissed it with a wave of his tail. I looked up, surprised, but he was already munching on my squirrel, eyes deep in thought.
I walked away, but not without many emotions. Embarrassment, curiosity, pride, and... I felt flattered? He did eat my squirrel, after all. I sat outside the female apprentice's den, deciding to squish myself between its wall and the adjacent one, the female’s den.
As I settled into the evening shadows, the day’s events replayed in my head. I tried to force pride from the squirrel I caught, but it all just kept drifting to Blackpaw. The way his stance shifted when he saw me, how he dismissed my mistake... it all was confusing.
“Can I talk to you?” Blackpaw approached my hiding place, startling me out of my thoughts.
“Sure.” I mewed, making room for him in front of me. But instead, he decided to take a spot next to me, making both our furs bristle with embarrassment. My cheeks grew hot, and my ears twitched impatiently as I waited for him to speak.
“...You- I- Back then- ugh. I don’t know what to say.” Blackpaw mutters angrily to himself, looking away but placing his tail on top of mine behind us. Taking a deep breath, he finally speaks.
“I’m sorry about earlier today.” He finally gets out. “It was wrong of me, and I listened to my friends. Even if they are my friends.”
By now the sky was darkening, and cats were flowing into the camp left and right, settling down for the night.
“Let’s find a more private place.” I whispered in Blackpaw’s ear as I stood up. He followed me as we left camp, and I fell back, letting him guide me as I was inexperienced.
The sky was pitch black, my only sense of guidance was Blackpaw’s tail, wavering in front of my nose as he led the way. He eventually had us at a secluded clearing glade, the edges surrounded by brambles and the only way to get in or out was the tree I just hopped from.
“So... what did you want to say?” I break the silence.
“I just wanted to say I was a fool today. We weren’t looking for mate potential, we were just making fun of you until you caught the squirrel, and Mousepaw shoved me out-”
“It’s ok.” I interrupt softly. “I just wish you didn’t have to deal with Graypaw and Mousepaw.”
He nodded slowly, but the air hung heavily on my fur with silence as we both looked away.
“Look, it’s late, and I must get back to camp. See you tomorrow?” He finally sighs after what seems like eternity.
“Ok.” I mew as he leaps away into the night. I just now realized I don’t know where I am, so I settle down, tuck my nose into my tail fur, and drift off to sleep.
Chapter Two
The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow over my body. I opened my eyes, slowly letting them get accustomed to the light. But then I remembered; I snuck out with Blackpaw last night and I have battle training today.
I burst upwards, latching onto the tree and using it as a lookout. I recognized where I was, and launched off towards the camp, not too far away. The sun rose faster, almost racing me. I knew Needlewhisker told me to be there at dawn, which meant I was already late. I burst in, just as Needlewhisker called out.
“Sunpaw, you’re late!” She scolded me, and I joined all the other apprentices gathered around her and the other mentors; Birdwing, Honeyheart, Flintfeather, Foxsun and Windheart.
“Sorry.” I panted as I sat down. She gave me a disapproving glance but continued.
“We have waited for the last of the kits to become apprentices to tell you this. There are some extra rules for becoming warriors. She-cats, to become an honored female, you must bear kits. Once they are born, you have your ceremony.” Needlewhisker announced as she looked over the apprentices. Gasps rumbled throughout, but they were silenced.
“And, towards the end of your apprenticeship, there will be a series of competitions. The order of the males who win will be the order of who chooses mates first. Females will also go through this, but they have no choice. It’s only for letting the males see.” Windheart meowed, raising his voice too loud.
I cursed inside my head but stopped when I saw Blackpaw gazing at me through the corner of my eye. I glanced over at him, and he didn’t notice. His gaze was full of love, glistening as if we had been mates for moons.
But then he snapped out of his trance. He walked towards me, a grin on his face and stride confident. The rest of the group was dispersing, and Needlewhisker called off training for the day, so Blackpaw and I nestled together at the top of a thick oak tree.
“Sunpaw... you don’t know this, but I like you. I have been, well, watching you since you were born. I’ve always liked you. Will you be my mate?” Blackpaw asked unexpectedly.
“Blackpaw, this isn’t possible.” I meowed. His ears drooped, so I tried to explain.
“I like you back, but I’ve only really known you for a day! And the competitions... what if somebody chooses me first?” I rush to explain.
“I will win. And we will get to know each other!” Blackpaw reasons.
I hesitated, my heart racing. “What if it doesn’t work?”
“We’ll make it work, Sunpaw. You and me. We won’t rush, I promise. Just want to talk today?” Blackpaw confirms.
I took a deep breath, butterflies going wild in my stomach. “Okay, let’s talk.”
Blackpaw’s eyes lit up and settled beside me even closer when he noticed me shivering. I glanced at him gratefully and then started asking questions.
“What do you do when you do when you’re not training?” I inquired, leaning on his muscled shoulders.
“I hunt extra for the clan. That’s why it’s never empty.” He murmured, pride flickering in his gaze. I pushed him playfully,
“You showoff!” I teased.
“Hey, nobody else does it!” Blackpaw defended himself.
“True. True.” I agreed. I didn’t know what to say after, so I just rested my head on his paws and closed my eyes. He did the same, spreading a warm feeling of comfort throughout my body.
“You know, it’s hard to believe that two days ago you were a kit.” Blackpaw murmured, twitching his whiskers in disbelief.
“Yeah. I feel like I’ve been an apprentice forever.” I responded, eyes still closed. We didn’t talk anymore for the day after that, just nestled together within the oak tree.
His sweet scent made me happier whenever he passed by, watching him train and his strong muscles ripple as he attacked induced a strong feeling of love. He was the one for me; I knew that now. His soft green eyes made me shiver whenever he looked at me, his striking black coat looking like the night sky on a new moon.
Moons passed. Blackpaw and I grew more and more comfortable with each other, I grew to be the best hunter in the clan. Even better than Birdwing! I grew used to serving toms, ignoring their rudeness. Blackpaw was an excellent fighter, and he could defeat any animal who came his way.
But soon, when I was ten moons old, the day of the competition came. Blackpaw and the other male apprentices were fit to become warriors, and Fangstar called the competition to happen at the start of next moon.
“Blackpaw! It’s a quarter moon ‘till the competition! Who you gonna choose?” Graypaw jokingly said to Blackpaw as I laid outside the female apprentice den, watching them from a distance.
Blackpaw ignored Graypaw, making Graypaw scoff, but stopped when he saw Fangstar call a meeting.
“All cats that can, gather here beneath the Scarlett Tree!” He yowled, fixing everyone with a cruel glare.
“The apprentices are going to endure the competition that will choose who mates who, and here are the competitions each apprentice, male or female, will face.” Fangstar announced when everyone gathered.
“My warriors have been preparing for one of them for multiple moons, so we expect a show when it happens. First, whoever can sneak past Vinefox in the least time wins. The next, standing on the mud hills for as long as they can without dying. And the last, badger fighting. You will all be fighting a badger alone, and if you die, then so be it.” Fangstar snarled, his green eyes swiveling left and right.
“That’s cruel!” Oakfoot stepped up, her gaze fixated on Fangstar as her heavy, unborn kits dangling from her stomach.
Fangstar sat unexpectedly calmly, looking at the other clanmates. “Anybody else agree?”
Our only two elders stood up, Harewhisker and Cloudsky, who was Fangstar’s father.
Fangstar stepped down, and when his eyes glinted with malice, he swiped.
All three of the cats who objected, who were right next to each other, widened their eyes and their throats were split open. Blood sprayed across the nearby cats' faces, who instantly revolted.
The whole clan gasped. I felt sick at the sight of blood.
“Sunpaw!” Blackpaw meowed, as I fainted. I heard the rush of paws, as he ran towards the medicine cat’s den.
A second later, I felt cool water dripping into my mouth. I blinked my eyes open, to see Nightleaf, the medicine cat standing over me.
“Sunpaw? Are you ok?” He mewed, worry lacing his voice.
“Yeah... I think.” I shuddered. Wincing as I stood up. My head spun. I think I hit it when I fainted.
“Nightleaf?” I meowed.
“Yes, Sunpaw?” He replied gruffly, probably mad that a she-cat was questioning him.
“Did... Did... Fangstar actually kill them?”
Nightleaf grunted. “Yes, but it serves them right, especially the she-cat. Ha! She was the worst she-cat to serve me ever; she deserved to die.”
“Nightleaf! Don’t say that.” I meowed, surprised.
“I’ll say what I like, all she-cats were just born to make kits, and serve males.”
I stood up, leaving before he could say more.
“Are you okay Sunpaw?” Blackpaw asked, concern in his voice. I grunted but didn’t stop. I would feel better the farther I got from the medicine cat den.
“Sunpaw! Listen to me! Just slow down.” He yowled at me as I felt claws snag my tail.
“Listen to me!” Blackpaw growled, winding his tail around mine.
“Blackpaw! Not now!” I growled under my breath, ripping my tail from his grasp, fur and skin ripping.
“SUNPAW!” Blackpaw yowled, as loud as if he had yowled straight in my ear. Cats from all sides stared at us as if we were Twolegs. Tears sprang to my eyes, and I rushed from the camp in a hurry.
I heard paws scampering after me, but I paid no notice. I ran and ran for what seemed like eternity until I reached the shore of the Island.
“Sunpaw! Please.” Blackpaw was breathless.
“Why would you embarrass me like that?” I asked, hurt. Tears finally spilled, and I shrank like a blossom in leafbare.
“I’m sorry. I was just worried about you.” Blackpaw laid next to me, resting his head above mine.
“I know, but sometimes you just need to listen to my boundaries.” I responded, tears still flowing but lessening.
“Alright.” Blackpaw murmured, and I felt his tension release.
We laid there until sunset, and we both had fallen asleep in the meantime. I snored to my dismay.
Chapter Three
“Sunpaw.” Blackpaw’s sweet voice whispered in my ear. “I think the camp is looking for us.” I sprang to my paws, perking my ears. The sound of angered yowling and thundering paws was off in the distance. “They have been yowling our names for a long while now. I didn’t know when to wake you.” I brushed my tail over his flank
“Thanks. Let's go and tell them that we’re fine.” I tried to sound confident, but I was regretting all the words that had come out of my mouth. We padded across the lake path until we came to the border.
“Let's wait here.” Blackpaw insisted, sitting down. I sat a little way away from him, perking my ears and listening to the sound of dozens of paws pounding across the ground. Soon cats had us surrounded and a snarling Fangstar pushed his way through the crowd.
“What are you doing?!” He spat. “Don’t you know that if you’re out of camp you must let us know or come back?!” I felt my legs buckle; I fell to the ground cowering in fear.
“And you!” Fangstar rounded on Blackpaw. “Sitting with a female like you are equals! Because you have done this, you will sleep with the females and kits, for a half a moon.”
“But you...” He said turning back to me. “You will not eat until every cat has eaten.” He turned and stalked back to camp. As we marched into camp I collapsed into the dust.
I was too tired to walk to my nest. Cats went to grab food from the pile, and some of the males that had figured out what I had done smirked and padded right past me. They were purposely getting the sweet smell to drift into my nostrils. I dragged my tired paws to a more secluded part of the camp and drifted to sleep in the cool shade of a maple tree.
The sun dipped low, casting tall, dark shadows across the camp as I awoke, my stomach angry with the weight of Fangstar’s punishment. The scent of fresh prey lingered in the air, but my stomach growled, reminding me of my hunger. I glanced around, spotting Blackpaw sitting alone, his gaze fixed on the warriors training by the mossy boulders.
“Sunpaw!” he called softly, his eyes brightening as I approached. “I was thinking... we should train together. If we’re going to win the competition, we need to be stronger.”
I hesitated, but the compassion in his gaze gave me hope. “You’re right. Let’s do it.”
We padded over to the training area, where the warriors were practicing their battle moves. As we began to spar, I felt the sting of my earlier fear fade, replaced by a surge of determination. Blackpaw was a fierce opponent, his movements fluid and precise.
“Focus on your footwork!” he encouraged, dodging my clumsy swipe.
“Like this?” I retorted, trying to mimic him.
“Exactly!” Blackpaw praised. I kept swiping, missing and striking, but getting better and better. My paws hit his shoulders with such strength that he almost fell, and I could swing his paws into the air within a second.
We trained until moonhigh, and by then we were hungry that I snuck a small mouse anyway. But before I could even get to my nest, it turned out I was already asleep, my head resting on Blackpaw’s back.
The dawn light filtered through the maple leaves, displaying dappled shadows on the ground as I stirred awake. Blackpaw was still asleep beside me, his soft breaths becoming a comforting rhythm. I blinked and felt a pang of guilt for the mouse I had stolen. I brushed my tail against his side, and he stirred, eyes fluttering open.
“Morning, Sunpaw,” he murmured, stretching. “Ready for another day of training?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, feeling the warmth of determination bloom in my chest. But just as we rose, a commotion erupted at the camp’s entrance.
A group of cats, led by Fangstar, burst into the clearing, their expressions grim. “Gather round!” Fangstar commanded, his voice low and urgent.
Blackpaw and I exchanged worried glances and hurried to join the gathering crowd. Fangstar’s gaze swept over us, his eyes narrowing. “We have decided to make the competition earlier. It will be today! Apprentices, prepare. You have until half before Sunhigh.”
My heart raced. “What can we do?” I whispered to Blackpaw, anxiety creeping in.
“Stay calm, Sunpaw,” Blackpaw whispered, his eyes steadying me.
“We’ve trained hard. We can do this.”
Fangstar continued, his voice cutting through the rising murmurs. “You will face each other in pairs. The order of winning males gains order for choosing mates!” His gaze lingered on me, a flicker of disdain crossing his features. “And remember, any sign of weakness will not be tolerated.”
As the other apprentices began to warm up, I felt a knot of dread tighten in my belly.
“What if I mess up?” I fretted, glancing at the warriors who were now eyeing us with a mix of anticipation and amusement.
“You won’t,” Blackpaw reassured me, nudging me gently. “Just remember what we practiced. Focus on your strengths. You’re stronger than you think.”
Soon we were called to the clearing. I lined up beside the other female apprentices, some friend and some foe, but once we heard the order to begin, I ran.
The badger fighting was first. I leaped in headfirst landing upon the badgers' back. In order to move on, I had to at least fight it until it started howling in pain. So, I sliced the back of its knees with my claws, which forced the badger to lose balance and fall. The just one last wound and I was off.
Then I approached a clearing where Vinefox, TrappedClan’s deputy, was waiting. His back was turned, but I could tell from his attention that he was waiting for us. All I had to do was sneak past him.
Breezepaw then suddenly barreled past me, trying to get by Vinefox by speed, but she failed. While Vinefox sent Breezepaw back, I snuck around his other side and ran free.
The shore was coming up, and I swam to the mud hills. As I swam, a new announcement was made.
“You have to run across them for 15 fox lengths!” Fangstar yowled cruelly as I reached the hills.
I climbed up in ease, but running proved to be more challenging. I started my stride, but I was so worn out the mud slithered up my legs. I started sinking, the mud reaching my knees faster than lightning. I almost gave up until I heard Blackpaw.
“You got this Sunpaw! I believe in you!” He yowled with encouragement. That ignited something in me. I tore my legs from the mud’s grasp and ran as if my life depended on it. It kind of did, though.
I was a speedy cat, and it was no challenge at all. I reached it quickly, and then and quick push of my hind legs sent me back into the water. I swam and swam for what felt like forever. But soon, I felt the ground beneath me. The last thing I had to do was reach the end of the shore. So, the water was quickly left behind and the shore was a length behind me.
But then I collapsed. The competition took a lot from me. I lay there, watching the other female apprentice's finish.
As I lay panting on the shore, the world around me blurred. My heart raced, but my limbs felt heavy, the weight of exhaustion feeling heavier than a fat badger. Just as I began to drift into the haze of fatigue, Needlewhisker appeared, her sleek gray fur glistening in the sun.
“Here, Sunpaw,” she said softly, nudging a small mossball full of cool water towards me. “Drink. You’ve done well.” I sipped gratefully, the refreshing liquid giving me energy.
Needlewhisker’s gaze shifted to the competition, where Blackpaw was now racing against Mousepaw, his muscles rippling as he moved with fierce determination.
“He’s strong,” Needlewhisker remarked, a hint of pride in her voice.
I watched as Blackpaw darted ahead; his focus unwavering. The clan erupted in cheers, and my heart swelled with admiration.
“He’s going to win.” I breathed, a spark of hope igniting within me.
“Focus on recovering,” Needlewhisker urged, gently nudging me to sit up. “You’ve shown great strength today.”
With her support, I managed to rise, wavering slightly. As the competition drew to a close, Blackpaw sprinted back, victorious. He spotted me and beamed; his eyes bright.
“Let’s get you home,” he said, his voice warm. Together, we made our way back to camp, Needlewhisker guiding me.
As we entered the camp, the air buzzed with excitement. The sun hung low, casting a warm glow over the gathered cats. Fangstar stood at the center, his large figure silhouetted against the fading light.
“Today, we honor our champions.” he announced, his voice booming.
“Blackpaw, come forward. Today you have managed to finish the Competition, and today is the day you will become a fully-fledged warrior. You have trained yourself to perfection within these past moons, and from this moment on, you shall be known as Blackshadow. You are honored for your strength, stealth, and loyalty. May the Island serve as your home forever.”
Blackshadow stood proudly beside me, his fur still slightly damp from the competition. “You fought bravely, Sunpaw,” he said, pride shining in his eyes. My heart fluttered at his words. All I could focus on was him, and I took no notice as Dustpaw become Dustwind, regretfully. But I truly ignored Mouseear or Graystone receive their names.
Fangstar continued, “The time has come for the newly appointed males to name their mates!” The clan fell silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air.
Blackshadow stepped forward, his gaze steady. “I choose Sunpaw.” he declared, his voice ringing with pride, almost as if daring anyone to challenge him. A wave of cheers erupted from our clanmates, and I felt warmth spread through me.
As the celebration began, cats ate and groomed one another, their joy infectious. Needlewhisker watched with a smile, her emerald eyes glimmering with pride.
Blackshadow and I lay beside each other that night, the remains of a pigeon next to me. But all I needed now was him. I lay beside him, his warm body wrapped around mine. His sweet, rich scent drifted within my nostrils, and I closed my eyes, trying to keep this bliss forever.
Blackshadow’s purrs only made me happier. His soft fur was just warm enough to keep me perfectly warm, not too cold or too warm.
I fell asleep happily with him.
Chapter Four
Many moons later, as the leaves turned gold and the air grew crisp, I found myself restless. At fifteen moons, I had settled into my role serving Blackshadow, yet something felt off. I often stared at the stars, wondering if they whispered secrets I couldn’t hear.
One evening, as the camp hummed with the sounds of background grooming and chatter, I approached Nightleaf, worry making my paws feel heavy
“Nightleaf,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been feeling strange. I can’t shake the feeling that something is... different.”
He studied me with a crude gaze, one that seemed to pierce through my unease. “Come, let’s take a look.” he replied, leading me to his den, filled with the scents of herbs and moss.
After a few moments of silence, he looked up, his expression serious yet surprisingly gentle. “Sunpaw, you are expecting kits.”
A wave of disbelief washed over me, quickly followed by a surge of emotions. I was going to be a mother! My heart raced as I thought of Blackshadow, his proud smile, and the life we would create together.
With my heart pounding, I slipped out of Nightleaf’s den, the weight of his words heavy on my mind. The camp felt lush with life around me, but I was lost in my thoughts, every pawstep echoing inside my head. I had to find Blackshadow.
As I crossed the clearing, I spotted him, his dark fur glistening under the falling sun as he spoke with a few warriors. I hesitated, doubt creeping in. What if he didn’t want this? But the thought of keeping it from him felt worse than him not being happy with our kits.
“Blackshadow!” I called, my voice trembling. He turned, his amber eyes locking onto mine, worry causing two lines between his eyebrows.
“What is it, Sunpaw?” he asked, his tone shifting from casual to concerned.
I took a deep breath, the cool evening air filling my lungs. “I... I have news.” The words struggled to form, but I pressed on. “I’m going to have kits.”
Silence enveloped us, the chatter around us fading as Blackshadow led me out of camp. Then, a smile broke across his face, bright and warm. “Kits? You’re sure?”
I nodded, a rush of relief washing over me. Blackshadow stepped closer, his eyes shining with excitement. “Then we will prepare. Our family will be strong.”
In that moment, my doubts melted away, replaced by hope and the promise of new beginnings. Together, we worked to get soft feathers and ferns, extra moss and anything we could find that would make my nest as soft and conferrable as possible. Soon we had as much moss as we could carry and started to trudge back to camp.
“Blackshadow. What should we name the kits?” I meowed. Blackshadow looked thoughtful.
“I think we should wait.” Blackshadow whispered.
I nodded. “I suppose. I just hope one of them is a she-kit.”
“As long as there as beautiful as you, I think they’ll be perfect.” He murmured, nuzzling me.
“You soft furball.” I laughed, flicking him with my tail.
“I love you, Sunpaw.” He purred. I purred back, rubbing my cheek against his.
“Come on!” I mewed, trotting off towards camp.
“Wait up!” Blackshadow called, catching up to me. We padded back to camp in thoughtful silence, purring and brushing our fur together.
As we neared the camp, the peaceful atmosphere shattered. A distant commotion erupted, yowls of alarm echoing through the trees. My heart raced as I exchanged worried glances with Blackshadow.
“Stay here,” he ordered, his tone firm yet gentle. “I’ll see what’s happening.”
Before I could protest, he dashed into the chaos. I wanted to follow, but my instincts screamed for me to remain hidden.
Suddenly, the scent of foxes filled the air, sharp and pungent. The clamor grew louder, and panic surged within me. I turned, seeking a safe route back, but two foxes emerged from the underbrush near camp, their eyes glinting with malice.
I felt my limbs freeze. The world around me blurred as dread coiled tightly in my chest. I had never faced a foe like this. I’m not a warrior; I was meant to provide kits, not fight!
“Stay back!” I hissed, my voice trembling. They advanced, growling low, and I stumbled backward, accidentally trapping myself between two tall boulders. My breath quickened, and my vision narrowed.
I was consumed by fear and yowling desperately. The smaller fox swiped, missing, but directly after the other one attacked, slicing a gash right above my eyebrow.
I cried out in pain, blood spilling into my left eye. The foxes enjoyed that and kept hurting me. Wound after wound I took, and even though I knew fighting techniques, I couldn’t bring myself out of my fear to do more than swinging my paw.
Just as despair threatened to engulf me, a shadow darted from above me. Blackshadow landed in front of me heroically, eyes flaming with rage.
“Get away from her!” he roared, his voice cutting through the foxes’ excited yelps like a claw.
I watched in a daze as Blackshadow lunged, fierce and protective. He swiped at the larger fox, claws unsheathed, but as he landed a blow, the smaller one darted in, claws sinking into his shoulder.
“Blackshadow!” I cried, terror gripping me as I saw the blood welling from the wound. He staggered back, pure longing in his eyes, but he kept fighting. With a fierce growl, he fought, launching himself at the foxes again.
“Stay behind me!” he ordered, and I obeyed without a second thought. He fought fearlessly, drawing their attention away from me, his movements fluid and powerful. I could see the pain etched across his face, but he pressed on, showing what a great father he’ll be.
With a final, desperate lunge, Blackshadow caught the smaller fox by the scruff and flung it aside. The larger one, sensing defeat, turned to flee. Then Dustwind and Goldenpaw came rushing up, along with Flintfeather, who recently became Goldenpaw’s mate.
“Are you hurt?” he gasped, panting as he turned to me, concern engulfing his gaze.
“Just my eyebrow.” I replied, trembling, “but y-your shoulder!”
“Just a scratch,” he said, attempting to sound nonchalant, but the blood streaming down his fur betrayed him.
I stepped closer, my heart swelling with gratitude and fear. “You saved me, Blackshadow.”
As the surrounding cats realized they weren’t needed, they trotted away to help with camp repairs.
Blackshadow winced, trying to shake off the pain as he took a step toward me. “I’ll be fine,” he insisted, but his voice wavered.
Flintfeather, who had stopped to assess the scene, turned to me. “We need to get you two to Nightleaf. Those scratches could get infected.”
I nodded, my heart racing. We supported Blackshadow as he limped, guiding him back to the camp, where Nightleaf was preparing herbs.
The medicine cat looked up; his expression full of annoyance. “Lay down.” He mewed curtly.
“Foxes attacked,” I explained, my voice shaky. “Blackshadow defended me.”
With Flintfeather's help, we laid Blackshadow down on a bed of moss. Nightleaf approached, examining the wound with a critical eye. “You’re lucky it’s not deeper,” he grumbled, his paws deftly working to clean the injury.
As he applied a poultice, I watched Blackshadow wince, his gaze fixed on me. “I’m sorry, Sunpaw. I should have been quicker.”
I shook my head, my heart swelling with admiration. “You were brave. You protected me.”
Nightleaf finished his work, muttering, “You’ll be sore for a while, but you’ll live. Now you, Sunpaw.”
As he finished and turned away, I felt the weight of something unspoken between us. “Thank you, Nightleaf,” I murmured, but he merely flicked his tail, disappearing into the shadows.
With Blackshadow and I supposed to be resting, I curled beside him, the warmth of his body a comfort.
“Let’s heal. For our kits.” I whispered, hoping to shift the mood.
“Yes,” he replied, a faint smile breaking through his pain. “But first, let’s focus on keeping you safe.”
I nodded, the thought of our future kits filling me with hope.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the vines covering the entrance, I nestled against Blackshadow, my heart still racing from the adrenaline of the earlier attack.
The camp, once filled with laughter and chatter, now felt heavy with the battle's disturbance. I could see the pain etched into the faces of my clanmates as they returned from their duties.
The fire in my chest from the earlier encounter had dulled, replaced by a deep sense of gratitude for my mate beside me.
“Do you think the foxes will return?” I whispered, my voice barely louder than a breath.
Blackshadow’s amber eyes met mine, fierce yet softened by the flickering light.
“If they do, we’ll be ready. They won’t find us unprepared again.” His voice was steady, though I could see the pain still lingering in his shoulder.
Dustwind approached us, his expression serious. “Blackshadow, you need to rest. We can’t afford to have you pushing yourself too far.”
“I’m fine,” he replied stubbornly, though his wound betrayed him.
“Nightleaf said you need to heal. You can’t protect the clan if you’re too injured to fight,” he insisted, his tone firm.
“Dustwind’s right,” I added as Dustwind walked away. “You need to let your body recover.”
With a sigh, Blackshadow relented. “Alright, I’ll rest. But only if I can have you by my side, Sunpaw.”
I nodded, settling closer as the wind began to cool. The warmth of his body was a comfort, but the chill of dread still lingered in my chest. The thought of our future kits weighed heavily on my mind; I wanted to be strong for them, just as Blackshadow had been for me.
As the night deepened, Flintfeather approached, his brow furrowed with worry. “I’ve spoken to the other warriors. We’re planning a patrol to scout the area for signs of foxes. We can’t let them threaten our home again.”
“Good,” Blackshadow replied, his voice determined. “I want to be part of it.”
“No,” I interjected, panic rising in my throat. “You need to heal!”
Flintfeather looked between us, his eyes softening. “We can handle it, Blackshadow. You’ve done enough.”
“I won’t let them endanger my family,” he replied, his tone firm.
I felt a wave of fear for him. “You’re being reckless. I need you to be strong for our kits.”
The tension in the air shifted, and Blackshadow’s expression lightened. “You’re right, I’ll stay back, but only because you asked.”
As Flintfeather moved away to gather the warriors, I leaned closer to Blackshadow.
“You’re mine,” I whispered, pressing my forehead against his.
“I’m just doing what any father would do,” he replied, his voice full of emotion. “I want to protect you and our kits.”
We lay together for the rest of the night, purring until we fell asleep.
In the days that followed, Blackshadow stayed close, healing alongside me as our clan readied itself for the challenges ahead. Each day, I watched him grow stronger, and with each passing moment, my admiration for him deepened.
As we lay under the stars one night, about a moon and a half later, I spoke of our dreams for our kits, of brave little paws that would one day explore the forest, of futures filled with laughter and adventure. My belly was heavy with our kits, and I was moved to the nursery earlier that night.
“Together, we can build lives worth fighting for,” I declared, my heart swelling with love and hope.
“Yes,” Blackshadow replied, his eyes reflecting a fierce determination. “We can. We’re unstoppable.”
And in that moment, I knew that with him by my side, we could conquer anything.
Chapter Five
As the days passed by and the golden leaves swirled around us, the anticipation within me grew alongside my swelling belly.
Each morning, I awoke to the tender warmth of Blackshadow by my side and our future kits fluttering like butterflies.
The nursery had transformed into a cozy nest of feathers and moss, thanks to the collective efforts of my family.
Each cat had contributed, offering something, be it soft bedding or comforting words of encouragement. Dustwind brought me soft feathers, Goldenpaw moved into the nursery beside me, and Honeyheart gave me encouraging tips. Grassheart collected water for me when the kits became too heavy for me to leave camp, and Flintfeather brought a collection of sticks that would help during my birth.
And, the best of all, Blackshadow. He stayed by my side every day, whether it be check-in's with Nightleaf or comforting me when I had worries.
Yet, as the moon waned, a sense of urgency gripped me. With every passing day, the weight of my pregnancy deepened, and so did the fears that tiptoed into my mind. I spent nights counting the stars, wondering if I would be a good mother and if we would be safe.
One crisp morning, when it was almost leafbare, I found myself gazing out toward the stripped forest from within the camp, my heart heavy with a mix of excitement and dread.
The camp buzzed with life around me, yet I felt a strange distance from it all, as if I were frozen within a moment.
Just then, Blackshadow padded over, his familiar warmth summoning me back to the present.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, a soft smile making me smile as well.
“Just... everything,” I admitted, unable to tear my gaze away from the sunrays dancing through the trees. “I want to be the best mother I can be, Blackshadow. I want to protect them.”
“You already are,” he said firmly. “Every day, you’re carrying them. They can feel your love.” He rested his head against mine, as if taking the worries away with a single touch.
We sat there for a while yet, and the days seemed to slow, as if building suspense for our kit’s birth.
The turning of the leaves echoed a time of change. One evening, as I cleaned my nest, I felt a sudden rush of discomfort, twisting in my belly, followed by a soft tightening sensation. My breath caught, and I realized what was happening.
“Blackshadow!” I called out, my voice trembling with both fear and excitement.
He hurried over, alarm flashing in his amber eyes as I gripped the edge of the nest with my claws. “What is it, Sunpaw?”
“I think... I think it’s time,” I gasped, knowing this moment was crucial.
Blackshadow's eyes widened, a mixture of fear and concern swirling within them.
“Let’s get you to Nightleaf,” he said, moving quickly to my side. As I stood, a surge of pain coursed through me. “Breathe, Sunpaw. Just breathe,” he urged, nudging me along as we made our way to the medicine cat's den.
When we reached Nightleaf, he was already standing, his expression one of prepared urgency.
“You’re here. Good. Let’s get started.” He motioned for me to lay down while Blackshadow remained by my side, his presence grounding me as the pain intensified.
As I settled onto the mossy bed, a wave of discomfort rolled over me, a tightening grip that pulled everything within me.
“It hurts, Blackshadow,” I gasped, feeling the shadows of dread flickering at the edges of my thoughts.
“I know, love. I know,” he replied, his voice quiet and worried amidst the pain. “You’re so strong. You can do this.”
Nightleaf moved with speed, eyes focusing on the task ahead. “Sunpaw, when I say to push, I need you to push as hard as you can, alright?”
“Okay...” I breathed, trying to center myself. But the contractions hit again, sharper than before, making my breath hitch in response. Desperately, I reached for Blackshadow’s paw, afraid of the pain.
“Just hold on,” Nightleaf instructed. I could hear whispers outside, the rustle of leaves and the faint chirps of birds, but all of it felt so distant.
“Push, Sunpaw!” Nightleaf’s command broke through the fog of pain.
With a determined breath, I gave it my all, feeling the kits moving to exit. I let out a cry, the sound raw, as I pushed through the agony.
“Keep going!” Blackshadow's voice was steady, his fur brushing softly against my flank. “You’re doing it, Sunpaw. I’m right here.”
The world began to blur, dark edges melting into darkness as my concentration narrowed completely on the effort of bringing our kits into the world.
“Breathe, Sunpaw. Just breathe!” Nightleaf’s voice rang out again, but the sound grew fainter as I felt myself sinking deeper into the abyss of exhaustion.
Moments stretched into eternity, the space around me fading into a dull roar. Nightleaf’s words turned into muffled whispers.
There was a deafening silence, a void where pain once was, replaced by a creeping darkness that filled my mind. I couldn't tell if I was still pushing or if I had completely surrendered to the waves of pain washing over me.
“Sunpaw!” Blackshadow’s voice fought through the haze, filled with desperation. “Stay with me!”
I fought, but I couldn’t respond. The world around me was collapsing into a void. I felt myself slipping away, the realization dawning on me that I might not have the time to meet my kits.
With a final breath, I pushed one last time, feeling for any connection with Blackshadow, and then... nothing.
A sudden stillness flooded my senses, the sound of my heart fading, darkness enveloping me as I drifted into unconsciousness.
The next moment, I found myself in an endless shadow, my thoughts floating away as if they weren’t mine anymore. Sounds came to me muffled and far away, like they were whispers traveling through thick fog.
In that stillness, I had an unsettling sense of disconnection - a disconnection between my current state and the world I knew.
I tried to gather the strength to return, but each attempt felt like grasping at smoke. I could hear voices, frantic and filled with concern, but they faded in and out like the tide.
The darkness tightened around me, a heavy, oppressive weight, yet in the depths of that shadow, a flicker of light pulsed faintly. I felt detached, as though I were floating in a void, lost between worlds. But through the haze of despair, the comforting warmth of love stirred within me, urging me onward.
In the swirling depths of uncertainty, I recalled a familiar voice. Blackshadow. I focused on it, letting the sound draw me from the depths, as I pushed against the sensation of being enveloped by the shadows.
Suddenly, the darkness began to part like clouds clearing after a storm, revealing a luminous grove awash in moonlight. The air was fragrant with nightflowers and the gentle melody of the forest arounded me. I had entered StarClan.
“Sunpaw...” a voice called, soft as the rustle of leaves, and I turned to see none other than Sweetbreeze before me, her form radiant and ethereal. “Welcome, my granddaughter.”
“Grandmother,” I breathed, my heart swelling despite the disconnection I felt. “Am I dead?”
“You are in a state between worlds,” Sweetbreeze explained, her eyes tender and understanding. “Your body lies in a deep sleep, fighting to recover. You are here because you have a choice to make.”
A sense of urgency washed over me, pulling at my heart. Blackshadow. I thought of him, and an intense ache filled me. He needed me. I needed him.
“Please,” I pleaded, my voice wavering. “I want to go back to him. I can’t leave him. Our kits... they need me.”
“You must first understand the strength that resides within you,” Sweetbreeze said gently, guiding me through the shimmering grove filled with ancestral spirits. “You have a fierce bond with Blackshadow, one that can transcend even the boundaries of life and death.”
And then, I was transported to the medicine den. I felt my heart quicken as I strained to see my kits, but Blackshadow was blocking my view. Yet, as much as I longed to see them, I strangely knew that I would see them later, an invisible force that kept us apart.
“Sunpaw.” His voice echoed in the distance, filled with desperation, but I couldn’t see him. “Sunpaw, please.”
“Blackshadow!” I shouted, my voice echoing. “I’m here!” But panic surged in my chest as he continued to call out for me, his voice breaking with emotion.
“Where are you?” he cried as he kneeled beside my body. “Come back to me.”
I reached out, moving my paw towards the sound of his voice. “Blackshadow, I’m trying! I want to come back to you!” But no matter how hard I tried, I was trapped within this spectral realm, separated by an unseen wall.
Sweetbreeze's presence steadied me as I fought against the dark tide of despair washing over me. “You cannot cross back to your body while you heal there, Sunpaw. You must wait.”
“Can’t you make him see me?” I begged, the longing in my heart a suffocating weight. “Can’t you let him know I’m here?”
“His heart knows you are near; the bond you share is unbreakable,” Sweetbreeze said gently. “But a vision is beyond my power. He cannot perceive you in this form. It is your strength, and your will that will guide you home. Let your love for him ignite the fire within you.”
“I feel so helpless.” My voice cracked as I fought back tears. “He needs me!”
“Then fight, Sunpaw! The love you share is a light in the darkness.”
The memory of Blackshadow’s fierce love filled me—the way he had stood by my side, encouraging me when I had been afraid, believing in my strength when I couldn’t see it. I felt the warmth of his presence wrapping around my heart like a ray of light piercing through the shadows.
“Blackshadow...” I whispered into the emptiness, the love and determination swelling within me. “I’m coming back to you.”
With that thought, I turned my gaze back to the luminous grove, steeling myself for the unseen struggle ahead. I felt the darkness contesting me, trying to pull me away from the warmth that was my home, but I refused to yield.
“I will fight,” I declared, the conviction building inside me as I focused on the love I felt for Blackshadow and the family we would forge together. “I will return.”
As I pushed against the shadows, I felt them withdraw, flickering like dying embers. The brilliance around me grew brighter, the connection to my soul drawing me closer to the threshold, urging me to awaken.
“Go, Sunpaw. Follow the light,” Sweetbreeze urged softly as her form began to blur. “Embrace your strength, and let your love guide you home.”
"Thank you," I whispered, feeling the world around me begin to shimmer and dissolve. “I won’t forget you.”
With that final thought, I embraced the light, willing myself to break free from the confines of this realm. The shadows retreated as I surged forward, driven by the echo of Blackshadow's voice, a desperate plea echoing in my heart.
“Sunpaw.” he cried. Tears spilled onto my golden fur, and after a moment, Blackshadow looked more hopeful.
“Nightleaf, will she be okay?” Blackshadow's voice cut through the haze, filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite grasp.
“Her body needs time, Blackshadow. There was significant blood loss...” Nightleaf’s voice was firm, but there was a grim edge to his words that sent a shiver through me.
“Sunpaw...” Blackshadow’s voice broke, and I could hear tears filling in once more. “Please come back to me.”
I tried to respond, but it was no use. My body felt nonexistent, a light weight holding me.
“Fight, Sunpaw. Please. I can’t live without you.” His voice was small and timid, unlike any fear I had seen before.
Comments
Log in or register to post comments.