Dawnkit's Journey

Chapter Eight-

Dawnpaw leaped forward onto the leaf. It crumpled under her weight. Her claws dug into it, ripping it apart. A growl of disappointment came from her mentor, sitting at the edge of the training clearing. Ears pinned back, Dawnpaw sat down, tail lashing, embarrassment flashing through her. She had done as he asked, shredded the leaf.

"Try on the tree. Slash it. Leave clawmarks." Darkfire commanded. He padded to a tree next to him, and drew a paw back. The Bark tumbled off the tree trunk as Darkfire slashed it. His claws left deep marks in the wood. Eager to show how strong she was, Dawnpaw leaped up and whirled around to the tree behind her. She lashed out, claws extended. Her claws snagged the bark, sending pain rushing through her. Dawnpaw yowled as loud as possible. She tore her paw away, horrified at the sight of her own blood welling out of her torn claws.

"Ow!" Dawnpaw shrieked as Darkfire pushed her over. Her bloody paw slammed into the ground, dust seeping into the wound. Darkfire stepped on her tail, eyes burning. Dawnpaw struggled, getting nowhere with the bigger warrior. "Help!"

"Shut it." Darkfire snarled. He bounced off her, and she scrambled to her paws, panting heavily. "You're weak."

"I just became an apprentice yesterday! What do you expect?!" Dawnpaw exclaimed. Darkfire snorted.

"I was stronger than two warriors when I was an apprentice.Grow up, Dawnpaw. You won't survive out here with that weak body." Darkfire spat. He whisked around, tail lashing as he stormed away. Dawnpaw collapsed to the ground, sobbing. Her entire body ached. What did I do to deserve this? She wailed in her mind. She forced herself to Calm as the bushes rustled, scared Darkfire might come back.

"Who's there?" Dawnpaw called weakly. A Golden pelt bounded out of the bushes, eyes alight with joy. A small brown Mouse dangled from his jaws, dead. Goldenpaw straightened up, and tilted his head. He set down the Mouse.

"Dawnpaw? Are you okay?" Goldenpaw asked, voice exploding with concern. Dawnpaw sniffed, and twisted her head away. She couldn't bear for Goldenpaw to see her like this.

"I'm fine." Dawnpaw choked out. She tried to stand, and yelped in pain as her paw touched the ground. She pulled it up quickly. A red smear appeared on the ground. Goldenpaw rushed to her side.

"No, you most certainly are not okay!" He let Dawnpaw lean on him. Dawnpaw felt warmth spread through her for a moment, but it was quickly replaced by pain. Bolts ripped through her shoulder. She pushed Goldenpaw away, crying out at the pain it caused. Goldenpaw backed away, worried.

"Stay here. I'll be right back." Goldenpaw commanded. He darted away, just a flash of gold. Where would I go?! Dawnpaw bit back the stinging remark. She whimpered as she tried to lay down, every movement causing pain. She rested her head on her paws, closing her eyes a little. I don't deserve this...