Warriors: Dawnpaw's Discovery

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟸

SUNLIGHT DAPPLED THE forest floor as Dawnpaw and Brackenpaw weaved their way through the undergrowth. Being the only apprentices on the patrol, they had fallen back behind their fellow Clanmates. Dawnpaw, fueled by the thrill of the hunt, barely registered the prickling of brambles against her pelt. Her spirits were high; They had already caught a plump squirrel and a shrew to bring back to the Clan.

Brackenpaw, ever the charmer, was spinning a tale about the time he'd gotten his head stuck in a rabbit hole. Dawnpaw snorted, picturing the normally sleek tom with his fur matted and ears flattened.

"And then there I was," Brackenpaw continued, his voice high-pitched for dramatic effect, "stuck fast like a fox in a tree!"

"Oh, no," Dawnpaw mewed mockingly. "Did you want to call for help from your mother perhaps, or little ol' me?"

Brackenpaw chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "Perhaps a pretty cat like you could have squeezed in and freed me."

Dawnpaw felt a warm flush creep up her cheeks. "Brackenpaw!" she protested, though a secret smile played on her lips. Maybe this fluttering in her chest, this unfamiliar warmth when he was around, was what being best friends felt like?

Suddenly, Dawnpaw froze. A faint rustling sound reached her ears, barely audible beneath the symphony of the forest. It was coming from the base of a large oak, its leaves offering a perfect hiding spot for a plump mouse. Dawnpaw flicked her tail, silently signaling Brackenpaw. He understood instantly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

With practiced coordination, they stalked their prey. Dawnpaw inched closer, her muscles coiled with tension, while Brackenpaw positioned himself at the other side of the oak, ready to cut off any escape. They were so close, Dawnpaw could practically smell the mouse's fear, when a voice shattered the silence.

"Dawnpaw!" A sleek black she-cat, Sootwhisker, burst into the clearing, her green eyes wide with panic. The mouse squeaked and dashed away.

Before Dawnpaw could complain that she had scared off their prey, Brackenpaw spoke. "What happened?"

Sootwhisker continued, her voice wavering. "Dawnpaw, it's your father..." Her voice cracked, and Dawnpaw's heart lurched into her throat. "He's... he's dead."