Dawnstar's Decision

Chapter 15

The first rays of sunlight was starting to appear through the trees up ahead. Dawnsky plopped down, exhausted from traveling all night. She needed to get some rest. She looked at her surroundings, which were now unfamiliar.

"I must be near MountainClan territory, judging by all of these trees..." she thought out loud, "I.... I am going at this all wrong! I can't live out here alone; I have to find Bear."

She got to her paws, knowing that she had to eat something. She scented around, and could smell a small vole. She crept closer to it, until she could finally see it rustling around in the undergrowth. She pounced on it and killed swiftly. She hungrily ate it in a few big bites. She lashed her black tail, now if I can only find some water.....

Her mouth was very dry as she walked on through the forest, desperately searching for any source of water. She scanned the clearing, but saw nothing but trees. If only Bear was here! He would know this territory better than me.... she pondered.  "Where could he be?" she kept walking until she eventually had to stop and rest. She sat down under the shade of a large oak tree and caught her breath. Oh Star Clan, please help me find water! 

She closed her eyes and thought for a while. She had seen Bear in IceClan territory multiple times, so maybe that was where she needed to go, "I can't believe I walked all this way for nothing!" she spat angrily, "I am such a mouse brain...."

Dawnsky made herself get up again, this time it was a lot harder. Every step hurt as she trudged through the forest. She was panting heavily as she reached IceClan territory. What if a patrol finds me? she worried, Where do I even go? She knew the best place to start would be the place where she last met Bear. She forced herself to move her tired and aching paws farther back into the territory.

When she finally reached the spot, it was already sunhigh. She looked around and imagined the scene from the past night where Bear almost killed Nightpelt. She shuddered as she remembered his psychotic looking gaze. She shook her head, he must have just been really angry... really really angry.... 

Suddenly, she picked up a fresh scent of him. Bear was here this morning! she gasped in relief. She followed the scent the best she could, but she was feeling very light headed and dizzy. It was hard to keep her balance, but she tried as hard as she could. The scent trail stopped, and she looked around, "Bear!" she croaked with a dry mouth, "Bear where are you?!"

She could hear his heavy pawsteps walking through the dense undergrowth, "Dawnsky? Dawnsky, is that you?"

Dawnsky nodded, "Bear!"

"Dawnsky, you look terrible! Are you okay?" he asked, concern in his eyes.

She wanted to make a smart remark, but her throat hurt too much so she just shook her head.

He rushed over to her, "Here, lean on my shoulder. I will take you back to my place."

Dawnsky gratefully nodded, thankful for the support. They walked back to his camp as fast as Dawnsky could handle. Bear guided her to a small cave, "Here, you can have my nest. Let me go get you some water..." he quickly rushed out of his cave and went to go get what Dawnsky needed the most.

She collapsed on his nest, which was lined with soft feathers and moss. The cave was cool, but not too cold. It was the perfect temperature. Bear returned with some moss soaked with water, "Here you go..." he placed it in front of her.

She nodded her thanks and drank it as fast as she could. Water had never tasted so good. "Thank you..." she rasped.

His amber eyes gleamed and he had a crooked smile. He sat next to her and mewed, "So.... what brings you out here?" he looked over and saw that Dawnsky was already sound asleep. He sighed and got up, "I'll let her rest...."

***

It was the next day and Dawnsky woke up with a start. She looked around the cave, wondering where she was, until it all came back to her. She stretched and yawned, looking around the small cave. I wonder where Bear is.... she thought to herself.

She peered her head out of the cave and saw Bear sleeping outside, aww he let me have his cave! she purred, smiling. She walked over to him and touched him gently on the shoulder, "Bear..." she mewed softly, "Bear, wake up!"

He snorted loudly and looked around, "Huh? What ? Who's there?"

"It's just me!" she laughed.

"Oh hey, Dawnsky. Did you have a good sleep last night?" he purred, smiling.

"Yes, thank you so much for letting me use your nest." she said gratefully.

"No problem! So what made you come looking for me?" he asked curiously. He sat down next to her.

"Well....." she thought for a second, "I have decided to....leave my clan... and come with you. I mean, if that's okay with you...."

He looked at her, surprised, "Wait... what? Are you kidding me right now?"

"Ummm no, but it's okay.... you don't have to say yes." she looked down.

"No, no! This.... wow... it's... this is.... awesome!" he purred, "I am so glad you finally decided to come with me! What made you decide?"

She stiffened. She knew that she couldn't tell him the real reason, "I thought about what you said..... and I knew that I couldn't live without you either..." well at least  I was half right.... 

"Really? That's... great! I can't wait to show you around." he mewed happily, almost sounding like a kit that was about to become an apprentice.

She smiled, getting up, "Well, what are you waiting for?" she chuckled, flicking her ear.

He got up as well and stretched his long, muscular legs. He look back in her direction and smiled, "Follow me..." he mewed, running into the forest, Dawnsky following after him. This was her home now....