Dawnstar's Decision

Chapter 21

Dawnsky stood in an open meadow, the tall blades of grass danced in the wind. I must be dreaming... she decided, looking around warily. She could hear pawsteps as her father made his way through the grass. He sat up straight and tall, staring down at Dawnsky, who was tiny in comparison to him.

"Oakfoot, I-"

"So I see you are deciding to leave?" Oakfoot questioned, already knowing what she had planned to say.

Dawnsky nodded, looking him in the eyes, "Will they take me back?" She asked.

"Well, the real question is how you are going to leave in the first place. That's what I'm here to guide you with." The starry cat explained.

Dawnsky's tail swished, "What do you mean?"

"I mean you must sneak out in the middle of the night. It may seem mean and cruel to Bear, but it's the safest way. You must believe me!" He almost sounded like he was begging her.

Dawnsky stepped back, "You mean just leave without even telling him?! That's horrible! I can't do that. I... I won't."

Oakfoot shook his head and stood in silence, as if he was working out what he was going to say in his head, "Look, Dawnsky....." he sighed, closing his eyes, "I am here to help you. I promise you that I am only trying to keep you and your kits safe. You must learn to listen to me!"

"But... but...." she tried to think of a way to argue.

"Bear is dangerous. This is the safest way for your kits." he growled, "But it is your decision. I will leave it completely up to you. I am giving you the chance now, take it... or don't..."

She opened her mouth to say something, but her father disappeared, leaving her alone in the seemingly endless meadow. A loud clap of thunder woke her with a start. Dawnsky looked around the small cave. It was almost dawn, and Bear was sound asleep as well as the kits. This must be the chance that Oakfoot is giving me..... she shakily breathed and stood up, which disturbed her kits. They mewled loudly, desperately searching for her milk.

Dawnsky tried making soothing noises to calm them, and she slowly picked up the largest one by the scruff. It let out a loud squeak, waking Bear. Fox dung! she thought. Bear looked around wildly, quickly getting to his paws, "Dawnsky?! Dawnsky are you okay?" he looked like he had just woken up from a nightmare.

Suddenly she felt a pang of guilt and sadness when she saw how worried Bear looked. I'm sure he will understand, she argued with herself, I can't just leave him and not say anything! She stared at Bear in silence, Patch still dangling in her jaws. She put him down next to Sky, "I have to leave..." she told him.

For a minute, Bear looked stunned, and then hurt, "Wait.... what? What do you mean?"

Dawnsky sighed, taking a small step towards the entrance of the cave, "I... I have to go back to IceClan."

Bear laughed, as if he didn't believe what she was saying, "Go.... back? With the kits?"

"I know, I.. I'm sorry, but I have to go!" she pleaded with him, now realizing that Oakfoot was right all along. There is no easy way to explain this, she scolded herself, how could I have been so stupid and ignorant?

"You...." he growled, suddenly looking angry, "You wouldn't dare! You will stay here, I command you!"

"You.... command.... me?" she gaped at his stinging comment. Bear was blocking the entrance, his fur puffing out, making him look double his size.

"Yes, and I will NOT let you out of this cave!" Bear hissed, looking hysterical with uncontrollable anger.

"Bear, let me through!" she yelled through a mouthful of kit fur, the fur on her neck rose as she tried to push past him.