Legend of the Bear Claw (Warriors Fanfiction)

~Chapter 1~

Featherpaw could hear paw steps approaching him, he opened his eyes and looked up to see a familiar face. "Brownpaw? Where's Sandclaw?" His mentor had normally woken him up early, but he wasn't here today. "Where is Sandclaw?" Featherpaw asked. Brownpaw shrugged in response. "You guys go on without me, a-and I'll go find Sandclaw, he's probably just sleeping in" Featherpaw said hopefully. "OK" Brownpaw turned around then walked off with his mentor, Lavenderflower. Featherpaw got up then walked over to the warriors' den, he poked his head in, "Sandclaw?"he called. "He went out earlier this morning" Dusk said "he said that he wanted to catch you some fresh prey to give you when you woke up" Featherpaw nodded in acknowledgement then turned around and left the den, he looked around camp just in case Sandclaw had come back. He didn't see him anywhere so he went towards the camp entrance, he looked around once more before stepping out and searching for his mentor. "Sandclaw?" He called, he waited for a response... Nothing. He called again, this time more loudly, "SANDCLAW?" Still no response, Featherpaw began to worry, he picked up his pace, calling for Sandclaw every few heartbeats. Featherpaw stopped dead in his tracks when the fresh scent of blood touched his nose, he wrinkled his nose at the smell. His ears went back, when he noticed a limp figure laying in a pool of blood, No.. No it can't be.. He thought as he realized that the cat laying there was his mentor, Sandclaw. He quickly bounded over to him and crouched next to his sandy-colored pelt, his eyes scanning his body for any sign of life. "No no no no no.." he said softly to himself, not wanting to believe what he saw. Featherpaw pressed his muzzle to Sandclaw's fur and his ears went back. "Sandclaw..." Featherpaw looked up when he noticed that another cat was watching him. He saw a dark brown tabby, it's fur blended with the surroundings and Featherpaw had to squint to see the cat. After a few heartbeats the cat turned and ran deeper into the forest. Featherpaw felt a growl rising in his throat, Who was that? And did they kill Sandclaw? "Hey! Get back here!" He called as the cat ran away. Featherpaw narrowed his eyes and looked back down at Sandclaw. He heard pawsteps coming towards him, then grew faster quickly, Featherpaw didn't need to turn around to know that the cats approaching were Lavenderflower and Brownpaw. "Featherpaw! Are you alright? Is that Sandclaw....?" Lavenderflower slowed down when she saw her littermate's body. She quickly ran over to the Sandclaw and crouched next to him, she looked up at Featherpaw. "Who did this?" She asked desperately. "I.. i don't know, but I was a cat over there" he pointed to the place where the dark tabby used to be. "He left though" "Did you recognize the cat?" Lavenderflower quickly asked after Featherpaw had finished his sentence. "No.." Featherpaw shook his head then looked back down at Sandclaw. Brownpaw finally walked over to the others and stood next to Featherpaw. "I'm sorry, Featherpaw." Brownpaw said solemnly to his grieving friend. Featherpaw was to sad to speak so he just shook his head.
After a long moment of silence the three decided to head back to camp and share their news with the rest of the clan. Featherpaw helped Lavenderflower carry Sandclaw back while Brownpaw lead the way. Few words passed between the cats, for they were still grieving for their desseaced friend. When the cats got back, Sandclaw was buried and the clan payed their respects to the brave warrior before returning to their duties, all except Featherpaw. Quickstar, the leader, padded over to him, Featherpaw turned around and dipped his head in respect. "Featherpaw, Sandclaw is no longer with us and that means that you no longer have mentor to teach you the ways of the warrior code" Featherpaw noticed Dragonheart padding up behind Quickstar. "Today I will assign you a new mentor" he let Dragonheart step forward. "Dragonheart will be your mentor" Quickstar stepped back and looked at the two cats touch noses. "You don't mind me being your new mentor, do you?" Dragonheart asked, half jokingly. Featherpaw shook his head, felling the weight of Sandclaw's death slowly lift from his soul. "It's been a big day for you, why don't you go to sleep early, it's gonna be a big day tomorrow." Meowed Dragonheart, as he looked at his new apprentice. "Okay" Featherpaw replied before padding over to the apprentices' den. As he settled down on his mossy nest, longing for sleep, all he could think about was the mysterious cat that was looming in the shadows when he found Sandclaw. Who could it have been? Featherpaw thought until sleep finally overcame him.
Featherpaw had woken up confused that Sandclaw wasn't there to greet him, but soon remembered that he was gone, he got and and steached letting out a bug yawn then walked out for the den, looking for his new mentor, Dragonheart. It wasn't long before he spotted the dark tom, sitting by the camp entrance. Featherpaw bounded over to him, excited for the new day, yet he still couldn't stop thinking about the dark brown tabby he had seen the night before...