Dawnstar's Trouble {COMPLETE}

Chapter 14

The snow was heavy, forming thick banks around the SunClan camp, most cats found it difficult to hunt with their bright golden and brown coats, Dawnpaw was one of them. Her golden brown tabby stripes stuck out against the white forest like blood. This made hunting even more difficult, and Thornpelt's punishments even harsher.

She was low to the ground, her body trembling slightly from the cold, bitter air. Dawnpaw crept forward, a starling was perched on the hard snow, searching for food. Dawnpaw moved slowly forward, her pads just grazing the snowflakes under them. When she was close enough, she pounced. Unfortunately, as soon as she was out of the brush, her bright coat gave her away and her prey escaped.

"You can do better than that." Thornpelt growled, watching from a few tail lengths away. "It's almost like you don't want to be a warrior."

"I should've been a warrior a long time ago." Dawnpaw snapped back, and was welcomed with a swipe to her ear in response. Something that hadn't happened in a long time.

"You'll become a warrior when I say you're ready to!" Thornpelt spat. "I'd sooner wait until Willownose's kits are warriors before I name you a warrior when you can't even catch a bird!"

"It's not my fault my pelt is so bright in the snow!" Dawnpaw hissed, lashing her tail. Thornpelt swiped at her again but she ducked out of the way, his eyes sparked with anger.

"Icepetal and Snowtail's pelts are pure white and they somehow manage to hunt during every other season. Rainears and Crowfur has black fur and they make due in leaf-bare. Stop complaining and learn to work with your surroundings!"

Dawnpaw didn't respond, she turned with a grumble. It had been nearly two moons since Blazeheart was made deputy and Dawnpaw spotted Thornpelt talking with Echoheart about becoming deputy. She knew for a fact that Thornpelt knew she'd seen the conversation, but neither of them mentioned it. Instead, Thornpelt's training had become harsher than ever and she hated it. Even the tiniest mistake was met with harsh ridicule and punishment.

"Better watch your tongue before it gets you in trouble." There was an edge to Thornpelt's voice, like a claw cutting into her. Was he threatening her? Dawnpaw narrowed her eyes, Thornpelt met her gaze, it burned into her like fire, clearly he was aware of her suspicions.

"I'm going to continue hunting." Dawnpaw said, breaking the intense gaze.

"Don't come back to camp till you have at least five pieces of prey." Thornpelt snarled and turned into the icy forest, leaving Dawnpaw alone. She let out an angry huff and decided to continue her hunt. She moved silently, paws barely crunching the snow under her paws.

Dawnpaw kept her eyes peeled for prey, her luck struck when she spotted a plump, gray rabbit. SunClan didn't normally eat rabbits, she must be close enough to MoonClan territory that the rabbits were in SunClan territory. They would never turn down fat prey like that, especially in leaf-bare. Dawnpaw dropped into a crouch, flattening herself to the ground, her white belly fur brushing the snow. She was heading into the open, she would have to rely more on silence and hoping her prey wouldn't turn around.

With careful paw steps, Dawnpaw carried herself forward towards the rabbit. Her tail curled around her side, she had never lost Sunstream's trick. Dawnpaw was nearing the rabbit, it hadn't noticed her presence yet. She braced herself for a moment, then shot forward paws first. She grasped the rabbit and killed it cleanly.

Proud of her catch, Dawnpaw buried it under the snow and continued her hunt. Luck ran out on Dawnpaw quickly, it was nearly night by the time she had managed to catch four more pieces of fresh-kill which was three moderate sized squirrels and a stringy mouse. The elders would appreciate the rabbit greatly though, and the nursery could have the squirrels as well as Poppyfur and Pebblepaw. She gathered her collection and returned to camp. Cats huddled outside their dens as the sun fell below the horizon, leaving them chilled.