Dawnstar's Legacy

Chapter 26: Asking

Dawnstar walked through the tall grass, the long, yellow strands whisping past her. She purred in happiness and began running playfully.

Thornpetal smiled, her green eyes warm with happiness. Dawnstar purred as Fiercefang, Ambermoon, and Mistyrain all nuzzled close to her. Dawnstar’s smile almost reached her ears as Snowstorm, Frostfang, Nova, Honeydew, and Nightshade stood beside Thornpetal, all smiling at her. Dawnstar padded closer toward the group, purring. Honeydew nuzzled Dawnstar and purred loudly.

“We love you Dawnstar, all of us. Please know that none of us will never stop caring for you and supporting you.”

Dawnstar nodded. She flicked her ear as joyful tears began rolling down her face. Dawnstar turned around when her name was called.

Standing on a large, flat stone, was Fallenpaw. Dawnstar bounded over to him and wrapped her tail firmly on top of his shoulders. Fallenpaw purred and licked Dawnstar’s ear. Dawnstar sat down and looked up at the sky.

She gasped in horror as a loud wail of pain overwhelmed her. Looking down, Dawnstar’s gaze frantically swept over the familiar cats.

Everyone was lying stone still, dead and cold.

Dark clouds gathered overhead and a fierce wind picked up. Dawnstar whirled around and saw Fallenpaw covered in blood and fading from sight.

“In an age of strife, when shadows mingle with the light, dawn will become dusk and day will become night!”

Dawnstar’s tears ran down her face now in pure terror and anger.

“Curse you Suntail!” Dawnstar screeched at the rising wind.

She collapsed to the stone floor, no longer able to support her own weight through the torture. Closing her eyes, Dawnstar yowled in frustration and slammed her paws onto the ground.

Eyes snapping open, Dawnstar looked up to see Thornpetal, Snowstorm, and Nova all looking down at her in fear.

“Are you alright?!” Snowstorm asked franticly.

Dawnstar flicked her torn ear in irritation when she noticed that she was shaking.

“I’m fine. It was just a nightmare.”

Nova growled and pawed at the ground, her large red tail sweeping back and forth.

“I hope you have a plan to deal with Suntail,” Thornpetal meowed.

Dawnstar rolled her eyes and pushed passed the group.

“I already told you Thornpetal. I’m bringing four extra warriors to help me fight and you’re not one of them. Stop being so selfish and accept it!” Dawnstar snapped.

She trotted off, tail and chin held high. Thornpetal groaned loudly and faced Nova.

“Can you go talk to her? She won’t let me fight with her because I’m deputy and if we both die, then the clan will fall into chaos.”

Nova nodded and padded after the angry leader.

“Dawnstar! Dawnstar wait!” Nova called.

Dawnstar stopped at the camp’s entrance and lashed her tail.

“What do you want now?” Dawnstar asked.

Nova padded in front of the tabby she-cat, glaring. “I think you should take Thornpetal with you to fight. I may not know all of the details of this upcoming fight, but I know that Thornpetal would be an advantage if you took her. Now stop being so angry and selfish and allow us to help you!”

Dawnstar hissed at the red fox and unsheathed her claws.

“Thornpetal is NOT coming with me to the fight. She can spar with me to train, but she will not come with me to fight against Suntail. That is final!” Dawnstar yowled.

She shoved Nova to the ground and trotted faster toward the training ground. Nova growled but backed off. She turned around to find Snowstorm standing right behind her, tears streaming down her face.

“I don’t need you to say anything. The Dawnstar we knew is dead. She’s now only focused on her own goals,” Snowstorm cried.

Nova nuzzled the distressed she-cat.

“Why don’t you go check on Crescentsky and the kits while I go report to Thornpetal. Then we can go check on the new growth of catmint I found a moon ago.”

Snowstorm nodded sadly and slowly made her way to the nursery. Nova sighed in relief and trotted after Thornpetal. Thornpetal turned around, her face showing little emotion.

“So, what did she say?”

“She’ll not allow you to join her, as it was before,” Nova replied.

Thornpetal scratched at the earth in irritation.

“Doesn’t she realize how selfish this is?!”

Nova rolled her eyes and began to pad off.

Thornpetal growled softly and sat down. She looked up and saw large, grey clouds passing overhead. A strong, cold wind ruffled Thornpetal’s fur, causing her to shiver.

I hope it gets warmer soon. If the weather stays like this, or gets worse, then Dawnstar will have a terrible time fighting Suntail tomorrow. I wish that we had more time…