Dawnberry's Escape

Chapter 5

 Dawnkit was in the clearing. It was just past dawn, and she had been awake since the first rays of sunlight shone into camp. She had asked a drowsy Shellflower for permission to go outside since she was bored. 

  Dawnkit thought of Minnowkit and Whitekit wistfully. They got to go out whenever they like and they're getting their apprentice names and mentor today. Then she thought of them stalking each other and decided to try it out for herself. 

  She dropped to the soft ground and stepped as lightly as she could, gliding rather slowly with her tail kinked. Dawnkit sensed a cat watching her and immediately stopped, embarrassed. 

  "Are you sure you're allowed to get out of the nursery?" A mildy teasing voice asked. Dawnkit stared up at Leafpaw. He was more than twice her size, each movement sending ripples across his muscles. She wanted to be like him: a strong apprentice soon to be an amazing warrior. 

  "I asked Shellflower for permission and she said yes!" Dawnkit mewed firmly, defending herself. 

  "Oh alright." Leafpaw plopped down beside her. "I saw you. It was good, though your paws need work." 

  Dawnkit felt her pelt grow hot. "It was my first time!" Is Leafpaw deliberately trying to make her feel embarrassed? She thought he was her friend!

  "I know, I know. Keep your fur on. I was just pulling your tail." Leafpaw teased. "Kits! Sensitive as ever." 

  "I'm not!" Dawnkit protested. "Why are you here then? You can't go out without a warrior's permission either." 

  "At least I can walk around camp without." Leafpaw retorted playfully. "Since all the warriors are still snoring away, I'll show you how to stalk the real way." As quick as a mouse, Leafpaw pressed himself to the floor, padding lightly as Dawnkit had done, but sliding over surface like a snake. 

  "You try." Dawnkit dropped to the ground enthusiastically, trying to imitate Leafpaw's graceful stance. "That's good." Leafpaw commented. "Just keep your tail off the ground and step on your toes. It'll come with practice." 

  Dawnkit sat up. "Is being an apprentice fun?" She asked. Leafpaw nodded. 

  "It is, though it can get exhausting and the elders could ruin practically ruin your day." Leafpaw's whiskers twitched. "Though you helped me do my chores, so its good for everyone." 

  "Everyone?" Dawnkit exclaimed. "No its not!" Leafpaw purred mischieviously. 

  "Well, I don't have to be stuck with cranky Brackenfang, and you have a head start on experiencing an apprentice's life! Everyone wins. Now-" Leafpaw was interrupted by a stern voice. 

  "Since you are up so early and you are taking pleasure in other cat's punishments, maybe you can serve the elders today instead of Dawnkit!" Leafpaw and Dawnkit spun around to see Oakclaw, Leafpaw's mentor, padding towards them. 

  Leafpaw's head dropped, but he looked up again, a glint of defiance in his eyes. "But I'm doing my warrior assessment today!" He protested. 

   "We'll move on to that after you finish with the elders!" Oakclaw growled. Leafpaw sulked and headed towards the elders' den. Dawnkit couldn't help stifling a purr. 

  Oakclaw glanced at Dawnkit. "You better get back to the nursery. I saw your crouch though. It was good for a first time." Dawnkit opened her mouth to say that Shellflower had given her permission, but she shut it when she was praised by a senior warrior and bounded back to the nursery. 

*** 

  "Let all cats old enough to swim gather beneath the Skyrock for a Clan meeting!" Brightstar's yowl rang throughout the camp.