Shrewpaw eyed the pheasant pecking at the ground, hunger gleaming in his amber eyes.
Most apprentices would want it to please their mentor, or in hope that they might be able to share it with their friends. But, now, things were different. Shrewpaw looked at the pheasant thinking of his hungry clan, of the starving kits, queens, and elders.
He shock his head, he couldn't afford to lose this catch. Shrewpaw knew the bird would be able to feed most of his starving Clan.
He crouched down, extra careful not to crack a twig or let his tail brush a leaf. He quietly stalked the large bird. The dark brown tom checked his position one more time, and burst out of the bushes.
The pheasant fled, and Shrewpaw chased after it. This bird would feed half the Clan!
He pelted after the bird, ignoring the brambles snagging his pelt. He could see the bird nearing the Thunderpath, but Shrewpaw didn't hesitate, he just couldn't afford to lose it.
He streaked onto the Thunderpath, still chasing the bird, ignoring the unnaturally smooth ground under his paws.
Suddenly, a deafening roar filled his ears. Shrewpaw spun around, his eyes wide in shock, as a monster rolled over him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could just see the pheasant make it to the other side.
. . .
To Shrewpaw it felt like he was under the Monster for days, but he knew it must have only been a few heartbeats. Scenes flashed in front of Shrewpaw, memories of his life.
There was him and his brother, Spiderpaw, splashing around in a puddle as kits. Firestar was making an announcement, and Ferncloud and Dustpelt, their parents, were scolding them and telling them to stop it.
Then there was Shrewpaw walking into ThunderClan's real camp, proudly carrying a mouse, his first kill. Thornclaw was following him, looking at him proudly.
Next, Shrewpaw saw him and Squirrelpaw sharing tongues over a mouse. Shrewpaw's heart skipped a beat when he saw that.
Then Shrewpaw saw his parents second litter of kits, Larchkit, Hollykit and Birchkit.
Shrewpaw could feel his vision going dark, and he thought of all the cats he would be leaving.
His parents, Ferncloud and Dustpelt, would be so heart-broken. Larchkit died quiet recently, and Hollykit was very weak. Shrewpaw sighed, he didn't want to bring this upon them.
Squirrelpaw. Shrewpaw's heat burned with sadness when he thought of the pretty ginger she-cat. Now he would never be able to tell her just how much she meant to him, not only as a friend.
Shrewpaw thought of his brother, Spiderpaw. The two had been good friends. I'll miss him.
He thought of Thornclaw, next. His mentor had always been kind and understanding, and Shrewpaw enjoyed the time he spent with Thornclaw, even if it was only a how to catch voles lesson.
Shrewpaw thought of all his friends and family. He would miss every single one of them.
. . .
In front of him, Shrewpaw could see two small she-kits. "Larchkit!" he cried, once he recognized the brown tabby she-cat.
"Hollykit, you died, too?" he asked the second kit sadly.
"Yes I did, brother," she squeaked, "And now we are here to take you to StarClan."
Shrewpaw thought once more about his friends, his family, and his clan.
"Okay" he murmured, and followed the two kits up to the stars.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Please tell me if I got any details wrong, I haven't read The New Prophecy for a while.
Please review and tell me what you think!
Disclaimer - I do not own Warriors.
- Rain