I Am Finally Free

by Eternaltsundere

As the tunnels close in around her, Hollyleaf searches desperately for freedom. Little does she know it is closer than she ever imagined. Written write after Sunrise, so canon compliant only as of that book. Consider it an AU.

A few words escape my maw then as I glare at my sibling. Little did I know they might be my last. For mere moments later something forces me down, the earth crumbling beneath me. What's happening? I try to yowl, but no one can hear me now. There is no longer light. I feel a crushing sense of doom as I realize what has happened.

Down I go, in the tunnels, soil and pebbles littering my pelt. I squeeze my eyes shut and yowl for help again. But no one hears me. Did I even make a sound? I can no longer tell. Everything is fuzzy, everything is dark. I grit my teeth and give a kick with my hind legs. I soon find myself on solid rock, somewhere with purchase, despite the face the tunnels are still unstable.

As the rocks weigh down my body, I strain to crawl forward on my belly. Everything is dark, so dark, but I am still alive, and I have to escape, have to be free! Digging my claws into the stones beneath my feet I propel myself forward, yowling frantically for help.

Freedom is a necessity. I reach for it in the darkness in the only way I can, clawing my way to the exit. I have to find it. I can't give up now, not when I must be so close.

I need to get free! The walls are closing in. Claustrophobia is overwhelming me. Screwing up my face I run on, panting hard as I make an effort to get away. The tunnels are collapsing around me. I realize quite suddenly the air is running out as well as I struggle to pull in another breath. StarClan help me! I thought. But no..StarClan won't help me now.

Look at what I've done. I'm not myself.

A dim light shines before my eyes. Blinking rapidly in the sudden brightness, however dark it was, I realize it is an exit, blocked by water. It flows out into the lake, doesn't it? I have to try.

My lungs are screaming for air already, and I'm not even in the water yet. But I have to make it. As I launch myself onto the surface I kick my strong back legs, pushing me deeper under. By now red lights are appearing before my eyes. Flailing helplessly, I struggle in the torrents, but I am weaker now. I can't make it. I can't get my freedom.

Or can I?

As darkness swirls around me, the world turns peaceful. My lungs stop screaming. I don't think they're working anymore. But that doesn't bother me.

Because finally, finally, I am free.