Sparrowtail leaped forward and tangled his claws into the rabbit's coarse fur. The small creature collapsed under him as he brought his full weight forward and nipped the rabbit's neck.
"Ha! Finally found it!" he exclaimed. He'd been tracking the rabbit since sun-rise. He almost lost hope and thought that the prey had crossed into Gustclan territory, but right when he was about to turn around, he caught fresh scent and discovered the rabbit by a small water stream.
Sparrowtail picked up his kill and made his way back deeper into his own territory.
Soon he came upon the odd stacks of crumbled old Red Stone that surrounded the entrance to his clan's camp. He leapt up a few steps, reaching a small hole just big enough for a cat and squeezed his way into camp.
As he padded to the fresh-kill pile, he noticed one of his dear friends, Starpaw, sitting hunched in the shadow of the apprentice den. He quickly deposited his prey and went over to her.
"Starpaw! Why the sad face?" he inquired, feeling concerned for his friend. Ever since he'd been made a warrior, she'd been out of sorts.
It's nothing. Don't let it bother you, Sparrowtail," she mumbled turning her head away.
"Well, it has to be something. Please tell me?"
The she-cat sighed, "Fine. I just don't get why Briarstar made you a warrior without making me one as well. We both trained the same way for many moons, but he didn't make me a warrior with you. It's just unfair."
Sparrowtail hung his head, "I'm sorry, Starpaw."
"Like I said before, don't let it bother you," she grumbled.
Sparrowtail nudged her shoulder, "Hey, I think you're as good as any warrior. It doesn't matter that you weren't made a warrior, you'll always be one to me."
"Thanks. I just wish the others saw it that way. But they only see me as a burden. I hate being this small! Even the new apprentices are getting bigger than I am!" she growled in frustration.
"Woah there. Calm down a bit. Haven't I told you before that you'd get bigger? You just have to be patient, okay?"
"By the time I get bigger I'll be an elder!"
Sparowtail let out of mrrow of laughter, "Well, if you think so."
"Hey…aren't you supposedto be on the late hunting patrol or something? I think your group's leaving," Starpaw pointed out. Sparrowtail turned his head to see Bramblefur, Flametail, Nightfall and Woodpaw and Moonpaw heading out the entrance.
"Oh you're right! Sorry, got to go!" he called as he scampered in the direction of the patrol.
Starpaw's green eyes followed him. "Idiot," she mumbled.