Hawkpaw awoke with the sun in his eyes. It had rained all through the night, leaving Hawkpaw's fur drenched, the gorse not helping much as shelter.
His limbs were sore from yesterday's run, but Flick's words echoed in his ears again, 'That's a good thing! One of my neighboring housecats broke her forepaw and had to constantly walk on it to strengthen it up even if it hurt. I think you should do the same.'
Hawkpaw got to his paws and began to groom his tabby fur. The moisture wetted his tongue and he realized how thirsty and hungry he was. A prick of doubt nagged at his belly. He could walk and run well enough, but could he hunt?
I have to try, he told himself. Or I won't get far.
He finished cleaning his pelt before crawling out from under the gorse. Outside, the air smelled fresh and cold with a slight breeze rippling through the grass. In moments, Hawkpaw was chilled to the bone. Leaf-fall was well here, and leaf-bare wasn't that far behind. He'd have to get home soon; snow was on its way.
Hawkpaw began he trek, padding in the direction where he could see trees in the distance. As he went he could smell mice and his stomach rumbled with hunger. He searched the grass and found one nibbling on some nuts. Expertly, Hawkpaw crouched down and began stalking. He instantly knew that he wouldn't catch the mouse as soon as his belly skimmed over the ground. He was unbalanced and the mouse had heard his hind leg hop along. The creature fled into the undergrowth.
Hawkpaw sat down in defeat. He knew he'd never be able to hunt again, it'll all hear him a fox-length away, and he doubted that he could fight either. He remembered the battle move he had practiced with Brindlepaw so long ago. He remembered the feeling of standing on his hind legs and catching the tabby she-cat as she attacked him. He'd never be able to balance on one leg.
"What's the point of going back when I'll just be a burden?" he growled darkly. "They probably won't even let me come back. They'll kick me out and I'll live as a loner!" Fiery anger burned in his stomach and he scratched at the grass with his claws.
Maybe it would've been better if he had stayed with the Twolegs. At least there he would've been taken care of. No need to hunt or find a warm place to stay in leaf-bare. But Hawkpaw remembered what he told Flick about the life of a warrior, how it meant not only survival, but the need to protect your Clan and those you love. "I'll give my last breath to save my Clan," Hawkpaw meowed, his voice strong.
He continued on until, suddenly, a new scent entered Hawkpaw's nose. In the tall grass, he spotted a white tail-tip flick and a red pelt walk passed him. Hawkpaw might have guessed it to be a cat who just stank really badly if he hadn't known the scent of fox. He recalled its harsh smell when he and Whitewillow found one at the edge of their territory.
His blood turned to ice and coursed through his veins, making his heart speed up. Hawkpaw kept his gaze on the red pelt. It padded around Hawkpaw in a circle and the tabby tom knew it was watching him. He knew it was thinking prey.
But it can't have me! he thought with what little courage he could muster. I can fight it!
The fox then revealed itself. Its muzzle was too long with stained teeth showing at its lips and its eyes were dark and hunger-filled. It wanted blood, but it couldn't have Hawkpaw's.
Hawkpaw bared his teeth and unsheathed his claws. "Stay away!" he yowled. "Go catch a puny rabbit like yourself!"
The fox didn't approve of Hawkpaw's threats and leaped straight at him. Hawkpaw let out a growl and lashed out, catching the fox by the nose, the scent of blood filling the air. The creature barked in pain, but didn't back down.
It dived again and this time biting down on Hawkpaw's shoulder. The tom cried out in pain and clawed the fox in any place he could find. He couldn't shove it off him, it was too heavy. He grabbed its large ear in his teeth and bit down as hard as he could. The fox released him with a snarl.
Hawkpaw scrambled to his paws and heaved air into his lungs. His shoulder felt like it was on fire and his lack of food and water made him weak. The fox growled and a slight smirk appeared on its face, like it has already won.
I can't fight it, Hawkpaw thought in dismay. My only chance is to get away and hope to out run it.
With a deep breath, he fled straight passed the fox and toward the trees. He ran so fast he thought his lungs would burst, but fear of being torn to shreds made him press on. The fox's hot breath was on his heels and if he slowed a single step, it would have him.
The forest up ahead got closer and closer and at last the scent of Clan territory entered his nose. To his surprise it wasn't IceClan scent that he smelled, but LeafClan! It didn't matter at the moment, though; Hawkpaw needed to escape the fox, and he was struggling with every step.
Sharp teeth then grabbed at Hawkpaw's hind leg. With a yelp, he fell and the weight of the fox held him down. He couldn't move, he couldn't breathe. Pain flamed in his throat and darkness crept behind his eyes. I'm going to die, he thought. I'm never going to see my Clan again. I will die and go to StarClan; that's all I'm to do.
For a moment, he swore he caught a glimpse of the brown and white she-cat he had saw on the Thunderpath before he got hit. Her blue eyes shown in sympathy, but she was gone before Hawkpaw could say anything.
Then the darkness blanked his sight and the world was gone.
Am I scaring you guys yet? Mwahahahahaha! (evil laugh fail)