Chapter Two-The Fox

Okay, so THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU to everyone for reviewing. ^-^ This
is my first story, sooooo... *draws bee-bee gun* Review so I feel
good. -_-" And no, I will NOT put away my bee-bee gun. Sorry this took
a while, I lost my itouch for a couple of days, and found it under my
bed. =P I'm kinda stupid like that. Please note that my school starts
on the 23rd, so my chapters may be updated later than I planned. I'll
try to update once a week though. I also lost my copy of 'The Sight'
so I might be off some things, but I'm trying my best. This is
Fawndapple, saying I heart you!

Disclaimer-I do NOT own Warriors. These characters, places, and such
are owned by Erin Hunter. However, I DO own my OC, and my plotline.

This story is somewhat based off the song Miss Independent by Kelly
Clarkson, and I don't own that song either. You go Kelly! Whoo!

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"Fawnkit! Fawnkit, wake up!" came an urgent plead.

I yawned, baring my sharp teeth, and opened my eyes to see Jaykit, Lionkit, and Hollykit. They were all looking at me excitedly. "What? I'm awake, talk to me." I said, getting into a sitting position.

Hollykit's tone was impatient "A patrol just got back. They smelled a fox, and we're going to go after it!" her green eyes glowed "So get ready, sleepyhead, we're going out of camp!"

A fox, eh? Wasn't this the beginning of 'The Sight' or something? Well, now I knew what time in the series it was. "Why do you need me?" I said cautiously "It seems to me you can handle yourselves pretty well."

Jaykit, who was as short-tempered as ever, snapped "We need your fighting skills, or believe me, we'd never let a useless kit like you tag along."

I recoiled at his words. My eyes stung with tears, and my claws dug into the ground. "Well thanks Jaykit, it's nice to know that I'm loved by my friends."

Jaykit stuck his face into mine "I never said I was your friend!" he growled, and I flinched back.

"Jaykit!" said Lionkit angrily "There's no need to be mean!" his ears twitched in irritation.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I could feel the urge to cry coming at the back of my throat. "Thanks Jaykit, as if my life hasn't already been hard enough, now I'm hated by yet another person." My paw flashed out, and slapped him across the cheek, and I ran out of the nursery, my chest trembling with my stifled crying. Without even thinking, my paws carried me out the camp. I closed my eyes as my tears threatened to blind me, and kept them closed, letting my paws take me where ever my heart was intent on going. I stopped, my heart pounding, and I took a deep breath. Fox! I didn't know how I recognized the smell, but I could tell by the bittersweet and crow food like scent, this was a fox. I opened my eyes, and found myself literally face-to-face with it. It wasn't a full-grown fox, just a cub. Either way, my body froze, my heart thump-thumping in my ears, and my vision was now blurry around the edge from shock. I mind was screaming for me to run, but my body refused, either paralyzed with fear, or too damn stubborn to budge. The fox bared its teeth and gave a dangerous growl, and that's when my mind snapped back into place. This was a fox, threatening my clan. My first home since I ran away from my mom. My limbs moved again. And with that... I attacked the fox.

The fox gave a cry of surprise, obliviously not expecting this. My claws shredded the cub's ears, before the shock registered, and it bucked, throwing me off. I slammed into a tree, and I felt the sharp bark cut into my back. None the less, I staggered to my feet, and charged the fox, jumping at the last minute, but keeping my claws unsheathed, so as I jumped, my claws tore at the fox's flesh. I landed behind the fox, and whirled around, but I was too late. The fox's jaws clamped down on my left hind leg, and I howled in pain. Seeing the opportunity, (although I was in terrible agony) I turned on the fox, and scratched above its eyes. I didn't have the heart to scratch its eyes out, so I just dug my claws in above its eyes, and the blood trickling from the wound blinded the cub. Crying out in shock, its jaws released my leg, and I staggered, feeling a deep injury in my leg. None the less, I catapulted myself at the fox, my teeth clamping down on its neck. The ginger beast gave a gurgle of surprise, blood pouring from its neck. Sensing it wasn't dead yet, I dug my teeth in further, and was rewarded by the cub kneeling over and landing on top of me, dead. I yelped as the heavy body landed on top of me, pressuring my wounds to bleed harder. I crawled from under the huge carcass, shaking myself out, only to stop when a shooting pain ran through my body. Peering over my shoulder to inspect my wounds, I discovered it wasn't too bad. My back was pretty scratched up from being slammed into the tree, but they weren't too deep, there was just a lot. Blood oozed from them, but it wasn't that bad. Checking my left leg, I found it was bleeding like crazy, but I couldn't do anything about that, other than limp. As I took my first hesitant step, pain ran through my right shoulder. It throbbed painfully, and was pretty swollen. I decided it was dislocated from the fight. Dragging myself painfully on two feet, I somehow managed to make it to camp. I heard a yell, and my head jolted up to see Jaykit, falling over the edge of the quarry.. And landing on me. I cried out in agony, and collapsed to the ground. Everything went black.

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When I finally came to, I found myself in the medicine cat den, with my wounds covered with poultices I didn't come close to recognizing, and covered with spider webs. Due to the fact I had arachnophobia, it kind of freaked me out. My shoulder ached, and I came to the conclusion they had put the bind back in the socket.

"Oh, you're awake!" came Leafpool's cry, and she scurried over with fresh cobwebs and a mouthful of new herbs. She set them down by me, and began lecturing me about something or the other, how 'dangerous' it was of me, and how 'I put myself in serious peril' or something, blah, blah, blah. She must have noticed my vagueness, and she stopped putting on the paste. "Are you listening to me?" Leafpool demanded.

"Yeah." I lied "Go on." and she did, but thoughts of my own were whirling through my head, completely blocking out her ranting. How could I have been so weak to defeat a fox, but pass out when Jaykit landed on me? How? "I must become the best warrior in the forest" I vowed under my breath, so Leafpool couldn't hear a word "I want to be the best hunter, the best fighter, be a legend. I will even train in the Dark Forest, if that's what it takes. But I won't fight for them." I whispered as a last thought.

Leafpool looked at me "Did you say something?" she asked curiously.

"No." I mumbled "Keep going." my tail tip flicked as I lied through my teeth.

There was a voice at the entrance "Leafpool?" came a worried voice "Is she awake yet?" I turned around to see Hollykit, Lionkit, and Jaykit. Although Jaykit seemed reluctant to be there. Hollykit noticed me move "She's awake!" Hollykit cried, and bounded toward me, Lionkit on her heels, and Jaykit trailing behind.

"Yeah." I nodded "What did I miss? I mean besides the fact that Jaykit fell from the sky and knocked me out." My eyes narrowed, trying to push Jaykit's buttons. It worked.

"It was an accident, alright?" he hissed, his fur puffed up, and his eyes flashing with anger "It's not my fault you're so weak you couldn't hold me up!" Jaykit's teeth were bared.

I stood up, ignoring Leafpool's protests, and the shooting pain in my two limbs. "Oh, so it's my fault I killed a fucking fox, and then came back into camp to have someone RUNNING from a fox jump on me? I totally see your logic. It's really clear to me now." I said sarcastically "You're really bright, Jaykit."

Hollykit sighed "You guys stop. Jaykit, can't you see she's mad about the things you said to her earlier? And Fawnkit, Jaykit's annoyed that you beat Berrypaw, when he's wanted to beat that arrogant fur ball for ages! Now stop arguing." she demanded.

There was a long silence, neither Jaykit nor I wanting to say the first apology.

Jaykit growled "Fine, I'm sorry I said all those things. And you?" he said impatiently.

"I'm sorry I kicked Berrypaw's ass." I said with a hint of sarcasm. I turned to Lionkit and Hollykit "So what did I miss? What's our punishment for sneaking out of camp?" she said sheepishly.

"That's already been dealt with." said Lionkit somewhat sadly "Us three got a punishment, but that's already passed. Firestar decided that since you were unconscious, and wounded badly, they were punishment enough. Oh, but guess what?" his tail wagged like a dog's. "We're going to be made apprentices soon!"

I grinned, wanting to be an apprentice as well "That's great! I wonder who my mentor will be. I know who yours will be, though." I let slip, and slapped my paw across my mouth, rather humanlike. That was stupid. I'm an idiot. Starclan said I can't tell anyone! I thought worriedly, waiting nervously for their reaction.

Lionkit shrugged "Yeah, yeah sure you do. Firestar we can be made apprentices once you get better. So hurry up, we're already six moons old!"

I sighed "C'mon, are you seriously telling me to HEAL faster?" she shook her head mockingly "Y-you're hopeless Lionkit!" I yawned, drowsiness creeping up on me unexpectedly.

Leafpool shooed Hollykit, Lionkit, and Jaykit away "Fawnkit needs to rest! I'll tell you when you can come back." she added kindly. It was the last thing I heard until she fell asleep.

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"You're kidding me. I'm not going to eat that." I nudged the mouse away. "There's no way."

Lionkit sighed "What are you, a kittypet? Have you never eaten a mouse before?" he teased me gently.

I scoffed "I was a rouge, not a kittypet. I've just never had a mouse before." I grumbled, somewhat annoyed.

Lionkit's ears perked "Whatd'ya want, then? Squirrel? Vole? Shrew?" he asked confusedly.

I rolled my eyes, and looked down at the mouse again. It's fur was matted, and it's eyes were frozen in a moment of fear. I swallowed heavily, and took a hesitant bite. I expected to gag, but instead felt my mouth tingle with unexpected flavors. It danced across my lips, and I licked them hungrily. My previous disgust now pushed away, I devoured the mouse quickly.

Lionkit cocked an eyebrow "Wasn't too bad, was it?"

I scowled.

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Nearly a week had passed since I had been attacked by the fox cub. I had been the perfect patient for Leafpool, keeping still and not complaining so I could get out of the hellhole. Finally, today was the day I was released from Leafpool's den. My wounds were completely healed, (except for a small scar on my left leg where the fox had gotten me) and I felt as good as ever. Foxkit and Icekit were constantly visiting me, even more that Hollykit and her siblings. Leafpool was taking the last of the herbs and cobwebs off my wounds, and it seemed like ages before she said; "Alright Fawnkit, you can go. But take it easy." she warned "I don't want to see you injured again."

I nodded "I'll try Leafpool, but trouble seems to have taken a liking to me." I laughed, and waved my tail in farewell "See ya, Leafpool!" and with that, I darted out of the medicine cat den, the smell of sickness and blood having made me nauseous all those days I spent in it. The clear air made my head swirl. My ears ringed, and I shook my head, before darting impatiently into the nursery. "I'm back!" I cheered, before I ran directly into Brambleclaw with an ear-splitting slam.

Brambleclaw staggered back, as did I, my head aching behind my eyes as it always did when I ran into things. This was a lot. Brambleclaw just grunted, and shook his head dazedly.

Squirrelflight looked up "Oh! Fawnkit! Are you better now?"

Icekit and Foxkit scrambled around me feet "You're back!" they cheered in unison.

I laughed "Hell yeah, I'm back. Sorry about that Brambleclaw, I didn't see you there. Are you alright?" I asked, concerned.

Brambleclaw nodded "I'm fine. Great Starclan, you have a powerful head butt." he purred, his tail curling up in amusement "Since you're back, I guess I'd better talk to Firestar about your apprentice ceremony..."

Lionkit, Hollykit, and Jaykit cheered in harmony with mine. My tail lashed back and forth. I was about to become a Thunderclan apprentice! Me, a former orphan who's bloodthirsty mom was after her! But she couldn't get me now that I was a cat, right?

Foxkit stopped scampering around my feet "You'll leave the nursery, though! B-but you'll still visit me, right?" he begged.

"Me too!" added Icekit "You'll visit me too, right?" her eyes were huge with begging, and my heart melted.

"Sure, sure." I muttered, my pelt burning under their neediness. "Just stop begging..." my eyes averted from the two kits.

"YAY!" cheered Foxkit, and catapulted himself at me. Maybe he intended to tackle me, or pull me to the ground, but all he did was crash into me as I stood my ground like a rock. He stumbled back, and sat quietly on the nursery floor.

Jaykit threw me a questioning look, but I ignored it stiffly, my tail stirring up a small dust cloud as it swept across the nursery floor.

Ferncloud padded into the nursery, two mice clamped in her jaws. She lay them down by her nest, and called Icekit and Foxkit over. They squealed, and tripped over each other to get there.

My pelt bristled, and my ears flattened against my head. "I'm going for a walk." I growled stiffly, and turned to pad out of the nursery.

"But our ceremony is coming up!" cried out Hollykit "It could be any moment now!"

"Well, it'll have to wait then!" I snapped, turning on my heel, and racing out of the nursery. I didn't run out of camp, I didn't want to postpone our apprentice ceremony any more than we already had. Instead, I to an ancient oak tree that's branches swept just low enough, that a cat that used the stone wall as a springboard could scramble up, however hard it was, to the lowest branch. I unsheathed my claws, and searched the wall for a paw hold. There was a small chip in the stone, and I dug one of my paws into it, before pushing off to have my outstretched front paws grasp the oak tree. My kit-muscles ached, but I heaved myself up onto the narrow branch, before scrambling up to the highest branch I could go. It barely broke the tree line, but it was a beautiful view. A cool breeze whirled through the camp, and several leaves fluttered from the trees. I stared across the skyline, trying to calm myself. It was foolish, really, to have snapped at such a small thing. Not everyone's life was as complicated as mine. I shouldn't be jealous of other's perfect lifestyles! I gave a small sigh, and watched as a bluebird took off from a tree, skimming the tree line, twirling freely in a beautiful pattern of curls and waves. Must be nice, I thought, to be so free, to fly through the sky without a worry.

"Enjoying the view?" said a voice behind me. I leapt nearly a feet in the air, and whipped around.

It was Firestar. His flame-colored pelt was gleaming in the fading sunlight. His emerald eyes showed moons of knowledge, and to be honest, he looked exhausted, even defeated.

"Yeah. The view's alright." I admitted, pushing my previous scolding out of my mind "Am I in trouble? Because I didn't really leave camp."

Firestar shook his head, his eyes looking deep into mine. "You aren't in trouble. But something's bothering you, isn't it?"

Leaves rustled beneath us, and Sandstorm jumped up onto the branch. "Fawnkit? Firestar? What are you doing up here?" she frowned quizzically.

I sighed, my tail twitching "My problems aren't any of your business. They're my burden to carry; you don't need to worry yourself with them. Even all of Starclan couldn't help my problem. It's really nothing to worry you about."

Sandstorm looked at me, her eyes sparkling kindly "You remind me of myself when I was younger. So determined, but also troubled. We're your clan; we can help you with anything. You don't have to be so independent."

My eyes narrowed "I am independent. I have goals, dreams, and troubles that I don't want others to worry with. It's no big deal. Firestar, I think Brambleclaw was looking for you." and with that, I leapt from the tree, landing a little dazed in camp. I padded back into the nursery as if nothing had happened. Lionkit exchanged a glance with Hollykit, but I ignored it. It wasn't like it mattered. I stretched, popping my shoulder satisfyingly.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, meet here beneath Highledge for a clan meeting!" Firestar's yowl rang through the clearing.

"Oh, but I haven't clean you yet!" came Squirrelflight's desperate cry, and ran her rough tongue repeatedly across my fur. I jerked back, and ended up with a hair style like a Mohawk. Lionkit started cracking up, and I shut him up with a single look. Squirrelflight put my fur back to normal, and waved us outside, puffing her chest out proudly. I swear, she more excited than we were.

Firestar began the apprentice ceremony, but I wasn't really paying attention. In the end, of course, Lionpaw got Ashfur, Jaypaw got Brightheart, and Hollypaw got Leafpool. "Fawnkit, step forward. From this moment on, you will now be known as Fawnpaw, apprentice of Thunderclan." his bright green eyes fixed into my hazel ones, and I felt it burning into me. I gazed fiercely back, not willing to back down. He gave a small nod, as if confirming something he had been thinking about. His fire colored tail lashed as he turned his gaze to the clan "I will be your mentor."

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Me-LOL, I love cliffhangers! What is wrong with me?

Fawnpaw-Alot. You're seriously ill, you should check into a mental
hospital. You have ADHD, right?

Me-No, I don't! :( I just get distracted. A lot. And love caffeine.
You're mean Fawnpaw. Don't be arrogant. Or I will kill you with a
butter knife! ;D

Fawnpaw-0.0 Okay, okay. Chill out. Anyway, R&R, or she'll use her
butter knife on YOU.

(Press it! Press the review button! 8D It's right there! ↓