Its here and guess what? It's the longest chapter yet! I purposely made it very long so I can practice what a real author would do. I know I won't be getting this published or anything, but I want this to be like a real book. Another reason why I made this chapter so long was this week was very stressful and I... write to give off my feelings. I feel very proud of this chapter since I've escaped my past writing style and I've broken free from my writing block. I hope you enjoy this chapter and please review! It will be highly appreciated. :D

Approximate words in Chapter 9: (4,161)

Chapter 9

Dawnpaw leaped from the remains of sleep, remaining still on his moss-bedding comfortably. He felt strangely comfortable and his limbs resisted to be lifted. The sun was just rising from the horizon, its rays flickering itself inside the apprentices' den where he slept. A chill of wind began to rush inside the den, tearing away the warmth and comfort that remained with Dawnpaw.

As Dawnpaw laid there, resisting to repel himself from his moss due to the lingering luxury that still dwelled with the good night's rest that was presented to him, he remembered that he was going to resume his training sessions today, bringing ardor through his mind. There was no sound but the raging winds that raked through the forest, reminding him that green-leaf would soon end and the slightly frigid weather of leaf-fall will fall among them, allowing the Clan to prepare for leaf-bare.

Dawnpaw could hear distant murmurs in the clearing and he lifted his head from his moss to shoot a glance upon the clearing. Of course, he thought with melancholy, Maplefeather, Snowtail, and Ferntail with their usual gossip.

Dawnpaw suppressed a sigh, releasing his disapproval with his mentor being sucked inside his rivals' gossip. Dawnpaw broke away from his comfort and stretched his limbs in an attempt to pull up energy and courage to request Snowtail's training sessions without having to deal with Ferntail's and Maplefeather's hostility. Dawnpaw started to groom himself impatiently, gazing around the apprentices' den between licks. He spotted Jadepaw, Twilightpaw, and Lightpaw resting, seemingly wrapped in good and soothing dreams. The only unusual thing he noticed was from Jadepaw. He was twitching and snarling as if he was trying to defend himself from an invader.

He doesn't need me, he thought with annoyance, memories of Jadepaw's unusual hostility against him began to flood back inside his mind, I hope he's suffering. Dawnpaw gave one of his front paws a final lick, and trotted out of his den to head toward Snowtail.

The squalls of the wind began to be picking up speed and roared through the camp wildly, the treetops swaying as if the wind was grasping them and flailing them vigorously. Dark clouds began to flood above him as he padded across the clearing toward Snowtail, his anxiety building swiftly.

Snowtail and the other two still remained in the middle of the clearing as if nothing was happening. The day before showed no evidence that a storm this violent was advancing toward their direction. Upon Dawnpaw's arrival to the group, Maplefeather shot a hostile glance at Dawnpaw and Ferntail swayed his tail with annoyance.

Dawnpaw's throat fell too stiff to summon up words. "Snowtail," he mewed, ignoring Snowtail's companion's hostile emotions, "May I begin my training with you?"

Snowtail looked down upon the apprentice with a friendly and gracious attitude. "Sure," she mewed, "but we can't stay out long. This storm is beginning to get worse."

Ferntail and Maplefeather dropped their antagonistic moods, and turned their glares at Snowtail, seeming to be surprised with her friendly tone. Dawnpaw ignored their contemptuous realizations, and returned Snowtail's bright blue gaze, nodding respectfully.

Snowtail began to trot away, her tail erect and then gave a sudden flick to signal for Dawnpaw to follow. Dawnpaw's mind was racing wildly, warm thoughts overcoming his negative ones, making them vanish like scattered dust. As the violent winds crashed among the two as they headed toward the gorse tunnel, water was released from the dark threatening clouds, pounding them with small water droplets. Dawnpaw let out an exasperated sigh. The sun was bright when I woke up, he thought with annoyance, or were clouds overthrowing the sun and I just didn't notice?

Snowtail came to a halt at the gorse tunnel and turned to Dawnpaw. "We're going to start battle lessons today," she explained as small, wet droplets of water flung themselves among her fur. "I need to teach you as much as I can today due to your absence to your apprentice duties."

Thrill began to burst through his scrawny body. Battle lessons! "Okay!" he squeaked blissfully. "I can't wait!"

Dawnpaw could hear a purr spawn from Snowtail, and she proceeded out of the gorse tunnel with Dawnpaw hard on his paws behind her, filling in ever pawstep she placed.

Dawnpaw spun around to gaze among the clearing, hopelessly longing to see Jadepaw, but regret made his mind spin when he noticed Twilightpaw and Jadepaw were both emerging from the apprentices' den, happily exchanging news with eachother. The sight made Dawnpaw's heart sink and made him feel as lonely as ever.

***

"Attack me," Snowtail mewed to Dawnpaw, the frigid squalls of the wind almost breaking off her words. Snowtail had brought Dawnpaw out near the edge of ThunderClan territory, nearing the border between RiverClan and ThunderClan. The stream was beginning to heighten in depth as rain droplets trampled itself on the surface.

"What?" Dawnpaw asked confusedly, tilting his head in built up disorientation.

Snowtail remained where she was, sitting motionlessly, swiping her tongue across one of her paws. "Let me see how well you fight, and we'll start from there."

"O-okay," Dawnpaw stammered, willingly ready to show Snowtail his full potential. "I'll attack you." With the words released, he charged toward Snowtail, quickening his pace as he got closer. As he neared her, Snowtail still remained still, her eyes fixed on Dawnpaw with an ice cold stare. Dawnpaw leaped at her, ready to pin her down briefly, but Snowtail was prepared and she quickly moved to the side, allowing Dawnpaw to splash in the mud puddle the storm had forged. As Dawnpaw was blinded by the muddy water, Snowtail swiftly rammed into Dawnpaw with her head first, making Dawnpaw skid across the gunky earth.

Dawnpaw still laid on the ground, half impressed with her techniques and half angry that he'd just made a fool of himself. Dawnpaw began to turn his head to Snowtail who was grooming herself as if nothing had happened. Dawnpaw scrambled onto his paws with annoyance, instantly beginning to wipe off all the mud that had spawned on his fur.

Snowtail began to abandon her grooming session and padded up toward Dawnpaw, wrapping her tail around the apprentice. "You have excellent speed, but you need to think. You can't half expect the cat you're attacking to not defend themselves just because you have speed. Think about what you're going to do next, then leap for the attack. Try again." Snowtail padded away from him, releasing her grasp with her tail on Dawnpaw, and found a place near a fallen tree trunk, positioning herself on the opposite side where Dawnpaw remained.

Dawnpaw, who still remained agitated, took in her advice without refusing and began to arrange himself to fall in another attempt to attack his mentor. Dawnpaw stiffened his muscles, preparing to dart toward her, readily to show off his skills to Snowtail. With his future moves planned out, he plunged himself across the field, ready to perform his moves without hesitation.

Snowtail seemed to be more prepared than Dawnpaw was, she swiftly jolted across the clearing toward Dawnpaw. Caught off guard, Dawnpaw slowed his pace, but regained it when he realized that she was testing Dawnpaw's retaliations and instincts.

Snowtail leaped at Dawnpaw as he darted toward her, frenzily and carefully planning her future actions and positions. Dawnpaw swiftly moved to the side, quickly whipping himself around to face toward his opponent. Dawnpaw skidded his sheathed paws across her chest roughly, leaving her plummet on the mucky earth.

Snowtail let out an unbelievable gasp as she laid on the damp mud. "That was amazing!" she mewed, impressed with Dawnpaw's previous actions. "Like a warrior."

A burst of pride flooded Dawnpaw's chest, caging all the other thoughts who were fiercely altercating to find a place in Dawnpaw's thoughts. "Thanks!" He beamed proudly.

"All right, don't be so proud to forget that you have a lot to learn." Snowtail flicked her tail, keeping her soothing bright blue gaze fixed on Dawnpaw. "Let's proceed back to camp to fetch the other apprentices for their hunting assessments."

Dawnpaw's pride faded away like an echo and his heart began to sink. He didn't even like to begin to think about being near Jadepaw and Twilightpaw. "Alright. . ." he trailed off, reluctantly agreeing as they followed their trail back to the camp. As they faintly padded back through the mucky undergrowth, memories of the prophecy submerged inside his mind forcibly. The decision he had made the other day was serious and he committed himself to find those bloodthirsty rogues who had murdered his adopted kin and his most respected friend in the clan, Dustheart. Dawnpaw's thoughts got pushed into the thoughts of how extensive his training might be. Will it be too late? Am I making the right choice? Please, StarClan, give me answers.

As deep as the thoughts were, he thrusted the thoughts aside, and darted through the gorse tunnel, keeping his pace behind Snowtail. The storm seemed to deepen more violently, causing Dawnpaw's anxiety to heighten. Dawnpaw began to follow a faint realization that was present in his mind. Could this be a sign from StarClan? He thought, hope clinging onto him like thorns would attach on his fur. His thoughts were destroyed when they arrived at the apprentices' den, proceeding themselves inside the den to fetch the apprentices for their hunting assignment.

Only Lightpaw remained inside the den, sleeping soundly; her dreams seeming to be relaxing and alluring. Dawnpaw gazed down on the reposing golden brown she-cat, who remained comfortably still on her moss-bedding. Reluctantly feeling guilty to be ready to disturb her comfortable dreams, he lifted his paw to prod her side to awaken her, Snowtail by his side.

"Come on, Lightpaw. You need to wake up; all the apprentices are going to have a hunting assessment," Dawnpaw meowed soothingly, trying his best to sound as commendable as possible.

Snowtail carefully took place beside Dawnpaw steadily. "Yes, your mentors have agreed to allow me to take you out to survey your hunting skills." Snowtail glanced at Dawnpaw, then returned her gaze on Lightpaw, who still remained still on her moss. "We discussed this this morning."

"All right, its not like I'll be getting much more rest anyway. . ." Lightpaw mewed tiredly, dispensing a yawn from her jaws and stretched her limbs. At that moment, a loud rumble befell from the clouds outside. Gloomily, Lightpaw turned to Snowtail with an exaggerated glare. "Are you sure its a good day to do this? Its pouring outside. All the prey are probably hidden."

Lightpaw echoed Dawnpaw's thoughts, who had refused to notify Snowtail the flaws with her idea. Dawnpaw turned to Snowtail, then to Lightpaw awkwardly. "It won't hurt to lift up a few extra work, would it?"

Lightpaw murmured agreement, and headed outside of the den reluctantly, instantly drenched it water as it flooded down from the sky. Dawnpaw watched her go, then turned to Snowtail. "Shall I fetch Twilightpaw and Jadepaw?" He offered. No matter how much he disliked to do it, he knew he'd have to try to gain Jadepaw's respect sooner or later.

"Sure." Snowtail flicked her tail in dismissal for him to disperse to fetch the two apprentices as she proceeded outside of the den.

Dawnpaw sprinted outside of the den where Snowtail was previously at. With a hard stare at Snowtail who had went off to join in a conversation with Emberpelt, he tramped through the frigid winds and ice cold muddy puddles that were underneath the soft pads of his paws. Giving a spiteful spit at the puddles, he bounded out to scavenge the camp for Jadepaw and Twilightpaw.

Almost on their own accord his paws took him to the mouth of Eclipsefoot's den. Maybe they went to check on Shadekit? He thought hopefully. "Jadepaw, Twilightpaw, are you in here?" Dawnpaw rasped, impatiently awaiting his hunting assessments.

"Nope, just Eclipsefoot!" Dawnpaw heard the reply bounce off the stone like an echo ringing in his ears, and he turned his direction toward the elders' den. Maybe their fetching moss for the elders? He thought, attempting to catch lingering hope. Dawnpaw darted swiftly across the clearing toward the elders' den, irritation starting to build up inside his body.

When he arrived at the mouth of the elders' den, a flash of lightning lit up the dark sky, making Dawnpaw jump uneasily. He proceeded inside politely and spotted the two elders, Rattail, a gray tom with a small tail, and Dapplespot, a white she-cat with brown spots.

Dawnpaw, panting rapidly, padded up to Rattail and Dapplespot, positioning himself in front of them, trying to come up with words. "Hey," he started, "have you seen Jadepaw and Twilightpaw? We're supposed to have a hunting assignment today."

It was Rattail who replied. "Ah, in dis' weather? I'm not sure. I think they are on dah' morning patrol. They shallt' be back soon." His voice cracked with age as he spoke.

Dawnpaw groaned in annoyance, unsheathing and sheathing his claws as he padded out of the den to find Snowtail through the muck. Snowtail still remained to be in a deep conversation with Emberpelt as Dawnpaw darted across the clearing toward her direction. As he approached, Emberpelt turned his gaze briefly on Dawnpaw, then back onto Snowtail, flicking his tail to signal his approach to Snowtail.

Snowtail received the signal and turned toward him, abiding for his arrival. "Hey, Dawnpaw," she mewed, "have you found the two apprentices?"

Dawnpaw heaved a sigh, the squalls of wind sending an ice cold chill down his spine. "No," he groaned, his teeth chattering. "Rattail suggested that they might be on the morning patrol."

Snowtail let out a snort of disappointed. "Well," she began, her voice remaining calm, "the morning patrol just left. It appears that I should just take you and Lightpaw."

Dawnpaw felt relief flood through his chest. He half appreciated this, and half disagreed. I have to find out why Jadepaw is angry with me.

"Alright . . ." he murmured, acting as if he was flooded with disappointment. "Where is-"

All of a sudden, he heard a voice ring across the clearing. "Over here!" the voice squeaked. "Hold on! I'm on my way!" It was Lightpaw, Dawnpaw guessed in his mind, the familiar voice still ringing in his ears. Lightpaw emerged from the nursery, her tail drooping and her head held low. Her attitude didn't match the cheerful voice that he just heard.

Snowtail gazed at the drooping she-cat. "We must be on our way," she meowed, "before the storm gets any worse." Nobody protested, and Snowtail flicked her tail to follow her out of the gorse tunnel.

Lightpaw lagged behind them as they approached an empty field, swaying trees above their heads. Lightpaw lifted her head to glance at Dawnpaw for a few heartbeats, but returned to her uncomfortable atmosphere. "How long from now?" she croaked.

Snowtail skidded to a halt, returning Lightpaw's gaze. "Actually," she mewed competently, "we're already here."

Dawnpaw heard a sigh of relief from Lightpaw as Snowtail continued to speak. "I will assess your hunting skills. You two will disperse to the locations I give you," she addressed. "Dawnpaw, you will hunt at the edge of the forest, near Twolegplace. Lightpaw, you will hunt near Sunningrocks. Now off you go, and remember, I'll be watching you two. I'll fetch you two when I feel you have done well enough."

Dawnpaw quickly understood and dispersed toward his given location. The storm is getting worse, he thought as another rumble of thunder erupted from the aphotic clouds that had positioned themselves fiercely above Dawnpaw, rain clashing on his pelt like rocks. Dawnpaw leaped over a fallen tree trunk, and picked up the familiar scent of Twolegplace, and immediately lifted his head to take in the scent of prey. The downpours of rain had interrupted the scent, but at once he hoisted the scent of fresh-kill, wafting itself around Dawnpaw's nostrils, making his mouth water eagerly. He dropped in his hunting crouch and skidded across the ground, disposing himself in a nearby bush to spot his prey. The prey was a mouse, hidden underneath a log with massive holes on the sides it.

Dawnpaw carefully stalked the prey, pressing himself forward every few heartbeats, ascertaining that his prey will remain unaware of his presence. As he neared it he bunched his muscles in his back legs, releasing a massive leap inside the hole of the log. The prey was as unaware of him as he thought, and he swiftly landed on the prey, his claws sinking inside the mouse's fur. He bent his head down to grasp the mouse's neck to carry it outside of the shelter of the log and into the raging storm.

He dropped the mouse on the muddy earth, quickly burying it to come back for it later. Almost at once he headed out farther toward the Twolegplace, catching faint traces of prey nearby. Lightning cracked through the clouds and thunder erupted from the stormy skies once more. Dawnpaw ignored the chills he got from the frigid wind, and dropped into the hunters' crouch as soon as he picked up a fresh scent of vole. He picked out the sound of ruffling leaves from the loud rumbles of thunder and the blasting winds, and made his way toward it, remembering his first catch proudly. He had caught a plump vole that day, but it was followed by the invasion of the rogues. Dawnpaw began to get lost in his thoughts again, almost forgetting about his prey. Instantly, he propelled the thoughts away and brought himself back to reality.

The vole was munching on seeds on the roots of a swaying tree, almost asking to get caught. Smoothly and swiftly, he scurried across the muddy ground and thrusted himself forward, anticipating his claws to sink in flesh. The vole was startled and turned to sprint away, but Dawnpaw caught it by it's tail and flung it up in the air, catching it by his thorn sharp claws and colliding the helpless creature on the tree where the vole was chewing on seeds, killing it contiguously. Proud of his catch, he buried it hastily, allowing the glacial winds and water droplets pound against his face.

Without hesitation, he trotted further into the forest, lifting his head every once and a while to scan the area for prey. A loud rumble of thunder was released and the massive winds began to blow more heavily, almost knocking Dawnpaw off his paws. StarClan, are you trying to tell me something? If you are, please make it more clear.

At once, he picked up the sweet aroma of another mouse, it scurried across the boggy undergrowth, desperately trying to shelter. Easy catch, he thought hastily. He dropped down into his hunters' crouch, bunching the muscles of his back legs eagerly, readying himself to leap at the prey. Dawnpaw made a massive leap toward his prey, cuffing his jaws around the mouse's neck, the warm red blood flooding inside his mouth.

Releasing the dead carcass from his jaws, he buried it quickly and darted out to attempt to catch more prey for his assessment. Dawnpaw was too distracted with thoughts that he didn't notice a heap of white fur in front of him, and he rammed into it embarrassingly. It was Snowtail, along with Lightpaw on her other side.

"Well done, Dawnpaw," she mewed, ignoring Dawnpaw's foolishness as he scrambled on his paws and began grooming himself. "I have both assessed you two carefully. Let's return back to camp with the prey you caught, and give it to the elders. I'm sure they'll be pleased with the extra fresh-kill."

Dawnpaw nodded, and started to retrace his trail where he had buried all his caught prey, and quickly fetched them without hesitation. Dawnpaw returned to the spot where Snowtail remained, and dropped all his prey at her paws. "Here," he mewed with pride.

"Wonderful," she mewed with a grin. "I'm sure the clan will be very impressed."

Dawnpaw beamed with pride, accepting her praises. After a few heartbeats, Lightpaw returned with a two mouses, one vole, and one chaffinch. Dawnpaw's heart sank in envy. She did better than me! Dawnpaw let out a sigh, embarrassed that her catches were much more wonderful than his.

"Well done!" Snowtail praised, impression shaking her voice. "You're a gifted hunter."

"Thanks!" she squeaked cheerfully. "It was hard to find that much prey in this weather, and I suppose I was in a good hunting spot," she added when she noticed Dawnpaw looking down at his paws with dread.

"Alright," Snowtail mewed, attempting to change the subject, "Let's head back to camp." The words sprang inside Dawnpaw's ears as he followed Snowtail back to the gorse tunnel, still hot with embarrassment. What will Jadepaw and Twilightpaw say?

As they trotted inside the camp, the clearing was almost empty, besides Ashstar and Grayfur, who were exchanging words with one another.

At once when Ashstar and Grayfur had noticed their arrival, the padded over toward them when they noticed the prey that was clinched in the jaws of the apprentices.

"I see the hunting assessment went well," Ashstar praised, "especially Lightpaw. She seems to be improving. I think it might be time for her to become a warrior. After all, she's been training for six moons."

Dawnpaw's heart sank even lower, and his tail drooped. He was right, of course. She was ready to be made a warrior and she had been in training longer than Dawnpaw and Jadepaw. They had only absorbed one moon of training.

Dawnpaw heard a squeak of excitement emerge from her jaws. "Thank you!" She swayed her tail back and forth, but then discontinued it when she noticed Dawnpaw's dejected mood.

"I will speak to Emberpelt about your warrior ceremony," Ashstar continued. "Your warrior ceremony will be held tomorrow evening, when this weather blows over." Ashstar padded away and entered the warriors' den to fetch Emberpelt.

Lightpaw was erect, beaming proudly, ignoring the gelid winds that clashed against her fur. Grayfur observed her with hilarity, then turned his gaze on Dawnpaw, who was envying Lightpaw at the highest.

"Don't worry Dawnpaw," Grayfur assured. "You'll be a warrior before you know it." Dawnpaw returned his green gaze, absorbing his assurance without taking it for granted, and trotted toward the elders' den to give them the fresh-kill he caught. Dawnpaw kept feeling a stab of jealousy when he thought about what Ashstar said to Lightpaw, just like the feeling he had when Jadepaw and Twilightpaw were together. Yet, Dawnpaw felt joyful for Lightpaw and couldn't wait to see her be made a warrior. Was this what my adopted kin felt like when I was going to be made an apprentice?

I hope you enjoyed! Oh, and see that little green button down there? It's getting quite lonely... why not give it a click? :P