CHAPTER 17-Crash Landing

The odor of foxes grew stronger as we neared the source. We finally reached our destination when we saw two foxes standing guard in front of a burrow in the ground. Dewpaw and I quickly ducked underneath the bushes before they could spot us.

"What do we do now?" I whispered. The tom flexed his claws on the earth as he stared at the foxes with an undisguised hatred. He hissed, "We kill them, that's what."

I stared at him in disbelief. "What? But we're only apprentices!" An idea entered my head. "How about one of us distract them while the other one sneaks into the burrow?"

Dewpaw thought about it, and then grudgingly agreed. He whispered, "Alright. I'll lead them away, and you have to dive into the hole as fast as possible. Don't let them see you."

He began to stand up, and I whispered, "And you. Be careful, okay?" He looked surprised, but then shook his fur and grinned. "Of course. Foxes can't hurt me," he replied.

He raised his head and yowled loudly. The foxes immediately looked up in surprise, and when they saw him, they quickly gave chase.

Dewpaw whirled around and sprinted away with the canines biting at his heels.

I hesitated, suddenly fearful. What would I find inside the burrow? The dead body of Snowpaw? Or a whole pack of foxes?

But I quickly shook the thought away and cautiously padded over to the opening. It was too dark too see anything when I peered in, but the overwhelming stench of fox was nauseating. I heard a scrabbling of paws inside, and the harsh barks and growls of their strange language. My claws dug into the ground as I tried to steady myself when I flashbacked to my first encounter with them.

I took a deep breath, and entered the burrow.

Darkness swallowed me whole, and I blinked quickly, willing my eyes to adjust. The ground beneath me was layered with dried and aged moss that crumbled in my grasp, and the warm and dusty smell of earth was all around me.

Some sunlight filtered through the opening, and I could see that I was in a room. A few tunnels led away deeper into the ground. I heard someone chittering and snarling in one of them and decided to follow it.

As I tread silently, I realized that this burrow wasn't just one den: it was a whole network of tunnels that crisscrossed and intersected deep underneath the dirt. How were the foxes able to do all this? I didn't know that they were that experienced in digging.

Something scratched and chattered deeper in the tunnel where I was heading. It was too dark to see anything, and my fur fluffed out in fear. I kept my claws unsheathed in case I needed them.

The tunnel ended and I stepped into a large room. What was in the room, I couldn't see. Keeping close to the wall, I crouched down and tried to maneuver around silently.

Something scuffled, and I froze. I heard a harsh bark nearby, and some yelps and snarls. There were at least four foxes in the room with me. I quietly slipped into another tunnel and left.

There was another passageway poking out of that one, and I padded into it. There were so many walkways! How was it possible not to get lost?

I entered another room. It was still pitch-black, and I fumbled around.

Something sneezed, and I stiffened. Someone was in the room with me. Its scent wasn't of fox; it smelled more like the earth, like dust and leaves and worms. Its movements were slow and ponderous, as if it were a bear that had just woken up from hibernation. It was very ancient and felt deep-rooted to the ground. It radiated a harsh fierceness that overpowered me, and whatever it was, it growled low in its throat. Did it know that I was there?

I quickly edged into another tunnel.

Somewhere deep underground, I heard a cat yowl in fear and distress. Snowpaw! My pace quickened. I kept bumping into rocks and walls in the darkness but still, I continued on.

The thing in the blackness seemed to be following me, for I could hear its blunt claws clinking on the pebbles. However, after a while, it faded.

A tiny crack in the ceiling of the room let in a little sliver of light. From my hiding place, I could see a few foxes snarling and fighting over a bone. Farther along in the shadows of a corner, something shifted and stirred. It was a small form, with a long, fluffy tail and a snowy white pelt.

It was Snowpaw. There was a large gash on his back that was crusted with blood, and one of his ears was chewed off. He seemed too tired to move, and two foxes guarded him.

My breath caught in my throat. How could I ever hope of defeating the canines?

It wouldn't be long before they caught a whiff of my scent, so I desperately tried to think of what to do.

Suddenly, a fox charged into the den, his muzzle red and dripping with scarlet. My hackles began to rise, but I was too scared to move. They didn't see me, for I was hidden in the shadows.

The fox growled and barked in its language, and immediately, the other ones in the den leaped to their paws. They dashed out of the room.

What was that about? And then it dawned on me. The blood on the fox's muzzle wasn't just any blood: it was Dewpaw's. In my mind, I saw the dark grey tom lying on the grass with his fur ripped off and his guts spilling out. My eyes widened in horror.

Oh no.

Was all of this my fault?

I shouldn't have let him run off with the foxes nipping at his heels. I should have suggested a better plan. I should have been the one who lured the canines away. Dewpaw should have gone down the burrow to look for Snowpaw. That way, he wouldn't be ripped to shreds.

I couldn't believe I had let this happen.

There was one fox left in the den; breathing in the familiar scent, I realized that it was Scarlet. Fortunately, she was fast asleep.

Snowpaw was lying nearby, and his eyes were closed. For a moment, I feared that he was dead, until I noticed the gentle rising and falling of his side as he breathed. His wounds glistened in the faint light.

Maybe I could wake him up and sneak him out without any one noticing.

I was about to pad forward, when I heard a small sneak behind me. It was high-pitched and sharp, and I thought it was a mouse. But, looking over my shoulder, I saw that there was a small puff of ginger-brown fur staring up at me. It was a fox kit, and she gazed up at me with warm, mahogany brown eyes.

She was less than half my size, and I felt that she wouldn't be much of a threat. I turned to where Snowpaw lay and nudged him gently with my paw.

"Snowpaw, wake up," I whispered urgently. The tom stirred, and opened one eye. He flattened his ears, but when he realized that it was just me, he blinked in surprise.

I asked, "Can you walk?" He nodded, and slowly heaved himself to a sitting position on trembling legs. The gash on his side reopened and blood began to trickle down in drops. I winced.

I let him lean on me for support, and slowly, we made our way to the exit of the room. The fox kit stood in our way, but she didn't seem threatening. She seemed to look curious, for she tipped her head to one side and regarded us quietly, as if wondering whether or not she should stop us.

Snowpaw breathed softly next to me. He was too feeble to stand on his own, and he leaned heavily on my shoulder. Droplets of red scattered around the floor.

I hesitantly placed one step forward, uncertain on whether or not I should just shove the fox kit aside or try to scare it away.

However, before I could do anything, Scarlet stirred in her sleep. I held my breath as I watched her as she yawned, stretched, and slowly blinked open her sleepy eyes.

Through her hazy mind still partly fogged with sleep, she spotted the intruders in the room. The fox immediately leaped to her paws and snarled.

Snowpaw's eyes widened, and he looked at me desperately.

I hastily nudged his shoulder with my head and sent him toppling over to the tunnel. "Go!" I nearly screamed.

I felt sharp teeth pierce my shoulder as Scarlet leaped towards me. I desperately tossed and turned, trying to throw her off, but she held on with an iron grip. Like a bullfighter and a crazy bull, we rocked and swayed wildly. Her teeth sank deeper into my skin and I let out a yowl.

I tried to swipe at her with my claws, but since she was clinging onto my back, I couldn't see her. She easily dodged my blows.

Her rotted breath wafted around my face as she leaned down and prepared to bite into my throat.

Without thinking, I rolled onto my back on the ground, suffocating and crushing her with my fur.

She scrabbled underneath me, and after a while, she finally went limp. Convinced that she was dead, I swiftly got to my paws and began to hurry down the tunnel.

However, I heard a bark, and when I whirled around, I was met with an angry flash of shining red fur and amber eyes filled with hate.

Scarlet lunged at me furiously and bit into my ear. I screamed as I was temporarily blinded by my blood spurting down my face.

As the fox leaned over for the killing blow, I realized that my death had finally come. I just never knew it would end like this; me, a former Twoleg, being killed by a fox.

"Ashley!" a familiar voice cried, and I spun around to see Bramblestar charging towards me with a hoard of warriors by his side. I felt a rush of relief, until another small group of foxes came at us from another tunnel. I dodged just in time as Scarlet ran at me with her jaws open wide.

And then the whole room was filled with the sound of screams, yowls, and snarls. Ginger fur mingled with tabby, as the ground was seeped in blood.

Two foxes cornered me and growled low in their throats. I gulped and scrabbled backwards.

Suddenly, a large, male fox shouldered between them and glared at me. His eyes were narrowed into slits. I shivered in terror and felt my heart drop. If he decided to lunge at me, I wouldn't be able to hold him off. He snarled at the two foxes, "What are you doing? You're not supposed to kill her, just injure her enough so she won't be able to walk." Scarlet ducked her head submissively and growled, "Sorry, Fang. I guess I just got furious and forgot."

Another fox said, "Are you sure this cat is the one?"

Huh? What were they talking about?

The big male, Fang, towered above me, and I heard a whimper escape from my lips. He extended a paw, but then Cloudtail charged into him and sent him toppling to the ground. The cat spat and sank his teeth mercilessly into his shoulder. Fang easily flung him off, and I closed my eyes as Cloudtail flew into the wall with a sickening thud.

There were too many foxes; they easily overpowered the warriors. I was too scared to do anything but stay rooted to the ground. What could I do?

Fang barked something to his companions in the fox language, and then he leaped onto a boulder and yelled, "Freeze!"

There was something commanding and superior in his voice that demanded immediate attention, and instantly, everyone stopped fighting. The cats glared up at him with their eyes glittering malice.

The large fox said to the warriors, "If you let us keep the black cat, then I will spare your lives." He nodded at me.

I felt my fur bristle with terror. What did he want from me?

The cats blinked at each other, looking as confused as I felt.

I was certain that they would agree to the fox's demand and leave. After all, I was the worst fighter and hunter in the entire Clan. They didn't need me.

But, to my surprise, Brightheart shouldered her way forward and hissed, "Never! Ashley's our Clanmate!"

A few cats exchanged surprised glances at her.

Bramblestar padded over to Fang and hesitated. Everyone gazed at him expectantly. I stared at him with a little hope.

He growled, "The Clans don't trust foxes. You would never keep true to your word." Fang glared at him darkly.

And then, the great and mighty Bramblestar did a surprising thing. He turned and yowled to the warriors, "Run! We don't have enough cats to beat all of these foxes! Run out of the tunnels!"

The cats stood frozen for a split second, as if they couldn't believe what their leader was saying. And then, they turned and fled. The whole room was filled with moving brown and grey pelts as they struggled to the exit. The fear scent was overpowering.

The foxes snarled and lunged towards them. Over the chaos of the noise, Fang barked loudly, "Seize the black cat! Don't let her leave!"

I quickly squeezed past the cats, over to the tunnel, when one of the foxes knocked me onto the ground. I leaped to my paws, but a swarm of the beasts were running towards me. They dragged me back with their teeth, and I screamed. I kicked them with all my might, and their grip loosened enough for me to escape.

As I exited the tunnels, I looked back, and saw Fang running towards me. His amber eyes were narrowed, and his scarlet fur was bristling and sharp. His jaws were open, and I could see all of his yellow teeth. He truly looked terrifying. I urged myself to run faster as I followed the herd of Clanmates. An opening of light loomed up in front of me like a flashlight, and miraculously, I was outside. The sun had never seemed so inviting. It warmed my fur. Spots danced in my vision as my eyes tried to adjust to the sudden brightness. The whole pack of foxes came spewing out of the burrow like fire, and I sprinted away.

My Clanmates and I dashed past the forest, over the trees and through the grass, until we finally reached the camp. I forced my furiously beating heart to slow down. I was safe at last.

I had a gash on my neck, and countless bite marks on my back and legs. They stung with a red-hot ferocity.

A lot of cats were a lot worse. Most of them had missing ears, shredded tails, and deep wounds weeping with red tears. They slowly trudged over to the medicine cat's den, as if all the life had already left them.

I couldn't bear to watch.

I remembered Snowpaw and Dewpaw. Where were they now? Panic filled me when I wondered if we had left them back at the burrow.

Brightheart seemed to sense my worry, for she pointed at the medicine cat's den with her tail. "They're in there," she said quietly, and her eyes were weary.

Quickly, I bounded over and shoved myself through the opening. The whole den was filled with wounded cats, and the stench of blood in the air was nauseating.

I scanned the group, and was relieved when I saw Snowpaw and Dewpaw lying on the moss. However, the feeling quickly evaporated. They looked as if they had been run over by cars; their ears were torn and shredded, and some of their fur had been torn off by the foxes. They had countless scrapes crisscrossing their pelts, and their fur was matted with blood and raw gashes. Their eyes were closed, and they were sleeping.

Jayfeather looked up at me. His eyes narrowed and he growled softly, "That was really stupid of you and Dewpaw. You threw yourselves into the fox's burrow without waiting for the warriors to arrive with you." I stared at him in shock, not knowing what to say.

He flicked his tail and hurried off to tend to the wounded.

I slowly made my way over to the apprentices and crouched down next to them. Their breathing was soft and slow. Their parents, Cloudtail and Brightheart, were seated next to them. Amberpaw and Whitewing, their sisters, were there as well, and they glared at me. Why? Did they think all of this was really my fault?

I felt hopeless as I looked at them. Sure, I did run off with Dewpaw to try and fight the foxes ourselves. But it was the foxes' fault that the cats were wounded! They were the ones who took Snowpaw!

My gaze saddened as I stared at them. They didn't look as if they could live; their wounds were red and weeping, and their bodies were dusty and battered.

I didn't want Snowpaw to be like this. And would it be my fault if Dewpaw died? I was the one who suggested that he would lure the foxes away while I went down the tunnels. The beasts had easily managed to overpower him.

I ducked my head shamefully. Tears welled up in my eyes. Oh, don't be such a crybaby, I scolded myself. I angrily brushed the tears away.

Bramblestar padded slowly and wearily into the den, and he paused next to me. I gazed at him worriedly. His gaze saddened as he swept over the apprentices lying on the red moss. His amber eyes hardened when he saw me.

He stood up straighter and meowed loudly, speaking to all of the cats in the den, "The apprentices have had their warrior assessments today. It is now time to announce them as warriors."

The warrior assessment. Of course. I had forgotten all about it.

I didn't feel much excitement though, as I thought about everything that had happened.

The dark brown tom continued, "I, Bramblestar of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend the Clan even by the cost your life?"

For a moment, there was silence, and then softly, some of the apprentices mewed quietly, "I do." They seemed much too tired to react to what they were hearing.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Seedpaw, you will now be known as Seedpelt. Lilypaw, you are now Lilyheart. Amberpaw, you will now be Amberlight. And Dewpaw…" He hesitated for a moment, as if wondering whether or not he should give the tom his new name. He gazed at the still sleeping form of the apprentice, and then said, "I don't really want to accept you as a warrior, Dewpaw. You have made rash decisions and nearly got yourself killed. A real warrior should have thought over his choices carefully and listen to his seniors. But, since it is unlikely for you to survive because of the severity of your wounds, I will give you your warrior name. Dewpaw, you will now be known as Dewstep. And Snowpaw is now Snowstorm."

Did that mean that Dewstep and Snowstorm had a very slim chance of healing? Did that mean that they were going to die?

Something clicked in my brain, and I realized that Bramblestar had forgotten to name someone. Me.

I hesitantly mewed in a small voice, "Um, Bramblestar…?"

Unexpectantly, the dark brown tom whirled around and snarled at me. I leaped backwards with my fur on end.

He hissed, "Do you actually think that you deserve to be a warrior? The whole Clan is injured because of you! Mousewhisker, Icecloud, Spiderleg, and Ivypool are dead because of you!"

My mind reeled in surprise and horror.

The tom spat, "It was obvious that the foxes wanted to capture you for some reason. They took Snowpaw to bait you into coming into their burrow. Dewpaw tried to help and nearly got killed. The whole Clan came to fight the foxes off. I should have let them take you! If you hadn't come to ThunderClan, none of this would have happened! If the foxes hadn't known about you, they wouldn't have caused all this!"

I stared at him with wide eyes.

Squirrelflight came over and gently laid her tail across his shoulders. She murmured, "Calm down, Bramblestar. You're just overreacting. It's not Ashley's fault."

For a moment, the tom glared at her, and I was afraid that he would rip her to shreds. Then he relaxed slightly, and hung his head. "You're right. It really isn't Ashley's fault. It was all because of the stupid foxes."

He looked at me wearily, and all of his strength seemed to have left him. He whispered, "But I still can't make you a warrior, Ashley. Millie told me of your report, and you aren't doing well in your hunting and fighting skills. You'll just have to train as an apprentice for a little while longer."

Without saying another word, he turned and trudged out of the medicine cat's den.

Most of the cats were looking at me with pity and sorrow. A few of them threw angry and spiteful glances at me, as if they were convinced that I was the one to blame for all this.

But I didn't really care. I didn't care about not passing my warrior's assessment, either. I just felt numb.

I shuffled closer to where Snowstorm and Dewstep were sleeping. Their kin shifted over to let me sit down, and they looked tired and sad now, instead of furious and nasty.

I rested my head on Snowstorm's crusted fur and closed my eyes. What if this had been my fault? After all, the foxes had stolen Snowpaw just so they could lure me into their clutches. The whole Clan got hurt because of it. If I hadn't come to ThunderClan in the first place, none of this would have happened.

But why did the foxes want me? Nothing made sense. Nothing at all.

And come to think of it, it wasn't really surprising that I wasn't made into a warrior. I had seen it coming all along.

A warrior was expected to be resilient and faithful, courageous and true, and I was none of that. I was only the insignificant and puny Ashley, weak and humble, and a coward and a crybaby. And now my friends were going to die.

I buried my face in Snowstorm's soft white fur and silently felt the tears move down my cheeks.