The Fox

*Dreamstar sniffed the air. She was hunting with Markpaw and Fleckpaw, and so far it was going well. A few days ago they had found a starling on the border, with CloverClan scent on it. It was left there, and Dreamstar guessed as a peace offering. Dreamstar's ears pricked at the sound of snuffling, then a red, bushy,  tail appeared above the fronds. A hiss rose to Dreamstar's throat, and she signaled for Fleckpaw and Markpaw to get down. She whispered to them.*

Fox... Fleckpaw, run back to camp, silently, and get a patrol of warriors!

*Fleckpaw nodded, and ran off, not even making a sound as he ran on soft paws. Then, shortly after Fleckpaw left, the fox stood rigid, and Dreamstar hissed.*

Get ready to fight Markpaw... it's noticed us...

*Markpaw nodded, and leaned forward, ready to pounce as the very large fox emerged into full view. The fox snarled, and lunged at Dreamstar. She side stepped to the side, making the fox miss. She then leaped onto the foxes back, and was thrown off. She saw Markpaw also get thrown off, then the fox was on her before she could stand up. it's paw pressed down on her chest, making her gasp for air on each breath. She struggled, but it only made it worse. Then, the fox grabbed Dreamstar's neck, and threw her.

*Markpaw scrambled up to see Dreamstar, losing a life on the ground. He snarled, and leaped at the fox. I don't want to lose her again! The tom, gorged his claws through the foxes side. The fox yelped in surprise, and spun on Markpaw, but Markpaw was already behind the fox. he slid under it, and dug his claws in. The fox yowled, and leaped away. Markpaw snarled in anger, and leaped at the fox again, and again. Then finally, when the fox was heavily bleeding, it ran off, limping as it's front paw was torn up. Markpaw stood crouched down, snarling and bristling. At that moment, a patrol erupted from the bushes, Fleckpaw in the lead. They skidded to a halt as they saw the blood, and Markpaw. The apprentice looked at them, before padding to dreamstar, who was struggling up. She looked around. Markpaw's pelt was the only one covered in a few cuts and blood.*

Markpaw... did you?

*Markpaw nodded, and smiled. He helped Dreamstar, and they padded back to camp, with the patrol looking confused.*

::---::

 

*When they got back to camp, Dreamstar immediately leaped onto the LakeRock, and called the clan together.*

Today, a fox came into our territory! Markpaw, Fleckpaw and I were hunting. I told Fleckpaw to run back to camp, and get a patrol. That patrol was not needed. The fox took one of my lives, and Markpaw drove it off, by himself. Markpaw, please step forward.

I, Dreamstar, leader of LakeClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to learn the ways of you noble code, and I give
him to you as a warrior in turn.

Markpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your clan even at the cost of your life? [ says I do]

Then by the powers of StarClan I grant you your warrior name!

Markpaw, from this moment you shall be known as Markspirit! StarClan honors your bravery and courage!!!

*Dreamstar smiled, and the clan started to cheer.*

Markspirit! Markspirit! Markspirit!

*Dreamstar leaped off of the LakeRock, and padded to Markspirit.*

Congratulations Markspirit.

*She nodded, and padded away.*

*Markspirit soon slipped away from the clan, and ran into the forest to the familiar tree. He ran in, gasping. The small she-cat leaped up in alarm.*

Wake! I'm a warrior! I chased a fox off the territory, and I'm a warrior! I'm Markspirit now!

*Wake smiled.*

That's great Markspirit!

*They smiled at each other.*

I have to go, I should be sitting a silent vigil now...

*With that, Markspirit left.*

::---::

**Later That Night**

*A yowl ripped through the camp.*

My kit! Where is Newkit!

*Markspirit leaped up from his silent post, and ran to the Nursery where Coastpebble was frantically searching.*

Newkit's missing!?

*Coastpebble nodded.*

There's loner scent where she was!

*Markspirit stiffened. No... Wake would never take a kit! Markspirit ran out of camp, following the scent trail. Then, he found the small kit's body. Newkit, was dead. Markspirit gently picked up her body and brought her back to camp, where Dreamstar announced the grave news.*

:~~Markspirit: