Break Away

Dreampaw sat up straight in her nest. She breathed heavily, and looked around. She had seen claws flashing, teeth snapping. She had heard sorrowful wailing, and a soothing voice. She could still hear that voice.

...Only few cats can make me this happy. And only you can make me this happy, on my final breaths. Only you... Only you...

She hadn't heard the name of the cat this she-cat was speaking to, but she could tell that this cat was dying. She took in large mouthfuls of air to calm herself. The battle still raged in her head, and she saw a black tom with red eyes numerous times. It seemed like she had recognized him, but couldn't figure it out. Finally, Dreampaw was calmed down, and crept out of the den. She looked around, but it was still dawn. She saw a patrol being assembled, and padded over to it.

"C-can I join this... ummm... Patrol?"

The tortoiseshell she-cat who was assembly the patrol, thought for a moment. Then nodded. Dreampaw tried to remember this cat's name. Sorrelheart. Sorrelheart spoke.

"Sure Dreampaw. Birchstorm, Silentpaw, Wrenpaw, Blossomspirit, Fallenstrike, Driftbreeze, Dimpelt and Coal, go on a hunting patrol. Birchstorm, you can lead."

Birchstorm nodded, and signaled the patrol to follow. Dreampaw waited, and followed at the back.

Dreampaw scented the air, and smelled some mice. She opened her mouth to speak, when Blossomspirit spoke first.

"Over here! I'm going to go catch that mouse."

Dreampaw closed her mouth as Blossomspirit bounded off.


Trying hard to reach out,
But when I'd try to speak out,
Felt like no one could hear me.

She lowered her head, and looked at the ground. The ferns brushed against her legs, and she shook her head. Soon, Blossomspirit came back with two mice in her jaws. Birchstorm smiled at her, and purred.

"Okay. Why don't we try some fishing. Do some fishing and diving training while we're at it."

The group nodded, except for Dreampaw. She stiffened. I don't know if I can fish! She hadn't realized she had stopped, until she saw Wrenpaw turn around and look at her.

"Are you coming Dreampaw?"

She nodded hesitantly, and started to walk again. She looked to the sky in sadness.

Wanted to belong here,
But something felt so wrong here,
So I pray.

When she got to the lake, many cats of the patrol were already in the Lake. She padded up to the large surface of water, and waded in until her paws were covered with water. Her paws tingled, and a shiver went down her spine.

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly, 
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky.

Dreampaw closed her eyes, and leaped into the deeper part of the water. Her eyes flew open as she made impact. Bubbles swirled around her, then they cleared away. She gasped, and swallowed a mouthful of water. She broke to the surface, gasping for air. She had seen everything. Everything underwater. As clear as if she were on land.

And I'll make a wish,
Take a chance,
Make a change.

She dove back under, and spotted a fish. She narrowed her eyes, and propelled after it, all in silence.

And breakaway.

She snapped at the fish, catching it in her jaws. Then, she swam to the surface. Sunlight hit her face in a daze, She blinked several times to adjust to the light.

Out of the darkness,
And into the sun.

She slowly swam back to shore. Some of the cats were looking at her in approval. That was her first time, and she already caught a fish. She smiled shyly as she dropped it, then waded back into the water.

I'll take a risk,
Take a chance,
Make a change.

She smiled, and dove back in.

And breakaway.

Soon, they had caught enough prey, and Dreampaw held two large fish, and one mouse in her jaws as she padded back to camp. She dropped her prey on the fresh kill pile. She looked around before slipping back out of camp. She sniffed the air, and finally found her way to the LakeRocks. She sighed in contentment, and stretched out on one of the rocks, quickly picking up the heat of the rock.

Wanna feel a warm breeze,
Sleep under a palm tree,
Feel the rush of the ocean.

The river calmly ran between the rocks, creating perfect silence.

And breakaway...

Dreampaw sighed, and let her eyes drift close. She purred, and was soon asleep. Her dreams were not happy though. She twisted and turned in her sleep as visions of fierce battle, and sorrow filled her mind...

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