A/N - This is a what if meaning that all the characters aren't mine, they are Dawnfireofskyclan's.  Some of the sentences are from the original book. The storyline is mine, though. 

PART ONE:

"Eat those berries," Dawnkit flicked her tail to bright red berries.

"What will that prove." Willowkit spat. "They're berries."

"Then it shouldn't be hard." Dawnkit sneered. It was written clear as the sky that Willowkit was scared. "If you're too scared..." Dawnkit taunted.

Willowkit tossed her head, tail lashing furiously. "Fine, you can be the leader."

Dawnkit blinked, surprised. She hadn't expected Willowkit to back down. Then, she purred in joy. "Ha!" she crowed, leaping around the clearing.

Turtlekit padded over to Willowkit's side, murmuring words of comfort to her. Dawnkit twitched her ears, angry that Willowkit was still getting the attention.

Just like every other day.

"But I'm stronger! Just because Willowkit's stronger now doesn't mean she'll be the best later! I'll be the strongest warrior ever!" Too late, Dawnkit realized she had said her thoughts out loud. Her pelt fluffed out as Willowkit and Turtlekit both glared at her.

"What are you kits doing here?" A stern voice interrupted them.

Willowkit and Turtlekit jumped, but Dawnkit puffed out her chest arrogantly. "We're SunClan kits and this is our camp! We're allowed to be here!"

Poppyfur shook her head, heading towards them. Then, she saw the red berries and gasped, dropping her mouthful of herbs onto the ground.

"What is it? An enemy? I'll take care of them!" Dawnkit growled, her tiny claws unsheathed.

"No, no, not an enemy. Did any of you kits eat those red berries?" Poppyfur stammered nervously.

Dawnkit tilted her head. Poppyfur wasn't the one to stammer. She answered the pale ginger she-cat before Willowkit or Turtlekit could react. "No. Why?"

"Nothing!" Poppyfur mewed hastily. "Shouldn't you be with your mother in the nursery?"

"I'm a big kit now," Dawnkit informed Poppyfur, leaving out Willowkit and Turtlekit. If they wanted to exclude her, then she could exclude them! Confidence shot through her and she added, "I'm big enough to fight foxes and badgers!"

Poppyfur let out a small noise. Dawnkit couldn't figure out what it was. The medicine cat shooed them away from the berries and they trooped back to the nursery, where Windflight was waiting for them.

"Hello, kits!" Windflight greeted them enthusiastically.

"Hi, Windflight!" Dawnkit replied with just as much energy.

"Hi," Turtlekit muttered.

"Hi..." Willowkit ducked her head and dragged her paws into the den.

"What's up with you?" Windflight purred as she began to groom them.

Dawnkit scrambled out of Windflight's grip, complaining, "Willowkit keeps trying to boss us around! It's so annoying and then she's a coward and she's too scared to do anything! She wouldn't even eat some berries! They're berries!"

"Dawnkit, you're being a bit too sensitive," Windflight stopped grooming Turtlekit to speak, giving Dawnkit a severe glance. "Willowkit isn't bossy. She's just a natural leader."

"Yeah, Dawnkit," Turtlekit hissed.

Willowkit remained silent, head low and tail brushing the ground, stirring up dust.

"Why, if it isn't my favorite kits!" a golden brown tabby tom ducked into the den.

"Blazeheart!" Dawnkit ran up to him.

"Hey! Dawnkit! Not so fast!" Windflight called her back and she grumbled as she was pulled back by the tail.

"What's wrong?" Blazeheart questioned.

"Willowkit's too bossy!" Dawnkit told her father.

"Dawnkit's too sensitive and can't take a joke!" Turtlekit stuck up for Willowkit.

"Willowkit, Turtlekit, why don't you come with me to the elders' den?" Blazeheart suggested.

Immediately, Turtlekit got to his paws, sticking his tongue out at Dawnkit. Willowkit didn't say anything but she visibly brightened, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Why can't I go?" Dawnkit whined, ears low.

"Because you're in trouble!" Windflight snapped.

Blazeheart shrugged before leading Turtlekit and Willowkit out.

"That's not fair!" Dawnkit protested.

"You'll listen to me! I'm your mother, for StarClan's sake!" Windflight burst. "Go make a separate nest and stay there for the rest of the day. Tomorrow, after you've thought about your actions, you can come back and apologize to Willowkit."

Dawnkit gaped at Windflight. I didn't do anything!

But she knew better than to argue. She plodded away, hiding in a corner of the nursery, watching the busy life of SunClan outside.

I don't get it. Doesn't Windflight like me? What did I do? Willowkit's too bossy. Every cat knows that. Oh StarClan, why don't they understand? Please, someone, help me tell them that I'm right and they're wrong!

A shadow swept past her and Dawnkit shivered, but it was only Thornpelt. The huge warrior looked even scarier up close, massive scars pinkish-red and his amber eyes seemed to glare straight at her. She cowered, hoping he would leave her alone, but he only came closer.

Thornpelt opened his mouth to speak and Dawnkit flattened her ears, ready to be scolded further. Instead, he said in a gentle tone, "What's wrong, kit?"

Dawnkit was confused. What was going on? Was Thornpelt being...nice?

"Willowkit's being bossy and Turtlekit's taking her side and no one's believing me!" Dawnkit poked at the moss on the ground, feeling embarrassed. Why had she taken it all out on Thornpelt? He was a senior warrior. Not some cat to mess around with a kit's emotions and feelings. Yet, he didn't seem mad. He seemed sad.

"Ah yes, something similar happened to me once. It always seems as everyone gets their way except you," Thornpelt mused.

"Really?" Dawnkit glanced up, a sliver of hope building up in her chest.

"Yes!" Thornpelt nudged her playfully. "How about I show you some warrior moves?"

Dawnkit gazed into his eyes, seeing nothing but genuine kindness and something she couldn't quite place. His eyes shined with something she wasn't quite sure of, but she accepted the offer gratefully.

At least someone notices me.

PART TWO:

Dawnkit sat in the shadows, her eyes tracking Thornpelt as the huge warrior brought back a load of prey. Today was the day of her apprenticeship, and she couldn't wait. She would finally be able to prove herself to Thornpelt. She would finally be able to be someone in her family's eyes. She would finally be able to be better than Willowkit, once and for all.

Dawnkit scowled as Willowkit and Turtlekit attracted all the attention from her parents. They were the amazing kits who could never do wrong.

But then I remember all the times that they wronged me.

"Dawnkit." Dawnkit lifted her head with a jump and she saw her mother had travelled over to her. Windflight's green eyes were filled with so many emotions; grief, joy, pride, and...shame.

Windflight was ashamed of her. Dawnkit felt like a boulder had fallen on her and she wished that Windflight would leave her. But her wish wasn't going to come true, as her mother only came closer.

"Look, I know we haven't been close these past few days. But don't feel so down, today is a proud day. When you're an apprentice, I know you'll change. I know you'll become the old Dawnkit. Willowkit and Turtlekit will be happy for you, and you will for them." Windflight finished grooming her before sighing and leaving.

Dawnkit growled in frustration. Her littermates hated her. And what did Windflight mean by 'old Dawnkit'? She hadn't changed. Willowkit was the one who had changed. Willowkit no longer bragged or acted confident.

It's all an act. I hate her.

And Turtlekit had changed too. He was braver, often coming over to tease Dawnkit on how she was too scared to actually argue with Windflight. She just ignored him. The only thing she looked forwards to was Thornpelt visiting her.

I hope he's my mentor.

Willowkit and Turtlekit started moving out of the den, so Dawnkit hastily followed them. But she was always a paw-step behind them. Their shadow.

Flowerstar called a Clan meeting and the cats gathered before her. Dawnkit was nervous, but she wasn't going to let that show, especially not in front of Thornpelt. She lifted her chin and puffed out her chest.

Dawnkit gazed into the crowd where she saw Blazeheart sitting proudly near the front, his amber eyes shining bright. But he wasn't looking at her. His gaze was focused on Turtlekit and Willowkit. He glanced over to her, and their eyes met before Blazeheart blinked and looked away.

"Today is a proud day for SunClan," Flowerstar began speaking. Dawnkit kept her head high. "By naming apprentices, we show that SunClan will remain strong." Flowerstar's gaze focused on them. No, not them. Dawnkit couldn't help but get the feeling that Flowerstar only had eyes for her littermates.

Just like every other cat, except for Thornpelt.

For a heartbeat, Dawnkit was terrified that Flowerstar wouldn't even name her as an apprentice. She held her breath as Flowerstar spoke again.

"Turtlekit, Willowkit...and Dawnkit, you have reached the age of six moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed."

Dawnkit was relieved to hear her name, although she was disappointed she was last.

Always an afterthought. Always last. Never good enough.

Turtlekit and Willowkit were now both named as Turtlepaw and Willowpaw. Now, it was Dawnkit's turn. Turtlepaw's mentor was Rainears, and Willowpaw's was Thornpelt. Dawnkit couldn't help but feel a stab of agony that her idol was her frenemy's mentor.

"Dawnkit, from this day forward until you have earned your warrior name, you will be Dawnpaw. Your mentor will be Sunstream." Flowerstar continued.

Dawnpaw stared at Sunstream and they touched noses. Dawnpaw felt sadness creep up in her and she longed to have Thornpelt as a mentor.

Why does Willowpaw have everything? I have nothing.

"What are we doing to do?" Dawnpaw focused on her apprenticeship. Behind her, Turtlepaw and Willowpaw had left the camp with their mentors together.

Dawnpaw was left alone again.

Sunstream purred slightly. "It might not seem exciting, but we're going to be collecting moss."

"Moss?" Dawnpaw wrinkled her nose. "But-"

"Trust me, it'll help you," Sunstream promised.

"Fine," Dawnpaw dragged out the word and followed Sunstream through the forest. She didn't even have the energy to appreciate the beauty of it as they began the endless, boring task.

"Would you tear moss off this wall without a care in the world? Just start slashing your claws at it?" Sunstream suddenly broke the silence.

"No," Dawnpaw muttered.

"Exactly," Sunstream dipped her head. "Same thing with battle. Or hunting. But with time and practice, fighting and hunting and be done cleanly and precisely."

Dawnpaw nodded, although she wasn't listening. Her mind was furious that Willowpaw had everything that she wanted. A mother, a father, a littermate, a good mentor.

They finished gathering moss with neither of them saying a word and brought their moss back to the camp. As they entered, Dawnpaw caught sight of Willowpaw and Turtlepaw returning. In Willowpaw's jaws were a small mouse. Turtlepaw seemed to be congratulating her, making it the biggest deal in the world.

I bet I could do better.

Sunstream followed her gaze but didn't say anything.

Dawnpaw rushed over to Thornpelt, eyes staring up at him in admiration. He had managed to catch two rabbits and a squirrel.

"Hi, Thornpelt!" Dawnpaw gasped, slightly breathless.

She was expecting a greeting back at least, but he ignored her and continued on his journey to the prey pile.

Dawnpaw felt her heart break into two. She had hoped her friendship with Thornpelt would remain intact, but clearly, it wouldn't.

Later, when Willowpaw and Turtlepaw went to sit with the rest of the apprentices, Dawnpaw refused. She sat by herself, a little away from the camp, gazing at the stars.

Dawnpaw rested her head on her paws, curling up into a small ball. She began to whisper her secrets to the forest and listened as the forest sounds slowly lulled her to sleep.

---

The next morning, Dawnpaw woke, slightly chilled by the cold. She dragged her paws into the camp. The sun hadn't risen yet, and she was determined to be good at everything. She left the camp again and began practicing. Since Thornpelt had given her a lot of practice, it was easy to self-learn how to hunt. She caught a small squirrel before it could bound up into the safety of a tree.

As the sun began to rise, Dawnpaw went back to the camp to see Sunstream already awake, waiting for her. They went out in the forest, Sunstream slightly surprised to see her hunting skills.

"Natural," Sunstream commented.

Dawnpaw flushed with pride as she caught a shrew but knew she could do better. She pushed herself to the limits, making her body ache as she crouched in wait for a mouse.

"Alright, that's enough," Sunstream called just as Dawnpaw pounced. The mouse scrambled away and rage filled her.

"What was that?!" Dawnpaw cried. "I had it! You made it run away!"

"You're tired," Sunstream mewed gently. "You need to rest."

"No, I don't!" Dawnpaw brushed past Sunstream and stormed off towards the camp angrily.

Sunstream definitely wasn't the best mentor for her. If only I had gotten Thornpelt instead...

PART THREE:

Dawnpaw glared at Sunstream as they began a small assessment. Willowpaw had thrown herself into an eagle's path not even two moons into their apprenticeship and was now behind Dawnpaw and Turtlepaw.

Good. I can finally prove I'm better.

Three gatherings had passed, Dawnpaw attending all of them. She made a few acquaintances, but no friends. I don't need friends. I'm perfectly fine without them. They'd just make me weak.

Dawnpaw left Sunstream quickly. Hunting on her own was easier. She had already found and killed quickly and cleanly two mice and was about to make a third kill when a panicked yelp distracted her.

Immediately, Dawnpaw dashed over to the distress call to see Redclaw, wounded.

"AshClan attacked our patrol!" Redclaw gasped. "They're heading towards the SunClan camp!"

I'll teach AshClan a lesson if they dare mess with me.

"Dawnpaw, help Redclaw back to the camp," Sunstream ordered.

"But I want to fight!" Dawnpaw complained but reluctantly obeyed, helping the injured warrior to the camp.

Dawnpaw helped Redclaw through the back entrance of the camp and into the medicine den. Hissing and yowling echoed throughout the camp. AshClan were here.

Dawnpaw darted out into the open, searching for an opponent. Before she could find one, something knocked her off her paws. Dawnpaw felt a heavy weight on her, and was smothered by dark fur. Unsheathing her claws, Dawnpaw dug them into the flesh of the cat that had attacked her. The cat let out a hiss and let her up. She rolled over, jumping to her paws, and noticed that it was Ashpaw, an arrogant furball.

And it doesn't matter. He shouldn't be here.

Dawnpaw leapt at him, biting into his pelt and clawing into his skin. Ashpaw knocked her off and she flipped him over so that she had the advantage. Lashing out with her claws, she hit his chest and blood began leaking out immediately.

Ashpaw's eyes were wide with fear and knocked Dawnpaw off her paws once more, her shoulder hitting the ground hard. She cut his pelt again, slicing off the top of his ear. Ashpaw let out a yowl of pain and something hit her head hard.

It was another AshClan apprentice, this one a gray tom with dark green eyes. Okay! So what? I can fight two!

Dawnpaw dashed forwards to attack Ashpaw but stopped mid-way, spinning around and clawing the second apprentice. He bowled over in pain, wincing and his eyes flashed with fury. Easy!

Dawnpaw finished him off, kicking him to the side with no regrets before advancing on Ashpaw. The apprentice had been a mouse-brain at the last gathering, so she was going to leave him a scar or two to remember her by. But as she reached for his throat, a loud deep voice echoed through the SunClan camp. "Stop this!"

It was Lionstar, the leader of AshClan. Dimly, Dawnpaw wondered why he wasn't here sooner, and why he was stopping the battle. I was having fun...

Dawnpaw inspected a scratch on her chest, shrugging. It didn't hurt, so she was fine.

Flowerstar and Lionstar began to talk. Dawnpaw was too far to hear most of it, but she got the gist of it. AshClan's deputy, Echoheart, had led the attack without permission from Lionstar. Their conversation was interrupted by a scream from Applespots.

"Sunstream is dead!"

Dawnpaw's eyes went wide. Her mentor was dead. That couldn't be true. Dawnpaw felt sorrow, but she had to move on. It wasn't her fault, so why was she so guilty?

I wonder who my new mentor will be.

PART FOUR:

Dawnpaw's new mentor had ended up being Redclaw. He was an okay mentor. A little harsher than Sunstream at times, but okay.

But it wasn't Thornpelt.

Redclaw led Dawnpaw into the forest where they met up with Lionpaw, Goldenpaw, Fawnpaw, Willowpaw, Turtlepaw, and their mentors.

"Today is Lionpaw, Goldenpaw and Fawnpaw's warrior assessments," Rustpelt explained.

"They will have two parts to their assessment, partner hunting and solo hunting," Sandfoot added. "The three apprentices will be paired with the three soon-to-be warriors."

Thornpelt stepped forwards, Willowpaw at his side. Dawnpaw realized Willowpaw had a few scars on her ears, but dismissed it. It was probably from the eagle.

"The partners will be Fawnpaw and Turtlepaw," Thornpelt spoke. "Goldenpaw with Willowpaw, and Lionpaw with Dawnpaw," he mewed.

Dawnpaw glanced at Lionpaw. They didn't know each other at all. All Dawnpaw knew was that Lionpaw as an arrogant mouse-brain.

Icepetal announced, "Fawnpaw, you and Turtlepaw go towards the MoonClan border, Goldenpaw and Willowpaw towards the AshClan border and Lionpaw and Dawnpaw will take the gathering hollow border."

Lionpaw and Dawnpaw nodded and they headed towards the gathering hollow.

"You stay here," Lionpaw ordered, his voice bold.

Dawnpaw snarled her objection. "We're supposed to hunt together, not alone!"

"I know that!" Lionpaw returned with less ferocity.

Dawnpaw stuck her head up and trotted after Lionpaw as they sniffed for prey.

"I smell a weasel," Dawnpaw announced. Sneaking out every other night to practice hunting and fighting had helped her develop her senses to be deadly accurate.

"I don't," Lionpaw snapped. "But I smell a rabbit. Let's track it."

"But the weasel would be a better catch!" Dawnpaw couldn't understand why Lionpaw wasn't listening to her.

"I'm leading!" Lionpaw growled, stalking off.

Dawnpaw rolled her eyes but followed him, nonetheless.

Lionpaw caught the rabbit without letting Dawnpaw help. She felt annoyed at his arrogance and wished once again that they hadn't been partnered together.

By sunhigh, Lionpaw had caught two thrushes and a rabbit, and they had caught a mouse together. Not very good teamwork.

Redclaw called them together and Dawnpaw sat a little apart from the others, still scowling about the fact that Lionpaw hadn't let her contribute at all.

The mentors listed off their apprentices scores, Turtlepaw getting almost perfect. When Thornpelt spoke, Dawnpaw felt herself slump down. Willowpaw was sure to get the best score.

But when Thornpelt spoke, Dawnpaw was surprised.

"You messed up three of your four catches," Thornpelt growled at Willowpaw. Dawnpaw's sister shrank back, as if afraid of her mentor. "You definitely didn't pass this assessment."

Would he pass me if I were his apprentice? I hope so. He's my idol.

Redclaw and Rustpelt went next. "Lionpaw, you didn't really give Dawnpaw a chance to help you. However, you did eventually, so you pass."

"Yes!" Lionpaw yowled in excitement.

"Dawnpaw, you managed quite well to spot your prey and to help Lionpaw, even though he didn't want your help. You pass." Redclaw dipped his head.

"Let's go hold a ceremony!" Rustpelt began to lead the cats back to camp. Dawnpaw trailed behind them.

"Lionclaw! Goldenleaf! Fawnheart!" the cats called.

After the ceremony, Dawnpaw began to wash herself, when Lionclaw approached her.

"I'm sorry for acting the way I did during the assessment," He mewed, staring at the ground. "It's just that Willowpaw and Turtlepaw always said that you were stuck-up and horrible. I didn't get to meet you; I just believed them."

Dawnpaw's heart softened. "Oh..."

"That's all. Enjoy the rest of your day," Lionclaw hurried away, but not before Dawnpaw caught up to him.

"Thank you," she blinked at him. She was genuinely grateful. "I hope we can be friends in the future."

"Me too," Lionclaw breathed.

PART FIVE:

Dawnpaw grumbled as she tried to scout out prey in the snow. Her bright pelt wasn't very helpful, although Redclaw was giving her tips. She managed to catch a small shrew and buried it in the frozen ground before looking for more.

She spotted a rabbit and snuck up on it, careful to stay out of sight. The rabbit glanced towards her, nose twitching, and she ducked behind a bush, her heart beating fast as she prayed the rabbit wouldn't see her.

The rabbit continued on nibbling on some leaves, and Dawnpaw leaped out, killing it quickly and cleanly.

Proud of her catch, Dawnpaw took it, the shrew, and an earlier catch, another rabbit, back to the camp. Redclaw was waiting for her there and they took the prey into the camp.

"Go take some prey to the elders," Redclaw ordered.

"Do I have to?" Dawnpaw whined.

Small tasks like helping the elders, taking care of their ticks and gathering moss were boring and dull to Dawnpaw. She'd rather fighting or hunting. I bet I could beat Willowpaw in a fight.

"I hate my training," a low voice muttered as Dawnpaw headed to the elders' den.

Dawnpaw pricked her ears, eavesdropping on Willowpaw's conversation.

"Why?" another low, and familiar voice, replied. Turtlepaw.

"Thornpelt is so mean! I hate him! I wish he wasn't my mentor!" Willowpaw complained.

Maybe I can persuade Flowerstar to let me and Willowpaw swap mentors. But first, I'd have to talk to Willowpaw.

Dawnpaw hadn't talked to Willowpaw in forever. Apart from mutters of hello and good night, they didn't want any excuse to talk to each other. A small part of Dawnpaw wished that they could be on good terms, but Dawnpaw knew she had to be the braver and stronger cat. Willowpaw was too immature. She was too bossy.

I need to teach her how to be a good cat.

Dawnpaw took a deep breath and stepped out of her hiding spot, revealing herself. She got a good look on Willowpaw and was shocked to see her sister had nicks on her ears and a large scar on her belly.

"Are you okay?" Dawnpaw asked immediately but snapped her mouth shut.

"Like you care," Willowpaw seemed exhausted, like she didn't have energy at all.

"I do care," Dawnpaw replied defensively but then caught herself. "Never mind. I don't."

"Well, I care about you. You're much too precious to lose," Willowpaw mewed softly.

Dawnpaw froze. Her mind went back to the day that she had distanced herself from her family. The day that her life had gone from bright and happy to dull and sad. The day she had lost her family, but had gained a friend. Did Willowpaw really still care about her? And Turtlepaw?

"Really?" Dawnpaw couldn't believe it. She needed confirmation.

Willowpaw hesitated. "Of course not," she snapped with her usual determination and anger. "Why would you think I care about you?"

Dawnpaw felt her hopes crashing to the ground and she left without saying another word. She had allowed herself to trust, to love again. But she couldn't. It just hurt too much.

Love can't give you prey. Love can't give you a den. Love is useless. It just hurts you.

Flowerstar suddenly called a Clan meeting.

Why? There are no cats ready to be apprentices or warriors...

Flowerstar addressed her cats with a grave expression on her face. "Thornpelt came to me while he was out hunting claiming that he spotted a badger on SunClan territory."

A badger? Please let me go fight it! Please, Flowerstar, please!

"It was near Jagged Rocks," Thornpelt explained, standing up. "It wasn't very old and wasn't very big. A simple patrol could drive it out easily."

"I'll lead it," Blazeheart stepped forwards. He was the deputy after Tigertail had died. He looked around for cats to join. "Lionclaw you can come with me...and-"

"I want Willowpaw to join," Thornpelt interrupted, shocking Dawnpaw. Willowpaw? But she's so weak! She won't be able to fight a badger!

"Are you kidding?" Blazeheart echoed Dawnpaw's thoughts, but not in the same way. Dawnpaw thought Willowpaw was weak, but Blazeheart just thought Willowpaw was young.

"I can fight!" Willowpaw protested but Dawnpaw heard fear in her voice.

"She's strong, she can handle it," Thornpelt pushed. "You can't always protect her. She's going to be a warrior. In fact, this will be her warrior assessment."

"What about me?" Dawnpaw couldn't let Willowpaw become a warrior before her.

"I think this is okay," Rainears mewed. "Turtlepaw can go along as well and this can be their warrior assessment."

"Same with Dawnpaw," Redclaw added.

"Alright, then it's decided, I guess," Blazeheart looked weary but he issued his orders.

"If Willowpaw and Turtlepaw are going, then I'm going too," Windflight interrupted.

What about...me...

"Is this patrol alright with you? Me, Windflight, Lionclaw and my kits," Blazeheart checked with Flowerstar.

Lionclaw padded over to Dawnpaw and she jumped. No cat willingly approached her anymore. He was the first. Not even Thornpelt talked with her anymore.

"Think about it, when you come back, you'll be a warrior!" Lionclaw nudged Dawnpaw.

"I guess," she brushed him away and stalked over to Blazeheart, ignoring his hurt and confused look.

They walked for a bit before catching the badger's scent. It loomed into view, and Dawnpaw had to admit she was a little nervous.

"It's huge!" Willowpaw gasped.

"Are you scared?" Dawnpaw sneered, trying to cover up how scared she was herself.

"That's Thornpelt's definition of small?" Windflight growled.

"We should go get a bigger patrol," Turtlepaw suggested.

"No way! We're big enough to defeat it. We won't back down!" Dawnpaw spoke over Turtlepaw.

"We can do this," Blazeheart flattened to the ground. "On my signal."

Dawnpaw and the others spread out around the badger, making sure to stay hidden. They needed the advantage of stealth.

"Now!"

Dawnpaw ran towards the badger, noting how her father had already raked its shoulders. The badger swept its huge paws at Willowpaw and Dawnpaw pretended she didn't see her sister crumple to the ground. Turtlepaw will take care of her. Just like always.

The cats attacked it at all angles, swiping its fur and injuring it. Dawnpaw kept risking her life, but the thrill of the battle kept her rejuvenated. She leapt for its neck and it turned to face her, ready to take her life.

A body slammed into hers. Blazeheart.

Dawnpaw's father took her place as the badger closed its jaws on his body, holding him firm.

"Blazeheart!" Windflight cried.

The badger shook Blazeheart around, drops of blood falling onto the soft floor. All Dawnpaw could do was watch in horror.

Finally, the badger released Blazeheart. Dawnpaw was still frozen, even as Willowpaw and Windflight dashed over to Blazeheart's body, Turtlepaw and Lionclaw holding the badger off.

"Windflight! Watch out!" Turtlepaw suddenly screamed.

Dawnpaw felt the wind be knocked out of her as the badger grabbed her, throwing her in the air, on its path to Windflight. She flew through the air and landed a few fox-lengths away from Turtlepaw with a sickening snap. She didn't feel any pain, but she couldn't move her limbs at all. She stared at Blazeheart's unmoving body, willing him to get up. Despite everything, he was her father.

The wind knocked out of her, she closed her eyes and waited for death to take her.

PART SIX:

Dawnpaw opened her eyes next to see the medicine den. She sat up wearily, noting how her body ached.

"Hello?" she mewed uncertainly. Her voice sounded raspy. I probably haven't spoken in ages.

The den was dark, so it was probably night. Dawnpaw dragged her body out to see the full moon shining above her. They're at a gathering.

But suddenly, the thundering of paws made her fur fluff out. A dozen cats raced into the camp, a hostile scent on their fur.

AshClan. They're attacking our camp.

Dawnpaw felt fear-scent fill the air. Her own. She managed to hide in the medicine den after waking a few cats up. The shrill yowls of battle and hisses of pain filled the evening air.

StarClan, please help our Clan. All the cats are at the gathering and we have no warriors to defend us.

After a while, the SunClan cats sprinted into the camp. Their expressions were horrified as they stared at the AshClan cats attacking their Clanmates. They reacted as one, jumping into the battle.

Dawnpaw scanned the Clan, noting who was missing. Two, and they stood up greatly. Thornpelt – her idol. Flowerstar – her leader. Willowpaw and Turtlepaw – her littermates.

Dawnpaw suddenly remembered that her father was most likely dead. Her heart dropped but she couldn't let herself fall apart right now. She limped across the camp, following Thornpelt's scent, which she had memorized long ago.

She found them in a small clearing. Flowerstar was staring at Thornpelt with an injured expression. Willowpaw and Turtlepaw stood by her side defensively.

They're huge! How long was I out?

"Thornpelt, how could you?" Flowerstar seemed confused. She swayed on her paws, almost uncertainly.

"You're too weak," Thornpelt hissed. "All of you. Especially you, Willowleaf. I specifically asked Flowerstar to make your warrior name Willowthorn, but she insisted that Willowleaf was better. Willowleaf, what a pathetic name. You were supposed to continue in my pawsteps. My heir."

Willowpaw, no, Willowleaf backed away. "I trusted you! I never spoke up against you! Even when you injured me during training. But you killed our parents."

It all hit Dawnpaw at once.

Firstly, Thornpelt wanted to kill Flowerstar and her littermates.

Secondly, her littermates were warriors, and she wasn't.

Thirdly, her parents were dead, never to return.

Thornpelt noticed her standing in the shadows and beckoned her. She obeyed immediately, padding into the clearing.

"Dawnpaw, what will you choose? Will you help them-" he flicked his tail at them. "Kill me, or will you help me?"

Dawnpaw's head spun as she considered her options. There could only be one outcome. Her family, or her friend. Her family, who had abandoned her, yet her kin. Or her friend, who hadn't been her friend lately, yet had been the one cat who had cared about her.

Who was she going to choose?

Willowleaf stared at her, whispering. "Sorry for everything. Please forgive me."

Turtlepaw, or whatever his name was now, pleaded her with his eyes.

Flowerstar sat on the ground, staring at the ground, dejected.

And Thornpelt's eyes gleamed with interest as he tapped his tail on the ground, waiting for her response. "Come on," he encouraged.

Dawnpaw squeezed her eyes shut before taking a step towards...

Thornpelt. 

A/N : THE ACTUAL STORY: 

https://www.wattpad.com/story/99772831-dawnstar%27s-trouble-complete ( this belongs to @DawnfireOfSkyClan )

This was very fun to write ! Word count: 4962 words

It was very interesting to see what would've happened if Dawnkit hadn't been driven by her sister's death to become leader. I feel as if she could've potentially become the bad guy, which is how I've written it. And if Thornpelt had been her friend when she was younger and lonely and naive as a kit, she would've become friends with him, rather than enemies. Of course, there are many other ways this could've been interpreted.

The style in which I've written it in contains many time skips (part 1, part 2, etc), as the whole book is very long and definitely would exceed the word limit if I did all of Dawnstar's Trouble. 

Also, just a short list of things that I planned but never managed to incorporate into the story due to length, or a small analysis of some things;

- Dawnpaw would earn her warrior name, but since she fell into a coma, her littermates earned it before her. Since in this what if, Willow and Turtle don't really care about her, they wouldn't have delayed their own ceremonies for her. I think Dawnpaw was roughly in a coma for around 10 chapters in Dawnstar's Trouble. I really have no idea how many moons that would be ;0. Her warrior name could've still been Dawnfire, but I also believe that it could've been something like Dawnstorm or Dawnclaw. -fire works, though.

- Dawn and Lion would've gotten together eventually. At the start, I wasn't sure if I was going to make them get together, but Lionclaw being Thornpelt's nephew and looking up to him, I guess it does make some sense that he would be on Thornpelt's team. They might not have named their kits the same things, as Falconkit was named to get rid of Falconclaw's legacy. Dawn and Lion would've supported Falconclaw, so probably wouldn't have named Falconkit Falconclaw. 

- I know that Willow's warrior name was supposed to be Willowthorn, but that was in a AU when she would be still ferocious, and would eventually love battle. In this, Dawnpaw is that cat, so I couldn't have Willowthorn sounding fierce if she actually wasn't. Almost dying can impact your life dramatically. I do think that Willow would have learned that she had almost died, probably during Dawn's coma, which is just another reason she would've disliked Dawn for. Willow having the name Willowleaf would be much more suitable for her personality in this.

If you've read this to the end, thank you! Also - sorry if this was a little too long. I can't really write short stories tbh.