Crowpaw padded through the small area of wood that inhabited the valley, his head bobbing along to the melody of insects around him. Leaf-bare was just around the bend, and the scarce food was becoming scarcer. In order to survive, every clan cat who could hunt was ordered to kill every prey item they laid their eyes on. Of course, there was still never enough. The clans were going hungry, but the canyon was the best place they had. The safety is worth a few rumbling stomachs

The apprentice's black, furry head clashed against the auburn and red blankets around him, his blue eyes twinkling against the sunlight. But Crowpaw felt anything but his appearance. Inside, he had the feeling of dread. It's that feeling when you first step into your empty house, that moment when you're driving alone through the woods. Its not the feeling of silence, so to say. That's the feeling that blooms after a death. It's the feeling of being truly alone.

Eventually, Crowpaw lifted his head away from his thoughts, the putrid smell of mice cutting through the sky. He sprang into action, trying to push a side that feeling as he pounced on the mouse. For a moment, he hesitated. The mouse was just trying to do what he and his clan did, to survive. He closed his eyes, ignoring his screaming self conscious as he tore into the mouse, killing it quickly. He slowly opened them again, the blue twinkle replaced with the faintest hint of red. The mouse lay dead in front of him, It's tiny eyes rolled back into its head.

"I apologize, mouse. But your sacrifice will be greatly appreciated in my clan," Crowpaw said softly, picking up the mouse in his jaws. It was customary for his clan, ValleyClan, to thank their prey for their sacrifice. It was made a rule after Crowpaw brought it up to his father, Pointedstar. "You will feed the young kits of our clan, and help them live up to their legacy." He said softly.

Crowpaw picked up the deceased mouse and took another smell of the crisp air around him. Absolutely nothing, other than the scent of death, of course. He would have to tread miles before finding another skinny mouse. It simply wasn't worth it. With one small peak into the sky above, splattered with clouds, he turned around and began the walk back to his clan.

Author's note

Oh my Tigerstar, it's been a while hasn't it? This chapter was painfully short, but I wanted to get something out to everyone as soon as possible. I won't even lie, it's been so long I've forgotten the plot of the entire story. But do not fret, my little warriors. I'll make a new one following the pieces of the puzzle I have right now. Until next time, may StarClan light your path. ~Poison