Cloverpaw's Shadow

Chapter 2

Several moons later

"Cloverkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Cloverpaw." Finchstar paused thoughtfully. "Your mentor will be Firefang. I hope he will pass down all he knows onto you."

Cloverpaw watched as Firefang came to touch noses. She stood beside him, feeling proud as cheering went up around the clearing. "Foxpaw! Cloverpaw!"

Cloverpaw watched as Finchstar bounded down from the Highrock, and the clan began to disperse. She had received her apprentice name at last. After waiting so long!

Someone cleared their throat behind her. She spun around, and saw Firefang, her mentor, standing there. She blinked. "Are we going to explore the territory now?" She asked him.

He sighed. "Yes." Turning around, he headed for the thorn tunnel. Following him, Cloverpaw felt the excitement of leaving the camp. She had never been out in the forest before, and now she was going to explore it! Her territory.

Firefang said little as they headed towards the edge of the trees. He explained where the borders were at, and tested her on her scenting skills, but otherwise he was very quiet. Cloverpaw didn't know what to think of this cat. She felt a little unsettled at his silence.

Something is coming.

She froze. "Firefang? Did you say something?"

He turned back to her. "No."

She felt confused. "But I heard something!"

 He growled. "It was in your imagination. Now stop standing there and lets get moving."

She felt her fur heat up. He probably thought her delusional now.

They started walking again, and the same voice filled her mind.

Trouble is ahead.

She was sure she wasn't imagining it this time. She bit her tongue and focused on her mentor, halting as a scent, bitter and unfamiliar, washed over her. "Firefang?" She asked him. "What's this?"

Firefang sighed and came back over to her. He stopped dead in his tracks though, when he picked up the scent too. Cloverpaw could see fear in his eyes.

"Firefang?" She questioned.

He didn't speak for a long time. Finally, he answered her with a quaver in his voice.

"Badger." 

***

Firefang took off and Cloverpaw raced after him. "What are we going to do about it?" She asked. She had heard about badgers, and she knew they were big, scary creatures. She sped up, trying to catch up to Firefang.

"We have to tell Finchstar that the badger is back. " He replied.

Back? Cloverpaw thought. She shook her head. Keeping her eyes focused ahead, she didn't see where she was going and crashed into a tree. She blinked, staggering back dazed. Firefang was gone, already racing away. Cloverpaw looked around. She didn't know this part of the forest, but she knew it had to be Thunderclan territory. She started to panic when she couldn't pick up Firefang's scent.

"Hello?" She whispered. No reply.

She closed her eyes. "Help me."

The branches creaked and the leaves rustled. "Cloverpaw," A raspy voice said.

Cloverpaw glanced up. She saw a massive black tabby standing over her. The trees around her suddenly looked much scarier. The sun had gone.

"Wh- Who are you?" She quivered under his stare.