Howling Wolf

Chapter 19: Hero's Memories

Willows POV

I woke up to see the dim sunlight coming through the branches. I walked out seeing that only me and Star was left, and on the horizon was a cloud then that definitely means a storm is coming. I see Smokey and Ocean coming thorough the barrier with fresh kill in their jaws. 

Hey guys I said cheerfully! Smokey layed his fresh kill down carefully and said Hey come on the apprentices are meeting in the tunnel today. OK I said, quickly heading toward the barrier. As we walked through the forest I thought about the gathering that will happen tonight. 

We quickly reached the tunnel and the familiar darkness gathered as we put the rock back over the hole. As soon as we reached the edge of the tunnel I see the other apprentices except Honey because of her chores and she will be informed later. I sat down next to Flame for the first time in days thinking on how our apprentice duties pulled us apart.

I feel him shift his weight to were our fur was touching. The familiar warmth came over me again as I see the longing to see me in his eyes. I quickly sweep my gaze over each of the apprentices. Storm was next to Star, Ocean next to Gold, and Smokey sat next to Bramble but there was still a few spaces away and he asked So what shall we talk about? How about the Gathering suggested Bramble. We all nodded and I said how about the war as well, Maybe we could think of strategies to go against warriors.

The others pondered this and Ocean said breaking the silence first what will happen if another battle happens in a gathering. I just hope the other tribes have enough since to join us when they see Bear said Flame grimly. The others fell silent again at this and everyone left it there to think on there own thoughts that flooded each of their minds. She suddenly heard a voice you will lose everything and flashes of each of her family members with blood glistening on their coats with their eyes lifeless staring at her. She felt numbly a small tremor pass through her body. She barely felt Flame gently push himself closer to her.

Well said Gold breaking the long silence we will fight for justice, the peace of the tribes and most of all the ones we love. They all bowed their heads solemnly. Well I said feeling courage rising up from some unknown source. I slowly got up and finished my statement saying if their is going to be a battle how about we work on some of those moves we were thinking about. With that everyone nodded and stood up. So? said Bramble who's going first?

Me and Storm said Ocean. Storm nodded and they both got into familiar positions. As soon as Storm was ready Ocean was already a step ahead of him and they rolled across the floor. As soon the broke apart Storm ran up and tried to jump on Oceans back but Ocean rolled away and with claws sheathed he hit Storm's ear with a quick swipe then he nipped him in the back leg. After a few more minutes they broke apart saying it was a tie.

Next was Star and Gold. Gold soon rushed into the bushes behind her and left Star looking around for her as soon as Star looked the other way Gold jumped out and pushed Star down and they rolled around till Star over powered Gold and pinned her. But Gold wasn't finished and pushed Star's back legs out from her and rolled over and gave her a quick nip. They soon ended the spar with Gold winning.

After them was Smokey and Flame. I saw Smokey dart to the left and Flame jumped at him trying to pin him but Smokey nimbly dodged and nipped Flames back leg. Flame turned to swipe but Smokey has already hidden in the shadows to hide his pelt. Flame tried to see him but failed. Like Star he looked away and Smokey jumped on him trying to over power him. But Flame finally pinned him and the battle ended. Nice tricks Smokey Flame said through his gasped. Thanks and they went to sit down again.

Next was me against anyone I chose. I rose and said me against Smokey and Ocean. The others looked at me with shock. Why.. Why would you want to try that asked Gold. Because I almost got double teamed if it wasn't for Ocean I responded dryly. The others nodded in understanding and Smokey crouched next to Ocean and I went to the other side of the clearing and as soon as everyone was in position I ran and jumped at the last minute I jumped up over both of them and spun around and jumped again onto Ocean and knocked him out of the circle after he was out I turned and saw Smokey lunging at her. She dogged and nipped his leg. He soon managed to barrel into her and he pinned her down. They ended the spar with a tie. Come on guys it's sun high said Gold heading towards the tunnel.