Forgive

Chapter 9 - Old Encounters

         Ferret darted after a plump shrew through the foliage of fallen colorful leaves and light winter frost. The cold didn't affect her as much because of her thick fur so she was a valuable asset during the cold times. She extended her paw and swiped at the rodent but failed miserably and the prey escaped into a pile of leaves. The trainee skidded to a halt and sighed, another missed chance. 

         Ripplespots stalked up to her and shook his head, "Tsk, tsk, tsk," he gazed into the vegetation where the shrew disappeared, "Think of prey like an opponent. Though they cannot fight back, they will always be faster than you and sneakier. So brute strength and battling skills won't be as useful. You need to track ahead and plan their moves, strategy is key." He unsheathed and sheathed his claws, "I know you have strategy. But not in hunting." He turned away and commanded, "Again."

         "But, I've been practicing since late afternoon!" Ferret whined.

         "No," he growled, "You have to at least be decent at hunting! Colder weather is upon us and we can't have you messing up hunts at such crucial times. You haven't even caught a single piece since the beginning of your training!" He sighed and his voice softened, "I know you can do this. You're excellent at fighting. Some may even say a prodigy, but you can not become a protector without even having decent hunting skills as well. Ivysting will cut no slack." Ripplespots paused and glared at the sun's position, "Again! We'll try a few more times and return to camp."

         After a few more times of bad luck, Ripplespots and Ferret rejoined Minnowbloom, Drift, and Daffodil. 

         Minnowbloom grinned proudly and announced, "Daffodil caught a starling with outstanding form!"

         "What about Drift?" Ripplespots narrowed his eyes at the older trainee.

         The ginger point molly seemed unfazed, "Oh, he was stalking a blackbird but slipped on the branch. Of course he did land on his feet, but his legs took quite a toll so he was unable to continue hunting. What about Ferret?" The ginger trainee ducked away at the comment, embarrassed.

         Ripplespots grumbled, "You should be more careful with them. And we'll have to work on climbing I see."

         "Oh he'll be fine!" 

         "Whatever you say dear," he smiled at Minnowbloom affectionately. "Ferret here, has still not caught something. We'll have to take some more serious measures soon."

         Seeing her friend's discomfort, Daffodil softly nudged Ferret and comforted, "I'm sure you'll catch one soon enough." The cream molly then wrinkled her muzzle and frowned, "Do you smell that?"

         "Glade Colony..." breathed Ripplespots.

         And as if by command, a patrol of Glade Colony cats ambushed the hunting group. Six felines, as quick as lightning tackled them down and a fury of claw slashes, bites, and kicks began. Ripplespots was battling two cats and a panicked Minnowbloom ordered, "Ferret and Daffodil, fight together. I want you two to keep close and let Ferret take the lead. Drift, hold your stance and don't try any offensive moves unless your certain you'll be okay." Her voice then trailed off as she bit a ginger tom.

         The two molly trainees stood back to back with each other as they were approached by a grey point siamese she-cat.

         "I'm scared!" whimpered Daffodil.

         Ferret was bristling in fury and excitement, "We'll be fine." She stared at her friend, "Trust me."

         Daffodil nodded and gave a weak smile in effort to hid her anxiety.

         The grey-pointed felines swiped at Ferret's face but the trainee ducked and bite her opponent's left foreleg. The Gladeclan raked her back and Ferret yowled in pain causing her to release her grip. Daffodil in response clawed at her ears and the molly retreated for a bit. She circled around and lunged at Daffodil who failed to block herself. Ferret bit her shoulder and kicked her with her hind-legs, though the attack was not very successful it caused their opponent to let go.

         "I don't think we can keep this up for long." grunted the cream trainee.

         The siamese scanned the two trainees and went after Ferret, pinning her down. She stared into Ferret's amber eyes and gasped, "Marigold?"

         "How? How- do you know her?"

         "Marigold! You're alive!" exclaimed the feline in a hysterical laugh, "It's me! Your friend Heatherglide!"

         Panicking, Ferret stammered, "I'm not Marigold. I'm her daughter." She kicked the crazed feline off.

         "Do you know her?" frowned Daffodil.

         "Ar- Are you sure?" A sudden realization hit, "Oh. She told me about you. You ruined her life!" Heatherglide clawed Ferret's right shoulder. "She died protecting you! She would be alive if you were never born!" She smiled, "I'll avenge her though." She leaned forward, teeth bared towards Ferret's throat.

         A flash of fur flew past Ferret and landed with a sickening thud next to her.

         Heatherglide's eyes widened, "No-" She rushed to the feline who had saved Ferret and cried, "Why did you do that!"

         The dark grey tom weakly sighed, "Marigold would not have wanted you to do that."

         "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE YOU MOUSE-BRAIN!" the Gladeclan molly screamed. Heatherglide whipped her head around and threatened, "You will pay Ferret!"

         Startled the two trainees backed away and turned to a sprint once Ripplespots called out to retreat.

Picture above is Heatherglide.

Sorry for taking forever!!!

So umm, another cat. I feel like I have too many secrets in this book now. Well, I have two other books planned to explain them. Hopefully this won't come back to bite me.

Anyway, thoughts on Heatherglide?!?!