Unknown Mystery (Warrior Cats Fan Fiction)

Chapter 3

Leafpaw darted forward and slashed her sheathed claws against Maplepaw's flank. It had been a moon since she had became an apprentice. Many things had happened since then.

Three apprentices became warriors. Snakestripe, Pouncelight and Lakeshadow.

Leafpaw still remembered that day, when Blazepoppy was following a cat that she suspected it was Rosesplash. Leafpaw always wanted to talk to Rosesplash, but she was always too busy and mostly out of camp.

Leafpaw was jolted out of her thoughts as Maplepaw pounced on her and pinned her down.

"Stop daydreaming and focus!"

Leafpaw sighed, Embershade had been ever more fiercer since the hunt a moon ago.

Embershade's eyes were blazing with frustration. "If you would only focus!" Embershade growled.

Silverpool, Maplepaw's mentor, padded up to her, her eyes bright with approval. "You did well," Silverpool praised Maplepaw and then turned to Leafpaw. "That was a good dart in and slash."

Leafpaw dipped her head, grateful for the she-cat's kindness.

Embershade muttered something under his breathe and then padded to Leafpaw. "You've not been yourself," Embershade meowed, his voice suddenly gentle. "You can tell me."

Leafpaw looked away. "I'm fine," Leafpaw mumbled. "Let's try again, Maplepaw."

Maplepaw's eyes gleamed. "Don't worry," Maplepaw murmured, nudging Leafpaw. "I'll go easy."

Leafpaw shrugged. "Do what you want, I'm not losing this one."

Maplepaw smirked then lunged at her. Leafpaw barely dodged and Leafpaw aimed a well aimed blow to his flank.

Maplepaw fell off balanced and Leafpaw used the opportunity to jump on him and rake her claws on his ears.

"Hey!" Maplepaw yelped, his eyes wide and frantic as he tried to get back on four paws.

"That's enough," Embershade yowled as Leafpaw continued slashing his ears.

"My claws are sheathed!" Leafpaw complained, sliding off Maplepaw's back. "He should've been more prepared."

Maplepaw snorted and then started grooming his ruffled fur. "You were just lucky this time."

Silverpool flicked her tail to silence him. "It's time to go," Silverpool explained briskly. "Leafpaw that was a nice dodge."

Embershade stepped forward. "Sorry I was harsh on you," Embershade meowed, his voice softening. "But you must learn."

Leafpaw nodded and stared earnestly into Embershade's green eyes. "You're a good mentor," Leafpaw purred.

"You remind me so much of your mother," Embershade murmured. "She's a good fighter."

Leafpaw, Maplepaw, Embershade and Silverpool padded back to camp.

"What's going on between you and Embershade?" Maplepaw asked. "You obviously seem close."

Leafpaw looked surprised. "We're just friends," Leafpaw told him wearily. "Nothing else."

Maplepaw's eyes gleamed. "Are you sure, Leafpaw?" Maplepaw prompted.

"Yes!" Leafpaw snapped, losing her temper. "Stop asking me that!"

Maplepaw shrugged. "I was just wondering."

"How about you and Silverpool?" Leafpaw challenged.

Maplepaw's eyes widened. "N-No!" Maplepaw stammered. "We're just friends. Mentor and apprentice need to be friends."