Warriors: Into The Shadows

Chapter 6

 Nightpaw glance at Badgerfang and Runningnose before sitting down. Maybe this is a test of some sort. See if he knew about clan culture. Good thing he asks Littlepaw about medicine cats, otherwise he would fail.

"I won't fight Runningnose. He's a medicine cat and Littlepaw told me medicine cats don't fight." He look at them again as their whiskers is twitching with amusement.

"That is correct, if this was any other clan. Unlike the others, we train even our medicine cats in warrior skills. You see, long ago there was this ThunderClan cat. She went crazy and during a half moon meeting, killed her own medicine cat for some reason. Sloefur, the ShadowClan medicine cat at the time, found his body right by the Moonstone. Anyway when Sloefur was late coming back, he told the leader at the time what happened. Forgot who was the leader at the time but they felt it was best for all medicine cats to learn warrior skills." Badgerfang explain with a nod to Runningnose.

"This is so we can defend ourselves in case the camp is attack. We do have claws too. Makes no sense not to learn since we are important to the wellbeing of our clan. Today we are just learning basic skills so it not like you can hurt me." Runningnose went to one end of the hollow, waiting for Nightpaw to take his place.

Nightpaw went to the other end, looking at Badgerfang for instructions. Badgerfang show him a front paw blow as he stood next to him. Nightpaw's claws was sheathed for this technique. Badgerfang had to correct his stance so his blows had power behind the hits. He had to do ten correct blows with each front paw before moving on to the next technique. Runningnose also gave him advice, knowing how hard it is for someone who never fought with techniques before. Nightpaw felt the muscles within his paws getting tiring. They rest a bit before Badgerfang show him how to do a back kick. He watch closely, seeing Badgerfang check behind him before letting loose a kick using both back paws, balancing carefully on his front paws. He quickly got into the pose, watching his mentor check his stance, nosing a leg that wasn't right. Badgerfang told him to close his eyes, use his whiskers, tail and ears to sense when Runningnose is behind him.

He heard Runningnose coming close, his ears moving to track him. He felt Runningnose gave his tail a nip and he let loose a back kick but fell while performing it. He open his eyes, giving a frustrated growl before going back into the pose. Who knew that this move would be so hard. He thought as he close his eyes again.

"Remember to use your tail for balance. It's going to take a few tries but you are doing great for your first time." Badgerfang encourage him. He try a few more times, managing to kick out before Runningnose nip his tail. He got the sense right but he falls every time. Badgerfang told him to head to a tree, and put his hind legs up on it but keep his front paws on the ground.

He did so, wondering why is he doing this. He asks and Badgerfang told him it was to get use to balancing on his front paws but with support. He nodded as he close his eyes, using his senses as well. They was still dull due to him spending his life in a den. Yes he can sense twolegs with no issue but other cats is going to take some time. He now can recognize most of ShadowClan scents. He open his eyes as he use his front paws to walk while keeping his back legs in the air. Despite falling a few more times, he got use to the feeling. The sun was setting when he is finally able to pull it off. Badgerfang asks him if he thinks he can spar using just those moves. He said yes as he also want to test himself.

After another break, Runningnose was ready at one end of the hollow. Nightpaw faced him, his tail and whiskers showing his excitement. The only rule is no claws and first one pinned loses. They both charge at each other when Badgerfang told them to start. He jump over Runningnose, landing behind him as he did a front paw blow on his hind leg. Runningnose use a back kick, hitting him hard. It cause him to land a few feet from him. Shaking his head, he quickly got up, sensing Runningnose behind him, he did a back kick of his own, feeling it hit. He turn around, aiming a lot of front paw blows on his head. Runningnose grin as he dodge these, his body moving like a snake as he knock Nightpaw off his paws. He quickly pin him, telling him he did good against a seasoned medicine cat. Letting him up, Runningnose check him over for any lasting bruise from the back kick. Nightpaw purr as he gave it his all. Maybe he would win if he knew more moves.