A Prophecy Reborn

~~Chapter 7~~

   Firepaw was laying down finishing his vole next to the tree stump, stuck in his thoughts. He thought about his clanmates, then thought especially about Sandpaw and Graypaw. They could be targets for Tigerstar since they're so close to me. The thought of anything happening to them pained him, and he didn't want to think about it. He knew nothing should happen to Dustpaw because of him, as the two weren't close, even if they respected each other now. 

   He was interrupted from his thoughts by none other than Sandpaw sitting next to him. She looked at him and mewed, "You alright?" After not getting a response for a few seconds, Sandpaw spoke again, more seriously and nervously to him. "Come on, you know you can trust me. What's bothering you?"

   Firepaw looked up at her and mewed sadly, "I'm just scared for you, and Graypaw. You two could become targets for Tigerclaw since you're so close to me..." He looked her in the eyes, which only shown care and worry at the moment. She was so caring and loyal, but also stubborn and feisty. She was never afraid to voice her own opinions on something as well. There was so much about her that he loved.. He couldn't bare lose her or Graypaw, they were both extremely important to him.

   He was brought back to reality when Sandpaw licked his ear reassuringly before mewing, "Nothing will happen to me or Graypaw. We'll be fine." She added a bit louder, "I'm gonna go hunting since I have training in the evening. I'll see you later."

   "See you later, Sandpaw." Firepaw watched as Sandpaw walked away and out the gorse tunnel. A moment later, Graypaw came out of the apprentices' den. "Morning," Firepaw greeted him.

   "Morning! You excited for training?" Graypaw seemed incredibly eager to go battle training with Firepaw for the first time in their "new" lives.

   Firepaw looked at him and meowed, "Kind of. Something is just on my mind." He looked away.

   Before Graypaw could ask what it was, Lionheart came over to them with Tigerclaw a fox length behind him. "Time for training. Come on," Lionheart meowed.

   Graypaw looked at him and complained, "I didn't even get to eat yet!"

   Firepaw let out a mrrow of laughter and meowed to him, "You need to start waking up sooner!"

   The gray tom just grumbled and followed Lionheart who was waiting for them at the gorse tunnel. Firepaw quickly followed them.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Firepaw and Graypaw were training in the Sandy Hollow for a while, but Firepaw was lost in thought. Which one of my clanmates will he hurt next? The dishonorable fox-heart.. If he lays a single paw on Sandstorm or Graystripe I'll- He stopped his thoughts for a moment to calm down. Nothing will happen to them. We will get through this and be safe from Tigerclaw for good.

   The flame colored tom looked back at Lionheart who was talking. "-nd don't be obvious about where you plan on striking. Your opponent could anticipate it and counter it." Lionheart pointed his tail at Firepaw and meowed, "I want you to be the attacker first, Firepaw."

   Firepaw nodded in acknowledgement and turned to Graypaw, who gave a challenging stare. "Ready to lose?" He meowed.

   Firepaw looked at him and meowed determinedly, "Oh it's on!" Before Graypaw could completely focus, Firepaw was already swiping at his front paws to knock him down. Graypaw barely reared onto his hind legs in time to avoid the blow.

   Firepaw quickly took advantage of the situation, and, fast as lightning, jumped straight into Graypaw, barreling him over. They tumbled around for a second before finally, Graypaw was completely pinned down by Firepaw. "Some fight you put up," Firepaw joked.