Ashwings legacy

Chapter 2

   "Right now." Ashpaw gasped as Skystar lunged at him, his claws unsheathed.
Ashpaw clumsily rolled to the side to dodge, he felt claws graze his pelt as he scrambled to his paws and bolted away. I have to lose them, I can't look for the hostages if I'm being chased by them! He raced between trees and glanced back to see Shadowstar hot on his tail and Thunderstar not far behind. He pushed himself to run faster, using his claws to grip the ground as he weaved through the forest.
He looked over his shoulder again, Thunderstar was now gone from view, but Shadowstar was still tailing him. He must have fallen behind, he's not known for his speed after all. His pelt suddenly burned with anxiety as he came to another thought. Where did Skystar go? He glanced up and caught I glimpse of silver fur moving from branch to branch. He's above me! Skystar dropped down in front of him, readying himself to stop Ashpaw in his tracks.
Ashpaw skidded and tried to change direction but was going too fast. He saw Skystar raise his paw for a strike and gave up on trying to stop, instead bunching up the muscles in his hind legs and launching himself into the air. He flipped over Skystar, dodging his blow and landing on his paws behind him. He took the chance to lunge foward and ram Skystar as he turned, sending him skidding strait into Shadowstars legs as she tried to stop.
He turned and ran away, glancing back to see the two leaders in a tangled mess of legs and fur. He felt triumph bubbling within him and he smiled. I actually got away! Now I can look for the hostag- his thoughts were interrupted as he slammed into something. He was sent sprawling back and looked up and say Thunderstar massive body towering over him. "Sorry kid." He said as he raised his massive paw with the intent of pinning him.
Ashpaw quickly scrambled underneath the massive tom before he could slam his paw down, and leaped onto his back. Thunderstar thrashed wildly, trying to throw the apprentice off of him, but to no avail. Ashpaw leaped from the leaders back and scrambled up a tree.
He watched from above as Thunderstar reoriented himself and scanned the trees for him. Thunderstar seemed unaware that he'd climbed up into the high branches and hung his head in defeat. I should get out of here before he scents me. He carefully leaps from branch to branch, tasting the air for the scents of Riverstar and Windstar.
He caught a faint scent of Windstar and followed her trail from the trees. I've got it, Windstar must be patrolling. The trail eventually lead to a clearing where he saw Riverstar guarding two Starclan cats acting as hostages for his assessment.
He watched from the tree line as Windstar returned from her patrol and reported to Riverstar. She nodded to him and bolted back into the trees to patrol once more. How will I get past Riverstar? His senses are impeccable, I wouldn't be surprised if he already knows I'm here. Ashpaw ponders his dilemma for a moment before coming to the conclusion that he has no choice but to face Riverstar.
He slowly climbed down from the tree and walked out into the clearing. Riverstar sits in front of the two hostage cats with his tail laying neatly over his paws. He tilts his head as Ashpaw approaches. "I didn't think you'd just walk right out, I assumed you would try something more stealthy." He says with a hint of amusement in his mew.
Ashpaws heart races as he faces him, he speaks strongly and clearly. "So you did know I was there."
Riverstar chuckled to himself. "Of course, I sensed you before Windstar had even returned."
Ashpaw sighed, and looked at Riverstar, desperately trying to think of a way to get the hostages away from him. "Riverstar... you are not one for fighting. Surely you are aware that I could defeat you easily in a battle."
Ashpaw tries to intimidate the leader but he keeps the same lighthearted smirk on his face. "Of course, but surely you are aware that I could at least hold you off until Windstar returns, and you'd certainly have trouble fighting both of us off."
Ashpaw held back a grimace. He's right, I have to think of something quickly! He got an idea and narrowed his eyes at Riverstar challengingly. "You're not a cat of violence Riverstar, so how about a wager?"
Riverstar flicked his ear in interest. "Oh? And what kind of wager did you have in mind?"
Ashpaw studied the toms' face but all he saw was Riverstars usual calm and collected smile, his eyes glistening with interest. "If I can tell you something you don't already know about the other 4 founders, you let the hostages go."
Riverstar thought for a moment, considering the challenge. "Very well, I accept. But you only get three chances, and if you fail you must forfeit your assessment."
Ashpaw swallowed hard at the thought of failing his assessment after already accomplishing so much. "Deal." He says.
Ashpaw thinks about all he knows of his mentors, trying to find something that Riverstar might not know. He suddenly remembers a story Gray Wing, Skystars brother, told him a few days ago. "Did Skystar ever tell you that he once had to fight off three eagles with the rest of the mountain cats?"
Riverstar smiled wider, and Ashpaw felt a knot in his chest as he responded. "Yes, in fact, that very battle is what caused skystars first mate, Bright Stream, to lose her life."
Ashpaw felt defeated already. He didn't even know Skystar had a mate before he, Gray Wing, Shadowstar, and the others had arrived at the forest territory. I have to think of something else fast... Before he could think of another fact, Riverstar spoke again. "You haven't much time young one, Windstar should be on her way back by now."
Ashpaw knew he was right, he had to hurry this up or he would have to face Windstar, and she wasn't as willing as Riverstar was to resolve things peacefully.
He searched his mind for any small whisker of information that Riverstar wouldn't know, then it hit him. Shadowstar! He remembered something she had told him a while back. "I'm kind of embarrassed to tell you this, as I've never told anyone before. Not even my closest friends, but since we're sharing..." She had said.
Ashfur felt his confidence return and he looked at Riverstar, a challenge in his gaze. "Did you know, that Shadowstar once had a huge crush?"
Riverstar looked surprised at his words. "I can't say I have, who was it?"
Ashlaw couldn't help but smile wide as he realized he'd won. "Gray Wing. She had a crush on Gray Wing before she left the mountains, but didn't make a move because he didn't want to leave with them." He responded, his tail waving happily as excitement surged through him.
Riverstar chuckled, smiling happily as well. "Well then, if that is indeed true, than you have passed. I'll have to confirm with Shadowstar just to be sure. Speaking of..."
He broke off as the other leaders burst from the tree line into the clearing. Windstar spoke first. "Riverstar! Has he defeated you?" She asked anxiously.
"I don't know yet." He responded.
"What do you mean you don't know yet?" Windstar questioned, confusion in her voice.
Riverstars gaze moved to Shadowstar and her eyes widened as he called to her. "Shadowstar, may I speak with you for a moment? I must ask you a question, and your answer will determine whether Ashpaw has passed or not, so please answer truthfully."
Ashpaw saw her pelt prick with anxiety as she nodded, they both took a few paces away from the group until they were out of ear shot. Ashpaw saw Shadowstar stiffen as Riverstar confirmed what he'd said. She nodded and they both turned and walked back to the group, Shadowstar looked flustered while Riverstar looked very amused. "Well, it seems that Ashpaw has indeed passed his assessment." He announced proudly.
Ashpaw beamed, his pelt felt warm with pride and triumph, he'd finally be a full warrior. He wondered what his warrior name would be, and which of his mentors would give it to him. He gazed into the sky, and thought of his mother, wondering if her spirit was somehow still out there watching him from another place. I did it mother, I'm going to be a real warrior!