Ivypool's Decision (COMPLETED)

Log Fighting

Ivypool opened her eyes to see the Dark Forest- it's tall, looming trees now familiar to her. "Greetings, Ivypool. Hawkfrost is busy today so I'll be taking over for now." Turning, she came face-to-face with Thistleclaw. Antpelt was beside him, his sharp claws raking the soil. 

"What are we doing, Thistleclaw?" the brown WindClan tom asked as Thistleclaw led them into the trees. "You'll see," came the mysterious reply. Ivypool and Antpelt exchanged a curious glance before following the gray-and-white tom into a clearing full of logs.

"Antpelt, you'll attack. Try to shove Ivypool to the top log. Ivypool, just defend yourself. You may begin." Thistleclaw ordered, sitting down on the grass and watching intently.

Before Ivypool could prepare herself, Antpelt charged, paws outstretched. However, his claws were sheathed, so he did no damage as he pushed her backward. Hissing, Ivypool lashed out and struck him a sharp blow to his shoulder, and he reared, a hurt expression in his eyes.

Recovering, Antpelt grabbed her neck and began hauling her upward, battering at Ivypool's face with his hind claws. Ducking as they flashed toward her eye, Ivypool struggled free and swiped at his hindquarters, but lost her balance and fell awkwardly.

Bracing herself for Antpelt's attack, she glanced up and realised that he was standing to one side, evidently waiting for her to get up. Weakling! She thought scornfully, though she still gave the WindClan tom a grateful nod.

A screech sounded behind her, and Thistleclaw barged past, snarling, "Coward! Is this how you treat your enemies?" Terrified, Antpelt scrambled to the topmost log and stood there, amber eyes fearful.

Fascinated, Ivypool watched coolly as Thistleclaw taunted-no, goaded- Antpelt into attacking him. But there was barely any challenge. Within heartbeats, Antpelt lay on the ground groaning, blood seeping from his shoulder. Thistleclaw raised an already bloody paw, ready to deal the death blow.

"Wait!" Ivypool dashed forward, her mind reeling and when Thistleclaw stared at her, she meowed, "If you kill Antpelt now, we'll have lost a warrior for the final battle. Weak or not, he can still be useful, can't he?"

Lowering his paw, Thistleclaw looked at her thoughtfully. "You're right, Ivypool. Hawkfrost trained you well; you'll make a valuable Dark Forest warrior. Now, let Antpelt get out of my sight!" Dipping her head respectfully to the savage cat as he stalked away, Ivypool felt a glow of pride. Turning to Antpelt, she attempted to soften her voice as she purred reassuringly, "Go back to sleep, Antpelt. I hope to see you tommorrow."

Stroking his injured shoulder, Antpelt finally let out a soft sigh and settled, fading away until only clots of blood remained. Straightening, Ivypool went off to search for Hawkfrost. She had an idea that could hugely benefit the Dark Forest...