Ghosts of the Clans

Chapter 2

"There's a badger near the training hollow! We need help!" shrieked Weaselpaw as he dashed into the camp. His ginger tabby pelt was spiked with terror. Instantly, Tallstar ordered, "Gorsetail, Robinwing and Thistlepaw, come with me! The rest of you, guard the camp in case the badger comes."

Antkit watched the four cats dash out of the camp, their belly brushing the ground as they ran. Suddenly, an idea struck Antkit. He whispered to Leafkit, "Why don't we follow them? I want to see the warriors fight!" His brother snorted and scorned, "You know that we can't do that, Antkit. Stop trying to prove yourself."

Hearing the taunt in his mew, Antkit was now even more determined to prove Leafkit wrong. If the others needed help, he could run back to fetch help! If Tallstar knew, he might even make Antkit an apprentice! He would be able to gloat in the other kits' faces now.

Glancing around to ensure that no cat was watching, Antkit slid out of camp, tasting the air. He hurried towards the training hollow, excitement filling him. This is like a real warrior mission!  Wait until Leafkit finds out that I'm better than him, he thought jubilantly

Antkit heard the sounds of battle before he saw it. The sharp tang of blood filled the air and Antkit cautiously crept towards it, peeking through a gorse bush...

Tallstar was on the badger's back, clawing furiously. There was a gash on Weaselpaw's nose and Webfoot was limping heavily, but otherwise they seemed fine.

Suddenly, the badger froze, then bucked, throwing Tallstar off. It then lumbered-to Antkit's direction! Freaked out, he let out a shrill wail and fled, but tripped over a gorse. A thorn pierced his paw, but Antkit was too frightened to care. The badger bored down on him, snarling.

"Get away from that kit!" Gorsetail hurtled out and fastened her teeth into the badger's throat, dragging it away. Thistlepaw, her sister, joined in, swiping at its hindquarters. The badger bucked again, throwing Gorsetail off. The pale gray-and-white tabby she-cat was flung to the ground, her light blue eyes startled. The badger advanced towards her, a paw raised...

"Get away from her!" howled Thistlepaw, thrusting herself into the badger's path and scoring her claws at its eyes. It let out a gutteral howl, and just then Tallstar and Webfoot arrived, driving the badger away.

Panting, Tallstar turned to Antkit, his amber eyes blazing with rage. "Antkit! Why are you here?" he questioned, evidently taking an effort to appear calm. Antkit opened his mouth, but before he could stammer something to his Clan leader, Thistlepaw let out a weak moan. "Tallstar, we've got to get her to Barkface!" Gorsetail mewed anxiously. The gray-and-white she-cat's spiky fur was plastered to her sides with blood, which streamed continuously from a deep wound.

Tallstar gave her a tense nod and gave Antkit one last glare before assisting Robinwing in carrying her back. Thistlepaw was barely conscious, her tail dragging on the ground.

Oh StarClan, what have I done? Antkit wailed to himself wretchedly.