Ghosts of the Clans (COMPLETED)

Chapter 9

"Alright, Antpaw. This is your final assessment. If you pass, you'll become a warrior by sunset today and Gorsetail's kits shall be apprentices tommorrow at sunhigh. Good luck!" Harespring instructed before disappearing behind a gorse bush with a cheerful swish of his tail. But for all his optimism, Antpaw could see that his bright blue eyes were dimmed with exhaustion, and he had smoothed his fur in some parts of his body to hide wounds.

But now, he had to focus on being a warrior first. Tasting the air, Antpaw smelled a hare, the tips of its ears barely visible against the long grass. Checking that the wind was blowing the correct way, he stalked forward a few steps... then pounce! His run and leap were timed brilliantly -he landed onto its spine and finished the hare off with a quick nip to its neck.

Digging a small hole and covering it with the long grass, Antpaw was startled when a rabbit came fleeing down a hill and right towards his waiting paws. Giving it a quick blow, Antpaw silently thanked StarClan, and the Dark Forest too, for teaching him well.

Soon, it would be time for his assessment to end. But Antpaw knew exactly what he wanted to catch -a lapwing. It was one of the hardest prey to hunt, and even skilled hunters found it difficult. Now, Antpaw was going to find one-and bring it back to camp. Leaftail and Breezepelt would be so impressed, their whiskers would fall out!

Sniffing the air, he realised with a twinge of disappointment that there were no lapwings within sight. Then I'll go find one! Haring across the moor, Antpaw felt his muscles bunching and stretching as he ran as fast as the wind. Finally, near the RiverClan border, there were three lapwings together.

Taking deep breaths to control his excitement, Antpaw crept forward, but his hind paw somehow fidgeted and got tangled in the grass, tripping him. He fell forward clumsily, trying to regain his balance, but the damage was done. The lapwings, alerted, darted away. Attempting to make up for the silly mistake, Antpaw hurriedly got up and began to run after them.

One lapwing, smaller than the rest, was falling behind. Yes! Grinning in triumph, Antpaw dove in for the kill. But unfortunately, he missed. The young lapwing disappeared into RiverClan territory with the others.

"It's okay, Antpaw. You'll still pass." Harespring came up to stand beside him, carrying the other pieces of prey. His tail drooping, Antpaw muttered miserably, "That's exactly what's wrong! I don't want to just pass- I want to be amazing! By catching the lapwing, I would have gained the respect of my Clanmates!"

Without waiting for his mentor's reply, Antpaw turned and stalked away.