Ghosts of the Clans

Epilogue

"Come here, Antpelt." Brokenstar ordered. Swallowing, he obeyed the dark brown tabby tom and padded forward to stand beside himm.

Brokenstar turned to Ivypool. "You fought him once before, and Antpelt lost. Can you beat him again?" Antpelt's neck fur began to bristle in anticipation. Of course I'll win against Ivypool! I've been training way more than she is now.

He watched through slitted amber eyes as Ivypool steeled herself, took a deep breath, and sprang. Antpelt reared up to meet the silver-and-white tabby she-cat; as she slammed into his belly he grasped her shoulders, raking his claws through her fur.

To Antpelt's surprise, Ivypool let herself fall backward, and batted at his belly, gouging out tufts of his brown fur. Screeching, he rolled away, but when Ivypool scrambled to her paws he rolled back towards her, slashing his thorn-sharp claws down her flank. 

Antpelt swiped continuously at the silver-and-white tabby she-cat, but he had forgotten about his tail. She bit down hard on it, causing Antpelt to let out a pained yowl. Perhaps I can trick her, he plotted, and allowed himself to lay on the ground, looking beaten.

Ivypool didn't even hesitate before falling for the trick. In an instant, Antpelt slid beneath her as she leaped in, and squashed her to the soil. "I can't believe you fell for that old trick, mange-breath," he sneered. Drawing back his lips to reveal his fangs, Antpelt prepared to kill Ivypool-but with a strong heave, she threw Antpelt off!

Trying to find his feet, his breath was knocked out of him as Ivypool slammed Antpelt to the ground and lifted one paw, obviously to kill him. No! Swallowtail...Willowclaw... Fear flashed in his amber eyes, and Ivypool looked away, bringing down her paw.

Warm blood flowed over the wound, and Antpelt spasmed once, gritting his teeth in agony. Then, he felt his surroundings begin to fade. Everything became blurred...

It was time for his final resting place