Ghosts of the Clans

Chapter 10

"Redpaw." Tigerstar greeted him the moment he arrived at the Dark Forest. "I see that you've had some hardships today." "Yes! Penny died just because of Pouncetail and the O Great Warrior Code... that's so mouse-brained!"

Tigerstar nodded approvingly, a signal for Redpaw to continue. "I wish I was Clan leader! I would have put Penny's mind at ease, and none of this would have happened! But... I'd have to wait till Blackstar died, then Russetfur... argh!" he let out a desperate moan of despair.

Tigerstar's amber eyes lit up. "I like the way you think, Redpaw. But again, who says that you have to wait?" The malice in the dark brown tabby tom's voice did not scare Redpaw at all, but energised him with ideas. He imagined sinking his claws into Pouncetail's throat, into Blackstar's, then Russetfur's... oh, how good would it be!

"Enough of that, Redpaw. Today we have another apprentice for you- Breezepaw." As the lean black tom padded from the bushes, he recognised him by the haughty look in his amber eyes, the strong, living WindClan scent from him. A living cat at last!

He crouched down, anticipation thrilling beneath his pelt. Breezepaw was half a moon older than him, but who cared? All that matters is skill, he found himself quoting Tigerstar. Breezepaw took a spot opposite him and jeered, "So puny. Are you sure you can fight, Redkit? Perhaps go back to the nursery with your beloved unknown mother?"

Rage boiling in his blood, Redpaw didn't even hesitate before leaping, twisting into the air to land on Breezepaw's shoulders. But the other apprentice had vanished, and before he would react, sharp claws raked his flank, drawing blood. "Weakling!" Breezepaw taunted before whipping away to grip his tail.

He's trying to rile me up, Redpaw realised, slowing his angry, quick intakes of breaths. His mind clearing, he charged, but when Breezepaw dodged nimbly, he flashed out a paw, hooking into the black tom's front leg and using it as a lever to jump swiftly onto his back.

Pummelling Breezepaw's spine with his hind claws, Redpaw felt a prick of satisfaction that quickly faded when Breezepaw shook him off easily, leaving him winded on the grass. He raked his belly, ignoring the younger cat's screeches. Redpaw thrashed from side to side, but was unable to throw the black-pelted WindClan apprentice off, while Breezepaw's amber eyes were alight with satisfaction, raking his belly mercilessly.

Just as he was about to give up to the more experienced apprentice, an idea flickered into his mind and he rolled, jerking to throw Breezepaw off and leaping to his paws quickly. While the black tom was still dazed, Redpaw fastened his claws to his shoulders and used his strong hind legs to kick at his belly, knocking him backward. His opponent let out a snarl, scoring his claws repeatedly across Redpaw's side, releasing a stream of blood.

Letting out a squeal, he let go, and the black-pelted WindClan tom slithered from underneath him, one paw raised to deal a blow. But Tigerstar stepped in between them. "Enough." he ordered, shoving them apart.

"Now, Breezepaw, you're far too complacent. Getting knocked over by someone smaller and younger than you- disappointing. And Redpaw, your temper! You let Breezepaw blind you with rage, leaving yourself vulnerable. What if that happened in battle? You'd be shredded." the dark brown tabby tom glared at both of the apprentices, who bowed their heads.

"I'll do better next time, Tigerstar," Redpaw vowed, meaning every word. As he began to fade, he let out an inward groan. Why did he always have to wake up in the warrior code following, weak Clan? The Dark Forest is so much better!

A call from Whitewater dragged him reluctantly to his paws as he headed outside, tail drooping. Yet another day of boring training awaited.