Beyond the Mountains | A Warrior Cats Fanfiction

꧁ ✧ Chapter 30 ✧ ꧂

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Paws beat fast over the earth, stopping for a moment, before continuing to thunder through the trees as Willowpaw leapt over a pile of leaves, the air still after the storm. She leapt at a small, pale grey-brown she-cat, green eyes flashing. Willowpaw easily flattened the female feline, squashing her underneath. A muffled squeal enamated from her pelt, and Willowpaw jumped off, squeaking in surprise. The pale brown she-cat stood up, huffing.

''It's not fair, Goosefern. Willowpaw's way bigger than me!'' She complained to a white she-cat, who looked at her daughter, then to Willowpaw, then to a blue tomcat stood a little away.

''She's not wrong, Stormclaw. I mean, they're both as good as each other, but Willowpaw's the same age as you! It's not a fair fight. What do you think?''

Stormclaw furrowed his brow, looking at Willowpaw.

''I mean, it can't be long until they get their warrior assessments, but, take Tulippaw to train with the other apprentices in the Sandy Hollow. Me and Willowpaw will continue to train here.'' Goosefern dipped her head, flicking her tail for Tulippaw to follow as they bounded off into the trees.

''Attack me.'' Stormclaw lowered his head encouragingly. Willow crouched, her gaze fixated on his right shoulder. Stormclaw saw her point of aim, and she watched him slightly angle his stance accordingly. She flattened her ears, slitting her eyes. She remembered all her lessons, all the techniques she had learnt over the past three moons, and was now fully accustomed to the clan's way of life. She had even been to a gathering, where she was announced as a new apprentice. She bolted forward, leaping towards him. But instead of attacking him, she jumped over him, pouncing on a great maple tree's roots, and ricocheted off one, leaping back at him with stunning force. She bowled him clear over, tumbling to the ground with an Oomph. She got ready to pin him, but he kicked her away, shoving her backwards. She circled him and ran at him from the side. He tensed, leaning towards her, but she ducked under him, running underneath his belly, turning around, and simply pushing him over with her paws, before pressing them into his chest, pinning him.

''How was that?'' She asked, panting.

''That.. was good!'' He remarked, pushing her off.

''I think it's time for your warrior assessment.'' Stormclaw gazed into her eyes with warm intensity. She didn't notice.

''Really?'' She bounced on her toes. She whipped her tail, smiling at him.

''Yes.'' He purred, amused. ''You've done amazing to settle in. I'm proud of you.'' He stopped, his gaze tracing hers. ''I knew I liked you when I first saw you.''

Willowpaw smiled at the strange comment.

''Thank you for being such a great friend, Stormclaw.'' He ducked his head, seemingly disappointed and embarrassed. Willowpaw's pelt itched with awkwardity.

''No problem.'' He seemed to have the same issue as they both looked at their paws.

''Race you back to camp!'' She burst out, sprinting into the trees. I'm happy here. I miss Dandelion, Sunny, and the tribe. But this is my home now. She thought to herself, bounding through the trees. She looked up, birds soaring over the trees. Stormclaw caught up.

''Hey! Watch where you're going!'' His alarmed meow brought her attention back to the ground, and leapt just in time to not crash into a fallen tree.

''Thats new!'' She panted, slowing down.

''Must have fallen last night.'' He replied.

They approached the gorse tunnel, and ducked their heads and crawled in. A busy camp welcomed them, with a full freshkill pile, apprentences pulling dirty bedding from the elders den, and the senior warriors talking with the deputy. They approached, and warm gazes encouraged them closer.

''Sandwhisker, if you're not too busy, I'd like to chat.'' The other warriors mumbled at his informal tone, however the pale she-cat didn't seem to mind. Her dark hazel eyes glanced from Stormclaw to Willowpaw.

''I see.'' The she nodded in understanding. ''Well, we can have that talk now, if you wish. Come.'' Stormclaw dipped his head appreciatively and followed Sandwhisker to a shaded part of the clearing.

Willowpaw stood, next to all the senior warriors, licking her jaws nervously. However, they greeted her with pricked ears.

''How is your training going?'' A cat she recognised as Tigerfern asked, but before she could answer, another cat asked,

''Do you think you're ready for your warrior assessment?'' The she-cat almost bounced on her toes, and Willowpaw looked unsurely at the small group, not knowing who to answer first.

''Hush Poppysun, you're scaring her with all that excitement!'' He smiled, pushing her gently. A soft-looking tom smiled at her. Owlface. She remembered his name.

''My training is going very well thank you, I'm enjoying learning about your way of life.'' She looked in confusion when a few of them laughed, and she tilted her head.

''You know, you don't have to talk so formal around us! We're just like you, just stiff and sore!'' Flamewing, an elder, gave a raspy cough, and Brambleheart chuckled.

''He's right, we just act like that infront of Hazelstar and Sandwhisker.'' Spoke Crowflight, a well-spoken but good-humoured tom.

''Oh, okay then!'' Willowpaw purred. She felt at peace with the seniors, they were kinder then the younger ones, and some of the other apprentences. Tansyleap said they would warm up eventually.

''Willowpaw!'' A voice called, and she turned around. She saw Pouncepaw and Dovepaw, beckoning her with their tails.

''Come and eat with us!'' Pouncepaw pricked his ears.

''Okay, coming!'' She looked back at the warriors apologetically.

''Go ahead.'' Owlface purred, and she flicked her tail, dipping her head, she trotted over to the other apprentences.

She heard positive mews from the warriors behind her, and couldn't hold back her smile.