Warrior Cats: SkyClan Returns #2

Chapter Thirty

Batpaw stretched quickly before padding out of the apprentices den. By the smell of things, everyone else was already gone. Hazelpaw's scent was the oldest, and Batpaw guessed that she had been on the dawn patrol. Beneath the Low-Branch, Ashleaf was sorting out patrols.

"Sleekfur, you can take Robinclaw and Barnfeather to the border to check for fox. The dawn patrol said they scented one, and Sandystar wants to make sure it's not on our territory,"

Ashleaf ordered. Batpaw's pads itched with jealousy. Why can't I be the one fox-hunting? I barely ever get to leave camp! A sweet scent washed over Batpaw, and he recognised the soft touch of Spiderweb's fur as she settled in beside him.

"Spiderweb and Cherrysong can take your apprentices to the training hollow,"

Ashleaf was referring to a clearing in the heart of SkyClan's territory surrounded by tall trees. Batpaw almost purred out loud in excitement. It feels as though I haven't trained in moons! Batpaw followed Spiderweb and his mother through the camp entrance. He smelt Ferretpaw's scent as his den mate fell in beside him.

"How can you fight if you're blind?"

Ferretpaw asked insensitively. Batpaw ignored him, but Ferretpaw didn't get the hint.

"Are you deaf too, then?"

He said in a raised voice, prodding Batpaw's flank with one paw. Batpaw sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Ferretpaw! You'll never be a warrior if you can't learn to respect your Clan mates!"

Cherrysong meowed sharply. Ferretpaw immediately drew back from Batpaw, but the blind tom was still annoyed. Does Ferretpaw have to be such a mouse-brain all the time? Batpaw asked himself, letting out a quiet sigh. Soon, the ground underfoot became soft and mossy, and Batpaw no longer felt surrounded by trees and shrubs. A slight breeze brushed Batpaw's fur. They had reached the clearing.

"Right then,"

Spiderweb meowed. Beside Batpaw, Ferretpaw was shuffling in excitement.

"We're going to start with some defence moves,"

She said. Ferretpaw's excitement faded.

"Ferretpaw. Try to push me over,"

Cherrysong ordered. Batpaw heard a loud cry as the younger apprentice threw himself at Cherrysong. There was a soft thump, and Batpaw heard the two cats roll over on the mossy ground. Ferretpaw let out a low growl of defeat. Spiderweb's pelt lightly touched Batpaw's flank.

"Ferretpaw jumped at Cherrysong's side. When he reached her, she rolled over, so Ferretpaw had to carry her weight,"

Spiderweb explained. Batpaw nodded slowly. I think I understand, he thought. He felt his mentor pull away before speaking again.

"Batpaw, jump at Ferretpaw. Ferretpaw, try to do exactly as Cherrysong did,"

She instructed. Batpaw nodded, turned toward Ferretpaw's scent. Taking a deep breath, he leapt at the younger apprentice. He felt his paws meet Ferretpaw's side, but Ferretpaw rolled. Batpaw let out a yowl as he plummeted, face first, into the ground. His nose stung, but he couldn't smell blood. Cherrysong and Spiderweb rushed over to him, but Ferretpaw just let out a purr of laughter.

"Are you okay?"

Cherrysong asked. Batpaw shook his pelt, embarrassed. He could feel the gaze of the two she-cats burning into his fur.

"I'm fine,"

He mumbled, shuffling his feet.

"Good. Now, Ferretpaw can attack you,"