Warriors: Cloak of Time

= Chapter 1 =

Dust scattered across the clearing as paws skidded over them. Swift blurs of graceful movements gathered a fair amount of attention. The trees seemed to shake as the two cats faced off in a friendly duel.

Remember your training, Morninglily. One paw in front, but not too forward. Wait for the right moment to strike as you evaluate your opponent, Morninglily thought to herself. She dug her claws into the ground to stop herself from falling backwards from her opponent's impact.

The brown she-cat narrowed her eyes and swished her tail, eager to finish the battle. Her opponent was Ravenshadow, a quiet and reserved cat, but her good friend.

"Your skills have greatly improved, Ravenshadow! I'm impressed!" Morninglily meowed, shifting into an offensive crouch.

"You haven't been dozing off as well; your speed has definitely increased," Ravenshadow said, returning the compliment.

Morninglily gave Ravenshadow a slight smirk before pouncing onto her, pinning her down. "Got you!"

Ravenshadow struggled, trying to shake Morninglily off. "You've certainly become much stronger."

"Why, thank you," Morninglily chuckled.

"However, I have also trained myself to become stronger," Ravenshadow meowed, smirking. She faced her belly upwards, and placed her paws onto Morninglily's underbelly. "Which is why I'm winning this battle!"

With a heave, Ravenshadow pushed Morninglily off with her paws, sending her flying backwards. Stunned, Morninglily shooked her head, trying to clear her mind. Focus, she told herself.

The two warriors circled each other, both observing their opponent. Since they were good friends, they knew each other extremely well. It was hard for them to land an effective attack on each other.

Morninglily shifted her right paw forward, lifting her chin up confidently. Ravenshadow lashed her tail and crouched, ready to intercept Morninglily's attacks.

Morninglily's eyes shifted to a tree behind Ravenshadow. She widened her eyes as a plan formed in her mind. Giving her friend a grin, she darted towards Ravenshadow.

Ravenshadow frowned, confused, but focused her attention on Morninglily. I have no idea if this will work, but let's give it a try, Morninglily thought as she pounced.

To Ravenshadow's surprise, Morninglily leapt over her instead of at her. Morninglily twised her body and her hind paws landed on the tree trunk. She pushed off the tree immediately after, gaining momentum as she sprung towards Ravenshadow.

Ravenshadow whipped her head behind and widened her eyes in shock. She raised herself on her hind paws and unsheathed her front claws, intercepting Morninglily.

"I certainly wasn't expecting you to jump off a tree trunk, but I'm always prepared for you," Ravenshadow commented, as her claws met Morninglily's.

Morninglily growled in frustration, pulling away. "Let's end the match here. I have to go on a border patrol."

"This time it is a draw - again - but the next won't be one," Ravenshadow purred, licking her paw.

"Count on it. It was a great duel, Ravenshadow," Morninglily smiled softly, turning to leave. The crowd of cats that formed while the two warriors were battling erupted into cheers.

"You were amazing!"

"Awesome!"

"Great moves!"

"I like your style!"

The crowd parted to allow the cats to pass. Morninglily gave her Clanmates a polite nod while Ravenshadow returned to her reserved self.

Morninglily spotted Leafpaw, her apprentice, standing next to Mothchaser and Rippleheart. She heard towards them, and greeted them with a warm mew.