Emberstar's Journey

Chapter 7

"Attack!" A voice roared. 

A red tom lunged forward, snarling as he tackled a ginger-patched tom. The larger tom easily threw him off and reared up.

Emberpaw darted under between his hind legs and leaped onto his back, snapping his jaws around his neck and held on with his claws, digging them in. He felt the toms blood soak his paws but didn't let go until he felt the tom started to roll over. He jumped off and lashed his paw on the toms face as he stood, dazing him before he ducked under his chest and pushed up with his spine, rolling him on his back.

He pinned down the tom and snarled. "Wildclaw!" His tail whipped like a vine snapping, "Was it worth hunting on our territory?!" 

The tom growled and smirked, "Those voles were delicious." He taunted before kicking up, knocking the red tom a few paces away. 

Suddenly the tables were turned as Wildclaw lash out quick and painful blows. Instantly the strength that Emberpaw once felt faded and he pressed his belly to the ground, tail drawn close to him.

Wildclaw stalked toward over him, "What's wrong kit? Where was that confidence I saw a few moments ago?" He taunted, eyes narrow. 

Emberpaws fear made his paws tremble on the ground as he took a step back. "I-I-I'm not a kit." He snarled low but it was futile.

Wildclaw laughed, "You're right, you're a leaf." 

Something inside Emberpaw snapped. A voice echoed in his head, "That's no son, that's a leaf!"

With a roar, Emberpaw flung himself towards the tom, catching him off guard as he bombarded with flurries of attacks.

Tears ran down Emberpaws face as Wildclaw let out pain wails. 

"I give up! You win!" The tom cried as Emberpaw pinned him, claws digging into his throat. 

His green eyes were wild and tears soaked his fur and fell onto his enemy.

"I-I-I'm a warrior!" He said shakily before a yowl made him let go of the tom.

"BreezeClan, we have lost! Retreat!" 

Wildclaw scrambled up, staring at Emberpaw with concerned eyes. Green eyes met lighter green eyes for a heartbeat before he turned tail and pelted towards his Clan. He felt eyes on him and looked up to see Fogpaw looking at him with round, soft, concerned eyes.

Emberpaw was panting, his strength failing him and he only managed a weak snarl, "Go to your Clan." before he turned, limping towards Deertail who watched him quietly. 

Thunderjaw walked forward, "Your Clan is leaving, I suggest you go with them, apprentice." He growled at Fogpaw. 

Surprisingly Lilypaw stalked forwards, fur fluffed out and claws unsheathed. Fogpaw flinched back and turned tail, running towards her Clan who were waiting for her.

"And stay over there you half-wit!" Lilypaw roared after her before spitting and walking off. 

She brushed past Emberpaw and he almost melted into her flowery scent. Emberpaw glanced over at his Clanmates, all sustained minor injuries that a thorough licking would fix so he shrugged and caught up with Deertail. 

"Why did they even try?" Emberpaw asked, looking at his mentor.

"The air is cooling down, I guess the rabbits are hiding more often." She shrugged, "Either way we showed them." she laughed softly and licked his ear.

Emberpaw purred and looked up when he saw Lynxstar approach them at the entrance. "So I trust they've been dealt with?" She asked, amber eyes happy.