〘 Galepeak's Regret 〙

Chapter 3

The wind buffered Galepaw's fur, his eyes were locked ahead, focused on a glimpse of brown fur hidden in the tall grass. He slowly stalked forwards, quieting his breaths, ever so slowly getting closer to his target. Suddenly, the rabbit's head jerked up, locking eyes with the tom before crying out in warning and bolting away. Galepaw darted forward, the grass becoming a green blur around him. He stretched his legs as far as they could reach before folding them back under him, his breathing matching this rhythm. His heart pounded in his ears as the rabbits fluffy tail bobbed teasingly in front of him, he felt as if he could already taste the mouthwatering flavor of the prey. He leaped, his claws meeting with the soft animal, it let out a shriek of fear as he gripped onto it. He swiftly sunk his teeth into the rabbits throat, the prey let out more cries of pain and fear as he dug his claws into its sides. He twisted the creature's neck at an awkward angle, and with a satisfying crack, it lay dead.

Meadowtail appeared from around a small shrub, "Nice catch, Galepaw!"

It had been a moon since he got apprenticed, he was currently on a hunting patrol with Meadowtail, Mountainpaw, his mentor Branchstrike, and Rosejewel. Moorclaw couldn't have chose worst cats to send on patrol together, sure, Meadowtail was great, but the other three weren't exactly friendly.

Branchstrike was one of the most intimidating cats in Windclan, his long, dark tabby fur ran along his muscular body making him look massive. His claw seemed to always be unsheathed, and his dark glare burned into Galepaw's skin.

Rosejewel kept to herself most of the time, she was extremely short tempered and battle hungry, she seemed to always be annoyed about something.

And Mountainpaw was just the most annoying furball in the clan!

Branchstrike glanced at the rabbit, "Looks pretty scrawny to me..." He dismissed it with a flick of his tail. Rosejewel rolled her eyes, but said nothing, Mountainpaw stared absentmindedly at his paws. Galepaw softly hissed at his clanmates.

What a bunch of fox-hearts! I did my best!

Meadowtail glared at Branchstrike, "It's a perfectly fine rabbit, Branchstrike." She flicked her ear, "And you know that."

The large tom growled, "Fine Meadowtail, he can hunt..." He took a threatening step forwards, "But can he fight..?" Meadowtail opened her mouth to respond, but Galepaw jumped in front of her, "I could win a fight against anyone!" He lashed his tail determinedly, Branchstrike smirked, "Prove it then."

The large tom flung himself at Galepaw without warning, claws unsheathed. The apprentice let out a yowl of alarm as Branchstrike pinned him to the ground, Galepaw desperately clawed at him, but he didn't budge. He felt the dark tabby's fangs dig into his shoulder, the young tom let out a painful scream. He desperately tried to break out of his grip, but it was no use. Branchstrike bit roughly into his spine, grabbing him and throwing him against the ground, knocking the breath out of the young cat. He leaped on him again, striking his claws across the side of his neck, Galepaw wailed and screamed with pain as blood splattered onto the grass beside him. Branchstrike slammed his front paws onto his neck, pushing down and making it impossible for Galepaw to breathe. He gasped and gagged for air as he desperately struggled against the large toms grip, the edges of his vision growing dark as he felt himself grow weaker and weaker.

"Stop!"

Galepaw took a large gasp of air when the tabby's grip loosened, quivering with fear. Branchstrike's head shot up, still pinning the young cat to the ground. Mountainpaw rushed over, "Stop, please!" The gray cat begged, staring at his mentor fearfully. Rosejewel and Meadowtail quickly gripped Branchstrike's scruff, dragging him away from the cowering apprentice. Meadowtail hissed, "Why would you do that?!" She lashed her tail, "How could you attack your clanmate like that?!"