Turtlestar's Destiny: Book 1

~Chapter 24: Training With The Wolf~

~Chapter 24: Training With The Wolf~

A few of the clan cats gasped at the decision, them turned to each other to whisper. As they departed, the Windclam cats would cast uneasy glances at Wolfheart, a couple giving glares. Most did not agree with Larkstar's opinion on him being "proven worthy." Turtlepaw was one if the last cats to depart. She just sat there in shock, staring at Wolfheart. He ignored her, however, and caught up with Larkstar to ask numerous questions.

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Since Wolfheart was just beginning clan life, Larkstar decided he would train with the apprentices, but with no mentor, and sleep with the warriors. "Hollowstep, Turtlepaw, Frogpaw, Snakeleg, and Wolfheart, go training." Larkstar dismissed the group with a flick of her tail, then heading into her den. Turtlepaw cast an uneasily glance at Wolfheart, then followed Hollowstep out of camp.

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Wolfheart caught up to Hollowstep. "Now what?" He asked with energy, looking at the senior warrior. Hollowdtep rolled his eyes. It was obvious he was not very happy with Larkstar's decision. "Battle practice." " Oh I don't need that!" He cried, much to the annoyance of his fellow clanmates. Wolfheart reached the battle clearing first, followed by Hollowstep and then the rest. He raced to the middle of it, unsheathing his claws and whipping around the face the group. "So who am I gonna fight?!"

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Hollowstep raised an eyebrow, struggling to keep his cool. Turtlepaw could clearly see his frustration, and fretted silently. "First of all, we keep out claws unsheathed when training." Hollowstep glanced at the gray and white tom's long claws. "And you will be watching for the first round." Wolfheart sheathed his claws reluctantly, rolling his eyes but trudging over to the side of the clearing. Hollowstep looked satisfied and flicked his tail. "Snakeleg and I will be demonstrating first." He announced, and Turtlepaw and Frogpaw nodded and hurried over to join Wolfheart.

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Snakeleg stepped forward calmly, his sleek black and gray pelt glistening. Hollowstep dipped his head and tensed. Snakeleg made the first move, charging at Hollowstep. Hollowstep's hurt food made him slow and was quickly pinned down. But the older warrior threw Snakelg off by kicking at his belly, lifting him up with surprising strength. Snakeleg recovered quickly, but not quickly enough. Hollowstep reared up and batted lightly on his head, landing a blow on his shoulder.

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Turtlepaw watched as a wave of pride washed over her. She felt proud to be this awesome warrior's apprentice. The two toms stepped away from each other and turned to Wolfheart. "Get it?" Snakeleg asked. Wolfheart nodded enthusiastically, rushing to the center of the clearing. Hollowstep rolled his eyes as he walked to the edge. "Um, Turtlepww, why don't you fight him." He said quickly, sitting down to watch.

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Turtlepaw blinked and she stumbled to join Wolfheart. He looked at her playfully, his eyes wide with intensity. She tightened her muscles, crouching the ground nervous about fighting the bigger tom.

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"Begin." Hollowstep's sturdy voice rang through the clearing. Before Turtlepaw knew what was happened, Wolfheart was charging at her. She jumped out if the way, as he skidded to a halt and turned quickly, leaping in top of her. He pinned her down with a painful thud, pushing her shoulders to the ground. Turtlepaw grunted and tried to wriggle out from under him, but he made this impossible. Wolfheart grinned mockingly down at her and she growled, kicking at his soft belly.

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He ignored this though, and lowered his head to hers, opening his jaws a helatched into her neck, biting down hate enough to hurt but not to break the skin. Turtlepaw now struggled more violently as she panicked, thinking she would slowly suffocate. Suddenly, her neck was released as Snakeleg pushed Wolfheart to the ground, snarling. He stood over Tuerlepaws body protectively. "Are you trying to kill her?!" Wolfheart shrugged. "I was just trying to be realistic. If this were a battle I would've killed her by now." he replied casually, as if he hadn't almost killed a cat seconds before. By this time Hollowstep had rushed over, checking Turtlepaw's neck for wounds. She tried to her up but he placed a paw in her chest, pushing her down again. "Stay there." he hissed in her ear.

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"We do not kill unless it is last resort." Snakeleg scolded, "And we most definantly never kill at battle practices!" Wolfheart rolled his eyes. "Whatever. I wasn't gonna kill her." With that he stalked off.

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