"Squawk! Squawk!"
I jumped at the abrupt, ear-ringing sound that brought me to consciousness. My sleek, gray-blue tail straightened, pointing up to the sky, as I snarled at the midnight black crows that stared tauntingly at me.
Drilling my ocean-blue eyes into their cold black ones, they couldn't compete with my deathly glare and cawed loudly in defeat as they flew away. Two of them. Hmph. Shouldn't they be with a flock?
This kept me wondering until a loud rustling of leaves caught my attention. My eyes widened, and ears flicking, I turned to face whatever was making the noise.
I was relieved to find that it was only Rosetail, a good friend of mine. Her bright orange fur and deep magenta eyes made her the most beautiful cat in Night Clan. Of course, being her kindly self, she was always modest about it and kept demanding that I was the most beautiful cat. But I wasn't. She, being a trusted deputy, and me, being a warrior apprentice, just couldn't compare.
"Moonpaw! I have such grand news. Bloomheart is finally becoming an elder. There will be a lovely celebration tomorrow night, when the sun is deepening below the horizon! Oh, tell me you'll be there!" Rosetail's ears flicked in hope as I smiled at her in greeting before replying.
"I can't say yet. Blood Clan's threats call for many moons of training. But I will try and see if I can go, gladly." Bloomheart was a lovely and respected cat, living her whole life defending Night Clan with all her heart. I would be honored to see her officially become an elder.
But Blood Clan's threats to attack were all too frightening, and Darkstar had ordered all apprentices and warriors to train at their very best. As much as we disliked having to go to battle, we didn't have much of a choice.
Rosetail frowned. She looked like a kit who had just been tricked into giving away her candy. "Blood Clan is not a threat to Night Clan as of now. The other Clans will make sure that our new Clan is safe. You should take a break, I can tell you're worn out," Rosetail was examining the dark bags that hung below my bloodshot eyes. Embarrased, I rubbed my eyes in shame. I couldn't give up training because I was tired. Night Clan depended on it. Being a new Clan, we didn't have very many warriors or apprentices.
"Alright. I'll try my best to shorten training times. But only by a little. Okay?" I sighed, swishing my tail as I readjusted the way my paws planted into the ground.
Rosetail, looking satisfied, grinned. She murmured a quick "Okay, bye," and disappeared into the forest. I waited until she was gone, then frowned, yawning.
I can't just give up training. I'll rest soon, I just have to train a bit more.