First Battle Training

Hey everyone! Sorry for the late update I've got some bad news: I can't update at all next week, I'm going camping So I'll give you 2 chapters tomorrow before I leave.

It was the day after my apprenticeship. I'd barely gotten any sleep the night before because Thistleclaw had told me we were doing battle training today. I can't wait! He's out on dawn patrol just now but he promised that when he gets back he'll grab some fresh kill and then we'll go down to the training hollow. I've never been there before, apparently it's a very flat and sandy area, specifically used for battle training. The best thing about being an apprentice so far is that Whitepaw trains at a different time from me so he can't annoy me as much! And Redkit's still in the nursery so he can't bug me either! Re-sult!

I can see Thistleclaw in the distance, talking to Bluefur. I wonder how long he'll be. I should go get some fresh kill. I made my way over to the pile when my mentor approached.

"Tigerpaw."

"Thistleclaw. Are we training later?"

"Yes. For battle."

Thistleclaw isn't very chatty.

Our walk to the training hollow was silent and uneventful. Upon arrival, Thisteclaw turned to look at me.

"Ok. I'll tell you the three main rules of battle then I'll show you some basic battle moves. Listen and you will do well in life. Don't listen and the only thing you'll become good at is looking after the elders."

"Rule One: Be Alert. It means you can pinpoint any of your opponent's weaknesses."

I nodded.

"Rule Number Two: Use your mind. Don't just leap up and claw anywhere, take a split second to decide where you're going to target. You understand?"

I nodded again.

"Rule Number Three: Never let ANYTHING distract you from winning the battle. Because If you do, when you become and elder, you'll have nothing to show for all your moons of being a warrior. Remember these rules and you could be the greatest warrior this forest has ever seen. Ignore ANY of these rules and you won't have a chance in battle. Got it?"

"Yes Thistleclaw."

"I will be testing you at random times so make sure you know these rules like the tip of your tail."

"Ok, I will."

"Good."

"Thistleclaw? I was wondering... These rules sound useful and ideal and all but... Have you ever lost a battle?"

I regretted it the second I saw the anger flaring in his eyes and he drew back his lips in a snarl.

"How DARE you be so disrespectful to a warrior! Not only am I a warrior, I am your MENTOR! You are on FULL TIME caring for the elders until I think you deserve to be an apprentice again! I am utterly ashamed of you! Go away, I don't want to have to look at you!"

I turned and ran into the bushes. What had I done And why was Thistleclaw so sensitive about losing a battle?