Crowpaw awoke in the nursery, suddenly, hearing pawsteps of WindClan. He bolted out of the den and greeted them. He touched noses with Woodpaw and asked, "How was it? Did you guys fight?"
"No, TigerClan was going to attack, but with a Clan called BloodClan. The leader killed Tigerstar for ordering his Clan, and Firestar bought us four days. On the fourth day, at dawn, we are to meet at Fourtrees to give BloodClan their decision. Either to let them take over the forest and leave, or fight them," Woodpaw looked worried.
"Well, at least this means I have time to learn how to fight," Crowpaw sighed.
"Which we will start today," Mudclaw's voice sounded behind them. He pointed his nose to farther out on the moor. "Let's go now."
"What are we learning?"
"What do you think? We're learning attack and defense. We need to shape you up for the battle with BloodClan." Mudclaw led Crowpaw out to an empty space. "Now although most apprentices learn to catch prey first, you will be learning battle first. Now attack me." Crowpaw hesitated before leaping up at Mudclaw, who crouched down low. Crowpaw went rolling over and landed sprawled out on the grass.
"Never do that in battle," Mudclaw growled, his whiskers twitching in amusement. He padded over to Crowpaw's side. Crowpaw suddenly leapt up and lunged at Mudclaw, who dodged easily.
"Do not look where you will attack, and do not tense your muscles if you will go for a surprise attack. Smart warriors will know. BloodClan isn't what I'd call smart, but you can't take any chances. Try again," Mudclaw faced Crowpaw, who got up lopsided. He heaved himself off the ground and swiped at Mudclaw, who swiped back, catching Crowpaw's ear. Shaking his head furiously to get rid of the buzzing, Crowpaw backed off.
"You're just going on headfirst without stopping to think. That makes you weak," Mudclaw retorted. Crowpaw raced around Mudclaw and leapt onto his mentors back, not letting go. Mudclaw hissed in surprise and fell on his back. Mudclaw rolled over and over until Crowpaw loosened and fell off.
"Not so weak after all, am I?" Crowpaw put his head up arrogantly.
"No, you're not. But I'll attack you and see how you do," Mudclaw replied, looking slightly impressed.
&&&
Crowpaw stood up glancing back at the moor, wondering if he would ever see it again. Tallstar gathered up his warriors to battle, leaving only Whitetail's kits and the elders behind. Woodpaw stood by him, glancing around. He let out a warning yowl as cats approached. Crowpaw whipped around and watched two cats pad over to Tallstar.
"Relax; it is only Ravenpaw and Barley to help with BloodClan," Tallstar yowled to his warriors.
Robinpaw leapt to her paws. "We don't need their help! Go home! We only want Clan cats helping us, not some loners who think they can fight!" she hissed at them. Crowpaw rolled his eyes, Woodpaw shaking his head.
"Robinpaw, I'd like to see you fight any better than them. I can beat you in a swipe of a paw," the dark brown apprentice retorted.
"And have you forgotten how these cats saved our lives when we were driven out of our home?" Crowpaw added. Robinpaw sat down, fury burning in her eyes.
"That is enough! No more fighting within our Clan. Today, we are fighting the outer threat of BloodClan and save our forest!" Tallstar started toward Fourtrees, warriors following. Woodpaw and Crowpaw exchanged glances before following as well. Taking a deep breath, Crowpaw glanced back at his home once again. But then with a surge of confidence, he faced Fourtrees. The Clans would win the forest, he just knew it.
&&&
The battle came on sooner than Crowpaw hoped. This little cat, no bigger than himself, had called himself Scourge and BloodClan's leader and he had barely said 'Attack' before all the cats came charging at them. Even with RiverClan, ThunderClan, and ShadowClan at his side, he felt like they were off to a bad start. He slashed away at the cat he was attack until it retreated to the bushes, hissing. He caught a glimpse of two brown pelts fighting side by side at a huge black and white warrior. Woodpaw and Robinpaw seemed to not need any help, so he hurled himself at a ragged gray rogue. Even though he had won those two short battles, he felt himself weakening. There were way too many rogues attacking, and they wouldn't give up. He started to haul himself towards the medicine cat when he heard a loud wail sound from the battle. Crowpaw froze. It was the wail from his dream! He turned around and his eyes widened in shock as he saw its owner.