A/N: Erin Hunter is the rightful owner of Warriors. Please support the official release.


Ch.7:Eight Moons

Tigerclaw's eyes stuck to his apprentice as he watched him take care of the petulant fur ball they'd dragged back to camp. He couldn't deny it; Firepaw moved differently from when he first came here. Where he was once a bit timid, cautious, and with his head low to the ground, he was now sturdy, confident, and always upright. His green eyes gleamed with vigilance, as if there was nothing that could catch him off guard.

In a sense, he reminded Tigerclaw of himself as a new apprentice. Though, maybe not quite as cold. Or bitter. Firepaw still projected kindness underneath this new persona, but he wouldn't allow it make him come off as weak or not willing to stick up for himself. Perhaps it was best that the apprentice didn't become like him entirely. He doubted that being another kin-slayer was what StarClan wanted for the kit.

But perhaps it was better to be a murderer than a deserter. At least he had been present for Redtail's death! One way or the other…The scarred warrior practically spat in rage, not caring who saw. Father…Pinestar! Tigerclaw hadn't thought of the bastard in moons. But his blood began to boil as the disgusting memory of abandonment came back to him. That was why he had have set out on his path and soaked his paws with the deputy's blood. He wanted to be the shield ThunderClan needed in these desperate days as he was ready to do anything to do that. He felt so certain that the fate of Clan was left up to him. Yet, StarClan had dashed his hopes, at least at the moment. Now, the best hope for all of them appeared to be a once kittypet turned warrior. He didn't know if he could fully believe it yet. Though with time, he was finding it harder to argue against.

It seemed that cowardice and courage could stem from anywhere. When did Tigerclaw first loose the desire to call him a kittypet? It wasn't just because of the vague omen, he was sure. The temptation to call the apprentice out of his name had just slipped away from him. Until now, he'd barely noticed that little fact.

Yes. It must have been that day…


As soon as he felt Firepaw get atop of him, he coiled his powerful muscles and bucked, throwing the apprentice a good distance. To his credit, the orange fur ball managed to roll back onto his feet as he hit the ground. Tigerclaw spat, "You're sloppy!" He chastised. "Don't just do, think!"

Firepaw stood steady, though his breathing was starting to get somewhat uneven. His eyes hadn't dimmed since their training began. Now, they only glinted with more determination. Ravenpaw watched from the sidelines, looking reluctantly invested in the session. "Yes, Tigerclaw!" Firepaw replied dutifully.

The tabby's tail lashed in semi-annoyance. "Don't 'Yes Tigerclaw!' me!" He lectured. "Give me results. I'm bigger than you, kit! You're bound to lose any trade off that's based on weight. How will you get around that?" A smug smirk overcame his face. "Tell you what? If you can get your teeth around my tail, I'll count it as a victory. So, are you ready?" At the apprentice's nod, Tigerclaw was on him again.

It was a game of cat and mouse. When the tabby tried the rush the ginger, the smaller of them would evade and try to weave around, seeking the obvious target. The first time, Firepaw took his mentor's hind paw to his face. The second time, he ducked the kick. But the warrior's teeth nipped at his ankle, as his tail was kept high and wormed out of the way constantly. Ultimately, Tigerclaw's foreleg knocked the paws out from under his opponent.

As the exercise progressed, Firepaw became a tad more slippery and aggressive. He switched his focus between chasing the tail and aiming to disorient the tabby. When on the offensive, he'd aim for clipping Tigerclaw's side or a limb. It worked half the time. The bigger cat was far from injured but he wasn't unscathed either. When the kit defended himself, his body lurched to the side or back as he nipped at the opposing limb, refusing to let the big talons of his better do any damage.

The sun went further down in the sky as things finally ended.

Tigerclaw was still standing, breathing a little bit more shallow than before. He felt the sting of superficial claw marks under his pelt. Firepaw gave one more burdened rasp before collapsing. He hadn't hit his mark. Ravenpaw rushed to his side in concern.

The tabby's head tilted in thought. When given the option of victory by default, the kittypet had fallen back into facing him head to head. It was severely foolish. Even if it wasn't much easier to grasp his tail, it could have cost Firepaw less energy. Had the ginger tom thought his stamina could outlast his master's? Tigerclaw grunted with mild disdain.

Had this been a real fight, and the tabby given it his all, the brat would have died. But there was something to be said about a cat willing to take a bet that he was likely to lose. It was both very courageous and incredibly stupid. Yet, what was the point of being smart and calculating if you were not also spirited? The scarred warrior didn't even spare Ravenpaw a glance before turning around to stalk off back to camp. "Ravenpaw, grab him-" He stopped midsentence as he felt pressure around his tail and tingle up his spine. Confused, he looked back to see Firepaw's almost limp form biting his appendage. Amber eyes widened as beheld empty green orbs half covered by eyelids. He's unconscious! The tabby thought with shock.

Ravenpaw's mouth was agape with disbelief. He thought Firepaw was determined but…

Tigerclaw snorted and then laughed, further shocking his black apprentice. The scarred warrior gently slipped his tail out of the hold. "Okay, kit," he chuckled. "You pass." It was all he uttered before picking Firepaw up by his scruff and motioning his head for Ravenpaw to follow.


Firepaw, in a pinch, your resolve will keep you going even in a hopeless situation. That is the heart of being a Clan cat.

Deciding he'd had enough reflection, Tigerclaw went to his nest with an odd satisfaction to replace his earlier bile with. Tomorrow, he would awaken with new energy.

And new hopes for his seemingly prodigal apprentice.


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