The apprentice raced towards Stagfoot, claws unsheathed and ready for the kill. But, was he ready? Were his emotional feelings ready?
He jumped up into the air and landed on the tom's back. The long limbed warrior fought to throw him off, but he couldn't. Little claws pierced the sides of his throat and blood oozed out. The tom let out a loud screech of pain and threw the young apprentice off.
Stagfoot couldn't get up. The brown tom's eyelids began to fall over his glazed eyes as his heartbeat decreased rapidly. "What have you done?" He gasped out in heavy breaths. His eyes fell shut and after a few moments the cat's heartbeat stopped.
Stagfoot was dead. Killed by a young apprentice.
"Well done." Hawktalon meowed.
Thoughts raced through Wolfpaw's head. I just killed a cat! Why did I do that? Did I have a choice? He forced you to kill him. Stagfoot deserved it, he tried to kill you. What have I done!?
"T-thanks." He replied.
"You're a great fighter, Wolfpaw." The light brown tabby meowed. "You'll be a great warrior, like I said many times before."
His doubts were pushed aside with a rush of pride.
"You truly are one of us." Tigerfang's voice came. Hawktalon and Wolfpaw looked up to see the dark tabby on a tree branch. The cat climbed down the tree and padded over to them. "Teach him some of the more advanced moves." He told Hawktalon.
"I will." The icy blue eyes sparkled. "Don't worry, Tigerfang."
"Tomorrow he will fight Lionscar's apprentice." Tigerfang continued. "They are both ready for the next step."
Hawktalon dipped his head. "So he will."
Tigerfang padded off towards the Dark Forest camp.
"That's the best praise he'll give anyone." Hawktalon told Wolfpaw. "You should be honored."
"I am." Wolfpaw dipped his head.
"Alright, let's go finish our training for tonight then."
They walked towards their usual training grounds.
