In this one-shot: Cloverpaw, Hollowpaw, and Redpaw take part in their very first battle, of many more to come in the foreseen future. Will they all make it out alive? The answer is yes. Yes they will, if that wasn't obvious.
Now, ONWARDS!
After a successful training session, practicing battle moves, Cloverpaw and his friends along with their mentors returned to camp. The clearing was busy with activity, as everyone prepared for the upcoming Leafbare; the harshest season of the year where prey is scarce and sickness is deadlier than ever. Palefur and Cricketpelt are re-building the elders' den, fortifying the walls and roof with more leaves and branches. Their apprentices. Stormpaw and Harepaw, are helping along as well.
"Cloverpaw!" He jumped, startled by his mother's horrified mew. Before he could brace himself, Breezeshine raced across the clearing and cuddled him close, pressing his face into her fur; nearly suffocating him. "Your beautiful ears!" She cried out, lapping at his injured ears while he ducked away in embarrassment.
During battle practice, Lavenderstripe was demonstrating a move to them and Stonewing suggested for him and Redpaw to pair up and try it out. It was an accident, but Redpaw had unsheathed his claws during practice and nicked the tip of his right ear. It hurt at the time, but Cloverpaw kind of liked the look it gave him. His first battle scar and he hasn't been in a real battle yet!
Cloverpaw backed away from his mother's hold. "It's okay! I'm fine!" He protested, still embarrassed his friends just saw Breezeshine fussing over him.
"Who did this to you?" Breezeshine inquired, staring accusingly at Lavenderstripe, then at Stonewing.
Hollowpaw side-glanced at Redpaw, without turning his head to give anything away. Redpaw must've sensed his gaze somehow, and stared at the ground guiltily. "It was me." He admitted quietly. "But I didn't mean to harm him, it was an accident."
Breezeshine stared at him. "Did you at least apologize?" She meowed sternly, but also rather gently. Redpaw nodded, still not looking at her.
Hollystorm touched his shoulder with the tip of her tail in attempts to comfort him. "We were training for battle, Breezeshine." She explained. "Sometimes accidents happen."
Breezeshine continued to stare at Redpaw, before giving a curt nod. She flicked her tail, gesturing for him to approach her. He gulped and hesitantly stepped closer to them, expecting a harsh scolding from her. Much to his surprise, Breezeshine curled her tail around him and brought him into a warm embrace along with Cloverpaw. He blinked in confusion, and Cloverpaw seemed to be equally as confused but shrugged.
"I know you didn't mean it, and I forgive you." Breezeshine murmured. "But don't harm your Clanmates like that again. Alright?" She pulled away, looking at Redpaw expectantly. He nodded. "Good!" She bent down and licked both Cloverpaw and Redpaw between their ears. Ever since she took him in as her foster kit, she always had a soft spot for Redpaw. "Now go off and have something to eat, you must be tired."
Cloverpaw nodded eagerly about to race away when a paw clamped down on his tail, making him halt. He looked back up indignantly at his mother. "You go see Acornshell for that nick of yours." She meowed.
Cloverpaw whined. "But mom, it doesn't hurt anymore! And I'm starving!"
"Breezeshine is right, Cloverpaw." Lavenderstripe added. "Your nick may not be serious, but it could get infected."
Cloverpaw whined but nodded in defeat. As Breezeshine and their mentors padded away, Cloverpaw turned to Hollowpaw and Redpaw. "You guys can go ahead to the fresh-kill pile, I'll meet you in a bit." He murmured. "And save something for me!"
Hollowpaw nodded. "Sure."
Cloverpaw headed off to the medicine den, while Redpaw and Hollowpaw walked together to pick something to eat out from the fresh-kill pile. They didn't say anything to each other along the way. Usually it would be because of their rivalry, but Redpaw suspects otherwise. Ever since Smokecloud's death, Hollowpaw has gotten increasingly more grumpy, moody and quiet most of the time. Redpaw wasn't too happy about that. He misses the times when they would fight and bicker with one another, but now Hollowpaw barely even fights. He doesn't even try to defend himself anymore whenever someone calls him StarClan reject.
Another factor that got Redpaw peeved, was the fact that Smokecloud used to be Briarpaw's mentor, and with his death someone else would have to take over and finish her training. Well, guess who just so happens to be available and willing to take on the task? That's right. Alderclaw. Redpaw's father was not allowed take part of any exclusive activities after the Clan found out about his forbidden relationship; including going to the gathering and being a mentor. He already got to go at the last gathering, and now he was given Briarpaw as an apprentice. The Clan was forgiving him, and the thought sickened Redpaw.
Speaking of which, the loud rattle of pebbles rolling down the ravine outside the camp startled him, and Hollowpaw must've heard it as well; he whipped around and stared at the entrance with ears craned. Heavy paw steps pounded the ground toward the clearing. Redpaw narrowed his eyes.
Something is wrong.
Alderclaw burst through the camp entrance, his pelt bristling, wide eyed and panting. "Invasion!" He yowled, bringing everyone's attention to an abrupt stop to stare at him.
Briarpaw raced in after him. "RiverClan has crossed the border!" She exclaimed. "They are taking over the Sunningrocks!"
Shock and outraged murmurs rippled throughout the Clan. Cloverpaw must've heard the commotion from inside the medicine den, as he peeked his head out and hurried to join beside Redpaw and Hollowpaw; despite Gingerpaw's protests to heal his ear.
"Do you think there's going to be a battle?" Cloverpaw asks anxiously, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Redpaw flicked his tail. "Of course there will!" He meowed. "If Oakstar has any sense, he won't let RiverClan get away with this so easily."
Cloverpaw pawed the ground. "What are the chances we get picked to join the fight?"
Hollowpaw scoffed. "Considering how many other more experienced cats there are, chances are, very low."
Redpaw shushed them when he saw Oakstar slip out of his den, Stonewing flanking him. "Did you see them?" He demanded.
Alderclaw nodded. "They are swarming all over the rocks!" He hissed.
"Flamewish!" Oakstar called the ginger warrior to him. "You'll lead one patrol, and attack from the far side."
"But that means we'll have to go all the way around." Flamewish argued. "The battle will be lost by the time we reach them."
"No, it won't." Oakstar growled, curling his lip into a fierce snarl. "We'll hold them off until your patrol reach us. That's when you come in and finish them."
Flamewish nodded in agreement.
"Take Leopardpaw, Rainblossom, Doespring, Ripplepaw, Sandtail, Breezeshine, and Sunpaw." Each cat stepped forth from the crowd, pelts bristling and eyes gleaming, as Oakstar called out their names.
"Go!"
On their leader's word, Flamewish pelted from the camp clearing with the patrol trailing after him. Cloverpaw watched his mother, going off to join the battle. He wondered if he will ever get his chance.
"Applestep, Mudpaw, Palefur, Stormpaw, Hollystorm, Redpaw, Cricketpelt, Harepaw, Lavenderstripe, Cloverpaw, Stonewing, and Hollowpaw!"
Cloverpaw froze, before a large grin formed on his face; his paws tingling with anticipation. "We're all going to take part in the battle!" He mewled, barely containing his excitement.
Hollowpaw's face remained unexpressive, but inside his heart was drumming at the thought of taking part in his very first battle. Sure, he practiced fighting moves before, and parred with some of the other apprentices; but nothing like this.
Redpaw darted forward to join the others, a large smirk on his face. His first battle! He can't wait to finally feel the thrill of fighting off his enemies. If he already felt exhilarated during training, what it must feel like in a real battle?
"You are all coming with me." Oakstar's green eyes shone like emeralds. "Acornshell, you and Gingerpaw get the supplies ready for casualties." He ordered, turning to the medicine den where Acornshell watched from the entrance. Gingerpaw sat beside her, his blue eyes wide and anxious. "Dawnflower, Alderclaw, Briarpaw, Fawnspots, Ashpaw, Mistfang, and Lightpaw. You wait at the top of the ravine in case RiverClan tries to attack the camp."
With that, Oakstar was already pelting toward the gorse barrier. Cloverpaw raced after the rest of the patrol, unsheathing his claws to get a better grip on the stones. Lavenderstripe was a whisker ahead of him, and he followed in her paw steps, running faster than he had ever run before. He caught glimpses of Redpaw and Hollowpaw running alongside him, but they quickly became lost in the patrol as they raced through the forest.
Anticipation shivered through Redpaw from ears to tail tip. Every paw step was bringing him closer to his first real battle. He longed with every hair on his pelt for the adrenaline and thrill that came with fighting. And yet, he felt as if he was about to fight a battle all on his own. His Clanmates aren't fighting only for the sake of their Clan; but that of StarClan's and the warrior code as well. Redpaw was going to fight only for his loyalty to his Clan alone. Nothing else.
By the time they burst through the trees, Cloverpaw's lungs were already out of breath and he felt exhausted. And the real battle hasn't even started yet! Sunningrocks silhouette rose into the pale evening sky, the great boulders turned red by the fiery sun sinking behind them. Screwing his eyes to block the glare, Cloverpaw could just make out the crest of the stones. Lined up on its summit was a row of RiverClan cats, silhouetted against the setting sun, heads held high and tails lashing. Cloverpaw gulped, as he spotted Pinepaw, Thistlepaw, and Bumblepaw among them.
Beaverstar's massive form stepped forth from the ranks of his RiverClan warriors. "At last, an ancient wrong has been put to rest!" He yowled triumphantly. "Sunningrocks belongs to RiverClan once again!"
"Never!" Oakstar hissed in outrage. "ThunderClan attack!"
The patrol surged forward. Cloverpaw was just about launch in as well when Lavenderstripe leaned over and hissed to him. "Remember everything that I taught you! And don't take on any cat bigger than you!"
Cloverpaw stared up at the RiverClan cats bristling atop the rocks. They are all bigger than him! What is he supposed to do then? He didn't have time to ask, as Lavenderstripe and the rest of the patrol charged up the Sunningrocks, shrieking like foxes. He hurried after them, ears flat and eyes round; a screech tore from his throat, which was meant to sound like a battle cry, but came out more like a scream of terror than rage. It looked as if RiverClan brought their whole Clan for this battle! He silently pleaded for the second wave to arrive soon.
Beaverstar howled as Oakstar crashed into him, knocking the two of them to the ground. Stonewing lurched forward and sent a pale ginger tom rolling down the slabs of stones with a vicious swipe, then leaped on top of him, sending fur flying as he shredded the RiverClan warrior with his flailing forepaws. Cloverpaw stood frozen, still unsure of what he should do, when a RiverClan she-cat raced past him. Seizing the opportunity and thinking fast, Cloverpaw ducked and nipped the she-cat's hind legs as she flew past.
He smirked with satisfaction when she shrieked with pain, but then she wheeled around and faced him. He stiffened, shock pulsating through Cloverpaw as the warrior's eyes fixed on him. She is going to attack him! The cream coloured warrior leaped at him, and he ducked, darting away by slipping through the gap beneath her. The she-cat's claws scraped stone instead of pelt as Cloverpaw pushed upwards with all his might, unbalancing his opponent and sending her flying sideways down the pile of rocks they stood. Cloverpaw felt a surge of triumph at his first victory; until she climbed back up, yowling in rage and returned the attack.
Cloverpaw tried to lunge at her, aiming for her belly, but she came in low and knocked his front paws from under him, sending him tumbling down the stones. So much for his first victory!
Hollowpaw was lost among the clamour. Ear splitting screams of fear and rage rang around him, and he just looked around wildly, unsure of where to start. He didn't have to, as sharp teeth clamped down hard on his tail. Hollowpaw hissed in pain, whirling around and pouncing on his attacker; gripping them with unsheathed claws and pinning them down. Looking at his opponent closely now, he realized it's a cream coloured she-cat with white patches. She struggled beneath him, trying to throw him off. Her amber eyes were gleaming with fury, until her gaze drifted upwards and met his own gaze. She stiffened and her eyes grew round with fear.
"Y-your eyes!" She stuttered in horror. Hollowpaw stared down at her, unfazed by the reaction at this point. If anything, it just made him angrier.
"That's right! I have none, because I am a StarClan reject!" He snarled at her, sinking his claws deeper into her shoulders; glaring down at her with his dark, empty sockets. "And I will slash out your eyes if you step foot into ThunderClan territory again!" He lunged forward, ready to bite down on her throat when she suddenly kicked out with her hind leg; making him stagger and lose his hold on her.
The RiverClan she-cat did not waste time and darted away from beneath him. Hollowpaw raced after her in fury. He leaped, aiming to land on her back but someone else crashed into his side; bowling him over. Now, Hollowpaw was the one being pinned down as he stared up at the familiar pale, blue eyes of his attacker.
"Stay away from my sister!" Thistlepaw spat at him, teeth bared into a snarl.
Hollowpaw couldn't help but snicker harshly. "You are truly pathetic if you think you can keep your dumb sister safe forever." He hissed. "What are you gonna do? Fight all her battles? Can't RiverClan cats fight on their own?" Hollowpaw swiped one paw on the side of Thistlepaw's face, making him flinch; and he used this chance to revert their positions. "You can't protect her from me when I come and slash out all of your eyes!" Hollowpaw raked his claws across Thsitlepaw's exposed belly over and over, as the RiverClan apprentice shrieked in pain and scrabbled on the ground to escape his grip.
Hollowpaw kept his attack going, only to lose his hold as another cat barrelled into him from the side. He went down and felt teeth meet his tail, one hard paw clamped down on his shoulders. Hollowpaw writhed helplessly, struggling to escape the strong grip on him. He trashed around, trying to crane his head back far enough to bite his attacker when he caught a glimpse of brown and white fur. Recognition flashed in his mind. Bumblepaw!
Hollowpaw heaved upwards, ripping his tail away from Bumblepaw's grip and whirling around to attack him. He managed to jump away and avoid his strike, and Thistlepaw came to join him. Hollowpaw was going to have to fight the two apprentices all by himself. He growled and pounced on them, forepaws stretched forward and claws pointed sharp.
They jumped out of the way, and Hollowpaw's jaws snapped on nothing but air. Bumblepaw nipped at his hind legs while Thistlepaw kept striking him on the face while Hollowpaw tried to defend himself. "Give up, freak!" Thistlepaw jeered. "Sunningrocks belong to RiverClan now!"
Redpaw let the shrills of battle wash over him, compelling him forward. Adrenaline and excitement pulsed through him; he never felt anything like it!
Just in front of him, a white and ginger RiverClan she-cat warrior had Hollystorm pinned down while she raked her claws through his mentor's fur. Yowling in fury, Redpaw leaped on top of her, biting down hard on the she-cat's neck. A strong taste touched his tongue; familiar, and yet, so foreign in this way. He pulled away, and saw the crimson stain form and pool around her neck. Blood. It was blood that he tasted. He tasted before, but it was always prey blood, this is his first taste of cat blood! And along with the thrill he was feeling along with the battle, the taste felt pleasant in his tongue. He wanted more! Squalling in pain and shock, the RiverClan she-cat reared up in an attempt to throw him off. Hollystorm took the opportunity to wriggle free and bound away to re-join the fight.
Redpaw lost his balance but succeeded in pulling the RiverClan warrior down on top of him and battered at the intruder's belly with his hind paws. Tufts of white fur flew out and once again, he caught the reek of blood. He lunged for her throat again, but she reared back in time to dodge his bite; raking one paw across his ear. Redpaw hissed and let her go, and yet he did not feel any pain. Just the thrill of fighting.
For a heartbeat he stood panting, looking around for his next opponent. He whipped around to confront a huge gray tom, whose dark pelt was already drenched and running with blood. Redpaw just had time to dodge to one side, raking the intruder's side as he slipped past by.
Just below Redpaw, on another level of rocks, he spotted Lavenderstripe struggling with a black and white she-cat, her paws flailing as she tried to dislodge her attacker's teeth from her shoulder. She looked as if she was rapidly tiring out.
Redpaw let out an exultant yowl as he jumped down and landed on the RiverClan cat's shoulders, digging his claws deep in her pelt. The she-cat released Lavenderstripe and instantly rolled over, crushing Redpaw beneath her bulk. The breath driven out of him, his nose buried in her fur, he fought to breathe and convulsed with pain as he felt her teeth meet in his ear. Think!
He let every limb go limp, loosening his hold on her. The she-cat relaxed her grip, and at once Redpaw heaved upward, tearing his ear free and throwing her back onto the stony ground. Redpaw allowed himself to smirk triumphantly, feeling victorious. He hurled himself into the fight again. He could hear the blood pounding inside him; he felt as if he had the strength of twenty cats. He felt alive, more than ever before. As one cat after another fled from his raking claws he knew this was what he had been born for.
Meanwhile, Hollowpaw was still locked in combat with both Thistlepaw and Bumblepaw at the same time. His forehead was split and bleeding heavily, his fur is matted and drenched in crimson stains. Hollowpaw bowled Bumblepaw over and fastened his teeth and claws in his neck. But Thistlepaw came from behind and bit him in the shoulder and dragged him off Bumblepaw, ducking to avoid Hollowpaw's flailing paws as he turned to attack him. Bumblepaw sprang on Hollowpaw to hold his hindquarters down, while Thistlepaw scored his claws across the blue-gray apprentice's face and belly.
Hollowpaw grit his teeth, trying to not cry out in pain and give them the satisfaction that they are hurting him. He struggled, and tried to fight back but he is just so tired by this point. Maybe this is another one of StarClan's attempts to get rid of him. Perhaps it would be easier to give in, stop fighting altogether and just let go. But Hollowpaw wasn't done, and he is not about to let a few dead cats get the best of him.
Hollowpaw let himself go limp, pretending to surrender. Bumblepaw stopped holding him down, stepping off and leaning over him with worried eyes. "Did we kill him?" He cries out in panic, eyes round with worry. Thistlepaw backed up in a mixture of shock and disgust. There is just so much blood pooling out of him and he wasn't moving. Could they have actually killed him so easily? Hollowpaw saw his chance. He surged upwards, grabbing Thistlepaw by the neck with his forepaws, and used all his remaining strength to throw him over on top of Bumblepaw; slamming both RiverClan apprentices to the ground.
Hollowpaw quickly scrambled to his paws, hurling himself at them while they are down to nip their tails and hind legs. "Get lost!" He snapped at them, shredding their backs as they slipped away from his grip. They dashed away with him chasing them down.
In another part of the battle field, Cloverpaw recovered from his fall. After tumbling down the side of the Sunningrocks, he laid immobile and stunned for a little while to recover, but now that he is feeling better he staggered to his paws. He paused to catch his breath, then began to creep along the base of the rock with his mouth open and pricked ears, testing the air for any signs of RiverClan warriors ahead of him. Steep rocks trapped him on the narrow riverbank. He could recognise the howls and shrieks of his Clanmates battling above.
From the strong stench coating the whole area he guessed RiverClan has swarmed all over the place. Following the scent, Cloverpaw unsheathed his claws and sought a way to climb back up; using cracks and fissures in the stones to get a better hold.
Finally, he managed to reach the higher layer of stones. The sounds of battle louder now. But as he hauled himself over the side, he froze. Cloverpaw's hackles lifted at the sight before him. Pinepaw is standing just a few tail-lengths ahead of him, ears flat to his head and poised to attack. His eyes are dark with fury, and yet a smirk is present on his face. Cloverpaw gulped.
"Well well well, look who finally showed up!" Pinepaw jeered, stepping closer to him with his tail lashing behind him. "And here I thought you turned tail and ran back to the nursery like the scared little kitten that you are."
Cloverpaw narrowed his eyes. "What is your problem with me anyway?" He growled.
"I don't have any problem. You are just another ThunderClan scum that stands on RiverClan's way, and I intend to take you down!" Pinepaw crouched lower, rocking his haunches. "You had this coming for a long time, runt!"
He sprang at him, knocking Cloverpaw sideways. He gasped as his forepaws punched the breath out of him. Terrified, he struggled as Pinepaw raked his back with his sharp claws. As pain shot through him, Cloverpaw twisted his head around and bit Pinepaw's forepaw with such fury and force he felt his fur split beneath his grasp, and teeth scrape on bone.
Pinepaw yowled in pain and kicked him away.
Screaming in shock, Cloverpaw tumbled down again. Thinking fast, he struck his paws forward and dug his claws into the solid ground, halting his fall. He hauled himself back up again and leaped, slamming into Pinepaw.
With a yelp of surprise, the RiverClan apprentice staggered, unbalanced.
Cloverpaw spun around and nipped his hind leg while he was distracted, spun again and nipped his forepaw, then reared up and lunged forward, sinking his teeth deep into Pinepaw's scruff. Digging his hind claws into the ground, Cloverpaw tried to haul him backwards, but he is far too heavy for him. Pinepaw trashed from side to side, jerking his head back and forth until he let go. Then he turned on him, his dark eyes flashing.
"You're gonna pay for this, runt!" He spat, his fur standing up along his back. If he was angry before, he is most definitely furious now.
Panicked, Cloverpaw reared up and began swiping desperately with his forepaws. But Pinepaw just kept on coming, striking back at him, his blows stronger and fiercer than his own. Cloverpaw managed to flick a claw across his muzzle, but in retaliation, Pinepaw clouted his ear and he felt wetness of blood as pain seared through him like fire. There's no way he can defeat him on his own.
Suddenly a yowl sounded from behind him. With eyes clouded and smeared with his own blood, Cloverpaw glanced over his shoulder and saw a flash of red race towards him; gray eyes flashing in the shadows.
Redpaw!
He felt his friend's pelt press against his as he reared up beside him and fight, matching his blows paw for paw until Pinepaw began to slow and back away.
"Keep aiming for his muzzle!" Redpaw hissed in his ear urgently.
Aching with effort, Cloverpaw kept flailing while Redpaw ducked and nipped Pinepaw's hind legs and tail. Cursing, the RiverClan apprentice dropped back on all fours and tried to rush the two of them, spitting with fury. But Redpaw twisted under him and raked his belly, slowing him down long enough for Cloverpaw to leap on his back. With a single look, Cloverpaw could tell what Redpaw would do next and dug his claws tight, ready for Pinepaw to fall over. And sure enough, Redpaw rolled over and pushed out with his paws, knocking Pinepaw's legs from under him and sending him tumbling down the bank. Clinging onto his pelt like a burr, Cloverpaw rolled with him. He pummelled with his hind paws, stripping the fur from Pinepaw's back. Yowling in agony, Pinepaw struggled out of his grasp and raced away.
Cloverpaw could barely stand, panting heavily. Redpaw jumped down and stood beside him, greeting him with a triumphant purr. It was hard to see, but Cloverpaw managed to notice all the blood staining his dark red pelt and glimpses of white fur. "We did it! That will show him not to mess with ThunderClan again!" Redpaw scraped his claws into the stone with excitement.
Cloverpaw wiped a paw across his own bloodied ear, taking note of Redpaw's eager tone. Looking over to him, he was rather shocked to find him with a large smile plastered on his face, not a sign of fatigue anywhere and even the cuts and bruises he got seemed not to bother him. If anything, Redpaw looked proud. He'd never seen his friend look like that before now. In training practice, he would be eager and excited as well, but nothing compared to this level. It kind of freaked Cloverpaw out a little to be honest.
Suddenly, a blue streak flashed by and pushed Redpaw away; tumbling him over the edge. Cloverpaw could only watch wide eyed as his friend was sent pummelling down the side of the stone down to the river bank. He would jump in and aid him, but his injuries were taking a toll on him. Redpaw will have to deal with this on his own.
Redpaw's vision is a blur as he fell down the side. Something has him gripped tightly by the scruff, and claws were shredding his back. Thinking fast, he twisted in mid-air and swung as hard as he could, flinging his attacker away; just in time for him to land on the ground on his paws. His shoulder stung, and his forehead and ears were bleeding but he felt too exhilarated to pay any attention to pain at the moment. His gray eyes fixed on his opponent, standing across from him. A blue-gray she-cat apprentice with a white patch of fur on her chest; blue eyes twinkling mischievously. Clearpaw.
Redpaw barely had time to plan his strategy or brace himself before she flung herself at him, driving the breath out of his body as she hurled him to the ground. Redpaw gripped her neck with his front paws and felt her powerful hind legs raking at his belly. He hissed, pain stabbing through him and he lashed out blindly, feeling his claws score through fur. For a few heartbeats, all he could see was Clearpaw's blue pelt blinding his vision; his face is pressed into it, half smothering him and he struggled to breathe.
"Get off me!" Unable to take it anymore, Redpaw lunged at her. Hooking his claws into her neck, he flung her away from him and thumped her onto the stony ground. Surprisingly, Clearpaw simply rolled over and jumped back to her feet, facing him as if nothing happened.
She mrrowed at his shocked reaction. "What's the matter? Never seen someone get back up again before?" She teased. "My my, aren't you getting ahead of yourself?"
Redpaw narrowed his eyes at her and leaped with his forepaws outstretched. Clearpaw jumped out of the way, and he landed on stone. He whirled around to face her, but she bowled him over and pinned him down to his side.
"Funny. I didn't think ThunderClan were so short on warriors." She hissed into his ear as he trashed underneath her hold. "They surely must be desperate if they are leading kits into a battle."
Redpaw froze at her comment. Kit? How dare she call him a kit, when she is barely an apprentice herself?! He'll show her! He surged up with all the strength he could muster, headbutting her in the chin, and then he heaved back with his shoulders to throw her off. Clearpaw staggered backwards, stunned by the blow. Redpaw wasted no time and pounced on her, shredding her sides with his claws as he pinned her down.
"Who's the kit now?" He snarled to her face.
Surprisingly, she simply stared back at him with no trace of fear in her, and held a small little grin. Before Redpaw could make sense of her expression, Clearpaw bent forward and gave the tip of his muzzle a small lick; catching him by surprise. Redpaw reared back in shock and confusion, face flushing as his mind asked a bunch of questions he couldn't voice. Clearpaw grinned, using the chance as he is distracted with her bait, she pushed her hind legs up against his belly, shoving him away from her and flinging him off.
Redpaw snapped out of his daze as he came crashing to the ground, his head hitting slamming into a rock along the way. He barely had time to recover and get back up before Clearpaw jumped on him and clamped one hard paw down on his throat; suffocating him.
"Still you, apparently." She meowed triumphantly. She was just about ready to rip him to shreds, Redpaw could see it in her eyes, when a loud yowl rang above the clamour.
"Attack!"
That's Flamewish! The second patrol is here!
Claws scraped against rock and frightened yowls rent the air. Clearpaw became distracted by the sound of her distressed Clanmates, and Redpaw seized his opportunity to throw her off and get away. He bit down hard on her forepaw, earning a screech of pain out of her. He then kicked out with his hind legs to knock her down and throw her over his shoulder as he rolled over. Redpaw felt satisfaction course through him as he watched Clearpaw get up, but not nearly as fast as the other times. She was having trouble standing on her injured paw as she hissed at him.
Redpaw was just about to pounce on her again when another loud roar rang across the rocks.
"Retreat, RiverClan! Retreat!"
In a heartbeat, pelts began to flash down the rocks; crying and spitting with fury as they dived into the river and swam away. Clearpaw turned and gave Redpaw one last glare before following her Clanmates down the stones.
Redpaw stood on the very edge of the stone, watching them leave with triumph. He heard two thumps from behind him as Cloverpaw and Hollowpaw jumped down, standing next to him to observe as their enemies fled from battle.
As the sleek shapes of the RiverClan cats swam away to the opposite bank, their lithe forms disappearing through the tree line on the other side, Cloverpaw noted with distress how Pinepaw was the last one to follow; lingering behind and glaring straight back at him with fury.
"This isn't over, runt!" He spat at him. "Next time we meet, I will shred you to pieces without your stupid Clanmates there to intervene! Mark my words!"
Without waiting for any response, he spun around and limped away.
Cloverpaw remained silent, breathing a sigh of relief. It was over. He turned around to see Redpaw already climbing up the rock. "Come on!" He urged, disappearing over the top.
Cloverpaw slowly followed, with Hollowpaw limping by his side. Hooking his claws into any fissures he could reach, Cloverpaw scrambled back up to re-join his Clanmates; helping Hollowpaw along the way, since he was struggling with his injuries. Every muscle screamed as they dragged themselves up over the edge, finally reaching the top where the rest of their Clanmates gathered.
Cloverpaw sat between Hollowpaw and Redpaw, pressing close to them to stop himself from trembling; too afraid he'll fall over from exhaustion.
"Did you see Beaverstar's face when Flamewish led his patrol up over the edge?" Palefur meowed.
Sandtail boasted. "I had Cherryheart in a grip so tight she had to beg me to let her go!"
Hearing the rest of their Clanmates boast cheer and boast about their victory, Oakstar padded from warrior to warrior, checking injuries and murmuring praise.
"Now where did the three of you get to?" Lavenderstripe meowed, padding toward them. One of her ears is bloody and her pelt is ruffled, with tufts sticking out where claws had dug in.
"I fell over the side." Cloverpaw explained, somewhat ashamed for being taken down so easily.
"I chased away one of the apprentices." Hollowpaw murmured. "Then I got jumped by Thistlepaw and Bumblepaw, those heaps of fox-dung." He cursed, still feeling his cuts sting all over his body. "But I handled it, and taught them a lesson they won't soon forget."
"I fought a bunch of cats!" Redpaw exclaimed proudly. "I helped Hollystorm, then you, some other cats-" He trailed off, taking note of Cloverpaw's solemn expression. Was he not happy they won? Then Redpaw remembered. "Oh! Cloverpaw and I drove off Pinepaw!" He added, nudging his friend to attention.
"Pinepaw?" Stonewing joined them. "He's big for an apprentice, and from what I've heard, quite the formidable fighter. Well done!" He praised them. His eyes became wide when they fixed on his apprentice. "Hollowpaw, are you alright? You look awful!"
Redpaw mumbled under his breath. "Without eyes, when is he not looking awful?"
Hollowpaw clearly heard his comment, lashing his tail to the side crossly. "I'm fine." He muttered.
Stonewing was clearly not convinced but did not press forward. Ever since Smokecloud's death, Hollowpaw hasn't been the same. He knew the eyeless apprentice could be an excellent warrior, but since his father's death, Hollowpaw stopped trying altogether. He treated everything like a chore, barely scrapes through his assessment's even though Stonewing knows he can do better, and he hunts and fight as though his mind is filled with feathers and paws made of stone. He'll have to address Hollowpaw's his behaviour sooner or later, if he wants any improvement in his skills; but for now, he will let it slide.
Stonewing gave them a curt nod and padded away to re-join the crowd. As the last rays of sunlight splashed the rocks, Oakstar padded past them. "Very good, my little warriors. You all fought bravely." He meowed with pride. He then turned his attention to Hollowpaw, who is hunched over and with no emotion shown on his face. "Your father in StarClan will be very proud of you."
Hollowpaw did not respond, simply gazed up at the darkening sky. If he is in StarClan, then he must've rejected me as well. He thought gloomily.
Hollystorm trotted over to report to Oakstar. "No major injuries."
"Then let's head back home." The ThunderClan leader replied. With a flick of his tail he signalled to his Clan and led the way toward the trees.
Cloverpaw walked in between Redpaw and Hollowpaw, letting the latter lean on his shoulder for support as he limped the whole way. His mind could barely wrap around the events that had just occurred. They beat RiverClan! He defeated Pinepaw! Sure, Redpaw had to help him but they took him down regardless.
Redpaw glanced over to Cloverpaw, nudging him slightly so as to not hurt his already injured shoulder. "Hey." He called out softly, getting his attention. Green eyes blinked back at him tiredly. "We make a good team." He meowed.
"Yeah, we do." Cloverpaw nodded in agreement, yawning a bit. "Don't know what I would do without you, Redpaw. You are such a great fighter!"
Redpaw sniffed. "Oh, don't be like that! You did great too!" He argued. "Maybe we could train together some day and I can show you some neat tricks." He offered.
"That would be nice." Cloverpaw agreed. "And Hollowpaw can come with, so he won't get injured as badly as he is today again!" Hollowpaw just gave a grunt in response.
When they arrived back at the camp, everyone started to share tongues with each other; exchanging news about the battle and boasting their victory. Acornshell and Gingerpaw worked tirelessly, going from one injured cat to another to treat everyone's injuries.
"Hold still!" Gingerpaw advised, holding a moss soaked in a special poultice in his teeth as he applied it gently to Hollowpaw's bruises. He hissed and flinched slightly at the contact, but did not voice a complaint. Cloverpaw and Redpaw laid next to them, each eating fresh-kill to fill up their empty stomachs.
"Now that you cleaned the wounds form any possible infections, what do you do next?" Acornshell prompted, mentoring Gingerpaw.
"Apply the cobweb to stop the bleeding?" He picked up paw-full, looking up at her hesitantly to see if he guessed it right. She gave him a nod of approval and he proceeded to gently apply it onto Hollowpaw's injuries.
"There aren't many cats left to heal now." Acornshell meowed. "Finish him and get something to eat, then you can stay with your friends."
"I will!" He promised as she padded away with a bundle of herbs in her teeth to care for any other injured cat. Gingerpaw faced his friends, wide eyed and excited. "So guys, how was your first battle? You guys came back with some pretty nasty injuries." He mewed, continuing to take care of Hollowpaw. "I was so worried!"
"It was tense!" Cloverpaw was the first to respond, taking a bite out of his mouse. "So much stuff going on at the same time, I barely had the chance to think straight."
"It was alright." Hollowpaw answered nonchalantly, hissing slightly as Gingerpaw pressed the cobweb into his shoulder. "I admit, it was kind of scary at first. But I guess, you just kind of get used to it. You know?" He mumbled. He would never admit out loud the true feeling of helplessness he felt when he was outmatched two against one. I will do better next time! He vowed silently.
Redpaw chuckled. "Scary for you maybe." He teased. "You came back a living scrap of fur!"
"Shut up, half-breed!" Hollowpaw snapped angrily.
"Whatever you say, StarClan reject." Redpaw purred, delighted to see the spark of anger flare within Hollowpaw again. He missed the teasing.
"Guys, c'mon!" Cloverpaw complained. "No more fighting for today."
Hollowpaw laid back down, letting Gingerpaw continue with his treatment as he sent another eyeless glare in Redpaw's way. He smirked in response. "Well, I thought the battle was great. Amazing even!" He meowed. "The feeling I get whenever I pinned someone down, or sink my claws and teeth into their fur. Nothing could compare!"
"Geez, you sound so bloodthirsty right now." Hollowpaw commented. "I guess you found your true calling then? Fighting."
Redpaw frowned at that. He certainly did enjoy the feeling of fighting brought him, but fighting can't be his one and only reason to be there. Redpaw definitely doesn't want to spend his life as just another warrior like any other, and be forgotten through time. He is nothing like any other cat, and he will prove it someday! He is just unsure yet as of how he will do this, or what he is truly meant for.
Redpaw shrugged. "I guess."
Gingerpaw pulled away from Hollowpaw, finally done. "Well, I just hope you guys get back with less bruises next time." He meowed. "I'm not sure we'll have nearly as much marigold and cobwebs to heal all of you."
Cloverpaw chewed on another piece of his food. "Don't worry." He mewed through a mouthful, swallowing before he went on. "Next time, we will be far more experienced. And maybe, we could even earn our warrior names!"
Cloverpaw, Hollowpaw, and Redpaw sighed dreamily at the prospect. Finally earning their warrior names. That truly is a day they cannot wait to come. The day they finally become warriors!
Gingerpaw laughed uneasily. "Yeah… Warriors…" He did not regret his decision of becoming a medicine cat. Far from it, he enjoys having the Clan so reliable on him. But he worries for his friends. The safety of the Clan relies on their shoulders, and one wrong move could mean the end for them. And he can't do much about it except to wait with abated breath for their return from battle, and hope they all make it back unharmed. He feels so utterly helpless, even when his position Is supposed to mean so much. But what can he do? All he knows is healing and interpret signs; he knows next to nothing about fighting and that scares Gingerpaw. Hollowpaw's father is dead because he doesn't know how to fight. What will he do when his friends are the ones in need of saving?
The answer is unclear, and that frightens Gingerpaw more than anything.