A/N: You already know a set of chapters is going to be worrisome when the first pair starts out with "Despair." Hey, I promised pain for Sootpaw, this is the very beginning of it. (Things don't start getting crazy until a tiny bit later, but this is where it all begins.) I'm very excited for these next two chapters.
Keep in mind, there is a mini-timeskip of about two weeks. Point simple; Flarepaw and the others have been given the "okay" to continue their physical trainings.
Thanks to Shadowmist Of ShadowClan and Lightningfirestar for following and/or adding this story as a favorite!
Reviews
FalconwingTheWarrior- Sorry about that lol, and I believe it would be better for Flarepaw to do that haha.
Shadowmist Of ShadowClan- That is probably my third favorite color, my first being pretty much any shade of blue. Second being a golden-amber color (like cat eyes or something).
Shadowdapple of Thunderclan- Those are nice colors.
Sharpbreeze- Heya Sharp! I hope the transition between the two chapters was smooth instead of random. Yes, in that way, Flarepaw and Wildfire are the same with the idea of pushing every emotion away. Hmm, those are nice colors. I wish I had colored eyes lol, I have brown. Is Roseberry Flarepaw's aunt? You'll find out later XD. Slowly but surely, yeah, Flarepaw is coming out of her shell.
Key Storms (Guest)- Eh, you'll just have to wait and see about that. I only have about two weeks left. Very exciting stuff, very exciting stuff.
Guest- Nice.
FifiTheB-29 (Guest)- Heya, thanks for joining the ride. Thanks, I'll keep that note about collarbones lol. Those are very nice colors. Hmm… I'll think about that fox thingy haha. Thank you!
WolfFang (Guest)- XD All your yelling is falling on his deaf ears lol. That's a good idea about the eyesight training, I'll have to do more research about it. You welcome? I kinda like the idea of a fierce Medicine Cat, idk maybe just me. I have a very long list of nice colors that I like lol. Huh, guess I'm not the only one whose tall.
Slytherin Buttercat- Yes, he is indeed a rat. I'm glad they're finally getting to the "friends" part of their relationship (especially for what's gonna happen shortly) Same, I like mostly all the shades of blue. Lol, I get it.
Hailstrike- Ah, so Flarepaw's eyes? They're a mix of light blue and silver (silver-blue).
The Unnamed Guest- Thank you, thank you. (I wouldn't say it's the best, but thank you XD). Her backstory shall appear relatively soon. Yes, all good things must come to an end, but this story is not anywhere near the end (close to the middle, but even then is a good chunk of chapters until that point). I don't normally read stories about the main series characters, I stumbled across Dawn Frost and even then, I didn't even know they were from the main series. I never read the main series itself. Hmm… Sootflare? I like it lol. He was confused more so for the fact that she is beginning to open up to him, speaking about her past is definitely a huge step for her, and Sootpaw was aware of that tidbit of information. That's why he was confused as to why she said it so quickly to him. Yes, Sootpaw is a big ray of sunshine to Flarepaw (as seen with the brightness of the "sunset" of his eyes *hint hint*) As for Wildfire's backstory… it's… interesting? Idk how you'll guys react to it lol. You definitely make a bunch of excellent observations as to why he acts the way he does around her. No, as of now, Sootpaw has no idea that Flarepaw even cried that day. I'm similar to you in that I love cool colors rather than warm colors (although I love a few shades of red and orange and stuff like that, but mostly blue's and purples are my favorite and I'm also a huge fan of silver). Basically the colors of Flarepaw's and Sootpaw's eyes are some of my favorites (gold, yellow, silver, blue). Nope, today's chapter is called Despair.
Thanks to everybody who reviewed, followed, and/or added this story as a favorite!
Let's get started!
…
In all his time in this world, Sootpaw had never felt such an intensity and bitter combination of anxiety and excitement hanging in a cloud above everybody's head before.
The High Ranks of his clan talked animatedly with one another, still buzzing from the recent birth of two new Nobles. The cream furred Queen, Dawnspot, had subtly refused to name the father and disregarded the question whenever someone came up to her. The two new bundles of fur had received visitors daily, though Sootpaw was only able to catch a brief glimpse of both of them.
From eavesdropping on the loud conversations of the Nobles and Royals, Sootpaw knew the kits were both toms. One was suitably named Crimsonkit, presumably for his dark red fur that sported streaks of white across his tiny back. The other was a slightly smaller tom named Applekit, the little kit having chestnut brown fur and a darker underbelly.
Sootpaw couldn't help but purr at his thoughts.
Newborn kits meant the clan was strong, the clan was growing. Who knows… maybe these kits will spark the change this clan needs if I fail…
The dark grey Commoner stretched luxuriously, a yawn splitting his jaw as he watched with quiet curiosity at the High Ranks gathering outside the nursery once more. The remaining queen, the Noble Brightfoot, was currently going through her own process of introducing new members to the clan. The apprentice had seen Hollypaw and Roseberry move swiftly and proficiently from one corner of the camp- where the Medicine Den was- to the other corner- were the Nursery of the Nobles lay.
"Alright apprentices, come here."
Ashtail's dark green eyes looked around at the gathered apprentices with an obvious disinterest, his eyes wandering to the crowd before they returned to their original spot with a bored sigh. It was written as clear as day on the Noble's face, he would rather be anywhere else than with the Low Ranks.
Sootpaw glanced once more in the direction of the Nursery as another pained cry came from the Queen. I'll have to ask Hollypaw how it went later. Just like with Dawnspot's birthing, the apprentices were whisked away to train out of camp, far away from the cries of a soon-to-be mother. What was different this time, however, was that the High Ranking apprentices weren't with them.
The Commoner had noticed their absence when he rose this morning, it was safe to assume they had left during the early rays of dawn. Now, the Sunhigh light would've been bright, had the heavy and thick clouds not been there. Sootpaw could feel a shiver take hold of his body as a gentle breeze blew by, the wind much colder than the day before.
"The High Ranks have gone to do their second of three assessments for the day, the Grand Royal apprentices are there supervising as well. Hence, why I'm here ordering you around instead of lead Royal Whiteshadow. I was tasked with letting you all know that today, you are in charge of our Sunhigh border patrols. The Artisans shall lead Commoners. If you hear your name, step forward."
Sootpaw could only flatten his ears, his eyes narrowing at the insipid tone of Ashtail's voice. His eyes repeatedly wandered away from the apprentices, and unlike Whiteshadow, the tom remained sitting in one spot instead of walking back and forth to address everyone. At first, the Commoner though the tom was simply tired, but the uninterested look in his eyes told him much more.
He must think it's beneath him… talking to Low Ranks like us.
"Yellowpaw… go ahead and take Adderpaw and Shrewpaw to the Forestclan border. Icepaw... take Bluepaw and Mousepaw to the Stormclan border."
Oh no…
"That just leaves a patrol of two; Stripepaw… you are in charge of the border of our old territory with Sootpaw."
The Commoner kept his gaze on Ashtail's face, feeling the scorching glare coming from Stripepaw's light blue eyes at his side. Sootpaw bit his lip nervously, his paws shuffling slightly as he completely blocked off everything the Noble was saying. Why did it have to be Stripepaw? Even Yellowpaw is a bit easier on me now… but Stripepaw? Ever since the night the Commoner was ambushed by the three Artisan apprentices ended with Yellowpaw heavily injured by Sootpaw's claws, Stripepaw had pursued every opportunity to remind him of what he did. Even as Yellowpaw grew less bitter around Sootpaw- ever since they both spent the day watching over the Prisoner's due to their injuries- Stripepaw, if anything, became even more resentful towards the lower rank.
It was only a matter of time before he actually began attacking Sootpaw daily.
And what better way to start than a patrol where nobody else is around?
"Hey Commoner!" Stripepaw's growl tore the tom out of his thoughts. "Let's go already. You better not slow me down anymore than you already have."
The grey furred tom let out a heavy sigh, grumbling incoherently under his breath as he reluctantly padded after the dark grey Artisan with light blue eyes that burned hotter than any flame.
This is going to be great…
…
This is anything but great…
Sure, the Artisan hadn't exactly done anything to him, but Sootpaw could see the glares directed at him out of the corners of his eyes. The tension that hung over them was suffocating, even the chill of the wind wasn't even close to refreshing. The grey Commoner prepared himself at every instance to flinch away, his body stiffening and getting ready for the pain that just wouldn't come.
The constant look of disdain thrown in his direction made him almost wish Stripepaw would do something to him, anything to physically show his anger towards Sootpaw.
The Commoner frowned, the silence overwhelming, as he racked his brain for any sort of conversation starter. There was nothing he hated more than being paranoid of an attack that might never come. As another look of contempt flickered over him, Sootpaw let out a low growl.
Stopping suddenly, he whipped to his side to face the Artisan. Stripepaw did nothing more but stop in his place, looking at him out of the corner of his eyes as though he expected this to happen.
"Why aren't you saying anything? Just say something! I know you want to!"
"Not a fan of silence?"
"Not when someone who is constantly trying to hurt me is the one suddenly being silent."
For some strange reason, Stripepaw seemed to find amusement in Sootpaw's words. He let out a small sound from the back of his throat, not exactly a huff, but not exactly a chuckle. The Artisan turned his head to face the Commoner, his light blue eyes turning into icy pits of fire.
"I'm just wondering how exactly a coward of a Commoner plans to make a difference in this clan."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what I said. Everybody in this world is here for a reason, to make a change, to make an impact. I'm just wondering how someone like you is able to make such an impact. You're nothing more than a nuisance and a coward with a facade of courage."
I'm no coward!
Sootpaw gritted his teeth harshly. That tone… it's just like Rowanpaw's. Scornful and fake. The smirk of amusement, the glittering and condescending glow of his eyes, the haughty way he held his head… Sootpaw hated it all. Stripepaw let out a chuckle this time before continuing, accepting Sootpaw's bitter silence as a victory.
"I'm someone who follows the rules. I'm someone who will make a difference in this world by repeating the tradition of hierarchy that is the very foundation of our clan."
"So you're just another blind follower? Our ranks provide structure, but they shouldn't hold us back."
"I wouldn't expect someone like you to understand something so important. When an enigma is found, everybody in their power will do whatever it takes to either cure it, or get rid of it. They're impure, they're unwanted, they're an imperfection to our quintessential clan. An anomaly such as yourself isn't going to survive for long. Me and everybody else shall see to it."
Stripepaw began walking again, but at a much slower pace, leaving a stunned Sootpaw to trail behind. The Commoner flattened his ears, his glare directed at nothing and everything. Of all the arguments they could've had, this was definitely not one of them. He knew what he was up against the moment he decided to try and break free of the restraints of his rank, but having it spoken aloud made the task itself all the more daunting. A sudden wave of despair took over him, his shoulders sagging and untorn ear drooping as his glare turned into a melancholic stare.
"I don't understand why you try so hard to be something you have no hope of becoming. It's pointless, really. All you're doing by defying us is shortening your lifespan by making the High Ranks angry and wasting energy. My advice… just follow the rules, and obey the system. It's not so hard, Commoner."
Sootpaw closed his eyes, Stripepaw's words echoing in his mind. His jaw clenched at the intruding thoughts as he tried so desperately to push them away.
Maybe… maybe it is pointless…
He had said before that he was doing it for his fellow Commoners, but was he really? Where was the line that marked being selfless for his friends and being selfish for himself? What difference had he achieved? If everybody thought similarly to Stripepaw, then what was the point of going against order?
A sudden gasp escaped his lips, his eyes flying open and ears perking up, as if he suddenly remembered something.
Sagepaw doesn't act that way. Hollypaw is always there for me when I need her. Even Flarepaw is starting to…
Sootpaw felt his lips quirk once more, his head raising to its previous state, images of his friends flashing through his mind and giving him the strength to straighten his shoulders again. That's right… I am making a difference.
"It's saddening, Stripepaw."
The Artisan glanced behind his shoulder, his head tilting to the side in confusion as Sootpaw stood up again. The Commoner rose his head with newfound strength.
"It's saddening to think that you have no sense of self. If you really believe in your own words, then that means all you are is a puppet. You can't even think for yourself because all you're thinking about is what everybody else thinks. Tell me, is the opinions of others so important to you that you throw away who you are just to please them?"
Sootpaw padded towards him, standing a near whisker-length apart. It was Stripepaw's turn to get lost in thought, silent as he listened carefully to the Commoner's words. The tom's golden-yellow eyes burned brighter than the light blue fire from the Artisan's eyes.
"It takes courage and strength to stand alone and apart from everybody else. It doesn't require much to join a crowd. Yeah… I'm scared… I'm struggling… and I stumble, a lot. But I haven't fallen, and until I do, I'm okay with being an anomaly. I'm okay with being an outcast, I'm okay with being a reject. Because that is who I choose to be… that is who I'm going to continue being until my last breath, and even… even to the next life."
For a heartbeat, the world went silent.
The wind that had been so adamantly making its presence known before now grew silent. The sounds of songbirds and buzzing insects halted, as if listening to Sootpaw's words as well. Even their breaths paused momentarily.
Stripepaw was the first to break out of his trance.
"Sootpaw-"
"Well, well, well. Would you guys look at what I found? A couple of grey worms."
Almost simultaneously, Sootpaw and Stripepaw were tackled- or, more like thrown- aside. With his heartbeat in his throat, the Commoner let out a cross of a groan and a yowl as he hit the back of his head against a tree nearby. Stripepaw, he was aware, also reacted in a similar manner. That single hit alone left his flank throbbing, a thin trail of blood dripping from a cut. The tom only had a small moment to peek open his eyes, briefly catching a variety of color before a paw soar across his vision as the stranger smacked the side of his head, sending him stumbling once more.
This time, he collided with a mass of warmth that he could only assume was Stripepaw. In a desperate attempt to back away from whoever was hitting him, the Commoner pushed himself off the ground and leaping back, landing awkwardly on a tree root. His eyes opened quickly, only to widen seconds later as he ducked underneath a paw that held sharp claws.
His attacker was unfamiliar to him, though he could fool himself that they belonged to his clan, what with their striking red fur that was tinged with black and adorned with black ear tips. Sootpaw scrambled to his paws as he dodged another flurry of unsheathed claws, his eyes wide and all his training going to the wind. It was a she-cat, he noticed immediately as she spoke once more.
"Say… this is rather fun. Entertain me more, grey worm."
The gleaming light green eyes of his attacker were bright with sick amusement as he cried out, her claws tearing the skin on his face. Sootpaw swallowed heavily as he countered her next hit with his own, ducking underneath her other hit, but hissing in pain as teeth suddenly bit into his untorn ear. With a brief sense of panic, the tom was sent back to his fight with the blue furred prisoner. That tom was the reason his left ear was torn, and this she-cat was now trying to do the same with his right.
Instead of tearing himself away like he had done last time, the Commoner lashed his claws out near the she-cat's neck, anything to cause her to loosen her grip. Gratefully, he succeeded and quickly backed away from her. Sparing a glance in Stripepaw's direction, Sootpaw felt his heart begin to beat faster at their situation. They were surrounded, with at least four other cats waiting on the outskirts and one attacking each of them.
The one going after Stripepaw was similar to the one attacking him, with red fur that wasn't as striking as the one in front of Sootpaw. It held dashes of brown and an underbelly of white, a pair of yellow eyes completed the appearance. Regardless, the Artisan also appeared to be struggling quite a bit.
"Hey little worm, over here."
Sootpaw's response to this was another yowl of pain as her claws scoured across his chest, leaving deep wounds that immediately began dripping with his blood. They began burning with pain as he gritted his teeth, sidestepping her and attempting to claw at her hind leg. If he could get the upper hand, if he could just pin her down or get her off her paws, then he would have a chance of winning- however slim.
He did manage to hit her, but the wounds on her were miniscule and mere scratches in comparison to his. He didn't know how long they fought. Every time they met in a flurry of claws and teeth, he always pulled back with a new savage wound. She was merciless, attacking everywhere and anywhere to make him bleed. Her taunts had paused, but the sick smile never left her face and her eyes brightened in joy with each of his cries of pain.
Sootpaw felt the wind escape his lungs as he landed roughly on his back. A brief moment passed where he felt as though he couldn't breathe, as if he was submerged underwater. His wounds were throbbing, his sore muscles were screaming, his lungs burned as they tried desperately to gain their rhythm back. All he could do was watch as the she-cat stood a few pawsteps away, mouthing words that he had no hope of hearing in his state.
A familiar sense of dread passed him as she suddenly leapt at him, pain sprouting from the places her claws pierced through his skin near his belly and chest.
The Commoner couldn't find the breath to yowl anymore.
The pain suddenly disappeared moments later when the stranger was suddenly pushed aside. Blinking open his previously shut eyes, the grey apprentice glanced to his side, his eyes widening in surprise. Stripepaw stood beside him, his glare directed at the she-cat he had thrown off of the Commoner. The striking red fur of his attacker moved as she padded to where the other rogues were.
"Are you okay?"
"That's not something I expected from you."
"Shut up and stand. Our fight isn't finished yet."
The Artisan's growl rumbled through his chest, his gaze remaining wearily on the strangers as Sootpaw pushed himself up, gasping in pain the whole way. He could barely stand, and when he did, his vision darkened dangerously as his body swayed. Stripepaw bit his lip as his eyes narrowed. A shared glanced with the Commoner told him they were both thinking the same thing.
They needed to come with a plan quickly if either had a hope of escaping with their lives.
"I'm getting a little bored now, worms. How about we finish this off so we can continue?"
"Who are you? Why are you attacking us?"
Sootpaw glanced at the Artisan, frowning slightly. He could only guess that Stripepaw was asking questions in order to buy them time to recuperate. The Commoner made another attempt to stand from his sitting position, but he found himself physically incapable of doing so. His vision was beginning to blur, black spots swam at the corner of his eyes.
I'm going to pass out before we could do anything, there's no way I can go back to fighting like this. Think damnit! Think!
"I don't feel the need to answer to someone who is about to die. It would be a waste of breath."
Stripepaw hissed, his claws flexing against the ground as he looked at the other rogues. The two they had fought stood closer to them than the four others. Those four seemed as bored and disinterested as Ashtail had while ordering patrols. He could hear Sootpaw struggling to catch his breath, wheezing as he continuously tried to stand up and finally succeeding to stand still after many failed attempts. It appeared as though he would fall over if a strong enough breeze came by, but nonetheless, his voice was strong as he spoke to the Artisan.
"Stripepaw… we're not going to make it out of here in one piece…"
"I know-"
"But I know for sure that at least one of us can leave."
Stripepaw whipped to his side in surprise, his eyes widening at the Commoner's words. Sootpaw was panting, as if talking was taking all the effort it needed to simply breathe.
"Y-You don't mean-"
"One of us stays behind… to provide time for the other to run back to camp."
"I… I don't-"
"I sure hope you're a fast runner, Stripepaw."
"What?"
Sootpaw turned his gaze to the Artisan, the golden-yellow flame burning with determination. His voice was steady, sincere… a complete contrast to how the tom looked currently. His body swayed gently with the wind like the dying leaves that clung to the branches above their heads.
And just like them… it was only a matter of time before he fell.
"You- I… Are you mouse-brain?"
"You're clearly in a better state than I am. I can barely even remain standing, Stripepaw. It's the only smart decision to have you go instead of me. At least this way, we have a better chance of warning the clan."
"But I… why would you do this?"
"It's not for you. If it was up to me, I would be the one to leave. I'm thinking about the clan. Who knows what these rogues are doing here, but it clearly isn't just to say hello."
"How noble of you, little worm. Sacrificing yourself for the greater good. It brings tears to my eyes."
The she-cat with the striking red fur chastised, using her tail to flick an imaginary tear from the corner of one of her eyes. The rogues behind her let out light chuckles, while the one beside her remained silent. Her yellow eyes were ominously free of emotion as they stared at the two clan cats. Sootpaw gritted his teeth, blinking rapidly to clear the darkness from them.
"Go, Stripepaw."
"You're such a reckless idiot."
"Yeah… I guess I am a reckless idiot. But at least I'm no coward, that's the good thing, right?"
Stripepaw let out a heavy sigh, exhausted from both the fight and this conversation itself. Sometimes he wondered just how clueless Sootpaw really was. Clenching his teeth, he nodded more to himself than to the other tom. The Artisan left the Commoner's side, backing up while keeping his gaze on the rogues in front of him.
"I don't recall giving you permission to leave, little worm."
"We don't receive orders from you, rogue."
The she-cat turned her gaze to Sootpaw as he spat his words, his eyes narrowing in hostility as he flexed his claws against the ground, preparing himself for another fight. It was clear he was in no condition to do so, but she couldn't help but admire his willingness to fight a battle he clearly could not win. Her admiration turned into malicious joy as a smirk crossed her features.
"This grey worm has some guts, I'll admit." Her claws flexed as a yowl tore through her throat, her sharp teeth displayed with her crazed smirk. "Let's see how brave he is when I tear them out of him!"
The rogue sprinted towards him, her claws outstretched as she lunged forward. In that moment, Sootpaw felt his world spin as his legs finally gave out from underneath him. The feeling of falling awoke a certain fear within him, a fear he didn't know he had. His vision blurred, rending him blind as his eyes closed briefly.
How useless can I be? I couldn't even fight a little longer for Stripepaw to escape.
Perhaps… I do deserve this.
The despair from earlier returned full force, twice as strong if anything else. He suddenly found himself not caring what happened to him. He suddenly found himself wishing to fall asleep, to forever spend the rest of eternity in the world of dreams. In his dreams, nothing could hurt him, nothing could come close to it. In his dreams, he was important… he was wanted and loved rather than seen as a nuisance and scorned.
In his dream, the idea of despair never existed.
A soft gasp escaped his lips as he the sensation of falling disappeared instantly. His head collided with a steady figure of warmth, a certain silkiness that he couldn't help but purr at. The subtle scent of roses filled his senses; it was as comforting as it was exhilarating. It held a distinct wildness… like the wind, it was free. It made his despair be demolished by hope. It made him feel as though everything was now going to be alright.
It made him feel at home.
"Your ability to attract trouble never ceases to amaze me, clueless flea-brain."
Despite his eyelids feeling heavier than before, the tom managed to peek open his eyes. It was a small crack, just big enough for him to see through a haze of blurriness. Just big enough for him to see a blaze of white across a backdrop of fire that came in the form of shaded amber fur. He found his voice after a few moments, his words tired and raspy.
"Flarepaw…"
He tilted his head back just enough to see her silver-blue eyes looking down at him. It only now occurred to him that he was leaning heavily against her chest, almost as if they were embracing. Her eyes glittered almost playfully, her face was so close to his as he gazed up at her. For a few moments, he could forget about his physical pain. He could forget about his emotional turmoils. Everything was going to be alright, because Flarepaw was here now.
Wait…
In a flash, his mind abruptly made him remember the last time she had saved him. It brought memories he had stubbornly pushed down and trapped in the depths of his mind. It made his worry stir in his chest uncomfortably.
The last time she saved me… was when she almost died because of that fox…
"You took quite a beating, I see. Did you forget your training, Sootpaw?"
"Flarepaw…"
"Remind me to nag to you about it later. For now, let me take care of the rest."
"Flarepaw, no!"
She had made a move to pull away from him once he was steady, but she stopped when he wrapped one of his paws around her leg. His pull was gentle, but urgent. Worry flashed in his eyes, brightening the sunset for a few seconds as she looked back at him in slight confusion.
Sootpaw spared a glance in front of him, taking note that Flarepaw wasn't the only one that had arrived. A rather irritated looking Emberpaw was also there; she must've been the one to stop the rogue from reaching the Commoner. Flarepaw must have immediately gone to him. He clenched his teeth, looking back at the she-cat he had increasingly grown close to. The she-cat he had grown to care for. His fear spiked at the thought of her getting injured again for his sake.
"Please…" he spoke in a soft voice, mirroring how he spoke when she had first awoken from the fox attack. "Please… don't do this."
"You don't think I can handle myself?"
"I just… I don't want anything to happen to you again. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."
"Sootpaw."
No matter how many times he heard it, he could never get used to the soft tone of her voice. Normally, she only ever spoke in this manner when it was just the two of them. It was a tone, he realized, that she preserved for him and him alone. Despite this, it wasn't enough to wash away his worries. Flarepaw let out a small sigh as she took a small step closer, just enough for their eyes to be level. Just enough to be sure he could hear her every word.
"Do you trust me?"
"I…"
She tilted her head to the side, repeating herself as a kind smile made a home on her muzzle.
"Do you trust me?"
Sootpaw remained quiet for a few more seconds before swallowing, responding with sincerity dripping from his words. They left no room for doubt.
"Of course, I do."
"Then, let me do this."
The Commoner frowned once more, but gave a nod nonetheless as he stumbled backwards. She and the others had received the permission from Roseberry to continue training only three days ago. All of their wounds were now closed- Flarepaw's being the only noticeably scarred one out of the three- and they were back in good condition. But still… training and fighting a real battle are two entirely different things.
All Sootpaw could do was hope she would be okay.
"I thought I smelled rotting crowfood. Lo and behold, I find a couple of rogues… on my territory."
Flarepaw padded forward as she spoke in her tone of authority, joining Emberpaw's side as the two Grand Royal apprentices faced the rogues. The one that had so ruthlessly attacked Sootpaw earlier stood the closest to them, the other red she-cat standing at her side. Flarepaw glanced momentarily at Emberpaw, catching the she-cat's dark green eyes with a nod.
"Look it, Rose. We have even more little worms to fight. Let's get this over with, shall we?"
"I'm ready when you are."
The striking red fur of the first she-cat bristled as she sent a smirk to Flarepaw. The Grand Royal apprentice kept a steady mask on her face, her eyes wandering to the rogues behind the two in front of her.
"Emberpaw, I know it's been a while since we fought side-by-side," Flarepaw's silver-blue eyes glittered almost playfully as she turned her gaze to her competition. An almost mischievous smile crossed her features. "Don't get in the way."
"Funny, I was about to say the same to you."
The two Grand Royal apprentices sent the other a taunting smirk. It arose within them their competitive natures, and now, this fight was nothing more but a game to them. In the past, whenever they competed against each other for whatever reason, they both brought nothing but their best. They both pushed the other to do better, they both taunted the other that they were better. They clawed their way to the top, pushing everybody and anything aside or just simply tearing through their own personal barriers.
And it was all done with smiles on their faces.
Together, they created a fire that burned everything in their paths. Together, they brought destruction everywhere they walked. Together, they were unstoppable.
And now, it was time for the rogues to learn about the true meaning of despair.
…
A/N: I don't really know how I feel about this chapter, sorry if it felt a bit rushed or not as great as my normal writing. Next chapter features the fight of the two rogue she-cats vs the team of Emberpaw and Flarepaw. To say I'm excited would be an understatement.
…
Question of the Day
Here's a question from our favorite servant: Darkpaw!
What is your idea of the "perfect" weather?
…
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Thank you and peace out!
~Wolfcreations18
