Chapter Four
Training
Tigerpaw's P.O.V.
"What was that, you fox-brained idiot?!"
We were battle training. Yay. Over the past few days, Tightfoot had gotten even nastier, even searching for reasons to punish me. He had even threw one of my biggest rabbits into the lake because, 'it wasn't big enough'.
"Sorry!" I called back over the roaring wind. "This wind is making it hard to concentrate!"
"And the last I heard, I don't think any other Clans will stop because you can't focus! You are more worthless at this than the kits!"
I felt another stab of guilt enter me, even though he had been berating me all day. I tried to remember the move.
Leap, turn, land, then roll… no, wait, was it leap, land, turn…
"Hurry up!" My mentor's voice broke through my thoughts. "Try it again!"
Mustering up what little courage I had left, I leaped. Turn, land…
Before I knew what was happening, I was on the ground again, pinned by dung-breath.
"Stop! You did it wrong again!"
I felt my patience running thin, but the still healing welt on my cheek kept it from breaking. "Um, I think that was…"
"No!" I felt him hit my ears, hard. "It was leap, land, turn then roll! Get it straight!"
I sighed. "Sorry."
The next attempt left me on the ground again. And again, and again...
Eventually, I managed to get it perfectly, or so I thought. Leaping into the air, I aimed for just beside Tightfoot. As I landed, I rolled right into him, tangling up his paws and bringing him to the ground.
"Stop! You lousy mouse-paws! That barely did anything! You need to be able to get to your feet before your opponent! Try again!"
The sun was starting to turn the sky the pale pink color, indicating it wasn't going to stay light much longer. That, coupled with my now aching limbs, made me just want to flop into my nest and sink into the earth.
"Wait, could we continue this tomorrow? It's getting late and…"
Another blow to my ears followed that.
"And whose fault is that?!" He snarled. "You are not getting any food until you get this move right! Now go again, before I just use a move called 'throwing you into the lake'!"
I let out another sigh. "Yes, mentor…"
I sighed again. I was in the apprentice den, the night sky leaking through the ceiling. I hadn't been able to fall asleep yet. Any attempt got interrupted by the memories of today's berating.
Work harder!
Faster, you turtle!
Come on! Concentrate, you worthless piece of cat-dung!
I turned in my nest for what seemed like the millionth time. Frustration was boiling through me, making me want to claw something.
With one last heave, I pulled myself to my feet. I knew exactly where I wanted to go. With some care not to wake any other apprentices, I snuck out of the den. A few snores panicked me at first, but I made it out.
The harder part was getting past the warrior's den and out of camp. If Tightfoot caught me, I was dead. The suspense was almost scarier than just getting caught, wondering what would happen. But, at long last, I made my way to the exit.
It was a smooth, crystal clear night outside. The night's breeze seemed to whisper in my ear, urging me on. I nearly let out a yowl of triumph, but caught myself just in time.
I broke into a full run, loving this freedom. This was amazing, the exhilaration and adrenaline coursing through my blood. I never wanted this to end, just to keep running, to the very edge of the horizon, and then some. For once, no whispers haunted me, or pestered me about how I was worthless. The wind, the roaring of my own beating heart, drowned out any doubts or fears I ever had.
After what felt like only a few seconds, though, I got there. The ledge where I spent my first time out of camp. It beckoned to me, begging me to just enjoy the sight it had to offer. I never hesitated. Leaping up there, I just let out my own yowl. It felt so good, so alive, to be free of my shackles of insults and pain. Even though I knew it was only for a moment, only a small sliver of my life, it was breathtaking. I felt… free.
Hi guys! Back again! Ok, quick shoutout to FreeEcho, who is still helping me with my writing! She and Whiteout of the Ice and Night have been working on a story together, and I think it's really good, Responses to reviews:
so go check that out!
TheForestDog: No, thank you for suggesting that! If you hadn't helped, I would still be staring at a blank screen.
FreeEcho: Wish granted!
Whiteout of the Ice and Night: Well, not giving away toomuch, but that might happen. Of course, Tigerpaw still sees her as a nuisance, but cats can change!
