Chapter 15: The Vengeful Ones
Exhaustion weighed on Jaggedshadow as he lay in his nest. He closed his eyes once again. Perhaps the next dawn would herald his victory. As he slipped into the comfort of sleep, some cat called his name. Jaggedshadow ignored them. Whatever they wanted could wait.
Jaggedshadow opened his eyes. He stood among dead leaves and leafless dead trees. A large broad-shouldered cat stood before him. Jaggedshadow's fur spiked.
The tom stepped closer. "Welcome to the Place of No Stars."
Jaggedshadow flinched. He had heard many tales of the vicious spirits who lived within the Place of No Stars. Apparently, one of NightClan's first leaders- Jagged Shadows own great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather had been in league with the Place of No Stars.
"Who are you?" Jaggedshadow asked.
"I am Tigerstar. I was once leader of ShadowClan," the spirit told Jaggedshadow.
"Why am I here?"
Tigerstar grinned. "You desire revenge, do you not?"
Jaggedshadow nodded. "When do we begin training?"
"Tonight, if you wish."
"Good." Jaggedshadow followed Tigerstar across the realm, to a hexagonal clearing that was ringed by twelve massive trees that seemed to touch the Place of No Star's sky.
They stopped in the center of the clearing. Tigerstar flicked his tail tip toward one of the corners. Jaggedshadow followed the command, taking a fighting stance once in place.
"Let's start with something easy." Tigerstar flicked his tail toward Jaggedshadow. "Attack me."
Jaggedshadow frowned, studying his opponent. Tigerstar, although somewhat shorter than Jaggedshadow, looked physically impressive enough to give Jaggedshadow pause. He was a strong fellow and his amber eyes had a fierce light to them.
Jaggedshadow rushed toward Tigerstar, battering his head and shoulders with far-reaching paw swipes. Tigerstar tackled Jaggedshadow, knocking him onto his back.
Tigerstar slashed Jaggedshadow's belly. "What are you, a kit?" He sneered, "we train with unsheathed claws here."
Jaggedshadow winced. He wasn't sure whether it was from the blood that dripped from his wound or Tigerstar's insult. "Okay, then." He stood, unsheathing his claws.
It was then Jaggedshadow noticed something: Tigerstar leaned on his left foreleg. It was subtle, but it was information he could use to his advantage.
Jaggedshadow shifted his stance, approaching Tigerstar from his left side.
Tigerstar slashed Jaggedshadow's shoulder. "Thought you were being sneaky?"
"Perhaps." Jaggedshadow slammed both forelegs down on Tigerstar's shoulders, slashing his side and face while his forelegs were immobilized.
