This has been a very difficult chapter to write so I have decided to clump two themes together. I will probably not be able to post as often as I like because I have suddenly become very busy with school and stuff. I will also be working more on Warriors: Deception in my free time so don't expect too many One shots. Well anyways, read and review!
Bored / Art of Conversation
Splashpaw cast his eyes up towards the clouds. He used to be happy and content with his life. But now, ever since the great battle, everything just seemed to pass by so quickly. The warriors were too busy rebuilding their camp which have been destroyed by the battle. It felt like he has nothing to do for the clan. Of course Bravepaw had to leave me too He thought He just had to be a hero and leave me behind to be the only apprentice. Splashpaw sank to the ground with a sigh. It's not as if his life was bad. He has a caring mother and father, he has his own close friends and he does not get into trouble very often. In fact his life was pretty good. Aside from the fact that he was the only apprentice. It's just that I feel so bored he wailed inwardly I can't help the clan. Everytime I try, I somehow end up messing something up! It is so frustrating!
"Hey Splashpaw!"
"Hi Braveheart." He said, too busy with his thoughts to bother to turn around.
"What are you doing?" He asked inquisitively.
"Nothing," he replied, "What are you doing here anyway, don't you have something important to do?"
"No, I already did my part for today," Braveheart said, sounding a bit hurt from the tone of his voice, "I just thought that we can go hunting again. Just like old times."
Turning around, Splashpaw noticed that Braveheart was looking at him hopefully. Well, it's not like I have anything else to do. Everyone is too busy rebuilding the clan to notice me.
"Sure, I'm glad that you have not forgotten me."
"I would never forget you, you have and always will be my best friend."
"Even though I'm still an apprentice?"
"Yes, even if you are still an apprentice."
Splashpaw prowled through the grass, occasionally sweeping his head from side to side to try to detect prey. Well at least hunting is something to do. Even though Splashpaw has done this hundreds of times, hunting has never gotten old for him. A rustle in the bush alerted him. Splashpaw crouched even lower, trying to hide his bright orange pelt in the tall grass. Suddenly, a squirrel scurried out of the bushes and started to head for a tree. Without any time to think, Splashpaw acted solely on instinct. He burst out of the grass, racing full speed towards the squirrel. It was over in a second. Splashpaw pounced on the squirrel just as it reached the tree, ending its life. Whispering a prayer of thanks to Starclan, Splashpaw buried his catch. I wish that life can be that easy
By the end of the day, Splashpaw have caught to mice and three squirrels. An impressive hunt, especially for an apprentice.
"Are you feeling better?" Braveheart asked.
"just a little bit."
Braveheart stopped abruptly, turning around to face him. "I'm sick of this."
"Sick of... what?" Splashpaw asked, confused.
"Of you always saying that you are bored and stuff. You know what? I don't think you are bored at all. A bored cat dosen't stay in camp all day. A bored cat would go out of camp and do something. I think you are just upset and depressed that I became a warrior before you. You just can't get over the fact that you are not as good as me!" Braveheart ranted.
Now it was Splashpaw's turn to be angry. "I am not upset," he said indignantly, "I just have nothing to do . The only reason that you became a warrior was because you were at the right place at the right time."
"Do you really believe that?"
"Ye..yes." Splashpaw said uncertainly.
"What you really are is a coward. You are too afraid to face the fact that you are not the best. And because of that, you came up with a pathetic excuse that you are bored. A kit could have came up with a better excuse!"
This sparked a flame in Splashpaw's heart. "Take that back," he said, unsheathing his claws.
"You are not worthy of being a warrior. You shouldn't even be a clan cat!"
That was the last straw. Splashpaw leaped for Braveheart, his claws outstretched. Even though he was fast, he was sloppy. Braveheart jumped aside, easily avoiding the blow. Without waiting for Splashpaw to get ready for another attack, Braveheart leaped forward, feinting to the left before striking Splashpaw's shoulder. Splashpaw let out a hiss of pain. Come on, I can do better than this, I just need to concentrate. Splashpaw calmed his mind, trying to think of a strategy. Maybe... maybe this will work
Splashpaw let out a breath and took a ready stance. "What are you doing, is that all you got?"
A look of surprise flitted across his face but he quickly recovered his composure. "Are you such a coward that you have to resort to mind games? Well just keep in mind that I will not be affected by any of your words."
Splashpaw pretended to think, than called out, "Well what are you waiting for? Hurry and attack me."
A smile slid onto his face. "Very well."
Instead of pouncing on Splashpaw immediately, Braveheart slowly padded towards him.
Mousedung! I need him to attack me! Looks like I will have to take the first strike.
Despite his injured shoulder, Splashpaw sprang towards Braveheart. Braveheart calmly sidestepped him, as if he has been expecting the attack. But instead of landing on four paws, he landed on two, using his front two to lash out at Braveheart. Barely dodging the blow, Braveheart went on the offense. He ducked under Splashpaw and bit his hind legs, causing Splashpaw to yowl out in pain. Braveheart quickly jumped on him and pinned him with a forepaw over Splashpaw's throat.
"I give up," wheezed Splashpaw.
"I knew you were a coward," Braveheart hissed, "this fight only proved it to me more,"
"I'm a useless coward." Splashpaw said downheartedly.
Braveheart was taken aback by the comment. In this moment, he released his hold for just a split second. But that was all it took. Bracing his hind legs , he kicked out with all his might, sending Braveheart flying. Braveheart landed with a thump in the bushes.
I did it!
Limping over to Braveheart, Splashpaw hissed, "Not so much a coward after all am I?"
"No.." he muttered in response.
With a grin of satisfaction, Splashpaw headed back to camp.
I wonder what I can do tomorrow. Maybe another fight to ease my boredom.
