A New Horizon Book 2: The Dying Forest {COMPLETE}

Chapter 8

"You're going to have to harder than that Nightpaw." Thornstar said as he easily dodged her attack. "You're not fighting Wheatwhisker." Nightpaw lashed her tail. Wheatwhisker doesn't hit as hard. She panted heavily, her body aching from all of Thornstar's heavy blows to her body. Gritting her teeth, Nightpaw attacked again.

Thornstar detected her movements and moved out of the way quickly, Nightpaw landed clumsily on the ground, wobbling as she struggled to regain her balance. Just as she recovered, Thornstar threw her to the ground, she rolled through the dead grass. Nightpaw jumped to her paws, facing Thornstar once more. "Honestly, Nightpaw. Your attacks are so predictable." He flicked his ears. "Maybe I was wrong about you, maybe you're not ready to save AshClan after all."

Rage sparked inside of her. How dare he? Nightpaw attacked once more, pushing herself to move even faster. She knew that Thornstar would try to dodge, but she would change up her attack. As Thornstar moved to the side, trying to dodge, Nightpaw managed to jump on him. She battered at his chest and shoved him to the side.

"There you go." Thornstar said as he quickly recovered, amber eyes shimmering. "You need to find your fire, Nightpaw. What drives you?"

"I want to protect my Clan." Nightpaw responded, there was a glint in Thornstar's eyes.

"You want to protect your Clan from cats like me." Nightpaw tensed up a little. "So, I want you to imagine that I am still leader of your Clan. Threatening everything you hold dear, your father, your brother and all the young kits and apprentices. All of their lives, depend on you."

Nightpaw closed her eyes, she could see Blackpaw. He wasn't a warrior, he was a medicine cat. He didn't have battle training, she would need to protect him. Then her mind shifted to Crowstep, her father. He was getting older and not as strong as he used to be. Then it was the kits, Sagekit and Hailkit. Tiny and unable to defend themselves. Nightpaw felt a rage boiling inside of her as she pictured Thornstar standing above them all, dangerous and ready to attack.

Without warning, Nightpaw jumped and tackled Thornstar to the ground. I'd hate to admit it, but he's right. Nightpaw thought as she battered Thornstar, digging her hind paws into his belly. Without a drive, I can't fight. Thornstar let out a pained hiss and threw Nightpaw off. She hit the ground, wrenching her shoulder. She let out a small gasp of pain and struggled to stand up.

"Finally." Thornstar said, looking at Nightpaw. "Finally you've found it. Now, your more advanced training can begin."

Nightpaw limped from her den, her entire body hurt. I don't understand why the pain follows me into the waking world. She silently cursed, but despite the pain...part of her felt more alive than ever. Nightpaw looked towards the medicine cat den, she knew that she couldn't train with her shoulder being like this, but she also didn't want to explain to Blackpaw what she was doing. He would never understand. Nightpaw sighed and looked for Wheatwhisker. If I can make it seem like I got injured during training then I won't have to tell Blackpaw the real reason. Nightpaw's stomach churned, she hated lying to her brother. He just can't know.

Swallowing the pain, Nightpaw trotted up to Wheatwhisker who was talking with Lilyclaw. "Good morning." Nightpaw greeted the senior warriors kindly.

"Good morning." Lilyclaw purred, Nightpaw had always liked her. She was kind and fierce.

"Morning, Nightpaw." Wheatwhisker looked at her, his green eyes enthusiastic. "Are you ready for training today? I have something fun planned."

"Oh really?" Nightpaw tilted her head, for the moment she had forgotten about her shoulder injury. "What is it?"