I puffed out my chest as my clanmates called my new name. Their cries rang through the camp and echoed over the treetops. I was an apprentice! Now began my first real step to becoming a warrior. Glancing at my mentor, I saw his thick muscled legs and proud posture. He would be an excellent teacher. He will make me strong. I thought with a smile.
As the cries died down and the last mews of congratulations were exchanged, I turned to my mentor.
"Can we start training right away?" I asked.
The large grey tabby tom gazed down at me with sharp amber eyes.
"Yes, but I must make one thing clear before we begin."
I nodded eagerly.
"I do not tolerate weakness, understand?" My mentor began. He lowered his head until we gazed into each other's eyes. "If you wish to remain alive, and if you wish to succeed, you must be strong.
Conquer your foes entirely, do not hold back. There is no room for pity."
I nodded. Excitement prickled in my paws. What he said was true. In the world of warriors, one must be powerful to succeed. I had realized that as I struggled to stand as a kit. Weakness only brings about pain. I thought to myself.
My mentor nodded, seeming to recognize the spark of understanding in my eyes.
"Very good. Let us see if you are worthy to become a Thunderclan warrior." He meowed.
"I won't fail you, Thistleclaw," I replied with conviction.
He turned and bounded swiftly toward the camp entrance. I followed close on his heels.
Training was harsh. Thistleclaw pushed me hard, drilling me in every battle technique, even the more advanced ones that should have waited until I was an older apprentice. I relished every time I performed a move properly. Although his praise was scarce, I could tell when Thistleclaw was happy with my progress.
When I failed, however, there was always harsh punishment waiting for me.
I fell on my side one evening, breathing hard and feeling as though my legs were made of stone.
"Get up!" my mentor yelled.
I tried. I dragged my legs beneath me and they trembled with pain and exhaustion. We had been training since dawn, drilling the same technique over and over again, and now I could not move.
"I told you to get up! While you lay there, Shadowclan could be planning an attack! Would you risk losing valuable territory because you decided to lay like a rotting fish on the sand?!"
I swallowed hard and attempted to stand again. I could feel frustration, anger, resentment and determination building inside of me. I WILL stand!!!
"Come on!" Thistleclaw hissed.
Finally, I had regained my paws. Trembling though they might, I was on my feet, and pride glowed in my chest.
Without warning, Thistleclaw swept my paws from under me with one strong blow. I landed with a thud on my side yet again.
"I told you to stand up!" He growled.
Anger boiled in my stomach and I struggled to stand yet again. When I had, my feet were knocked, and I fell.
"STAND!" Thistleclaw yowled.
I stood, and this time, as my mentor's paw came darting toward my legs, I jumped, dodging the blow. Thinking fast, I darted around him and slid under his stomach. My paws darted out and swept his back legs from under him. I crawled out just in time as he fell onto his side.
