Aspenwhisper's War

Part 6

       Next to speak was Blizzardfall, his clipped tones almost exactly like Pinepaw. "Now, I'm sure you three know this already, but I'm going to go over a few rules." He said. "First, pay close attention when you're being instructed on how to do a move. Missing a part of the demonstration could lead to injury. Second, don't begin practicing the move with your partner until you know for sure that they are ready for you. Again, we're trying to avoid anyone getting hurt. Third, and finally, keep your claws sheathed. You're only learning how to fight, and you're against Clanmates, not enemy warriors. Now, when you finish your meal, we'll head out, so hurry up."

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       The three brothers and their mentors padded into the training area, the sandy hollow bathed in dappled sunshine, and the sounds of birds filling the peaceful newleaf air.

       When everyone got settled, Shadecreek spoke first, stepping forward. 

       "The first thing you're going to be taught today is how to unbalance your enemy, particularly if they are bigger than you." He said. He motioned for Blizzardfall to join him, as the dappled white tom was broader and a bit bulkier than Shadecreek himself. "When you're facing an enemy bigger than you, and you need to get an advantage over them, you need to start by throwing off their balance." He and Blizzardfall got into a crouch, facing one another. "Watch closely." Aspenpaw watched with barely disguised awe and interest as Blizzardfall hissed at Shadecreek, and lifted a paw slightly to strike, but, in that same span of time, Shadecreek darted out a paw, hooking Blizzardfall by the front paws, and yanked forward, pulling Blizzardfall's paws out from under him, swiping a paw at the side of his head and, when the other warrior was unbalanced and dazed, pinning him down by the shoulders.

       "The main components of that move are your reflexes, speed, accuracy, and reaction time." Shadecreek said, getting off of Blizzardfall and helping the warrior to his paws. "If any of those falter, then the move won't be executed nearly as well, and it heightens the chance that you'll be overpowered, and then get the worst of the fight." Aspenpaw and his littermates nodded in agreement and understanding. "Because there's an odd number of you, I'll pair you up this way first: Brackenpaw and Pinepaw, you'll practice together, and Aspenpaw will work with Blizzardfall." 

       Aspenpaw gulped nervously, padding over to the large warrior, swallowing back the anxiety that bubbled in his throat, causing a foul taste to pervade his mouth. He was almost sure that, because his father was also his mentor, Blizzardfall would have higher expectations of him  than he did of his brother Pinepaw.

       His anxiety must've been showing on his face, because Blizzardfall nudged the apprentice gently. "Don't worry." He murmured. "Just try your best, and I'll give you pointers if you need it."

       Aspenpaw cringed inwardly. More like when I'll need it. He thought to himself. The apprentice took a deep breath, bushed out his pelt, and got into an attack crouch, narrowing his eyes.

       When Blizzardfall mirrored the crouch and lifted a paw to strike, Aspenpaw reacted quickly, his reflexes and instinct making him respond without second thought. He remembered exactly what Shadecreek had done, and Aspenpaw went through the movements. 

       He flashed out his paw, hooking the legs of the warrior and pulled them out from under him. When the older tom stumbled, Aspenpaw swiped a powerful paw at the mottled tabby's head, dazing him, using the opportunity to pin the warrior to the ground, one paw on the back of his neck, and the other paw right between the tom's shoulder blades.

       Pride shot through him as Aspenpaw heard an approving purr from Shadecreek. He leaped off of Blizzardfall, watching as the warrior stood, a dazed look still in his eyes. "Well done." His father purred, nudging his son proudly. Aspenpaw noticed Pinepaw's disdainful look, and his heart sank a little bit, knowing his brother's cold glare too well. Pinepaw was planning something, and Aspenpaw knew he'd need to keep his guard up.

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       The three brothers trained until sunset. Shadecreek, Meadowbreeze, and Blizzardfall demonstrated numerous defensive moves, and made them run through each one again and again until the three mentors deemed each apprentice's performance passable. 

        When the three apprentices and their mentors entered camp, the moon was rising, and other than Timberclaw and Cypresswing settling outside the entrance to guard the camp for the night, the rest of the Clan was slowly getting their nests ready for the night. 

       After making a quick meal of a mouse - which was more than his aching muscles and tired body could manage - Aspenpaw sank into his nest, barely registering Brackenpaw settling in beside him, and just barely feeling Pinepaw do the same before the young tom sank deep into the warm clutches of sleep.