Flashing Amber

The Gorge...Amberpaw had only heard of it a few times before. Wasn't it the place where many cats had died to a fall, or to the crashing rapids?

The stories never made Amberpaw afraid. She only got more and more curious with what everyone told her. So, she decided, she had to see it for herself.

Sneaking out after the moon has risen was easy. Amberpaw had taken days to plan this expedition, familiarising herself with where everyone in camp slept, how deeply they slept, and the best route to take. She had gotten out of the camp easily.

Now, it was Moonhigh as the Apprentice trotted up to the edge of the Gorge. She experienced her signature disorientation for a moment, before her eyes locked on something-or someone-across the Gorge. Another cat.

Flashpaw was training on her own - a dangerous endeavor, since it wasn't technically allowed; but if she was bending the rules to benefit her Clan, to train harder and be better than before, then it was certainly alright, wasn't it? Her paws led her to the edge of the territory, the gorge stretching out before her; the steep drop something she knew to stay away from from whispered stories. To fall was to die, to die was to fail - and while she was many things, Flashpaw was not a failure.

As she looked up, though, she saw across; another cat meeting her gaze. Was someone planning on crossing the border? Not only was it trespassing, but incredibly dangerous and downright stupid - what kind of idiot would do something like that? She assumed a defensive stance, just as she'd been taught, fixing the stranger with a glare; somewhere in her expression was an unspoken dare, wondering what this WindClan cat might do next.

Amberpaw's eyes fixed on the Apprentice. This was, in fact, the middle of the night. Now why was this cat here? Amberpaw narrowed her eyes, for purposes of squinting across the Gorge-and completely forgetting that it could be taken as a challenge. She stepped closer to the edge of the Gorge, making sure to not get too close as to fall. Which could also be mistaken for a challenge, in fact, even though Amberpaw did not realise that.

Her nose twitched. The other cat smelled a little watery, and somewhat...fishy. Oh, she must be RiverClan then.

Amberpaw then saw the other Apprentice drop into a defensive position and furrowed her eyebrows. What was happening? Oh, she must be feeling threatened.

"I'm not here to fight!" She called across the Gorge.

If Flashpaw heard her words, she didn't make any indication of it - the RiverClan cat simply held her gaze steady, that same unspoken challenge in her eyes. She wasn't about to let a trespasser escape without a fight; but she was watching and waiting, like an adder awaiting the perfect time to strike. Just try and cross. I dare you! she thought to herself, holding perfectly still.

Amberpaw paused for a moment and decided that the other cat wasn't attacking anytime soon. Hopefully not, anyways. The Gorge was very, very large-she doubted either of them could clear it.

Actually, that was a good question. Could she clear the Gorge in a single leap?

Her thoughts fixated on the question, Amberpaw forgot all about the other Apprentice as she crouched, eyes narrowing. The Gorge was wide, but if she did a running leap she might make it across.

Amberpaw stepped back and ran, an orange-and-white streak rushing along. At the very edge of the Gorge, she sprang. The momentum of her quick run-up sent her flying forwards, and the Apprentice twisted mid-air to try and make sure she landed on her feet.

And land on her feet she did. Amberpaw barely successfully cleared the Gorge as she crashed into the ground, paws first. She quickly bounced to her feet.

For a second, the Apprentice was in awe. She had leapt all the way across the Gorge! She had really done it!

Then she turned and saw the other Apprentice. All of a sudden, Amberpaw remembered she was on RiverClan's side of the Gorge.

"What are you doing?" Flashpaw hissed, her sharp tongue finally lashing out. By now she'd had enough of this stranger's nonsense and obvious lies. She didn't even know this cat's name, but she was certainly tired of her presence; when she couldn't show even the barest minimum of respect to not only Flashpaw but her entire Clan, and now she was a trespasser - she would receive no mercy from her. "First you claim you're not trying to challenge me, then you endanger yourself by trying to cross the gorge - and somehow surviving? My stars, what in the Dark Forest is wrong with you? Have you fallen here before, perhaps? Maybe suffered permanent damage? Because it's plain to see that you have no sense at all! What do you have to say for yourself? Who are you, and why are you here? Are you aware that you're trespassing? I want to hear three good reasons I shouldn't claw your face off, right now!"

Amberpaw stared back as the other cat yelled at her. Was this not neutral territory? From what she recalled, she wasn't trespassing as long as she wasn't in the other's territory. On the wrong side of the Gorge didn't count.

"This is still neutral territory. I'm not trespassing." Amberpaw argued. "Besides, I can't very well go back if you don't give me enough space for a running start..." She began to back up towards the RiverClan side, trying to remember how much of a running start she had before.

"It's not neutral territory," Flashpaw said, deceptively calm despite the lashing of her tail. "The Gorge is the border. You crossed it, and as such, you crossed the border."

She didn't wait for another answer, instead setting herself up for a running start of her own as she tackled her opponent. "So, one more time: what do you have to say for yourself?"

Flashpaw used Run-and-Tackle on Amberpaw, dealing 6+3 damage and costing 10 SP!

Amberpaw
11/20 HP (-9)
80/80 SP

Flashpaw
20/20 HP
70/80 SP (-10)

Amberpaw hissed in pain. Oh really? Better go clarify with Clearstone later. She thought out loud, berating herself for not asking about it sooner. She should never assume-she should have learnt that a long time ago. Whenever she assumed based on prior knowledge, it never turns out well!

She winced at the wounds on her body and the red pooling below her. Turning to glance at the Gorge, she gauged the distance. If she could get there fast enough, the distance should be enough for her running leap...

She had to distract Flashpaw from attacking long enough first though. Turning towards the Apprentice, she batted out weakly with a paw, not wanting to hurt her excessively, just to distract her.

Amberpaw used Front Paw Blow, costing 5 SP!
Amberpaw
HP: 11/20
SP: 75/80 (-5)

Flashpaw
HP: 16/20 (-4)
SP: 70/80

Flashpaw hissed sharply, wordless fury overtaking her as Amberpaw attacked her; what was this absolute disgrace of a Clan cat doing? Distracted by her own injuries, she made a fatal mistake in leaving herself open for even just a moment.

Aha! Amberpaw saw the opening, and took it. An opportunity was an opportunity even if it was caused by pride or arrogance. In fact, using Front Paw Blow was a near guarantee to get many Warriors’ blood boiling, as the move could be used even by a Kit. Many view it as a sign that their opponent was trying to degrade them.

Quickly, Amberpaw grabbed Flashpaw’s tail and yanked. It should render the she-cat unable to move for a few moments, enough for Amberpaw to launch herself back across the Gorge.

Amberpaw used Tail Yank, costing 10SP! Flashpaw is stunned for 1 turn!
Amberpaw
HP: 11/20
SP: 65/80 (-10)

Flashpaw
HP: 14/20 (-2)
SP: 70/80