FuzzWarriors 8

Shineheart swiped at Badgerpaw. Badgerpaw jumped lightly to the left, but Shineheart swerved unexpectedly and pounced on top of Badgerpaw's back. Pinning him to the ground, Shineheart mewed, "Remember, your enemy will never fight in your style. They may do unexpected things, so always be ready." Jumping up, she gazed at the obedient apprentice. So far, Badgerpaw had been a desirable apprentice, following her every step and instruction carefully. "Why don't you go hunt for a while with Berrypaw!" she mewed commandingly. Immediately, Badgerpaw set off to find Berrypaw. Laughing, Shineheart padded over to the warriors den where Fuzzypelt and Brakentail were resting. They had been hunting almost all day. Fuzzypelt was as lively as ever. Brakentail was yawning, ready to collapse into sleep. Shineheart sighed. Life was too unexciting. Nothing happened but the usual. Her heart yearned for adventure. Meanwhile, Badgerkit was setting out with Berrypaw. "Berrypaw," he whispered eagerly, after they had crept along for a while, "are we going to the river?" "Yes," mewed Berrypaw, eyes glittering in determination. The apprentices had never gone close to the river alone. "We're here!" whispered Badgerpaw. Suddenly Berrypaw snarled. A rustle in the bushes disturbed her. Growling feircly, she flung herself at the shuddering blades of the reeds. Yowling erupted from the reeds, and Badgerpaw flung himself into it. Gleaming claws scratched at his face. The strange grey creature yowled feircly and popped out of the reeds and swam across the river. Turning, Badgerpaw spotted Berrypaw limping back toward camp. Flying to meet her, Badgerpaw mewed nervously, "Are you okay?" "I hope so," mewed Berrypaw weakly. Blood was streaming from various wounds on her side. "What was that thing, anyways?" Badgerpaw mewed. "I think it was a grey fox." Berrypaw gasped. The elders had told stories of when the grey foxes were plentiful, coming to the river everyday to drink. Badgerpaw looked at Berrypaw in worry. She needed help from the medicine cats, and soon.