The sharp light of dawn boring into my eyelids was what woke me up, I groaned softly and padded out from my makeshift den. S'pose it's time to hunt then, at least try not to die on an empty stomach. I sniffed around cautiously until I got a hint of starling, I spotted it through the bushes and began to stalk. Closer, almost close enough to pounce aaannddd--WHAM! Something smacked down on my spine, forcing me to the ground with a loud Oomph

I rolled over just to be greeted with the cold grey eyes of Bend staring down at me.

''Hello little sis,'' He spoke with a malicious smirk, ''so sorry about all this but I need to become a warrior, I'll make it quick and be on my way to becoming deputy, how about that?'' Fast as a snake, he closed his jaws around my neck. Oh for the love of all the trees, I was going to die, just a pathetic apprentice that was a disappointment to everyone. I went limp and held myself still, hoping he would think I was dead.

He released his grip, prodded me a few times and slowly walked away. Once he had moved a few more fox lengths, I quietly shifted onto my paws and leapt onto him. I bit his neck and held it until I was sure he died. I backed away in shock, I had never injured another cat -despite all of Bone's brutal training- let alone killed one! My veins turned to ice and I stood there like a massive idiot, practically asking to be attacked. After a few moments of staring at my brother's body, I retreated.

I stumbled around until I found a small cave, I sniffed the air to check if I was truly alone and laid down. I pressed my eyes shut to try to block the images of my brother underneath me, his body bleeding into the ground, his smile as he tried to kill me. I shuddered. At some point I fell asleep. When I awoke, the light filtering into the den was cut in half by two bulky silhouettes looming over me.

A familiar and imposing voice spoke, "Only two are alive, you, and your dear brother, Copper." He stepped forward and stared into my eyes, blue fire burning into grey ice, ''Follow us for the death match." He turned and started walking with no hesitation, I scrambled to my paws and followed.

Anxiety devoured every nerve in my body, leaving me jittery and tense. We eventually reached a gorge, like something out of an old story, a swirling dark river surrounded a large circular outcropping of rock. The gap was big enough to jump across but not small enough to save you from falling to the mercy of the water.

I hesitated, then made the jump after Scourge and Bone. Only now did I notice Copper, patiently sitting on the other end of the circle, his green eyes contrasting his vivid pelt and burning right through to my soul, he was unmoving in a world of life; fitting considering one of us was to die soon.

I sat down opposite him, only a few fox lengths separating us. I stared him down, trying to be intimidating, in all honesty I'm sure I looked anxious instead.

"Begin!" Scourge yowled, I was pretty startled and barely even got to my paws before a flash of orange knocked my onto my back.

I kicked furiously with my hind legs but Copper was unhindered as he slashed my face over and over with dog tipped claws. Blood flowed into my vision and I felt the world spinning around me, only stinging pain and sharp breaths. I felt something clamp down on my windpipe, dizziness consumed me, all my thoughts became muddled before all went silent.

A smooth buzzing noise brought me to my senses, I felt airy and weightless. A cat built from the faintest of starlight brought her nose to mine, in a whisper that could be carried away by the slightest breeze, she said, "You have died, I will heal you. You must lead your clan into a bright new future."

Everything swirled away and I felt power flow into every muscle, with everything I had, I surged up like a striking snake and bit down hard on Copper's throat. He collapsed on top of me. I rolled him off and stood up and-taking a moment to wipe the blood out of my eyes-looked around. Scourge and Bone looked absolutely shellshocked.

Scourge quickly gained his composure and walked up to me. His tone was even but his eyes betrayed him, he was hoping I had died so he could get rid of such a deadweight in his clan, "You have won, against all odds, I might add. You will be crowned as our new deputy.'', He looked down at me and wrinkled his snout,"Good luck pipsqueak.'' With that said, he started making his way back to camp.