» In Chapter 2.6, you chose to: accept Minky's request to go outside.

The PeakClan leader gave a small dip of her head. "Of course. It is most important that you are comfortable. Follow me."

As the cats followed Deerstar, Minky noticed Frostthorn glancing over to Jackaldusk worriedly. She tilted her head questioningly, and turned to look at Jackaldusk. The russet tabby seemed to look calm, but Minky noticed Frostthorn looking at Jackaldusk's paws. When she took a glance, to her surprise, his claws where unsheathing and sheathing, digging into the rocks while he walked.

Frostthorn noticed Minky's curiosity and gave her a nudge. "Jackaldusk is afraid of tight, enclosed areas. I'm surprised he followed you in anyway."

Stunned, Minky failed to find words. She thought back to when they were walking in hole to reach Deerstar. At that time, she was not paying attention to Jackaldusk, constantly fretting about herself. She felt like claws were digging into her fur as she realised how self-centred she had become while worrying only about herself. Now to think about it, he looked really uncomfortable bending his head down because of the low ceiling...

Noticing Minky's shift in moods, Frostthorn gave her a comforting lick on her ear. "I'm sure he just wants to make sure you're all right. He takes his duty as deputy very seriously."

Something was tugging at her heart, as if mocking her for being so selfish. Minky tensed and watched Jackaldusk worriedly. He must really feel trapped right now... Why did he agree to follow me even though he knows that he can't take the right space? Does he really take his responsibilities that seriously?

The brown tabby she-cat felt herself move towards the tall russet tabby tom. "Hopefully, I'm not making you feel more uncomfortable than you already are."

Jackaldusk let out a brief purr. "I appreciate the company."

Frostthorn gave him a grin. "Just a bit longer, and we'll be out. You can handle it."

The deputy nodded stiffly, smiling in an attempt to reassure Minky. However, Minky knew that the russet tabby was trying his best not to show it, but he was ready to collapse - his paws were starting to shake.

Deerstar paused and gave Jackaldusk a look. It was not a look of disappointment or anger, nor it was of pride or excitement. She held a chilly expression, her icy blue eyes piercing into Jackaldusk's green eyes. "You would have to overcome this fear eventually. You can't hide forever."

Her words seemed to hit Jackaldusk like a flying rock, for he stumbled in shock after hearing her words. His eyes were downcast, and he looked away from his leader. "I am aware."

Minky pressed her pelt against his, unsure of what was happening, but wished to comfort him. "Thank you for coming into the hole with me. I had no idea you were afraid of enclosed spaces."

The cats continued their way out, mostly silent. Dim rays of light greeted the cats as they exited the leader's den. Deerstar took a seat and stared at Minky.

Uncomfortable, she sat down as well, with Jackaldusk sitting to her right and Frostthorn sitting to her left. "So... The warrior assessments. How do they work? I'm not sure I know anything about it..."

"There is a few criterias for passing the assessment. Cats are judged based on their agility, strength and wits. Each attribute has a different assessment, and you need to pass two out of three to pass the assessment altogether," Deerstar explained calmly, observing Minky.

"Uh... Will someone train me? I don't know if I can pull this off by myself..." Minky muttered, looking at her paws.

"Of course. I'll give you a choice - train with me," Deerstar meowed, something twinkling in her eyes. "Or train with Jackaldusk."

Minky's eyes widened, and her discomfort shot up to a whole new level.

» Train with Deerstar.

» Train with Jackaldusk.

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Faster updates, guys! Hope you're enjoying them so far. I need you guys to actively participate, and not just by voting. Please do leave some thoughts on every chapter so I know how you think about them.

Jackaldusk is claustrophobic, surprise, surprise! What do you think his reason for that is?

~ Sky ❄