Chapter Text
“Today we are going to learn how to fight in tunnels.” Hollyleaf spoke from beside on of the tunnel entrances. “Can anyone tell me why it’s important to know this?”
“In case we get attacked by WindClan again.” Poppyfrost mewed.
Hollyleaf nodded. “And in case anyone else tries to attack us.”
“Can we go in yet?” Cherrypaw asked as the tip of her tail twitched impatiently.
“Not yet.” Her mentor, Foxleap said. Cherrypaw sighed.
Hollyleaf looked at the cats she had chosen to follow her today, Foxleap, Cherrypaw, Bumblestripe, Seedpaw, and Poppyfrost. “Is everyone ready?” She asked the group of cats. All of the cats nodded. “Okay then. Follow me.” The deputy led the way into the tunnels with Foxleap bringing up the rear. “And don’t try to explore on your own.”
The light from the tunnel entrance soon died away as Hollyleaf walked further into the tunnels. The cool, damp air washed over her fur. She had spent so much time walking through these tunnels that she had memorized every turn and every slope. Some things were different of course. The ground beneath her was rougher than before and there was a small pebble she stepped on that had not been there before. “Watch your step.”
“Isn’t it strange being back?” Cherrypaw called from her place behind Poppyfrost.
Hollyleaf sighed. “Yes it is.”
“Do you miss it?”
“Sometimes. But it is great being home.” Hollyleaf continued to lead the group toward the cave, her ears pricked to listen ahead. It was highly unlikely that there would be anyone else, but it never hurt to be careful.
“Hollyleaf!” Bumblestripe meowed. “Seedpaw needs help.”
“Okay!” Hollyleaf stopped and Poppyfrost bumped into her. The warrior whispered a quick apology. She turned around in the narrow space and began to squeeze past the cats. They hissed and muttered as she made her way to Seedpaw. “It’s okay. There’s nothing to be scared of. The tunnels are safe.”
“But what if there’s someone else in here?”
“I doubt there is. But even if there was another cat down here, you have us to protect you. Okay?”
“I guess. Can you walk with me?”
“Yes. Poppyfrost, can you take the lead and ignore any side tunnels. Just keep walking straight ahead until you get to the cave.”
“Okay!” Poppyfrost said and began to walk. Hollyleaf walked beside Seedpaw until they got to the cave, occasionally telling her about the tunnels. By the time they reached it Seedpaw was calm.
“Thanks.” The young molly mewed.
“You’re welcome.” Hollyleaf walked closer to the river and let the familiar sounds wash over her. “The water level is low right now, so the river won’t flood. It’s perfectly safe.” She told the others.
“What if one of us falls in?” Foxleap asked.
“That probably won’t happen. But if it does one of us will fish you out.”
“What if you can’t?” Seedpaw meowed.
“The river leads to the lake. As long as you keep your head above water you would be fine.” Seedpaw nodded in response.
Cherrypaw looked at the walls of the cave. “What are we going to learn first?”
Hollyleaf sat down and said “The space is small so you need to keep your blows short and tight. It would hurt if you accidentally hit your paw off of the wall, and that would make it easier for your opponent. Don’t rear up unless you know that you have enough room above your head. You do not want to hit your head.”
Bumblestripe twitched his whiskers. “Any other tips?”
Hollyleaf nodded. “Yes. If you think you can beat your opponent and are comfortable fighting in the dark, lead them away from the light. The darkness can be used as an advantage. If you’re not comfortable or need accuracy, fight in the light.” She stopped and looked at the other cats. “Trapping your opponent against the wall is a good strategy. Use your whiskers and your tail tip to sense where the walls are. Remember, you might not always be able to see. You will need to rely on your sense of smell and your hearing.”
Hollyleaf walked closer to the group. “Okay, I’ll partner you up. Foxleap, you practice with Cherrypaw. Bumblestripe, you go with Seedpaw. Poppyfrost, you partner up with me. Any questions?”
“What if we need help?” Seedpaw asked.
“Just ask me and I’ll help you. After fighting with your partner for a while you can train with another cat.”