Under the Bluebells -p-

[Thornfrost]

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Pikepaw

Thornfrost padded through the territory, his new apprentice Pikepaw beside him. It had been quite some time since Thornfrost had decided to take on an apprentice. He was getting older and was half blind, he'd been a good warrior but he couldn't really consider himself the 'best choice'. The last had been Addervenom, who had then become Iceclan's medicine cat for a time.

"Have you had any training yet?" Thornfrost asked as they walked. "You were Fallenstar's apprentice right?" Leaders had a lot of responsibility and Thornfrost wasn't surprised he hadn't had time for Pikepaw.

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[Pikepaw]

"Some," Pikepaw mewed, enjoying walking through the territory. The territory was beginning to smell like IceClan again, and Pikepaw was happy to be back in camp now that things seemed to be settling down. "I didn't get to have any training with Fallenstar, he must've been too busy with, well, whatever leaders do," honestly Pikepaw wasn't too sure what they did, other then lead the clan. He knew that ceremonies were on their list of responsibilities, but other than that he wasn't quite sure what they spent their days doing. Whatever it was, it was probably important. "I had a mentor before him though, Lightheart," the blue tabby flushed under his pelt, although he hadn't seen Lightheart in at least a season he still had a bit of a crush on the older tom, "we went through the basics. Territory tour, fighting, hunting. It's been some time though..." Pikepaw had kept up with his hunting, at least a little bit. He would admit to the fact that he probably ate more prey that he brought back to camp, but it was probably his best skill since he hadn't done any sort of battle practice since his last sparring session with Lightheart.

[Thornfrost]

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Thornfrost shot the tom a fond glance. "In my experience, leaders do everything" He purred. "And being such a new leader, I'm sure Fallenstar had a lot to deal with." He wasn't familiar with Lightheart, probably another young warrior that he'd forgotten to pay attention to. He listened with interest as Pikepaw described what he'd gone through. Already it seemed like he should have had the basics down, and Thornfrost found himself nodding. "Right, well let's see where you're at today. If you impress me, perhaps we'll organize to have your assessment soon."

The tabby bounded away a few steps then turned so his good eye could watch Pikepaw. "I want you to attack me. Try and get me off my feet. I'm bigger than you, so try to think how you'll get around that."

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[Pikepaw]

The tabby apprentice nodded, figuring as much. He didn't think he'd ever want to be a leader, it sounded like a lot of work. Sometimes he even found the simple tasks he had as an apprentice daunting, but for the most part he was happy with his place in the clan. He knew that it wasn't very important, but he didn't particularly feel the need to be important.

"I'm sure, but at least we've settled into our territory smoothly. Unless that whole thing with the trespassers blows up," he remember the clan meeting Fallenstar had a little while ago, "hopefully I'll get a chance to talk with him once thing's are quieter. He seems interesting, probably has a few nice stories." Pikepaw had been born outside IceClan, but he was taken in so young that he didn't really get a chance to experience what loner life was like. He didn't really want to now, not like he had in his early apprenticeship, but he still liked to hear stories about what life was like free from clan rules. Or any type of story really, Pikepaw was rather fond of them. 

The tom's eyes gleamed with interest when Thornfrost mentioned his assessment. He defiantly wasn't ambitious, but not having to change out bedding and search elders for ticks (when IceClan had elders around, that is) was a rather appealing offer. Pikepaw watched as Thornfrost bounded away, nodding to show he understood the older tom's orders. 

Narrowing his eyes in concentration, the young apprentice first glanced quickly at his surroundings before beginning to circle Thornfrost. He stepped slowly, using a side-step motion so he wasn't leaving his side exposed and was instead facing his mentor head-on. He looked over Thornfrost, taking note of any weak points. He noticed the blind eye first, making sure to keep in mind that he had a blind spot on his right side. His seemed to have a limp on his right side as well, and Pikepaw decided that he should try attacking there first. He knew that he wouldn't be able to match with Thornfrost when it came to strength; Pikepaw was pudgy, and Thornfrost was a seasoned warrior with battle scars to prove it. He couldn't rely on pure tact either, he was sure Thornfrost had enough experience to be outwit him. Guess that leaves me with speed then, he thought. He wasn't known for being very fast, but he did have a youthful agility that he could rely on. 

Deciding to stop stalling, Pikepaw dashed straight forward, charging Thornfrost. He waited until he was just out of arm's reach before dropping to the ground and rolling swiftly to the right. He rolled right back onto his paws with ease, bunchup up his muscles and planning to leap forward and tackle Thornfrost from his weak side. 

[Thornfrost]

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Thornfrost nodded thoughtfully. The youngster certainly seemed wise for his age. Most apprentices he met weren't too occupied with the clan's status or current events, preferring to spend time with their friends. He was shaping up to like Pikepaw quite a bit. The tom seemed sharp and curious, skills that would make him a valuable warrior one day. "I'm sure Cloudclan chose well in naming Fallenstar leader. He'll manage it just fine." Thornfrost replied with complete belief.

It looked like he'd definitely motivated Pikepaw and backed away a few more steps to give him room to think. He waited, feigning nonchalance as he let Pikepaw think over a plan. The tabby lifted a paw and examined the pad, carefully not giving Pikepaw any attention. He didn't want the apprentice to feel pressured, and he didn't want to use an advantage against the apprentice just yet. He was more curious to see what the tom would do, rather than fighting back straight away. He straightened as Pikepaw charged, standing relaxed and light on his toes, though he had no intention of dodging. Pikepaw rolled to the right and Thornfrost felt a glimmer of appreciation as the apprentice used his blind side against him. It was smart going for his right side, not only was he blind, his right shoulder was permanently twisted and had less mobility as well.

Thornfrost spun slightly as Pikepaw bunched his muscles, facing Pikepaw on an angle so he could push him off when he leaped. He was large enough that if Pikepaw were to hit his side or haunch he was confident he could shake off the hit. If his shoulder was hit he'd potentially go down though.

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Pikepaw]

Pikepaw nodded in agreement. He had been rather skeptical of an outsider taking charge of the clan at first, despite his own lack of clan blood. Still, the tabby had come to trust CloudClan and their decisions, and with Robinstar gone he had hope that new leadership would be good for their clan. Seeing that Fallenstar had the confidence of a more experienced IceClan warrior helped to ease the young tom's mind though.

Pikepaw started intently at Thornfrost's shoulder for a few heartbeats. He could faintly remember that the warrior having a limp, and that shoulder must've been the source. Pikepaw figured it must be the older tom's weak point, but, with a flash of concern blazing in his blue eyes, the tom aimed his leap for the center of Thornfrost's body. The apprentice didn't want to actually cause any pain to his opponent, even if the two were supposed to be battling. It was the part of sparring that always tripped him up; he could roll through thousands of tactics in his head, but when it came to putting them into action he always felt himself hesitate--that is unless his assailant actually was actually trying to cause him, or anyone else, harm. Pikepaw knew that it was a bit selfish, and it wasn't exactly helping him through his training, but he didn't like to cause others pain if he could help it; it weighed too heavy upon his conscious.

He had is paws outstretched with claws sheathed. He wanted to get the warrior off balance, then, if part one went well, try to aim a few good swipes at his paws and get Thornfrost to trip up. 

[Thornfrost]

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Thornfrost made no attempt to move out of the way as Pikepaw leaped, noting the slight hint of hesitation in the tom's eyes. If he had to guess, Thornfrost would have assumed Pikepaw was as averse to combat as Thornfrost had been at his age. Though, that was a long while ago and his mind had long been changed on the manner. But still, if Pikepaw took it easy on Thornfrost he would most likely loose, even with the given advantages of Thornfrost's scarred pelt. He hadn't been retired to the elder's den early despite them for one very good reason; he was still a deadly warrior.

When Pikepaw hit his side Thornfrost stumbled to the side one step, flicking his tail up for balance. He noticed the tom's shoulders rolling and reared onto his back legs in time to avoid the swipes that Pikepaw aimed at his paws. From his elevated position Thornfrost cocked his head and attempted to slam his paws back down on top of Pikepaw's shoulders or head.

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[Pikepaw]

Pikepaw was, admittedly, a little thrown off when Thornfrost made no attempt to move away from his attack. Still, he didn't let that draw his focus away from the task at hand. The blue tabby grunted as he rammed into his mentor's side, tail lashing as he caught a glimpse of him having to regain his balance while Pikepaw got his own footing. 

His blue eyes narrowed when he truck forward, only to miss their target. They widened once he realized Thornfrost had reared up. Quickly he had his paws back on the ground, not thinking to back away. Instead, he closed his eyes tight and braced himself for impact. Pikepaw couldn't hold back a small gasp as Thornfrost's came down hard on his shoulders, but instead of resisting the force Pikepaw rolled with it. Letting his body go limp. One of the perks of not being totally shredded was that Pikepaw's soft flesh was hard to get a grip on. He hoped his mentor would try to keep him pinned down, knowing that that soft fatty layer that coated his mules wouldn't make the best pawhold. If he could accomplish Pikepaw planned on swinging his body under Thornfrost and kicking up at his chest and stomach.

[Thornfrost]

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Thornfrost hesitated only slightly when Pikepaw didn't move away from the blow. He was worried Pikepaw was simply giving up and taking the hit and was hesitant to hit the apprentice. It was too late to stop the blow and Pikepaw needed to learn one way or another the harsh realities of warrior life. When his paws caught on Pikepaw's side and the apprentice rolled he was pleasantly surprised. Enough so that he allowed the tom's momentum to carry him over as he rolled, which resulted in Thornfrost falling on top of Pikepaw. He landed with a cheerful ooph, quite comfortable where he was lying on top of Pikepaw.

It seemed like Pikepaw still had some fight left in him which was good, but Thornfrost was happy with what he'd seen. He did make no attempt to move though. "That was good." He praised with a lash of his tail. "Using your body type and skills to your advantage, very smart."

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[Pikepaw]

Pikepaw winced as Thornfrost landed on him, although he remember to quickly let himself relax--his plan wouldn't work otherwise. He was both excited and a little surprised to see that it did work, watching the warrior loose his footing. He knew it had been a bit risky, and although it was working now it should be a tactic to avoid using in an actual battle--if Thornfrost had his claws unsheathed he could've taken some serious damage. The blue tabby let out a grunt as Thornfrost feel on top of him, not quite sure if he would be able to wiggle away.

Pikepaw shifted his head around, stretching out his neck and laying one side of his face flat against the ground so that he could look over at his mentor. It didn't look as if he was planning to move, and Pikepaw wondering whether or not this was a battle strategy or if the fight was over. He flushed as he was praised, the tip of his tail flicking happily upwards. "Thank you," he purred, shifting a bit under the warrior, "I don't think I would've stood a chance against you an actual battle though. I think that some of the moves I tried work better in practice than they will in an actual battle," he furrowed his brow, "they leave me too exposed, y'know?"