[Fawn]

LIONSTAR

39 Moons || TreeClan || Leader

"Well done, Featherpaw. Take a few moments to catch your breath - I think your opponent's just arrived."

With flecks of dirt, grass and other leafy debris from their latest scuffle, Lionstar looked on with an expression of pride and contentment, eyes glowing from the progress his apprentice had been showing as of late. As a final test before her warrior ceremony - which had been delayed a bit due to her little escapade into the mountains that had nearly turned him prematurely gray - Lionstar had arranged for the silver she-cat's last spar as an apprentice be with someone who could pose a real challenge for her. Besides the aggressive, hotheaded Wildpaw, first thoughts had gone to Crimsonpaw - who apparently had two members, what with Crimsonpaw's almost leech-like behavior towards Grayowl - Lionstar immediately appealing to Sunstride to arrange this mock battle. The mentors themselves would not actually be participating, but would perhaps offer encouragement from the sidelines as both apprentices put their pride on the line for this little test.

Of course, he was fully aware of the age gap between the two young cats, and he would not mark it against Crimsonpaw if he lost even with his extra training from Grayowl, but if his own stubborn, energetic she-cat he had been taking care of for the past 6 moons lost to a cat 3 moons younger than herself, he'd have probable cause to go back over their lessons again. Feeling that elated pride from earlier settle right over his heart, Lionstar was quite confident in Featherpaw's fighting abilities - they weren't perfect, but that would come with time and age and experience. For a 12 moon old apprentice who had never participated in an actual battle, her skills were more than above average.

And they'd better be! All of that time spent training in the hidden thicket had hardly been for naught!

Actually... Sunstride was not that far out of his own apprentice ceremony... If Featherpaw does well against Crimsonpaw, then I'll have her go up against Sunstride for the REAL final test. What better way to test a potential-warrior's mettle than against another young warrior? Sunstride was smart as well, so even if Featherpaw lost, he expected her to do so with dignity, and to walk away from that defeat with a lesson or two in that head of hers.

Greeting the arriving cats with a curt dip of his head, his expression was friendly, long golden mane pressing against his chest due to the breeze that passed them by.
"Sunstride, Crimsonpaw. Welcome. Have you warmed up before the match, Crimsonpaw? If not, feel free to do so now." The last thing he wanted was for one of TreeClan's promising young apprentices to pull a muscle or hyper-extend a limb during a fight that isn't even supposed to be serious.

[Deleted]

~~Sunstride~~

Only a couple of pawsteps infront of his apprentice, the ginger and white tom glanced over a well musculed shoulder to view him. He was slightly slacking in his walk, as if he were tried, which wouldn't supprize the young warrior. Despite his youth, the older tom was very intelligent, and he knew of the young tom's over attachment to a certin gray warrior of Treeclan that both worried and annoyed his mentor all at once, expecially when the young apprentice decided to start training with said gray warrior while training with him.

Once the pair had dipped into the part of the forest they were suppose to meet Lionstar and his apprentice, Sunstride turned his green eyes back infront of him, dipping his head in greeting towards the tom his sister was starting to grow infatuated with. Though his leader's question was aimed towards Crimsonpaw, the tom couldn't help but think that yes, the apprentice was warmed up, but he also looked worn out. Sunstride had started to notice that Crimsonpaw started wearing open wounds and stinging claw marks along his pelt, worrying him that Grayowl wasn't just teaching him extra battle training.

"He should be ready." Sunstride said, sitting down, his blue eyes narrowing towards his apprentice, "I think he's ready to take on Featherpaw." He said in his calm voice, turning his calm green towards the soon to be warrior. "What about you?" He asked, flicking his tail over his paws. He remembered when he was in this position with his mentor, so ready to be a warrior and so ready to take the next step in his clan life. He watched as both young cats seemed to stretch a bit before this training would actually take place.

Despite his young apprentice facing Featherpaw, he knew it was a possibility, knowing Lionstar, that if Featherpaw beat Crimsonpaw, that he would end up faceing her in a battle as well. Which didn't bother them calm and collected ginger and white tom. Sunstride just hoped that Crimsonpaw would take his loss as a way to get stronger and better, to learn what he did wrong and fix it, so that the next time he would win. Howevr, he had the feeling that it wouldn't go so smoothly.

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N P A W

Lately, the red-black-spotted tom's outings with Grayowl had begun to be more frequent; never failing to prove a challenge in its own. He was honoured that the charcoal warrior took away from his free time to assist in training Crimsonpaw in ways that Sunstride was unable, despite having his own schedule to keep up with involving his actual apprentice, Onyxpaw. As Sunstride spared a glance over his shoulders, Crimsonpaw contemplated the chances that he had noticed his mild slack – even if he had, Crimsonpaw wasn't overly worried. No matter the circumstance, he was prepared for his spar with Featherpaw.

Entering the clearing, Crimsonpaw and his mentor were immediately greeted by the welcoming, gentle exterior of TreeClan's leader, Lionstar. In regards to Lionstar's comment, Crimsonpaw offered a curt dip of his head. He didn't need to warm up with Sunstride, he was ready as of now. It appeared that Sunstride agreed as well, (remarkable the two were able to share a thought without Crimsonpaw processing some rather vile side comment) for he only briefly locked his eyes upon the young apprentice before acknowledging Lionstar's words with a polite denial.

It wasn't long before Crimsonpaw's attention was snagged away from the pair of mentors, instead finding its resting place upon the features of his spar partner. His pale green eyes performed a quick scan of the she-cat – older than him, which would obviously give her an advantage due to the combat experience she would have over his head. The tom-cat refrained from snorting at the idea of being beaten, he wouldn't go down easy, no matter the age gap. Silently stalking from behind Sunstride, Crimsonpaw settled a fair distance away from Featherpaw in preparation to begin when Lionstar and Sunstride considered them able to do so. Meeting his opponent's gaze, he allowed a sly grin to crack his expression. “Good luck.” His words were muted, not necessarily attempting to avoid the ears of Lionstar or Sunstride, though not particularly eager for them to hear either. It wasn't the kind of 'good luck' she likely interpreted it as, being more of a... mature communication of the luck she would need to avoid the grip of his sadistic claws.

A spar of the most kind nature, yes. Though, that didn't mean Crimsonpaw would be holding back from causing any serious damage he could manage to squeeze in under the watchful gazes of their mentors.

Stretching, a slight ache throbbed in Crimsonpaw's shoulder, a red cut just beginning to heal from yesterday's outing with Grayowl – they didn't manage to locate any loners bordering TreeClan, so instead settled on a test Crimsonpaw couldn't claim himself to favour: handling pain. He shuddered at the thought, though was quick to recollect his stability. Locking his sights upon Featherpaw, the tom buckled into a defensive stance.

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Featherpaw[/smear:ffffff]
~~~~~~~~

With a roll, the silver she-cat was on her paws, tail lashing back and forth as she stared excitedly back at her mentor. They'd broken apart after a small warm up spar, and the she-cat was more than ready to go again. She'd grown up over the moons, her body lengthening, keeping a slim appearance. Her coat was sleek, except for the ruffling caused by the spar. There was no question, she was a rather stunning she-cat, if you could get passed her slight attitude. Sharp blue eyes were wide with adrenaline, pupils narrowed to slits.

When Lionstar told her to take a moment to rest, the apprentice eased out of her lowered position, rising to her tall height. Her shoulders were slim, but there was a power to them. She was built not necessarily for close combat. With sharp senses and a sharper mind, she was ready to think her way through anything. Or... Almost anything. With her black and silver tail wrapped tightly around her paws, the silver tabby she-cat nodded politely to Sunstride and Crimsonpaw as they walked in. She watched carefully as her opponent walked in, blinking as she noticed his apparent battle wounds. She told herself to focus her attention on the way he moved, what muscles appeared to be strongest in his body. This was what would tell her his strong points. Of course, there were some things he'd have to show her before she could figure out a strategy. This was the thrill of battle, or so she assumed.

One silver ear was turned towards the two mentors, listening in on their conversation as she inspected Crimsonpaw. According to Sunstride, Crimsonpaw was ready to battle already. Something told her that, no matter the age gap, this spar wouldn't be one that she would win easily. That was alright. It made it all the more interesting. But she would win. She would. She had to. She had to show Lionstar that everything he'd taught her hadn't been for nothing. She had learnt so much from him. He had picked her to be his apprentice for a reason. Now she had to show him he hadn't made a mistake. Had to show him that she was worth his time.

A sudden flash of something akin to anger boiled in her stomach. He had me. He didn't need another apprentice. I'll show him that he was wrong. I am Lionstar's apprentice.

Straightening slightly and narrowing her gaze at Crimsonpaw as he wished her 'good luck', the silver apprentice stretched her muscles one more time before lowering her lean body into a crouch perfected by many training sessions. Her weight was distributed evenly, allowing for a quick and efficient energy transfer if needed.

"And to you, Crimsonpaw." Without glancing at her mentor, she spoke to him, her voice even, her earlier panting forgotten. "I am ready, Lionstar."

[Insidious]

[Fawn wanted Ghost and herself to be skipped since the mentor's input isn't currently needed, Bloo!]

C R I M S O N P A W

He lunged forward with all the battle prowess of a lethal cobra the second Lionstar gave the okay for the spar to commence. It was his attempt at testing Featherpaw's reaction time, curious of how she would handle such an abrupt, hopefully unexpected course of action on the young tom-cat's behalf. Claws prepared to puncture the first piece of flesh able to grasp a hold of, Crimsonpaw's pale green eyes glazed over with a momentary spark of blood-lust. His attack was very bold, direct. He was aiming to strike the she-cat's neck, and if this was to back-fire, her shoulders or head. Although his sadistically aimed paws weren't emitting the friendly aura Lionstar and Sunstride expected of this spar, Crimsonpaw simply couldn't claim to be bothered with caring about their opinions on his quick, violent lunge – the hunger to grip his sharp claws into her pretty fur an overwhelming sensation, influencing adrenaline to pump through his veins and offer an immense force behind his spring.

This was the first of many cats Crimsonpaw would be able to face in the deadly art of combat. Pitiful, death was not an option for this spar – should he get carried away and try to kill his fellow apprentice, it would certainly bring nothing good to him, or the reputation of his eerie puppeteer. He knew, however, that he could control himself. Grayowl would sooner than later take him on another outing; hopefully this one more successful than the last at finding such an unlucky target practice for the young, blood-lusting tom. He adored the feel of blood pooling between his tiny paws; how easily flesh ripped apart at the tip of his claws; how easily a life could be claimed by his actions.

Featherpaw was skilled – she was trained by TreeClan's best, therefore, it'd be wrong of Crimsonpaw to think lowly of the abilities she would bring to this spar. Of course, he wasn't underestimating the older, more experienced feline. Merely, holding her to a standard that wasn't of a similar level than his own. Sure, she'd been in her fair share of spars – each of them likely a practice at best, however. Crimsonpaw, on the other paw, had been on the delivering end of brutal slaughter. (Technically, Grayowl was the mastermind behind the slaughtering – Crimsonpaw merely given the opportunity to toy with the dead body) Not even Sunstride knew of what experiences he held over Featherpaw's head. She knew how to fight, but Crimsonpaw knew how to handle the bringing of death. Pitiful, as he contemplated earlier, that this spar would not allow such a circumstance to be the ending mark.

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Featherpaw[/smear:ffffff]
~~~~~~~~~~~

His move was unexpected. So unexpected, in fact, that it was exactly what she expected him to do. Without a moment's hesitation, the silver she-cat moved forward, a rather unexpected direction when your opponent was leaping towards you. She side stepped quickly and skillfully, moving out of the way of the attack rather well. Featherpaw figured that Crimsonpaw was probably heavier than she was, mainly due to the fact she was tall, and not necessarily sturdily built. She took a mental note of this, making sure to try and avoid letting him pin her down. It would be incredibly hard to get out from beneath him. Though she did have quite a bit of power behind those hind legs of hers...

With a sharp motion, Featherpaw threw her weight against the tom as he soared by. She didn't give him a chance to snag himself a clean landing. Her plan was to throw him off balance, so that she might gain some sort of advantage. The she-cat was wary, noticing that Crimsonpaw's intent was clear in his attack choice. He was direct, aiming for her throat off the bat. It would be quite an interesting spar. The silver apprentice was a little older than most, currently having broken the 13 moon mark. Her warrior ceremony, however, had been delayed due to nearly giving her mentor a heart attack. She supposed it made sense. Still, the older apprentice wondered if she might be able to show this younger, more... Violent apprentice that not all battles needed to be won by tearing you opponent to near-shreds.

Sometimes all you need is skill. She thought to herself. Quickly retrieving her balance after her shove, the silver she-cat made sure to keep the tom in her sights, turning to face him with a flick of her tail. What's next, buddy?

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N P A W

The impact of Featherpaw's body against his own was enough to completely change the angle of the tom's original attack. His legs buckled rather awkwardly beneath his weight, skidding across the terrain to the point his unsheathed claws were forced to grip into the grass merely to regain his footing and pivot. Immediately, Crimsonpaw felt the uncomfortable sting of one of the cuts he'd brought to this battle. He wasn't willing to avert his nastily fixated eyes from his opponent, though was able to interpret that having one of his front legs sliding across the grass was enough to irritate one of the cuts mid-heal. Clever, Crimsonpaw thought silently. But, no matter the pain, this was far from over.

Since his plan for doing a quick, easy blow to finish the spar hadn't went as he'd wished... Crimsonpaw was next to use a different tactic. Featherpaw was smart enough to react to an attack with obvious intentions, but what about one that lacked the obvious? A devious glaze flashed through his pale green eyes, only to vanish as an eagerness to destroy his opponent was swift to replace it. Darting forward, Crimsonpaw seemed as if about to try the same tactic once again: a brutal blow aimed for the throat. Once reaching the average proximity where Featherpaw had reacted prior, however, the tom-cat sharply angled his small body to the left and leaped, claws aimed to impact the she-cat's shoulder blade.

He knew that Featherpaw was faster, but he was certainly stronger and could gain an advantage if he could find a way to get around her technical moves and pin her down. Easier said than done, he supposed. Though regardless, it was worth a solid effort. Pin her down. Pin her down. Try not to kill her.

[Fawn]

LIONSTAR

39 Moons || TreeClan || Leader

The tension left Lionstar's body as Featherpaw deftly dodged Crimsonpaw's first attack, his jaw tightening upon witnessing the smaller, redder apprentice go straight for the jugular. What is Sunstride teaching this kitten? No...not Sunstride.
Grayowl.
Lionstar had noticed no such intensity and battlelust in the young tom before now, not when he had first visited the nursery and ventured along with Grayowl and two other kits to the Sparkling Brook, in fact, Crimsonpaw gave no indication that he was a particularly violent personality type. Had that been a recent change? Had something caused this behavior? Or was Crimsonpaw trying so hard to look good in front of the Clan leader that he was going at it in a slightly skewed way?

Whiskers twitching as he frowned, Lionstar settled for watching, gradually wiping away his expression lest it distract his pupil from her task, a sharp golden gaze locked onto the sparring felines. Stay on your toes, Featherpaw. He is not going to make this easy for you. On one paw, the tenacity and initiative the red tom was showing could be considered commendable traits, something to be admired and encouraged - but on the other, a hollow pang of alarm sounded inside the tom's head the more he watched. If this was the mark of some kind of new aggressive generation of TreeClan, then Lionstar fully intended to halt it's progress before it got much further.

ØNYXPAW
6 Moons || She-Cat || TreeClan

Unbeknownst to the mentors and apprentices, was another dark shape nestled in the crook of a tree-bough, haughty amber eyes having narrowed into pinpricks as their owner spied upon her brother. Onyxpaw's tail curled at the end, the sleek appendage dangling down into the open space below, her view of the battle providing her with a unique perspective on the situation that the mentors would not be privy to. I know you've been sneaking off with Grayowl, frogbreath. So this is what he's been teaching you? Secret battle moves? Tch. The svelte black shadow-marked she-cat could not be bothered with such things - why be taught such Spartan tactics in the first place? She saw no glory or honor in battle. She saw only a waste of time and traditions clinging to a much outdated code. If Lionstar had any sense at all, then he would form an elite group of warriors who specialized in tormenting the enemy, reconnaissance and spying, though considering how peaceful times usually were (or so she'd heard) perhaps there was need for these muscleheaded warriors after all...

Still. It would be nice to meet a cat every once in a while who can do more than scratch and hiss and bite, thank you very much. Even her semi-interesting brother was starting to seriously get on her nerves. And at this point - she had no intention of ever mentioning you-know-who out loud for a good while.

[Deleted]

~~Sunstride~~

Blue eyes narrowed as the owner of said eyes watched the two younger cats engage in their mock battle. However, with the flashing of claws that emerged from the tom's apprentice as he raced to confront the other made his hackles raise slightly. He was going to the killing blow. At the very begining. The ginger and white tom shook his head, tail tip twitching from it position where it was wrapped around his paws.

With a slight snort, Sunstride tipped his head towards Lionstar as the leader sat next to him. The ginger and white tom saw that the larger tom had tensed up at the begining of Crimsonpaw's attack. HIs voice was low, but it was tense as if he were holding back a disapointed growl. "I told him no claws..." His muscles rippled as he roated his shoulders, trying to keep himself calm in some way while watching this supposed gentle mock battle.

Blue eyes closed slightly as the tom let out a sigh. He hated that his apprentice ran off to play with a rather dangerous cat, well in his mind. And he was sure that Lionstar felt no different about Grayowl. Despite feeling the large amount of pressure with succeding in training his first apprentice, and add on to the fact that Crimsonpaw didn't want to learn from such a young and inexperianced warrior set his golden and white fur on fire. Shaking his head, the tom turned his attention back towards the lession infront of him.

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Featherpaw[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

Momentary doubt flashed over her features. It wasn't due to her actions. Her plan had worked perfectly. Crimsonpaw had been knocked off of his paws by her weight, no matter the fact she was lighter than him. What created the doubt deep within her body was the fact that he seemed to be attempting the exact same move. Featherpaw kept her weight even on her paws, fully prepared to make any necessary shift in her weight. She was ready to perform the exact same maneuver, wondering if he needed to be taught more than once to understand it wasn't going to work.

And then things changed.

Blue eyes widened in alarm as Crimsonpaw leapt at her from the side, having twisted his frame to land in a spot she wasn't expecting. She recognized, however, that if she didn't do something, he would land claws first against her shoulder, quite possibly knocking her to the ground. Twisting her body in such a way that made landing upon her back impossible, the TreeClan apprentice reared slightly. She was just barely off the ground, balancing on her hind paws, but ensuring she wasn't exposing her stomach to a fatal blow. She knew, if presented, Crimsonpaw would take it.

Featherpaw's teeth clenched sharply as she felt claws snag in her fur, tearing at the skin of her left leg. Blood welled around his claws as she wrenched her skin free of his grasp, twisting slightly so that she could land a sharp blow, claws still sheathed, directly to his snout. She may not have been using her claws, meaning there was no blood, but there was force behind her blow. If it hit its mark, there would be pain.

With a leap, she intended to use the blow to his nose as a distraction, albeit a painful one, giving her time to land on his back.

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N P A W

Pride in his choice of attack swelled within the tom-cat's red-black-spotted chest as his unsheathed claws managed to grasp a hold of Featherpaw's fur just beneath her shoulder. Of course, he tried his best not to do any serious damage, as he likely could have managed hadn't the spar been of the most friendly intentions. He couldn't control himself, however, when it came to drawing just a little bit of blood. A malicious grin spilled across his white tufted jaw as the red fluid pulsed from beneath her pretty fur – Featherpaw pulled free in the nick of time, for Crimsonpaw's temptation was beginning to surpass his self-control the longer his pale green eyes observed the trickling blood.

It offered a momentary distraction, because Crimsonpaw was slightly caught off guard to see Featherpaw react so quickly. The she-cat's paw firmly smacked against the tip of Crimsonpaw's muzzle, causing him to back-pedal in a frantic attempt of dismissing the dizzy spell soon to follow. Pain coursed through his body from the shock, though adrenaline allowed this to rapidly wear off and be replaced by a look of pure confusion – no claws? How cute, she wanted to play nice. Crimsonpaw snorted inaudibly, disgusted by Featherpaw's lack of drive to show off her skills in a more... violent manner. Playing nicely wouldn't get her anywhere in this spar.

Blinking the distaste from his eyes, the tom-cat took to a slower approach that differentiated greatly from his original two tactics. Instead of lunging mindlessly toward her with the lethal intentions of a cobra, he stalked with the slow, observational eloquence of a fox. His plan was to confuse her, if not frighten her just a tad – allow her to become mesmerized in a tangle of wonder as to what his next move would be. Walking a few paces, the tom lunged in a frantic sweep of speed for the she-cat's tail. He was hoping to grasp a hold of it, pinning it to the ground so she couldn't flee or twist and, from there, taking his position atop her back and forcing her into defeat.

Crimsonpaw knew she was quick, but was she quick to influence her tail? Even if she was to dart forward to escape his grasp, it could still potentially slip through his claws and be hooked in the process. It all depended on whether or not Featherpaw was not only quick, but cunning too.

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Featherpaw[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

The silver apprentice watched the tom carefully as he moved around her slowly. Her icy eyes were narrowed, and her mind was running through every possible move he might be planning. Her ears were tipped back cautiously, but her claws were still comfortably tucked into her paws. What in the name of StarClan is he going for... The only thing back there is my- "TAIL!" Her thought was ended in a vocalized screech as realization slammed into her a fraction of a second slower than she would have liked. She didn't have time to think of any sort of counter measure for his attack, instead reacting completely on instinct.

Shifting all her weight forward, the silver she-cat struggled to balance herself on her forepaws as she kicked at the incoming tom's face. He'd been aiming for her tail, he was greeted by flailing back paws. Of course, this also meant that his claws raked at her haunches, hooked into the fur and skin of her hind legs. With yet another sharp hiss, the she-cat shot another sharp kick towards him, using any strike that she may have landed on him as propulsion to pull herself out of his grasp.

Now, not only her front legs stung, but her back legs too. As she whirled around to face him, the silvery she-cat noted the scarlet blood that was trickling from her new wounds, and that had begun to attempt to dry on her old ones. With a lunge, the she-cat darted towards him, heavy blows (albeit with sheathed claws) aimed for his head. She didn't stop there, however. Darting straight past him, the she-cat's strong hind legs bunched before launching her at one of the trees encircling the hollow. With claws digging into the tree's trunk, the silver she-cat hauled herself up its based with a practiced ease and grace.

As she disappeared amongst the leaves of the trees, a grin parted her lips. Let's see how you handle the trees, Crimsonpaw.

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N P A W

The emotion that coursed through the entirety of Crimsonpaw's lithe frame could only be labeled as excitement, thoroughly pleased to detect his opponent’s sharp hisses as his unseated claws managed to puncture not only her tail, but her hinds limbs as well, notably a portion of her body that he hadn't been originally aiming for. As Featherpaw began to mindlessly flail her limbs in an attempt of dislodging him, however, Crimsonpaw acknowledged his time to release – though not without a few stinging swipes managing to reach the sides of his neck and the tip of his muzzle.

Now, as a fox-length of space separated the duo throughout the duration of their stare-down, Crimsonpaw spared a few short seconds to admire the bloody wounds he had caused her. Oh, if only Grayowl was here to see it. A lethally jovial smirk cracked his red jaw, though for a reasoning beyond what Featherpaw would likely be able to decipher.

Admittedly, Featherpaw taking the initiative to strike first had been unexpected. Crimsonpaw recoiled defensively, ducking his head when necessary so that Featherpaw's harsh blow skimmed across the top of his head, managing to flatten an ear at an awkward angle in the process of her attack. Crimsonpaw hissed violently, twisting his body to lunge at Featherpaw as she passed, though she was too quick. Having his impact instead land atop a few unlucky blades of grass nearby, his pale green eyes averted to where she had went in the nick of time, witnessing the she-cat climbing into the trees and vanishing within its higher depths.

He snorted, slowly twisting his body toward the tree he had seen her ascend, sparing a moment to skim its leafy branches in search of her familiar fur. “I mistook you for the type that fought her battles fairly on the ground.” Crimsonpaw's tone was arrogant, mocking. As his impatience began to boil over, his searches for Featherpaw amongst the tree branches became more hasty. The tom-cat's tail flicked stubbornly, pacing quite rapidly beneath the tree so that, if she so happened to be planning something, he'd be far from a still target.

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Featherpaw[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

Nothing but silence followed the tom's threat. On one of the lower branches of a fairly large tree, a silver apprentice stayed crouched, icy blue eyes staring down through the branches. She had positioned herself in a manner that she could watch Crimsonpaw without him seeing her. She watched as he paced, her eyes narrowed slightly, calculating his pace, attempting to judge the distance she would have to fall, and the timing it would require her to be able to land on his back. Moving slowly, timing it with the rustle of the wind through the leaves, Featherpaw lowered herself to a branch that was closer to Crimsonpaw. She didn't want to risk hurting him by dropping too far. He was bigger than her, but still, wouldn't do much good if she accidentally broke his back, now would it.

It was as the tom was turning to begin stalking back the other way that the silver apprentice shifted her body, allowing herself to drop from the tree branch. Her muscles were relaxed, something she had learnt to do over the years. It could hurt more than StarClan's wrath if you kept your muscles locked too tightly upon your landing. As she made contact with what she could only hope to be Crimsonpaw, aiming to force him to collapse beneath her weight and locking him in a position where he could no longer fight back, the silver she-cat hissed. "A TreeClan cat specializes in climbing trees, do they not? So why shouldn't we use it?" This time, her muscles tensed, prepared to keep the tom in place should she be forced to.

[Insidious]

In equivalence with the moment he tilted his chin upward to scan the trees once again was the descending of a silver body, her downfall progressing at a rate too fast for Crimsonpaw to twist his own lithe figure and counter her ambush from the sky. His limbs collapsed beneath the pressure of Featherpaw's body atop his own, a sore ache enveloping his muscles as he awkwardly twisted them about his pinned position. Once a realization kicked in as to how he would not be escaping this, he allowed his pale green eyes to fixate upward and meet Featherpaw's own gaze, her words causing his fur to crawl with hatred – the immense need to destroy her a complete contradiction to how much mobility he currently had.

Since Featherpaw had pinned Crimsonpaw, that meant their spar was over. The tom had to force himself to stop moving beneath her weight, squirming free from her grasp the very second it began to loosen. Rising, Crimsonpaw flashed Featherpaw a glazed glance, his expression molded into pure disgust. She had won this battle, but considering her mentor was TreeClan's leader and his was a newly named warrior, it seemed rather plausible that this would be the outcome – if he'd been able to squeeze in more training with Grayowl, surely Featherpaw would have had another thing coming.

Crimsonpaw took a few steps toward the pair of mentors seated nearby in observation, brushing rather violently passed his spar partner in the process, cold words offered over his shoulder. “The trees are an advantage against the other clans, though cowardly against one of your own. A wise move, nonetheless – it's harder for me to do damage in the trees.” His tone was low, his eyes not meeting hers for even a moment – it would seem as though he hadn't addressed her at all. And now, he sat patiently before Sunstride and Lionstar, acting as if mere seconds ago he hadn't just informed a fellow TreeClanner of how malice his intentions could have become hadn't she escaped into the trees.