Striker

Striker finally got back to camp about moonhigh, and instantly regretted coming back at all. Ehel, of course, had to be guarding camp. Striker attempted to strut into camp, his head held high, but as soon as he came into Ehel's line of vision, the sleek white tom spat at him "Stupid brother. What were you doing out so late anyway?"

Striker shook his head "Nothing."

Ehel hissed and struck him on the head, claws unsheated "Don't lie to me, you were out seeing that she-cat. Fraternizing with Clan cats again." Ehel looked disgusted and Striker cringed "If you are going to take the position of healer, Like you were meant, you cannot be with those vile disgraces of cats."

Striker growled "She is NOT vile. She's not like the other cats."

Ehel hissed "Naive cat, all clan cats are the same. They killed Mae." Just the mention of Mae made Striker's heart heavy with grief "Don't even bring her into this!" Ehel ignored him
"Your lucky I don't tell Craw, he'd demote you. You'd never be healer!"
"Well maybe I don't WANT to be healer!" Striker spat, wincing as Ehel raised his paw to Strike him again, instead, Ehel's voice grew deadly calm "It was our mother's wish that you become healer, and I become leader. Now, understand this you will do as mother wished..."
Striker looked away, he was going to bring it up again
"Seeing as you were the one that killed her."


Striker woke in the morning, his fur ruffled by the wind. As he padded out of his little corner in camp, the usual hisses of "Loser!" and "Weakling!" greeted him, even Craw joined in, his amber eyes glinting as they usually did when Striker walked out.

Ehel glared at him, and Striker made his way toward Makahl, his ears pinned back. The old she-cat smiled at him, her tortoiseshell pelt was now lined with gray. Craw would soon banish her from camp and strand her on clan territory, and he would loose his only ally.

Makahl acted like she didn't realize her days were limited, but her voice was urgent when she talked to him "You have to know your herbs. You're soon going to be taking my place." her eyes were sad "Sooner than you think."

Striker narrowed his eyes, "Makahl?"

She shook her head "If I have taught you anything, its not to dwell on the Negatives boy. I will always be looking down on you,"

Striker looked away "How?"

Makahl winked "The clouds."

"Those big fluffy things in the sky?"

Makahl nodded "When a cat passes, their spirit become wispy, and white, it floats up to the sky, and stays there, so they can look down on the cats they love, in other words a cloud."

Striker felt close to tears "Makahl..."

Craw padded in, shoving Striker aside "Makahl-" he began

"Don't give me the speech, I know whats coming." she looked at Striker "Good luck healer. Look to the sky, if you are ever in need."

Striker watched as Craw led Makahl away, her head held high. There went his tutor. His ally. His one and only friend.