The Target

    "It's a matter of destiny." Kan spat to Kodiak, who flattened his ears and cowered slightly. The fiery ginger tom paced his den, which used to be the tribes place to speak with their ancestors. It was a gap between two huge boulders, where the moon would shine through a small opening in the top and light up the grassy den with silver light. Now, the grass was torn up from sharp claws and the sides of the boulders streaked with blood from the battle warn cat coming in and plopping down after a fight.
     "I..I don't understand."
      "Of course you wouldn't!" Kan lunged forward, bowling the stalky tabby over and pinning him with sharp, curled claws. He knew he could easily kill the other tom, a swift bite to the neck and it would all be over for him. His ignorance would be punished. Kodiak shook as he struggled to get free, writhing and hissing in his effort. His pale green eyes lit with fear as he looked at his leader, the ginger tom's hot breath swirling around his muzzle. "We can't stop with this tribe. We have to continue on and take other lands, other cats!" This time, Kodiak knew better than to respond.
      Kan let him up, sheathing his claws and shaking out his pelt. His mood immediately changed, as wasn't surprising. "You've been in this group long enough to know this, c'mon don't be a mouse brain." His tone was humorous. Kodiak stood on shaky paws, bumping his shoulder in his quick effort to stand. Blood dribbled from his shoulders, matting up the fur there.
      "Sorry...I understand, its..its a matter of destiny." He didn't understand, but he repeated what his leader had said to appease him. Kan turned, licking a paw with his bright blue eyes focused on the other tabby tom.
       "Exactly! Now you're getting it kid. So, we attack this Twilightclan next. They have a nice forest to live in with plenty of prey and they're strong cats. I want them and their territory." Kan licked his muzzle as if he was thinking of a satisfying piece of prey, his blue eyes staring past the other cat as he day dreamed about it. He'd be leader of more land and more cats. The swelling ambition in his chest never seemed to be satiable.
        "But, if they're strong cats won't they be hard to conquer?" Kodiak asked, careful not to sound too questioning or undermining. Kan shrugged, unnerved by the thought of battle against powerful opponents.
        "I like a challenge. Now, go tell the others. And Kodiak," Kan set his paw down, sweeping his tail around them. "You are a good fighter and a good member to this group." Kodiak lit up with the praise. "Don't question me again." Again, Kan's tone quickly changed to a threat. The stalky tom nodded earnestly and bound out of the den before he could take another beating. Kan was left alone in the den to day dream about his kingdom. The kingdom that would be his, filled with vast territories and loyal followers. He would be unbeatable and it was his right. The fiery ginger tabby crouched down, looking outside the cave with his blue eyes just slits. The moonlight broke through the gap above the den and washed over his muscled silhouette. It's a matter of destiny.