Nightpaw slowly woke up without anyone waking him up this time. That how he realize that slowly he is getting used to the clan life. He look around, seeing the other apprentices still sleeping. Seeing Brownpaw and Wetpaw, he wondered where they was last night. He pad out of the apprentices' den, blinking in the dawn light that shone down in the camp. He wonder what can he do when he saw Blackfoot leave the warrior's den.
"You are up early. That is what we like to see. You can join us on the dawn patrol. Get something to eat as I wake the others." Blackfoot meow as he went back inside.
Nightpaw saw that the prey pile was low so he chose a small mouse so that the elders and queens can get a better meal when they wake up. He finish it by the time Blackfoot walk back out, follow by Badgerfang, Whitethroat and Darkflower. He saw a flash of confusion when Badgerfang saw him. They quickly left, nodding to Ratscar who was on guard duty. Ratscar went to sleep since a patrol was out. They walk past the marsh and twolegplace that he saw before.
Badgerfang whisper to him that Blackfoot was marking the border so they know not to come over here. Blackfoot look over at him, asking if he smell those rogues from before. Opening his mouth, he did but the scents was old. He told him and blackfoot smile, saying he was correct. His tail curl up as he realize he pass the small test.
They walk away from the twolegplace towards a tree that is farther in the territory. The tree is huge, looking like it been stuck by lightning.
"This is the burnt sycamore. This is where we learn how to hunt at night, learning how to climb trees without being seen and hiding in the shadows. We also learn how to walk silently." Badgerfang mew softly as they pass it by.
Darkflower shush them as Whitethroat notice a mouse. He caught it by slowly creeping up to it. Nightpaw ears stretch out when he realize that he couldn't hear Whitethroat's pawsteps. How do they move so quietly, he wonder to himself. Whitethroat bury it and they move on.
"So Nightpaw, how are you liking ShadowClan?" Darkflower slow down til she was next to him.
"The training is tough but rewarding. Never knew there was so many rules. Still don't understand most of it but I'm going to try my best. Why do you believe in Starclan? I don't understand that. The rest is because it is logical." Nightpaw whiskers twitch as he look over at her from the corner of his eyes.
"Of course you wouldn't understand, being a kittypet." Her mew wasn't harsh but full of understanding.
"Starclan watches over us and we do see proof because our leaders get nine lives."
"Nine lives? But that a tall tale that my mother told me when I was a kit. Even heard Twolegs say that." His eyes widen incredulously, hoping that she would say that she is pulling his leg. She shook her head in response.
"It's true. No one knows what goes on when a leader gets their lives. Maybe you will believe when you see it." Badgerfang injected as they walk.
"Are we on a border patrol or a walk? You guys chitter like elders. Hurry up." Whitethroat mew with a shake of his head. That when they realize that both Blackfoot and Whitethroat was waiting for them to catch up. They gave a small purr before running to catch up.
They walk through a belt of trees that wasn't just pines. His ears flick up when he heard a distant roaring sound. Soon they came upon a hard surface, which Badgerfang uses his tail to block Nightpaw from walking on it.
"Careful Nightpaw. This is the Thunderpath. Cats have died on it before due to the monsters." Before he finish speaking, another roaring sound came from the left.
Nightpaw shiver as the monster went passed, throwing up dirt from their round black paws. He let out a mew of alarm as the monster is big enough to crush a cat under them and it didn't seem to slow down either. He smelt a scent of burning stone that the monster had left behind.
"Oh look at the kittypet cowering before the monster." A jeering voice sounded from across the Thunderpath.
Looking across, he saw a pale brown tabby tom, a small black tom and a big dark brown tom watching them. His eyes narrow as Blackfoot stood in front of him. He smooth down his fur as he look at them.
"Longtail, Tigerclaw and Ravenpaw. Tigerclaw is mentor to Ravenpaw." Whitethroat mew softly to him.
"Hello Tigerclaw. How's the prey running?" Blackfoot mew as Whitethroat went to mark the border.
"Prey running well. Guessing that is the new apprentice? Scrawny little thing ain't he?" Tigerclaw's mew was deep and polite. He lick his left paw to clean his ear, showing off his claws.
Nightpaw saw those claws, and his eyes narrow. Clearly he was threatening them. Despite his friendly tone. He knows of cats in his past who did this to him during his escapes. He remembered a white fluffy tom who wasn't as nice as he look. He not going to fall for it again.
"Name is Nightpaw. I may be small now but that don't mean I won't grow." He mew while keeping his temper. His tail tip fur bristled despite his efforts. Badgerfang sat down next to him with a smirk. He is proving himself to the ThunderClan cats. He even ignore Longtail's comment, acting like he doesn't exist. It how he dealt with bullies in Twolegplace.
"Nice to meet you, Nightpaw." Ravenpaw voice shook a bit while he glance at his mentor.
"Nice to meet you too." Nightpaw reply with a kind mew. He like meeting other apprentices, wondering about their training. Though he knows he can't ask due to the way Tigerclaw is glaring at him. He look a bit confuse at the hatred coming out of Tigerclaw amber eyes. Maybe he got something against ShadowClan. He did notice the scars on Tigerclaw's nose and ear hoping it was one of his clanmates who did it.
Tigerclaw nod before leaving as Longtail finish marking their border. Blackfoot wait for a few minutes to make sure the Thunderclan patrol is gone. Without a word, Blackfoot walk until the Thunderclan border can no longer be seen. The ground fell away into a deep cleft that became a tunnel. Two sides are lined with squared off stones.
"This tunnel is a ShadowClan secret. ThunderClan don't know about this tunnel. It leds to the other side. This is also how we get to the gathering. If we don't go across the ThunderClan border, it is still ShadowClan land all the way to fourtrees." Blackfoot meow with a flick of his tail. Blackfoot led the way back into the forest. They walk a long way until Nightpaw realize he didn't see the twolegplace anymore. The twolegs den fade into trees as Blackfoot led them to another tunnel.
"This is the WindClan tunnel. Unlike ThunderClan, they do know about this tunnel. They often go through it to steal our prey. And we teach them a lesson every time. No one steals from us and get away with it.Tell me what do you smell?" Badgerfang mew as he pad next to him. Before he can answer,Blackfoot raise his tail to halt the patrol. There are clumps of long marshy grass nearby where they hid in. That when he heard pawsteps coming through the tunnel. Blackfoot tail lash as the WindClan cats came out the tunnel. They walk a few tail lengths before stopping.
"Careful Cloudrunner as I smell ShadowClan nearby." A brown mottled tom mew softly.
"As you should." Blackfoot jump out in front of them with a flick of his tail. Badgerfang was behind them with Nightpaw next to him. Darkflower and Whitethroat was on their other side. Too late they saw that they was surrounded. Nightpaw glare as his claws was out, his fur bristling.
"Mudclaw, Cloudrunner. Why are you trespassing on ShadowClan territory?" Blackfoot's mew was harsh, his tail was lashing.
"We don't have to explain nothing to you." Mudclaw growls as he launch himself at Blackfoot.
Nightpaw let out a loud hiss as he leap at Cloudrunner with Badgerfang at his side. He did a front paw blow which Cloudrunner dodge, clawing his side. Badgerfang push him out the way before it hit, taking it himself. Pretty soon he saw Mudclaw being overrun by the others and letting out a shriek before running away. Badgerfang bit Cloudrunner paw before he too ran back into the tunnel. It was only thanks to Badgerfang that he didn't take any hits.
"Thing you need to know about WindClan is that they are quick to retreat." Darkflower purr as she lick the light scratches she got. He peer into the tunnel, seeing it was smaller than the other one. ShadowClan is so much stronger than the other clans. He purr as well as Blackfoot mark the border. Whitethroat went back to pick up the prey he caught as they lick their wounds clean.
"We need to report this to Brokenstar." Blackfoot mew as he lick his pelt clean of blood. They ran back to camp, going through the tunnel in such a rush that they nearly ran into another patrol that was leaving.
"Brokenstar. We found out who is stealing our prey." Blackfoot yowl as Brokenstar came out of his den. The other cats came out of their dens, surrounding the patrol. Soon he saw Runningnose coming towards them, checking them out. He took off the wrap around Nightpaw's ear, saying it doesn't need any more herbs. Nightpaw nod at him as he listen to Blackfoot's report.
After he finished, Brokenstar seem to be in deep thought. "I want eyes on that border. If you see any WindClan cats, just follow them. See what they do. Also want eyes on their camp. Flintfang, I want you to lead one patrol at night. Ratscar and Mintshade will be with you. The rest will be lookouts in shifts. We still need hunting patrols.I would lead one. Dismiss." Brokenstar had a clever glint in his orange eyes as he took Blossomsky, Volewhisper, and Tallpoppy. The patrol who was going out decide to wait until Blackfoot assign who going to be lookout.
"Yellowfang, and Tangleburr. You two will hide in the grass near the tunnel. I want all mentors to teach the apprentices the quiet step. Seems we going to need to speed up their training. Newtspeck, take your patrol towards the Carrionplace. Need to make sure to thin the rats so they won't be a future problem." Blackfoot gave a nod as the rest of the camp starts the day. He overheard mumblings of if it wasn't for WindClan, they would still be asleep. He also sent out two more hunting patrols since the prey pile only had enough for elders and queens.
He saw Blackfoot grabbing some prey to give to the elders. He didn't know the deputy also does apprentice duties. He asks Badgerfang what he should be doing.
"Wake up Gullpaw, Turtlepaw, Mousepaw and Gingerpaw. Littlepaw, Wetpaw and Brownpaw been training late into night so they need their sleep." Badgerfang told him while Runningnose start to put cobwebs on his cuts. He already finished with Darkflower and Whitethroat. He barely got scratch due to Badgerfang covering him so he was all set. He went into the den, prodding Gullpaw with a paw since she was close to the entrance.
"Gullpaw. Get up. Need to train." He mew softly, trying not to wake Littlepaw was close to her.
After seeing her open her eyes, he then went to wake Gingerpaw. Due to his mews from waking Gullpaw, he saw that Mousepaw is already awake. Gingerpaw let out a yawn as her eyes open. He had to pad carefully so he didn't step on Wetpaw's tail. Turtlepaw let out a small snore as he reach her. He gave her a bonk to wake her, expecting her to be as hard to wake as her sister. She quickly got up, hissing as she thought she was under attack.
"Sorry but we got training." Nightpaw whisper as he lead the way outside. The others was cleaning themselves as Badgerfang is explaining on what they have to do. One of the hunting patrols came back while he was explaining so everyone but Nightpaw grab something to eat.
"Nightpaw, would you like to share this blackbird?" Gullpaw asks. She was sharing with Turtlepaw and saw he didn't grab anything. He shook his head since he ate earlier. Soon Brokenstar came back with a lot of prey, placing it down he nods at his patrol before grabbing Blackfoot to talk to him. The rest of the patrol went to the warrior den to sleep.
Nightpaw try creeping to listen in when Gingerpaw step on his tail to stop him.
"Wouldn't do that if I was you. Never thought you be the nosy type. Besides it just boring clan stuff. Anyway tell us what happened on your patrol." She mew as she let him go.
He saw the others looking at him with interest in their eyes. He felt hot under his fur due to being the center of attention. Is this what my brother feels like, he thought, remembering how popular Charlie is.
"Nothing much happened until we got to the ThunderClan border. The Thunderpath is very scary and loud. We met a ThunderClan patrol. Longtail, Tigerclaw and Ravenpaw." His claws slid out as he remember Longtail's jeer. The others glance at each other as they noticed this.
Shaking his head, he continued. "Anyway Blackfoot and Tigerclaw was polite to each other. Is Ravenpaw a warrior's apprentice? He didn't act like it. Never saw an apprentice look so scared before. Anyway since nothing happened there, we went to the WindClan border. Mudclaw came through the tunnel with Cloudrunner and we ambushed them. Badgerfang push me aside and fought with Cloudrunner while Blackfoot took on Mudclaw with Darkflower. Whitethroat also helped with Cloudrunner and fight was over due to us outnumbering them. They ran back home."
"So that why everyone is up so early." mew Mousepaw as they finish eating.
Applefur lead them to the burnt sycamore. The other mentors was besides them. Applefur stop in front of it, telling them to try their best to walk softly without stepping on the sticks or making any noise.The other mentors climb the tree to claw some bark and sticks from it. They litter the ground and the mentors begin to put them in strategic places. They went off to the other side and call an apprentice name. Gullpaw was first. She had to get to the mentors who was waiting a fox length away. Gullpaw step on a bunch of them at first until she was halfway. She then use her tail to move some sticks but it still made noise. She wince as she wasn't expecting it to make noise when she reach the end.
Nightpaw was next. He look over at the place, knowing it was worst because Gullpaw move some and broke some sticks apart. He carefully jump towards the tree as he saw a spot that was clear due to Gullpaw. Ok so now he needs to find another place to leap. If he step anywhere, he going to make noise. But he couldn't just stay here. That when an idea hit him. He glance up at the tree, noticing where the bark wouldn't fall away due to his climbing. He jump as high as he can into the tree, making sure he got a strong grip. They never said he couldn't climb the tree. He got on the first branch and noticed that the mentors eyes was wide. Always think outside the box. It how he survive his months in the house. Whenever the kits thought they had him, he always manage to outsmart them in some way. He jump down as far as he could but his back paw hit one before he manage to land clear. He let out a hiss of frustration.
"Well that was something I didn't expect. Nearly did good but you completely fail. The trial was to walk. Not climb. Now you will be going again but last." Fernshade said with a shake of her head.
He knew better than to argue so he just lash his tail. Badgerfang lay his tail on his shoulder but he shrug it off. He don't want pity right now. He watch Gingerpaw do it next. Since they saw him fail, the others knew not to do what he did. Gingerpaw was more patient than Gullpaw so she didn't step on as many as she did. She also didn't move any with her tail since they saw that also made noise. Her tail curl up since she knew she did the best she could. She sat on the other side of Gullpaw. Gullpaw congrat her as Nightpaw just let out a grunt as he went back to the other side by walking around the practice area. Mousepaw, like her name implied, took many small steps in order to not make noise. She took longer than the other two but she breathe a sigh of relief when she made it.
Turtlepaw gave a small encouraging nod to Nightpaw before she started. She got into her stalking pose. Nightpaw's eyes flash as he remember that stalking was the answer. They rarely make noise because they don't want to scare off the prey. He watch as she slid around the bark pieces and sticks. Her paws made small movement so she didn't have to put her whole weight on them. But she is also impatient and ran the last few tail lengths. She would have pass if she kept her patience. Or maybe it was because of her nerves failing. He did notice her movements was shaky as she continue.
Looking across, he now see why being last is the worst place to be. The area was more messy due to everyone else crossing it and the small clearing he had before is gone. He doesn't have to be perfect. He just need to try. No shame in failing. These thoughts ran through his head as he close his eyes to calm down. He can feel his fur burning as the others is staring at him. Opening his eyes, he also got into his stalking pose. He did remember the snake like movement Runningnose did in the fight and try his best to copy it. He didn't jump but narrow his eyes to see small spots he can put his paws. He is smaller than the others and hope he can use his small size as an advantage. He slowly padded forward, having his whiskers constantly twitching to see where to go next. He wince as he step on a bark piece but kept his patience unlike Turtlepaw. He slowly lift one paw and was about to put it down when he notice the wind was blowing. That clear some space up so he knew it is pure luck as he finish. He did better than Turtlepaw but only because he saw everyone else trying first and it was much harder.
"Nice try everyone. Did you get the feeling of moving silently? I want you to remember that feeling since it is important. As you saw, Nightpaw fail as he didn't count his claws making noise into the tree. Everyone would have saw and heard him climbing. Turtlepaw nearly had it. Surprise no one else thought of the stalking pose but that is why this is a training exercise. You are here to learn. To move silently, get into a stalking pose. Be aware of everything. Branches, sticks, and the wind. If you find your way block, try another way.-" Mossclaw was demonstrating as he move perfectly between the sticks and bark. "Also remember to keep your weight in mind." He went low and slid across the ground, his fur muffling the sound of the sticks and bark. In the grass, he would be completely silent.
The apprentices eyes widen as they all got into their stalking poses. Each mentor correct them when they made a mistake. They spent the day learning how to move. Soon they each went across, improving how they did it before. They asks questions and got answers on improving even more. Soon their mentors told them to always practice, even when hunting. They told them to go hunt some lizards and frogs since they are hard to sneak up on. Mousepaw and Gullpaw went towards the marsh while Gingerpaw went on her own. Turtlepaw also left on her own. Their mentors went with them. The marsh is huge so Nightpaw went to the other side and hid behind a tree that was close to it. Peeking his head out, he saw a big one leaping towards a fallen log. Remembering his lessons, he crept close to it. Before the frog notice him, he jump on it with his claws out. He grab a leg since it was hard to carry otherwise due to the frog skin. He is getting used to living here. His ear twitch as he heard Badgerfang coming towards him.
"Nice catch. You are learning well." He said with a purr as they walk together.
"I have a great mentor." He reply out the side of his mouth.
"I notice that you are getting more patient. Need to get over your fear but that will come in due time. There's no rush." Badgerfang look at him out of the corner of his eyes. Nightpaw's can feel his anger rising beneath his fur. He flick an ear before s he purr as he saw his friends also had frogs and lizards.
"Well done. Time to go back to camp. You all work hard today. Spend the rest of the day resting after taking care of the bedding. We will teach you about hunting at night." Hopeheart mew with a swish of her tail.
After they put their prey on the pile, they each took a corner of the camp to clean the bedding. Turtlepaw, Gingerpaw and Mousepaw took the apprentice den and warriors' den. Nightpaw went to the nursery, asking Brightflower if he can replace her bedding. She gave a nod as she went to strike up a conversation with hopeheart. Nightpaw's ear turn to listen in.
"So do you got any eyes on a mate? I know Russetfur and Deerfoot are spending time together. Same with Scorchwind and Darkflower. But you spend time with everyone." Brightflower is licking her paw to clean her ears.
"I'm just not interested right now. Besides you know the deal. Someone has to win in a fight against me." Hopeheart smirk as she curl her tail around her paws.
"No one won yet? Thought Badgerfang came close?"
"Badgerfang just kept challenging me. He is on his seventh fight. It is adorable actually."
"Heard him talking about it too. Others had quit but not him." Brightflower look over at the subject in question. He was curl on a stump near the elders den, The sun is shining on it, making it a perfect nap spot. The elders was all heading outside the camp, saying they was going for a walk together.
"Maybe I should let him win." Hopeheart murmur to herself as Nightpaw finish replacing the nest.
"Your nest is ready, Brightflower." He said as he went to get rid of the dirty moss outside the camp. Brightflower thank him as he went to do the elders. Hopeheart went to the warrior's den since they was finished.
After they finish, the apprentices all sat down, and share tongues. The camp is somewhat empty due to the patrols being out and Nightpaw enjoy the peace and quiet. Nightpaw told them that he is going to see if Runningnose need any help. He want to do something and feel useless if he not doing anything. Looking around, he saw Runningnose putting herbs outside to count. He don't know why he getting antsy but maybe it because he not used to peace.
"Hey Runningnose. Do you need any help? I'm not busy." Nightpaw said as he ran up to him.
"Sure. Just grab some herbs inside and bring them out here. Need to check if I need to go collect any." Runningnose was putting the herbs in separate piles. Nightpaw gave a nod as he went in the medicine den. He grab a leaf wrap that had seeds in it. He put it outside.
"So want to tell me why you feel like helping? I'm glad for the help but I'm guessing you are here with purpose." Runningnose asks as he watch Nightpaw going back and forth til all herbs is out.
"It just too peaceful. I'm not used to peace. Besides I need to do something otherwise I don't feel right. I got friends but just don't feel comfortable around them yet." Nightpaw sigh as he help putting all the herbs in a pile.
"Try to relax. You are safe here. I'm sure your friends will understand too." Runningnose said as he paw the herbs. "Seem I'm running low on burdock roots. Those are needed for rat bites. Thanks for the help Nightpaw. Now go connect with your friends." Runningnose said as he start putting the herbs away.
Nightpaw felt better after talking to Runningnose and gave a smile. Felt like a weight lift off of his shoulders as he went back. His tail swish as he sat next to Mousepaw.
"Hey do you guys want to practice fighting moves? I only know two but I want to be better." Nightpaw asks as he look at the others.
"Sure. I want to see how fast I dodge." Gullpaw mew as she got up and stretch.
"I want to see how fast I can attack." Turtlepaw said.
"I'm going to sleep. We need to rest for night training." Mousepaw said as she look over at Gingerpaw.
"I'm going to join you guys. That way it be two vs two." Gingerpaw mew while Mousepaw look a bit miffed that her sister wasn't joining her. Mousepaw went to the den while the others went to close to the elders' den since there a small space to practice.
Gingerpaw and Gullpaw begin to practice with dodging, while Nightpaw wait for Turtlepaw to attack him.
"I'm not going to go easy on you." Turtlepaw's eyes narrow as she rush at him. Nightpaw's tail wave excitedly as he wait to jump at the last second. Turtlepaw growl as she try again. With Nightpaw back facing her, he did a back kick which hit her hard. After hearing her landing, he knew he hit too hard.
"Turtlepaw! Are you ok? I'm sorry. I really should hold back." Nightpaw ran to her, sniffing her over to make sure there no blood.
"I'm fine." Her fur is bristling as she stood back up. They saw the others looking at them with concern but she wave her tail to let them know she is fine. Nightpaw went back to his place before facing her again. Turtlepaw didn't wait to attack as she rush at him again. But when Nightpaw dodge, she manage to throw a paw to hit his side.
"Nice one." Nightpaw said as he wince. Her paw strike was good. They fought some more until they all was tired. They saw patrols coming back in as they practice. Swampcloud was giving advice while they fought. Mostly on Turtlepaw side. They decided to go for a nap since the sun was going down and they did need energy for tonight. Nightpaw fell fast asleep as the others stay up to talk for a few minutes, going over their fighting techniques.