Hawkpaw stared straight ahead, obviously bored. "Why do we have to gather herbs?"
"Both Larchcloud and Frostpaw are busy with the sick kits and elders, Hawkpaw," Dustpaw said patiently. "Besides, it is our duty as apprentices to keep the elders comfortable, and getting herbs to make them better will make them feel comfortable."
Hawkpaw gaped at his denmate for a few heartbeats. "I think that's the most you've ever said at a time."
Dustpaw's pelt burned and he turned his head away. "Whatever."
"Hey — I'm not saying that's a bad thing," Hawkpaw said. He sighed. "I like your voice."
Suddenly, a rank scent filled Dustpaw's mouth. "Dog!" As soon as he said that, they heard several animals crushing plants beneath their feet.
"Run!" They took off, and heard the pack of dogs barking behind them. They were gaining, and Dustpaw was a very poor runner. He lagged behind Hawkpaw, even with encouraging words desperately thrown at him.
It was too late. The pack was on them, surrounding them on all sides. Dustpaw counted five. They were about to die. He knew it. He was ready to give up. Hawkpaw, though, was standing over Dustpaw, hissing and spitting protectively, menacingly. Despite being a third of their size, he was determined to keep the dogs back.
The dogs looked puzzled, wondering why their prey hadn't given up. They looked at one another, and looked back at Hawkpaw. They got their senses back together and attacked.
"You will not hurt Dustpaw!" Hawkpaw cried out. They both tried to fight back, throwing their paws at the menacing canines, but it was useless. Hawkpaw yowled in pain as he continued to shield his small and weak best friend.
"There!" Dustpaw heard a cat shout. Suddenly, the dogs were being attacked by a warrior patrol. It was a miracle from StarClan… he and Hawkpaw would live.
Hawkpaw?!
His best friend was lying on the ground, blood pouring from his wounds. "Hawkpaw!" he cried out. "Someone help him!"
His cries were answered. Silvertail and Troutflower were there, and they carried him to camp.
He prayed to StarClan as he followed the two warriors to camp. He didn't know what he'd do without Hawkpaw, if he died. He needed him.
At the medicine den, Hawkpaw was quickly treated, and was resting.
"His wounds are deep, but he should be just fine in a moon or two," Larchcloud said. Dustpaw sighed in relief.
"Let me check you over." He did a thorough search for wounds on Dustpaw's body, but all he found was a small, almost invisible scratch on his flank.
"Amazing. You're almost completely clean," the medicine cat mumbled.
"Can I… can I stay with him tonight?" he asked softly.
"I don't see any problem with that," Larchcloud said. "Some warriors got the herbs you were supposed to get, and the elders and kits quickly recovered. There's plenty of room."
"Thank you," Dustpaw mewed. He settled into Hawkpaw's nest, breathing the tortoiseshell tom's familiar scent. The wounded apprentice's pelt was the last thing he saw before he drifted off into sleep.
"Thank you for protecting me yet again, Hawkpaw."
