An Apprentice's First Day

by Apollo's Child

A challenge for IceClan. The entire story is dialogue, which was the challenge. Basically it it the traditional beginning of training that every apprentice does, but with a little bit of humor. One-shot. Thanks for reading!

"Moonkit, from this moment until you earn your warrior name, you shall be known as Moonpaw. Your mentor shall be Blossomfall. Blossomfall, please pass on your skill and loyalty on to this young apprentice."

"Thank you, Bramblestar, I've wanted an apprentice for so long!"

"Can we go train now, Blossomfall? Oh, Cinderheart, stop fussing over me!"

"Lionblaze and I are so proud, Moonpaw, we don't mean to fuss."

"Yes, we are. Go train your very best, and become the best warrior in all the Clans!"

"I think we'd better take a tour of the territory first. Are you ready? We'll set out in a few moments; we'd better take advantage of sun-high during leaf-bare."

"Yes, oh yes! Can we go to the lake?"

"We will, don't worry. Just follow me."

"Ok. Hey! The thorn barrier is prickly! How do you big cats get by it every day without getting your fur ripped off?"

"Soon you'll become sleeker and more agile, and you won't feel a thing. Now, if you can keep up, follow me…run!"

"But my legs aren't as long! Wai-ouch! I think I have a thorn in my pad."

"Hold still, I'm going to pull it out."

"YOW!"

"There you go. We'll take it slower until we get there."

"How much farther is it?"

"Just past this maple tree. Do you scent the moor? Careful where you're putting your paws, there's a river just ahead."

"Yuck! That's WindClan?"

"Yes. I know it reeks, but you must memorize that scent. While we're here, I'll show you how to scent-mark…"

"I do that at the dirtplace everyday."

"Moonpaw! This is the noble art of scent-marking. It is much different than simply going to the dirtplace. I think we'd better head back; your paw must be sore from that thorn."

"Aw, but it's alright! Please?"

"No. Tomorrow I will show you the lake and the ShadowClan border, but you must let your paw rest. Come along."

"Fine…"

"Watch out, there's a rabbit hole there."

"Ah! A hole!"

"That's the one."

"It's ok, I got out of it. You can just go ahead."

"I practically back at camp already."

"No, you're not! Race you!"

"First one there gets first pick of prey from the pile!"

"Deal!"

"Heh..heh….alright, you win! But once my legs grow longer, I'll challenge you again!"

"I'm sure you will. Now go get some prey. Tomorrow will be a big day!"

"Thanks, Blossomfall. Goodbye for now!"

"Bye, Moonpaw."