HOLY CRAP IM SO SORRY MY FURRY FRIENDS! D: I apologize deeply for not updating, you see school ended and… *begins to ramble excuses* *Marshstar leaps in a slaps other Marshstar on face* The Hax?! Any ways, I'm 15 now! (Turned 15 on June 11th) :D Enjoy the story! :3

The rise of Marshstar

Chapter 3

Marshpaw shook his head violently, trying to clear the vision from eyes. His heart was pounding fast in his tiny chest, his paws shook and his eyes were wide. Thistlepaw looked away and quickened his pace, following his mentor Inkheart.

"Marshpaw, were going to explore the territory, let's go." mewed Quakestar. Marshpaw nodded, forgetting that Quakestar is blind. He scampered forward, nearly tripping on every paw step. His mind was filled with images and fear. What he saw terrified him. He felt a warm gaze and glanced to his father. He was beaming with pride. Marshpaw drew himself up and scampered along the hard sandy bottom of the gorge. He had to make his parents proud, and he wasn't going to let them down. Following Quakestar, the patrol of warriors and apprentices climbed the gorge wall and traveled deep into the forest till they reached their first scent marker.

"Now listen carefully." Mewed Quakestar. He padded along the scent line, flicking his tail from side to side. "This is the border to Forestclan. We will show you how to renew the scent markers. Also be on the lookout for strange scents." Quakestar nodded to Inkheart and Smokefur. The three demonstrated how to renew the scent markers and gave the apprentices a chance to try as well. "Tomorrow we shall show you the border of Darkclan." Turning away from the border the patrol traveled deeper into Skyclan territory. Suddenly Quakestar halted and tasted the air.

"There is mouse nearby, now is a good time to practice hunting." He dipped his head to Smokefur to explain. Smokefur padded forward.

"Now listen carefully, the hunting crouch is a useful technique that the cats of Skyclan use catch prey. A mouse will feel you before it sees you and a rabbit will smell you before it sees you. You must use your surroundings as an advantage." Smokefur went on explaining and showed the apprentices the hunter crouch. Marshpaw bunched his paws under himself and slid across the ground, he was doing okay, but Shallowpaw was doing much better. He was gliding across the ground without making a single sound; it was as if he did it all his life! Thistlepaw on the other hand was clumsy and had his tail sticking up. He lumbered forward and wasn't very graceful. Inkheart helped him with the basics while Marshpaw and Shallowpaw began to practice pouncing. Marshpaw was surprised at how far one could leap.

"Quakestar, should we also start with some battle training?" Inkheart mewed. His apprentice Thistlepaw gave up after his 10th attempt and really, Inkheart couldn't blame him. Thistlepaw's body was built more for power than stealth. Quakestar agreed and the three apprentices began learning how to attack and defend.

"Thistlepaw, try to unbalance Marshpaw. Marshpaw, try to avoid Thistlepaw by dodging." Marshpaw nodded and prepared himself for a side step. Before he was ready though Thistlepaw rushed forward and slammed into his side, knocking out the air and sending him sliding across the clearing. Inkheart and Quakestar leapt to theirs paw, dashing towards their apprentices.

"Marshpaw are you alright?!" demanded Quakestar. He prodded Marshpaw to his feet sniffing his shoulder. Marshpaw shook himself off; he was shaken and was wheezing. He gasped for air while spitting out dirt. Inkheart watched carefully then turned on his apprentice.

"Thistlepaw! This is a training session. Apologize to Marshpaw. You have no reason to cause him harm." Thistlepaw growled in annoyance and snorted. He glared at Marshpaw and gave a gruff "sorry" before stomping over a hazel tree to sit under. His attitude was sour and his eyes were full of fire, burning into any cat he looked at. Inkheart sighed heavily. "I apologize for this Quakestar; it seems my apprentice has no respect." Quakestar dipped his head to Inkheart.

"Marshpaw wasn't hurt too badly so I believe he will be fine. Although I think Thistlepaw may be checking the elders for ticks. That should teach him respect for fellow clanmates." Quakestar mewed, he gave a purr of amusement when Thistlepaw groaned and rolled his eyes. Marshpaw's ears twitched and flattened them against his head. The wind was beginning to blow and the branches above them rattled. He fluffed his tail up against the chilling wind. Shallowpaw moved closer and settled himself next to Marshpaw. His tail was big enough to shelter both of them from the cold breeze.

"Quakestar maybe we should head back. The wind is picking up and the sun is beginning to set." Smokefur mewed, raising his head to sniff the wind.

"Yes you are right about that. Odd that a cool wind such as this happens in Greenleaf… Alright everyone, back to camp. Marshpaw, Shallowpaw, Thistlepaw, make sure to pick up moss on the way for your new nests." Marshpaw and Shallowpaw nodded. Thistlepaw snorted and went to get moss on his own.

"Hey Marshpaw, Thistlepaw seems a little…" Shallowpaw started. He was busying himself picking at a leaf while Marshpaw worked.

"A little what?" Marshpaw paused, looking up at Shallowpaw. Shallowpaw shifted from side to side. He seemed uncomfortable.

"A little…. mean…" he whispered quietly. Marshpaw pricked his ears and leaned forward closer to his brother.

"Who are you and what have you done to Shallowpaw?" he mewed jokingly. Shallowpaw's eyes widened and he cuffed Marshpaw's ear.

"How can you say that? You of all cats know how mean he is. He seems to have directed it towards you!" He mewed. Marshpaw sighed. His brother was concerned for him and it was nice and all but it wasn't his problem. "Are you all right? I mean it's obvious that he is still mad that you got Quakestar."

"I'm fine Shallowpaw. Let's head back to camp it's getting late and I'm getting tired." Marshpaw changed the subject quickly. He gathered his mossed and trotted after his mentor. Shallowpaw followed closely behind. Thistlepaw walked in the back, his head bent, avoiding any ones gaze. They reached camp and after some arranging, the apprentices each had their own bed. Marshpaw made sure to put his nest a little a ways from Thistlepaw. The stars above twinkled, and even though Marshpaw couldn't see them. He felt as if they watched over him as he dreamed of a brighter greenleaf.

I'm sorry my furry friends that this is a short chapter! D: I have left you waiting for quite a while. Tell you what; I have a hard time getting motivated. So if you give me reviews then I'll get motivated and BAM more chapters! :D EVERY CAT WINS! See you next chapter! ~Marshstar~ :3