Chapter 7 - Recovery

Silverpaw stared at Mistshallow in shock. So, his father was the leader of Nightclan. He felt happier finally knowing who his parents were, but at the same time he was upset that all of his family were being hunted. And from what Mistshallow said, hunted by something powerful.

"It's alright, if you wish to hate me..." Mistshallow said, looking down slightly.

Silverpaw glanced down, thoughts spinning through his head.

"No... I couldn't hate you." he finally replied, nuzzling into his mother's side, "I see why you did it, and... I am happy here. I may be away from you, but I have friends here now. So... it all turned out okay."

Mistshallow licked her son lovingly, and looked at Auraeyes.

"Auraeyes... thank you for being a good mentor to him."

She nodded. "Err.. thanks Mistshallow."

"You are welcome. Now, Silverpaw, how was the Skypeak?"

Silverpaw glanced at Auraeyes, who looked like she had forgotten something.

"Skypeak?"

"You haven't gone there yet? But... all apprentices have to travel there to become warriors!"

"What! Auraeyes..."

"I'm... err... sorry Silverpaw... it kinda slipped my mind with all that has been happening..."

Mistshallow simply laughed.

"It's alright, you still have time." she replied, "Well, I'll let you get back to what you were all doing. Good day!" and with that, Mistshallow wandered off to the camp entrance and out into the forest.

Silverpaw watched her leave, and then turned to Auraeyes.

"When can we go?"

"Huh?"

"To Skypeak! When can we go, Auraeyes?" he asked, "I want to become a warrior soon, and since we have to go there first why not go soon!"

"I... I don't know... I suppose I can go ask Bladestar. Would you like to come too?"

"Yes please!"

Silverpaw followed Auraeyes to the edge of camp where the leaders den was situated. This early in the morning, the cave was nicely shaded between two small trees. Auraeyes gently tapped the side of the rock, and a grunt replied soon.

"Lets go."

Inside, Bladestar sat on top of his bedding, gently licking the dirt off his armor. His steel wings were folded behind his back, barely visible against the rock.

"Oh, Auraeyes." he replied, and motioned for them to come in further, "What business would you have with me this early?"

"Silverpaw here would like to travel to the Skypeak as soon as possible." She began, "I wanted to come ask you when we would be permitted to go there so he may become a warrior soon."

Bladestar glanced at Silverpaw and smiled. "I see, well, I agree. It is about time he went. However, neither of you are in shape to head there yet. Whenever you are both healed properly, as according to Goldmoon, you can both go."

"Really?" Silverpaw said happily, and Bladestar nodded.

"Thank you, Bladestar. Whenever Goldmoon gives us permission, I shall come and let you know." Auraeyes said with a slight bow.

"I look forward to hearing from you soon, then."

The two left Bladestar's den after a slight chat, and Silverpaw seemed more energetic.

"Can we go training, please?" he asked just outside the den.

"Well... I guess I could have Swiftclaw train you with Flamepaw. I would, however I wish for my wounds to heal before I do too much. Just be sure to ask Goldmoon, and then I'll ask Razorclaw."

Silverpaw nodded, and rushed over to the healer's den. She was inside, cleaning out the two beds for both him and his mentor.

"Oh, Silverpaw, what's up?"

"Hi Goldmoon! I was wondering if I would be allowed to go out training with Razorclaw and Flamepaw, since Auraeyes doesn't want to hurt herself more." he asked.

"Oh, of course! I think a little exercise would help you a lot. Just be careful, alright?"

"Right! Thanks Goldmoon!" he said, and rushed out to tell Auraeyes.

After they had found Razorclaw and Flamepaw, the four headed out to the training hollow. Razorclaw walked beside Auraeyes, looking at her almost lovingly. Silverpaw looked away, almost embarrassed and disgusted by his affection. What was worse, is that she liked it. Flamepaw glanced at the Eevee, and smiled.

"Those two... really like each other huh?" he said.

"Huh? Oh, yea..." Silverpaw replied, looking away.

The four soon reached the training hollow, and Razorclaw had them drilling some battle moves against each other.

"Flamepaw, be sure to use your speed as an advantage! Silverpaw, your ears can hear extremely well I presume? Then use them to hear where the enemy is coming from!" he instructed.

Flamepaw quickly rushed towards Silverpaw, and then swiftly jumped to the side and intended to ram Silverpaw from the side. The Eevee however, heard the Chimchar land to the side and quickly jumped forward a ways in order to let the Chimchar sail past him. Flamepaw was ready, however, and as soon as he landed he twisted around and landed on Silverpaw's back. Silverpaw jumped in surprise, and tried to shake the Chimchar off.

"Gotcha!" Flamepaw teased happily.

"Silverpaw, try to meet his attack with another one." Auraeyes said, walking up beside Razorclaw, "Also, try to turn around and keep your eyes on him. If you use your hearing to find him, and dodge the attack, then you could have guessed where he was going to land and turn to meet him."

"Auraeyes..." Razorclaw stammered, but she waved a paw to stop him.

"I'm fine, I can't fight with them, but I can instruct a little, can't I?" she teased, and Razorclaw said no more.

The two apprentices trained for a while longer, before their mentors allowed them to go hunt a little on their own. They sat in silence at the edge of the training hollow before Razorclaw spoke.

"Auraeyes... you know..."

"What is it, Razorclaw?" she asked.

"I.... I love you..... and you know that..."

She looked at him a few moments, before smiling and looking down.

"Yes... and... I feel the same way back." she replied.

Razorclaw looked relieved, and cuddled closer to the Lucario. He gave her a loving lick, which she returned. The two looked happy, and watched the sun setting in the distance. Meanwhile, an Eevee looked through the bushes with a piece of prey in his jaw, and looked away unhappily as he made his way back into the forest to continue his hunt.