Hi everyone. Sorry for not updating this for like...three weeks. I was trying to think of ideas for this story, as well as Sliver and Starless Night. I'm not too sure about Starless Night. I've sort of lost interest in it...Oh well, thanks Thunderspirit and Cyri's Jedwardloving Alter Ego for reviewing.

[ Chapter 12 ]

Warm newleaf scents greeted Goldenleaf's tongue as she opened her mouth to taste the air. It was cloudy out, and rain had fallen the previous night. Robins and other songbirds were out, picking at the ground and feasting on insects that had crawled out in the night.

Two days had passed since Midnightpaw's fatal injury. The black apprentice had still not woken, but Rainshower had told the Clan she might not become a warrior. Poppyfrost had been dismayed, and even threatened to attack Rainshower for not healing her properly. It was only thanks to Cinderstar's calm attitude that Poppyfrost stopped.

Rosefoot had also given birth during the previous night. She gave birth to three healthy kits, known as Robinkit, Shrewkit, and Flintkit. Robinkit was a mottled gray tom with creamy stripes. Shrewkit was a grayish cream tom, while Flintkit was a dark gray tom with lighter tabby stripes. Goldenleaf had been the first to greet the kits, and the rest of the Clan soon followed after.

It almost reminded her of the future she could have with Stripefur. Of course, that dream might be shattered by the long battles that awaited them.

ShadowClan were visiting the border more frequently, and she knew Sapfur was convincing them to attack ThunderClan. If that happened, the Clan would have no choice but to fight those who were once friends during the Journey.

It's just like Blazeclaw pointed out, she thought bitterly. He had told her that the Clans would always find a reason to fight, even if it was pointless. She once believed that they could get along, if not for just a day. But that belief was long gone, especially after she had met Sapfur. He was more devious then any other cat she had met so far.

"Hunting are we?" Goldenleaf flinched when she heard Firespirit's voice. She turned to see that he had followed her. Aspenpaw was standing beside his mentor, looking slightly guilty.

"Y-yes," she stuttered. She didn't like the way he was watching her. Firespirit was a very arrogant warrior, and now that he had an apprentice, he was even worse. She remembered hearing that his mother had been Leafspots, a queen who had fallen in love with Emberfoot from WindClan. After hearing about her death, Emberfoot and Eagleheart joined ThunderClan to be with his kits.

Maybe that's why he's just like Crowfeather and Breezepelt, Goldenleaf mused. Both WindClan cats had been extremely arrogant, although Crowfeather had changed before he died. Breezepelt, on the other hand, had died during the great Eruption. It was ironic, that Breezepelt had been the deputy at one point. Crowfeather had never received the chance to become deputy, even though he was Ashstar's son.

"May we join you? I'm sure this rain has attracted more then enough prey," Firespirit asked.

Goldenleaf tilted her head to one side. A hunting patrol with the Clan's most hot-headed warrior? In a way, it didn't sound like a good idea. She never liked Firespirit that much, and his attitude told her everything: He was a bossy furball. On the other hand, it would provide her with a chance to talk to Aspenpaw, who still looked shaky on his legs.

"Sure," she replied.

Firespirit padded forward, sweeping his tail across Aspenpaw's shoulder. The young apprentice shuddered visibly, and followed his mentor. Goldenleaf watched the exchange, feeling a sudden wave of confusion. Why was Aspenpaw so afraid of his own mentor?

Shaking her head, Goldenleaf bounded ahead, only stopping to listen to the prey around her. She could hear a mouse scuffling among the undergrowth, sniffing for insects and larva. She knew that mice were easy to catch. Aspenpaw must have detected the mouse as well, because he was already dropping into a crouch.

Amusement lit in her eyes when she watched him wriggle his haunches. He was trying to perfect his hunting crouch, even though there was very little time.

Suddenly, Aspenpaw shot forward, sending a fury of leaves into the air. The mouse looked up in surprise, but before it could flee, Aspenpaw caught it between his claws. With a squeal, Aspenpaw bent down and snapped its neck, quickly ending its life.

"That was good, Aspenpaw," she purred as she met him. But when she looked at Firespirit, she saw only anger in his amber eyes.

"You still need to work on your crouch," he growled menacingly.

Aspenpaw dropped the mouse and stared at Firespirit in dismay. Goldenleaf stepped in between them. Tension was rising from both cats like a waiting storm. If they didn't stop, a fight could break out, and that was exactly what Sapfur and his goons wanted. She wasn't about to give them the satisfaction of watching a couple of ThunderClan cats argue.

"Come on, there's still plenty of prey to catch," she meowed soothingly to Aspenpaw.

He blinked a few times, and then nodded. She made sure that he buried his mouse before leading him to a more secluded area, where Firespirit wouldn't hear him.

Something is going on between them, she thought. And I am going to find out what.

She stopped when they reached the Hotsprings. Here, the air felt warm and moist, and it soothed her. She hoped that it would calm Aspenpaw down as well. It reminded her of one of Leapordblaze's stories.

He had told her about Ravenpaw, an old ThunderClan apprentice who was always terrified of everything. It turned out that his mentor, Tigerstar, was abusive. The dark brown tabby had used force to keep his apprentice in line, and it looked as though Firespirit was using the same tactics.

"Aspenpaw, is something bothering you?" she asked when he finally relaxed.

The dark gray tom stared at her. His face fell as he thought of Firespirit, and the way the older warrior treated him. "I...I think he's only trying to prove himself as a good mentor and warrior," Aspenpaw murmured.

"But he looked like he was going to claw your face off," Goldenleaf pointed out.

Aspenpaw's eyes widened in horror. "He was just telling me what I already knew: I need to work on my hunter's crouch," he replied solemnly.

Goldenleaf desperately wanted to ask him more. But Aspenpaw was already turning tail. He ran for the trees, straight towards where Firespirit was waiting.

With a sigh, she rose to her paws and shook her head. She could only hope that Firespirit wasn't like Tigerstar. What would happen if Aspenpaw decided to leave, because his mentor was abusive? That would leave only Midnightpaw, and she was already severely damaged from the fight against ShadowClan. ThunderClan couldn't afford to lose anymore apprentices. Not after the last battle against ShadowClan.

Whoa, this was actually a long chapter. I am quite proud of myself for that fact. And, something is going on between Aspenpaw and Firespirit. Can anyone guess? If so, you receive an Aspenpaw plushie!