Fallen got back to the camp quickly. Mint was out of breath by the time they had arrived and Fallen had to make sure she didn't collapse on the spot before hurrying over to Bone and Brick, who were sharing some food with their kits.

The four jumped to their paws, however, as she approached and bowed. "Scourge." They said.

"I'm Fallen." Fallen flicked her tail.

"Oh," Bone said, looking uncomfortable. "Sorry. You look so much alike."

Fallen grunted then got back to business. "Did Talon report to any of you about the patrol?"

Scarlet nodded. "Yes Fallen. He told us they caught some forest cat scent but that was all."

"Okay." Fallen said. "I ran into a dog but it ran off before I could kill it so there is a dog on the loose. Brick, set up some cats to go take care of it."

Brick dipped her head. "Yes Fallen."

Fallen walked back out of the camp. 'Note to self: check out the forest cat activity.'

The lesson went well, Fallen decided as she headed back to camp. Although, there did seem to be a new tension in the air and Scourge seemed to be watching her closer than usual but she simply put it down as something he would do to judge her abilities. After all, if she was going to be Bloodclan leader, she needed to be flawless.

When the lesson was over, Scourge went on back to camp while she went out on a quick sweep of the borders. She needed to make sure nothing was going on between the forest and Twolegplace.

Sure enough, there was forest cat scent over on Bloodclan's side of the border. Fallen's eyes narrowed and she glared into the forest. Whatever was going on in there, had better stay there.

…..

She reached camp and nearly ran into Mint. The small kit jumped back with a yelp. She hastily dipped her head. "G-good afternoon Fallen. Did you have a good lesson?"

"It was fine." Fallen said briskly. "Do you want to head out now? Or have you changed your mind about going?"

Mint's eyes brightened. "Oh yes please!"

Fallen nodded and flicked her tail. They walked out into Twolegplace together. After a few minutes, Fallen heard soft scrabbling in an alley.

She flicked her ear and leaned over, her muzzle next to Mint's ear. "Do you hear that?"

Mint nodded.

"Good. Can you smell it?"

Mint sniffed at the air then gave another nod.

"Do you recognize the scent?"

Mint nodded. "It's rat." She whispered.

"Good. Now, watch closely."

Fallen slunk away from Mint, moving slowly across the alley opening. She kept her ears pricked and pinpointed the prey to be behind a garbage can. Keeping low to the ground, tail down and paw steps silent, she stalked around into a vantage point.

The rat was large a fat, a rare find in Twolegplace. Concentrating, Fallen slunk up into jumping range, than pounced. A quick bite to the neck stopped its squirming and Fallen turned with the prey in her mouth.

Mint was watching, attention all on her leader. Much better than most Bloodclan cats her age. Fallen would sometimes see them looking off into the distance as their parents tried to teach them. Or not even listening.

Fallen put the rat down. "Do you see how I did that?"

Mint nodded vigorously. "Yes! You were close to the ground, to make yourself less likely to be seen. And your tail was down so that you don't alert the prey. You were quick and didn't stop to think about how good the prey will taste like some cats might do."

Fallen blinked. "Very, very good Mint."

Mint swelled with pride. "Thanks Fallen." She dipped her head to her.

Fallen flicked her tail over her ears. "Come on. Your turn."

They wandered around a bit more, looking for more prey. Soon, Mint alerted Fallen and flicked her tail towards a pile of garbage. "Another rat." She whispered.

Fallen sniffed the air. She was right. Fallen nodded a go ahead.

Mint swallow nervously then went down. Fallen lay her tail over her back, flattening her hindquarters. Mint gave her a quick look of thanks then began to slowly creep forward, The rat didn't stand a chance. As soon as Mint was within leaping distance, the small cat lunged and killed it with a swift bite.

She turned, proudly holding up her kill. Fallen nodded. "Good job Mint."

Mint beamed. She put the prey down and lowered her gaze. "Thank you Fallen. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for the lesson. It was really fun!"

There was a small touch of sadness to her tone and Fallen understood. She had never offered full lessons. The Bloodclan warrior walked over and sat down next to her. "You know." She said looking out at the street. "That if I have enough time and if you promise to work hard, in my free time I could teach you a few more things…."

Mint looked up, eyes wide and hopeful. "Really?" she squeaked.

Fallen shrugged. "Why not. If your father is too lazy to do anything about his own kit I'm not going to let my clan become weakened by cats who don't know what they are doing. And you show potential. So yes. I will train you."

Mint began to hop around. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I promise I'll be the best Bloodclan warrior ever! I'll practice all the time! I'll make you so proud! I promise!"

Fallen purred in amusement. "Well eat then." She nudged the prey Mint had caught towards her. "You earned it."

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