I do not own warriors.

I push my way through the bracken following Brightheart. We went through the forest in silence. "What is the first thing we'll do? Hunting? Gathering moss? Clan life?"

Brightheart purred. "Patience… however, I wish all the apprentices were as enthusiastic about moss."

I look at her. "But it makes sense! Elders gave their life to protect the clan, we should honor them and think of it as a privilege to help!" (…right?)

She nods. "But most cats would rather be training. However, moss has it's good side. Can you tell me?"

I think back to Bluestar's Prophecy. "When you gather moss, you gain control over your claws, and you can kill prey or rake an enemies muzzle cleanly and quickly."

"Very good. However, today we will be doing hunting crouches." She stops at a clearing near a tree. "Show me the crouch you use while hunting a mouse."

I crouch down and stick my chin out. I lower my ears and keep my tail still. I remember another piece of advice from a fan fiction I read- 'Imagine that you are on a slope of pebbles. If one moves, you fall and die.' At the last moment, I tuck my paws to my side, so I can spring at a moment's notice. Suddenly I smell something warm. I stalk toward it- some creature, maybe a vole.

Brightheart follows my gaze and stops when she sees my prey. I feel as if I don't catch it, she'll see me as nothing. So I stay quiet and ready.

Three…

Two…

One…

NOW.

I pounce right on it and give it a killing blow to the neck before it can squeal. Happy, I turn toward Brightheart, who seems surprised.

"What?" I ask.

"You said that your hunting needed work, but that was one of the best kills I've seen!" I feel my fur heating up- if I had a face, it would be red.

"All I do is imagine that there are hundreds of pebbles underneath me, and that I can't move a single one before leaping. I don't know anymore crouches, but I do know the difference between prey. "

"Which is?"

"Rabbits are quick to smell you so you must make sure the wind is not blowing toward the rabbit or you'll be scented out and he'll run. It's nearly impossible to catch them after that. Mice are different, they use the earth to feelyou before they smell you. That means you have to be lighter on your feet in order to catch one. If you aren't, it'll smell you and hear you, and then it'll dart into cover." I shift slightly.

"I don't know about birds, though…"

"You know enough." She encourages me. "But for now, let's go back to camp- night is coming." I look up and she is right- the stars are out.

We head back to camp, but before we get there, she stops me. "Wolfsong, can I ask you something?"

"Sure…"

"Why aren't you afraid of me?"

I look at her. A minute or so passes.

And I burst into laughter.

"Can't…breathe…"

"What's so funny!" She asks me with an oh-my-god-she-is-insane-i-should-run look on her face.

"You! You think I should be afraid…" I shake my head. "You couldn't be more wrong. I look at you and I see a strong, independent cat who has face danger and death in the face. Even I know of your past- you are someone to be respected, not frightened of. You were given the name Brightheart because the way you followed it-" And here I look at her. "But I would have given you the name Brightspirit."

She looks much happier as I go to the apprentice den. Hollypaw is there- she lifted her head as I came in.

"Hi Wolfsong. Your nest is there- I and Lionpaw made it for you."

To say I was surprised was an understatement. I manage to dip my head. "Thank you."

"That's what clanmates do." she replies, curling up.

Clanmates.

I curl up and fall asleep.

Review time!

13 Okami Kitsune: She is in eclipse, when holly, lion, and jay come back from the mountains.

720 words…wow, I never write that much.

So encouragement and ideas are welcome, and please

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