A/N: Hey, I'm back with more! My other stories are currently on hiatus, since it's been such a long time, and I've felt like I've lost my grasp of the characters and the plot. But please enjoy this novella!

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to review! (:

Lionpaw kneaded his paws impatiently, his tail frisking to and fro. His ginger fur was fluffed up against the chilly leaf-fall breeze, and his eyes were narrowed. When will she wake up?! he thought impatiently, glancing towards the warriors' den.

Foxdawn may be the deputy, but she sure was a heavy sleeper when she wanted to be. Growling softly in frustration, Lionpaw tried to ignore his growling stomach. Apprentices don't eat without permission!

"Up so soon, Lionpaw?" asked a quiet, feminine voice. Turning, he saw Fernpaw padding up, and felt a rush of affection. The sleepy she-cat plopped down beside him. "Ugh. I woke up early so I could meet Sorrel-leaf in time for training, but it looks like she's passed out from the Gathering last night."

"Same with Foxdawn," Lionpaw said, his breath turning into a white mist as he exhaled. The two sat in silence for a while, the wind growing stronger and starting to howl. Nevertheless, Lionpaw couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. He loved his life. He loved every single day. Everything was perfect. He had good friends, cats who respected him (though his mentor being the deputy may have been part of that, since no one liked angering Foxdawn), and he was popular.

And SkyClan was flourishing as well. There was an abundance of apprentices, and many promising kits. Lionpaw felt nothing but pride when he walked around in the territory and in the camp.

His future was set: become a warrior. Find a mate (most likely Fernpaw, since she was the only she-apprentice). Become leader. Die an honorable death, in blazes of glory. And really, there wasn't anything in his way. He was already taking steps to his big dream; he was already on the path of a becoming a warrior. He was partially dating Fernpaw- well, it wasn't really official or anything, but everyone could see that Fernpaw liked Lionpaw. Lionpaw wasn't sure if he returned her feelings or not, but he was her best friend, and she his, and it was quite obvious that they had potential. And the leader part... well, many cats liked him already, so it was pretty much inevitable, too.

However, another set of pawsteps jerked him out of his thoughts, and the moment he saw Wolfpaw pad towards him, dislike rose like bile in his throat. Well, he didn't like everyone.

Wolfpaw gave the pair his usual handsome smirk of a greeting, and sat with them, his tall form casting a large shadow over them both. Thank StarClan Fernpaw was Wolfpaw's littermate... Lionpaw, despite his confidence of having the favor of the majority, did not want to clash with Wolfpaw in the future. Of course, there'd be no physical fight. Lionpaw was not going to sink that low, and neither was Wolfpaw. But Lionpaw had something Wolfpaw didn't; a fatal flaw, an Achille's heel, almost: Lionpaw was easy jealous, and that jealousy was what dictated his actions, and his life. Lionpaw threw this news away when Fernpaw explained this to him; it had helped him get this far in life; why would it destroy him?

So he had laughed, and she joined in a beat later, but forcefully, and nervously. The other apprentices could see Lionpaw's sin as clearly as they could see his two ears. Lionpaw could not see his ears.

"You three are up early," said a voice, the voice Lionpaw wanted to hear. Foxdawn slid out of the warriors' den, the dullness of sleep gone; her yellow eyes were sharp and alert, and Lionpaw sat up from his crouched, dipping his head. Fernpaw and Wolfpaw mirrored his move.

"Are we going to start?" Lionpaw couldn't help but ask.

"Get something to eat first," Foxdawn mewed, padding to the fresh-kill pile herself. Lionpaw glanced towards the sky; the sun was rising, turning the sky pink and orange. Quietly, out of respect, the three apprentices crept forward and dragged off a rabbit to share.

Slowly, the Clan began to wake up. Nightrunner, always the hardworker, and the long-time rival of Foxdawn, had decided to skip breakfast and already taken Wolfpaw out to train. Feeling strong twinges of jealousy, Lionpaw prodded Foxdawn until she gave up her own mouse and clambered up to leave. Feeling slightly proud that he was the only one who could poke around with her (she was tough, but she was affectionate), he flicked his tail and followed her out.

"Hey," Lionpaw said wearily, padding to the group of apprentices sitting in a circle in the clearing. He dropped to his paws next to Wolfpaw (so he could keep an eye on him), who automatically moved aside politely.

"Hi," Fernpaw greeted cheerfully, with a mouthful of shrew.

"Don't eat with your mouth full," Tigerpaw teased from beside her. Fernpaw pushed his shoulder with her head. She's mine, fox-heart! Lionpaw thought menacingly, glaring at Tigerpaw, trying to convey his message. Tigerpaw flicked his ears at Lionpaw and smiled. "Jealous?" he asked lightly.

"Of course not," Lionpaw replied loftily, trying to pass off his building anger as a joke.

"Let's all flirt with Fernpaw," Sandypaw laughed, prodding Fernpaw's side.

"Stop it!" she shrieked, with a smile in her voice.

Lionpaw grinned forcefully. "Give her some space, you guys," he said lazily.

"What are you all laughing about?" asked Foxdawn, approaching them with narrowed eyes. Lionpaw, however, could see that she was mildly amused. "Finish eating and join some patrols!"

"Okay, okay, keep your fur on," Lionpaw replied sassily, gazing up at her with playful eyes. The rest of the apprentices watched with nervous, yet with entertained expressions.

"Watch your words," Foxdawn said half-playfully, aiming half-heartly at Lionpaw's head for a cuff. Lionpaw laughed and dodged, and Foxdawn shook her head and padded away. "Keep your eye on him, Wolfpaw," she called over his shoulders.

Since when does she like him? he thought for a moment, before leaning away from Wolfpaw, who was now staring at him with narrowed eyes and a smirk. The rest of the apprentices laughed at Lionpaw's silly, disgusted face made at the silver tom. Despite being the two most popular apprentices, Lionpaw knew that he would never be friends with Wolfpaw.

Wolfpaw was a rival, not a partner.