The first chapter. Not too much action here, but you get a look at things. If you have any questions at all, please leave a review. Actually, I'd prefer if you reviewed either way. Thank you!

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Sweet scents drifted on the newleaf breeze, wrapping around each creature in the woods. The tang of the salty sea still penetrated the air, but the fresh breath of new life covered it until it was barely noticeable. Water fell from the tips of leaves, falling onto the creeping moss below, soaking everything even though last night's rain had long since passed. The woods were beautiful and alive.

Darkpaw had never seen a newleaf before. She'd been born in late greenleaf last year, and all of this was new and brilliant. The sun warmed her fur, glowing hotter everyday, and the steady whoosh of the breaking waves could be heard. The happiness and excitement of living put her in a good mood, and she bounced in circles around her mentor, who looked at her teasingly.

"Self control, Darkpaw," Cloudysky reminded. "It means we control ourselves and do not harass our mentors."

Darkpaw responded by batting at her tail like a playful kit. Cloudysky was right, but if she was joking, she was in a good mood as well. Then again, it's probably best not to irritate her too much, Darkpaw thought.

"Yes, Darkpaw, self control," Mothpaw said sternly, barely keeping the grin off her face. "We must act like proper apprentices." She walked stiffly, with her head up and her eyes staring straight ahead.

"That's enough, Mothpaw," Rowantail sighed, flicking his tail over her ears.

"Of course, O wise mentor ," she said, taking a deep, stiff bow, sinking down on her front legs until her nose touched the ground. Owlpaw and Darkpaw snickered at her antics.

"I'm serious," he said, as the small group broke through the trees and padded onto the open beach. "Ocean fishing is a hard skill for anyone to master."

"But we've already practiced so much!" Owlpaw meowed.

"And you need to practice even more if you want to be experts. Because once you're an expert, you have to learn to fish with the help of a new ability when you're a warrior," his mentor, Mouseclaw, said firmly. The three young cats' eyes glittered at the thought of having power themselves.

"Take me, for example," Cloudysky said, flipping her fluffy white tail over her back. "When I received my special skill, hunting was easier because I could see through the eyes of my prey." She blinked her ruby eyes proudly.

"Or me," said Mouseclaw. "Being able to swim underwater is especially useful when fishing." Mouseclaw was able to hold his breath forever.

Rowantail chuckled. "Not me. Canceling out the powers of others doesn't feed the Clan."

"No, but it sure makes the mock-fights funner to watch!" Darkpaw mewed.

"You took the words right out of my mouth," Mothpaw told her friend. "No one gets to use their powers and cheat. It's like being apprentices all over again!" They laughed and bumped against each other.

"It's time for a lesson, I think," Cloudsky said impatiently, directing their attention back to the blue-green water of the sea. "Now, who remembers where to fish?"

"From the rocks," the three apprentices said in unison.

"Wait for the fish to be swept towards you, then scoop them out of the water," Owlpaw yawned.

"Exactly," Mouseclaw said. "Why don't you give us an example? Since, of course, you've practiced so much."

"Uh, okay," Owlpaw said. He bounded up the rocks, careful not to slip, and sat, expectant. He suddenly snapped a paw out and a small, wriggling fish hit the rocks. Biting it, Owlpaw exclaimed proudly, "See, I did it! On my first try! I-"

He was cut off as a huge wave crashed down over his head. "Owlpaw!" Mothpaw screeched, running towards her brother.

Mouseclaw was faster. Diving into the water, he disappeared from view. Cloudysky's eyes stared off into the distance, obviously watching what was happening through Mouseclaw's eyes.

Moments later, Mouseclaw rose to the surface, Owlpaw's scruff clamped in his teeth. Hauling the apprentice to shore, Mouseclaw unceremoniously dumped him onto the ground. Owlpaw gagged on the salty water. Darkpaw and Mothpaw stared at him in shock for a full second before bursting into laughter.

"That was funny!" Mothpaw giggled, batting at her brother.

"You have seaweed stuck to you," Darkpaw laughed.

Owlpaw stood p and shook himself angrily. "Yeah, well, you wouldn't think it was so funny if it happened to you!" His wet fur stuck out at crazy angles.

"Of course not, Owlpaw, Master of Sea Fishing," Darkpaw said. She looked at Mothpaw, who stared back. Both she cats burst into laughter.

Mouseclaw shook the water from himself, annoyed. "We've been doing far too much playing, and not enough fishing. The Clan is hungry. Get to work."

"Why don't we make it into a contest?" suggested Rowantail. "Whoever catches the most fish gets their pick."

"Excellent idea," Cloudysky said briskly. "Darkpaw, come with me. We're going to win."

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Remember: Review, and ask questions. I'd hate for you to be confused about something.

Quick note: Rowantial is Darkpaw's father. And Mothpaw and Owlpaw are twins. Both of them are a moon and a half older than Darkpaw.