A/N: This is dedicated to my friends, Hatakefire, Stormfire41, Endless-Winters123, and especially Harpfire because it is her birthday and she is amazing. You guys have given me great advice and I hope you like this chapter.

Warnings: …Ummmm Idk… fatherly love… If you hate that kind of thing, you might want to stay away… XD

Disclaimer: I don't own it.

12- Insanity

Will stood of to the side of the group, watching as his mentor instructed the fourth year apprentices. Halt held his bow steady, eyes focused on the target fifty yards away. He released the arrow, letting the string slip from his fingertips.

The arrow hit the dead center of the target. Halt lowered his bow and turned to one of the watching apprentice's. "You give it a try," he said, stepping out of the way and gesturing with one hand.

The boy nodded, swinging up his bow and notching an arrow to the string. "A little bit to the left to compensate for the wind…" Halt commented. The apprentice obeyed and then released the arrow. It hit a little to the right of the center, thudding deeply into the wood.

Will sighed, scuffing the dirt with his shoe. His thoughts swirled around inside his head. Will I ever be able to shoot like that? I can barely hit a target from thirty yards away. Should I even try anymore? Is it really worth it?

His thoughts were interrupted by a hand placed on his shoulder. "Do you want to try it?" Halt asked. Will shook his head, looking up into his mentor's concerned face.

"No thanks," Will mumbled, turning to walk away. Halt tightened his hand on the boy's shoulder.

"What's wrong?" Halt asked, turning the apprentice to face him again.

"Nothing," Will answered immediately.

"That is not true. You are always eager to try something new…." Halt said, looking deep into Will's eyes.

He took a breath, shaking his head. "I wouldn't be able to do it, so why should I even try? I would just make a fool of myself in front of rangers who are much better than me… I mean…. I see all of the other apprentices… and I know I could never be as good as they are… as good as you are and I think… is it really worth it? And I realize that it isn't. I want to just stop, Halt. I want to quit!"

Will was breathing heavily, his hands shaking and his eyes watery.

Without thinking, Halt smacked his apprentice across the back of his head.

"Owww!" Will exclaimed, bringing his hand up to rub his now sore skull. "What was that for?"

"For being an idiot!" Halt said. He grabbed Will by the arm, dragging him to the fire in the center of the camp.

Many rangers sat around the flames, all talking cheerily. Halt spotted who he was looking for and strode over, Will in tow.

"Crowley, may I speak to you for a moment?" Halt growled. Crowley nodded, saying a few words to his companions before standing up and following Halt into the trees.

After they were a safe distance away from the fire, Halt stopped. Crowley opened his mouth to ask a question, but Halt interrupted him.

"Will wants to stop being a ranger," Halt said.

Crowley slapped the boy in the back of the head. "WHAT ARE YOU INSANE?" Crowley shouted.

"Owww, ok… I'm sorry…" Will said.

A crashing noise came from the bushes as Gilan appeared. "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY? THAT IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE!"

Will looked down at his feet.

"Will…" Crowley said. "In all seriousness…You are one of the best apprentices we have…. I know it may not seem it… but the others have been training longer than you. It only makes sense that they should be able to shoot a little better."

"Yes," Halt interrupted. "You have something that those boys don't have."

"What?" Will asked, looking back up.

"Drive."

A small smile spread across Will's face.

Gilan nodded quickly. "Please don't quit, Will. You love this… and we would all miss you."

Will nodded, the smile growing wider. "Thanks," he said.

Halt patted him once on the shoulder. "Now come on. We can't have you lounging about all day…."

Will followed his mentor slowly, glad that he had such good friends to help raise his spirits.

A/N: This was inspired by my friends (listed in the beginning A/N). I was feeling really down today….My lifelong dream is to be a professional violinist, but I was discouraged because of a few individuals who are much better than me… My friends gave me great encouragement and advice and I feel much better. Thank you so much. XD

I apologize for any mistakes. This was written at a very late hour lol.

Also, thanks so much for all of the reviews. I love them all so much!

Next up will be Misfortune. Do you have any ideas for that? I would really appreciate a review, but please don't feel obligated.

Thank you so much for reading!

-Dawn