Soulpaw

Useless...

The word repeats in my mind as I glare at Lightpaw as she leaves the camp with Darkpaw to do StarClan- knows- what.

"Soulpaw?" My mentor, Rosedapple, is standing behind me.

I spun around. "What?"

I didn't mean for the reply to be snappy, but it was too late.

Rosedapple looked furious. "That is not how you talk to your mentor!" she bristled.

"I-I'm sorry." I stammered. All this was because of Lightpaw. RiverClan's perfect little apprentice with a perfect mentor. Never got in trouble once.

Rosedapple's eyes flashed. "I think we need to go see Waterstar again. I don't think normal punishments are enough anymore."

Great, just great. I've been in trouble at least seven times since being an apprentice. Waterstar won't be pleased.

Rosedapple gives me a disappointed look and starts patting towards Waterstar's den. I follow her through the busy camp: Cats entering with lots of prey in their jaws. Mates sharing tongues with each other. Even Duskclaw looks happy today, Soulpaw thought as she saw him practicing fighting moves with his best friend, Toothjaw. Wish I could be as content.

Soulpaw caught the gaze of Palepaw, her only sibling that actually cared for her. He sat at the fresh-kill pile, originally waiting for her. He sent her a questioning glance as if to say, 'In trouble again?'

Soulpaw jerked her head in a quick nod before Rosedapple stopped her in front of the entrance of Waterstar's den.

"Come in!" It wasn't him that answered, but his deputy, Thornwillow.

Soulpaw's eyes narrowed when she noticed that Waterstar was nowhere to be seen.

Before she could open her mouth to speak, Rosedapple sent her a glare that shut her up.

"Thornwillow, where is Waterstar?" Rosedapple demanded.

"Waterstar went with Splashflight, Shinewhisker, Lightpaw, and Darkpaw to confront ShadowClan. He put me in charge of the camp."

Rosedapple nodded in understanding.

Thornwillow drew a paw over her head. "Now, what brings you here?"

"Soulpaw needs a much, much more challenging punishment since she's mastered the simple ones," Rosedapple responded coldly.

Thornwillow narrowed her pale eyes. "I see."

She turned towards me. "Soulpaw, you can leave while we discuss your punishment."

I normally would have snapped at her, but I just dipped my head. I don't want to get into more trouble.

"Yes, Thornwillow," I replied.

Thornwillow said nothing.

Palepaw was waiting outside for me.

"So, what happened?"

"Nothing I can't handle." I mewed.

Palepaw scoffed. "Sure."

I let out a sigh. "Fine, I'll just tell you. I'm in trouble again."

Palepaw rolled his eyes. "Of course you are."

"I guess I'm just not as perfect as Lightpaw," I growled.

Palepaw let out a snarl. "She nearly drowned this morning."

"I've nearly drowned way more times than her." I retorted.

Palepaw sighed. "I'm never gonna win an argument with you."

I huffed. "So stop trying."

Palepaw opened his mouth to respond, but Fluffheart, his mentor, called for him. He sent a glare at me and then patted away.

"Soulpaw!"

I groaned. I guess they've decided my punishment.

I entered the leader's den. Rosedapple and Thornwillow were waiting for me.

"So, we've decided your punishment." Thornwillow began. "You will hunt for everyone today. Even the cats that are not present. Once you're done, you'll bring one piece of prey for every cat in the Clan. Even Rushingwater. Are we clear?"

I couldn't believe it. I had to bring prey to Lightpaw. This day was going so well. Wait, what if I put a little something extra in Lightpaw's piece? A mental smile forms in my mind. I changed my mind: This was going to be the best day of my life.