Chapter 8 Training and A Lesson
"In this stage of apprenticeship, it's a game of survival.". The words ranged in Lightpaw's head for days and wouldn't stop. Lightpaw had enough of it and went to speak to the elders for answers. As Lightpaw entered the den, Archwillow, Poppycloud, and Patchtuft were sharing tounges until they saw Lightpaw enter the den.
"Hello youngster come in will you" Patchtuft greeted. Lightpaw came in and sat down looking more troubled than ever. Poppycloud took notice of this.
"What's wrong youngster? You look troubled." Poppycloud asked.
"Well a few days ago, I was about to tell Darkpaw goodnight when I saw Blackfur and Tinydawn looking worried, I asked and Tinydawn said " In this stage of apprenticeship, it's a game of survival." and well I was hoping you knew what it meant." Lightpaw explained.
"Ah yes I was always worried about my kits; Flowerpaw and Nettlespring." Archwillow meowed. Lightpaw was confused until he recognized which one she meant.
"Are you talking about the black tortes-shell Flowerpaw?" Lightpaw asked. Archwillow nodded in response.
"Yes, you know I owe your father and mother my life. They saved my daughter's life and I will never forget that." Archwillow meowed proudly.
"You see youngster dark-pelt apprentices can often be sent to death just for one mistake. You better keep a close eye on Darkpaw." Poppycloud warned. Lightpaw nodded and his eyes narrowed on something else. Three days ago, Brightpaw and Wolfpaw kept taunting Darkpaw and Lightpaw was forced to keep an eye on them. Something told him he would have to keep a close eye on them more.
"There you are Lightpaw I was looking for you." Foxwhisker meowed. Everyone looked to see Foxwhisker's head poking in the elders den.
"Oh sorry Foxwhisker, I was just seeking advice from the elders." Lightpaw meowed apologetically.
"Its fine , it's good to speak to the wisest cats in our clan" Foxwhisker meowed proudly. The elders and Lightpaw smiled. Lightpaw got up and headed towards the enterence of the den.
"Oh Lightpaw when you get the chance, can you please check my shoulder for ticks? They've been bothering me for days." Archwillow asked. Lightpaw nodded and left the den with Foxwhisker. Both cats headed towards the entrance of camp to see Loudtooth and Darkpaw waiting for them and soon headed off. As they headed for the training hollow, they stopped and waited for instructions.
"Alright now listen up, Lightpaw and I will work on battle training for today. You and Loudtooth can work on hunting if you want." Foxwhisker meowed. Both apprentices nodded and went with their mentors. Loudtooth and Darkpaw went into the bushes while Lightpaw and Foxwhisker headed to the training hollow. As they got there, Foxwhisker stood beside a old oak tree with large scratches.
"Alright now today i'm going to show you the front paw strike. This attack can do damage on the face or body of your opponent. Now allow me to demonstrate." Foxwhisker meowed. Foxwhisker faced the tree and leaped at it clawing the soft bark with his claws. Lightpaw was amazed on how much damage it could do to one cat. Foxwhisker turned to Lightpaw.
"Now you try." Foxwhisker ordered. Lightpaw nodded and walked up to the tree. Lightpaw pounced at the tree clawing off the bark and managing to give deeper scratches than Foxwhisker's.
"Well done Lightpaw. I've never seen a apprentice get it right on his first try." Foxwhisker meowed proudly. Lightpaw couldn't believe it, he had impressed his mentor and passed his first try on the front paw strike. After a long day of training, Lightpaw was in the elders den tending to Archwillow's shoulder.
"Oh that feels a lot better. Thank you Lightpaw" Archwillow meowed. Lightpaw nodded and heard screeching outside of the den. It was Shinefur, Rivershimmer, Dustfoot, and Berryspot were having their kits tonight and Lightpaw couldn't wait to meet them.
"Hey Lightpaw come see the new kits." Brightpaw yowled.
"I'm coming" Lightpaw yowled back. Lightpaw rushed to the nursery and entered to find his father and his sister sitting next to Shinefur. Lightpaw came close and saw two toms next to Shinefur. One tom was silver dappled and the other tom was white with silver paws and tailtip. Surprisingly, the second kit opened his eyes and surprised everyone. The second kit had chaotic blue eyes which Lightpaw knew no cat in his family that had blue eyes.
"What are going to name them?" Lightpaw asked.
"Well the first one is Blizzardkit and the second is..." Shinefur meowed, but before she could say the second kits name, Whitestar stepped forward.
"Stormkit, because of his eyes." Whitestar meowed. Lightpaw and Brightpaw nodded. Lightpaw then turned to Rivershimmer and walked over. Rivershimmer had two white she-cats that were almost identical. Lightpaw noticed that Rivershimmer gaze had darken and looked down again only to find a third kit.
"I'm not keeping this filth"