Bright Forest

Chapter 18

A moon had passed and Rustpaw was feeling proud of joining DoveClan.

Yet the poisoned rat was discussed, and even though many accused of the rogues, some cats thought Firedusk left it there. Viperbite was very fond of this, and even said that he had "evidence". Luckily he was ignored, but Rustpaw would often have his mentor ramble for hours about how evil Firedusk is.

At the same time, Frondstar caught a rat-related infection, and Bristleglade needed to carry his job at Gatherings. Ivystorm and especially Firedusk, helped her organize patrols and hunting parties.

Despite the battle training becoming slightly intense, Rustpaw was still learning.

He landed his final blow on Patchpaw, who yowled as he saw the other raise his paw.

-Ow! That hurt...- the spotted ginger tom stumbled back.

Rustpaw turned around to see Viperbite: the tom was very amused.

-Good job.- he mewed.

He purred and looked at the other apprentice: a small scar above his eye was bleeding. He felt a dash of shame and immediately yelled:-Ah! I'm sorry... we should take you to the medicine cat den, I...

Viperbite growled behind him. -Go with him, I'll... have a talk with you later.

The two ginger toms left the clearing: the warm breeze was still there, despite it being the end of greenleaf. They padded through the shady forest on the dusty path with several sunny spots.

They arrived in camp and Patchpaw trotted to the medicine den, followed slowly by Rustpaw.

-Doesn't seem like a deep wound to me.- commented Sliverstone, looking at the tom's scar. -Don't worry, your fur will cover it.

Rustpaw's gaze darkened:-I'm sorry Patchpaw...

-It's alright.- the tom smiled. -Just control your strength. You'll learn this with time! Also, isn't Viperbite waiting for you?

-Oh right... I better go then. Bye!

-Bye bye!

He sped through the pine trees and walked into the clearing: Viperbite was licking his paw. -You shouldn't apologize to your enemies.

-Yeah but that was only training, Patchpaw is a clanmate, not an actual rival.

-But how would you learn to be aggressive towards cats from other clans? Do you think it's just an instinct? We learn to fight and training is a portrayal of a real battle... will you fight bravely and spill blood or will you feel bad to hurt an enemy's paw?

Rustpaw remained silent and patiently mewed:-I would fight and not be afraid.

-Good. Now we should go back to camp. Learn your lesson and I will be watching you to make sure you do.

When they got back, it was already sunhigh and all of the patrols came back.

Firedusk was sitting near the camp entrance, chatting with Oscar. -You two are always late! I will be needing you for the hunting patrols.

-Ugh, we just got back. Could you stop pestering us every time?

-You need to rest and also go on patrol. We can't wait forever, you know.

Rustpaw curled up next to Dovepaw. -Hey.

-Oh, hi Rustpaw. How was training?

-I accidentally made Patchpaw bleed.

-Ah, it happens.

-Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Tall Pine for a clan meeting.