〘 Galepeak's Regret 〙

Chapter 2

Galepaw quickly scrambled down the fallen tree and rushed to Robinpaw and Mosspaw, who were excitedly talking to their mother. "I can't believe I got Birdsong as my mentor!" Squeaked Mosspaw happily, Breezeflower smiled at her kit proudly, "Yes, I'm sure she'll be a great mentor." She rasped her tongue over Mosspaw's head, the young she-cat giggling.

Galepaw butted into the conversation, "I got one of the best hunters in the clan," he puffed up his chest, "And she's gonna teach me how to be the best hunter!" Breezeflower rolled her eyes and sighed, "I'm sure you'll make a great warrior."

Robinpaw shifted his paws, shooting uncertain glares at Smokefur. Galepaw cocked his head to one side, confused at the young tom. As far as Galepaw knew, the two had never properly interacted. He shook his head, he'll ask him about it later. In an attempt to get his mind off of things, he allowed his eyes to rest on the black and white tom approaching them.

"Moorclaw!" Breezeflower purred, her tail curling fondly. Robinpaw perked up, "Dad!" He cried, Mosspaw's eyes shone, "Look! We're apprentices now!" The deputy smiled proudly at his kits, chuckling to himself, "Of course, I was there," He nuzzled the top of their heads, "And I couldn't be more proud." Breezeflower intertwined her tail with her mates, purring as Robinpaw and Mosspaw tumbled around them excitedly.

Galepaw hung back, watching the family. A strange emptiness opened up inside him, choking him. He flattened his ears, shaking his head.

If only I had kin like that...

He took a deep breath, this was his big day, his first day as an apprentice. He wasn't going to let his lack of kin ruin it. Moorclaw looked up, realizing Galepaw's hesitation, whispering something to Breezeflower, he walked over to the tabby tom.

"You know, I'm proud of you too." His amber eyes shone warmly at him, Galepaw puffed up his fur with pride, the emptiness fading, "Who wouldn't be proud of me?" He held his chin up, his lush forest eyes gleaming, "I'm going to be the best warrior Windclan has ever seen!"

He felt Robinpaw bump his head against him, "Not if I become the best warrior first," he waved his tail, his eyes excited and bright, "One day Dad is going to be leader, and he'll make me his deputy." Galepaw stuck his tongue out, "As if!" Robinpaw held his head up high, puffing up his chest, "Oh don't worry Galepaw," He smirked, his eyes mischievous, "You can be my medicine cat." Galepaw growled, tackling his friend and pinning him to the ground, "I'm not gonna be your smelly medicine cat," He lashed his plume tail, "you'll be my smelly medicine cat."

Robinpaw was about to retort when Mosspaw cut him off, "What if I become deputy?" She glared at them, feeling left out. Galepaw tumbled off of his friend, sharing a questioning look with the young tom, "I've known you my whole life," He licked his paw, avoiding eye contact with the grey spotted she-cat, "And, well... You're not really deputy material, maybe more like a sweet little queen." Mosspaw stared at Galepaw, the fur along her spine rising, "I'll show you!" She lashed her tail angrily, "One day I will be deputy, and I'll rub it in your rabbit-brained faces!"

Suddenly, he spotted Meadowtail making her way towards them, "There you three are," She smiled warmly at them, "Don't you want to go see the territory?" Galepaw nodded eagerly, his eyes shining, "Of course!" He glanced at his friends, "Can Robinpaw and Mosspaw come too?" Meadowtail giggled, nodding, "Sure, it would be mouse-brained not too take them." Robinpaw and Mosspaw looked at each other excitedly, Meadowtail waved her tail, inviting their mentors over. Galepaw glanced up at Smokefur, the dark gray tabby glared at him, letting out a small hiss. The young apprentice took a step back, intimidated by the muscular warrior. Meadowtail shot Smokefur a warning glance, padding towards the camp entrance, "Come on, lets go." Galepaw nodded, running up too his mentor, trying to shake off the hostile looks Robinpaw's mentor kept giving him.