a little extra hunting [c]

❒ The death of his mentor had been haunting him for the past few days. It appeared that he was back to square one—if the lack of sustenance he consumed or the hours he spent sitting in front of the camp's entrance were anything to go by. He... He just wasn't feeling up to much. He still finished his duties but lacked his usual enthusiasm. He didn't meet anyone's eyes and the melancholy expression on his face seemed to have become a permanent resident. He was aware that Ratrunner wouldn't want him to sulk and fall back on his previous habits. He was well aware. However, he just didn't have the mental energy anymore. Hopefully, it would change soon.

❒ He jolted from his daydreaming and turned cautiously toward the direction the voice had come from. He relaxed. It was Thalia. He hadn't officially met the she-cat but he knew her name and only the barest of information about her.

❒ Forestpaw sat up straighter and a conflicted look crossed his eyes. Should he go hunting? A lump made its way into his throat as he remembered that he couldn't invite his mentor to join them. He was about to refuse—politely, of course—but stopped himself short, the words stuck on the tip of his tongue. No. Enough was enough. He had promised that he was going to make Ratrunner and his clan proud. Sitting alone and wallowing in sadness wasn't going to achieve that. He wasn't going to allow himself to refuse.

❒ From that moment, he made another promise, this time to himself. He was going to make himself proud. He was going to keep his head up and he was going to improve his skills to eventually receive his warrior name. Wherever Ratrunner, his parents, or his other clanmates were, he hoped they could see him grow and mature.

❒ The young tom faced Thalia with a small smile and nodded. "Of course. I'm always ready to join and keep anyone company. Two's always safer than one, after all," he murmured gently as he got up onto his paws. "Please, lead the way," he said with a nod and a small wave of his tail.

❒ Following behind Thalia made him feel a sense of déjà vu. Even after coming to terms with his mentor's death and accepting that he must move on, he could still feel Ratrunner's presence there—as if he were really there. Forestpaw hurriedly blinked away the oncoming tears of frustration and sadness before the warrior could see them. He really didn't want to talk about any of it. Maybe later but not now. It was too soon.

❒ Shaking his thoughts away so he could pay attention to the she-cat, young Forestpaw tilted his head as he managed to catch Thalia's question. He turned away for a moment to scent the area surrounding them, ears swerving every which way in hopes of catching even the faintest sound from potential prey.

❒ It took a while before he could sense anything. It was faint but it was there. "I-I can smell a lizard nearby," he whispered before dropping down into the hunting crouch. He carefully snuck up to where he'd scented the sleek creature. He could see it once close enough. Lizards were real quick and slippery when they escaped so he had to try his best to catch it before it does.

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❒ The young tom sighed as it slipped right through his claws. Well, better luck next time. He slowly rose from his crouched position. He was about to head back to Thalia's side but before he could even move a muscle, a very quick movement caught his eye. He was about to warn the warrior but was cut off when a small paw struck him across his face., the tiny claws breaking the skin. He let out a gasp before jumping back. It had been so close to his eyes! He blinked them just to check that he could still see. He blew out a shaky puff of air in minor relief before whipping around to see his attacker—the burning on his face the least of his worries. It was a raccoon! He had never seen one before but his denmates had warned him of them. He felt his fur puff out and he unsheathed his claws. "T-Thalia!" he called out. Hopefully, she'd rush to his aid real quick.

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