Ice Aspen [CLOSED | SOLO]

The bi-colored tabby's pelt had a bloody hue to it as it crossed from the Warrior's Den to the Apprentice's Den. He was looking for his adopted son, Icepaw. He was careful not to step on his brother or apprentice as he gently woke him. "Icepaw, please meet me outside." With that, he turned around and left. He wanted to teach some lessons to his adopted son today and become closer to him. The fight he feared was coming... he wanted his son to be prepared for whatever may happen. He sat down on the cold dirt. The winds of leaf-fall were colder than ever, especially since the sun was nowhere to be found. Today his son would learn a different lesson than the normal ones he would be taught.

The fluffy white figure of Icepaw shuffled awake, heterochromatic eyes seeing the flash of his father's fur exit the den. With that, he suddenly remembered what his father had just asked, and padded out after him. His fur fluffed as the cold entered his pelt, causing him to shiver slightly. His fur was still a pink, as was everything else a dull red. The sun was still gone. "Are you to be training me today?" His voice seemed loud in the all but deserted clearing. He hadn't dreamt of much, only the red. The reddish hue over everything had invaded his dreams now, it disgusted him. Would they never see the sun again, thanks to the actions of one cat? His composure was well kept though, and his face was one of stone.

Aspenstrike heard his son approach, flicking his ears. "Yes, today will be a different training, however. Follow me, please." He ushered the younger cat along with a swish of his tail, and his paws began moving. One of the rivers that crossed Riverclan's territory was the destination today, and he wouldn't be teaching his son hunting or fighting, he'd more be teaching him a life lesson. One that he hoped would be held in the apprentice's mind for moons to come. Every so often he checked to ensure the pure white cat was following behind. Icepaw reminded him so much of Flurryshine, but vaguely of Hillfire as well. Hillfire had made his decision, Hillfire would not see his son grow up. Good. He didn't deserve him anyway. Hillfire was a traitor to his clan, and that group of exiles threatened Riverclan. So that means he was an enemy in his eyes.

The two Riverclanners reached the branch of the river without too much time spent. Suddenly Aspenstrike sat down, looking at Icepaw quite seriously. "Icepaw. I know you've been told of your real father correct? Hillfire. The exile. I wanted to tell you that someday you may have to fight him. I'm sure a fight is coming, Lichenmask will want to purify the clans. You're not pure, and I won't stand for his beliefs. I know you know how to fight, you've been taught. It's the psychological aspect of it though. Would you be ready to fight, and possibly kill your father?" Aspenstrike knew this was a sudden question, one that there was no way that Icepaw would be ready for. Icepaw was one of the brightest cats he knew, emotions may not be his style normally, but he had seen the young white tom act on impulse before.

Icepaw's eyes narrowed as he sat next to his father. Suddenly he was angry. Of course he'd kill his father! His father betrayed the clans! He betrayed his mother! He betrayed his children, including him! "Of course I would kill him! What do you think I am, mousebrained? He betrayed us, all of us." He sniffed with disdain. How dare his father- no. Aspenstrike wasn't even his father, they were talking about his real father. His claws dug deep into the wet mud beneath him. "I-" He sighed, he was too harsh. His father only wanted the best for him. "I apologize. That was harsh. I-" He halted, his father had began talking.

"Don't be sorry. It happens. Hillfire did betray Riverclan. You feel as if he personally betrayed you, because he should've been there for you. He should've, your anger is not unfounded. He should've betrayed Lichenmask to stay here with his mate and help raise you. He made his choice though." Aspenstrike said this dryly, unlike his usual happy self. "Lets go back Icepa-" He purred as he felt Icepaw rubbing against his side. If it weren't for the fluffy pelt, Icepaw made him think of Lightpaw almost. "Come on, let's go." That was that. He really did feel like Icepaw's father now.