A little bear story >closed<

Gender: Male
Rank: Apprentice

Bearpaw was slumbering happily in the warmth of the apprentice's den, his flank rising and falling softly with each breath. He had experienced a rather laid-back apprenticeship so far and had zero qualms about it. Today, he was looking forward to what he assumed to be another day of collecting moss, kit sitting, and doing simple tasks around the camp. However, life had different plans for him.

An unfamiliar voice caught his attention for despite how much he enjoyed sleep, he was unfortunately a rather light sleeper. The brown and white tom blinked a few times, getting the sleep from his eyes as he slowly slowly processed what the warrior had said. What? Train? But she wasn't his mentor, she was just some young she-cat barely old enough to be a warrior.

Regardless, Bearpaw had been raised to be a respectful tom, so he got up, stretched out his limbs, and obediently padded out of the apprentice's den. This she-cat was Littleflower, right? If he remembered correctly, she had recently earned her warrior name. Maybe Sunfire had asked her to take him out for today?

Whatever the case, it would be a nice change of pace to get out of the camp for once. He yawned, then nodded in agreement. "Ready."

Gender: Male
Rank: Apprentice

Bearpaw trailed after Littleflower, his limbs and eyes heavy with sleep. He would have greatly preferred to sleep in today, but at least he had the consolation of learning some new skills that could prove useful. Though, he wasn't sure how much this young warrior would be able to teach him with that messed up leg of hers.

The brown and white apprentice glanced at her leg periodically, his nose scrunched at the sight of her scarred pelt. If he had learned anything from Beechfang, it was that injuries like that hurt even after they'd healed.

He looked up, though, when Littleflower came to a stop, trying to look as though he hadn't been ogling her scars.  With a huff, the tom plopped down near her, his tail instinctively curled around his paws.

Sunfire hadn't quite taught him anything yet. However, Bearpaw didn't want to look like a bird brain in front of a warrior - even if she was just recently named. "He's taught me some stuff..." Bearpaw paused, then went on. "We haven't really gone over hunting yet though."

Gender: Male
Rank: Apprentice

Bearpaw stared incredulously at the leaf as Littleflower plucked it and subsequentially laid it out on the ground before him. A leaf? How was he supposed to learn anything from catching leaves!? Still, he was a patient and polite cat, he would do as his seniors asked and without complaint at that.

"One leaf, coming right up." The young tom dropped his body into the best imitation of a hunting crouch he could muster, and, with little preamble, he pushed off with his back legs, paws outstretched to grab the leaf.

Just as expected, his paws slammed down on the leaf with a resounding thud. Bearpaw stared smugly down at the leaf and extended his claws, watching with satisfaction as they tore through the leaf's fragile structure. Pleased with himself, the young tom lifted his head, regarding Littleflower with narrowed eyes.

"As ordered." And with a flourish, he hooked a paw under the leaf and flicked it up, sending it into the air. It caught a gentle breeze before if fell unceremoniously at Littleflower's paws, tattered and rather crumpled.

Gender: Male
Rank: Apprentice

Bearpaw's chest puffed out, pleased with the result of Littleflower's test. He wasn't a particularly proud cat by any means, but he couldn't help but gloat a little at how easy it had been. For a moment, he wondered if Littleflower struggled at all with hunting - given the massive scar than spanned her body.

As if reading his thoughts, (or perhaps noticing his staring) Littleflower spoke up, congratulating him. Bearpaw dipped his head, a good show of humility, and shrugged. It was nothing. Then, the warrior continued, her words piquing the young tom's interest. It was the perfect opportunity to ask what happened to her, actually. "Say, what happened to your leg anyway?" He didn't bother trying to reassure Littleflower - it would be pointless.

With that scarred mess, she was bound to struggle at some things. Of course, that didn't make her a bad warrior - just one who had to overcome a little more than most cats. Bearpaw, as most cats would soon realize, was not one to use flowery language or sugarcoat things. He spoke bluntly and truthfully, even if he hurt some feelings along the way. He always had, and he probably always would be like that.

Gender: Male
Rank: Apprentice

Bearpaw listened acutely to Littleflower's story, his brows furrowed. With each word that left her mouth, he grew less and less respectful of the other clans. Shadowclan, he already knew, was full of monsters and lying snakes. Windclan, however, was rumored to be cowards that would run at the first sight of trouble.

From the stories, Windclan, at least, were more prone to following the warrior code. Whatever the reason, it wasn't his place to wonder about the affairs of the other clans. Skyclan - his family - would be his only concern.

Which brought up another line of thought. If Shadowclan and Windclan's bickering resulted in retaliation from Starclan, it was their fault Littleflower would be permanently scarred and maybe even disabled. That didn't sit right with Bearpaw.

"It's their fault then? That you two were hurt?" Bearpaw snorted. Actions had consequences, even he knew that. "What a bunch of birdbrains." It was a bad word, but since it was true, it didn't matter what he said.

Gender: Male
Rank: Apprentice

Bearpaw rolled his eyes. Clearly, Littleflower didn't understand yet that they were enemies. Skyclan and the other clans weren't supposed to be friends. Maybe the more sensible ones, like Riverclan or Thunderclan, but Shadowclan and Windclan seemed to be no good. "I don't hate them." He spit out. "I just know not to trust the other clans." Bearpaw flicked his tail, dismissive.

"The other clans will always have their own interest in mind. Alliances will come and go; friendships will only get in the way - it's best to keep your distance." Bearpaw huffed. Skyclan was all that mattered - who cared about making friends with the other clans? It would only lead to trouble.

Friends led to mates and being mates with cats from another clan always led to no good. No, it was best to stick close to one's own clan and family. Sunfire knew that. Everyone in Skyclan was loyal, at least, Bearpaw hoped so.