Heart Or Heartless?[O]

Foxtrot's steps were weighed down with guilt as they trudged through the snowy forest, the scent of wolves seemingly lingering on their pelts. The recent encounter had still left them all shaken, but Foxtrot's thoughts were consumed by worry for his missing apprentice as he joined Shatteredsky's patrol. Brackenpaw's absence was impossible to ignore, a constant reminder of his responsibilities as a mentor.

Foxtrot couldn't shake this nagging feeling that he had failed the young Brackenpaw. Ever since his neck injury from the foxes moons ago, he had taken much more time to heal than expected, leaving him unable to train his apprentice as he should have. He couldn't help but think that if only he was more present, more attentive, Brackenpaw would be with them now.

The worst part was there was no closure. Was Brackenpaw alive, injured or worse, lost to them forever? The glimmer of hope that Brackenpaw had found someone from another clan to shelter with, was overshadowed by the fear of the unknown.

Foxtrot's green eyes narrowed with focus as he stalked forward, the scent of prey was near, and his senses were attuned to the slightest movement. With practiced paws, Foxtrot crept closer to his target - a small plump bird perched atop a lower branch, its feathers ruffling in the soft breeze.

Muscles tensed, in one swift motion Foxtrot pounced, his claws extending to snatch the bird from the branch. The sudden movement of his leap startled the bird, but it was far too late. Foxtrot closed his claws around the bird, closing the distance, and secured his prize.

As he held the struggling bird in his grasp, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. Despite the worry and guilt that weighed on him, the success of the hunt offered a brief respite. With the catch in his jaws, Foxtrot turned to make his way back to the other two members of the hunting party.

As he met the gaze of Shatteredsky he hesitated to say his piece. The tom had never apologized or admitting to making a mistake once in his life. But here he was in front of the brother to his apprentice and he felt compelled to say something.

"Shatteredsky," Foxtrot's voice was heavy and thick with regret, barely audible over the whipping winter wind, "I didn' do right by Brackenpaw. If only was a betta' mentor...maybe he woulda been here with us now." His eyes didn't waver from the other tom's face, and he didn't dare shrink away from whatever response he was given. Foxtrot could understand if Shatteredsky wanted to hurt him, punish him, blame him like he blamed himself. It's what he would've done if Thymelight - his niece - were in Brackenpaw's position. "He'll find his way back to us," Foxtrot's voice was firm. He knew how resilient and determined the kid was, he had no doubt in his mind he would return.

Foxtrot’s experience as a loner on the streets of the city as a kit had molded him into the sharp, witty, resilient warrior he was today. Steeled green eyes narrowed as he processed Shatteredsky’s response. He hadn’t met a cat who was as direct with him besides Beechfang, and while he appreciated the directness, he didn’t want to let the response go.

Yet, he hesitated to say something, uncertain of how to bridge this divide between them. The last thing he wanted was an enemy in his own clan, it seemed like anything he would say next would certainly drive a wedge deeper between them. His experience had taught him to trust his instincts, and right now, his instincts were telling him to tread carefully around Shatteredsky and his volatile emotions.

With a silent nod of understanding, Foxtrot made a mental note to keep an eye on Shatteredsky, either to offer support or otherwise. He knew he was right. That was clanlife for ya. WHere Starclan gave with one paw and took away with the other. And for fun they’d take some more just for kicks. He knew Shatteredsky was right. Brackenpaw may never return, and it wouldn’t be the first time Foxtrot had lost an apprentice to the dangers of the world.

In the meantime, he picked up his catch, nodded to Stoatclaw, and turned to head back to the rest of SKyClan.