The patrol who had patched the hole had just come back, tired. Firestar left them to eat and rest.

I noticed cats gathering around the entrance of camp. Confused, i walked towards them trying to hear what was going on. "It's the gathering tonight," whispered Lionclaw.

I jumped, startled. "Lionclaw! don't do that again! You nearly scared me out of my fur!"

 "I can't believe you didn't hear me. I was stomping too! Anyways, we are going to the gathering."

I leapt up in excitement. Maybe I'll make some friends! Then I vigourously shook my head. Friends? Err...Maybe I'll learn the other cats' weaknesses so whe the time comes, I can destroy them.

"Come on, Goldenpaw!"

"Ok, I'm coming!"

 I raced to catch up with the rest of the cats. I saw Rainpaw walking around the edge of our group. Since I had not ever spoken to him, I decided to walk next to him, maybe share a few words. I fell into a comfortable pace next to him.

"How's training, Goldenpaw?" he asked.

"Pretty good." I responded.

"You do really well. I'd almost thought you already learned all of it," he continued.

Does he know? "Well, I don't!" I snapped.

"Sorry," he mumbled," I'm just saying you're really good."

I felt bad for snapping at him. "Hey, look. I'm sorry I snapped at you. And thanks."

He brightened immediately. "Race you to the tree-bridge!" Then he hurtled off. I had to admit, he was a fast runner. I could just barely keep up with him. It felt good to have wind rushing through my fur.  hadn't run in such a long time. In Dark Forest, we worked on strength and techiniques. The last time I had run was when I first came to Thunderclan. I ended up winning the race by just a whiskers-length. Then we waited in companionable silence for everyone else.

When they finally arrived, Flamefall was the first to speak. "You apprentices! Do not run off on your own!"

"After the dawn patrol, you two will be checking the elders for ticks! Shadowclan has been hostile since the battle. They would gladly hurt two apprentices," Brambleclaw mewed.

"Wait! It wasn't Goldenpaw's fault. It was all me. I'll take the punishment by myself,"A voice cut through suddenly. It was Rainpaw.

"No, no! I'll take the punishment!" I mewed. Though I was going to destroy Rainpaw later, I didn't want him to take all the punishment that was rightfully mine too.

Firestar smiled. "All right. I'll let you guys off this time. Now, let's hurry. The other clans will not wait forever."