Maplepaw's POV

Maplepaw sat by the edge of the apprentice's den, tail flicking impatiently as she waited for the sun to set. That's when DuskClan went out to hunt and she'd been awaiting it all day. Her mentor, Venomfang was the toughest DuskClan warrior they had and she was very excited for her first time hunting with him. He'd told her that if she impressed DuskStar then he might allow her to go to the upcoming gathering.

"You're still waiting there?" Bramblepaw asked, stretching out.

Maplepaw nodded,"Of course I am."

Bramblepaw was her fellow apprentice, a long-haired, dusty brown she cat with faint purple streaks through her fur and shiny, blue eyes. Maplepaw herself was russet, had darker paws and striking green eyes.

Bramblepaw looked to the side,"He's dangerous, y'know. Pineflower told me that-"

"Maplepaw, is it?" Venomfang slinked into the apprentice's den.

Venomfang was a slender tom with snow white fur. He only had one working eye, a light blue one whilst the other was as white as his fur and had a scar covering it. The rest of his pelt was covered in multiple scars from successful battles.

"That's me." Maple jumped up, eager to start.

"Well, if we want to catch the best prey then we'd best head out now. Keep up." Venomfang then turned and left.

"You can tell me about what Pineflower told you later." Maplepaw hurried out of the den.

Part of her hated when Bramblepaw mentioned what Pineflower told her. Pineflower was Maplepaw's older sister and she was not a big fan of her. She wasn't a kit anymore, she knew how to look after herself and didn't need constant looking after. Shaking the thoughts from her head, Maplepaw continued after Venomfang, having to run to catch up with him.

"Stop." Venomfang hissed lightly, stepping in front of her.

Maplepaw immediately stopped moving as Venomfang raised his nose into the air.

"This way." Venomfang stated, keeping his body low,"Copy me."

"O-oh, alright." Maplepaw spoke quietly, doing as Venomfang instructed, although she struggled to keep her fluffy tail low.

"There, see it?" Venomfang asked her, gesturing forward.

In front of them was a mouse, seemingly looking for something.

"Now, when I give the word, you pounce. Got it?" Venomfang lowered his eyes.

Maplepaw nodded in response. His tone was... Sort of scary.

"Go." Venomfang ordered as the mouse edged closer.

Maplepaw darted forward and missed the mouse. It attempted to flee but she managed to hurry forward and bite down on it's neck, finishing it. That's when Venomfang raised himself back up.

"Not bad for a new apprentice." Venomfang seemed to give her a crooked smile,"Maybe you'll be just as good as me one day."

"Really?" Maplepaw looked up at him.

"Maybe." Venomfang playfully flicked his tail into her face,"Now come on, let us continue while the night is young."

"Yes sir!" Maplepaw picked up her mouse.

Bramblepaw and Pineflower were completely wrong. Sure, to other Clans, he may be dangerous but to her, Venomfang seemed to be a very caring cat. He wasn't as bad as they made him out to be.

Marshpaw POV

"Psst, Marshpaw." He heard a whisper,"Marshpaw, are you awake?"

"No. Go back to sleep, Willowpaw." Marshpaw answered, still curled up in his nest.

"I can't, I went to the medicine den today and-" Willowpaw began.

"I know, Willowpaw. You've told me this story five times!" Marshpaw hissed angrily.

Willowpaw went quiet and in turn, Marshpaw sighed.

"Look, I'm sorry Willowpaw. I shouldn't have lashed out." Marshpaw rested his head on his paws.

"No, no, I shouldn't have woken you." Willowpaw shook her head.

Marshpaw sighed,"Call it even?"

"Call it even." Willowpaw agreed, getting back into her nest.

Willowpaw was a long-haired, grey she cat with large, brown eyes and white paws while Marshpaw was a dark grey tom with white stripes. He also had a singular brown paw, like the muddy marshlands near where they lived, hence his name.

"Goodnight Marshy." Willowpaw yawned.

"Never call me that again." Marshpaw shook his head as he slowly drifted back off.