Maplepaw POV

Maplepaw yawned, stretching as she woke up. She padded to the entrance of the Apprentice Den and looked around outside as the sun shone brightly.

Bramblepaw was already wide awake and sitting eagerly beside her mentor and Maplepaw's older sister, Pineflower and Twigfeather and Hawkpounce seemed deep in conversation near the rocks by the edge of their camp. That's when Maplepaw spotted her mentor, Venomfang, sat with Sunnytail, the Deputy.

Maplepaw really looked up to Sunnytail. Even though Duskstar was large and intimidating, Sunnytail always seemed to be able to equal him in positivity and hope for the future.

Having recovered from just waking up, Maplepaw dashed out towards Venomfang.

"Here she is, an eager one, I tell you." Venomfang smirked, nodding towards Maplepaw.

"Ah, Maplepaw. I've heard you're doing very well in your warrior training." Sunnytail turned to her as she sat beside them.

"Ehe, so I've been told." Maplepaw giggled.

"She's gotten used to it all by now, I'm very proud to be her mentor. I mean, it's me. Obviously I'm going to be the best teacher." Venomfang boasted.

"I'm sure you are." Sunnytail nodded, her tone soon changing,"I do have to warn you, though. Be careful if you leave camp to hunt or patrol."

"And why's that?" Maplepaw cocked her head to the side.

"From what I've been told by Pineflower, there was a fox attack in DawnClan's camp. Two cats, an apprentice and a kit were injured." Sunnytail explained.

"Why would Pineflower know?" Maplepaw questioned.

"Well, we were out of borage so she headed out to collect some." Sunnytail informed her.

"That's the stuff they give to queens, right?" Maplepaw asked.

"It is, it helps them produce more and better milk. It seems you're quite knowledgeable as well as strong." Sunnytail smiled.

Maplepaw chuckled,"Don't give me all the credit, Bramblepaw just doesn't stop talking about all the herbs and-"

"It's happening!" They heard Bramblepaw yell as she sped over,"Tawnyfur is having her kits!"

"Really?" Venomfang blinked.

Bramblepaw nodded, almost hiding behind Sunnytail when she caught sight of him.

Without wasting any time, Venomfang sprinted towards the Medicine Den, Bramblepaw soon following after him.

"Will everything be okay?" Maplepaw turned to Sunnytail.

"Of course they will, Pineflower is a great Medicine Cat." Sunnytail smiled.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It had been a couple hours and Maplepaw was anxiously waiting by the Medicine Den, her head resting on her front paws. She immediately perked up when she saw Venomfang emerge from inside.

"Venomfang, how did-" She stopped quickly.

Venomfang looked... For lack of a better term, miserable. He just had kits, didn't he? Why was he so upset?

"Venomfang-" Maplepaw stepped closer.

"What?!" Venomfang hissed, turning towards her.

Maplepaw flinched, she'd never seen him act this way before.

Realizing who was stood behind him, Venomfang sighed,"Sorry, I didn't mean to lash out.."

"Did... Something bad happen?" Maplepaw asked softly, walking towards and rubbing against him.

"Yes, something bad happened." Venomfang looked down at her,"Tawnyfur, she... She didn't make it."

Maplepaw's eyes widened. Tawnyfur... She didn't know her that well, but Maplepaw knew she was a very sweet cat.

"Maybe... Talking about her and your happy memories will make you feel better." Maplepaw suggested.

"Well, she wasn't the best warrior, very clumsy. At first, I didn't like her because of that but... I grew to love that clumsy charm of her's." Venomfang closed his eyes,"She always dreamed of this, starting a family. Getting a mate and having kits."

Venomfang turned to look at the Medicine Den, nodding for Maplepaw to follow him inside. He lead her to a nest, two kits inside. One was pure white, just like him and the other, a more greyish brown, like Tawnyfur.

Maplepaw turned slightly, she saw Pineflower comforting a very upset Bramblepaw. This... Was her first death and Maplepaw knew it wouldn't be her last.

She then turned her attention back to Venomfang as he spoke again.

"I've decided one their names." He spoke up,"Mousekit and Goosekit."

"They are brilliant names." Pineflower padded over to him,"Do they have any... Particular significance?"

"It's none of your business." Maplepaw thought, looking at the kits to avoid looking at Tawnyfur who was laid at the back of the den.

"Well, I've always been fond of geese. Strong birds, a tough opponent." Venomfang explained,"And Tawnyfur... Mice were always her favorite."

"Lovely." Pineflower hummed.

Bramblepaw, noticing Maplepaw, ran over to her and nuzzled against her. Maplepaw sighed and patted her gently.

"It's okay.." Maplepaw assured her.

For once, Bramblepaw was completely... Speechless.