Time inches onward...

[Otterpaw]

It was a sunny, warm, day. The heat of the sun was only slightly lessened by the leaves of the treetops that partially covered the ThunderClan camp. Otterpaw sat near the apprentice den, her eyes roaming the camp. It seemed to be a quiet afternoon; a fact which she appriciated. She really didn't like the usual bustle of everything, or being around too many cats at once. Not that she showed much more than hints of her displeasure. They were her clan-mates, after all. The warrior code said to respect her elders and her clan-mates, and she supposed that she should.

The tabby did not move much, except to adjust her position occasionally. She was still and watchful, an expression of very mild interest on her face. There really wasn't much to do just sitting around camp, but observing could be useful. Otterpaw hadn't touched the fresh kill pile yet. She wasn't very hungry. And besides that, she hadn't gone out hunting today.'Feed the Clan first.' She reminded herself. If only she'd get the chance! Everything was moving so slowly today. Otterpaw, who always had to keep herself working, longed to go out on patrol or a training session.

Otterpaw mostly managed to keep still and quiet. She didn't display the usual signs of restlessness; no fidgeting or pacing around. But the truth was, she was bored. Even though she was usually one who kept to herself, she almost wouldn't mind some company right now. As long as it meant having something to do. For even though she was a reserved cat, she was still an apprentice. She still had energy. Even if she managed to contain it.

[Roxie !]

Smokepaw snored quietly, lazily sprawled in his mossy nest in the apprentice's den. He occasionally shifted around slightly, or twitched in his sleep. The afternoon sun warmed his silver pelt pleasantly--afternoon sun?! The tom's eyes flickered open. Lifting his head, he gazed upward into the leafy canopy of the den. Even from here, he could tell that the sun was already high in the sky. How'd it get so late?! He'd only came in here for a moment after a morning training session. Cursing under his breath, the apprentice scrambled to his feet. It'd been just like him to over-sleep. And he'd been having the most interesting dream, too! A few more seconds and he would've caught that dumb old thrush...but what was he thinking? He should've been out actually hunting, not dreaming that he was. Smokepaw gave a soft growl, his ears twitching in annoyance. Rabbitpaw hadn't bothered to come wake him up, either.

With a disgruntled sigh, he padded out of the apprentice den and gazed around the camp. It seemed mostly empty, except for the occasional warrior and an apprentice he recognized as one of his den-mates, Otterpaw. Smokepaw suppressed a yawn and stretched, his back arching briefly as he stood on his tiptoes before he relaxed again. Alright, it was time to do something productive. Trotting forward, he soon reached the other apprentice's side. Nodding a greeting, Smokepaw meowed, "What's up, Otterpaw?"

Although he was known for his sharp tongue and generally disgruntled attitude, he could remain somewhat relaxed around his clan-mates, especially the ones that were around his age. He smiled slightly, surveying the Otterpaw for a moment. Smokepaw wasn't all that observant in the first place, and Otterpaw's expression was somewhat hard to read, but she looked vaguely bored. Well, that made two of them. Now the only question was how to fix it. He'd already trained for the day, but still had the urge to get out of camp for awhile.

Glancing quickly around the camp once again, he was suddenly struck with an idea. Tail twitching inquisitively, he turned back to the she-cat with a slight tilt of the head. "Hey. You wanna see if some of the warriors'll take us out on patrol?" He asked her. Patrolling was always a good idea; the Clan constantly needed more of them. In a season like green-leaf, when prey was plentiful, the other Clans could put their efforts into things besides hunting...like invading their territory, for instance. Smokepaw's fur bristled briefly at the memory of how RiverClan had taken Sunningrocks a few moons ago. Yes, patrolling was definitely a good idea. Especially since patrols that weren't assigned to hunting could eat what they caught without having to bring something back to the Clan first!

The only thing was, they'd need warriors to accompany them. Though if anyone asked Smokepaw, he'd tell them and show them if necessary that he could take care of himself, there was always the warrior code to think of. He held back a slight snort of disgust. Oh well; he'd be a warrior soon enough. The silver tabby's green eyes gleamed at the very thought.

[Otterpaw]

It seemed Otterpaw was to get her wish. Although she hadn't really expected her clanmate to pop out of what seemed like nowhere. She blinked, looking up at him with startled curiousity. I suppose I just wasn't paying attention. Otterpaw concluded. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes and looked up at the other apprentice. This was Smokepaw, she recognized; an apprentice that she'd spoken to a few times before. How convenient. The tabby remained silent for a moment, sizing Smokepaw up. Then she gave him a tiny nod, and tucked her paws beneath her. "Hello." She meowed, her reply nonchalant.

What followed as a moment of silence, which left Otterpaw to wonder whether Smokepaw wanted something. She certainly wasn't going to strike up conversation...or at least, she didn't do so normally. And she wasn't in the mood to make an exception right now. She flicked her tail idley as Smokepaw spoke again, inviting her to go on patrol. Otterpaw met his gaze steadily.

A patrol...that had seemed like an impulsive decision. Or at least it did in Otterpaw's cynical eyes. Personally, she preferred hunting. Patrols...well, they involved too many other cats, and she was never one for crowds. But then again, perhaps Smokepaw, like her, had chosen today to fall victim to complete boredom. If that was the case, then at least patrolling was something to do. She didn't much fancy a walk around the Snakerocks, though. But the other Clans had been oddly quiet lately, aside from RiverClan. Otterpaw was no leader, but she decided that maybe going on an extra patrol wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"Okay then." She said, standing up suddenly. Her gaze flicked around the camp. Hopefully they'd be able to find a few warriors who weren't too busy to agree. She turned to Smokepaw expectantly. It was his idea, after all. "After you."

[le Dawnz]

Today was just like any other day. Quiet. Bleak. Unusual in every sense of the word. Boring in the eyes of all cats below warrior status. Just another day in the life of a ThunderClan apprentice. Rabbitpaw twitched his ears, snatching up bits of the few subdued conversations of his clanmates. He could remember when it had been different. When ThunderClan had seemed like it was the best of the best. Days when the camp bustled with activity and cats who didn't feel as if they needed to say everything in whispers.

The leader would sit outside his den, watching the clan, performing ceremonies. The deputy always in the center of every circle of cats, dividing patrols and keeping an eye on everyone. And the medicine cat would be crisscrossing across the camp, seeing to every little cough, every sneeze, every achey joint and tick the elders so often complained about. Elders would lie beside their den, basking in the sun, and queens would watch as their kits ventured further and further away from the nursery before calling them back. Apprentices were never short of duties and continuously practiced even when it came down to a simple game.

Yes, Rabbitpaw could remember those days, though not as well as others. It had all changed shortly after he'd been apprenticed. ThunderClan had no leader, nor a deputy to rise in their place. The last medicine cat had never taken an apprentice so when she had disappeared without a trace, there was no one to become the next. The only connection they had with StarClan was through an elder, and so far, their starry ancestors had given them little help.

ThunderClan's numbers were slowly dwindling, and it made the tom wonder where all these cats could be disappearing to. It was no secret, the rumor that was spreading about Hazelstripe. Some were saying she was the cause of everyone vanishing. Personally, Rabbitpaw thought the warrior seemed a little too shy and even jumpy to create so much havoc. But he had to admit that there was something odd about her. He rolled onto his back and pondered about it.

Then something caught his eye. Smokepaw, his less-than-enthusiastic-but-still-very-much-his best friend came into sight. He was talking to another apprentice. It was somewhat difficult to recognize her when upsidedown, so he flipped back onto his stomach and stretched his front paw out infront of him. He dug through all the muttled knowledge stuck in the back of his head to pull out the she-cat's name. Otterpaw. That was it. Jumping up, he trotted over to join his friend.

Just as he reached them, Otterpaw rose and said, "Okay, then. After you." Tilting his head to the side, he pricked his ears alertly. "Hey guys. What's going on?" he asked curiously. Waiting for a reply, he sized up the other apprentice. He hadn't talked to Otterpaw much, but he knew she wasn't much of a talker herself. Reminded him of Smokepaw. Just his kind of friend, right? But with Smokepaw, Rabbitpaw said enough for the both of them. And Smokepaw was always quick to let you know when he was angry. Sometimes Rabbitpaw thought that was the only emotion the smokey apprentice could show.

Otterpaw was a small brown tabby, with a white belly and amber eyes. He knew that she was a good hunter, and he could easily see why. What with her pelt blending into the background so well. Rabbitpaw recalled a litter of kittens in the nursery a while back; Otterpaw's litter. He remember that two of the kits had gone missing around the time that two-legs had been swarming the forest. He felt a pang of grief sweep over him briefly for the she-cat who had lost both her siblings at such a young age. That was probably why she was so secluded. But he shook these thoughts away, knowing she wouldn't appreciate sympathy, especially from someone she hardly knew.

[Roxie !]

For a moment, Otterpaw seemed to consider his idea. One of Smokepaw's ears twitched slightly as he waited in silence. Maybe Otterpaw would prefer to spend her time alone right now? he could certainly understand that. There were times when he couldn't stand even the cats of his own Clan; especially the warriors. They thought they knew everything, and were always looking down on apprentices. Smokepaw surpressed a snort and shook these thoughts away before he could become too caught up in his anger once again. As much as he hated to admit it, it wouldn't get him very far right now. Besides, once he was a warrior, he'd show them! Pehaps he'd even become deputy one day! An ambitious flash blazed through Smokepaw's green gaze briefly, before he turned his attention back to Otterpaw.

She had gotten to her paws, and it took him a moment to realize that she had agreed int he few moments he had wandered off in day dream. Smokepaw gave himself an inward shake, and nodded. Now it was only a question of which warriors to ask. They could always sneak out, of course. He knew ThunderClan territory like the back of his paw, and he was pretty sure that Otterpaw did as well. Besides, who could complain? They needed extra patrols, didn't they? His claws gripped the ground and he half-turned, almost ready to suggest the idea to Otterpaw. It was true, sometimes Smokepaw's recklessness made him a bit arrogant. And stubborn, too. Try telling him that, though, for it would most likely only egg him on. Luckily, however, a distraction would delay this particular misadventure.

A familiar voice made Smokepaw's ears swivel toward the sound. He turned to see his best friend, Rabbitpaw, trotting toward them. Smokepaw grinned slightly in greeting. "Hey, Rabbitpaw!" He meowed as the other apprentice approached, and voiced his curiousity. His whiskers twitched mischeviously. "You're just in time--" Smokepaw started. He knew Rabbitpaw would be up for a patrol, even if it was a...slightly illegal one. The two had grown up together, practically littermates, and were always causing bits of trouble here and there around the camp. Why would now be any different? Only, Smokepaw couldn't help but wonder if Otterpaw would agree as well. He didn't know her all that well yet, and didn't want to pressure her into doing anything she didn't want to do. He turned to her uncertainly. It was right then that an idea struck him.

Smokepaw glanced from Otterpaw to Rabbitpaw, his fur beginning to prickle in excitement. Maybe...maybe a warrior or two coming with them wouldn't be such a bad idea after all! Because of course, a patrol would give them the ideal opportunity to show how well they knew the territory...and how well they could hunt, perhaps? And what if, by chance, they just happened to organize a play-fight? The warriors would only naturally notice, right? Normally, Smokepaw couldn't care less about impressing them, but this could be almost like an assessment! If they played their cards right, they could be warriors within the moon! His eyes brightened as the idea formed, and he returned his gaze to Rabbitpaw.

"We were just about to go ask the warriors if they'd take us out on patrol! We haven't done that in awhile anyway." He meowed with uncharacteristic brightness. "Wanna come?" With that, he glanced quickly at Otterpaw. "I mean, if that's alright with you?" He inquired.

[Otterpaw]

Only moments after she had stood up, another apprentice approached them. Otterpaw turned toward the voice and recognized Rabbitpaw approaching them. Like Smokepaw, she never really spoke to him much. Then again, she could say the same for most of the ThunderClan apprentices. She liked to keep to herself. Rabbitpaw seemed friendly enough, but while Smokepaw grinned at him, she only stared with mild interest and gave another nod of greeting. That was another thing that Otterpaw didn't do very often: smile. She found that it was better to wear a blank stare than force a smile that she didn't mean. Because truth be told, she had very little reason to smile anymore.

When Rabbitpaw asked what they were up to, Otterpaw remained silent. Smokepaw seemed to be friends with him, so no doubt he'd speak for both of them right now. As the conversation continued, Otterpaw turned her gaze away and became lost in her own thoughts. Hopefully the weather would continue to hold out. It remained sunny, although she could see a few clouds in the sky. Also, she could sent a hint of rain in the air. If they were lucky, they'd be able to beat it. Otterpaw was no RiverClan cat, and she didn't like getting wet at all. ThunderClan were lucky: the tree tops in their territory blocked out a lot of the summer rain. Of course in a thunderstorm, it made it easier for lightning to strike, but even so.

Otterpaw quietly began tracing the patrol routes in her mind. She'd traveled them many times before, because she had been an apprentice for a few moons already. ThunderClan territory was now so familiar that she could picture it all in her mind. The Thunderpath was naturally one of the most important places to pass, because it was the ShadowClan border and part of the WindClan one as well. Tracing the river was always a good idea too, to keep track of RiverClan. And then there was Two-Leg place. Especially in the summer, two-legs would often wander out into the forest and spend the night in their tents. Otterpaw grimaced as this thought crossed her mind, and quickly pushed it away again.

She turned back to Smokepaw and Rabbitpaw, just in time to hear Smokepaw speak to her. She glanced at Rabbitpaw and shook her head. "I don't mind." She meowed calmly. Perhaps if Rabbitpaw came along, he'd engage Smokepaw in conversation, and she could be left to her thoughts a little longer. "We should go soon though," Otterpaw continued. "Or they'll send out the evening patrol without us."

[trissea]

Hhhhghh... there was a groan as the pretty ginger she-cat rolled over, having dosed off in the center of camp after hunting nearly all day and returning with bounty enough for the entire elder's den. Ghhggg..whaaa? She blinked a few times, still on her back, then caught sight of the three apprentices- a silver tabby, Smokepaw, and his best friend, that funny little tom who was never alone, Rabbitpaw, and then, a pretty brown she-cat, by the name of Otterpaw. Still on her back, she kept her eyes mostly closed and managed to catch the last words of Otterpaw's-- "Or they'll send out the evening patrol without us," With a small purr, Morningdove rolled back over onto her stomach and stood, shaking out her now-dusty pelt.

Usually, Morningdove was saddened for the younger cats; their future seemed bleak at best. But she realized that ThunderClan was holding itself together alright without a leader, and anyway, they had to have one sooner or later. Right? She pulled her thin, pinkish lips into a small half-smile and stretched a little, loosening her stiff limbs. I could bring them on a patrol, she thought, It wouldn't be much fun for me, but I suppose they'd enjoy it, and it would be educational as well. Her pale green eyes glimmered as she made her way towards the three apprentices, tail flicking from side to side.

"Hello, Otterpaw," she mewed, being closest to the small she-cat, "Smokepaw, Rabbitpaw," she added, dipping her head slightly in greeting. "Anyone up for a quick hunting patrol before the day is out?" Her suggestion rang out into the slightly humid air, innocent as always. Since she wasn't too much bigger than Smokepaw or Rabbitpaw, she figured she'd be easy enough to talk to from their vantage point.

[Roxie !]

Smokepaw twitched his ears Otterpaw's statement and nodded. He'd been cooped up all day; there was no way he was missing out on one of the last patrols of the day. His dark grey tail beat against the ground once indignantly. It'd be just like the warriors to pick the most elite and experienced of ThunderClan without even giving the apprentices a second thought! In his eyes, at least, Smokepaw felt over-looked. Well, one day he'd show them. He'd be the bravest and brightest warrior the Clan had ever seen! And he could start now. All they needed was a warrior or two to take them out...life would be so much simpler if ThunderClan had a deputy to organize these things. Most of the other Clans had one, after all, and he didn't want to appear weak. Maybe someday I'll be deputy. Smokepaw thought, a gleam of ambition flashing across his gaze for a brief moment. If he could prove himself to his Clan, perhaps someday he would realize this dream. First, though, he actually had to become a warrior. Let alone prove his bravery, loyalty, and strength, or train an apprentice of his own.

But that didn't seem to be happening any time soon. Even if Smokepaw became a warrior, there were no kits or even pregnant queens in the Clan. His eyes narrowed slightly. He, Rabbitpaw, and Otterpaw wouldn't be apprentices forever(he'd make sure of that), so what happened next? Wouldn't ThunderClan need a next generation? It's not just us. He reminded himself. I haven't noticed the other Clans growing their ranks much, either. Smokepaw had heard stories about how ThunderClan, led long ago by Skystar, was once the largest Clan in the forest. Smokepaw wished he'd lived in such a time. Now, he could only vow to make ThunderClan that way once again. And with the newly appointed leader, perhaps they could get a second chance. For now, it was painfully obvious that ShadowClan was the largest Clan in the forest. ShadowClan. Those swamp-walking flea-bags. Did they think they were any better than the rest of the forest Clans? As his aggressive nature kicked in, Smokepaw reflected that he wouldn't mind clawing a few ShadowClan ears off. They hadn't had a battle since the fight over Sunningrocks with RiverClan, and they'd lost.

Before Smokepaw could continue his inward rant, however, a warrior padded over to them to stand beside Otterpaw. Smokepaw recognized her as Morningdove, and he nodded a brief, respectful greeting. The apprentice waited for the warrior to speak first, but his ears had pricked. Finally! Now they could see about that patrol. It seemed, however, that Morningdove spoke his thoughts aloud. Smokepaw blinked and straightened, his eyes flickering first to Rabbitpaw, and then to Otterpaw in mild surprise. They were just too lucky! Although it did seem a bit far-fetched for a coincidence. Perhaps Morningdove had overheard their conversation? Ah, what did he care either way? They could finally get off their tails and do something useful!

Grinning at Morningdove, Smokepaw sprang to his paws and lifted his tail happily. "Really? Great!" he meowed, sheathing and unsheathing his claws restlessly. "Can we go now?"

[Otterpaw]

Otterpaw nodded to the warrior. "Hello Morningdove." She says respectfully. She also became more interested in the conversation. Maybe Morningdove would take them out on patrol, if she had time. A moment later, Morningdove suggested a hunting patrol. Otterpaw tilted her striped head. That had been perfectly timed! She exchanged a look with Smokepaw as he glanced at her and Rabbitpaw, and saw her own surprise reflected in his gaze. 'I'm betting that wasn't just a coincidence.' She thought. They weren't exactly being discreet when they were talking about going on a patrol, so it wouldn't be very hard for the warrior to over hear them.

Otterpaw stood up at once. She nodded to acknowledge Morningstar's offer, but she didn't show the same excitement as Smokepaw. At least, not outwardly. "Thank you." She told Morningdove, a smile spreading across her muzzle. Now that they had that settled, the tabby was eager to get going. Otterpaw turned to Rabbitpaw. Her long whiskered twitched inquiringly. "Are you coming?" She asked him curiously, since he had not said anything yet.

[trissea]

_{The ginger she-cat smiled slightly at Smokepaw's enthusiasm, tail twitching from one side of her to the other. The sun that beat down upon them made her feel rather tired, and a patrol would envigorate her. Especially one containing three apprentices. "Yes, we can go now," she meowed, her eyes glimmering, "But wait- are you coming, Rabbitpaw?" She did not want to purposely leave him behind, but if he didn't want to go then that was alright with her. She felt that these apprentices would gain experience and skills from any patrol they went on, and then, there could surely be more warriors in ThunderClan. The way they were faring at the moment it seemed they could use all the warriors they could get!}