(1.54) Slow And Steady
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Newleaf was in full swing by now, and Bearpaw could tell by the scent of pollen in the air. However, the wind still held a certain chill to it, one that made her grateful that her fur was so thick. During the day, it wasn't so bad; in fact, the weather was so nice that Lightstar decided it was high time they had a group training session.
"Alright, you four," The blue-furred leader began, addressing the group. "Today we're going to be doing something a little different. Flowerpaw, Sleetpaw, Elmpaw, I want you all to work on your hunting; you've all been doing some great fishing since the pond thawed, but I want you to put those land-hunting skills to the test today. Antstride and Honeypurr will supervise you and help if you're feeling stuck."
Bearpaw felt a little confused that the leader was specifically speaking to her denmates and not her. However, those concerns were quickly put to rest.
"Since Bearpaw is still a bit ahead of you, I'll be coaching her privately in some fighting moves. Don't think that means I'm not watching you, though. Stay on your guard, and be well-behaved— That means you, Sleetpaw."
There was a bit of snickering from the trio, though it stopped the moment Lightstar specifically called Sleetpaw out; while the smallest apprentice was always eager to get going, she was known to be a bit of a troublemaker. It was good that Lightstar was her mentor, she figured, as it would keep her head on straight.
Antstride and Honeypurr nodded to Lightstar; no doubt they'd been coached privately before the outing began. The five of them all began to do their own thing, with Pepperfrost's litter all trying their paws at proper stalking techniques, and Honeypurr settling off to the side to oversee them while Antstride did much of the heavy coaching. It was funny how different the tom's methods were from his mother's laissez-faire teaching style.
"Now, Bearpaw," Lightstar began, tail flicking as she approached. "I know things have been hectic lately with your own mentor, but I want you to try and practice with as much focus as if he were here, alright?"
Sigh. She'd honestly been trying to forget the whole situation with Magicburst, but Bearpaw couldn't blame the leader for wanting to check in with her. Her mentor had hardly spoken to anyone in days, let alone taken her out for training. Is this why Lightstar wanted to coach her privately?
"Thanks, but I'll do fine. Honestly, wasn't even worried about it," Bearpaw mewed in response, looking up at the leader.... huh, have her eyes always been that weird rainbowy color? Maybe she'd have the chance to ask at some point during training.
"Oh? Well, alright. But just know you can come to me if you have any concerns. I'm all ears!"
Bearpaw hesitated for a moment, almost wanting to take Lightstar up on the offer, but she was quickly interrupted by Sleetpaw's voice ringing out from across the field.
"HEYYY! Guys, look guys, I caught a snake! How cool is that?!"
Lightstar's ears perked up at her apprentice's voice, and she turned to look only for a brief moment before returning her attention to Bearpaw. But it was enough time for the apprentice to feel her moment had passed, and so she decided to drop it and proceed with training.
"Alright, I'm ready. Give me everything you've got!"
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Lightstar, Honeypurr, and Antstride lead all of the kits on an outing to Sunshine Pond. The younger apprentices hunt while Lightstar teaches Bearpaw some fighting tactics.
Sleetpaw makes three catches, Flowerpaw makes two, and Elmpaw makes one.
The patrol goes well for a while, but the group decides to turn tail and run home after a twoleg arrives with a large dog.
Magicburst has been incredibly distant since the loss of Sunkit. He exclusively speaks to Birchshine now.
Antstride tries to cheer up his sister after the loss of Sunkit. The two spend some time sharing tongues in the sunlight.
Horizonkit gets up to some mischief. He plans a sneak attack on his uncle, which goes off without a hitch.