The Fields

[Slug]

Willowpaw was hurt. He saw the dissapointment-- could hear, smell, and taste it. Dissapointment in him?

Most likely.

He tried-- he really did-- to strive up to Darkpaw's expectations. But apparently he wasn't good enough to do just that. It sickend him that he was such a weak cat-- such a nervous, good-for-nothing cat that could only whine and cower at the simple sound of birds chirping or mice scuttling around.

Suddenly, a new burst of pride surged through him with a firey roar of adrenalin; something that startled Willowpaw to his feet-- leaping to his paws with a determind gleam in his eyes.

"No!" He snapped. "It was my fault for being a clutz, my fault for injury my paw-- not yours." Willowpaw's ears straightend with confidence and his tail gave a snap!

"You're going to have your adventure, Darkpaw!" He claimed, standing taller, puffing out his chest a little-- something his did unconciously.

"Don't mind me, Darkpaw; because I promised you an adeventure, yes?"

[Whiskers]

Darkpaw, for a split second, wondered if she was hallucinating. Were those words really coming out of Willowpaw's mouth? She stared at him and then took a step back, as if in awe of this spontaneous change of attitude.

Was he delirious? There was no way he actually registered what he was saying! He must be demented!

...oh well. Carpe diem, right? Who was she to turn her back on a chance like this! Darkpaw purred and danced happily around him, and the she-cat wished she could sing praises to the moon or to Starclan-- whoever had changed Willowpaw's mind. "Oh thank you thank you Willowpaw! You sure your paw is okay? Can you walk on it! By Starclan, I'll carry you on my back if I have to!"

The flow of disappointment had stopped and it was replaced by a flood of excitement and giddiness. Darkpaw's expression glowed brighter than the sun and if she wasn't mistaken, lit up the night better than the stars.

And all it had taken was a 'yes' to get her this happy.

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[Slug]

Willowpaw ignored the look Darkpaw gave him-- a look that said "are you crazy?" for just a split second, then it was gone; Darkpaw's happiness almost blinding him as she leaped and ran and danced around him, thoroughly pleased with his speech.

"I'm okay, Darkpaw-- really. Look," He stomped his wounded paw furiously onto the ground, ignoring the pain that came with it; forcing a smile onto his face as he beamed at Darkpaw. "See? Perfectly fine!" He gave a sharp, wheezed laugh; the force of the action covering the lie he smoothly gave to Darkpaw.

"There isn't a need to carry me, Darkpaw... I told you I was fine, right?" He took a step forward. A wobble in his stance, but he made his way around Darkpaw, circling her for emphasis on his health status. To give some credit, not once did he fall, and soon he ceased his pacing and sat down, grinning crookedly at Darkpaw.

"Now that we're through with that.... shall we take our leave, Darkpaw??"

[Whiskers]

Darkpaw couldn't believe it. And for a second, she wanted to take him back and make sure that he really WAS okay. If he ran on his paw and it really was broken, it was just going to make it worse, then he wouldn't be able to be an apprentice... and that would be sad.

And it would be all her fault.

But Darkpaw could see he was excited, like her. And he wanted to make her happy. Who was she to take that away from him? She grinned from ear to ear and swiped her tail in the air before turning back to the unknown.

"Oh yes we shall, my friend. Into the forest we go!" Only this time she didn't sprint carelessly forward. Instead, she marched in with pride and dignity, her chin held high and her eyes glowing.

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