Someone to talk to -Hawkears//Rustpaw-

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    Goldenmist looked impatiently out of the medicine cat's den, wincing a little as her ribs sent a sharp pain through her body. She was bored beyond belief, stuck here by herself. Of course, the medicine cats were here and the odd sick cat but she didn't really have any one to talk to. And the one cat she needed was Rustpaw. For a start, she needed to continue with his training. She wouldn't be able to do much, but she could talk to him. But it went much deeper that that, because Rustpaw had lied to Goldenmist. Frowning, the she cat wondered why he had been afraid to tell her about his fear or heights. It wasn't like him, and she hated lies. Hawkears had said it was because Rustpaw had a crush on her, but she needed to ask him for herself, as she was sure she wasn't worth having a crush on and even if Rustpaw did, surely he would realize they couldn't? He was her pupil, after all.
    Looking out over camp was all she could do. Watching, waiting for him to come.

    Even though it had been a few days ago, Rustpaw was still a bit shaken from him awful nightmare. The ginger tom could recall all of the datails as he meandered to the medicine den. He was in no hurry to get there, but at least talking to Goldenmist would distract him from the nightmare. His redish- orangish tail waved in the gentle breeze as he slowly padded into the den. Rustpaw shuddered at the remberance of the savage dogs. Thank goodness he wasn't a medicine cat. If he was, there was a chance that that dream would come true. But he wasn't, he was training to become a warrior- not some car who delt with mewling kits and bossy elders.
    When he had entered the den, he felt a stab of guilt when his green gaze rested on Goldenmist. It was his fault that she had been injured in the first place. If it wasn't for his stupid fear of heights, his dear Goldenmist wouldn't have been harmed. Why couldn't it have been him? Rustpaw let out a tired sigh. He knew from the night before that he had to talk to Goldenmist the next day. He didn't sleep at all because of it.
    He couldn't help feeling guilty from when he had lied to her. Truth be told, he was embarrssed that he was scared of heights. That was why he lied to his lovely mentor. He didn't want to appear weak infront of the she-cat he tried so desperately hard to impress. It tore at his heart when the she-cat actually believed him. Or at least, that's what Goldenmist led Rustpaw to think. Maybe she was an even better liar then Rustpaw and expected his lies immediately.
    "Goldenmist?" He whispered fearfully, "You wanted me to see you?" He was careful not to make eye contact with the crazy cat that also was staying in here. But he didn't want to look at his beautiful she-cat that he so desperately loved when she was so injured. Especially when it was his fault she got hurt in the first place.
    Rustpaw sat down next to his mentor, his tail wrapped neatly, covering his front paws. His green eyes glowed with curiosity, wondering if she wanted to talk to him, or carry on training. Hopefully the latter.

    Goldenmist's eyes shined and a smile lit her face as she saw her apprentice coming towards her. She was quick to notice he didn't make eye contact, and she knew he was feeling guilty. Well, he should be feeling guilty. Sighing, the she cat felt dissapointed, badly. She had trusted Rustpaw, believed him, and now she found out from someone else he was telling lies. The pretty she cat frowned. She hated lying.
    "Yes, I -" Her words caught in her throat, and she rethought the sentence, trying to make it sound better. She wasn't used to confrontations, and it wasn't easy for her to start. "Before we start" She meowed lightly, "I would like you at least make eye contact with me. I like to know that I am speaking to you" Goldenmist couldn't help having a steely undertone to her voice, "Now. Today I need to continue with your training. I can't get up or demonstrate, but I can use my voice and that should be enough" Wincing, the she cat gave a stifled moan of pain. She couldn't help it - talking too much really hurt, "But first...look, I had a talk with your mother and she told me that you are afraid of heights. So...you lied to me" It wasn't a question, it was a statement. Goldenmist hesistated before continuing, "All I want to know is...why?" Looking gently at her apprentice, she sighed. Would he lie again? But no, maybe he was afraid of telling her, or he was embarrased, she didn't think Rustpaw was a bad cat. Still, though...The pretty she cat tried to move, but as she shifted she momentarily forgot about her ribs. She landed on one an fortunatly it did not break again but it caused her a lot of pain. Groaning, she managed to fight back tears and gave a weak smile.

    The post was edited 1 time, last by Moonyy♥ ().

    Rustpaw reluctantly looked up to face his mentor. She was obvioustly in a great deal of pain. The ginger apprentice couldn't help wincing at the sight at seeing the she-cat in so much pain. And all of this because of him Rustpaw's ears burned with a strong hatred for himself. Why couldn't he be a good apprentice, and keep his mentor in one piece, intact?
    His eyes filled with emotion when Goldenmist asked the burning question that he had been dreading for the last few days. "I- I try so hard to impress you. You have no idea what I give up.." He started, his voice croaked like an old frog's. "I- I was afraid that-" His voice trailed off. Rustpaw's throat ached with a pain that he wasn't familar with. Oh yeah, it was called being a coward.
    His eyes burned with an all new hatred. Why couldn't he be brave, strong, loyal? Why couldn't Rustpaw be the apprentice and maybe even future mate, that Goldenmist deserved? Well, what ever chance he had, was gone now. Rustpaw's eyes filled with tears, but no tears fell. They only turned his eyes watery. His glade green eyes were simply glazed with pain as he barely managed to face his mentor. "I'm sorry," He whispered, hanging his head low, his eyes pointed to the floor.

    Goldenmist blinked. Well, she certainly wasn't expecting this. He seemed absolutely, well....heartbroken. She saw his face turn to the floor again, and gently nuzzled him to get his face to hers. "Look, I didn't mean to upset you. I really care about you, Rustpaw. You are my apprentice, and that is why I threw myself under you when you were going to fall. You musn't feel guilty for hurting me, it was my choice only and I am sure you would have done the same for me. I'm sure you have your reasons for wanting to impress me, but don't feel you have to. You already impress me with your excellent ability, but lying certainly doesn't impress me. You have to know when something is dangerous, I need to know. We all have fears, in fact, I don't like heights very much myself, but if you would have told me I could have told you how to cope with it, like I did. Don't degrade yourself for your fears. They are what make you stronger, even the strongest warriors have fears. And you will become a strong warrior. You have amazing skill and natural ability, and I am lucky to have you. Never forget that, Rustpaw. Now, I suggest we start over. But this time, be yourself and don't act anything different for silly old me. Because you are amazing, never forget that, OK?" Goldenmist whispered the last part, and then a smile lit her face, "I'm sorry, being in this state! Anyway, shall we get on with training?" She asked brightly.

    Rustpaw stared back up at his beautiful mentor. He merely nodded, lost for words. Wow. He didn't know his mentor felt that way.. "Goldenmist.. I-" He broke off, unsure which feeble words would be most fitting.
    His spirits rose slightly. She had said some pretty good things. She tecnically said that he had potencial. But it was still his fault. Stupid fear of heights! Come on! What cat was afraid of being up in a high place? Apparently it was Rustpaw, the cowardly apprentice.
    He considered telling her about that awful nightmare that he had the same day he fell from that tall tree. But he decided now wasn't the best time.
    Hearing the words "Continue," And "training" in the same sentince, were music to his orange ears. "Yes!" He practically sang, his feet feeling lighter then air.
    He bounced eargerly, waiting for his mentor's intructions. "What will we cover? Battle moves? Hunting?" He had pretty much forgotten that Goldenmist could barely breathe, much less hunt, fight, or even stand up.

    The post was edited 1 time, last by Hawk of the Missing Desert ().

    Goldenmist couldn't help bursting out laughing, even though it hurt to breath, nevermind laugh! Once she had stopped she meowed, still grinning, "Well, it might not be the best idea for me to get up and start fighting now. Heck, I'm can barely walk round camp without collapsing. I was thinking today, I could maybe teach you the warrior code? We haven't discussed it that much, but it is as important to being a warrior as hunting or fighting. So, settle down and prepare to listen" She finished, smiling radiantly. "Sorry, if this is a bit boring, but I'm not exactly up to doing practical work at the moment" She added lightly, feeling a bit guilty that Rustpaw had to be bored because she was in this state. "If you want, while I heal up a bit, I can get another cat to be your mentor so you can get on with other skills" She suggested lightly, although Goldenmist didn't want her apprentice to be mentored by someone else at all.

    ooc- oh! maybe Tigerpelt could be his temporary mentor? Since he's supposed to be all mad at him for trying to replace his dad and all.. Or that's how Rustpaw sees it.


    ic- Rustpaw nodded, giving him self a mental slap to the face. Duh, Goldenmist couldn't fight or hunt. "Warrior code sounds.. Fine, I guess." He chimed, a hint of reluctance in his voice. He settled back down, next to his mentor. He lay across from her, staring into her lovely eyes. How could a creature so beautiful, exist? Even more so, how could Rustpaw have a shot at impressing this Godlike cat?
    "I know some of it.." He started. "Isn't one of them beating up kittypets if you catch them eating kittypet food?" He knew he must be close, because one of the codes includes a kittypet in it. The last rule infact.

    OOC - Actually, good idea XD I'll get Goldenmist to suggest it.
    IC - Goldenmist let out another of her pretty laughs. "Not....exactly. A warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet" She quoated, "But well done, you nearly got it" She meowed, smiling, "Hm, look, I'll teach you all I know about the Warrior code rules, but you must have another cat to keep you up to speed on hunting and fighting. Is there any cats who you would like to be a temporary mentor to you?" She thought for a moment, frowning, "What about that cat that's friends with your mother? Tiger-something?"

    The post was edited 1 time, last by Moonyy♥ ().

    "Oh." Rustpaw mewed, slightly disappointed that he still couldn't get the warrior code right, not even the easy ones.
    He wrinkled his nose, he knew who Goldenmist was talking about. "Yeah, Tigerpelt or something.." 'Friends?' Rustpaw scoffed in his head, 'He's trying to get a little friendlier then that!' The ginger tom hide his feelings with care, showing excitement in his face. "I would love to have him as my mentor," He mewed.

    Goldenmist raised an eyebrow. She could read facial expressions very well, even with Rustpaw trying so hard to hide it. Still, she had made it clear he wasn't to lie again so she shrugged, "Ok, if you bump into him around camp be sure to ask him, won't you? Oh, and please could you ask your mother if she would like to visit me again? If she's not too busy, of course, but I enjoy her company. Nice to have another she cat in here" The pretty she cat became firm and mentor-like again, "OK. The warrior code. To start off with, please tell me your exsisting knowledge, if any, of the rules and we'll work on it"

    ooc- please don't spam, and this is private. :P


    ic- Rustpaw could tell that Goldenmist was on to him. He looked at the ground guiltily, but looked back up when she asked him about which rules he knows. His eyes gleamed, eager to show what he knew. But the only problem was, he didn't even know half of the code yet..
    "Erm.. I know the easy ones. Like 'Defend your territory with your life' or something.. That one's pretty obvious.." He paused, struggling to remember a few more. Ever since he first started training, he didn't exactly take the code seriously or anything. Infact, he was more concerned about impressing Goldenmist with brawn instead of brains.
    "I think another one was.. The leader's word is law.. I think." He gave her a sheepish grin, his eyes pressed back slightly. It wasn't in offense, it was actually some sort of blush.
    "And... Oh yeah! Duh," He rolled his eyes, "A kit must be six moons old before becoming an apprentice and don't hunt on other clans territory!" Rustpaw beamed proudly, his mother would be so proud. Godenmist must be even more proud! The ginger tom looked at her expectantly, his green eyes glowering in anticipation.

    Goldenmist cocked her head to one side, a smile lingering on her face, "Well, that's certainly a start" She meowed brightly, "But we need a lot of work. Remember, to be a warrior, you need brains as well as strength and ability. Intelligence is something I value very highly. Now, I will tell you half the warrior code today, that is, eight rules, and tomorrow we shall learn the next seven. Once I am sure you have remembered correctly, I will ask Tigerpelt to get on with hunting and fighting skills, agreed?" The she cat's eyes twinkled. She loved being a mentor, and she was sure Rustpaw could remember it. After all, he seemed to be quite intelligent in her opinion.

    Rustpaw beamed, but soon realized that he needed more brains. So she likes brainiacs eh? Well, Rustpaw will just have to get smarter! "ok, what's the rest of the code? And uh.. Have you seen Tigerpelt anywhere?" Rustpaw wanted to spend as much time as possible with Goldenmist before swapping her with a totally different cat of the different gender. Tigerpelt was nice and all, but he just got a little to close to his mom.. That kinda bugged Rustpaw.
    Who was he kidding? It wasn't like Tigerpelt was going to become Hawkears' mate or anything!... Or was he trying to do that all along?! Rustpaw's glade green eyes burned with a new eagerness, he was eager to get rid of Tigerpelt. There was no way Hawkears' could even think of replacing Gingerfur with another tom. But Rustpaw had to make sure. Just to be safe.

    "Well, he seems to be with your mom a lot, right?" Goldenmist asked. She studied Rustpaw again. He obviously didn't like this friendship, it would be worrying him. Sons were always protective when it came to their moms. Smiling, she stated the rules from memory.
    "Ok, the first rule is Defend your clan, even with your life. This is an important rule, one that is saying you should be completely loyal to your clan. It is OK to have friends in other clans, but you may be in battle with Thunderclan one day, so keep that in mind"
    "The second rule is Never hunt or trespass on another Clan's territory, that means no hunting on any other Clan's territory, even if you are starving. The territory belongs to that clan, it is not our place to steal prey from it"
    "The third is Elders and kits must be fed before apprentices and warriors. Unless you have permission, you may not eat until you have fed the elders. The kits and elders cannot hunt for themselves, and you must not be greed and eat prey before they do. You must have respect for them"
    Goldenmist eyed her apprentice beadily, "You taking all this in?" She asked, smiling at him.

    The post was edited 1 time, last by Moonyy♥ ().

    Rustpaw nodded, "yeah, he's been with Echopaw a lot too, just checking on her a lot. I think Hawkears asked him to, but I can't be sure." 'That reminds me,' Rustpaw thought to himself, 'I need to check on Echopaw as well.' He felt a pang of guilt echo through out him. He hasn't talked with his siblings that much. Well, what with the both of them being pregnant, they probably don't want sympathy or visiters.
    Sighing, he was unaware that Goldenmist was waiting for him to answer her question. He had been listening though, "Oh.. Yeah, I- I am." He stuttered, recalling all of the facts she had just now taught him. "defend you clan, um, don't hunt or tresspass on other clan territories. And uh." He paused for a moment, when she had been telling him the third rule, he had been thinking about his sisters not wanting to mingle. "Oh yeah, f- feed kits and elders first." He looked at his paws guiltily, he should be paying attention to this, not family problems. Why was it so easy to pay attention to Goldenmist at the beginning of his training, but not now? Other questions boiled in Rustpaw's mind, giving him a migrane.
    Shaking his head wildly, he tried to rid himself of these thoughts. They were starting to hurt, literally.

    Goldenmist stopped talking for a moment, and a look of concern passed her face.
    "What is it?" She asked gently. It was obvious something was bothering Rustpaw badly, and if she was going to cotinue with his training she had to sort out his personal problems first so they didn't interfere with his training. She hesistated before continuing, "You don't - have to tell me, but I'd like to know what's troubling you, to see if I can help" She explained, and then nuzzled her apprentice affectionatly.

    Rustpaw's whole body lit up when Goldenmist rubbed against him. Blushing he stuttered again, "I- It's n- nothing rreally." More calmly he added, gaining control of his speech now. "It's just family business, that's all, really." He assured her, trying to appear calm. For the better good of the both of them, Rustpaw will have to ignore his family trouble so that he could train better. Also to comfort his worrying mentor. "I swear, it's the truth," He added affectionatly, taking advantage of the squishy moment. He licked the top of her head, attempting to comfort his beautiful mentor.
    He was so lucky to have such a trusting teacher. Rustpaw promised himself right there and then that he would never take advantage of her like he did again. the ginger apprentice didn't have the heart to lie to her anyway. But if made him feel much better if he still made a pact, promising what he would never do again. Rustpaw would sooner die then break that new promise.

    Goldenmist shrugged, "OK", she meowed, and left it at that. Heck, she knew as well as anybody what it was like to have family problems, and she respected the fact that Rustpaw wanted to keep it to himself. "Anyway, back to the lesson" She meowed briskly, "Where were we? Of course, fourth rule. Prey is killed only to be eaten. Give thanks to StarClan for its life. No killing prey for fun or sport, Starclan allowed it to die so you could live, be thankful for that. The fifth - A kit must be at least six moons old to become an apprentice. You already knew that, didn't you? Anyway, no need to go on about that one" Goldenmist smiled, and looked Rustpaw over carefully. "So, would you like to tell me the warrior code rules four through six?" She asked, throwing him off guard to check he had been listening.