[Brilliance]

Originally Posted by Random Melody

Hunterfang couldn't help but crack a grin and smirk at Lynxpaw's words. "I'd have to teach you some battle moves first," He teased lightly, flicking his tail over his brother's ears playfully. "He's an idiot, but I doubt you could take him just yet." Of course, he didn't want Lynxpaw fighting Ratheart. And not out of worry for their father. No, Ratheart could go fall in a ditch, Hunterfang couldn't care less. Ratheart was dead to him. Disowned completely. The black and white Tom fluffed up his fur and shot another look toward Ratheart, who had now turned and was walking away to the warrior's den, still looking lost. By the time Hunterfang turned back to Lynxpaw, his brother had yelled something and dashed off across the clearing. And, sighing, Hunterfang followed after him quickly, but slower than his brother. "Lynxpaw!" He called as he walked, tail tip twitching irritably. He frowned when he saw the direction Lynxpaw was actually headed and he stopped. "Hey! Watch where you're--" And he cut off, cringing, as Lynxpaw crashed into Sorrelpaw. "...Going."

Sorrelpaw shrieked when Lynxpaw barrelled into her, and she sat back on her haunches, claws sinking into the ground. She shrieked a growl at her brother, fur prickling up slightly as she bared her teeth. "Watch it, furball!" She snarled. The growls that came from her were loud and fierce, something she'd picked up from other apprentices around. She continued to glare for a moment before letting her fur flatten, and she whirled around to face Springwind when the Tom spoke again. She was beyond annoyed at this point. Heck, she was furious. The Toyger's tail lashed violently from side to side behind her and her ears were flattened down against her head. "Yeah, fantastic idea." She spat at her mentor's words, but for a split second the anger faltered when she got a better look at Springwind. Oh, he looked terrible. The apprentice's expression went blank, staring at him silently now. Well, what happened to him, then?

"Easy, Lynx," Hunterfang chided when he reached his brother, gently brushing his tail over Lynxpaw's shoulder. He blinked in surprise when Sorrelpaw started snarling, and instinctively, a low growl rose in Hunterfang's throat. But he quickly pushed it back and took a deep breath. "Sorrel, don't," He said warningly, earning a condescending, harsh look from Sorrelpaw, but the Tom only brought his gaze back to Lynxpaw. Then, he finally brought his gaze to Springwind... And flinched. Oh, what had happened to his former mentor? Springwind looked terrible. Had he been... Crying? Hunterfang felt a fresh wave of guilt wash over him. He should had been there for Springwind sooner. Whatever happened, it wasn't good. So what had happened? He wanted to know... Why his mentor looked so upset all of a sudden. But he didn't want to bring it up. So, for a long time, he just stared at Springwind, brown eyes flickering with concern, before lowering his gaze again. He didn't have to avoid Springwind anymore and he wasn't going to, but right now he didn't know what to say to him. So he said nothing, turning his gaze to Lynxpaw. "....We should go train too, Lynx."

Lynxpaw didn’t think he needed them. These battle moves Hunterfang was talking about. Only because Lynxpaw carried enough confidence that he could have every clan mate running from him, if he wanted. But, because he enjoyed spending every moment with Hunterfang, he didn’t mind a few battle moves. It was like Hunterfang had no faith in him! Lynxpaw was all claws. He was always ready to throw down when another proved they deserved a swipe on the cheek from a paw. When Lynxpaw ran into his sister and her mentor, he blew a raspberry in Sorrelpaw’s face. “Stay out my way then!” Back then, his toyger sister was a weirdo...even now she was one. Others were afraid of her, but Lynxpaw wasn’t. This was the same Molly he shared a mother and father with. This was the same Molly who nursed from the same queen with him. To Lynxpaw, they had that normal siblings bond that all siblings shared. He couldn’t stand her, she couldn’t stand him. As Hunterfang took up for him, Lynxpaw smiled greatly. He felt like he seized the entire world. “Aha.” He teased the female.

Springwind didn’t think he was ready to be in the outside world, interacting with others. Having to bury your mate and litter was just...overwhelming. It was too emotional for him, but he still needed to tend to duties. “Sorrelpaw, behave yourself.” He softly, scolded. Really, no power settles in his voice as he flicked his tail, lowly swishing behind him. He had gave a gentle nod towards Hunterfang. A small part of him was proud that the young warrior had an apprentice of his own. He just hoped Lynxpaw turn out as great as Hunterfang was. Springwind was ready to move out, “Let’s move along, Sorrelpaw.” His voice was quiet, he moved slowly, trekking about as of every step was painful. And, it was. Because he simply wanted to curl in a ball and cry. He refused to every hunt hare again. Hare was Beefire’s favorite meal. Oh, well, there’s the waterworks coming along. The white and grey tom cleared his throat.

“Okay...” now, Lynxpaw was quite baffled. The older warrior was usually so laid back and fun to be around. Why did he act like someone stole the last piece of his favorite prey from the food pile? Lynxpaw looked from Sorrelpaw’s unreadable expression to Hunterfang’s expected expression. He was waiting for him - but why wouldn’t they ask Springwind what was wrong with him? “So, are we just gonna completely ignore the fact that Springy’s gone mad at the world?” Cue the awkward chuckle from the male toyger as he flicked his tail upward. “Do I always have to do everything myself?” Lynxpaw gave a roll of his eyes, and instead of following instruction from Hunterfang, he trotted after Springwind, causing the sulking tom to stop abruptly in his tracks. “Alright, Mister Springy - what the heck is wrong with you?” Lynxpaw was generally curious. Really, nosy. If no one bothered to ask, then he would. Private or not.

Springwind was certainly taken aback. He looked back at Hunterfang, giving a questioning glance. His eyes were glossy, and he sighed. Lynxpaw didn’t mean any harm...but Springwind didn’t want to others pitying him for his losses. Moondream been taking care of him; bringing him freshkill (despite the girl not liking to hunt), she kept him company, she tried to cheer him up, and nothing ever worked. He wanted his niece to live her life as a warrior, not someone who was devoted to him while he was in this heartbroken mess. “I, um..” Springwind blinked. His pelt was heating with embarrassment. He didn’t want to tell the young boy why he was so sullen. Lynxpaw wouldn’t understand, so instead Springwind managed a shaky smile. “Um, how about we train together?” He asked, turning a hopeful gaze to Hunterfang. He didn’t need to be lonely right now. Especially if Sorrelpaw was counting on learning something today. “Battle moves you were going to practice, eh? Maybe Sorrelpaw and Lynxpaw could size each other up.” He shrugged, then looked down, and continued walking.