[AbsurdJinx]

Originally Posted by Queenie

Bumblepaw let out an irritable screech. But quickly quieted down as his mentor approached him, embarrassed for more than one reason. One for falling in the first place. Two for yowling like a young kit. His friends always made fun of him for his obnoxious yowling, he didn't want Smokethorn to make fun of him too.

But Smokethorn didn't look ashamed, in fact he looked worried. Worried he took on too big of a project Bumblepaw thought to himself. The apprentice shook his head when asked if his paw hurt, choosing not to make a sound. Nothing hurt, not physically at least. It was just a little tumble. Except his dignity. His dignity took a shot in the heart.

He started to trot around Smokethorn, as asked, displaying no pain. But his head had down a downcast look glued to his small face. "I'm fine." Bumblepaw murmured. He was starting to wish there were trees on moor, so he could run and hide in their shadows. He always wished there were trees. The laughs of his friends echoes in his ears as he pictured them teasing him and pointing their tails at his goofs.

Smokethorn wasn't bothered by Bumblepaw's frustrated screech. Smokethorn knew how irritating it could be to screw up. Believe it or not, he's messed up more things than he can count, but he likes to think he came out okay. After all, he has a loving family, a proud clan, an apprentice with potential - what more can he wish for? Smokethorn was glad to see Bumblepaw was walking fine and could even trot with great ease. He released a sigh of relief, ``Good. I'd prefer not to see you hurt.`` Smokethorn was very much aware of Bumblepaw's embarrassment, but he was not going to acknowledge it in fear of bringing even more shame to the young tom.

``Okay, I like to start off my apprentices' apprenticeship by describing the other clans. Knowing all about your rivals and allies can be half the battle,`` Smokethorn meowed intelligently, rocking back on his haunches. He tucked his tail behind his paws, and sat with his spine straightened. A warm gleam was visible in his dark eyes, a friendly expression on his face, but his posture was a reminder that Smokethorn had serious intentions. ``We'll start with ThunderClan. Right now, they're our rivals. I don't know if you're aware of this, but WindClan is preparing for a battle against ThunderClan. ThunderClan is known as the clan of the fierce and brave, and their specialty in battle is forest-fighting. If you're ever fighting a ThunderClan cat, try not to give them the advantage by fighting in the undergrowth. ThunderClan cats are not as speedy as us WindClan cats, so use your agility and swiftness against them. And be aware of their strength - do not let them pin you; you will not easily dislodge them. Maybe if I'm able to teach you a decent amount of battle techniques before the battle, I'll let you fight beside me.`` Smokethorn didn't expect to be able to teach Bumblepaw so much in such little time, and he honestly preferred not to see his apprentice in battle quite so soon, but he'd try his best.

Smokethorn didn't leave much time for Bumblepaw to ask questions or state comments as he jumped into the topic of ShadowClan. ``ShadowClan are known to be wily and proud. Currently, we are neutral with them, neither rivals nor allies. They tend to do everything in the dark - hunting, fighting. They use the dark to their advantage and are very stealthy, so if you ever have to fight one in the darkness, rely on your instincts and skill. If you are fighting one in the light, use your speed against them.

Now RiverClan is the clan of the clever and strong. They are also the clan of swimmers. Never fight one near water, as they will use the water against you. If you are fighting in the water, simply fight your best and do not take risks. Surrender if you must. Outside of water, RiverClan cats can be rather slow, but they are strong and clever. Do not allow them to pin you; they will be difficult to push off.

SkyClan is a very new clan, and the four other clans do not know much about them. I know they are very agile and determined. They use the trees to their advantage, so when fighting one, do not let them get to a tree. Also, you must have sharp senses when fighting one as they are agile and can easily catch you off balance. Fight them based off instinct.``

Smokethorn paused, briefly running over everything he just said. ``Now, I know each cat is their own feline and have different skills than their clan represents. A RiverClan cat might not be strong, but might be swift. As we train, I will teach you to study your opponent before and during battle. This way you can decide on how you'll fight them, and what skill you should rely on. I'll teach you everything you need to know, Bumblepaw. Do you have any questions? Anything at all?`` Smokethorn wanted to hear Bumblepaw say something, anything, even a comment. He wanted to hear what his apprentice thought of training.