MountainStar settles himself down in his nest, exhausted. He closed his eyes and carefully turned the knew information around in his mind. So they've taken an interest in Firepaw? He'll do me well. Might as well prep him for what is to come?

"He's too young now. Why waste his time as an apprentice on the weight of our future?"

"The way we train our kits is weak! They should be learning how to fight by 4 moons. Prepare their muscles, body, and mind for being a VolcanoClan warrior. I'll bring it up at the next meeting"

"Hey! That was my idea! You know I wanted to talk about that!"

"Firepaw's parents are insane anyway. Why pass on bad genes."

"EmberTail's a fine warrior!"

"Ever heard her not talk about honor and pride?"

"EmberTail's a he!"

"Why should I care?"

"Because I care!"

"I thought only I cared,"

"I like his name,"

"Fire's a good name too,"

"Silence!" MountainStar growled aloud. His cave was silent, and dark. Even in the day. It was beautiful, dark grey, the only thing that would have made it better was streaks of red here and there on the walls.

"At war with yourself again?" SootTail stepped into the darkness. He blended in perfectly with the shadow, I envied him for that, "When is that ever going to stop?"

"When they realize I'm the only one of us who truest deserves an opinion," MountainStar said, keeping his eyes closed.

"What did Magma say this time?" SootTail wasn't one for small talk. He and I agree it's a waste of valuable time.

MountainStar got up from his long rest, "Firepaw,"

"Any decisions?"

"I want him made a warrior early," SootTail look taken aback but made no move to stop MountainStar, for fear of his life. They both walked out to the clearing and admired the camp from their log perch.

"3 moons I think,"

"Just 3?"

"You have another idea SootTail?"

SootTail thought a moment, "Ashpaw and he are at an obvious rivalry, even if they don't consider it that. Let's make some competitions. Get all the apprentices excited then test their, strength."

MountainStar watched the warriors train with little interest, "It's an idea worth executing," MountainStar then turned to face SootTail, "What's going on in your life SootTail? Got a She-cat on your mind?"

"Maybe one," SootTail conceded a bit embarrassed to admit it, "Anyone to you sir?"

"No, we wouldn't be able to decide. I don't particularly understand love, it's pointless. Can't you just decide which she-cat has the best traits to pass down to offspring and have kittens with her?" MountainStar inquired.

"It's just a feeling, some cat you'd want to spend the rest of your life with. It's not just about kits," he took a quick glance back at MountainStar and then quickly looked down, "I see how a great leader wouldn't be able to understand that though, your very focused on your clans best survival and it shows."

"Don't flatter me SootTail, you're a friend after all," MountainStar then went to assess the evening patrol. Leaving SootTail in his position on discomfort.

"Who should I take with me?"

"HawkStrike would be fine"

"Nah! Let's get those lazy bums that call themselves warriors out of their dens!"

"Lets let Firepaw go, he needs t be better acquainted with the territory"

"I like that I idea"

"Ooo! Let's start some drama! Let Ashpaw go with em"

"Ashpaw needs to rest he's a kit"

"A stupid kit"

"Shut up I've made my decision!" MountainStar mentally yelled at the others, "HawkStrike! Firepaw! EmberTail! GiantFang! DeadEyes! You'll be accompanying me on patrol." He called in the middle of camp and waited for the cats to appear in front of him. Once they came he flicked his tail and they were off.
"MountainStar," HawkStrike whispered to his leader.
"Yes?"
"Ugh what does he want?"
"HawkStrike' s a respectable warrior!"
HawkStrike looked back at his apprentice, who had a hard time keeping up with the rest of the group, "Firepaw's a little weak for this kind of run, I was wondering if I could take him to go..."
MountainStar interrupted him, a little louder than a whisper to make sure Firepaw heard, "When I was an apprentice I did whatever my leader told me to. I met any challenge with the best I could manage and a little more. I expect the same from all of my warriors, if Firepaw wants to take it easy, then tell him to join RainClan,"
"You were a little harsh on the kid don't you think?"
"It's what he needed to hear"
"Still"
"Quiet! I need my mind at peace"
"You just want us to sit and listen to your thoughts?"
"Yes!"
"Fine"
"You have the body I guess"
"Sure"
"Whatever"
"Ugh!"
"Yes sir bossy boy"
"Shut up guys!"
And finally I have silence to enjoy a run. MountainStar leaped over tree roots. MountainStar sped up from the group, but was surprised to hear little paw steps behind him. He looked to see Firepaw running, with obvious pain and exhaustion burning in his expression. His form was sloppy, his speed was inconsistent, but he was ahead of everyone else. MountainStar slowed, "Firepaw. Your form is horrible fix it or you'll hurt yourself!"
Firepaw slowed a little and stared down at his paws, noticing how his legs flailed off to the side. He glanced at MountainStar and began taking long, leaping strides.
"Good. Now stay quiet and try to keep up!" MountainStar threatened speeding away as the other cats began to catch up, but he stayed for interest in the apprentices progress.
Firepaw mainly ran by HawkStrike, who was constantly yelling advice and "encouragement" into his ears. I don't blame HawkStrike for doing this however, he has created prosperous Warriors. MountainStar thought, keeping the two in the corner of his eye. Firepaw was keeping up well for the first portion of the run, but slowly fell back at the end. He arrived back at camp a while after the rest of the group, panting as he collapsed through the entrance.
MountainStar nodded to HawkStrike, as he and another MountainStar had made a plan previously.
HawkStrike walked towards the entrance and addressed his apprentice, "Go rest until moonrise. You and I will run the borders after you've eaten. Any complaints?"
Firepaw hung his head low but made no gesture of any differing opinion, he stalked slowly and sorely toward his den.
HawkStrike walked leisurely back to MountainStar, "Are you sure this isn't too much for him?"
"No no, not at all! The kid's a born VolcanoClan cat, besides, when I was his age I could run the borders three times and only then stop after catching a mouse. You will bring him to that condition in a moon HawkStrike. The rest of how he goes about getting there is up to you," MountainStar explained while cleaning a paw.

HawkStrike thought a moment and asked, "Do you think I should prepare him with more muscle conditioning from other things than running?"
"Like?"
"Climbing trees, swimming, basic attacks,"
"That sounds like an excellent idea. Make sure he knows how to hunt as well," MountainStar flicked his tail dismissively and HawkStrike walked off to join BadgerScar in their usual chat about battles.