#applestep

Applestep & Hopenut have a snuggle because a) i have a crush on a boy, b) I was watching a bunch of Simpsons and wanted to draw Applestep.

Also wanted to do some like...different stuff with the color. Hope it looks good.

Applestep placed her paw in front of Silentpaw who was bawling behind her at the crumpled sight of Capepaw face first in the gravel of the shallows. Krusty laughed, stepping gingerly over Capepaw's body.

"Aw it's just for a few laughs," the former Kittypet chuckled.

"Yeah well you just traumatized my apprentice and she's off as is," Applestep growled. Silentpaw squeaked and rushed to Capepaw's side, nudging him with her nose. "Why do you have to be so horribly cruel to Capepaw?"

"Cruel? I'm not being cruel!" Krusty purred, "He knows it's all for a laugh, right, kid?" Capepaw grumbled under the water. He looked up and saw Silentpaw lapping at his cheek. He smiled at her but as soon as Krusty started talking again, he started growling, making the water bubble. "He's the best apprentice I've had!"

"How is that possible!? You've beat him half to death!" Applestep bounded to Krusty's face. "I don't agree with beating students. And Silentpaw might be my first apprentice but-"

"Free comedy tip, slick," Krusty purred, "The gag only works if the sap's got dignity!" Nudging Capepaw with his back leg, he started off into the water. "C'mon Capepaw, you're going to catch me some fish and then I'm gonna just...take credit for catching them or whatever."

Applestep's ears flattened, looking like she thought about saying something else but thought better of it. She turned her head and flicked her tail at Silentpaw. "Alright, dear, c'mon, let me teach you how to swim in the deep end."

Silentpaw looked back at Capepaw then back at Applestep. "He'll be okay," she purred, "Won't you Capepaw?" Capepaw rose from the shallow water, shaking off his pelt.

"Yes, yes," he said, "It's going to take a lot more than that to take me down! Don't worry, Silentpaw." He winked at her then limped off to the deeper water. Silentpaw looked up at Applestep who shook her head.

Some episode moments played out with the cats.

I’ve got enough designs for them I think it’s time to start drawing actual scenes and such. My computer is broken so why not do some sketches!!!

Sparkpaw lowered her head, still looking back at Silentblaze like she was going to stab her in the back. But Silentblaze hadn't hurt her yet. And honestly it was nice being taught by a strong, beautiful she-cat. Despite being attached to Capeclaw's side most of the time, Silentblaze still had her own voice, her own teeth and her own claws. She was an expert in the water and just as good on land, unlike Capeclaw who was suited mostly only to the water. From afar when she wasn't assisting Capeclaw in killing her brother, Sparkpaw kind of admired this she-cat. So when Bonecurl got injured chasing a rat for Krusty and Sycamorefall had assigned Silentblaze to her, Sparkpaw had to admit she was...sort of excited!

"That's a dear," Silentblaze said, snapping her out of her thoughts, "Now press your whole body into the ground. You want to get a springy start when you're chasing rabbits." Sparkpaw nodded and did as she was told. "Absolutely perfect, luv, you're doing great."

Sparkpaw was beaming. Bonecurl complimented her but never this much! She looked up at Silentblaze who was peering out into the grass. She smiled. "Tell me what you smell, luv."

"Oh!" Was this a test?! Sparkpaw loved tests! "I smell...let's see." She parted her jaws and inhaled. "I smell the food piles but I also smell the river patrol coming back with fish, fire in twolegplace and...rabbit! Live rabbit!" Silentblaze nodded with approval. Sparkpaw grinned up at her.

"Alrigh' then," she said, "How's about you try and catch one of them rabbits?" Sparkpaw nodded, her eyes narrowed with determination. She parted her jaws and found the rabbit's scent. Stalking forward she turned an uncertain look on Silentblaze who smiled brightly and nodded.

Sparkpaw was ready. This was her first big catch! Maybe when she was done, Silentblaze would teach her how to fish! Then she'd be good at every type of hunting! She angled her ears forward and sniffed the air. Her mouth watered as she inched forward towards the rabbit. Steps away she bunched her muscles to leap.

"YAHOO!" Sparkpaw was almost bowled over by the rabbits as they ran. She gasped, sitting up, watching her prey run away. Her eyes watered then narrowed angrily at the cat who'd sent the rabbits running. She was nose to nose with Barkpaw.

"StarClan damnit, Barkpaw look what you've done!" Applestep jumped towards Silentblaze, breathing heavy. "Sorry Silent, we were trying to hunt those rabbit too. If Barkpaw had payed attention he would have known his sister was there." Applestep's eyes narrowed to slits as Barkpaw rolled his eyes.

"It's not like there won't be anymore rabbits," he yawned.

"But those were my rabbits," Sparkpaw wailed, "I almost had them and you ruined it!" She dipped her head and sniffled but stopped when she felt a paw go around her shoulder. Silentblaze had come to stand next to her new apprentice.

"How's about you apologize?" Silentblaze sneered at Barkpaw. Barkpaw looked up at Applestep who snorted at him, waiting for his apology.

"To my sister? No way," Barkpaw growled, "Especially if you ask." He stuck his tongue out at Sparkpaw who finally started crying. Silentblaze offered her a lick on the forehead before stalking towards Barkpaw, her eyes narrowed to slits.

"I said," she growled, "Apologize." Barkpaw shook with the same fear he had when Capeclaw greeted him with his name. He looked at Sparkpaw who was hiding behind Silentblaze and then Applestep who was fighting a laugh.

"S-s-sorry!!" Barkpaw turned tail and rushed through the grass back towards he and Sparkpaw's home.

"HA!" Applestep walked up to Silentblaze's side. "You really know how to scare'em, don'tcha Silent?" She rolled her eyes. "I suppose I should go after him. See ya at Stoat's tonight! Me'nHope'll be there with bells on." Applestep dashed after Barkpaw. Sparkpaw trotted up to Silentblaze's side.

"Tha-snf-thank you," she said, "He's always so mean to me."

"Then be mean right back."

"What?"

"I said be mean right back, luv." Sparkpaw watched in wonder as Silentblaze ran her tongue over her forepaw. "You're a smart kit, Sparkpaw. A very smart kit. Might even rule the clan someday if you keep your head right."

"REALLY?!" Sparkpaw gasped. Silentblaze nodded. Sparkpaw looked at her paws sheepishly. "Can you teach me to fish?" Silentblaze chuckled.

"Alright, I say we've had enough land for now anyway," she said, "Come on. You can tell me all about that kittypet you like to listen to by the fencepost."

full ref for Applestep