Shaded Moon

'''A/N: Moon here, like always. This story will be short, and will probably be a stand-alone. You have been warned. It's for Misty's contest, and I hope it works out! :D Hm, okay, can't think of a prologue. That's fine, just chapters then. '''

Chapter One
The two young she-cats sat huddled together, their gazes fixed upon the four blurry forms on the Great Tree, struggling to make out the shapes of the leaders.

Darkwhisker, the medicine cat, leaned toward his apprentice, hissing quietly, "Stop slouching."

Shadepaw made an effort to sit up straighter, but beside her, Moonpaw yawned, slumping down farther.

The two apprentices were littermates, and trying to stay awake for their first gathering, but, being new apprentices--barely six moons old--the late night was threatening to send them deep into sleep.

Moonpaw, a fluffly silver she-cat with dark blue eyes, glanced over wearily at Shadepaw, whispering quietly, "Ugh, who knew the gathering was so boring?"

Shadepaw was dark gray, with dark green eyes, and training to be a medicine cat. Now, trying to look dignified and medicine cat-like, she straightened her spine, and gave Moonpaw a stern look. "You should be paying attention to what the leaders are saying. It could be very important."

Moonpaw rolled her eyes, but before she could retort, her mentor, a creamy-brown she-cat named Hawkfeather gave them both annoyed looks. "Be quiet."

Shadepaw ducked her head, while Moonpaw yawned again, and glanced over the cats, studying the ones from different Clans. ''Isn't it strange how similiar they are to us, and yet so different? ''she asked Shadepaw curiously.

Moonpaw and Shadepaw had always had a special bond, able to communicate without making a sound, and understanding the other's feelings perfectedly. Now, Shadepaw replied, ''I guess so. I'm just worried about half-moon. What if the other medicine cat's don't like me? ''

Don't be silly, Moonpaw told her affectionately. Why wouldn't they like you?

To be continued...