Birth of Hope

The birth of hope is the first book in the Dawn of the Clans series.

Prolouge
 “My kit has arrived!” Hollowstar heard his newest warrior Emberclaw exclaim as he paddled through the camp. The tom was pacing the clearing and would peak inside the nursery once in a while. Hollowstar decided it would be a good idea to see the kits since they would become his warriors after all. No he heard his mind whisper ''that’s not why you want to see them. ''

 Ignoring his thoughts he paddled into the nursery where Cherryheart was watching her kit her eyes full of love. Hollowstar couldn’t help feeling a prick of jealousy although he knew he shouldn’t. Starclan had sent him the greatest of miracles and he knew it wouldn’t be right to complain.

 He could see that Bronzestripe, the medicine cat who sat patiently beside Cherryheart felt the same way. “He’s beautiful,” she murmured and Hollowstar could see the sorrow that clouded her eyes. Luckily Cherryheart missed it and purred, “I don’t know what I should name it,” she remarked, “he looks so different and I can’t think of a name that would suit him.”

 Hollowstar had to agree. With a tabby fur that had yellow stripes and deep brown eyes he looked very different from any other kit Hollowstar had ever seen. “Do you have any ideas?” Cherryheart asked him.

 Hollowstar wished he had a name for the kit but he couldn’t think of any so he shook his head. Emberclaw entered the nursery again and gave his mate a mole before sitting down beside her.

 “Are you talking about names?” he asked and when Hollowstar nodded he replied, “I can’t think of any name that would suit him.” Turning his head towards Bronzestripe he asked, “Do you have any ideas?”

 Bronzestripe stared at the stars for a few moments before bringing it back down and addressed Cherryheart, “Starclan has spoken,” she meowed, “They want this kit to be named Thunderkit.”  Cherryheart let out a confused sigh “who am I to object to the wishes of Starclan,” she murmured before turning to her kit and murmuring, “Welcome to Thunderclan, Thunderkit.”  Sharkstar pushed his way into the nursery looking for his kit. He found his mate Orangegleam resting in the corner of the nursery, a black bundle of fur sucking milk from her belly. “I’m calling her Shadowkit,” she meowed.

 Sharkstar bit back a reply. Cats were not supposed to be given the names of their clans and it had never happened before except with the first leaders of the forest, who the clans were named after. But Sharkstar knew that even though Orangegleam was his mate and even though the very dark gray colored she-cat who was so dark she almost looked black, was his kit and the name Shadowkit fit her very much, he had to point this out.

 “Orangegleam, I’m afraid we can’t name her that.”

 Orangegleam held her ground, “I’m naming her Shadowkit, and that’s that.”

 Sharkstar didn’t want to start a fight with his exhausted mate but he knew this was his only chance to change the kits name. He was opening his mouth to protest when Ravenfur, the medicine cat, paddled inside and meowed, “Don’t Sharkstar, allow her to name her kit however she pleases.”

 “But,” Sharkstar felt himself protesting, “What about Starclan. Won’t they be angry?”

 Ravenfur remained calm, “Starclan wanted this name for the kit.”

 “Why would Starclan worry about the name of a kit?” Sharkstar questioned his medicine cat afraid suddenly that there was something wrong. <p style="text-indent:0.5in;border-style:none;padding:0in;"> Ravenfur simply shrugged, “This is no ordinary kit.” <p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> As Mossstar returned from a hunting patrol with Rushhope and Spinningdream he heard his best friend Leaffall running to him. “My kit is born!” he yowled, “My kit is finally born!”

<p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> Mossstar had been planning to fetch some of the prey that he still had to carry back, but he signaled to his patrol that they would have to leave without him, quickly realizing that Leaffall wasn’t going to let him go without seeing his kit.

<p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> As Mossstar entered the nursery he realized that Crowflight’s kits must have been born too because Ashwood, her mate, was also waiting inside the nursery. Crowflight was originally a Windclan cat, but when she fell in love with Ashwood they started meeting each other secretly at the horse place. Eventually they realized they couldn’t continue meeting each other secretly, so Crowflight came to live in Riverclan. Mossstar hadn’t been pleased but he was grateful that they hadn’t lost one of their strongest warriors to Windclan instead.

<p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> Leaffall pointed at a kit laying underneath Marshmallowfall, his mate’s, belly. It was a blue-gray tom, who looked almost like Stonefur, the legendary Thunderclan leader Bluestar’s kit.

<p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> When Marshmallowfall saw Leaffall she whispered, “Starclan have sent me a dream. They want me to name this kit Riverkit.”

<p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> Mossstar couldn’t help feeling surprised by the attention Starclan was saying to this kit so he remarked, “Riverkit will make a great addition to our clan,” He was about to leave the nursery when decided to check on Ashwood and Crowflight’s kit. After all he did want to make Crowflight feel more welcome in his clan.

<p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> As he paddled over he noticed that the cat had the size and muscular shape of a Windclan cat, much like her mother. Mossstar couldn’t help feeling the slightest bit disappointed that the cat looked more from Windclan than it did from Riverclan.

<p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> Mossstar looked at the kit. It had very pale fur, and looked white in the areas where sun shined over his fur. “What are you naming him?” he asked her carefully.

<p style="text-indent:0.5in;"> “Breezekit,” Ashwood answered for his mate.

“Hello Breezekit,” Mossstar murmured but as he welcomed the kit he realized that his name didn’t sound right. Like it wasn’t the name the kit was supposed to have. Like Starclan wanted a different name for it.

Chapter 1
“You’re crow food Riverclan!” Thunderkit yowled as he pounced on top of Rufflekit, who leaped back in surprise. He wasn’t fazed for long though and quickly turned around and started clawing at him. Thunderkit easily dodged all his blows and dove for his feet, attacking them with his forearms. Rufflekit squirmed and tried to break free but Thunderkit had pinned him down. “Get off my littermate you Thunderclan scum,” Dragonkit yowled and he flung himself at Thunderkit, who was thrown off balance and fell into a pile of mud, staining his fur.

“You’ll pay for that one,” he yowled and flung himself at Dragonkit. Dragonkit was ready for Thunderkit and dodged his blow before counterattacking. Thunderkit quickly dodged out of the way and jumped on his face. He fell backward and his littermate quickly rushed to his aid. Together they started attacking Thunderkit, their feeble attempts matching each other. Thunderkit ran, before turning around and leaping on them, knocking them both of their feet. Quickly he started scratching at them with sheathed paws.

“Leave now, Riverclan, while we still show mercy,” he hissed in their ears.

“Never,” Rufflekit squealed and Dragonkit nodded, “we’re loyal to our fish faced Clan.”

“Thunderkit! Rufflekit! Dragonkit! Get back inside the nursery before it rains again,” Roundfang, Dragonkit and Rufflekit’s mother called.

“Coming,” all three kits squealed as they bounded into the nursery. While running to the nursery they ran past a couple warriors who gave them amused glances. Thunderkit felt himself going red at the attention before reminding himself that he would be leader one day and then he would have the attention of the whole forest.

His mother, Cherryheart, was waiting for him in the nursery. As soon as she saw him, she started fussing over him, cleaning his muddy fur asking if he got hurt, play fighting with kits older than him. Thunderkit proudly replied stating that he had taken down two kits single handed, when they were both older than him. Cherryheart was purring with pride when Dragonkit cut in, “Not true!” he protested, “We would have beat you if we had more time. You just got lucky.” But even as he said it, Thunderkit could see the admiration in his eyes.

Thunderkit knew very well that he was an excellent fighter. He had once fought off Rufflekit, Dragonkit and Ratpaw, when he used to be a kit. That was when he and Ratpaw used to be friends.

Now that he was an apprentice, Ratpaw had gotten really hot-headed and thought he was too cool to talk to them. Rufflekit and Dragonkit had promised them that when they became apprentices, which they were becoming the next day, they would never ditch him like that. Thunderkit barely even knew the newest kits in the nursery that were being nursed by Hailstorm, but he knew that he would never ditch his other nursery buddy Scrapkit when he became an apprentice a moon before him. Even Rufflekit and Dragonkit, who were two moons older than Scrapkit, had promised that they would always be friends. Thunderkit felt a pang of sorrow as he remembered his friend Scrapkit, who was in the medicine cat den with Bronzestripe, the medicine cat, and Cloudfur, her mother who wouldn’t leave her alone in there.

“Can we go visit Scrapkit?” Thunderkit asked his mother as Rufflekit and Dragonkit bounded up beside him. His mother thought about it for a second before nodding her head.

“But you have to be really quiet and promise that you won’t disturb Bronzestripe,” she warned them.

“We promise,” they all meowed in unison before bouncing off to the nursery.

Rufflekit was jumping around, still full of energy after the fight, “I can’t wait until tomorrow,” he was squealing, “I finally get to become an apprentice!”

Thunderkit felt a pang of jealousy that two of his best friends were going to become apprentices when he reminded himself that he should be happy for them, “some apprentice you’ll be, you can’t even defeat a kit, two against one,” Thunderkit meowed, his whiskers twitching with amusement.

Rufflekit shoved Thunderkit, his eyes gleaming mischievously before he shrugged, “At least I’ll be better than Ratpaw. All that lump of fur ever does is walk around bragging, and sleep on other clans territories.”

Thunderkit smirked. He would never forget the day that Ratpaw had come back from a hunting assessment, his mentor Badgerclaw not hiding his disappointment with his apprentice. Ratpaw had been on the dawn patrol the previous day and while hunting had accidently crossed the border without realizing it. He was so tired that he had fell asleep on the other side of the border and luckily Badgerclaw had found them before a Windclan patrol did. Thunderkit had actually felt bad for Ratpaw until he had started blaming the kits for making so much noise, preventing him from sleeping. And unbelievably, some apprentices had backed him up. Ratpaw had been punished pretty badly but the kits were forced to stay in the nursery for a few days because Badgerclaw had agreed that they were partly responsible.

“If you can’t do more than Ratpaw, you might as well still be in Roundfang’s stomach,” he purred. Dragonkit and Rufflekit laughed in agreement.

Thunderkit gulped as they entered the nursery. His insides filled with worry for what would happen to his friend Scrapkit. She had gotten green cough right after leaf bare had ended and now she was sentenced to the medicine cat den.

When the three kits entered the medicine cat den Scrapkit was laying on the floor, Bronzestripe at her side, making her eat an herb. Strangely, Cloudfur wasn’t there and Thunderkit assumed she was eating or sharing tongues with the other queens. When Bronzestripe saw the kits, she smiled, “Did you come to see Scrapkit?” she asked softly. The kits nodded and she warned them, “Only for a little while, she needs to rest.”

The three kits huddled up beside their friend. Thunderkit sent silent prayer to Starclan that his friend would heal. When Scrapkit sensed their presence she opened her eyes. “Whew, it’s you” she whispered with amusement, “I thought it was Cloudfur coming to bother me again.”

Thunderkit smiled but he felt especially worried for his friend. The kits said their goodbye’s before leaving their friend in the medicine cat den. On the way back to the nursery Thunderkit called to his friends, “why don’t we go to the nursery to hear a tale from the elders,” Rufflekit and Dragonkit both nodded enthusiastically and they made their way to the elder’s den.

Dragonkit sighed, “This will probably be the last time I listen to the elders telling stories.” Rufflekit nodded before adding brightly, “but we’ll be apprentices then, and warriors before you know it.” Thunderkit purred, happy for his friends who he considered littermates although they were not kin.

The elders had guessed that they would come because when they saw Thunderkit they smiled and waved their paws, beckoning them to come over. Excited the kits bounded over to Elder’s den and made their selves comfortable. When the three elders, Sproutleg, Stumpytail and Willowbreeze, saw Thunderkit, they paddled over to see him. Thunderkit was popular among the elders and he enjoyed their presence.

“Which story are you going to tell us today?” Dragonkit asked Sproutleg, the oldest elder who knew just about every tale.

Sproutleg thought for a moment before he asked, “Did I tell you about the story of when the badgers attacked Thunderclan camp and Midnight warned Leafpool and Crowfeather about the attack?” Thunderkit and Rufflekit nodded but Dragonkit shook his head.

“I’ve never heard of that one,” he asked, “can you tell us that one?”

“Okay,” Sproutleg nodded before starting his story, “So right after Leafpool and Crowfeather decide that they’re love for each other is stronger than their loyalty to both the warrior and the medicine cat code and run away they are approached by Midnight, the badger who warns them about an attack that badgers were planning. Leafpool then realized that she had to go back and warns her camp while Crowfeather offered to go to Windclan to get some help. When Leafpool arrives at camp, it is a bloody scene and the badgers seem to be ready to wipe out Thunderclan. Thunderclan is struggling until Windclan show up and help them chase the badgers out. Thunderclan thanks Windclan and Leafpool and Crowfeather finally except that no matter how much they love each other, they can’t be together and they’re destinies lie on different paths.”

“You forgot the part about Cinderpelt,” Rufflekit cut in and Sproutleg nodded.

“Cinderpelt, the Thunderclan medicine cat and Leafpool’s mentor was told by Starclan that she would die during that battle. So she got especially worried when he learned about Leafpool and Crowfeather. After she died in the battle against the badgers, Leafpool took her place and Cinderpelt was reincarnated as a kit of a mother who was giving birth to kits around the same moment that Cinderpelt died, and in her second life she got to become a warrior like she always wanted to be.”

Dragonkit was very into the story and Thunderkit found his self surprised his friend hadn’t heard this story. “Come on, let’s get back to the nursery,” Thunderkit meowed and they thanked the elders for the story before leaving.

When they came back to the nursery, they saw Snowfur lying in her den, much to their surprise, “what’s she doing here?” Rufflekit asked and when he realized how rude that sounded, he gasped and covered his muzzle with his paw.

But Roundfang’s patience wasn’t to be tested for she sternly meowed, “Time to go to sleep, all of you.”

“But I’m going to be an apprentice tomorrow,” Dragonkit protested.

“Which is exactly why you need to go to sleep. Now to bed, all of you.” <p style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> Thunderkit saw no point in arguing so he curled up beside Cherryheart, who shifted her position so it would be more comfortable for him. As Thunderkit slowly drifted to sleep, he thought he could hear a patrol coming back to camp. “Wake up, Thunderkit! Wake up!” Thunderkit groaned as Rufflekit prodded him, “I’m becoming an apprentice today.”

Thunderkit stretched as he got up and he could hear Dragonkit wondering out loud, “I wonder who my mentor will be. It would be amazing if I could get Hollowstar but he’s already mentoring Fiercepaw, that lucky fur ball. Maybe I’ll get Sparklelight or Firestorm would be cool too.”

Thunderkit’s whiskers twitched with amusement, when he noticed Rufflekit sitting quietly, not adding into what Dragonkit was saying. Thunderkit was about to ask him if he was okay when he heard Hollowstar calling him from the High ledge.

Thunderkit started bounding outside with Rufflekit and Dragonkit when an amused voice called, “you’re not apprentices yet” Roundfang was smiling as she approached her kits.

“We just want to see what’s going on!” Rufflekit complained, “We won’t cause any trouble.”

“Fine,” Roundfang sighed and when the kits stared at her or a few seconds, “are you going to listen to what Hollowstar has to say or not?”

The kits started bounding off when Roundfang called, “Thunderkit, may I quickly speak with you.” Thunderkit turned around and Rufflekit and Dragonkit followed but Roundfang signaled for them to leave.

“Why?” Dragonkit protested, “You’re our mother so what are you hiding from us?”

Roundfang replied, “What I am about to say is for Thunderkit only. Now go!”

The soon to be apprentices walked away leaving Thunderkit with Roundfang. “Now Thunderkit,” Roundfang started, “Bronzestripe told me I still have enough milk to feed you for another moon, but we weren’t sure if you wanted it.”

Thunderkit shook his head, “I don’t need it,” he declared, “I can eat fresh kill.” Cherryheart didn’t have any milk to give to Thunderkit, which was a rare occurrence so he had to drink Roundfang’s milk. It seemed strange to a lot of cats that Cherryheart wouldn’t be able to provide milk because Bronzestripe had been unable to find anything that could have caused his mother to lose her milk, so it made some cats suspicious, which made Cherryheart angry that cats would question her.

Roundfang nodded and flicked her tail indicating that he could leave. Thunderkit dashed away until he found Rufflekit and Dragonkit who were listening to what Hollowstar was saying. “Did I miss anything?” he asked Rufflekit who shook his head.

“He’s just talking about the Gathering yesterday.” Thunderkit suddenly remembered that there had been a gathering the previous night and turned his attention to Hollowstar who was still talking.

“Shadowclan has hinted that they want to take back the territory that our ancestors Firestar and Lionblaze fought for. I don’t understand how Sharkstar could want to start the battle which their loyal deputy Russetfur was killed in. After all it was the Dark Forest who wanted this battle that took place many, many moons ago.”

“If they ask for the territory will we give it to them?” Roboflight, one of the senior warriors called.

“I can assure you that Thunderclan will fight for that land,” Hollowstar promised, “It would look weak to give it to them, and after Shadowclan got that strip of land they would just ask for more.”

Murmurs of agreement swept through the clan and Aquatail called out, “but it was the Dark Forest’s will that the battle there happened last time, so isn’t it dangerous to fight over that land again.”

This time the clan was murmuring again loudly and Thunderkit hoped that Hollowstar wouldn’t allow Shadowclan to take their territory. To his relief Hollowstar objected, “Then we were attacking Shadowclan territory, now we are defending ours. We will fight for this land.”

Murmurs of agreement swept through clan again and someone let out a battle cry. But Hollowstar wasn’t done yet. “We have to kits ready to be apprentices today,” he called to the cats bellow him.

“He’s going to do it now?” Rufflekit was frantic, “but I was going to ask him if-”

Dragonkit cut him off, “Come on Rufflekit let’s go!”

“Not so fast,” Roundfang was behind them, “You can’t go like this, you look terrible.” She quickly started to groom the cats and they both tried breaking free.

Hollowstar continued, “Rufflekit and Dragonkit are ready to become apprentices today.” Both kits hesitated and Roundfang pushed them forward. Both kits shyly started to move towards the High ledge.

Hollowstar addressed the kits now, “Dragonkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be an apprentice. From this day on, until you receive you warrior name, you will be known as Dragonpaw. Your mentor will be Frostcloud. I hope Frostcloud will pass down all she knows to you.” <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> Hollowstar signaled to Frostcloud to come forward, “Frostcloud, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent quality training from Emberclaw, and you have shown yourself to be loyal and smart. You will be the mentor of Dragonpaw, and I expect you to pass down everything you know to Dragonpaw.”

Thunderkit watched as Dragonkit and Frostcloud touched noses, and Hollowstar turned to Rufflekit but before he could begin Rufflekit cut him off, “Hollowstar, I wish to become a medicine cat apprentice.”

The clan gasped and looked around at each other curiously. Hollowstar didn’t object but simply commented, “You should have told me before Rufflekit, but we can make you a medicine cat apprentice if Bronzestripe is okay with that.”

Bronzestripe stepped out of her den, “Of course I’m okay with it, and I have been in need of an apprentice for a while.”

“Rufflekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be an apprentice. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Rufflepaw. Your mentor will be Bronzestripe. I hope that she will pass down everything she knows to you.”

Bronzestripe stepped forward, “Cats of Thunderclan, as you know, I will not be around forever. So it is time I took an apprentice. I will mentor a cat who has shown energy and thoughtfulness. Your next medicine cat will be Rufflepaw.”

Thunderkit felt himself going numb. Since when did Rufflekit-Rufflepaw now, want to be a medicine cat apprentice?

Hollowstar asked Rufflepaw, “Do you accept the post as apprentice to Bronzestripe?”

Rufflepaw nodded, “I do.”

“Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Moonpool to be accepted by Starclan before the other medicine cats,” Bronzestripe meowed.

Hollowstar finally concluded the ceremony by dipping his head to Rufflepaw, “The good wishes of all Thunderclan will go with you.”

Finally Bronzestripe and Rufflepaw touched noses as the clan started chanting, “Rufflepaw! Dragonpaw! Rufflepaw! Dragonpaw!”

Both of Thunderkit’s friends stood proudly and when they finally came down, Thunderkit asked Rufflepaw, “How long have you wanted to be medicine cat?”

Rufflepaw thought about a little, “For I while I guess,” He finally decided, “There was always this voice inside me telling me to be medicine cat and I ignored it, I guess, until just now.”

Dragonpaw couldn’t stay in place, “I’m going to talk to Frostcloud to see if there is anything she wants me to do.”

Rufflepaw nodded, “I should go see if there is anything Bronzestripe wants.”

As the two cats bounded away Thunderkit decided to go visit Scrapkit, “wait up Rufflepaw!” he called, “I want to see Scrapkit.”

Rufflepaw slowed down and waited for Thunderkit to catch up. The two cats walked to the nursery where Bronzestripe was crouching over Scrapkit feeding her another herb. The two kits walked up to where Scrapkit was lying and Rufflepaw dipped his head respectfully towards his mentor.

Bronzestripe looked hoarse, “I’m afraid she’s going to die,” she wailed, “probably very soon. I don’t think she will see the next sunrise.”

Panic fluttered up Thunderkit’s body and he started to become very worried. “Where’s Cloudfur?” he asked Bronzestripe.

“I sent Cloudfur to get some fresh kill. I don’t want her to know about Scrapkit’s condition.” She replied hoarsely.

Thunderkit bristled, and worry and anxiety for his friend made him rude and impatient, “Cloudfur is Scrapkit’s mother. She has every right to know.” He snapped, “What kind of medicine cat are you?”

Bronzestripe looked worried and Thunderkit could see pain piercing her gaze, “It’s painful to lose a kit,” she rasped in a voice unlike the one she had during Rufflepaw’s apprentice ceremony, “You wouldn’t understand.”

“And you do!” this time it was Rufflepaw. Thunderkit found hisself surprised that Rufflepaw had turned against his mentor on his first day as her apprentice.

Bronzestripe didn’t answer that question; instead she gazed at Thunderkit which made his fur prickly. He didn’t like the look Bronzestripe was giving him, and he feared that he had already made an enemy of the clan’s medicine cat.

Thunderkit was about to open his mouth to say something when Cloudfur walked into the den. “Where’s Scrapkit?” she demanded. Thunderkit gave Rufflepaw a worried glance and he returned it.

Cloudfur walked over to her kit’s body and started to groom it, “Cloudfur,” Bronzestripe began, “I think Scrapkit will die by the next sunrise.”

“Nooooo!” Cloudfur wailed, “Why Starclan?” she yelled, “Whyyyyyy meeeeee?” Grief clouded eyes but the queen continued to groom her kit. Rufflepaw knelt down beside her.

After a while Cloudfur got up. She murmured some encouraging words to her kit then turned to Bronzestripe, “I can’t bear to watch my kit die. I have to leave now. And since I’m old enough, I am going to retire and become an elder.”

Bronzestripe nodded, “and you will be honored as one.” Cloudfur left the medicine cat den with her tail drooping.

Rufflepaw was crouching over Scrapkit’s body. Suddenly her body started jerking around and her eyes fluttered open. She started gasping, struggling for breath, “Scrapkit are you okay?” Thunderkit yowled as he ran towards her.

She shook her head choking, “I’m dying Thunderkit.”

“Scrapkit, no!” Rufflepaw yowled.

“Just tell Cloudfur that she was a great mother and,” she gasped, “thanks for being such great friends.”

“Scrapkit,” Rufflepaw edged closer to the dying cat and Thunderkit backed away in horror, “you promised me though,” Rufflepaw’s voice was choked out.

“I’ll be waiting for you in Starclan, Rufflepaw,” she gasped, “Besides you are a medicine cat now, it was never meant to be.”

“But I became a medicine cat to save you,” Rufflepaw cried.

“You will save many cats,” Scrapkit managed to murmur, “But I won’t be one of them,” then very quietly she whispered, “I love you,” before her body became limp.

“She rests with Starclan now,” Rufflepaw murmured. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">

Bronzestripe looked shocked, and her eyes were still very wide, “You became medicine cat to save Scrapkit,” she demanded, “and she promise that she would become your mate when you became warriors.” Bronzestripe looked horrified and yet Thunderkit thought she saw some sympathy for the warrior in her gaze, “you know that medicine cats aren’t allowed to have mate’s don’t you?”

“Yes,” Rufflepaw sighed his head still down from grief, “But I would rather love a cat and not be able to have them than love a dead cat and have to wait until I reach Starclan to visit them.” Rufflepaw explained.

Bronzestripe had a strange look on her face that Thunderkit couldn’t sort out. “So do you want to become a warrior apprentice now?”

But Rufflepaw shook his head, “I can’t let this happen to any other cat. I don’t want to make anyone else feel my pain. I will stay as a medicine cat to honor Scrapkit.”

“You won’t be able to take any mates,” Bronzestripe warned him.

“Scrapkit was the only mate I could have ever had,” Rufflepaw replied, “I want to become a medicine cat apprentice.”

“Good,” Bronzestripe let out a breath of relief, “do you want to tour the territory so I can show you where to find herbs?”

“Sure,” Rufflepaw answered and he left the medicine cat den with Bronzestripe. Thunderkit went to touch noses with the cold body of Scrapkit before leaving the den as well. He felt so overwhelmed by what had just happened.

 Rufflepaw and Scrapkit were going to become mates,  Thunderkit felt a great rush of pity for his friend. He also was scared of Bronzestripe. She acted so weird around him, he was afraid that he had already made an enemy of her. He deiced to go where he always went when he felt upset or overwhelmed; the elders’ den.

When Willowbreeze saw him she beckoned with her tail for him to come to her. “I got good and bad news,” Thunderkit announced, “which one do you want first?”

“The good news,” Stumpytail huffed walking up to him.

“Cloudfur is moving to the elders’ den,” he announced

“So then the bad news is that...”

“Scrapkit is dead,” Thunderkit murmured with grief

“She rests with Starclan,” Willowbreeze murmured, “I’ve heard that Rufflepaw has become a medicine cat. That’s good news for the Clan. Starclan knows, Bronzestripe is as old as Hollowstar and he only has three lives left.”

Thunderkit nodded deciding not to tell them about the relationship between Rufflepaw and Scrapkit.

“I suppose you want a story?” Stumpytail asked and Thunderkit nodded.

“Can you tell me the story about the final battle against the Dark forest?”

Stumpytail nodded and began his story, “The clans had all been waiting for this battle. The clan leaders had met the last Sunrise and promised to help each other in the final battle. Brokenstar had threatened all of his recruits saying that if any of them betrayed them they would be killed. When the battle started most of the recruits turned on the Dark Forest, saying that they would rather die than be disloyal to their Clan. Some cats did turn against the Clans and they were killed. With the help of the Star Clan recruits, the Clans won, but many cats died, including Hollyleaf, the sister of Lionblaze and Jayfeather, and Spottedleaf, Firestar’s old love before Sandstorm. However, Tigerstar refused to back down and he and Firestar had a final battle in which Firestar killed Tigerstar. But shortly after Tigerstar was killed a tenth time, Firestar died from the battle wounds and went to Starclan. Brambleclaw took his place and became Bramblestar and he picked Squirrelflight, his former mate, as his deputy.” Stumpytail concluded his story.

“What about the final prophecy?” Thunderkit asked, “Can you repeat it to me?”

Stumpytail nodded again, “''There will be three cats, kin of your kin, with the power of the stars in their paws. They will find a fourth, and the battle between light and dark will be won. A new leader will rise from the shadows of his death, and the clan will survive beyond the memories of his memories. This is how it always has been, and how it will always be.”''

Chapter 2
Shadowkit crept through the ferns and pull her legs back preparing to pounce. Her body itched with tension as she waited for the patrol to return. She needed the element of surprise or there would be no point to this. Shadowkit lifted her nose and sniffed the air. She could smell the patrol coming. She arched his back, her battle reflexes ready, and waited. Finally she could see the patrol pass by. Wait,  she warned herself, wait. She waited as the patrol swept by and the back of the patrol was right in front of her, Now! Shadowkit jumped out of the ferns and leapt onto Sharkstar, who turned around wildly. Shadowkit snuck back into the ferns. Sharkstar continued looking around and Shadowkit quickly jumped on him again before running back into the ferns.

Sharkstar sniffed the air, his hackles rose before bringing them down and twitching his whiskers with amusement, “You really scared me for a second there Shadowkit.”

Shadowkit hopped out of the ferns smiling at her father’s praise, “Wasn’t I great?” Mistheart, one of the warriors on the patrol purred at the kit and the rest of the patrol headed into the camp which was right behind them.

Sharkstar licked his kit affectionately, “You are very good at stealth and night fighting,” he purred, “You are a true ShadowClan cat. And ShadowClan cats need their sleep,” he flicked his tail towards the nursery, “Go back to the nursery before Orangegleam starts worrying about you.” Shadowkit flicked her tail impatiently before stomping off to the nursery.

Shadowkit knew she was really good at stealth and night battling which were ShadowClan’s strengths. She had tried to convince Sharkstar to let her become an apprentice a moon early, and when Sharkstar refused, saying it was ridiculous; Shadowkit had decided to try to prove that she was ready.

Sharkstar had scowled at her, warning her that it would be like what the old ShadowClan leader, Brokenstar had done. Shadowkit knew of Brokenstar of course. Almost all of the nursery tales were about him and Tigerstar the other ruthless Shadowclan leader. Shadowkit’s favorite nursery tale was the one about the six cats’ journey to meet Midnight and their way back, which was one of the few nursery tales that didn’t have anything about Tigerstar or Brokenstar. The tale was told from Tawnypelt’s point of view and Shadowkit could listen to the story all day and she wouldn’t get bored.

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Orangegleam was waiting for her in the nursery and smiled when she saw her kit enter. Shadowkit bounded up to her mother; her tail high sat down in the nursery, “Where are Purplekit, Redkit and Pinkkit?” She asked her mother when she noticed that Flapcloud’s three kits were missing.

“Flapcloud took them out for a walk,” her mother replied and passed her kit a frog. Shadowkit’s mouth watered. Cats from other Clans and even several Shadowclan cats though frogs and toads were disgusting, but Shadowkit relished their taste. She liked the stickiness and tartness as well as the texture of the prey.

Shadowkit quickly gulped down the prey and yawned. “I think that you are old enough to stay in the nursery alone for a night,” Orangegleam meowed while stretched, and when Shadowkit gave her a funny look, she explained, “I am going to the gathering tonight, I have to leave you in the nursery.”

Shadowkit nodded and she knew that she wouldn’t be able to go to sleep. She was probably going to have to stay up all night wondering about her mother and the gathering. Orangegleam got up and started to walk towards the fresh kill pile to get herself a shrew.

Shadowkit sensed it before it happened. Quickly she jumped out of the way before Redkit tried to pounce on her. Redkit landed on moss and exclaimed, “How did you do that?” Shadowkit simply purred.

“Hey!” Purplekit jumped in, “Why don’t we play Prey-stone.” All the other cats nodded. Prey-stone was a game that was thought of by three Shadowclan cats. The objective of the game is to get the ‘prey’, a stone into a hole, which is the gap in between two trees. The team which got it into the Prey-hole would win a point, and if the other team blocked them they would win a point.

“I want to be with Purplekit,” Pinkkit yowled.

“So I’m stuck with Redkit,” Shadowkit moaned teasingly.

“Hey!” Redkit pounced on Shadowkit, who rolled over before sheathing her claws and attacking her friend.

“Hey,” Purplekit cut in, “Are we going to play Prey-stone or not?” Redkit and Shadowkit immediately calmed down.

“Wait!” Pinkkit squealed, “Flapcloud told us we had in stay in the nursery.” Shadowkit sighed. Flapcloud was a very protective mother who was constantly fussing over her kits. Shadowkit was so glad that Orangegleam wasn’t that strict, or she didn’t know what she would do all day.

The other kits were crestfallen and Purplekit cut in, “We should just sneak out,” excitement tingled in her voice she added, “It would be even more fun.” The other kits all nodded.

Slowly the kits crawled out of the nursery. They ducked under the bramble thicket and were making their way out of camp when Sharkstar saw Flapcloud’s kits. “Hey,” he called the kits, “Do you know where Shadowkit is? I want to have a word with her.”

Shadowkit smirked, Sharkstar hadn’t even noticed that she was there but instead he had noticed Flapcloud’s kits. Her thrill quickly changed into anxiety though when she realized that she must be in trouble if Sharkstar wanted to see her. Flapcloud’s kits must have sensed it too, because they innocently shook their heads. Sharkstar nodded and flicked his tail, “You can go outside and play your game.”

When the three kits had bounded off Sharkstar sniffed the air before pushing his was behind the bush where Shadowkit was hiding. “I smelled you,” he purred, “next time you should try to stay downwind so that your scent doesn’t drift.”

Shadowkit was surprised, ''was her father trying to train her? ''Sharkstar continued, “That’s how I scented you during the patrol.”

Shadowkit rolled her eyes, “I purposely hid somewhere where you would smell me so you wouldn’t freak out and think that it was a patrol, and I just forgot this time. I was sneaking out of camp so I wasn’t trying to hide from you.”

Sharkstar flicked his tail, “Are you trying to train me?” Shadowkit suddenly burst out.

Sharkstar took a deep breath, “Follow me,” he flicked his tail to the leader’s den. Curious, Shadowkit followed her father into the leader’s den.

Once they were in his father’s den Shadowkit looked around curiously. She had never been in the leader’s den before and had always wondered what it looked like. Sharkstar waited patiently as she looked around and finally turned to her leader.

Sharkstar began, “The day you were born your mother wanted to name you Shadowkit which I was against because it was against Clan tradition to name a kit after her Clan. However, Ravenfur told me that Starclan wanted you to have this name and when I asked him why Starclan cared, he told me that you were no ordinary cat.”

“So,” Shadowkit hesitated, “I’m your daughter; of course I’m no ordinary cat.”

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“Well,” Sharkstar continued, “a couple nights ago Starclan sent me a dream. They told me that the Clans were about to be tested, like they had never been tested before and that four cats, who they also mentioned were currently kits, would lead the clans through this test that Starclan had set up for us. They also said that the test would be made by three kits that could change the way of the clans forever.”

Shadowkit wanted to ask what made her father think she was special, but she already knew why. Shadowkit wasn’t even sure she wanted it to be another cat. The idea of leading the Clans gave her a thrilling amount of excitement and pride, but also anxiety at what would happen if she failed.

“Don’t worry,” Sharkstar added seeing the concern in her eyes, “there still is a long time until that day, but I want to have you prepared.”

“But,” Shadowkit cut in, “what about Redkit, Purplekit and Pinkkit, won’t they realize something is up.”

“I’m going to tell the Clan,” Sharkstar replied, “and the other Clans.”

“The Clan,” now Shadowkit was worried, “but are you sure…”

Sharkstar cut her off, “During the battle against the Dark Forest, ThunderClan couldn’t even tell their warriors about what had happened and because of that the Dark Forest got more dangerous than it would have been. I am going to train kits know because I don’t know what is in store for us and our kits need to be ready to defend ourselves,” However Sharkstar added seeing the look of excitement that crossed Shadowkit’s face, “I will not be training you like an apprentice. Just some stretches and a small amount of defense tactics. We can’t afford to be like Brokenstar.”

Shadowkit nodded, “One more question,” she asked, “didn’t StarClan send other Clan leaders dreams, and how do you plan to tell them?

Sharkstar shrugged, “StarClan told me that I was the only cat who received this dream,” he sighed, “as for how I’m going to tell the Clans. I am going to ask for the territory that ThunderClan took from us a while ago is given back to us. This will be a pretty obvious hint that dark times are approaching because last time the battle was because of the Dark Forest.”

Shadowkit nodded. She understood his father’s reasoning, but she knew it would take a lot of courage to say that in front of the other Clans. Sharkstar flicked his tail indicating that she was dismissed.

Shadowkit ran out of the nursery and out of the camp where the other kits were waiting for her. “What did he want?” Pinkkit asked.

Shadowkit shrugged, “Nothing,” but it must have been obvious that she was lying because all three kits gave her curious looks. “So,” Shadowkit bounced in when nobody said anything, “Are we going to play or not?”

The kits started playing their game but Shadowkit’s thoughts kept wondering back to her conversation with her father. ''I am destined to lead the Clans. ''Shadowkit was proud, but even as a Shadowclan cat, her pride was barely noticeable under all of the other feelings that kept coming up about being a special cat.

“Shadowkit, Shadowkit!” Redkit exclaimed, “Are you playing or not,” Shadowkit blinked, realizing that Pinkkit had just snatched the rock from her and she hadn’t even realized it. She shook her head.

“I’m sorry I just don’t feel like playing today,” she apologized.

Purplekit frowned, “You were the one who wanted to play so bad,” and then added, “Did Sharkstar say something that bothered you.” <p style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> Slowly Shadowkit nodded and the she-kits all crowded around her, Shadowkit realized that it couldn’t hurt to tell them because Sharkstar was going to tell the whole Clan anyways. She sat down and took a deep breath. This was going to be hard to explain. Shadowkit was eating her vole when she heard Sharkstar from the High branch. “Are you going to listen?” Purplekit asked. Shadowkit shook her head. She wasn’t ready for this. She put her head down and quietly waited as she heard all of the warriors and apprentices paddling out of their dens to listen to Sharkstar’s announcements.

She waited as she heard the cats settling down and Sharkstar talking.

“As you know there is a gathering tonight. During the gathering I will ask for the land that Thunderclan took from us a long time ago back when Blackstar was the leader of ShadowClan.” Murmurs quickly swept among the clan and Sharkstar continued before anyone could comment, “This is because I have received a dream from StarClan, telling me that the Clans will soon be tested, like they have never been tested before and that only four cats will be able to guide us through this struggle.”

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Sharkstar remained quiet as the murmurs continued. Shadowkit could hear some gasp and some wails but nobody denied what Sharkstar said. Nobody ever denied what Sharkstar said. Sharkstar was one of the noblest cats in the Clans, and a lie had never escaped from his mouth. He had never made any suggestions that had harmed anybody either. Sure, Sharkstar was fierce and proud, and even, like all Shadowclan cats, cold-blooded, but nobody could doubt his nobility or honesty.

When the talking finally quieted down Sharkstar continued, “I am asking for this land because I hope the other clans will view it as a bad omen and understand that something big is about to happen as I was told in my dream that I was the only leader who had this dream.”

Some cats howled to that, delighted that Shadowclan was finally chosen for something special. It was almost always ThunderClan who received the prophecies and the prophesized cats.

“I also want to start training kits,” Sharkstar put in and some cats gasped, “But,” Sharkstar continued, “We will only teach them to defend their selves, not fight or hunt.”

All the cats who had gasped in rage were now breathing sighs of relief or cheering on Sharkstar who was still talking, “No other Clans can know about this, because, although our training will be nothing like apprentice training, and our kits’ trainers will be very soft and easy on them, other Clans may accuse us of breaking the Warrior Code.”

Shadowkit recognized the voice of the she-cat Buzzheart as she called, “Who will be the kits mentors?”

Sharkstar answered, “Nobody. Apprentices will take turns teaching kits self defense only. We are not training them, just helping them learn to defend their selves. However,” he added flicking is tail towards the she-cat, “you can oversee the apprentices and arrange which apprentice will be helping them learn self defense.”

Buzzheart nodded and there was a long silence. Finally a voice Shadowkit couldn’t recognize cut in, “Who are these cats that will guide us.”

Shadowkit prepared her ears and clenched her teeth. She had not even told Flapcloud’s kits that she was one of the cats. To her greatest relief Sharkstar didn’t tell the clan. “I don’t know,” Shadowkit found herself surprised at her father’s lie when she realized it wasn’t a lie. Her father had just guessed it was her. He didn’t know that for sure. “However, I think it is one cat from each clan.”

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Shadowkit guessed her father dismissed them then, because she could hear cats whispering and Flapcloud’s kits came inside the nursery, followed by Buzzheart. “Okay,” she began, “I want you to understand, Shadowkit, that you will start your training when you become an apprentice and Redkit, Purplekit and Pinkkit will get half a moon of defensive training.”

Shadowkit gave her a curious look and Buzzheart explained, “I have decided not to start your training until a moon later and you will be an apprentice in a moon.” Shadowkit puffed her chest despite herself. Sometimes she found it hard to believe she would be taught how to actually fight and sneak up on her enemies. She wasn’t even sure she wanted this defensive training. Defense was for a kittypet, although she couldn’t help wondering if Sharkstar would approve when he wanted to do it so that she could learn defense.

Redkit, Purplekit and Pinkkit were half a moon younger than Shadowkit so they would get half a moon of training. The kits all nodded to Buzzheart who disappeared. “I can’t believe it!” Pinkkit exclaimed, “They’re teaching us defense. It is ridiculous. They should teach us fighting too.”

Shadowkit shook her head, despite how much she wanted to be an apprentice right now. There was a reason the Warrior Code was made and a reason that an age limit for apprenticeship was on there. They had to listen to StarClan. Faith was very important.

A short while later Wingpelt, the Clan deputy, called the warriors who she was taking to the gathering. Shadowkit listened as she called out her mother’s name. Orangegleam gave her an affectionate lick before disappearing through the bramble thickets. Shadowkit watched her leave the nursery and wait beside the other cats going to the gathering.

Flapcloud was sitting in the nursery beside her kits that were chomping down on a vole. Normally Shadowkit would have snuck up on them but now she didn’t feel in the mood. ''Am I a cat destined to lead the Clans? ''Shadowkit wasn’t sure anymore. She decided to go ask Ravenfur when she remembered that the medicine cat was going to the gathering as well. Sighing, she put her head on her paws and tried to fall asleep.

'' Starclan is calling you Shadowkit, you have no need to feel afraid. Don’t try to run from the truth; you can’t escape your destiny. ''

Shadowkit gasped as she realized she was in her den. As she looked around she noticed her mother sleeping in her den and realized that the gathering must have finished. But Shadowkit was sure she recognized that thick-furred, muscular, large black she-cat with green eyes. She couldn’t remember at the time but she knew a cat like that. Not somebody that she knew personally but somebody she always heard stories of. It was just a dream, Shadowkit thought to herself, ''it was just a dream. ''

But was it a dream from StarClan? Shadowkit decided not to think about that and to try to fall asleep. She knew it was too late to go to the elders den so she repeated her favorite story of Tawnypelt’s journey to herself, the way elders said Tawnypelt told the story herself.

'' No amount of strength, speed, stealth or even loyalty can be greater than or take you through what the greatest gift StarClan has given us can. In order to survive and in order to thrive, we must always maintain our faith, Faith in StarClan, Faith in our Clan, Faith in our Clanmates, and Faith in ourselves. ''

Chapter 3
“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the High stone for a Clan meeting!”

Riverkit jumped when he heard Mossstar calling his clan. He saw Breezekit pulling herself up too, and waited for the kit to catch up to him before walking out of the nursery. As the two cats started walking towards the clearing, Leaffall, Riverkit’s father, blocked them. Riverkit tried to shove past his father but he wouldn’t budge.

“Sorry Riverkit, but you need to stay in the nursery. The Clan has much to mourn and we don’t want kits to get in our way.” Riverkit sighed and he could see Breezekit lashing her tail. “Why don’t you go play with Droopytail’s kits?” he offered.

Breezekit replied, “”Droopytail took them outside on a walk.” Leaffall sighed and flicked his tail towards the nursery.

“We’ll stay at the edge of the clearing,” Riverkit pleaded. Now that he knew something big had happened, he was even more determined to listen to what Mossstar was going to say. Leaffall looked thoughtful and was still thinking when Ashwood, Breezekit’s father, came up. “Don’t worry, I’ll watch over them.”

Riverkit wanted to jump with relief. He would be able to hear the news after all. Leaffall nodded and went over to touch noses with Mossstar before sitting down with the other cats. Riverkit purred. His father was a very important member of the clan and was the warrior Mossstar trusted most.

Breezekit and Ashwood were talking about the usual things a father would talk about with his kit. Breezekit was a lot closer to Ashwood than most kits were to their parents because Ashwood had risked so much to give birth to Breezekit by taking a cat from another Clan as a mate and bringing her to his Clan. None of the kits judged Breezekit for what her parents had done, but some warriors would send dirty glances or glares towards Breezekit which she never missed. Riverkit felt bad for his friend when this happened, as it wasn’t even her fault that her parents had done things they weren’t supposed to.

Suddenly, the Clan quieted down and Riverkit craned his neck to see what was going on. A body was being carried through the camp which Riverkit failed to recognize, and when Riverkit looked at Mossstar he could see the sorrow that clouded the leader’s eyes.

“RiverClan!” Mossstar began, “Today we ran into a couple badgers near the Horse Place. We sent a patrol to drive them out of our territory consisting of Salmonfall, Honorlight, Runningwave and Squirmheart.” The Clan stayed quiet and Mossstar continued, “We drove the badger out, but during the attack one of our warriors was fatally injured and dead by the time he came back to the Clan.”

'' Who? '' Riverkit’s heart pounded as he tried to see the body, “Squirmheart, my very loyal deputy, now hunts with Starclan.” Some yowls of pain came from the Clan and Riverkit felt stunned. Squirmheart was the greatest deputy that Riverclan could have asked for and now he was gone. No wonder Mossstar seemed so upset.

“Who will be the new deputy?” one of the apprentices called out.

“Normally I would wait a little longer to decide the new deputy but we have a gathering today so I need to decide now. But first I have a ceremony I need to perform.” Mossstar flicked his tail towards Rushhope and Streamfall, who were old warriors and litter mates, and the toms came to stand before their leader.

“Rushhope and Streamfall, is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the elders.”

Riverkit couldn’t say he was surprised; they were both old toms, but she was now very excited. RiverClan didn’t even have any elders, which the Clan was always fretting about, and now she would finally be able to hear some stories. “I do,” Both warriors replied.

Mossstar nodded, “Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest.”

Both Warriors nodded and the clan started calling their name “Rushhope! Streamfall!” Riverkit bounced, “Now I can finally hear some nursery tales. Queens are no good at that.” Breezekit nodded in agreement, excitement visible through her gaze as well.

Once the elders made it back down cats started whispering about who they thought the new deputy would be. The name she heard the most was Ashwood, and how he would have made a great deputy.

Mossstar took a deep breath “I say these warriors before Starclan, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors and Squirmheart may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of RiverClan is Leaffall.”

Riverkit jumped. ''His father was deputy. ''He was thrilled and knew that her father deserved it. Leaffall stepped forward, “I will serve this Clan to the best of my ability and try to live up to Squirmheart.” The Clan started cheering for Riverkit’s father and he raised his head proudly.

Riverkit had been surprised, though. Her father was a strong and loyal warrior but there were many other cats that would have been a much more obvious choice for deputy. Ashwood would have been the only cat to chose, if he hadn’t taken Crowflight for a mate. He was strong, very loyal, despite his secret meetings with his mate, and was a leader. It was almost as if StarClan had wanted it until he showed up with Crowflight.

Breezekit must have realized this too because she turned to her father, “You should be deputy!” she complained, “You would be great at it.”

Ashwood sighed, “Perhaps but the Clan had its reasons for not trusting me and, though my loyalty couldn’t be anywhere, I don’t blame them.”

Breezekit huffed before proudly praising her father, “You would have made a much better deputy than that Leaffall.”

Riverkit tensed. He was okay with jealousy and confusion but nobody was allowed to talk about his father like that. He was about to snap something at Breezekit when Ashwood did for her, “Leaffall will make a great deputy and I don’t ever want to hear you talking about our deputy like that again.”

Breezekit bowed her head in shame and Riverkit let himself relax, before he realized that he should go congratulate his father. Leaffall was surrounded by warriors congratulating him and licking him on the shoulder. Riverkit was waiting in line when Mossstar came up to him, “Proud of your father aren’t you?”

Riverkit nodded numb. Mossstar was talking to him when there were a lot of other warriors around. He took a deep breath and replied, “My father had worked hard for this. It’s only what he deserves.”

Mossstar nodded, “He deserves more for the loyalty that he has given me and his Clan,” Mossstar was quiet for a minute before he asked him a question Riverkit would never expect him to ask, “Do you know why I chose your father over Ashwood?”

Riverkit took in a deep breath, and guessed, “Because the Clan wasn’t ready to trust him yet?”

Mossstar shook his head, “Once I trusted Ashwood as deputy the Clan would do so slowly as well. No. That’s not why I didn’t choose Ashwood. I didn’t choose him because I don’t think I can trust him yet.”

Riverkit was delighted that his father was deputy but he knew he had to reply honestly, “Ashwood is more than loyal. You can tell by the way he talks with Breezekit about Leaffall being deputy. He doesn’t care because it is for the better sake of the Clan. He even doesn’t blame some cats for being so hostile to him.”

Mossstar nodded, “I don’t doubt his loyalty like that. It’s just StarClan sent me a dream last night, warning me that Ashwood’s story isn’t over yet. That he will still have one more choice to make, and I can’t risk him making the wrong choice.”

Riverkit doubted that Ashwood would do something wrong to the Clan he loved so much, but he asked something else instead, “Why are you telling me this?”

Mossstar shrugged, “Let’s just say Ashwood isn’t the only one who StarClan has sent me dream about.”

Riverkit gasped as Mossstar left. Was it just him or had he seen Mossstar glance at Breezekit while he said that. And it still didn’t answer why he had told him of all cats. Riverkit was so lost in thought that he didn’t even realize it was his turn to congratulate his father until his father purred, “Are you going to congratulate me or not.”

Riverkit shook his head and congratulated his father before leaving. He noticed that Ashwood was right behind him and he stayed behind to listen to what gray tom was going to say to his father. “Good job,” Riverkit could detect no envy in the tom’s voice and was even further surprised when he leaned forward and whispered, “Between you and me, you deserve this more than I ever could have.”

Leaffall purred, “Thank you. It means so much coming from you of all warriors.” Ashwood dipped his head before turning around and disappearing through the warriors den. Riverkit was heading back to the den when he realized that the best way to clear his mind was to go for a swim.

Riverkit was lucky; there were no warriors outside hunting, because they were all mourning the dead deputy. He easily snuck out of camp and then down into the river. Gracefully, he jumped into the river and started to paddle in the water. He took a breath and dived underwater. Riverkit loved the lake; it was so relaxing and beautiful. Most RiverClan cats didn’t put their head under water, but Riverkit was a talented swimmer and he loved looking at all the fish, from under the water where they looked like more than prey. It also made hunting easier. Riverkit had caught a couple fish, but since it was against the Warrior Code for kits to hunt he had been forced to sneak it into the fresh kill pile.

Now as Riverkit looked at all the fish he found himself wondering if the fish were any different near the other clan’s territories. Riverkit didn’t have a very protective and hysterical mother, because she knew how capable the young kit was of taking care of him. She would only start to worry about her kit if he didn’t show up by the end of a day.

So Riverkit decided it was worth checking out. If a cat saw him they wouldn’t view it as a threat as he was only a kit, and would be too scared to jump into the freezing cold water. Water didn’t scare Riverkit since he was a great swimmer. He was the only kit who could actually swim, so he would be forced to play fight in the water with apprentices, and the only reason apprentices had enough time was because RiverClan desperately lacked elders. Queens tried to take their place by telling stories but they were not good story tellers at all. Riverkit was very excited about having new elders but he knew that he wouldn’t be able to disturb them for at least another couple hours.

Riverkit realized that the temperature of the water slightly changed too, as he moved from WindClan’s to ThunderClan’s side of the lake. So far it had been the warmest in RiverClan, and the water had been noticeably colder in WindClan. Riverkit noticed that the water got slightly warmer as he approached ThunderClan territory.

He noticed something else as he approached ThunderClan territory, a tom, young enough to be a kit, sitting on the edge of the water. Panicking Riverkit dove underwater and waited for the tom to leave.

When the tom didn’t move Riverkit got panicked, he was a good swimmer but he had to breathe and he couldn’t stay underwater forever. Just when Riverkit was sure he would burst out of the water the tom got up and paddled away, his brown pelt clashing with the green ThunderClan forest.

Riverkit shot upwards and struggled for breath. He was tired and would have stopped swimming now, but he didn’t have that option. Instead, he pushed forward and continued through ThunderClan territory and even ShadowClan. ShadowClan brought colder water and Riverkit couldn’t help wondering if it was not the forest, but the actual cats of the clan that sent the chills down his bone. Every cat knew that ShadowClan was home to the cold hearts in the forest. And the Clans were able to respect that too. It was like how Riverclan cats swam and Windclan cats were fast.

While paddling through ShadowClan Riverkit felt his strength failing him. He was tired and he really needed to rest. Before he realized it, Riverkit had pulled himself up on ShadowClan territory and hid himself behind a bush.

Riverkit waited for a while so that he could regain his energy. He was licking himself when he heard a cat behind him. It was a patrol. Panicking Riverkit ducked down. “I swear I smell RiverClan,” Riverkit heard a cat growl.

“Don’t be ridiculous Brownfur,” Riverkit heard another cat, “What would a RiverClan cat be doing so far away from their side of the border.”

This time another cat cut in, “I smell a fear scent,” and when Riverkit gulped he growled, “It’s stronger now.”

Riverkit knew he had to move soon before the warriors found the bush and crowded around him. He pelted out of the bush and all three cats on patrol spotted him. “Don’t move, RiverClan,” Brownfur growled and Riverkit started panting. He started edging towards the water before he was close enough, and then dived in.

Brownfur and the leader of the patrol stayed back but the other one jumped into the water, “He’s just an apprentice, and it should be easy to catch up to him.”

Riverkit gritted his teeth and started to swim. He quickly put a distance in between the ShadowClan warrior and himself and when the patrol leader realized this he called to his warrior, “Buzzheart get over here, you can’t catch up to him. We’ll talk to Riverclan about it at the gathering.”

Buzzheart continued for a couple more seconds before turning around and joining his Clanmates. “Fish face!” she spat at Riverkit who was still fleeing through the water, his heart pounding like drums.

Riverkit was already seriously regretting coming. He had gotten RiverClan into big trouble. They would be accused during the gathering and they wouldn’t be able to back themselves up, because they wouldn’t know. Riverkit realized with a dreading feeling that he should tell Mossstar. He needed to be prepared and know what was happening.

Riverkit soon reached the RiverClan border and pulled himself out of the water. As comfortable as he was with water, Riverkit was a cat and belonged on land so it was a relief to finally feel soil under his paws without needing to worry about what might happen if an enemy cat found him. He was on his territory now this was where he belonged.

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Riverkit’s plan had been to tell Mossstar as soon as he got into camp, but he was exhausted and he needed to sleep before anything else. Marshmallowfall noticed when he came into camp and when she felt his damp fur she snapped, “Why are you so wet? You can’t sleep in my den if you are this damp. Go find yourself another den to sleep in!” Riverkit shrugged off some pain. He knew very well that his mother didn’t care for him; she didn’t even want a kit. She had only had a kit because Leaffall wanted one really bad and every cat in the Clan knew how much Marshmallowfall loved her mate. And despite his mother’s behavior towards her, Riverkit knew that StarClan had meant for his mother and father to become mates.

Leaffall had told him that when he was first born his mother had been very soft with him and even proposed the name, which was a very special condition. According to Breezekit’s mother, the next day Marshmallowfall had seemed disconnected from him. <p style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> Breezekit’s mother, Crowflight, sent Marshmallowfall a sharp look when she wasn’t looking and flicked her tail to Riverkit to come join her. Riverkit gratefully paddled over to her den and fell asleep peacefully beside the sleek black queen. “Riverkit, Riverkit,” Riverkit blinked, his eyes heavy, “RIVERKIT! WAKE UP YOU LAZY LUMP OF FUR!” Riverkit jumped up and looked around to see Breezekit along with Droopytail’s four kits Budkit, Bloomkit, Powerkit and Thrushkit.

Riverkit looked around. Crowflight and Droopytail were at a gathering and Marshmallowfall was still sleeping, her ears twitching making it obvious she was annoyed. “What?” he yawned, also slightly annoyed.

Budkit, who was a moon smaller than Breezekit and Riverkit, jumped, “Breezekit came up with the most radical idea. You have to join us.”

Riverkit was about to ask what it was when he remembered what he had forgot to tell Mossstar because he had fallen asleep. He groaned and Breezekit bounced, “We’re going to sneak off to the gathering, they just left so we won’t miss anything.”

Riverkit might have disagreed if he was a warrior but he was only a kit and his senses of judgment weren’t very sharp. He almost jumped on Marshmallowfall with excitement, “Count me in,” The kits did a quiet cheer before leaving the nursery.

Breezekit seemed to have claimed herself the leader of the secret gathering patrol, because she kept nudging to the front and making signals with his tail. Riverkit felt annoyance take over him. He was the son of the deputy and he was the better swimmer. He also thought he would make a better leader.

Thrushkit must have sensed his jealousy because she whispered, “Don’t forget this was Breezekit’s idea,” and when Riverkit huffed he added, “This means a lot to her.” Riverkit finally gave in and decided to follow Breezekit.

It wasn’t long before they caught up to the warriors and had to hide behind the bushes to remain unnoticed. Unfortunately, some warrior thought they were prey. He nodded to Mossstar who nodded back and continued walking, leaving the warrior to hunt. The kits, scared, started scrambling, looking for somewhere to hide.

When the warrior, whom Riverkit now recognized as Youthclaw, pounced, he caught Budkit and Bloomkit who started to squeal. The other kits were well hidden and the warrior was unable to notice them. He jumped back startled when he saw the kits, “What are you doing here?” he demanded.

The kits cowered back, and Mossstar, who must have realized something was going on came up to, “go back to your den now!” he ordered the kits, “How did you come up with such an idea.”

To the relief of the other four kits, neither said anything. Mossstar sighed and flicked his tail to one of the apprentices, “Take these kits back then quickly hurry up and join us.” He ordered. The apprentice nodded before signaling the kits to follow him.

After the other warriors had left Breezekit let out a long sigh, “That was a close one.”

“Poor Budkit and Bloomkit,” Powerkit mumbled and Riverkit couldn’t help sympathizing for the cats either. Not because they were in trouble, kits always got into trouble, because they would be left behind when their friends were talking about how great the gathering was they would be clueless to what was going on and would be left behind.

After a couple moments Breezekit flicked his tail and the kits continued to follow him until they got to the log that the clans had to cross to go to the gathering. There they waited until all of RiverClan was done crossing and after that waited for ShadowClan too, who were shooting accusing glances at RiverClan. Fortunately, none of the RiverClan cats noticed these looks.

They waited a little while longer after ShadowClan, before they started to debate how to get to the island. “I say lets swim,” Riverkit had called.

“Swim!” Breezekit had gave him a look like he was crazy, “I saw we just run across and hide behind a bush when we cross the tree.”

“We’re RiverClan cats, what’s wrong with swimming,” Riverkit shot back.

“We’re not even apprentices yet,” Breezekit retorted and Thrushkit cut in.

She pointed her tail to two trees, “We could climb up this tree and jump to the other one, then climb down it and we’re on the island.” All of Droopytail’s kits were great tree climbers.

Breezekit looked at Thrushkit like she was crazy, “No way. Only a ThunderClan cat would suggest something like that.”

Thrushkit took a step back, “Only a WindClan cat would want to risk running when there were alternatives.”

Even Powerkit gasped. Breezekit’s eyes were clouded with rage and she was preparing to jump on Thrushkit when Powerkit cut in, to save her littermates pelt, “Why don’t we split up, that way we will be less noticeable and we won’t waste any more time arguing as the gathering will start very soon.”

Breezekit held her ground for another second before sitting up again, “Fine,” she growled and glared at Thrushkit. She then dashed off and started to run across the log. Riverkit jumped into the lake and started to swim across the lake to the island, as Thrushkit and Powerkit climbed up the tree Thrushkit had pointed out and jumped from that tree to another one.

When Riverkit reached the other side he found the bush where Breezekit was hiding, staring wide eyed around him. As soon as Riverkit joined him he could see why. There were cats from all Clans talking and so many different scents mixed together.

Thrushkit and Powerkit soon joined the two kits in their hiding place behind the bush. Powerkit had just opened her mouth to say something when Hollowstar, ThunderClan’s leader, called, “Let the gathering begin.”

The leaders were all standing on branches of the tree and Riverkit could feel his heart beating like lighting. He could also hear the excitement of the other kits. Hollowstar began, “Our Clan is thriving thanks to the good weather. We have a new apprentice, Dragonpaw.” He paused and all the cats started chanting the young apprentice’s name. Riverkit could see the new apprentice, his tail held high as Hollowstar continued, “We also have a new medicine cat apprentice, Rufflepaw,” he paused and Riverkit quickly found the apprentice as they cheered his name.

What surprised Riverkit was that there was sorrow in his gaze, despite all the cheering. Like something more had happened when he became an apprentice. Hollowstar started talking again, “We also have some bad news. One of our kits, Scrapkit has joined StarClan and her mother Cloudfur has joined the elders.”

Murmurs of pity swept among the cats and Riverkit could hear Powerkit and Breezekit mourning him too. Riverkit shivered with joy. This was so exciting; he couldn’t wait until he came to a gathering as an apprentice.

Hollowstar took a step back and Mossstar stepped forward, “RiverClan is also doing well. We had to scare away a badger today, not towards any of your territories, but in the process our loyal deputy, Squirmheart, died.”

Some yowls of pain came from other cats as Riverkit realized Squirmheart must have been very popular among all clans, “In his place, I have appointed Leaffall,” Cats started murmuring again and Riverkit could tell that they were all wondering what would have made him choose Leaffall over Ashwood, after all only RiverClan and WindClan knew about Crowflight’s affair with Ashwood.

Mossstar took a step back and Sharkstar stepped forward, “ShadowClan is doing well,” he said briskly. He was about to step back when he added, “We have seen a RiverClan cat hunting on our territory.”

Yowls of protest came from the RiverClan cats, and Riverkit realized that this could result in a fight. It was his responsibility to stop this. He took a couple deep breaths as e noticed Riverclan cats an Shadowclan cats preparing to break the truce. Taking a deep breath he came out of the bush and called, “It was me Sharkstar, and I apologize.”

Mossstar’s eyes widened but he didn’t say anything. Sharkstar snorted, “How is a kit like you supposed swim to ShadowClan territory,” he demanded as cats continued to whisper.

Riverkit felt his heart pounding as he stood in the spotlight. He was already starting to regret doing this too. But Buzzheart called out, “That’s the cat, I recognize that blue fur and he was small too.”

Sharkstar looked at her, “Are you sure?”

Buzzheart nodded, “I’m sure of it,”

Sharkstar was now looking at Riverkit and he could feel his pelt itching as Sharkstar thought. Finally he shrugged, “I will forgive you, Mossstar but you will owe us.”

Mossstar dipped his head gratefully and Riverkit saw his three friends come out of their hiding bush. Riverkit figured the other kits had gotten jealous of the attention he had and decided to share some of it. Nobody seemed very surprised that he wasn’t alone.

Sharkstar dipped his head, “I will regret this later, but that is one talented cat you have there. I would make good use of him. I have never heard of a warrior, much less a kit, who could swim across the lake. That is something I would call talent.”

Mossstar dipped his head again but Sharkstar wasn’t done, “Speaking of debts, ThunderClan still owes us a piece of land.”

Now it was ThunderClan’s turn to shout and yell as Sharkstar continued, “The land you took from us back in the days of Firestar was not rightfully taken and we are now prepared to take it back.”

Hollowstar growled, “You will have to fight for it.”

A snarl formed on Sharkstar’s face, “Then we will.” Gasps came from the cats as the leaders glared at each other. Riverkit was sure they were going to claw each other’s faces off when Thrushstar, the leader of WindClan cut in.

“Enough!” She yowled, “This is a gathering; fight your battles at another time.” When the leader calmed down she started, “WindClan is doing very well. We don’t have any news for the Clans except an important request for RiverClan.

Mossstar and all the RiverClan cats, including the kits whirled around. Riverkit noticed that the leader was staring at Breezekit. Breezekit must have noticed it too because she was itching her fur uncomfortably.

Mossstar was looking at Thrushstar, “Go ahead.”

Thrushstar took in a breath and Riverkit could feel his as well as Breezekit’s muscles getting tense, “I want Breezekit back in WindClan.”

Chapter 4
 ​  Breezekit stared at Thrushstar in horror. This was a joke, right? It had to be. Nobody could just come up and take a cat from their parents and their clan. Breezekit wasn’t the only one who felt angry and surprised; she could hear whispers and angry murmurs among her Clan and even some others. Breezekit felt a sick feeling creeping up her stomach. Despite the way Clan cats sometimes looked at her, she considered herself entirely loyal to RiverClan, or as loyal as a kit could get.

Of all the cats Droopytail is the first to speak, “What gives you the rights to this kit? Neither it’s mother nor father belong in your Clan.”

“True,” Thrushstar shrugs, “but Crowflight was still pregnant with Breezekit when she left to RiverClan.”

“Barely!” A cat yowled in rage and Breezekit wanted to claw Thrushstar for being such a brat. There was no argument over which Clan Breezekit had birth rights to; she was just trying to make her life more difficult.

Thrushstar didn’t move and flinched when Ashwood stepped out, “Why would you want to put your sister through that pain,” Breezekit was reminded that Thrushstar was her aunt and only became more furious.

Thrushstar was taken off guard or a second before retorting, “I’m sure Crowflight understands the reason, and it is her choice not to share it with you.”

Finally Breezekit hears the voice that she has been longing to hear. It was Crowflight’s loud as a lion, sharp as a knife and vicious as a badger, “Is it worth all of this pain for me to go through, sister,” she scathed, “Just for a little pro-”

“Yes,” Thrushstar argued before anyone can hear what Crowflight has to say, “It is worth all of the pain.”

Crowflight glared at her sister, before hiding back into the shadows. Murmurs continue among all of the clans and Hollowstar coughed, “Droopytail does have a point, Thrushstar,” she warned, “It is quite clear this kit belongs in Riverclan, if you look at its parents.”

Thrushstar bristled, “It is not where the cat is born that decides where she should be, but where she belongs.”

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Sharkstar answered, “How would you know where a kit belongs. This is the way Clan life works, Thrushstar, kits belong in the Clan they are born into, if you are to ignorant to understand this than maybe you don’t deserve the position as leader of your clan.”

Thrushstar hissed at Sharkstar, and the cats seemed to be waiting for what Mossstar had to say, but he was just staring at the sky, where clouds slowly seemed to be forming. He lowered his head, “This gathering has ended. Starclan has dismissed us.”

Almost every cat except for the ones in Windclan seemed relieved at the dismissal as the cats started to split up. The kits hesitated for a moment before they ran up to their clan. They didn’t blend in with their clan mates though. They stayed behind, knowing that the farther away they stayed from their clan the more they delayed whatever trouble they would get in. Breezekit had already started to fret that her apprenticeship may be delayed. She didn’t want to have to wait longer to become an apprentice, she already had waited long enough and there was still a moon left. <p style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> The walk was long and when they finally reached their camp the kits ran to the nursery and threw themselves to sleep. “Why should we delay their apprenticeship?” Breezekit heard a voice that she could not recognize, “They are obviously not the first kits to do it, only they are probably one of the few to succeed sneaking into a gathering.”

“I don’t think it matters for Breezekit,” another voice called out which Breezekit recognized as Carestorm, “Isn’t she going to Windclan anyways? We should let Windclan decide his punishment.”

“Going to Windclan would be punishment enough for him,” Faithtail replied, “and Windclan has no right to rob us of our cats.”

“Breezekit is not one of our cats. Just look at her, she couldn’t be anything but Windclan.”

“So you want to let Windclan win, just like that. You know how weak that would make us look? Next they would start asking for land.”

When Breezekit finally opened her eyes she could see Riverkit sitting in the nursery, a worried look on his face. His eyes brightened a little bit when he saw Breezekit.

“So what is our punishment?” Breezekit asked her friend.

Riverkit replied, “I don’t know. Droopytail and her kits are out there trying to defend us. Droopytail is mad at us, of course, but she thinks it was it was just our everyday mischief. Don’t want to get a serious punishment. I can’t have my apprenticeship delayed.”

Breezekit could see how glum Riverkit looked, “It never was a good idea to sneak off,” Riverkit nodded and Breezekit found an idea to cheer up her friend, “Why don’t we go to the elders den? Maybe we could hear a story before I leave.”

“Leave? You are not going anywhere!” Riverkit put in.

“Will you listen to the cats? Most of them want to send me off to avoid a battle or because they don’t trust me for having foul blood and the ones that want to keep me only want to because it would look weak otherwise.”

“Don’t listen to them,” Riverkit put in, “Mossstar won’t let you go, and he’s clan leader. There are also a lot of important cats behind him like Leaffall, Ashwood and Lovestorm.”

“What about Beliefsoul?” Beliefsoul was the medicine cat of Riverclan.

“Dreamypaw wants you to stay, but Beliefsoul wants you to leave.”

“Then I will have to go,” Breezekit sighed, “The medicine cat has even more power than the clan leader. If she orders it than I will have to go.”

The two kittens sat in silence for a long time as they listened to the other cats arguing over what was to happen to Breezekit, and the punishments for the kittens. Eventually the two kittens stepped out into the clearing, where their father’s were waiting for them.

“I am very disappointed in you,” Ashwood told his kitten sternly, “I am very disappointed in all of you.”

Both kittens dipped their heads, “When is Mossstar going to make his decisions,” Riverkit asked his father.

“He wants to wait for the cats to settle down; so that they can all express their opinions before he makes his final decision.”

As the kits continued to listen to a variety of opinions, a shape tapped into the clearing and let out a yell. Breezekit recognized it as her mother, “stop it!” she yelled, “Breezekit is my daughter and I will decide where she will go, and their punishment will also be left for the queens to decide.”

“So we are going to start a war, and possibly lose warriors because you said so. You are not even a Riverclan cat.”

Crowflight dipped her head, “I am willing to except that I am no more Riverclan than other Windclan cat despite the many moons that I have spent here. But kits punishments have always been left to their mothers. Also in every clan kits come first. Kits are your future; you will sacrifice so that your clan’s future can blossom. But you won’t have to worry about that. Because I have decided that Breezekit must go to Windclan since that is where her destiny awaits her.”

Breezekit felt herself going numb. Was her mother really sending her away, to a clan she had never been to before. If her mother wanted her gone, then what chance did she stand of being left in her home? Breezekit realized that Crowflight might want her to go so that she could come along and reunite with her old clan.

Ashwood stepped forwards, “Are you going with her?”

Crowflight shrugged, “I don’t know about that yet. I just know that she has to go. That is where she belongs.”

Breezekit could tell that her father was about to protest, but he changed his mind when he saw the look on her mother’s face. Breezekit had never seen a look like that on her mother’s face before. Finally Mossstar stepped into the clearing. Breezekit realized he was hiding near the leader’s den but listening to everything that was going on. “I have reached my final decision,” he mowed and everybody turned towards their leader, “Crowflight’s decision, although I do disagree with it, is the one I have decided on. As her mother Crowflight can decide the fate of Breezekit, so we will send her before midnight. What needs to be solved is if Crowflight and Ashwood will go with her.”

All eyes turned to Breezekit’s parents and she felt herself getting angry at her mother for listening to the stupid leader of Windclan. Who was that cat to take her from her home and make her get used to somewhere else, just because she knew that she would be able to. Breezekit had already decided that she would make life as difficult as possible for Thrushstar and would try as hard as possible to prove that she could never get used to Windclan.

Ashwood barely thought for a moment before he walked up to his daughter touched noses with her and sighed, “I will wish you good luck in Windclan, my daughter.”

As Breezekit felt herself darkening she realized that most of the cats around her were breathing with relief, glad not to have lost their strongest warrior along with a kit. Breezekit could sense that Ashwood wasn’t happy though, and that he wouldn’t have been no matter what decision he made.

Breezekit tried to look on the bright side as she saw her mother thinking; at least she wasn’t a warrior yet. If she had to leave after promising her loyalty to Riverclan then she would be doomed. She had never heard of a clan leader stealing warriors, but this was a situation never heard of before either, and yet her clan was listening to the Windclan leader. Breezekit failed to understand why her mother would send her away like that, when she wasn’t even sure if she would go to Windclan or not.

After thinking for a few moments Crowflight walked up to Ashwood and whispers something into her ear which Breezekit managed to hear.

“I can’t leave my only daughter which I sacrificed so much to give birth to, but yet I sacrificed so much to be by your side. I don’t want to lose the love of either of you”

“You won’t lose any of my love if you leave,” Ashwood whispered to his mate as Breezekit paddled up.

“You won’t lose any of mine either,” Breezekit said, and couldn’t believe it when the words came out of her mouth.

Crowflight thought for a moment before she finally decided, “I will stay beside my mate and the clan which took me in very kindly.”

Breezekit saw a different look on every cats’ face on Crowflight’s decision. Some seemed pleased, some were surprised, some seemed expectant, and some cats didn’t seem to care the slightest bit. Breezekit knew she must have looked crestfallen. She wouldn’t even be moving into this new clan with any cat that she knew.

Mossstar nodded, and Breezekit just realized how informal it must seem for a clan to make a decision without the clan leader addressing the clan, or even standing in their special spot. Breezekit used to dream that one day she would address the clan from there, but it didn’t seem possible any more.

Mossstar turned to Alphastream, “Go to Windclan and tell them that they can come to pick up the kit before midnight.” The senior warrior nodded before running off to inform Windclan of their victory. As soon as he left the clan started whispering again and Breezekit decided to go hide in the nursery for a while.

Riverkit was also in the nursery, but Breezekit didn’t even acknowledge him. She just tried to fall into an uneasy sleep. Breezekit slept for a few hours, but woke up when she felt himself being prodded by Riverkit.

“What is it?” she meowed a little harshly.

“A Windclan warrior is almost here to pick you up.” Riverkit meowed, “I wanted to say good-bye before you left.”

“Where are Droopytail’s kits?” Breezekit asked.

Riverkit hesitated, “they don’t want to be around you since you are Windclan now.”

Breezekit decided not to let it get to her. She wouldn’t have wanted to talk to a cat if she knew that a moon later they might be trying to kill you, claws unsheathed. But she still couldn’t help feeling a bit of resentment towards them, “Well I guess this is good-bye,” Breezekit meowed, “I suppose that the next time I am saying hello will be with my claws or my teeth. I was really disappointed we didn’t get to be apprentices together. You would have been fun to train with.”

“I agree,” Riverkit meowed and the two cats dipped heads towards each other. Breezekit slowly paddled out of camp where a Windclan warrior was waiting. Breezekit realized how alike he looked with the cat as compared to the other cats around him. They were both skinnier and smaller, and their fur was a lot less puffy as compared to those of Riverclan cats.

“Your parents are sleeping,” Mossstar informed her, “would you like me to wake them up?”

Breezekit shook her head. She couldn’t help being upset and disappointed with both of her parents, especially her mother for sending her away and then refusing to even come with her. Breezekit still failed to understand why her mother would send her away to a totally foreign clan.

Mossstar nodded and turned to the Windclan warrior, “I will trust that you don’t need an escort, however, if we find even the slightest clue of a stolen piece of prey then you will have more than you bargained for when you came here to take the kit.”

The Windclan warrior shook his head, “I do not want to risk putting my clan in a war. A rouge cat might have stolen a piece of prey, so I would rather you send an escort with us. I don’t want my clan to be held responsible for something I did not do. I don’t want to get unlucky. Besides I am a medicine cat, it is against my code to do something like that.”

“Yes, well it is against your code to steal kits isn’t it?” Mossstar questioned in a rather hostile manner. The warriors around him all nodded in agreement as all of the cats glared at the medicine cat, who Breezekit had thought was a warrior, tried to ignore all of the glances coming from the enemy cats around him.

“You will not get an escort and you will be held responsible for any missing prey, I hope you have understood.” Mossstar meowed sternly to which the medicine cat dipped his head reluctantly and left the camp, signaling for Breezekit to follow him.

Breezekit hesitated for a moment and considered stomping her paw and saying that she refused to leave, but after a few moments she finally decided to follow the medicine cat, to wherever he would take her.

They walked together and once they were far enough from camp the Windclan medicine tom turned to Breezekit, “By the way, my name is Gracecloud. I am the medicine cat of Windclan. I currently don’t have any apprentices in case you were wondering. In fact, I was appointed as the medicine cat less than a moon ago, when my mentor Losetail had to retire, because his tail was broken. I have heard that your name is Breezekit.”

Breezekit nodded a little shyly trying to resist getting friendly with the tom, but it was so hard. “Thrushstar told me that she will give you the option to change your name if you want to. She will let you change it to whatever you want and she won’t even have to do a special ceremony about it since you have just arrived in the clan.”

Breezekit shook her head, “I don’t want to change my name. It is the only thing that I have left. I hope that Thrushstar can respect that.”

“I am sure she will,” Gracecloud replied before changing the subject, “Are you a good swimmer? Maybe you could teach some Windclan cats how to swim.”

Breezekit shook her head, “Most kits can barely swim, not nearly well enough to teach others, and I am worse than any of the other kits when it comes to swimming. Riverkit is great though. He probably swims better than most of the warriors in our clan and he hasn’t even been apprenticed.”

“I know and I was impressed when I heard what he had done at the gathering yesterday,” Gracecloud replied, “I was also impressed with his courage. Most warriors wouldn’t have the courage to come out and admit doing something like that, even if it would stop a war that could tear the clans apart. But Riverkit didn’t seem to hesitate. He went out there in front of everybody else and did what he had to. All I can say about the tom is that he will be a great addition to your former clan. Someone that we will have to watch out for once he becomes apprenticed. I actually think I see a clan leader in him.”

“Anyways,” Breezekit meowed, “I can barely swim, so forget about swimming lessons. If you want to learn something from me it could be to run faster than the Wind.”

Gracecloud laughed, “I doubt that you could teach Windclan warriors anything about that. They already run as fast as the wind. It is what we are known for.”

Breezekit wasn’t entirely convinced. She was a very fast cat. So fast that she could run to the prey pile and back, and the other kits would wonder how she magically made prey appear. Of course they were kits, but that was a compliment you wouldn’t get every day, “I will bet that I am the fastest cat in Riverclan. Or at least that was in Riverclan. I bet that I run faster than most of the cats in my new clan.”

Gracecloud smiled, “I don’t think so.”

But Breezekit was stubborn, “Prove me wrong. You don’t seem nearly as fast as I am. I am light and agile; I could beat your warriors in a race, no big deal.”

Gracecloud laughed, “Alright, I’ll prove you wrong. How about a race?”

Breezekit was hesitant, “But you don’t know Riverclan territory and I don’t know Windclan territory.”

“I am a medicine cat you know,” the tom reminded her, “I do come by these parts occasionally to speak with your medicine cat.”

“But I lived here,” Breezekit countered.

“You lived in the nursery,” the Windclan cat reminded again, “you probably didn’t go out that often.”

Breezekit had to give in, “But what about Windclan. I don’t know Windclan. I could get lost.”

“We will race up to the Windclan border, how about that?” The medicine cat suggested, and seeing the kits uncertain look added, “I think you are trying to avoid it because you are scared that you will lose.”

Breezekit was taken back and felt that she flushing, “I am not. I can easily beat you in a race; I just want everything to be fair.”

Gracecloud smiled, “Then prove it. Accept my challenge.”

Breezekit smiled, and found that she was opening up to the idea of racing her new medicine cat, “Okay,” she agreed, “I accept your challenge.”

The two cats lined up next to each other and Gracecloud counted down, “Three… Two… One… Go!” Both cats were sprinting in a second. To her horror Breezekit realized that she was actually being beaten. Driven by determination, the kitten quickly closed the distance in between her and the medicine cat and started to gain an advantage. Her advantage grew as Breezekit kept expecting to see the Border in front of her, but it never seemed to come. She felt herself slowing down as Gracecloud started catching up. Just when Breezekit thought she would pass out from exhaustion she saw the horse stable, which marked the border in between Riverclan and Windclan. She pushed herself a little farther and she finally reached the horse stable, with a fair difference in between her and the medicine cat.

She collapsed on the ground and Gracecloud slowed down, seeing that he had lost the race. He eventually caught up to the kitten, and she had recovered and was back on her feet by then, “Can we walk the rest of the way?” Breezekit asked slightly in a pleading tone.

Gracecloud laughed, “Of course,” and when Breezekit kept staring at him he sighed, “Fine I’ll admit it, I underestimated your speed. You really were faster than me. What you lack is experience, that’s why you can’t run far. But I was surprised. At first I was going a little easy on you, but once you started to catch up I ran with my full speed, and yet you managed to get to the border before me. Windclan will make great use of this talent. I was joking about the swimming since Windclan cats don’t go near water. But your speed would work very well in Windclan, along with all of the other fastest cats in the forest.”

“I have to admit,” Breezekit slowly began, “That I was rather disappointed in myself. I underestimated the speed of Windclan cats, and I over estimated my speed. I guess I got a little cocky. Sorry.”

Gracecloud laughed at the kitten, “That’s okay. I underestimated your speed and took you for a bluffer since you are just a kit, and that tends to be what kits to best.”

The two Windclan cats continued to chat as they walked side-by-side. Breezekit had realized by the time they reached camp, that Gracecloud would be the cat she went to if she needed help. He had already got on her good side. At least Windclan wouldn’t be entirely full of hostile stranger cats now. As they got closer to what Gracecloud called camp she realized that it was just a shallow scoop in the ground.

“That’s camp?” Breezekit asked

Gracecloud nodded, “You ever dreamed of sleeping in a den open to the sky, where you could sleep gazing at the clouds?”

“Actually,” Breezekit admitted, “I often consider sneaking out of camp to fall asleep outside before changing my mind.”

“You see,” Gracecloud smiled, “You are a Windclan cat, and you belong here in Windclan.”

A large tortoiseshell she-cat whom Breezekit recognized as Thrushstar walked towards the two approaching cats, she walked over to Breezekit’s other side as they walked through camp. As Breezekit looked around she realized that it was her ideal camp. Set up just the way she would have wanted it.

Breezekit looked around at the cats, all which were glancing at her, some gladly, some with a welcoming look on their face and some with suspicious glances. The two cats walked the kitten to the nursery where there was a Ginger she-cat who was giving milk to a reddish tom.

“I didn’t think you would need milk anymore,” Thrushstar said to which Breezekit nodded, “But Graytail will look after you for a month.”

Slowly Breezekit walked into the nursery. It felt just like she would want a nursery to feel, with the sky right above her. As Breezekit felt herself lying down, about to fall asleep, she heard Thrushstar purr, “Welcome home, Breezekit. Welcome home.”

== Chapter 5  ==

“Thunderkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Thunderpaw.”

Thunderpaw waited with excitement, curious who his mentor would be. He was slightly hoping for Emberclaw, his father to mentor him, and he wouldn’t mind Flameheart, one of the strongest and most experienced warriors to mentor him either. He listened with excitement as Hollowstar continued.

“Your mentor will be Sparklelight. I hope Sparklelight will pass down all she knows onto you.”

As Hollowstar turned to Sparklelight Thunderpaw could feel himself ready to leap with excitement. Sparklelight was his mentor, what an honor unlike any other. Hollowstar continued the ceremony by speaking to the deputy, “Sparklelight, you are ready to take on another apprentice. You have received excellent training from Cloudfur and have shown yourself to be wise and noble. You will be the mentor of Thunderpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to Thunderpaw.”

Excitedly Thunderpaw walked up to Sparklelight and touched noses with her. He couldn’t believe it. All of the other apprentices would be very jealous of him now that he was the deputy’s apprentice. The only one that wouldn’t swoon over how lucky he was would be Fiercepaw because he was the leader’s apprentice.

Over a moon had passed since Rufflepaw and Dragonpaw had become apprentices, and so much had happened in the meanwhile. Rufflepaw went to the moonstone with Bronzestripe, who was still acting strange around him; Goldentail delivered Hollowstar’s kits; Petalkit a cream colored she-cat, and Rosemarykit a cream colored tom. They were still too young to be played with but Thunderpaw had spent time observing the little bundles of fur. Another big thing was that Tinyleg, the cranky little senior warrior that Thunderpaw has been unable to stand, joined to elders. Thunderpaw had found that he didn’t mind the tom when he was an elder. He could still go to their den and comfortably listen to stories about the beginning of the clans and the ancients even before that. And now Thunderpaw was finally an apprentice. Cherryheart was ready to move out of the nursery and return to her regular duties as a warrior, and Thunderpaw would finally be able to sleep in the same den as his friends.

As Thunderpaw waited on the high rock cats started to chant his name, “Thunderpaw! Thunderpaw! Thunderpaw!” Thunderpaw proudly accepted all the chanting and felt that he had never been this excited or happy in his whole entire life. If this was his apprentice ceremony Thunderpaw could hardly wait until he became a warrior.

When the chanting was done Thunderpaw climbed down from the Highledge and on to the grassy ground. Dragonpaw approached him with a friendly lick. As he promised the apprentice had maintained his friendship with Thunderpaw, although he was too busy to play any games with him. Rufflepaw also stayed friendly with Thunderpaw, but he never really showed up to talk. Rufflepaw had been a lot more silence since the death of his fiancé.

“You are so lucky,” Dragonpaw purred.

“I know,” Thunderpaw replied, “I had been hoping for a senior warrior, and Hollowstar passed through my mind but he already has Fiercepaw, but I had never imagined that Sparklelight would be my mentor.”

Dragonpaw replied, “Maybe you should have waited like ten more moonrises before you got apprenticed. You could have pushed your luck a bit, so than there would be the possibility that you could get Hollowstar as your mentor.”

Thunderpaw laughed. Fiercepaw was almost a warrior since he had been training for four moons now. It was only a matter of time before he became a warrior, and he made sure that every cat living around the lake knew it. Not that Thunderpaw had a problem with Fiercepaw, he was usually nice but he bragged even better than Ratpaw.

“So do you want me to show you the apprentice den?” Dragonpaw asked.

Thunderpaw looked at his mentor who nodded. “Okay,” Thunderpaw replied and followed his friend to the apprentice den. Thunderpaw realized that the apprentice’s den was a cave in the rocks, unlike the bramble thickets in the nursery. He followed his friend inside of the cave where he saw several apprentices eating, sharing tongues and talking about what they learned that day. Thunderpaw couldn’t wait to be a part of it all.

All of the apprentices turned to Thunderpaw when they saw him enter the cave. They all got up and came over to congratulate him. Even Ratpaw came up to congratulate Thunderpaw about being apprentice to the clan deputy. Thunderpaw managed to count a total of seven apprentices not including Dragonpaw. He recognized Ratpaw, of course, but he couldn’t remember any of the others since a very long period of time had passed since he was in the nursery with any of them. Thunderpaw knew Fiercepaw, because he was almost like the figurehead of the apprentices in ThunderClan. However he could not spot the light ginger tom as he looked at the apprentices around him.

Dragonpaw quickly remembered that Thunderpaw needed to be introduced so he started with the tom closest to him. It was a ginger tom who looked very large and strong, “This is Sunpaw,” Dragonpaw meowed before moving on to the next apprentice.

“This is Moonpaw,” Dragonpaw introduced the white-and cream colored she-cat to him. Thunderpaw nodded and listened as Dragonpaw introduced him to Poisonpaw, a tortoiseshell she-cat, Smoothpaw, a cream colored she-cat, Splashpaw, a white she-cat, and Shiftpaw, a white tom with black stripes. Thunderpaw already knew Ratpaw and Dragonpaw told him that both Rufflepaw and Fiercepaw were training with their mentors.

As they shared a rabbit Thunderpaw made a comment, “Rufflepaw hardly leaves the medicine cat area.”

Dragonpaw nodded, “He has gotten really close to Bronzestripe. She is almost like his second mother now. I don’t know if it is because of the death of Scrapkit or because he just enjoys the medicine cats company.” Thunderpaw felt himself bristling. He often caught Bronzestripe glancing at him with that scary glare in her eyes. As much as Thunderpaw hated to admit it, as a kit he had been scared by the medicine cat. But that wouldn’t be the case anymore. Now he would start his training and he would be the strongest warrior that ThunderClan had ever seen.

After finishing their rabbit the two apprentices started to share tongues. While sharing tongues Dragonpaw explained what he had done in his first moon as an apprentice, to Thunderpaw. Thunderpaw listened with excitement as Dragonpaw explained touring ThunderClan’s territory, learning about the other Clans, learning how to look after the elders, basic hunting techniques, and learning some battle techniques as well. Thunderpaw listened with excitement and he started to wonder what Sparklelight would teach him that day and in the following days to come. He hoped he would learn fighting first, after he was shown the clans territories which were all taught on the first day of an apprentice’s training.

When they were done sharing tongues the two apprentices split up, each deciding to go find their mentor. Dragonpaw was going to have a hunting assessment with Frostcloud, and Thunderpaw wanted to meet his mentor. Thunderpaw left the camp and entered the clearing where Sparklelight was assigning patrols and groups to go out and hunt. Thunderpaw patiently waited for Sparklelight to finish, and when she finally did, he excitedly asked, “What are we going to do today?” with an excited jump, which made Sparklelight laugh and flick her tail across his shoulder.

“There is going to be a gathering tomorrow night, and I have already got permission for you to go to it. I think it will be a great experience and the perfect way for you to start your apprenticeship. However, I will need to prepare you for it since you don’t know much about the other clans or their traditions. So, instead of exploring the territories today and tomorrow, I will teach you about the other clans, gatherings, and what I want you to pay attention to when you are at the gathering.” Thunderpaw nodded with excitement. He couldn’t help being slightly disappointed that he wasn’t going to explore his territory today, but he would get to go to the gathering and he was just newly apprenticed. He could already feel that he was ready to burst from excitement.

“I will be the youngest cat in all of the clans to go to the gathering.” Thunderpaw nearly shouted to which his mentor purred.

“Not exactly,” she replied and when Thunderpaw gave her a curious look she explained, “At the last gathering Sharkstar accused Riverclan of trespassing because they had seen a Riverclan cat on their territory. While the two clans were arguing a kit, who was your age back then came out from behind a rock and admitted that it had been him. He apologized and three more kits came out of the same rock. They probably got bored and decided to sneak out, but how no one managed to notice them I still can’t seem to solve. If they were Shadowclan kits then maybe I would understand, but these were Riverclan kits. Well three Riverclan and one, now Windclan kit.”

“What do you mean now-Windclan?” Thunderpaw asked curiously, “What would Riverclan kits being doing with a Windclan kit. Or did they both sneak out the same day and meet each other?”

Sparklelight shook her head, “The kits name was Breezekit. Her mother was originally Windclan and her father was Riverclan, but her mom moved into Riverclan so that she could be with her mate. But at that gathering Thrushstar requested the kit come back to her mother’s clan. It angered many cats from all clans, and I could not see any reasoning in it, so I was very surprised when I received news, just a few sunrises ago from a Shadowclan patrol I met while hunting, that Riverclan had agreed to give the kit to Windclan.”

Thunderpaw was thoughtful, “I never heard anything like this the day after the gathering. How come everybody was so quiet about it?” he questioned.

“Unless it concerns our clan, our warriors have much better things to do than gossip about affairs concerning other clans. I want you to understand this. Don’t make me regret taking you to the gathering by spreading rumors and news that is not certain when you should be training and doing your duties.” Sparklelight warned her apprentice very strictly to which Thunderpaw bowed his head.

“I promise I won’t make you regret trusting me,” then brightening a little he added, “I will be the best apprentice in the world.”

Sparklelight laughed, “I’m sure you will. Now I have your lessons for today and tomorrow planed, then you will begin to learn the basics of being a warrior. I want to go hunting for a little while since all of the prey is returning and the clan has really missed fat rabbits compared to the tiny voles. While I am out go join the apprentices and let them teach you basic duties like collecting moss for elders, and running errands for warriors and the medicine cat.”

Thunderpaw quickly dipped his head and ran back into the cave to see if there were any apprentices remaining to help teach him. Sunpaw, Poisonpaw, and Smoothpaw had left, and Splashpaw and Shiftpaw were busy sharing tongues. Moonpaw didn’t seem to be doing anything except for talking to Fiercepaw, who was explaining his great catch. Thunderpaw decided not to disturb the resting Ratpaw since his company wasn’t even appreciated. He walked up to Moonpaw and Fiercepaw, and Fiercepaw quickly ran up to Thunderpaw, “Congratulations on your mentor,” he purred, “I’m Fiercepaw, I sort of remember you from the nursery but you were only a tiny kit then, and I was almost apprenticed. Anyways, welcome to the apprentice’s den.”

“Thanks,” Thunderpaw purred, “My mentor asked me to go do some apprentice duties but I am new so if one of you could show me around that would be great.”

“Of course,” Moonpaw answered glancing at Fiercepaw who nodded, “Why don’t we start by showing you how to collect moss. But you have to make sure it’s dry, or the elders get real cranky then we all get in trouble.” The beautiful she-cat warned Thunderpaw, who couldn’t help gazing into her round blue eyes.

Fiercepaw nodded, “Follow us, we’ll show you the best places to collect moss and the best ways to make sure they are fit for the cranky elders who are looking for something to complain about.”

Moonpaw had a playful gleam in her eyes, “I’d like you to remember these words so that I can tease you about it when you become one of those elders, while I will be sure to remind the kits that they can bring the wettest moss just for you, their favorite elder Fiercemoan, while I enjoy the dry moss because of my services.”

Fiercepaw grunted as he left the apprentice den signaling for the other apprentices to follow them. As they walked out of camp Thunderpaw tried to start a conversation with Moonpaw, “Who was you mentor again?” he asked her trying to sound polite.

“Aquatail,” she replied proudly, “She is probably the best mentor ever. I am almost three moons into my training now, so I should become a warrior pretty soon. It’s too bad we won’t get to spend much time training together. I’ve heard that you are very strong.”

Thunderpaw felt himself going red and tried to imagine Moonpaw as Dragonpaw or Rufflepaw, “Want me to show you?” he asked and jumped on Moonpaw, his claws sheathed. Moonpaw yelped in surprise and tried to flip Thunderpaw over but he wouldn’t budge. She then pulled her hind legs up and kicked Thunderpaw off who managed to regain his balance and land on both feet. He then ran back at Moonpaw and started swiping at her with his paws, all which she managed to avoid. She was aiming a swipe at Thunderpaw when he butted her with his head and sent knocked her down.

Moonpaw made an “Oof” sound, and Thunderpaw ran over to help her up. They was a playful gleam in her eyes and Thunderpaw felt glad that he had at least managed to make himself noticeable in her eyes, “Lucky shot.”

Thunderpaw was about to playfully retort when Fiercepaw cut in, “Hey Moonloser,” he teased, “Beaten by a beginner, I see. And you planned to become a warrior within a month, fat chance that will happen. You’ll have to wait for Thunderpaw to become a warrior first.” Moonpaw cuffed his ear playfully as Thunderpaw noticed he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t stop looking into Moonpaw’s eyes. As nice as Fiercepaw had been to him Thunderpaw found himself hoping that he would become a warrior right away so that he didn’t get any closer to Moonpaw than he already was. Thunderpaw found himself surprised it had only taken a short walk to fall for the apprentice. But it wasn’t hard. She was beautiful and had eyes that seemed to go on forever, she was also kind, playful, determined, and impressive. It was no surprise that Fiercepaw had fallen for her too and Thunderpaw couldn’t help wondering how long Fiercepaw had been string into those eyes. Since Moonpaw was born? Since she became an apprentice? Or had he just started looking at her like that? Thunderpaw hoped it was new so that he didn’t have that big of a disadvantage.

Fiercepaw turned to Thunderpaw, “You were good for a apprentice that hasn’t even had a session with your master yet,” Thunderpaw dipped his head a little awkwardly as Fiercepaw continued, “You won’t have as many sessions with your mentor as most apprentices because they will usually be busy, as I know from personnel experience. Instead you will probably spend up to half of your sessions with senior warriors who also have apprentices.”

Thunderpaw nodded with excitement. This meant that he might spend a fair amount of training sessions with Aquatail, since she was probably the oldest warrior who had not yet retired. And that meant more time he would get to spend by Moonpaw. He didn’t say this, of course. Instead he pretended to be disappointed that he wouldn’t get to spend as much time with the deputy.

“If you fluff-brains are done bragging about your mentors, none which are as good as mine, than I would like to remind you that we have reached the best spot to collect moss from so that our elders can sleep comfortably tonight.” <p style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> Thunderpaw tried to think of the best thing to say and he got there at the same time as Fiercepaw, “Who are you calling a fluff brain?” “Now you go put the moss on their bedding.” Moonpaw explained to Thunderpaw who was listening carefully, but Fiercepaw cut in.

“He’s new Moonpaw, let him watch a couple time before you make him do your work. Why don’t you go put the moss in this time? After all I did it last time and it is your turn, so while you place the dry moss so that our elders can sleep comfortably tonight, Thunderpaw and I will brag to each other about our mentors.”

Moonpaw rolled her eyes and sighed, before picking up the moss and laying it out on the elders den. Thunderpaw watched her with excitement, knowing that he would do it too very soon, and Sparklelight would ask him how it was done. Thunderpaw quickly realized that Fiercepaw was also watching the moss being placed in the elders den. “Why are you watching so intently?” he asked.

Fiercepaw shrugged, “I’ll let you in on a secret. I’m not watching the moss being places on, I’m watching Moonpaw. She’s so beautiful.” Thunderpaw didn’t know what to say. Fiercepaw had just admitted that he loved the cat Thunderpaw already felt himself falling for. Fiercepaw laughed at his silence, “I’ve seen the way you look at her, and it’s not hard to tell you feel the same way.”

Thunderpaw shrugged, “I can’t say that it’s not true,” he knew he would now lose the respect of the apprentice which actually did upset him because he had already come to admire him, despite their similar opinions on she-cats.

Fiercepaw laughed, once again reading his mind, “Don’t worry we can still be friends. I honestly don’t know how I could blame anyone for liking her,” Thunderpaw sighed with relief as Fiercepaw made a proposal, “I propose a truce. We will be fair to each other about her, we will not display hard feelings against each other because of her, and we will not try to lower her opinion on us by telling her bad things about each other.” Fiercepaw smiled as Thunderpaw nodded his head without even thinking. It would be hard to stay friendly with Fiercepaw after their competition got more interesting, but he respected the tom and already viewed him as an apprentice, or a warrior, he would go to if he had questions on his training.

“Hem, hem,” both apprentices heard a cat cough above them. They turned around to see Sparklelight, with a angry look in her eye, “Why don’t you two apprentices go help out your friend instead of gossiping about her,” both apprentices nodded but Sparklelight wasn’t finished, “you have disappointed me on your first day Thunderpaw, I am no longer sure if I should take you to the gathering tomorrow.”

Thunderpaw dipped his head very deeply, “I am very sorry Sparklelight, and I promise it will never happen again.”

Sparklelight nodded, “Make sure you don’t,” and seeing that Thunderpaw was about to run off to help the apprentice flicked her tail, “I can show you around a bit now, that I have finished my hunting,” then jokingly added, “Sorry I gave Fiercepaw an advantage, by pulling you out of the picture.”

Thunderpaw went red, “You don’t know me if you think I’m disappointed to begin my first training lesson.”

“Obviously not, since I have just met you this morning. All I know about you is that I have heard you are a very strong kit, and that you have feelings for Moonpaw. I think an apprentice should have more pressing matters than she-cats to worry about. You can wait until you are a warrior for that. Or you might not get one at all. I know that I wouldn’t have been deputy right now if I had chosen to take a mate. And all apprentices dream of becoming clan leader one day, although that dream dies for most by the time they are warriors. Cats soon realize that the strongest one among them is the one that knows how to follow, as you will soon learn young tom. But today I am going to teach you about the history of the clans and the ancients. I know you have heard tales from elders, but I want to tell you the truth, not the nursery tales, and I want you to realize what you might hear about Thunderclan, and how you should react to it. Once we sent a new apprentice to the gathering and he broke the truce because he heard something that didn’t sound like the tales told in Thunderclan.”

Thunderpaw nodded as Moonpaw and Fiercepaw left his head as he listened to what Sparklelight taught him eagerly, exited to prove himself to the whole forest t the gathering which was coming up. He took in every word his mentor said and at the end when his mentor quizzed him he answered all of the questions correctly.

At the end of their session Thunderpaw got up and stretched. They had been sitting down outside the whole time. “Since I am an apprentice now I suppose I can go take so fresh-kill to Rufflepaw and Bronzestripe.”

“Very thoughtful of you,” Sparklelight meowed proudly before adding, “While you are at it why don’t you get something for yourself too.”

“Thanks,” Thunderpaw replied, “but I already ate. And since I haven’t caught anything yet I would feel guilty to eat. I will just get something for our medicine cats.”

Sparklelight laughed and rolled her eyes before shrugging, “Well, if you say so I can’t make you eat. Well go on then,” Thunderpaw nodded and he was bounding off when he heard Sparklelight call again, “Wait Thunderpaw,” he turned around and walked back to his mentor, “I have to ask you something.” Thunderpaw waited as Sparklelight continued, “I have been worrying about Rufflepaw ever since Scrapkit died. I know that it is painful but if the clan is in danger I am scared he might freeze at the sight of a body as fragile as Scrapkit’s was. You are probably one of the closest cats to him, so I was wondering if you could watch over him a bit for me and then report how he is. This is for his good.”

Thunderpaw was about to nod, when he realized something, “Why are you asking this to me and not Dragonpaw. He is Rufflepaw’s littermate after all, so he would be the first cat you turned to.” Sparklelight didn’t answer and Thunderpaw guessed, “Did Dragonpaw refuse to spy on his brother. ” Sparklelight nodded and Thunderpaw shook his head, “I am sorry but if Dragonpaw refuses to do something to Rufflepaw then I cannot do that.”

Sparklelight sighed, “I understand,” she meowed before dismissing her apprentice, “I thought it would be helpful.”

As Thunderpaw bounded off he felt slightly guilty that he had rejected the first thing his mentor had asked of him, but he couldn’t have betrayed Rufflepaw or Dragonpaw, so he shook that thought out of his head and bounded off to the fresh kill pile. Looking around he picked a vole for Rufflepaw and a squirrel for Bronzestripe before heading into the medicine cat den. Rufflepaw spotted him right away and ran up, gratefully accepting the vole and taking the squirrel to Bronzestripe. Bronzestripe dipped her head to Thunderpaw, but he detected that same glance in her eyes and he felt awkward.

“Congratulations,” Rufflepaw purred, “I heard that you became an apprentice and you are going to the gathering tomorrow. All of the apprentices that don’t go will be very jealous. I am actually really excited to because this will be my first gathering, and I will be introduced to the other clans as a medicine cat.”

Thunderpaw purred, “I can’t wait either. I’d love to meet the cats from the other clans and listen to stories from them. It will be so grand, and I will be there on my second day as an apprentice. Sparklelight almost changed her mind when she heard me and Fiercepaw talking when we were supposed to be helping Moonpaw set up the fresh moss, but she decided not to. I was really scared that I might not be able to go, though.”

The two apprentices chatted for a while before Thunderpaw decided to leave and go back to his mentor. Sparklelight told him that he should go help out whoever needed it, but warned him not to go hunting since he was inexperienced and might scare away the prey. Thunderkit was confident that he would be able to catch it but he listened because he really badly wanted to go to the gathering.

He went into the apprentice’s den, and to his delight he found that Moonpaw and a sleeping Ratpaw were the only ones there. Moonpaw’s eyes also brightened when she saw the new apprentices and she bounded up to him, “So what did you do with the deputy?” she asked him, a slight amount of amusement available in her gaze.

Thunderpaw shrugged, “We talked about manners at the gathering and the warrior code, and you know basic stuff,” he paused before asking, “So what did you do with Aquatail today, you look worn out?”

Moonpaw’s eyes brightened, “It was incredible. You won’t believe it, today I learned to cross a Thunderpath,” Thunderpaw was about to ask a question when Moonpaw guessed it, “Since there aren’t any Thunderpaths around the lake we had to walk pretty far to find one, and when we did Aquatail explained how to cross it. I actually crossed it like ten times in total. I was actually scared the first time but I did it, and it was amazing.”

Thunderpaw quickly thought about how to react, “Well,” he said in a teasing tone, “I used to think it was big to cross a Thunderpath, but now it doesn’t sound like such a big deal anymore. I mean if even you, who couldn’t put up in a fight against me, can cross it than how hard can it really be. Oh well.”

Thunderpaw was ready when Moonpaw jumped, and he rolled out of the way before jumping on her. The two cats rolled around for a while laughing and they even rolled over Ratpaw who woke up for a moment before mumbling about noisy apprentices that couldn’t do fraction of what he could, and falling back asleep. The two apprentices stopped and Thunderpaw commented, “Has he been sleeping all day. What’s his problem, did he stay up really late last night.”

Moonpaw shook her head, “That’s Ratpaw for you. If he’s not outside training with his master he is in here sleeping. He won’t ever get the moss which is very annoying. We try to tell on him but the warriors tell us to grow up and start complaining like a group of kits so we just let him sleep.”

Thunderpaw laughed, “I remember when he blamed us because he fell asleep on Windclan territory.” Moonpaw seemed to remember to because she also laughed.

“I was one of the apprentices that stuck up for you,” she commented, “But nobody listened to me since I was so young. Fiercepaw was in a cranky mood that day so he just randomly nodded when somebody asked him if the kits were making noise.” Thunderpaw nodded but he didn’t really care. Kits always got in trouble so it wasn’t really a big deal. The reason it had made him mad was because Ratpaw had thrown off some of the blame.

Thunderpaw continued to learn from Sparklelight and during his free time he played with Dragonpaw, Rufflepaw, Moonpaw and sometime Fiercepaw who tried to be around Moonpaw as much as possible. Thunderpaw soon became friends with all of the other apprentices, except Ratpaw, and got along especially well with Sunpaw, who happened to be Moonpaw’s littermate.

Finally the night of the gathering came, and Thunderpaw waited with excitement as Hollowstar called out the cats he would be taking with him from the Highledge. “My deputy, the medicine cats and I will go, of course,” he began, “The warriors that I will take are Emberclaw, Mangoleap, Firestorm, Badgerclaw, Saphirepelt, Frostcloud, Dashheart, Lightningpelt, Vinestorm, Molepounce and Pointedheart. The apprentices that are coming will be are Sunpaw, Moonpaw, Shiftpaw and Thunderpaw,” Even though he knew that he would be going Thunderpaw felt his heart soar when he heard him name. It made him especially glad to know Moonpaw would be there too, “No queens will be coming and I will take Tinyleg among the elders.”

He dismissed the clan and the cats selected to go to the gathering with him followed the large gray leader. Thunderpaw fell beside Moonpaw, “Have you ever gone to the gathering before?” he asked her.

“Once,” she replied, “That was last moon when you were still a kit, but there was so much going on during that gathering that it was a little more than a cat would hope for during their first gathering. I hope this one doesn’t have as much raucous.”

Thunderpaw thought for a moment, “Then you know about those kits that snuck into the gathering while their parents were sleeping, and about the Riverkit clan kit which the Windclan cats stole.”

Moonpaw shrugged, “I don’t know if stole would be the correct term since they asked rather politely, although it did get impolite replies, and they didn’t barge into camp, but the clan sent the kit on their own, for whatever crazy reason was going through their mind, because I know that our clan would never do something so weak, and with so little to admire. I just feel bad for the kits mother. I have never had kits but I know it would hurt to know that you might be fighting against you kit one day and that they may kill you or that you may kill them.”

Thunderpaw shrugged, “I bet that’s how Bluestar felt when she had to give up her kits but she didn’t have any other choice because if she hadn’t maybe Thunderclan wouldn’t exist anymore. So she made an important sacrifice for her clan.”

Moonpaw nodded as they reached the log that led to the island. Thunderkit was amazed at how long it was. He could hardly believe his eyes. He had heard of the log but he never knew it was that big before, he turned to Rufflepaw to see the same surprise on his face. This was also his first gathering. Shiftpaw was nearly the same age as Ratpaw, so Thunderpaw figured this was his first gathering and he was proven correct when he saw the surprised look on the young toms face.

Moonpaw leaned into Thunderpaw, “if you ever need a guide or just someone to follow I am here,” Thunderkit purred grateful and Moonpaw continued, “Last gathering Fiercepaw showed me around and he was so helpful.” Thunderpaw tried not to feel jealous, but instead grateful that it would be just him and Moonpaw this time. As they approached the log to climb over it Moonpaw teased, “Don’t get scared kit.”

Thunderpaw laughed, “I am worried about you getting scared. I should be just fine, but you should be careful not to fall. Well, I’ll probably catch you anyways so you should be fine.” Moonpaw playfully cuffed his ear and Thunderpaw flicked his tail on her nose. He heard a playful growl from her but knew that she wouldn’t attack while they were crossing the log.

When they finally passed the log and leaped to the other side Moonpaw jumped on Thunderpaw and started laughing in his face. Thunderpaw noticed Rufflepaw staring at him, amusement visible in his gaze and he felt himself going red. Moonpaw jumped off him and licked her tail in his nose. Thunderpaw would have jumped back on her if he wasn’t too busy looking around the island in awe.

There were so many scents; he could make out coming from all of the cats. The only ones he recognized were those coming from his clan mates. He decided to follow Moonpaw as she signaled for him to follow. She took him to an area where there were several of apprentices all talking and sharing stories about their catches and tales that they heard elders told them. Remembering what Sparklelight told him he followed Moonpaw and sat down beside three Riverclan apprentices that were listening to a Windclan apprentice explain a hectic day in his life, “So since I am the only apprentice I have to do everything for the elders and the medicine cat has no apprentice so I have to do their duties as well. Then my mentor trains me very hard and keeps complaining about how I can’t do things perfectly. All I can say is that I was so excited when Breezekit and Russetkit finally became apprentices so that I can finally get a break.”

“Wow Twirlpaw,” Moonpaw replied sympathetically, “I feel so bad for you. I am glad that I have apprentices to work with and train with, but you don’t really have anyone so that will also make it harder to train.” Thunderpaw had to admit that he felt bad for the apprentice too.

Thunderpaw heard Sharkstar calling all of the cats together and he ran to go sit beside the Thunderclan cats. He sat with Rufflepaw on one side and Moonpaw on his other side. Each of the leaders was posed on a different branch of the large tree. Thrushstar, the leader of Windclan stepped up first.

“Windclan is doing well. Along with new leaf the prey had started to return so my clan thrives. We have made two new apprentices recently. They are not here right now but Breezepaw and Russetpaw are now apprentices.” Thunderpaw thought he saw some Riverclan cats bristle at the mention of their old kit. Thrushstar didn’t pay attention to that and gave way for Mossstar to speak.

“We have one new apprentice named Riverpaw, Riverclan is doing well, and we have unfortunate news, since our new deputy Leaffall also died while killing the badger we scared away before. The new deputy is Ashwood, and may Leaffall rest comfortably in Starclan.” He backed away and Thunderpaw could tell the leader didn’t really want to talk. There were sad murmurs among the cats as Hollowstar started to talk.

“Just like the other clans, Thunderclan thrives due to its new prey. We have made Thunderpaw an apprentice, and he is here right now.” Thunderpaw felt himself glowing with pride as some of the cats chanted him name. When things weren’t tense between the clans, like at that moment, cats would cheer for their rivals from other clans. Hollowstar nodded and made way for Sharkstar to talk.

“We also have a new apprentice but she is not here today. My daughter has recently been apprenticed and taken the name of Shadowpaw. I would like to make a reminder however to Thunderclan. I have not backed down from my request to take back our territory. Sometime in between now and the next gathering our clan will set their borders over that strip of land, and we will be prepared to fight.”

Thunderclan cats started hissing at those from Shadowclan and Thunderpaw was among them. They had some nerve. Hollowstar dipped his head at Sharkstar, “Then you will lose the fight.” Cats started hissing even more and Mossstar cut in.

“This gathering is dismissed.” The cats turned away from each other and Thunderpaw felt himself panting hard with anger. Moonpaw pressed against him and Thunderpaw felt grateful.

Thunderpaw heard Hollowstar sigh. “It looks like we will have to start preparing for the battle that will arrive any moment now. The medicine cat and Thunderpaw’s mentor nodded.

“Well,” Thunderpaw asked Moonpaw, “Was that gathering ordinary enough for you, besides Shadowclan’s nerve to ask for that land.”

Moonpaw thought for a moment before nodding, “Definitely.”