User:Snowstarthecourageous/Snowstar's story

Prologue A kit sat in her nest, boredly tossing a mossball up into the air and catching it. Her mother sat next to her brother, Frostykit, and was watching her kit proudly.

“Mom?”

“Yes Snowkit?”

“Do you think I will become a brave and powerful warrior one day?”

“Of course I do sweetheart.”

“Do you really believe that much of me Winterheart?” Snowkit asked with a gleam in her eyes.

“I do.” Winterheart whispered.

“Really?”

“Yes. Sleep now, my dear. You will wake and become an apprentice before you know it.”

Chapter 1 - Into the Forest
Snow woke up comfortably in her bed. Frosty was still asleep next to her in the bed. Frosty was twitching, having a bad dream. Their mother, Winter, was lying in a bed next to Snow and Frosty’s bed. Snow crawled out of her bed and stretched on the wooden floor. She was determined to go out into the forest and meet the forest cats she had heard about from Hattie, the old cat that lived across the way from Snow’s house. Her housefolk, Lily and Jake, were sitting down in the kitchen and they were talking. ''What are they talking about? ''She wondered. She went down the stairs. She walked past Lily and Jake who were sitting at the kitchen table. She meowed a goodbye as she padded out of the cat door. She met her best friend, Caramel, sitting on the fence.

“Hello, Caramel.”

“Hi Snow!”

“I want to go into the forest.”

“Well why would you ever do that?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I heard from Hattie that there are wild cats that live out there. I want to meet one.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“You’re going to listen to that old cat? She doesn’t even remember what she had for breakfast!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well I’m going!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well good luck with that. If you get eaten don’t come crying to me.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Rude.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ugh, Snow you are such a bore!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I am not! Just curious.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well have fun with that.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok, I will!” Snow said, marching toward the fence with her tail lashing angrily, she jumped straight over the fence.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Wait, I didn’t mean it literally!” Caramel called after her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Snow stalked through the forest, her tail held high and her belly fur held low to the ground. She heard the sound of a cracking stick, and then felt icy claws grip her. She tried to fight, but a pair of paws pushed her down. She tried to bite the cat, but the cat had managed to flip her over. She pounded the cat’s belly with her hind legs, and the cat was flung off of her because of the strength in her haunches. “That’ll teach you to mess with me you mangy furball!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, you’re just a kittypet!” the cat meowed mockingly.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well call me that if you wish but I can fight like any of you forest cats!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Who are you?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I’m Snow, who else?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I have never heard of anyone named Snow…”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“And may I ask who you are?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, I’m Cherrypaw! I just became an apprentice today!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“What’s an apprentice?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“It’s a warrior in training.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh.... What’s a warrior?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“The cats that hunt and fight for the clan. The clans wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for them!” Snow padded over to the cat and smelled her. She smelled funny.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“So, Cherrypaw, I see you have a new friend,” said a ginger tom cat that bounded through the bushes, along with a tortoiseshell She-cat.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Cherrypaw! What are you doing talking to this simple Kittypet?” meowed the tortoiseshell she-cat.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I-I was just, um…” meowed Cherrypaw, embarrassed.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“It’s okay Cherrypaw, we saw what happened. Snow, you are an amazing fighter! You used a warrior-level fighting move to defeat Cherrypaw. That was amazing! I would be pleased if you were to join my Clan,” meowed the ginger tom.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Clans, warriors, fighting moves… What are you crazy cats talking about?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“In the forest, there are four Clans, Shadowclan, Thunderclan, Riverclan and Windclan. We are from Thunderclan. I am Firestar, leader of Thunderclan, and this is Sorreltail. Sorreltail is Cherrypaw’s mentor. Cherrypaw is a warrior in training, called an apprentice. I would like you to join my clan, Snow.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Really?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, I don’t know... I will come if my mom and my brother can come too.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“We would be thrilled if you were to join our Clan. I want to snatch you into our clan before Shadowclan gets any ideas, right Sorreltail?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Of course! I’m sure that Brackenfur would love to have Snow as an apprentice.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok. Snow, would you like to join Thunderclan?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“May I think about your offer?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes. Graystripe will be around this area tomorrow at sunrise. You may tell him your answer then.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Thank you. I will let him know then. I must be going. My mother and my housefolk will be wondering where I am. Farewell, Firestar, Sorreltail and Cherrypaw.” Snow turned and bounded into the bushes, following her scent from earlier, her tail held high. She bounded over a log and then she smelled mouse. She began to stalk the scent. She crouched low when she saw the little brown body shuffling through the leaves, looking for seeds. When she got near enough, the mouse still hadn’t noticed her. She leapt at the mouse and nipped its neck, killing it with one bite. She picked it up in her mouth by its tail. She sprinted back into the bushes. Then, she heard paws behind her. She whipped around, to see Firestar looking amazed at her. “Why are you staring at me?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Because you just caught a mouse. Most of the apprentices can’t kill one that fast!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Really?” Snow asked, seeing a glimmer in Firestar’s eye.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes. You would make a very good apprentice.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I am going to ask my mother and my brother if they will come. Maybe Caramel will come too! She’s my best friend, you know. Well I must be going, Winter will be worried.” Snow raced away from Firestar, holding her mouse proudly as she ran. When she got back to her house, Winter was pacing around, looking worried. She heard Snow come in through the cat door and whipped around, glaring straight at her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Snow! I have been so worried about you! Where have you been?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“In the forest. I met some wild cats!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Did they hurt you?” Winter rushed over, checking her all over.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Winter! They didn’t hurt me! I got into a squabble with an apprentice, though. She was nice.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“She was nice, even though you fought her?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes. The cats wanted me to join their clan.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Their Clan?” Winter meowed angrily.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes. They said you and Frosty and Caramel could join too. Will you? Please?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ummmmm..... I don’t know... Will it be safe?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I think so...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Umm, I will, but I don’t want you or Frosty getting hurt.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok. I am meeting one of their cats tomorrow at sunrise to tell them my answer if we are coming or not.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok.” Winter meowed worriedly. Snow walked over to the bed and curled up to sleep. She opened her eyes and she was racing through the forest, her collar off; a handsome grey cat was matching her steps, and his pelt was brushing against hers. He turned his head and his beautiful green eyes were sparkling with love. She awoke, shocked by her dream.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">She hopped up, realizing it was almost sunrise. She woke Winter and Frosty and they rushed out quickly. They ran at the fence, and Caramel was sitting where they needed to get over the fence.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Where do you think you’re going?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“We’re leaving.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Leaving? Where?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“We’re going to live with the forest cats.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I want to come!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok.” Then they all leapt over the fence. They walked over to where Snow had met Cherrypaw, and they waited for Graystripe. Graystripe appeared right at sunrise, hopping out of a bush to meet them. Snow realized he was the one from her dream. “Hello, Graystripe.” Snow said.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hello Snow. I have heard a lot of you. This must be your mother, your brother and.... Who’s this?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, this is my friend Caramel. She wants to join too.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, well we would love to have her too. Ok, let’s go.” Graystripe dashed off through the trees, and Snow kept pace with him, their pelts brushing. ''This is just like my dream! ''Winter came up behind her with Caramel, and Frosty was in the back, struggling to keep up. She could smell cats, lots of them, and then she ran into a wall of brambles. “Ouch!” She yelped.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Snow, over here!” Graystripe called. He was standing by a tunnel, flanked by Winter, Frosty and Caramel.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Coming!” Snow padded over to them. There was an overwhelming smell of cats, now. Graystripe motioned to follow him, and he walked through the tunnel. Snow, flanked by Winter, Frosty and Caramel, followed him, and saw cats sitting and talking.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“This time of day is called sharing tongues. This is when all the cats of the clan share the news of the day.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh. Aren’t you missing it?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“No. It is my duty to bring you and your kin to the camp.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“But you aren’t getting to share tongues, are you?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“No.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Graystripe! I see you have brought Snow and her family,” said Firestar, trotting up to them.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, I have, Firestar.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Good, I shall announce their arrival to the clan.” Firestar ran at a ledge and jumped effortlessly onto it. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highledge for a Clan Meeting! As you all know, we are a bit short on warriors since the fox attack. I have decided to take some outsiders into our clan, and I expect them to be accepted like any other cat. Our first arrival, Snow, will be known as Snowpaw until she becomes a warrior. Her brother, Frosty, will be known as Frostypaw. Their friend, Caramel, will be known as Caramelpaw. Frostypaw and Snowpaw’s mother, Winter, will earn her warrior name. She will be known as Winterheart.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“More Kittypets?” spat a dark-furred warrior.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“That’s Dustpelt, he just got used to Daisy, who used to be a kittypet. He is challenging you. Will you turn down a challenge?” meowed Graystripe, who was still standing next to her, their pelts still brushing.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No. I will fight him. If he thinks he’s better than me, he’s wrong!” Snowpaw spat, yowling and leaping down from the Highledge and onto Dustpelt’s back, clawing his flank. Dustpelt flipped over and battered Snowpaw’s stomach with his hind legs. Snowpaw scratched his ear and cut it deeply, leaving him bleeding. Dustpelt grasped her collar, choking her. He pulled so hard that her collar pulled off over her head. She felt free, and wild. She exploded into a ball of fur and scratched Dustpelt’s flank again and gripped his hind leg with her teeth. She scratched down both of his legs, leaving deep gashes in them. He collapsed and obviously gave up.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">She stood up triumphantly, until she saw a she-cat rush over and yowl, “Who did this!” and then she burst into tears. Another she-cat came up with a bundle of herbs, taking them to Dustpelt, and then gripping him by his scruff, dragging him away. Snowpaw felt triumphant. “Snowpaw, you have officially become a forest cat by defeating your first enemy, and losing your twoleg mark. You have now been accepted into Thunderclan. Snowpaw, after this meeting is over, get your kin’s twoleg marks off of them, and then you may all rest.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Snowpaw pulled the collars off of her mother, her brother and her friend. She met up with Cherrypaw, and they walked together to the apprentice den. When they got inside, Cherrypaw stared, amazed, at Snowpaw.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That was amazing! You just defeated one of the most experienced warriors in Thunderclan!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Really?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hi, Loser. Welcome to Thunderclan,” meowed a gray tom sitting in the corner of the den.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Well. Someone has a bad attitude.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That’s Wolfpaw; he doesn’t like the idea of having more apprentices in his den, especially former Kittypets.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Well he better learn some respect or I’ll claw his fur off!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I’d like to see you try!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Say it one more time, and you will regret being alive!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Kittypet, we all know you are just like every other kittypet! You will NEVER be a forest cat!” Snowpaw was so angry that she unsheathed her claws and attacked. She raked her claws down his flank and scratched him over his eye.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Had enough?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Never! I would never back down from a Kittypet! I could kill you with my eyes closed!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Alright then! Try me!” Snowpaw bit hard in Wolfpaw’s shoulder and then she raked her claws down his back. Wolfpaw collapsed, but he wasn’t finished yet. Snowpaw scratched his eye, and then he fainted. Cherrypaw stood, awe in her eyes.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“How did you do that? Only warriors know how to do that!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Back at Twolegplace, there were a couple of cats who weren’t very nice, and I got into a fight with them, and I learned how to do that.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Will you teach me Snowpaw?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Sure! I’m sure they would be valuable.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Wait, who was your mothers mom?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Um, her name was.... um... oh yeah, I remember, her name was Millie.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I know her! Her mate was Clanborn! You have Clan blood!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Really? That’s amazing!”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“We must tell Firestar!”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Let’s go!” Snowpaw and Cherrypaw raced out of the apprentice den.As they neared the Highledge, Firestar padded out from his den underneath it, and he was talking to a light ginger she-cat.

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Firestar!”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Cherrypaw and Snowpaw?”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Snowpaw has half-clan blood!” meowed Cherrypaw excitedly.

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Really?”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, because her grandmother is Millie, and her mate was Clanborn!”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That’s great! That means Winterheart and Frostypaw are both half-clan too!” meowed Firestar, who glanced at the light ginger she-cat, who was looking at him affectionately.

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“But Caramelpaw isn’t,” meowed Snowpaw worriedly, looking down at her light blue-gray paws.

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That’s true, but I’m sure she’ll make a great warrior!” meowed Firestar, and then he turned his head to look at a golden-brown tabby tom. “That is your mentor, Brackenfur.”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Snowpaw! It’s time to start training!” yowled Brackenfur from across the clearing.

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Brackenfur! Bye Cherrypaw, see you later.” Snowpaw trotted across the clearing over to Brackenfur, who said, “Ok, today we will be learning the hunter’s crouch.”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“But I already know how to do that!”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Well then you need to show me.” Brackenfur turned and prowled out of camp. Snowpaw followed, preparing to show Brackenfur exactly how much she knew.

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Brackenfur started to run, so Snowpaw kept pace with him. They came upon a beech tree. Then, she smelled mouse. She crouched, her tail held straight out. She prowled over toward the mouse, and then she saw it, its light brown body shuffling in the leaves, in search of a nut or two. She leapt, biting its neck, and it fell limp. She grabbed it and threw it to Brackenfur’s paws, noticing Brackenfur had a surprised look on his face.

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That was amazing! Even Wolfpaw can’t do that, and he’s the oldest apprentice! I guess we can go look at the boundaries.”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Ok!” Snowpaw meowed, following Brackenfur as he bounded off into the trees. They dodged trees and leapt over logs. They came to a river, and then Brackenfur came to an abrupt stop. “This is the boundary between Thunderclan and Windclan. Do not cross this border unless the clan leader has ordered you to.”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Brackenfur!” Brackenfur stalked along the border, showing Snowpaw how far the boundary was. Brackenfur finished walking along the border, and then he turned and ran the other direction. He ran with Snowpaw at his heels until he came to a different river.

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“This is the border between Thunderclan and Shadowclan. Shadowclan is very vicious, and never, ever cross this border, or you will be clawed to shreds.”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Oh, yes Brackenfur!”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Riverclan territory is across the lake from us, so by the time you need to know where the territory is, you will be able to scent it.”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Ok Brackenfur!”

<p style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:7.5in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Brackenfur turned and headed back to camp.

Chapter 2 - The Prophecy
<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">A moon later, Firestar called a clan meeting. Snowpaw rushed over to the edge of the ledge where they kept the nursery. Firestar was telling the clan of a prophecy!

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Cats of Thunderclan, I received a prophecy from Starclan last night, and it said, ‘There shall be one, a snow-furred cat, who has a great destiny. She has been proclaimed to be a great warrior, and she will blaze through the ranks of the clan like a wild fire and storm through the clan like a blizzard. She will save us all.’ I believe I know who this cat will be. I think it will be Snowpaw!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">The whole of Thunderclan buzzed with mixed ‘What’s and ‘this must be a mistake’s. Snowpaw sat there with an astonished look on her face. ''This must be a mistake. ''Cherrypaw padded over to the ledge where Snowpaw was sitting. She meowed a hello, stretching her long amber legs since she had just awakened.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hi Cherrypaw!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, hey Snowpaw.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Did you hear the announcement?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“No… I was asleep.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Firestar said that I would have a great destiny!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Really? What do you mean ‘great destiny’?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, Firestar said he had a message from Starclan saying that I would blaze through the ranks of my clan like wildfire and that I would save the clan!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“That’s amazing! I can’t believe my best friend will have such an amazing destiny!” Cherrypaw meowed, turning her head when she heard the paw steps of Caramelpaw.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hi Snowpaw!” meowed Caramelpaw, nudging her friend.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hi Caramelpaw.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Why are you hanging out with a clan cat when we have known each other since we were kits?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Because Cherrypaw is my friend. You should never have come with us to the clans. All you care about is yourself. You don’t have any respect for your clanmates.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well fine! I am going back to my housefolk. See you around, Snow.” Caramelpaw meowed, padding angrily away toward the gorse tunnel.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“My name isn’t Snow anymore. I am Snowpaw, apprentice of Thunderclan. I’m not an innocent kittypet anymore. I am a warrior!” Snowpaw called to Caramel, and Caramel turned with a look of anger in her eyes. Snowpaw flicked her tail, motioning for Caramel to leave and never come back. Caramel padded away with a last flick of her caramel-colored tail.

Chapter 3 - The Expedition
<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">A few moons later, Snowpaw was working on jumping. Brackenfur was instructing her, “So you get up on your hind legs, and push your body off the ground.” Snowpaw did as he said, and she flew high up into the air. She hit a squirrel with her paw, making it fall, and when it fell, it was stunned and then she dispatched it with a final blow of her paw.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Good kill! I would say you had the makings of a warrior. I think you might become a warrior before Wolfpaw!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Thanks!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“By the way, you’re on lake duty at sunhigh, but you can go on back to camp and get some rest beforehand, since Wolfpaw is still on duty.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Ok, great! I could use a rest because all this training is tiring me out! See you later, Brackenfur!” Snowpaw meowed as she padded away. She sped up to a run, and leapt gracefully over a fallen tree. She dodged through the forest, passing the training hollow, which was filled with apprentices yowling battle cries in battle training. She padded onto the path leading from the training hollow and back to camp. When she got back, she pushed her way through the gorse tunnel and padded over to Cherrypaw. “Hi Cherrypaw, good hunting I’d guess, judging by the size of the fresh kill pile.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Well of course, as usual!” Cherrypaw mewed, a twinge of happiness in her rough mew.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“So how is training going, Cherrypaw?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Good, Sorreltail promised to show me around the territory today.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Oh, well good luck! I have lake duty.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Oh, well good hunting Snowpaw! I have to go, Sorreltail will be waiting.” Cherrypaw turned her head to look at Sorreltail, her tortoiseshell fur glimmering in the sunshine. Sorreltail turned her head to look at Cherrypaw, beckoning her with a flick of her tail. Cherrypaw immediately began to pad toward her mentor.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Ok, good hunting!” Snowpaw called to Cherrypaw as she padded away.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">Snowpaw padded over to the fresh-kill pile and picked out a juicy mouse for herself. She padded over to the half-rock to chat with the other apprentices, Lemonpaw, Frostypaw and Sweetpaw, who was a good friend of hers. She sat next to Sweetpaw and ate her mouse. Firestar padded out of his den and leapt up onto the Highledge. He called the summons for a meeting, and everyone gathered in the clearing, the apprentices staying where they were.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“I am taking a patrol to Riverclan to speak with Crookedstar about some important matters. I will be taking Thornclaw, Starlight, Brambleclaw, Brackenfur and Sweetpaw.”

''<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Darn! I didn’t get to go! Oh well, maybe next time. I might as well take a nap while I wait for them to get back, since I don’t have anything to do now anyway. ''

Chapter 4 - Warriors
<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">When Snowpaw awoke, Sandstorm was yowling. The patrol to Riverclan had come back and Firestar was lying on the ground, a large gash on his shoulder. Sandstorm was sitting over him, crying in terror, obviously scared for her mate. Cats were gathered around, all staring in horror at Firestar, who had just begun to twitch rapidly. Snowpaw realized that it was more important than ever for her to go on watch. She forced herself to turn away.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Snowpaw perched in a tree on the outskirts of camp; on watch over the lake in case of Riverclan attack. Firestar had a dispute with Crookedstar, who had not taken kindly to the patrol’s unexpected visit.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Firestar had been in his den for a few days now, and was finally recovering from Crookedstar’s attack. Crookedstar had given him a bad shoulder injury, and it had gotten infected. As the sun set over the horizon, Snowpaw jumped from the tree she was perched in, landing gracefully on the ground. She trotted back to the camp, just in time to see her mentor, Brackenfur, come trotting over to the camp entrance.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hi Snowpaw.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hello.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Anything unusual?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Nope!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Good, cause I have been worrying about Firestar lately… Snowpaw can I tell you something?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“What is it Brackenfur?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“It’s about Firestar… I went to visit him today, and he was murmuring to himself… He was saying ‘It’s coming’ over and over… I don’t know if he was going insane, but all I know is that if I know Firestar as well as I do, he knows something that he isn’t saying.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh… That’s awful!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well I am on patrol tonight, so go and get some rest.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Brackenfur!” Snowpaw called behind her as she walked over to the fresh-kill pile. She chose a sparrow and brought it over to the apprentice den. She sat down to eat it just as Cherrypaw crawled out, stretching and yawning. “Hi Cherrypaw!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, hey Snowpaw.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Get yourself some fresh-kill and come eat with me!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, is it that time already?” She meowed behind her tiredly as she padded toward the fresh-kill pile. Out of the corner of her eye, Snowpaw saw almost half of the clan gathered in front of Firestar’s den. By the time Cherrypaw got back the rest of the clan in the camp had gathered by Firestar’s den, and they whispered quietly with shocked expressions. “I wonder what the big deal is?” meowed Cherrypaw questioningly.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I dunno, but we should find out!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok!” The two cats walked side by side over to Firestar’s den. “What’s going on?” Snowpaw asked Sandstorm, Firestar’s mate.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Firestar has been acting weird, and now we can hear him talking to himself saying, ‘They’re coming, they’re coming’ and everyone is terrified.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh no! Cherrypaw, I think we have a problem.” The night patrol had just come back, and Brackenfur pushed his way through the gorse tunnel first. He immediately padded over to Snowpaw and asked, “Hey, what’s going on?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, it’s terrible! Brackenfur, it’s just awful! Firestar has gone crazy! I swear it, he has!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, I’m sure he hasn’t! Let me in there, and I will claw some sense into him!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“You can’t!” yowled Sandstorm.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Spottedleaf walked into the clearing. “What is going on? All of you, to your dens! Now!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Everycat dispersed and went back to their own dens except for Snowpaw and Cherrypaw. “What’s wrong with Firestar, Spottedleaf?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“He is having many visions from Starclan at once. This is unusual, and Starclan has sent him many a prophecy. He has seen visions of many things, armies of Twolegs and cats alike. We are going to be under attack soon. It is the prophecy of Starclan.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“What? We need to double the patrols then! And also, Brackenfur said that Cherrypaw and I are ready to become warriors! Will Redtail do our ceremonies?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“No. Firestar has to do it. As soon as he stops getting visions, I will let him know.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok.” Snowpaw and Cherrypaw padded away, their heads held down.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">A few days later, Firestar climbed up to the Highledge and called the familiar summons, “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">All the cats gathered beneath the Highledge, bewildered at Firestar being out of his den. Snowpaw walked with Cherrypaw, Graystripe and Winterheart up to the Highledge. Winterheart licked Snowpaw’s ears and the top of her head to slick her fur down. “Winterheart! I’m not a kit anymore, you know!” Firestar started the ceremony by calling Snowpaw up onto the ledge. Snowpaw padded away from her mother and Graystripe and leapt gracefully up onto the Highledge, her pelt glimmering like snow on a leaf-bare morning, glowing in the sunshine, her eyes shining with pride. He began her warrior ceremony. “I, Firestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Snowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“I do.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Snowpaw, from this moment you will be known as Snowfur. Starclan honors your determination and your valiance, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">All the cats in the clearing yowled excitedly, “Snowfur! Snowfur!” She scanned the clearing for Graystripe, Winterheart and Cherrypaw, and saw them yowling as loud as they could. Snowfur was bursting with happiness, and pride overwhelmed her. ''Stop acting like a kit! ''She thought. Firestar bent his head down and Snowfur leaned down to lick his shoulder respectfully, then raised her head and leapt proudly down from the Highledge. Firestar called Cherrypaw up to the Highledge, and Cherrypaw leapt up onto the Highledge, but she slipped and fell. She climbed up again, this time making it onto the ledge. Firestar started her warrior ceremony. “I, Firestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Cherrypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“I do.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“ <span style="font-size: 16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Cherrypaw, from this moment you will be known as Cherrynose. Starclan honors your energy, your courage and your determination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Everyone cheered, “Cherrynose! Cherrynose!” but Snowfur yowled louder.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Then Spottedleaf called Skykit up, and the newly named Snowfur looked up, surprised. She started her medicine cat apprentice ceremony, “Cats of Thunderclan, as you know, I will not be around forever. So it’s time I took an apprentice. I have chosen a cat who has shown determination and wits. Your next medicine cat will be Skypaw.” <span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica; background:#EBF6F9">

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Firestar asked, “Skypaw, do you accept the post of apprentice to Spottedleaf?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I do.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Moonpool to be accepted by Starclan before the other medicine cats.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Firestar added, “The good wishes of all of Thunderclan will go with you.” <span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;background:#EBF6F9">

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">That night, Snowfur and Cherrynose sat vigil in camp. They had to be silent, but they used tail and ear signs to speak. The next morning, Graystripe came up to them to let them know that their vigil was over. “Congratulations, Snowfur and Cherrynose!” Everyone said as they walked by. All Cherrynose and Snowfur wanted to do was sleep in their new beds. Snowfur and Cherrynose walked to the warrior den and to their beds and flopped down to sleep.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">At sunhigh, Graystripe woke Snowfur up, “Snowfur, may I talk to you?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Sure, Graystripe.” Graystripe led her out of camp, walking along the riverside, and to the lakeside. As they stood next to the lake, Graystripe turned his head, staring at Snowfur, his eyes sparkling. She knew the look in his eyes. Love.

Chapter 5 - Deputy?
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hey Snowfur, I have been wanting to ask you something for a while, ever since you became an apprentice. Will you be my mate?” Snowfur’s eyes grew wide. His MATE? She thought for a moment. “Snowfur?” Snowfur snapped out of it.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, sorry Graystripe… I have wanted you to ask me that for a while.” Snowfur said, smiling.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“That’s great!” said Graystripe, and the two cats walked side by side back to camp. I can’t wait to tell Cherrynose!Snowfur nuzzled Graystripe, and Graystripe nuzzled her back. Snowfur and Graystripe padded side by side, their tails twined together, back to camp. They took the same path they took on the way there. The whole time, they both stared into each other’s eyes, not taking their eyes off the other pair of eyes. When they got back to camp, Snowfur untwined her tail from Graystripe’s, and rushed over to Cherrynose, who was eating a particularly fat mouse. “Cherrynose, guess what?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“What?” Cherrynose asked, her voice muffled by the mouse she was eating.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Graystripe asked me to be his mate!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“WHAT?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yep! And of course I said yes!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“That’s great news!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I know! Isn’t it insane?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes! Also, would you like to go hunting with me, Snowfur?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Sure, I would love to, but can Graystripe come too? He is an experienced warrior you know, and if we get ambushed by Riverclan, he would be a huge help.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Your right...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Let me go ask him.” Snowfur trotted away going to look for her mate.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Graystripe, Cherrynose and Snowfur set off to go hunting. Snowfur set off alone to go deep into the forest where there was a lot of prey. She smelled a mouse, and prowled toward it’s little brown body. She pounced, killing it swiftly. Snowfur caught a squirrel and a couple mice too, and then buried them next to a tree.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">She smelled a rabbit in the brush and stalked up to it. She pounced on it and killed it with a swift blow of her paw. She walked back to the tree where she had buried the rest of her prey, dug it up, and took it back to camp. She saw that Cherrynose and Graystripe had already gotten back to the camp and had already deposited their prey. Snowfur went over to the fresh-kill pile and deposited her prey and grabbed a vole for herself. She walked over to where Graystripe was sitting, meowing a hello, twining her tail with his, and then sat and ate her prey. Snowfur thought to herself, ''Could my life get any better? ''Then, Firestar walked over and sat down. His head was down.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hi, Firestar. Something wrong?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Snowfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“What is it?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, Redtail has died…”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh no! What happened?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, his wounds were so bad from Riverclan’s attack that he died.” Firestar hung his head even lower.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh no! Who will be your deputy?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, I was going to ask you that. Would you like to be my deputy?” Snowfur was shocked.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ummm, wow, don’t you think you should ask one of your senior warriors?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, I had a prophecy from Starclan. I saw a speck of snow and a clump of fur outside of my den. I interpreted it as a sign that you were to be deputy.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I would be honored to be your deputy, Firestar.” Snowfur meowed solemnly, even though she was bursting with happiness.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Great!” Firestar meowed behind him as he walked away. Snowfur looked at Graystripe, a look of shock on her face.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Wow! I never thought I would become deputy! Graystripe, this is wonderful!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Congratulations, Snowfur!” Graystripe meowed, a look of pride in his eyes. He stared lovingly into Snowfur’s eyes. Snowfur stared back. Snowfur nuzzled her mate as Firestar called a clan meeting.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">All the cats came from different directions to join underneath the Highledge. “Snowfur, come up here please.” Snowfur hopped up onto the Highledge. “Cats of Thunderclan, Redtail, our deputy, is dead.” All the cats in clearing gasped. “But I have chosen a new deputy. I say these words before Starclan, that the spirit of Redtail may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of Thunderclan is Snowfur!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Snowfur? That soft, overfed kittypet?” yowled Dustpelt.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Dustpelt! You will accept my choice because Snowfur has been chosen by Starclan.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“A kittypet? Chosen by Starclan? Not possible!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Silence! Snowfur will be the deputy, and that’s that! I don’t want to hear a thing about it!” All the cats in the clearing dispersed in a matter of heartbeats.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Thank you, Firestar, for giving me, of all cats, the honor of being your deputy.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I’m sure you will make a great leader.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Leader?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, you will be my successor, so when I die you will become leader.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I don’t want to think of that day, Firestar.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Neither do I, Snowfur, neither do I.”

Chapter 6 - The Attack of Shadowclan
<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Brackenfur, Sandstorm and Sorreltail,” mewed Snowfur, “You will be on hunting patrol.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Snowfur.” Brackenfur meowed, a smirk on his face, “And to think, I was ordering YOU around a moon ago.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yep, but now it’s me ordering YOU around.” Brackenfur stifled a laugh and padded away.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok, Brambleclaw, Ferncloud, Thornclaw and Wolfpaw, you are on the border patrol.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Snowfur,” meowed Brambleclaw as his patrol headed off.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">It was barely sunhigh and the fresh-kill pile was large. The hunting patrol had been successful and had to take more than ten trips to get all the prey they had caught. This could supply the clan for seasons! Snowfur thought.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Snowfur!” came a meow from behind her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Graystripe!” Snowfur meowed, turning around and noticing Graystripe padding over to her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“The fresh-kill pile is huge! Have you seen it?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, I just noticed it.”Snowfur nuzzled Graystripe, “I have deputy duties to take care of. Can you lead the evening patrol?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Sure, Snowfur.” Graystripe mewed, nuzzling Snowfur and padding away. Snowfur watched him go. Thornclaw and Hollyleaf padded up to her. Hollyleaf looked at her, a questioning look in her eyes.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Why are you staring at Graystripe?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Why do you think?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Do you love him?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hollyleaf, you are so forgetful! He is my mate!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I forgot!” Hollyleaf meowed. Snowfur stifled a laugh.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hey Hollyleaf, wanna go on a hunting patrol?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Sure! Thornclaw, you wanna come too?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Okay!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Snowfur, Hollyleaf and Thornclaw headed out.

Three moons later, leaf-bare was beginning, and the fresh-kill pile was still impressive. Thunderclan’s cats were well fed, and the fresh-kill pile was being restocked daily. Snowfur had set up a team of cats to make a hollow in the ground to store prey over the coming moons. “Everyone, dig about four tail-lengths down, and when you are finished, go out hunting so that we can fill this with prey.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Snowfur!” meowed Brambleclaw, who Snowfur had appointed to oversee the work.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Brambleclaw, I am going to go out hunting with Graystripe.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok, Snowfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“We will have plenty of prey by the time I get back, I would presume.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Snowfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Snowfur nodded to Brambleclaw, and then she padded away to go find Graystripe. Graystripe and Snowfur headed over to the beech tree and sat down, waiting to find a mouse or two to bring back. They caught a few mice, and then Graystripe said he was tired. Graystripe picked up a mouse and Snowfur picked up hers, and they padded back to camp together. When Snowfur and Graystripe came back to camp, the hole was already dug, and it was half full of prey. “Brambleclaw, wonderful job! This is perfect!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Thank you, Snowfur.” Snowfur and Graystripe deposited their prey, and then went over to Firestar who was sharing tongues with Sandstorm.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Firestar, I have a question to ask you.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Snowfur?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I would like to build a den for me and Graystripe. I could have some warriors help me.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hmm… Is there a specific reason?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, me and Graystripe wanted to be able to have a den away from the rest of the warriors, and I didn’t think there would be a problem since we have plenty of materials to make it.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hmm, I guess that would be fine. Where were you planning to build it?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I was thinking in that area behind the warriors den where there is a hollow that is the perfect size for a den.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Good idea. Have Brambleclaw, Thornclaw and Hollyleaf help you.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok, thank you, Firestar.” Snowfur dipped her head respectfully. She and Graystripe padded back to Brambleclaw. “Brambleclaw, go get Hollyleaf and Thornclaw.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Why?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Because Graystripe and I are building a den and Firestar told us to get you three to help.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, ok. Yes Snowfur. Any specific jobs?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, I want Hollyleaf to collect bracken, Thornclaw and you to help build the wall of the den and get Wolfpaw and Sweetpaw to help make the nests.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Ok, yes Snowfur!” Brambleclaw bounded off to go get the team of cats that were helping. Snowfur and Graystripe sat waiting until Brambleclaw came back with the rest of the cats. Hollyleaf bounded out of camp, going to collect the bracken for the nests and the gorse for the wall. Everyone got to work, making the den. Snowfur and Graystripe went with Wolfpaw and Sweetpaw to get moss for the nests. Snowfur gathered up a ball of moss and brought it into the den, where some bracken was waiting to build the nest. She built part of her nest, and Graystripe built his, and then Sweetpaw finished Snowfur, while Wolfpaw finished Graystripes. Brambleclaw and the others had been hard at work on the wall, and it was almost finished. Snowfur padded out of the den to check on the progress, and it was nearly finished. She padded back inside and curled up in her nest. Graystripe padded over and curled up next to her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">One moon later, Snowfur sat on guard at the gorse tunnel. That night had been very peaceful. The sky was clear and the wash of moonlight flooded over the hollow. Then, the smell of Shadowclan wafted to Snowfur’s nose. Snowfur opened her mouth to smell the scent better, and the smell was fresh, and getting stronger. Snowfur jumped up and rushed to the warrior den. She woke up as many warriors as she could, and then the sound of rushing paws came to her ears.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Snowfur and the warriors rushed out of the den to see Shadowclan cats burst through the entrance of the camp. Snowfur leaped into the battle, landing on the back of Russetfur, clawing her flank. Snowfur pinned her down, and bit down into her neck. Russetfur fell limp, and Snowfur knew she was dead. Snowfur yowled a cry of victory. Snowfur was glad that Tawnypelt had come out alive, since Tawnypelt was her friend. Tawnypelt and Snowfur were both deputies, and they were both entirely committed to their clans. Blackstar was on his last life, and so was Firestar, so if the two clans got into a serious battle that included the clan leaders, Tawnypelt and Snowfur might become leaders. Snowfur wasn’t looking forward to that day, since she wasn’t ready to become a clan leader. She had just recently become deputy, and she didn’t want to become leader and appoint a new deputy so soon. She especially didn’t want her beloved leader, Firestar, to die, so that she could take his place. When she becomes leader, she decided, that Cherrynose would take her place as deputy, and that Spottedleaf would remain medicine cat. Spottedleaf and Cherrynose were her closest advisors, and she would hope that they would remain that way when she became leader. Just then, Frostyfur padded up to her. “Hello, Snowfur. It’s good to see you’re okay!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Oh, hello Frostyfur, yes, I’m fine. Just a couple of scratches from Russetfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“You might want to have Spottedleaf take a look at that.” Frostyfur meowed, nuzzling his sister and padding off. Snowfur looked around at all the dead cats around the clearing, all of them from Shadowclan. All around her, she could smell blood and fear-scent from the Shadowclan cats, and then, when her vision cleared, she noticed all the rest of the Shadowclan warriors that had come were dead. Except for one. It was Ravenwing, and he was standing over a dead cat. She saw who it was. It was Brackenfur.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Snowfur stared at his lifeless body in horror. She yowled in sorrow, and Frostyfur turned his head around to look at her, and then his eyes went to where she was looking, and his facial expression changed from glee, to awful sorrow. Snowfur ran at Ravenwing, but before she could claw him, he rushed away. She glared angrily at the entrance to the camp, but then she turned back to Brackenfur.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Everycat who was out in the clearing looked at her, and noticed her eyes, which had become giant pools of deep, deep sorrow and horror and terror at the same time. Snowfur couldn’t move, and she felt limp and lifeless, as if she was joining the ranks of Starclan along with Brackenfur.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">She walked lifelessly over to Brackenfur’s dead body, and stuffed her muzzle into his fur. She cried out, and everyone saw her. She didn’t care, because all she could see was Brackenfur, when she had discovered him spying on her during her assessment, and him smiling jokingly, and storming back into the trees to let her continue her assessment. It was as if as he was running away, he was leaving her, and the rest of the clan, to join his ancestors. She never imagined him dying, not being alive to see the day she became leader, and to be there for her when she needed advice, or just a friend. She felt light as air, and she felt like she could jump into Silverpelt with a single leap, to speak with Starclan herself. Sorreltail walked out of the warriors den, and she looked around, because Snowfur hadn’t had time to wake her before the Shadowclan warriors reached the camp. She saw Snowfur, and obviously didn’t notice who she was sitting next to. She padded over, and then her face changed to horror, and terror, and sadness all at once. She yowled, and half sat, half fell to the side of Brackenfur, and stuffed her muzzle into his slowly cooling pelt. She began to cry, and Snowfur came and lay down next to her, placing her tail over her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Snowfur began to cry as well, and they lay there, sobbing, for the rest of the night.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">The next morning, Snowfur and Sorreltail notified the elders that they would carry out Brackenfur’s ceremony. They lifted his lifeless, cold body onto their shoulders, and carried him out of the camp. They took him to the side of the lake; in the spot he would go to sun himself in the afternoon. They buried him there, so that he could rest in his favorite spot, and padded, heads and tails down, back to camp.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">When they got back, they padded over to the warriors den, but before they reached it, Firestar called a clan meeting. Sorreltail and Snowfur padded over to the Highledge, and Firestar began the meeting. “Cats of Thunderclan, we have lost a valiant warrior today. Brackenfur was an amazing warrior, and one of my closest friends. He will be greatly missed, especially by Snowfur and Sorreltail. Sorreltail, Snowfur, would either of you like to say a few words?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I would,” Sorreltail meowed, “He was a great cat, and he was a wonderful mate. I will miss him for the rest of my life.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“May I say a few words too?” Snowfur asked, “I was lucky to have had him as my mentor, and I will always be grateful for his thoughtfulness and his wisdom. I will always remember him, and I will miss him dearly.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Thank you, both of you. I’m sure Brackenfur would have been happy to hear that.” Firestar hopped down from the Highledge, finishing the meeting. Snowfur padded to her den and lay down. Graystripe came and lay next to her, placing his tail over her shoulders. Snowfur fell asleep. She awoke with a start, standing in a clearing surrounded by trees. This isn’t Thunderclan territory… Then, she saw a Golden pelt run past her nose. She flipped around to see Brackenfur’s golden tabby face staring at her mischievously. “Hello, Snowfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hello, Brackenfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“This is Starclans territory. This is my clan’s territory now.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes. I know. I have been wondering when you would visit me again.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Well, your question has been answered, then.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, it has. I have missed you so much, Brackenfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I know. I will always be with you, Snowfur. You have a great path ahead of you, and I will be padding next to you the whole way, maybe not the way I had wished, but I will still be with you.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I know. It is just hard knowing that you couldn’t be alive and with me. But I will still be glad to have your company.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes. It is your time to go. You must continue your life, so that you can follow the path that has been set down for you.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“But I want to stay. I want to stay here with you.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“You can’t. You need to stay in the waking world, with Graystripe and Cherrynose. The clan needs you.” Brackenfur began to fade, touching the tip of his tail to Snowfur’s nose. Snowfur nuzzled her mentor, and Brackenfur faded away.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">The next morning, she padded out of her den. Firestar called a clan meeting. “Redkit, Brightkit, you have been with us for 6 moons. Redkit, from now until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Redpaw. Your mentor will be Frostyfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Redpaw! Redpaw!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Brightkit, from now until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Brightpaw. Your mentor will be Snowfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Brightpaw! Brightpaw!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">Starlight, Redpaw and Brightpaw’s mother, stared proudly at her son and daughter. She turned away and went to move back into the warriors den. Snowfur padded over to her apprentice.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Hi, Snowfur! When are we going to start training?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“The sooner, the better!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Can we start now?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Sure. Come on, let’s go look at the borders.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Snowfur!” Brightpaw looked at her with an excited flare in her eyes. Snowfur padded to the entrance to camp and ducked through the brambles. She padded toward the lake.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“We are going to look at the Riverclan border first, which isn’t exactly a border. It’s the lake.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“The Lake? Already?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes.” Snowfur padded past the training hollow, the yowls of Sweetpaw and Wolfpaw battle training. Brightpaw kept looking up at Snowfur admiringly, paying attention to every little sound of the forest. Snowfur padded up to the shore of the lake. “This is the lake. If you look across it, you will see Riverclan’s territory. Riverclan is well fed, with sleek pelts and strong muscles from swimming. Since they live all the way across the lake, they usually don’t attack us, so you shouldn’t worry about them. Now let’s go to the Windclan border.” Snowfur bounded off into the trees, trying to teach her apprentice what the life of a warrior was like, when you’re on patrol. She almost ran straight through the Windclan border, but she smelled it quickly and stopped, and Brightpaw skidded to a halt beside her. “What do you smell?” Brightpaw lifted her nose and opened her mouth.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I smell something weird, and squirrel.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That is the smell of Windclan. They are not much of a threat. But they are close to us, so I wouldn’t go thinking they are friendly. And don’t go crossing the border thinking they won’t attack you, because they will. ”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Okay, I’ll remember that.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Good. And good scenting too.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thanks!” Brightpaw’s eyes beamed with her praise.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Now, let’s go look at the Shadowclan border.” Snowfur bounded off again in the opposite direction. She leaped over a fallen tree, and she could hear the leaves whistling in the wind. She looked behind her to make sure Brightpaw was following. She leapt over the stream and then she picked up the Shadowclan scent markers and began to slow down. She came to a stop and Brightpaw skidded next to her. “Brightpaw, what do you smell?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Mouse and Shadowclan. I also smell a squirrel. It’s near too.” Brightpaw crouched down and leaped, jumping into the air, grasping a branch with her paw and, crawling up onto the branch, killed the squirrel. She brought it back down the tree, her tail and head high proudly because of her catch. She dropped it at Snowfur’s paws.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Great catch! That was amazing! That can feed One-eye, and you know how she is. She eats a ton! Now that we have seen all the borders, let’s work on your hunters crouch.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Great!” Brightpaw mewed, starting to crouch. She crouched low, her tail hanging. She began to prowl, but her tail was dragging along the ground. The leaves crackled when her tail dragged through them.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Good, but your tail is dragging. Lift it up and straighten it out.” Brightpaw did as she was told. She walked lightly across the ground, and then she pounced. She lifted her head up and a mouse dangled from her jaws by its tail. Snowfur hadn’t scented it. She held it up proudly and tossed it toward Snowfur. Snowfur was proud of her first apprentice.

Chapter 7 - Brightwing
<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">5 moons later, Snowfur and Brightpaw were sitting in the mossy clearing. Snowfur was explaining an advanced fighting tactic. “So you jump, flip, and then when your enemy is on top of you, twist. Then, stick your paw out with claws unsheathed and scratch your opponent’s belly which will make them let you go. Then, jump again and flip onto your opponents back and scratch their flank.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Ok, like this?” Brightpaw asked, doing what Snowfur had instructed. She did it perfectly.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Exactly! Now, try it on me, with claws sheathed of course.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Ok...” Snowfur braced herself. Brightpaw leaped into the air, and then she flipped. Snowfur jumped on top of her. She twisted, and then she stuck her paw out and pawed her belly. She leaped off, the breath knocked out of her, but she got up again. Before she could do anything, Brightpaw was upon her. She was on Snowfur’s back, pawing at her flanks. Snowfur collapsed, pretending she had been beaten. Her apprentice stood looking proudly over her. But Snowfur wasn’t beaten. She leaped up and tackled Brightpaw, and then she pummeled her side with her paws. She stopped, knowing her apprentice was beaten.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Never stop fighting until you know your opponent is beaten. But do not kill. Being a warrior means having mercy. Warriors do not kill unless it is necessary. Some Warriors kill for honor, and some kill for fun, but the warrior code says always have mercy. For real honor, you must have mercy for those who are innocent.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you Snowfur. I will live by that. You are the most honorable cat I know.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I wouldn’t be if you knew my mentor. He was the bravest, most honorable cat ever born. If only Shadowclan wasn’t so cruel.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“What did they do?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“They attacked our camp and Ravenwing murdered him viciously. I remember the look in his eyes as he stood over Brackenfur. It was malice. Next time I see a Shadowclan patrol with him in it, I will murder him the same way he murdered Brackenfur.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I would want to do the same thing. But that is not the way of the warrior code. Next time we battle, you can kill him. I can leave him for you.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“You’reright; I just wish that Brackenfur was still alive. But now is not the time to mourn. Today, you are becoming a warrior.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Really?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, you are ready.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Great! What will my warrior name be?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Brightwing.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That’s an amazing name. I will use it proudly and wisely, just like you, Snowfur.” Tears began to well up in Snowfur’s eyes. She would miss having Brightpaw as an apprentice.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Come on Brightpaw; let’s get back to camp for your ceremony. Brightpaw, you are a wise apprentice. I will miss you more than you will ever know.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Snowfur… I will still be your friend even after I become a warrior.” Brightpaw meowed as they began to pad back to camp. “You know, I am going to miss being your apprentice. You were a great mentor, and a great friend. I will be friends with you forever, so don’t die before me!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Don’t worry, I won’t!” She yowled behind her as she pelted back to camp, racing Brightpaw. She padded into Firestar’s den and told him that Brightpaw was ready to become a warrior. “I want her name to be Brightwing. I think she deserves it.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I will hold her ceremony now, along with Redpaw.” Snowfur padded out of Firestar’s den, noticing that Brightpaw had just returned. She padded over to her, and then told her to come on. They padded to the front of the crowd gathered in front of the Highledge. She put her tail over Brightpaw’s shoulders to calm her down after her ceremony.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I, Firestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Brightpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I do.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Brightpaw, from this moment you will be known as Brightwing, because of yourstrength and determination. Starclan honors that, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Brightwing! Brightwing!” Snowfur yowled, her meow louder than everything else in the forest. Brightwing’s eyes sparkled with happiness as she stared at her mentor. Snowfur stared back. “Good hunting, Brightwing.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Good hunting, Snowfur. I will remember everything you taught me for the rest of my life. Thank you.”

Chapter 8 - Snowstar
<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Snowfur howled loudly in victory as she stood over the body of Ravenwing. She stood in the thick of a battle in the middle of camp. Brightwing stood next to her, along with Graystripe and Cherrynose. After she was finished yowling, she realized that she couldn’t see Firestar. Then, she saw him. He was fighting Blackstar. Blackstar had bitten down on his neck, and Firestar was biting his. Then, as they lived, they fell limp. Snowfur rushed to Firestar’s side. She felt his pulse. His heart was barely pumping. “Snowfur.....”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Firestar, don’t die!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“It is my time... Be good to your clan, Snowstar.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No, it isn’t your time!” Squirrelflight yowled, rushing to his side.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, it is, Squirrelflight. You were the best daughter a cat could have asked for. Always stay loyal to your clan, and always remember who you are.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Ok, dad...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Firestar....” Snowfur meowed, and then, Firestar closed his eyes, and stopped breathing. Snowfur collapsed next to Firestar’s cooling body, and began to shiver. She and Squirrelflight pushed their muzzles into his cooling fur. “He was the greatest leader the forest has ever seen. I will try and be the same. I wish he had lived longer.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes. We will sit vigil for him.” They pushed their muzzles farther into his fur and sat that way through the night.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">The next day, Snowfur gathered Spottedleaf, Skypaw, Cherrynose and Graystripe, so that she could go to the Moonpool to receive her nine lives. They said goodbye to Thunderclan and padded out. It was Sunhigh, and it would take them a while to get there. The leaf-fall air was blowing as they padded out of the forest. They padded next to the river, and it was sundown by the time they got to the Moonpool. Snowfur padded down the hollow and into the clearing where the Moonpool sat. She sat down next to it and lapped at the water. The icy cold water tasted like sky and stars. She fell into a dreamy sleep. She woke up in a clearing in the middle of a forest. Starclan cats surrounded her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, Snowfur.” came a meow from behind her, and she recognized the voice. She whipped around, and saw Brackenfur, his eyes shining with the blaze of Starclan.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Brackenfur!” Snowfur rushed over to him and pushed her muzzle into his fur.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, my apprentice. You avenged me, and that is why I am here to give you your first life. I give you this life for courage. Use it well to defend your clan and the ones you love.” He pushed his muzzle into her fur and an icy chill ran through her body.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you, Brackenfur. I hope we meet again in dreams.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“We will, my apprentice, we will.” He backed away into the ranks of Starclan. A cat with ginger fur padded up to her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Firestar!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, my deputy and friend. I am happy to leave my clan in your paws. I am here to give you your second life. I give it to you for Determination. Use it to never give up in times of great need.” Snowfur touched noses with him and then a flash of warmth flitted through her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Firestar.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No need to say that to me anymore. I should say it to you, Snowstar.” Snowfur smiled. Firestar backed away as Brackenfur did.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Then, a grey-blue cat padded up to her. “Hello, Snowfur. I am glad to meet you. I have been waiting to give you this life for a long time. I am Bluestar. I give you this life for love. Use it to care for every cat in your clan as you would your own kits.” She touched her tail to Snowfur’s nose and then a horrible pain ran through her. Bluestar winked at her in a way she couldn’t understand. Then, she noticed Graystripe standing next to her holding a grayish-blue kit in his jaws. Snowfur’s jaw dropped. Then she turned away, and the image was gone. Bluestar padded away. Then, her brother, Frostyfur padded up to her. “Frostyfur? You aren’t in Starclan!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“But in that, you are wrong. I died shortly after you left camp.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“What! No!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Don’t worry, my sister. My spirit will always be with you. I give you your fourth life for caution. Use it in battle to protect your Clan.” He put his head on Snowfur’s head. She felt a terrible sorrow rush through her. Then, Winterheart padded up to her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, my wonderful daughter.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, Winterheart...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I wish I had lived to see you become the cat you are now. You have grown so much. But I will be with you now in Starclan. I give you this life for kindness. Use it well to have mercy on your enemies, like you taught Brightwing.” She placed her head on Snowfur’s, and a wave of love drowned her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you.” Winterheart padded away, and Snowfur watched her go. A black and white tom cat padded up to her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, Snowfur. I am Strongheart. I am your father.” Snowfur’s jaw dropped. She had never known her father. “I give you this life for honor. Use it to lead your clan well.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Strongheart.”Strongheart padded closer to her, touching his nose to hers. He backed away too. Another cat padded up to her. It was Ravenwing. Snowfur hissed, “What are you doing at my Leader Ceremony? You murdered my mentor! Why would you be here for me becoming a leader?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Because I was impressed by your skill. I give you this life for skill. Use it to protect your clan during the hardest times.” He began to lean over to touch her head, but she hissed and pulled away. She saw a look of longing in his eyes. Is he in love with me? He padded away.Lemonfoot padded up to her.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, Snowfur. I was wondering when I would see you again. I give you this life for carefulness. Use it to help your clan during troubling times.” He leaned over and touched her head. He turned and padded away. Then, a black tom padded up to give her last life.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, Snowfur. I have been waiting to meet you. I am Blackpelt. I am your grandfather.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Blackpelt? I… I can’t believe that I finally met you. ”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I give you this life for friendship. Use it to be friends with all of your clanmates.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you.” Blackpelt leaned over and touched her head, and then he padded back into the ranks of Starclan. Winterheart padded up to her once again.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I will always be with you, my dear Snowstar. Be good to your clan.” Firestar padded up next to her, and yowled into the ranks of Starclan, “Snowfur, I hail you by your new name, Snowstar! Your old life is no more! You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and Starclan grants you the guardianship of Thunderclan! Defend it well; care for young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity!” All of the cats in Starclan yowled, “Snowstar! Snowstar!” Her mother looked at her with pride in her eyes. She pressed her nose into Snowstar’s fur, and then Snowstar woke up.She looked around, not remembering where she was. Then, she remembered. She was at the Moonpool! She sat up, and looked for Spottedleaf and Cherrynose. Then, she saw them. They were sitting with Graystripe and Skypaw, looking down into the hollow at Snowstar. Spottedleaf noticed she was awake when Snowstar began to pad toward the exit to the hollow. She pelted up the path out, and ran over to where they were sitting.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Congratulations, Snowfur!” Cherrynose meowed as she twined around Snowstar, mewing congratulations.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“It’s Snowstar, Cherrynose, remember!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Oh, sorry Snowstar...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“It’s fine.” Snowstar turned to Spottedleaf. “So this is what it feels like to be a leader...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, you are a leader.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I can’t believe... It all happened so fast, first Brackenfur, then Winterheart, then Firestar, and now Frostyfur too...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Frostyfur? He’s not dead!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes he is. He died just after we left because of his injuries.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“What! I can’t believe I left him! I should have left Skypaw back at camp to make sure nothing happened. I’m the worst medicine cat ever!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No you’re not, he would have died anyway. We must get back to camp. Oh, and Graystripe?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Even though I’m a leader, I still love you, and I am still the same cat I was yesterday.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“How did you...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I could tell by the way you were looking at me.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Oh.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Now let’s get back to camp.” Snowstar padded away, Graystripe at her side, their pelts brushing. Then, it hit her. Back when I first joined Thunderclan, that wasn’t my dream! This is it! Cherrynose, Spottedleaf and Skypaw were one paw-step behind. They got back to camp at sunhigh. Snowstar leapt onto the Highledge. “May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a Clan Meeting.” All of Thunderclan came from all directions to make a crowd beneath her. “I have traveled to the Moonpool, and Starclan has given me my nine lives and my leader name, Snowstar.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Snowstar! Snowstar!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I will make this clan proud to have me as a leader, and I will make our clan strong even in the days of leaf-bare. I promise to care for cats young and old. I will care for every cat the same. I am now your leader, and I will make you all proud to be in Thunderclan.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I object your leadership!” yowled Dustpelt. Snowstar leapt off of the Highledge and began to claw him. She dragged him by the scruff out of the camp, and dragged him into Windclan territory. “By the powers of Starclan, I now exile you from Thunderclan. You must leave Thunderclan territory, and stay off, or I will kill you. Now leave!” Dustpelt stared at her with a look of shock on his face. Ferncloud padded up beside Snowstar and gave Dustpelt an angry look, and then Dustpelt gave her a look that betrayed anger and sadness that his mate would betray him. She gave him a look sending him away and Dustpelt turned away, and began to pad into Windclan territory. He didn’t look back.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Ferncloud turned to Snowstar. “I am glad you sent him away. I didn’t love him anymore since he betrayed his clan when he yowled his disapproval when you announced you were leader. He knew that you and I were close, and he was jealous. I never knew it would go as far as to call out against the decision of Starclan. I never wanted a mate who would go as far as to call out against a leader.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes. He was a traitor to his clan. Now we must get back to camp and tell them the news.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes.” Snowstar and Ferncloud padded back to camp, making sure that Dustpelt was gone. When they got back, Thunderclan was sitting underneath the Highledge.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Dustpelt has been banished.” The Clan stared at her, and then they began to cheer. Spottedleaf padded up to the rock. She yowled, “I am taking Skypaw to the Moonpool to become a full medicine cat. We will be back before sunset tomorrow.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Ok, Spottedleaf.” Spottedleaf and Skypaw set out. “Thunderclan! There is something that has needed to happen for ages now. Sweetpaw, come here please.” Sweetpaw padded up to the Highledge. “I, Snowstar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Sweetpaw, do you promise to protect and defend you clan, even at the cost of your life?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I do.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Sweetpaw, from this moment, you will be known as Sweetbriar. Starclan honors your kindness and courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan!” Sweetbriar padded up to Snowstar and licked her shoulder respectfully.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Sweetbriar! Sweetbriar!”

<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Wolfpaw, come here.” Wolfpaw padded up to Snowstar. "I, Snowstar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Wolfpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">"I do."

<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Wolfpaw, from this moment you will be known as Wolfhowl. Starclan honors your courage and skill, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan."

<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">"Wolfhowl! Wolfhowl!" The clan cheered. <span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">The next day at Sunhigh, Spottedleaf and Skypaw padded back into camp. They padded over to Snowstar, who was sunning herself on the Highledge. “Hi Spottedleaf.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello. Skypaw is now Skyfeather.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Welcome Skyfeather.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Chapter 9 - No! Not again!
<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Snowstar looked at the sky. The moon was full. Tonight was her first Gathering as a leader! “Tonight is the gathering. Ferncloud, Spottedleaf, Skypaw, Cherrynose, Graystripe, Sorreltail, Thornclaw and Sandstorm, you will come to the gathering. We must leave now.” Her patrol of cats padded out of the camp, and began the journey to the island. They pelted across Windclan territory, yowling as they ran. When they got there, they were the first clan there. Snowstar, her ruffled fur puffing out like a dandelion, padded off the log onto the island first. She pulled her ruffled fur back the way it usually is, sleek and powerful. She padded over to the great oak, where the leaders sit. She leapt up to the top branch, being as agile as she could. She sat down on the top branch just as Riverclan and Windclan arrived. Shadowclan took a long time to get there. When they finally got there, the gathering started. Snowstar was beginning. Every cat from every clan was watching her. “Hello, Shadowclan, Windclan and Riverclan. I am Snowstar, Thunderclan’s new leader. Firestar was killed in aShadowclan raid, and he will be dearly missed. Frostyfur died in the battle too. My deputy is Cherrynose.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Snowstar! Snowstar! Cherrynose! Cherrynose!” All four clans yowled.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“In other news, Skypaw is now Skyfeather. Prey is running well, as it is Greenleaf.” Snowstar nodded to Tawnystar.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hello, cats of all clans. I am Shadowclan’s new leader, Tawnystar. My deputy will be Cedarheart. Also, Blackstar died during the raid of Thunderclan, along with Firestar, but nobody else was killed. I don’t know what Snowstar was talking about when she said Frostyfur was killed too.” Outrage broke out among the clans. Spottedleaf was about to yowl in protest, but then, Cedarheart leapt onto Spottedleaf’s back and bit down into her neck. Spottedleaf instantly fell limp. Skyfeather leapt up and rushed to Spottedleaf’s side. Skyfeather yowled to Starclan, “Why her? WHY!” Snowstar leapt off of the great tree and to Spottedleaf’s side. She lifted Spottedleaf’s limp body up by the scruff and set her down so that it looked as if she was still sitting peacefully at the gathering.

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Snowstar called, “This Gathering is OVER! And any Shadowclan cat, especially Cedarheart, that crosses our borders will be killed. That is all.” Snowstar gathered her clan and she grabbed Spottedleaf’s body and led her clan off of the island, the other clans staring at her in shock. Skyfeather was right behind her, her head down. She obviously wasn’t ready to lose Spottedleaf. They walked all the way back to the Thunderclan camp, and then Snowstar and Skyfeather sat vigil for Spottedleaf. The next morning, the camp was bustling with cats, waiting to get their patrol assignments. Blackheart was pacing in the clearing. ''What is bothering him? ''Snowstar padded over to him. “Something bothering you?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes! Cherrynose just told me that she is expecting my kits!”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“What! I didn’t know you two were mates...”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Well, we weren’t until just yesterday after Spottedleaf was killed. Cherrynose couldn’t tell you because you were busy sitting vigil for Spottedleaf.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Really? That’s great! Well, I can’t wait to see your kits.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“It all just happened so fast.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“It’s ok. I will go talk to Cherrynose.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Ok.” Snowstar padded away.

Chapter 10 - Cherrynose's kits
<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“It’s ok, you’ll be fine.” Skyfeather meowed reassuringly to Cherrynose who was in the middle of kitting. Cherrynose convulsed, and a little black kit fell out. “A she-kit!” Skyfeather meowed. Cherrynose convulsed again. A little amber kit fell out. “Another she-kit!” Cherrynose didn’t convulse again. Cherrynose lifted her head to lick her kits. She nosed the amber kit. “This one is Robinkit,” Cherrynose meowed, and then she nosed her other kit, “and this one is Badgerkit.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Those are wonderful names, Cherrynose. I’m sure they will be wonderful warriors. I hope I can train one of them myself.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Robinkit and Badgerkit were play fighting in the clearing. Snowstar walked over with a bulrush she had found by the river for the kits. She held it over the two kits, and they both stopped play fighting and stared up at it. Robinkit bounced up and grabbed it with her tiny claws and brought it to the ground. Snowstar praised her, patting her tiny head with her tail. “That was great, Robinkit!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thanks, Snowstar!” Robinkit mewed. Badgerkit pounced on Snowstar’s tail, which had been twitching. Snowstar rolled over and the kits swarmed over her. Snowstar pretended to be defeated. Badgerkit and Robinkit bounced off of her. “We didn’t hurt you, did we Snowstar?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No, of course not!” Snowstar leapt up.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Oh, good!” mewed Badgerkit, “I was getting worried!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No need to be worried, Badgerkit! I am just fine. Badgerkit, Robinkit, you should go back into the nursery, it is getting late.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, Snowstar!” Snowstar padded away to her den under the Highledge. Graystripe was waiting for her, since he shared a den with her. They curled up together, and fell asleep.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">2 moons later, Snowstar picked a sparrow out of the fresh kill pile. She padded through the camp, to the front of her den. She lay down next to Graystripe. Skyfeather padded over to her.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Snowstar, may I talk to you?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Sure, Skyfeather.” Skyfeather and Snowstar padded into her den.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Snowstar, are you expecting kits?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Why?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Because you look like it. And also, you have been eating a lot more recently, so I guessed that maybe that was the deal.” Then it hit her. She was expecting kits! She knew she had been feeling much more tired recently.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I can’t believe it! You are right!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Well, you better tell Graystripe that you are expecting his kits!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thanks for telling me, Skyfeather.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No problem. It is my duty as a medicine cat.” Snowstar padded out of the den.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Graystripe, can I talk to you?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Sure, Snowstar.” Graystripe padded into the den.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Graystripe, I am expecting kits.” Graystripes eyes grew wide.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Really?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That is amazing! I am sure they will be beautiful.” Graystripe nuzzled Snowstar, and Snowstar nuzzled him back. They twined their tails together and padded out of the den. Snowstar untwined her tail from Graystripes and padded toward the nursery. She pushed her way into the entrance.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Cherrynose! Guess what?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“What is it, Snowstar?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I am expecting kits!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Graystripes?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Well of course!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“That is great! Will you be moving into the nursery?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No, I am staying in my den.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Oh. I wish you were staying here. It gets quite lonely in here without any other queens.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I would, but I can’t stay in the nursery all the time.” Snowstar sighed.

Chapter 11 - Oh, the kits!
5 moons later, Snowstar was confined to her den, because of her kits coming in a few moons. Robinpaw padded into her den, holding a large squirrel in her jaws. “Thanks, Robinpaw.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“No problem, Snowstar. After 6 moons of you being my half-mother, it is the least I can do to repay you.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Aww, Robinpaw!” Snowstar nuzzled Robinpaw, and Robinpaw padded out of the den. Snowstar ate her squirrel, and then Skyfeather padded into the den to give her some borage leaves. Then, Snowstar convulsed. “What is going on?” Snowstar yowled.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“The kits are coming!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“What! This early?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Oh no!” Skyfeather stuck her head out of the den. “The kits are coming! I need herbs!” Graystripe pelted into the den, holding a bunch of herbs. He dropped them by Skyfeather. He pelted back out, rushing to get Cherrynose and Starlight. Cherrynose and Starlight pelted into the den, and sat down next to Skyfeather. Snowstar convulsed again, yowling in pain. Skyfeather gave Snowstar some borage leaves and raspberry leaves mixed in honey. Snowstar lapped it up. Then she convulsed again. “A she-kit!” Skyfeather meowed. Cherrynose started licking the little scrap of fur. Snowstar convulsed harder now. “Another she-kit!” Snowstar convulsed once more, and then she stopped convulsing. “A tom!” Snowstar sat up, licking the little gray tom. Cherrynose was licking a little white kit with blue-gray paws and spots on her back and stripes on her tail. Starlight was licking a little white she-kit with a big fluffy tail. They were beautiful. Graystripe rushed in. He stared at his daughters and his son. His son looked just like him, and his first daughter looked just like her mother. His second daughter looked like a mix of Graystripe and Snowstar. “They’re beautiful…” Graystripe meowed in awe of his kits.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Snowstar touched her tail tip to the top of her daughter’s head that looked like her. “This one is Winterkit,” She touched her tail tip to her other daughter’s head, “and this one is Icekit,” And then she touched the top of her sons head, “And this one is Darkkit.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Those are beautiful names. I love them.” Snowstar curled up in her nest with her kits, and they began to suckle, their soft paws kneading her belly.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">2 moons later, Winterkit and Icekit were playing outside the den, and Darkkit was exploring the camp. Snowstar was sunning herself on top of the den, stretching her legs from being stuck in her den for two moons. Winterkit scrabbled up to the top of the den, her ice-blue eyes blazing with determination. When she got up to the top, she stared at her mother. “Will I be like you one day, Snowstar?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Anything can happen, my dear.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“When I grow up, I want to be clan leader, just like you!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I hope that you do, little one.” Snowstar meowed, touching the top of Winterkit’s head with her tail. Winterkit padded over to Snowstar, nuzzling her. Snowstar nuzzled her daughter. Snowstar leapt down from the top of her den, holding Winterkit by her scruff. She set Winterkit down next to her sister, Icekit, and the two sisters began to play fight, and Darkkit padded over to Snowstar with Graystripe.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“He looks just like me!” Graystripe meowed happily, a glimmer in his eyes. “I’m sure he will grow up to be a great warrior.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes of course, since you are his father, I am sure he will be better than you!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Well, I wouldn’t say that...” Snowstar stifled a laugh.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I am sure Darkkit will be amazing. Maybe he will become leader one day. I will make sure he gets the best warrior as his mentor.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Like who?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Hmm... I was thinking Brambleclaw, since he is strong and powerful, and he would make a great mentor.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Good choice. That is still a long way away, though.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“True. I am beginning to think that Cherrynose shouldn’t be deputy.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Why?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Well, she only cares about herself, and when I was stuck in my den with the kits, you and Brambleclaw were the ones in charge because she was to lazy to do anything. I think Brambleclaw should be made deputy or Brightwing, but Brambleclaw has more experience than Brightwing, and Brambleclaw would be the ideal choice.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Yes, I agree. He is a noble and valiant warrior, and he would make a great deputy.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I will hold the ceremony.” Snowstar leapt onto the Highledge and yowled the summons. Thunderclan gathered beneath her, and Winterkit, Icekit and Darkkit’s eyes blazed happily as they saw their mother call a meeting, as they sat with Graystripe. “I now revoke Cherrynose’s deputy position. She has served her clan well, but it is time that I announce a different deputy, a more deserving one. I say these words before Starclan, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of Thunderclan is Brambleclaw!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Brambleclaw! Brambleclaw!” The clan’s eyes blazed with happiness as they crowded around Brambleclaw, each of them meowing a congratulation. But one cat stood out of the crowd. Cherrynose.

Chapter 12 - Brambleclaw!
<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Cherrynose stood in the middle of camp, her eyes betraying shock and anger. She padded angrily over to Snowstar. “Why would you do this, Snowstar? I am your best friend; I have stuck with you through everything! And now you betray me! How could you!”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Brambleclaw has been like a deputy to me. He has deserved the position. You never did any deputy duties and left them all to me. All you care about is yourself, not your clan, not even the warrior code! And you expect me to allow you to become leader one day, when you would just let the clan pamper you like a kittypet! I had to give Brambleclaw your position because it was best for the clan.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I can’t believe you!” Cherrynose yowled, pelting out of camp. Brambleclaw padded over to Snowstar.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you, Snowstar, for giving me the position over Cherrynose. I promise to serve you well.” Brambleclaw dipped his head.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I know you will. That is why I made you deputy.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Brambleclaw, can you set up the patrols please?”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Sure, Snowstar.” Brambleclaw padded away, calling the patrols into order. Snowstar padded into her den and curled up to go to sleep.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">3 moons later, Darkkit and Winterkit were playing with a reed, Darkkit pouncing on top of it and then Winterkit tackling him off and gnawing on the brown rush on top of it. Icekit was playing with Robinpaw, and Robinpaw was teaching her the hunters crouch.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Snowstar leapt onto Highledge. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a clan meeting!” Thunderclan gathered beneath the Highledge, confused looks shooting at one another. “It is time a few kits were made apprentices. Darkkit, Winterkit and Icekit, come here please.” Her kits padded up, their pelts sleeked back so that their fur shined in the sunlight. “Darkkit, Winterkit and Icekit, you have been with us for six moons. It is time they became apprentices. Darkkit, Winterkit and Icekit, from now until you receive your warrior names, you will be known as Darkpaw, Winterpaw and Icepaw. Darkpaw, your mentor will be Brambleclaw. Brambleclaw, you have been ready to become a mentor for too long, and I am glad to put my kit in your paws.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“I will train him well.” Brambleclaw meowed, touching his nose to Darkpaw’s.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Brightwing, you will be mentor to Icepaw. You were my apprentice, and I trained you well. This is your first apprentice. I trust you with my kit to train her well.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you, Snowstar; I will train her well with the skills you taught me.” Brightwing dipped her head respectfully, and Icepaw bounded up to touch her nose to her mentor’s.

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Graystripe, you will be mentor to Winterpaw. Even though you are her father, I trust you to train her like any other apprentice. I know you will treat her well.”

<p style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">“Thank you, Snowstar. I will train our daughter well.” Winterpaw ran up to touch her father’s nose. The new apprentices and mentor went off to the corner of the stone hollow, where the clan went to accept the new apprentices into the clan and to congratulate them. Graystripe and Winterpaw pushed their way through the thorn tunnel, probably to go hunting. Icepaw and Brightwing padded out after them, Brambleclaw and Darkpaw one paw-step behind. Snowstar watched them go proudly, watching her son and daughters grow up to be the strong warriors that she always hoped they would be.

<h2 style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops:139.5pt"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">Chapter 13 - Wintersnow, Iceflow and Darknight

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!” All of Thunderclan gathered beneath the Highledge, Winterpaw, Icepaw and Darkpaw sitting in front of the crowd, their fur slicked back. The cats’ fur was blowing in the cold leaf-bare wind. Even the air seemed to be teeming with excitement. “Winterpaw, come up here please,” Winterpaw leapt up onto the Highledge, “Graystripe has trained you to be determined and energetic. I, Snowstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Winterpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“I do.” Winterpaw meowed proudly. <span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Winterpaw, from this moment you will be known as Wintersnow. StarClan honors your determination and your energy, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan. <span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">” Wintersnow licked her mother’s shoulder respectfully and whispered in Snowstar’s ear, “Thanks for everything, mom. I hope you are proud.”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif"">“I am, Wintersnow, I am.” Wintersnow leapt down from the Highledge to be replaced by her sister, Icepaw. “Icepaw, Brightwing has trained you to be compassionate and determined. I, Snowstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Icepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“I do.” Icepaw meowed excitedly. <span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Icepaw, from this moment you will be known as Iceflow. StarClan honors your compassion and your determination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan. <span style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">” Iceflow licked her mother’s shoulder respectfully, and she bounded off the Highledge to sit next to her sister. Darkpaw leapt up onto the Highledge. “My son… I couldn’t be more proud of you.” Snowstar whispered. “Brambleclaw has trained you to be courageous and skilled. I, Snowstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Darkpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“I do.” Darkpaw meowed proudly, holding his head high. <span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"BellMT","serif"">

<span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "BellMT","serif";mso-bidi-font-style:italic">“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Darkpaw, from this moment you will be known as Darknight. StarClan honors your courage and your skill, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan. <span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"BellMT","serif"">” Darknight licked his mother’s shoulder respectfully, and then turning to his clan, yowling like a lion. Snowstar stepped forward next to him, and yowled with him. She put her tail on his shoulders as her daughters came to join them. She touched all of their head with her tail in turn. Wintersnow’s eyes glittered, Iceflow’s fur was sleek so that it shined in the leaf-fall light, and Darknight’s fur was puffed out so that he looked like a lion and his muscles rippled under his dark-grey fur. Snowstar stared proudly at her kits, now warriors. The clan yowled so loudly that Snowstar thought that every clan could hear. She was so proud that she thought she would be able to fly to Starclan herself.'' Brackenfur, Winterheart, Frostyfur, if you can see me, I hope you are proud of me. I loved you all.''