Wow, I'm surprised you bothered with coming this far. Well, I guess I have to mention that I don't own the warriors series, but I'd like to say something else.

Sandgorse is abusive, I don't believe anything different. But me writing about him doesn't mean I agree or condone what he's done. I personally really liked Tallstar's Revenge because of the multiple layers to the plot, and I wanted to explore it more. And I wanted to focus on Sandgorse because I want to believe there's a reason to what he's done and how he's acted. But just because I say 'there might be a reason' doesn't mean I think he's absolved from what he's done. He's still a terrible father, not matter tragic this story gets. Again, my reason =/= my seal of approval.

If you understand and still want to read this, I'm glad! If you read what I said and don't understand still, you can ask me to explain further, or I'm sorry that you're so petty you think I think that Sandgorse is a good character.

"Sandkit, Dusk-kit, and Dawnkit?" the medicine cat tilted her head.

"W-what's wrong with those names?" the newest queen Daisyfang fretted. Her mate, Ashstripe, pushed past the fluffy medicine cat and glared at her.

"Nothing is wrong with them," he growled defensively.

"Ashstripe! It's Sheep-paw's first kitting, let her be a little nervous," another queen said as she washed herself. Sheep-paw sighed in relief, giving the queen Honeycloud a thankful glance before turning back to the kits, remembering why she was concerned about the names in the first place.

Wouldn't Sandkit feel left out? Not only is he the only tom, but his name doesn't match up with theirs.

"Sandkit hasn't made a sound, what a good kit!" Honeycloud purred, "Basilkit, Palekit, and Howlkit are so loud!"

"I-is he still alive?!" Daisyfang exclaimed.

"He's definitely breathing. He's probably thinking," Sheep-paw mentioned.

"Oh look! Look at his paws!"

The tiny kits tiny paws started to move, but before anyone could say anything, Dusk-kit rolled and mewled at him.

"How cute!" Sheep-paw smiled.

"They're perfect, Daisyfang," Ashstripe touched noses with her.

"Thank you, Ashstripe."

Two moons later

"Sandkit, my tail!" Dawnkit whined.

"S-sorry!" Sandkit stuttered. He bumped right into Basilkit, who fluffed up in shock.

"Hey! You can't mess up my fur today!" Basilkit meowed. He was being groomed for his apprentice ceremony after all! Honeycloud wrapped her tail around the kit and licked his grey head.

"Where's Palekit? And Howlkit?" Sandkit asked.

"They're outside, waiting for Basilkit."

"And I'll be there in a minute!" he scrambled into the clearing, and waited for his father's call.

"Let all cats old enough to hunt gather underneath the tallrock!" Ryestar spoke. The three kits buzzed with excitement. Sandkit watched in amazement. He never knew there were so many cats in Windclan!

"Three of our kits will be apprenticed today, bringing wonderful new life into our clan."

Sandkit's sister Dusk-kit asked aloud, "who do you think they'll be apprenticed to?"

"Shhhh!" Dawnkit whispered.

"Palekit!"

The black and white kitten squeaked.

"I have watched you and your brothers, and I believe you will be happy being a moor runner, as you are sleek and fast. You will be apprenticed to Flailfoot, and be known as Palepaw until you receive your warrior name."

Palepaw bowed, but her tail drooped. Sandkit felt a twinge of sorrow for her as she walked over to her mentor, touching noses with him. Sandkit thought he heard whispers coming from Daisyfang and Honeycloud.

"Howlkit, your strong paws and stubborn personality tell me that you'd do best as a tunneler. You will be apprenticed to Lilywhisker, I hope she will train you well, as you are now Howlpaw."

The big black apprentice hurdled towards his mentor, almost toppling her. She laughed as they touched noses as well.

"And Basilkit. You are a strong young cat, who I believe will do well in the tunnels. As Basilpaw, your mentor will be Flamepelt, I trust he will teach you well."

Basilpaw doesn't seem happy either Sandkit thought. He watched Basilpaw pad over to his mentor and, avoiding his gaze, touch noses. Sandkit felt such remorse he almost forgot to call out.

"Basilpaw! Howlpaw! Palepaw!" the clan cheered.

"Palepaw! Palepaw!"

"Howlpaw! Howlpaw!"

"Basilpaw! Basilpaw!"

"I can't wait for that to be us!" Duskkit whispered. Dawnkit agreed with a nod. Sandkit curled his tail around his paws.

They don't look very happy being apprentices. Do I want to be one too? He thought.