Snow drifted in the wind, as Shadowclan cats made their way to the front of the giant rock their leader was on. His black and white fur blew in the cold win.

"Cats of Shadowclan," he addressed his warriors, "I have gathered you here today to witness the making of not one but two apprentices." He flicked his tail to a white kit with black paws and a black muzzle. Her father and adopted mother purred with pride and delight as the tiny kit walked up to Moonstar.

"Darkkit from this day forward until you have earned you warrior name you will be known as Darkpaw. Snowshade will be your mentor."

A light gray she-cat made her way to Darkpaw. While they put their noses to each other Snowshade whispered: "Lucky for us its Leaf-bare the easiest time for cats like us to hunt." Darkpaw nodded in agreement and stepped aside. Moonstar continued the ceremony:

"Bramblekit step forward. From this moment on you will be known as Bramblepaw and Dapplefoot will be your mentor." Facing Bramblepaw's mentor he added: "Dapplefoot you have just finished your training with Scatteredleaf, I know you will pass on the same wisdom you learned to Bramblepaw." Dapplefoot dipped her head at her leader's praise.

"Darkpaw! Bramblepaw! Darkpaw! Bramblepaw!" the clan cheered.

When the clan stopped a grayish-blue cat stepped forward. His left eye was scared and useless. He had little patches of white fur beginning to grow.

"Moonstar," spoke the old gray-blue cat, "I wish to go to the elder's den. I believe I have served my clan greatly and have given as much as I can give, but I can no longer keep up with the warriors of this clan..." he stopped as if in pain to accept and admit his age.

"Bellystorm you have contributed to the clan as much as any warrior could, you have stayed loyal to Shadowclan, have fought battles, and have given prey to the clan. You are an honorable cat and if you feel right about it you may join the elders."

"Bellystorm! Bellystorm! Bellystorm!" the clan cheered again thanking Bellystorm for all the seasons given.

"Mind you," spoke the gray cat next to Bellystorm, "I still have a couple of seasons left." Bellystorm glanced at his brother and rolled his eyes. The dark ginger she-cat named Cherrybreeze, walked up Bellystorm and brushed her muzzle against his.

"Don't get old on me already." purred the she-cat. Bellystorm licked her ears

"Don't worry Cherrybreeze, we will still be together."

As the clan dispersed: going on patrols, hunting, eating sleeping; a red and white dappled cat made her way to Bellystorm and Cherrybreeze.

"Hello Sweetrose." greeted Cherrybreeze- her mother.

"Hi. Bellystorm I am glad that you have found your way to the elders den." spoke Sweetrose. Bellystorm tilted his head in confusion. Sweetrose purred at his confusion and went on to explain:

"Well you see it is an apprentices job to look after the elders, as you already know. And I know in about some moons you will be spending time with certain apprentices that will be your kin."

Bellystorm and Cherrybreeze starred at their daughter, lost in words, then purrs of delights rumpled out of both of them.

"You're expecting kits!" meowed Cherrybreeze

"Yes, with Ravensong!"

-The purrs stopped-

"Ravensong...I did not expect this...as long as he is involved I am sure there will be no problem." Bellystorm said flickering his ears in an uncomfortable manner.

"Do not worry Ravensong will be a great father, you'll see."

With that Sweetrose made her way into the nursery. While asleep in her new nest a gray starclan warrior made her way to Sweetrose. She placed her muzzle near the expecting she-cat's tummy and whispered:

"I am sorry little gray kit. The moment you were conceived I knew what your life would become, but listen to my words little kit. Your whole life you will go through struggles, encounter challenges, and will be befriended by pain ; but know that you will be rewarded if you stick to the right path. Do not stray from the warrior code and you will be the most powerful leader in all the clans."

Placing her head away she muttered:

"If you do not follow the path of righteousness you will become one of the most vicious and cruelest cat in all the clans."