Chapter 1
I shoved Swiftpaw out of the apprentice den. Bluestar has called a meeting; Swiftpaw and I are apprentices of Thunderclan. We have been for a long time, and when Bluestar calls a meeting, that might mean that one of us, or the other apprentices, may become warriors. That's something I have dreamed about since I was a kit. That's something every kit dreams to be, a warrior of Thunderclan.
My name is Brightpaw. I was born and raised here in Thunderclan. I have made friends with the apprentices. Swiftpaw though… Swiftpaw was different. Swiftpaw finally decided to leave the den. Even so he just sat at the very corner of the group of cats gathering around for the meeting. Thornpaw, Fernpaw and Ashpaw, some of the apprentices, gathered around Swiftpaw.
Swiftpaw didn't care for the meeting. He has heard Longtail shouting at Fireheart, the clan deputy, on why Swiftpaw isn't a warrior yet. Swiftpaw has done everything right, done everything he was told to do, he even ran away from a fight to gather more warriors because Fireheart ordered him to. Yet Swiftpaw or hasn't become a warrior. As a matter of fact, none of us have.
Tonight was our chance. I looked to see where Cloudpaw was. He sat next to his mentor Fireheart, his eyes full of excitement. He too wanted to be a warrior. Everyone's gaze turned to a gray she-cat with piercing blue eyes sitting tall on top of the highrock, Blustar was ready to start the meeting.
"Cloudpaw, you have thought well in the battle against Riverclan this morning," Blustar spoke. "and I have decided that it is your time to take your place as a warrior of Thunderclan."
I turned to see Cloudpaw smile with joy. I felt happy for him. Bluestar looked harsh. It was hard for her to be holding on to this meeting when neither Cloudpaw nor herself respected Starclan.
"Cloudpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect your clan, even at the cost of your life?" She continued.
"I do," Cloudpaw meowed fervently.
"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name," Bluestar went on, each word getting drug out of her like thorns. "Cloudpaw, from this moment on your shall be known as Cloudtail. Starclan honors your courage and your independence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan."
Bluestar leaped down from the highrock and rested her head on Cloudtail's. He gave her shoulder a respectful lick, and then went to stand next to Fireheart. Right now, cats should be chanting Cloudtail's new name, but no one did. To be honest, something was wrong here. I couldn't believe none of us where made warriors. Cloudtail didn't honor the code! Yet he was made a warrior instead of us? We did nothing wrong. Yes I was proud of him, but something didn't make sense here. Was Bluestar… ignoring us?
I looked to my paws, so did everyone else. Swiftpaw though looked like he was going to cry. Then his eyes opened and showed frustration and anger. He turned his back to his old den mate.
Many cats went to go congratulate Cloudtail. I was one of the last to go.
"Good job Cloudtail" I whispered. " Bluestar was right you did fight well." I walked away, Ashpaw and his sister Fernpaw spoke to Cloudtail next. Ashpaw was very disappointed but tried not to show it to Cloudtail. Swiftpaw didn't congratulate him.
I walked with my head down into the apprentice's den. I was beginning to loose hope. I think I will never become a warrior. Never. None of us will. I went into the den to find Swiftpaw lying on the ground. I went up to him to see if he was ok. Before I could ask he lifted his head.
"Gather the other apprentices. Tell them I need to speak with them," He began "… but wait until everyone in the clan is asleep."