Brambleclaw brushed through the bracken carrying what was Barkkit. Barkkit's older brother and mother were waiting outside of the entrance to ThunderClan's shelter. Brambleclaw handed the dying kit to his mother as he brushed past. He was supposed to Squirrelflight's new apprentice… Brambleclaw thought. He thought of his mate, Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw in their respectful dens. It was moonhigh, and everyone except for Sandstorm, Leafpool and Silverkit were asleep. Sandstorm and Firestar had another litter of kits. Leafpool was tending to her dying brother- Barkkit- and her worrying mother. Barkkit was one of four kits in the litter. The other two were Starkit and Emberkit. All four kits were supposed to have their apprentice ceremony that night, but Barkkit went missing.
"Leafpool, is he… dead?" Sandstorm asked. Leafpool wanted to say no, and lie to her mother, but her instincts took over.
"Unfortunately, yes, Barkkit is dead." Leafpool nearly broke down seeing the pain in Sandstorm's face, but she had to say the truth. "At least you have the other three, and I know you are going to be so proud tomorrow when they become apprentices," Leafpool handed her some poppy seeds, "Go to bed, I will tell Firestar. You need some sleep before tomorrow, you too Silverkit." The three cats left the MedicineCat den. After making sure Sandstorm went into the nursery, Leafpool went up the scrabbling rocks into Firestar's den.
"Firestar, wake up." Leafpool prodded her father's side. He awoke and she told him the news. "Firestar, Barkkit is dead, and I think you should make the other three apprentices at sunrise tomorrow."
"But, Leafpool, he… what happened to him?" Firestar's eyes were filled with worry and fear.
"He was attacked, possibly by cats. Most likely he wandered too far on the other side of the boundaries and was attacked by some apprentices and then brought over." Leafpool explained according to the scratch and bite marks she saw on the kit.
"Who shall be their mentors?" Brambleclaw startled the two cats as he made his way into the den. "Leafpool is mentoring Jaypaw so she can't mentor another kit."
"Squirrelflight will mentor Emberkit, you will mentor Starkit. Ferncloud can mentor Silverkit." Firestar wanted to say that Brackenfur could mentor Barkkit but the sudden realization about the death told him that no one could mentor Barkkit. With a flick of his tail, Firestar dismissed Brambleclaw and Leafpool sending them to their dens for a good nights sleep. In the morning the ceremony will be held.
"Let all cats join under HighLedge for a clan meeting." Firestar yowled. Squirrelflight slugged out of her den followed by Ferncloud and Dustpelt. The three remaining kits stood by HighLedge. Sandstorm looked around proudly as the Clan's cat crowded around.
"Today, many things need to be said and there is barely time enough to say it all. Today we will welcome three warriors and three apprentices." The cats continued staring. "Jaypaw, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw-come to the ledge," As those that were called padded up the ledge, others looked on- not a purr in the crowd. "Jaypaw, from this day forward you will be known as Jayfeather. Hollypaw, you will be known as Hollyleaf and Lionpaw… You will be known as Lionpelt." The three touched noses with their grandfather and walked off the ledge, everyone welcoming them by their new warrior names. Now was the kits' turn.
"Silverkit, Starkit, and Emberkit- come up to the HighLedge." The kits walked up and the cats that would soon be their mentors followed. "Silverkit, are you ready to work hard to protect your Clan and Clan-mates and learn to follow the Warrior code?" Silverkit nodded. "You are now known as Silverpaw. Ferncloud, will you pass on all of your knowledge and fighting skills to this apprentice?" Again a nod, "You will mentor Silverpaw. Starkit and Emberkit, will strive to protect your clan and learn the ways of the warrior code?" Two nodding heads were the reply. "You will now be known as Starpaw and Emberpaw. "Good, Brambleclaw, you will mentor Starkit. Pass on your knowledge and ferocity to my son. Squirrelflight, you are mentoring your sister, Emberpaw. But mind; do not let her go off the path to the Warrior code. Make sure you pass on your wisdom and strength to her. You will know her weaknesses and power better than any other cat." Firestar gave his daughters a little wink before the six cats appointed touched noses and left the ledge.
"Wow, you're stuck with your sister?" One of Daisyfur's (Formerly known as Daisy) kits asked Squirrelflight.
"Yes, and I think it is going to be wonderful!" Squirrelflight led Emberkit to her new den and went to her mate.