Chapter 2

Bramblestar was pleased to notice that the fresh kill pile was well stocked. He padded over to the pile and chose a plump mouse. Bramblestar padded towards the place where Squirrelflight was sitting. His thoughts about the dream tumbled into his mind as he tucked into the mouse.

" Lionblaze, Brackenfur and Foxleap sure did a good job, huh!" purred Squirrelflight.

" Yes" mumbled Bramblestar distractedly.

"You know, you've been acting strange lately" mewed Squirrelflight, her brilliant green eyes filled with concern.

"No!" he protested.

"Come on, you can be honest with me!" mewed Squirrelflight gently. "After all. I'm your mate."

"Fine, I'll tell you" muttered Bramblestar. " I had a dream where no one respected me as leader and they thought I was just like my Starclan forsaken father. I'm starting to wonder, was Firestar wise to choose me as deputy?" mewed Bramblestar wearily.

"What!? You're nothing like Tigerstar and the clan does respect you as a leader!" exclaimed Squirrelflight.

"I guess" said Bramblestar.

He glanced across to the fresh kill pile and watched as Cherrypaw and Molepaw came bounding up to it. Cherrypaw's eyes gleamed with excitement as she grabbed a huge squirrel with her teeth.

"Purdy will appreciate that squirrel you got there" said Foxleap, her mentor.

"Oh, ok" said Cherrypaw disappointedly. Then she raced off to the elder's den.

Bramblestar sighed as he remembered the delight of being an apprentice. To have no worries or responsibilities. He had had a great mentor, Firestar. Yet Firestar was now dead and roaming Starclan's hunting grounds thought Bramblestar sadly. He clearly remembered the glances of distrust some of the clan had gave him and Tawnypelt as an apprentice. People had judged them for Tigerstar's bloodthirsty actions, even Firestar had for a little while. That's why Tawnypelt ran away to join Shadowclan, Bramblestar reflected. He did not want to be thought of as disloyal again. Although he had proven himself heaps, so cats had no reason to distrust him.

Squirrelflight noticed that Bramblestar needed some time alone so she got up and mewed. "See you later then." She then padded away. Bramblestar soon saw Briarlight pulling herself along with Cinderheart walking beside her. They were heading towards the thorn tunnel.

"Where are you going Briarlight?" asked Bramblestar.

"Cinderheart's helping me with my exercises!" mewed Briarlight excitedly.

Then Bramblestar suddenly remembered Briarlights medicine cat apprenticeship ceremony that Jayfeather had requested. "Wait Briarlight, I need to call a clan meeting soon!" he said.

"Ok" Briarlight said. "Cinderheart wait, there's going to be a clan meeting!" she yowled. Cinderheart shrugged and followed Briarlight to beneath the Highledge. Bramblestar climbed up to the Highledge.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highledge for a clan meeting!" yowled Bramblestar. The memory of the horrible dream crept into Bramblestars mind but he brushed it away. "Jayfeather wishes to announce something special" mewed Bramblestar once all the cats were gathered. Jayfeather climbed up onto the Highledge, his blue eyes glaring angrily at anyone who dared to help him.

"Cats of Thunderclan, as you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took and apprentice. I have chosen a cat who shows gentleness towards her Clanmates, helpfulness and a quick mind for learning herbs" mewed Jayfeather. "Your next medicine cat will be Briarlight!" said Jayfeather. His blue sightless eyes fixed on her.

"Oh, wow! I never thought…" Briarlight stopped as Millie, her mother, looked sternly at her. She quickly put on a solemn expression and padded forwards.

"Briarlight, do you accept the post of apprenticeship to Jayfeather?" mewed Bramblestar

"I do" mewed Briarlight, awestruck.

"Then at halfmoon you must travel to the Moonpool to be accepted by Starclan" mewed Jayfeather.

"The good wishes of all of Thunderclan go with you" said Bramblestar.

Then Jayfeather padded up to Briarlight and touched noses with her. Bumblestripe, the brother of Briarlight was the first to shout out

"Briarlight, Briarlight!" Soon the rest of the clan joined in cheering loudly.

"Meeting dismissed!" yowled Bramblestar. The clan dispersed, Millie and Graystripe's eyes were glittering with pride as they went to congratulate their daughter. Soon Briarlight was surrounded by supportive Clanmates. With a flick of his tail Jayfeather beckoned Briarlight. She followed him into the medicine cat den. Now she would feel useful to the clan reflected Bramblestar. Remembering how Briarlight had felt useless once and asked Bumblestripe to take her into the forest. Then a dog had appeared in the forest. Luckily Lionblaze had been able to fight it! Thought Bramblestar.

I wont do another chapter unless you review so please review!

Icyclaws:D