CHAPTER 3 – Final Assessment

"Why are you so exhausted today?" Hawkstar growled, giving Brightkit a small cuff over the ear. "This is the third time I've caught you daydreaming." The two were sitting near the Highrock, using its overhang to shelter themselves from the falling snow.

Brightkit looked away, "I know. I'm sorry."

The ShadowClan leader gave a small sigh, "Can you at least stay awake enough to practice with Leafpaw? Then you can rest." Brightkit nodded. "Good. Now meet me in the training hollow after you get something to eat." He flicked his tail and padded away, muttering under his breath.

Brightkit sighed and rolled her eyes before heading towards the fresh-kill pile. She glanced over it quickly and snatched a small sparrow, devouring it hungrily.

"Brightkit!" a familiar voice called.

The ginger and white she-cat turned her head to see her mother. "Willowleaf," she purred, her tail swishing happily.

Willowleaf gave a small smile, "How are you? How's training?"

"It's great. I'm practicing hard, mother," Brightkit informed. "Soon you won't have to worry about Lionstar. I'll protect the Clan. I'll keep everyone safe," she promised.

Willowleaf's smile faded, "You don't have to do that, Brightkit," she said seriously.

The kit looked confused, "Of course I do. I have to make sure that ThunderClan won't ever threaten our Clan again."

"ShadowClan isn't dying, Brightkit. Hawkstar is just . . . scared. We only have four warriors. He's just being paranoid," Willowleaf pointed out, glancing around the empty clearing. "And I don't think killing Lionstar is the answer."

Brightkit's face twitched in annoyance. Her mother didn't know what she was talking about. "How would you know anything about that?" the kit spat. "You've spent these last six moons cramped inside the nursery! Don't you remember what they did to dad?" she asked desperately.

Her face felt hot from anger. She had never spoken about her father before. Willowleaf had briefly told her kits that he was a brave warrior who ended up dying in a ThunderClan border skirmish, but she had never truly spoken about him since. "It was quick," she had said, referring to her mate's death, "quick and painless."

Now the queen was stunned in silence, her face a blank of emotion. "You don't know everything, Brightkit. No matter how much Hawkstar tells you."

The kit scoffed and hurried away, shaking her head in disgust.


I know it was cruel. But I was cruel. And I hadn't realized that that was the last thing I'd ever say to her.


"I hope you're ready," Hawkstar said, his sharp eyes scanning the little she-cat. He was perched on a small pile of boulders at the edge of the training clearing. On his right side was Darkfeather, his glossy black fur making him look more like a shadow than cat. To the left of Darkfeather sat Flightwing, Shellclaw, Rowanfoot, the Clan's three senior warriors.

Brightkit's stomach twisted nervously. She'd never had such an audience before. Usually it had just been either Darkfeather or Flightwing mentoring her alongside Leafpaw.

"To be a successful warrior in battle you must be able to outwit and outfight your enemy, no matter how bigger or stronger or faster they are," Hawkstar began. "By now, I'm sure you are well prepared with ShadowClan's style of fighting. But the other Clans are a different matter."

Shellclaw spoke up from her position on the rocks, "In ThunderClan you will encounter completely different fighting techniques. Because of the dense undergrowth, they like to strike quickly and then disappear into the brambles."

Hawkstar nodded, "They tough opponents, but not impossible if you keep your mind about you."

"WindClan is located on the far side of ThunderClan. You'll probably be hearing about them crossing the borders. Their warriors are small but fast. They'll easily defeat you by tripping you up. But they are also easy to defeat if you overcome them with strength," Flightwing joined in, his cold eyes staring down at her sharply.

Rowanfoot nodded at his companions, "The last Clan is RiverClan. You should be able to manage them as long as you avoid water combat. On the ground you are evenly matched but once in the water you'll quickly be overwhelmed."

Brightkit nodded, her head spinning trying to keep down all the information. She glanced across the clearing at Leafpaw who seemed unfazed. The she-cat sat calmly, her eyes fixed on her Clanmates.

"Today is your final assessment, Brightkit," Darkfeather meowed. "I hope you're ready."


Leafpaw didn't look like an intimidating she-cat. She was pretty, with dappled fur and white paws. Whitekit had had a crush on her since he was three moons old.

But she was definitely not a cat to underestimate. The apprentice soared over Brightkit, lashing out with her unsheathed claws.

Brightkit barely had time to jerk her head out of the way. She took a few messy steps backwards and readjusted her position. Sliding down into a smooth crouch, she bunched her muscles and waited for Leafpaw's next attack.

The apprentice mocked her and slid into her own crouch as the two she-cats began to circle. Brightkit's eyes flicked constantly, quickly taking in her surroundings while keeping an eye on her opponent.

"Come on," Hawkstar said, his voice dripping with boredom.

Leafpaw didn't need any more prompting. She sprung forward, letting out a fierce snarl. Brightkit maneuvered out of the way and reached out a paw, slashing her claws down Leafpaw's side.

The apprentice grimaced but shook her pelt, sending blood drops splattering into the snow. "I'll get you for that, Brightkit," she growled, but her eyes twinkled playfully, showing she didn't mean the threat too seriously.

The two she-cats ran at each other again, sending swipes and jabs wherever they could.

"Don't be naïve, Brightkit. Leafpaw has twice the experience and is much stronger than you. Stop trying to match her blow for blow," Darkfeather critiqued, his head tipping to the side and he watched.

The kit flicked her ears in acknowledgment and broke away from the apprentice. Her blue yes glanced over the rocks that the older warriors were sitting on. Dear StarClan let this work, she silently prayed.

Taking a running start she leapt onto the rocks, forcing Flightwing and Shellclaw to scoot out of the way. Hawkstar, however, didn't seem to mind. He watched with interest.

Brightkit bunched her muscles and locked eyes with Leafpaw before pushing herself from the top. Time seemed to slow as she sailed overhead. Snow floated softly, covering the ground in a pretty blanket. Overhead the sun remained hidden by clouds, leaving the sky a beautiful blue-gray. This is what I was born for, she thought. Protecting my Clan.

Brightkit crashed into Leafpaw, toppling them both over. The two she-cats rolled until coming to a stop, both unable to get up. Brightkit's body ached and shivered on the cold ground. She looked up to see Hawkstar watching her, nodding with approval.

"Well done."


Sorry if this chapter seemed boring :( I hope it didn't. But, Brightkit will be leaving next chapter so more excitement and a TON of new characters. I think you're going to love them :)

Okay, so I had this chapter done Wednesday but never got a chance to edit until today, so that is why it took a while to update. Hehe sorry :/

Review and tell me which Clan is your favorite!

-Stormy