Chapter 3

Moonwhisper was sharing a rabbit with Maplekit. Today was the day of her apprenticeship. It may have been her big day, but she was extremely sad and gloomy.

Moonwhisper looked up and saw Birstar on the SongRock. She was followed by her deputy, Owlfur, a white tom with large yellow eyes.

Moonwhisper nudged Maplekit, who walked onto the SongRock.

"Attention, cats of SongClan! Today, we have a kit who is about to be an apprentice!" She looked at Maplekit, whose eyes were filled with regret. "Maplekit, do you promise to learn well and do your duties without question?"

Maplekit looked at her paws. She didn't answer. Finally, she looked up. "No."

Everyone in the Clan gasped. Moonwhisper stared in shock.

"Why not?" Birdstar asked calmly.

"Because, a couple of days ago, I made a promise to become an apprentice with Treekit. If he's not here, I won't be an apprentice." She announced.

"But he's dead!" Someone from the Clan shouted.

Moonwhisper glared at a tortoiseshell tom. He was a very grumpy elder.

Birdstar looked at her carefully. "Is that your wish? You do realize that you will become a late warrior?"

Maplekit sighed. She looked at all the cats. "Before I answer, I just want everyone to know that my father and brother are stronger than any waterfall. If I have to wait, I'll wait."

Birdstar looked to the sky. "Cats of StarClan, Maplekit has chosen to stay a kit until her brother returns," or at least until she finds out he's dead. She thought, "So, leave her be until Treekit comes back." She bowed her head.

Cats split up, some looking worried and others angry.

Moonwhisper walked up to Maplekit. "What happened?"

"I had a dream last night. I met up with Stripedkit, and Oaktooth and Treekit weren't there. I know they're alive!" She screamed.

"I had the same one. I know that Treekit would want you to go on!"

"Stop talking like he's dead!"

"We don't know if he's alive! You saw them fall! They couldn't survive!"

"They weren't in StarClan!"

Moonwhisper looked at Maplekit. "I'm sorry. We should believe they're alive. If no one else will, it won't matter."

Maplekit was crying. She looked up at her mother. "I feel like this is all my fault. If I didn't fight with Treekit on the ice, he'd still be here.