(Oh and everyone I aplogize for the weird font and size near the end of the chapter.)

Chapter 4

The sun shone brightly from where it hovered in the sky, despite all the big fluffy clouds. Flarepaw shifted on the sun baked ground of the clearing. It was almost a little too hot for her. A moon had passed since the day Rainpaw had been chased by the fox, and it was nearing the end of green-leaf now. The forest was still teeming with prey and the Clan was well fed and the borders safe. Yawning hugely she sat up. Smokepaw, Snakepaw, and Mudpaw lay together in the shade. Her fur prickled every time Snakepaw's eyes drifted across the camp to where she was sprawled out. Was it true what her sisters said about him liking her… in a more than a friend way? Flarepaw shifted again. No way would a proud, stubborn cat like him like her.

She sighed and let her mind drift elsewhere, wondering what Fernpaw and Rainpaw were learning in training. Sandstorm said she was ahead in training, so she could take one or two days off. Flarepaw had been pleased at hearing this then, mostly because it meant she was doing well and she could do what every she wanted, but now she was just bored.

The sound of squealing made her ears twitch. Rosekit, Oakkit, Spiderkit, Shrewkit, and Eaglekit were having a mock battle outside the nursery while Ferncloud and Lightmist looked on. Flarepaw remembered that tonight Oakkit and Rosekit became apprentices. The apprentice den will be so crowded, she thought, and Rosekit will be bossier than ever…

Flarepaw's thought were interrupted as the sound of paw steps neared her. Looking up she saw Snakepaw trotting over, his long, thin tail twitching back and forth. Surprised and nervous she meowed a greeting.

"Hi, Flarepaw." For once there was a flash of nervousness on the prickly tom's face. "Do you want to come hunt with me?"

"Sure." She replied, getting to her paws.

Just as they reached the camp entrance a yowl stopped them. Flarepaw looked back to see Smokepaw strolling over. His eyes were slightly narrowed and he didn't have his usual carefree look on his face. Flarepaw knew Smokepaw respected Snakepaw and his brother Mudpaw, but now he seemed annoyed and angry.

"Mind if I come?" Her brother asked, and she could tell his cheerfulness was forced.

Snakepaw hesitated before shrugging. "Alright."

The brown tom led the way out of camp and up the ravine. Flarepaw padded after Smokepaw at the rear, ears pricked. Feeling uneasy about the tenseness in the air she mewed, "Let's hunt at the Owl Tree. We can race there."

"Ok," Smokepaw agreed, seeming more relaxed "But don't think you'll win!"

Rolling her eyes in amusement she said, "Ready. Set. Go!"

The three apprentices bolted off, kicking up leaves in their eagerness to be first. Flarepaw easily passed Smokepaw, giving him a playful nudge as she went by that almost swept him off his paws. Snakepaw was harder to catch up to; the lean tom was fast, and strong. She was puffing by the time she caught sight of him again, leaping the stream. They were nearly to the Owl Tree. The trees were a blur as she pushed herself faster, and she could hear Smokepaw not far behind. Flarepaw's muscles burned but she ignored the pain and exhaustion. She was a tail- length behind Snakepaw. As they rounded a clump of bushes the Owl Tree loomed in front of them. She hissed. Snakepaw had won!

Flarepaw tried to come to a slow stop but tripped over a root came a whisker away from slamming into a tree. Panting she flopped down, relived Smokepaw and Snakepaw hadn't seen; they were too busy wrestling after Smokepaw thought he had one.

Standing up she huffed. They would scare away all the prey from here to WindClan! Deciding to let them romp she stalked off in the direction of Fourtrees, all senses alert. Away from the toms loud romping Flarepaw could pick up many different traces of prey. She froze as she spotted a lazy robin hopping under a tree, nosing at seeds with its beak. Lowering herself into a crouch she wiggled her haunches. If she pushed off hard enough she could kill the bird without having to stalk forward.

Bunching her muscles Flarepaw sprang, landing on it squarely and killing it with a swift bite. Satisfied she scraped dirt over it and turned, scenting mouse. She saw it not too far away and crept over to it, paws soundless on the forest floor, ending its life easily and putting it with her first catch.

"Hey, why'd leave us!" Snakepaw's voice called from behind her.

Flarepaw turned to face him. "I'm hunting! Isn't that what we came to do?"

Snakepaw laughed. "I guess so. That's what Smokepaw said. He went the stream to hunt."

Flarepaw nodded and Snakepaw bounded down the slope to stand beside her. She stiffened slightly when his fur brushed hers.

"Did you catch anything yet?"

"Yeah, a robin and a mouse."

"Nice."

Flarepaw swallowed. He was staring her right in the eye as he talked. Why was he making conversation? Couldn't they just hunt?

"Flarepaw…"

"Hey guys!" Flarepaw dragged her nervous gaze off Snakepaw. Smokepaw was racing to them, a vole dangling from his jaws. He had a look on his face like the one when they had left camp.

Snakepaw waved his tail in greeting. "Good catch. Guess I better go find something…" With that the tom turned on his heel and padded off, the trees swallowing him from view.

Smokepaw dropped his vole. "What were you guys doing?" His voice was trying to sound casual, but there was suspicion.

Flarepaw didn't answer. Her mind was whirling. She felt sick. Whatever was going on right now between her, Snakepaw, and Smokepaw she didn't want to be a part of. She honestly didn't care about… that kind of stuff at the moment. All she wanted to do was focus on her apprentice training.

"Flarepaw?" Smokepaw prompted when she was silent.

"I don't feel so well. I- I'm going back to camp." She stuttered, snatching up her prey and charging away.

Flarepaw ran until she was near the Sandy Hollow. She stopped, breathless, to rest. Straining her ears she could just hear Rainpaw and Fernpaw's voices. Sighing she shook her head and continued on to home. Flarepaw took her time getting back to camp. It was nice to pad in the shade of the trees and thick undergrowth; to hear the rustle and whisper of leaves around her.

When she got to camp she was calm again and felt better. Flarepaw brought her prey straight to the elders, ducking into the spacious den. The rusty meow of Graymuzzle greeted her.

Dipping her head she dropped the mouse and bird. "Hello guys. I brought you something."

Dappletail yawned next to her. "We all ate except Halftail and Patchpelt. You should take that mouse for yourself."

Flarepaw gratefully dipped her head again. "Do you guys need anything else?"

"No." Halftail grunted, already gobbling down some of the robin.

Speckletail stretched. "Actually I think I have a tick on my shoulder. Could you get it? You might not even need mouse bile."

Flarepaw made her way over to the old queen's nest and examined he shoulder. Two ticks clung onto her skin, but with one careful tug they came off and she crushed them. Speckletail sighed in relief.

"You know," Dappletail meowed suddenly "I think I might go to Sunningrocks. It's such a nice day."

She looked over at the tortoishell she-cat surprised. The elders didn't usually leave camp- at least they hadn't lately. "Do you want me to come with?"

Dappletail purred. "I suppose we old cats will need an escort with that fox hanging around."

Flarepaw shrugged embarrassed. "I don't mind."

"I'll come too." Speckletail declared, standing up with a grunt.

Beside her Halftail and Patchpelt said they would be coming too. Graymuzzle had fallen asleep. I'll need another cat to come with if the four of them are coming…

"I'll meet you guys at the tunnel." Flarepaw told them, already sliding out of the hollow tree.

The first cat she saw was her father; he was the only one in the clearing besides Ferncloud, bent over the fresh-kill pile. "Hey, Stonepelt" She called, bounding over to him.

"Hello, Flarepaw." Stonepelt replied. He just come out of Firestar's den.

"Speckletail, Patchpelt, Halftail, and Dappletail want to go to Sunningrocks. Will you help me escort them?"

The big gray tom purred. "You sound like a warrior already. Of course I'll come."

Flarepaw led him to where the elders waited and took up the rear of the line.

"Look at that the deputy is coming! I feel important." Speckletail joked.

Stonepelt laughed and Flarepaw purred in amusement.

Stonepelt took the lead, taking them up the easiest route up the rocky ravine. To Flarepaw's surprise none of the elders protested about it. She was suddenly snapped out of her thoughts as Halftail grunted. He was trying to heave himself over one of the bigger rocks. His hind legs scrabbled furiously but he couldn't get a grip and was slipping. Hurrying forward Flarepaw gave him a boost with her muzzle than jumped up effortlessly after him. The elder flicked his tail in breathless thanks and trotted after the others to catch up.

It took longer for them to get to Sunningrocks than a normal patrol would. One of the elders would make them stop to rest or fall behind. Now the huge rocks came into sight ahead of them and the elders quickened their pace. They stiffly climbed up on the rocks and sprawled out on them, happily soaking up the heat from the sun.

Flarepaw pulled herself up onto the smooth, flat boulders and scented the air. She picked up strong scent of RiverClan; pricking her ears she heard a patrol coming from upstream. From the far end of the rocks there was a scuffling and the smell of water vole wafted to Flarepaw. Making sure she was downwind, she stalked towards the sound and saw it sitting with its back to her. In one swift movement she pounced and killed it.

"Mind if I eat this?" Flarepaw asked Stonepelt, padding back over to him.

He nodded and she crouched to eat; it was gone in a few famished bites. Licking her lips she settled down beside the elders, closing her eyes in content. Birds chirped nearby and the river gurgled cheerfully. Flarepaw relaxed. It was so peaceful…

Flarepaw shivered as the sun disappeared behind a cloud and opened her eyes. The elders were still dozing, and Stonepelt sat next to her, tail wrapped around his paws.

"Stonepelt, what's it like being deputy?" Flarepaw asked abruptly, surprising herself by the question.

Her father turned his gaze to her, blinking his blue eyes calmly. "It can be hard at times, but it is always rewarding. I never really dreamt about being deputy then one day leader, but I like to serve my Clan this way."

Flarepaw nodded. "I want to be leader someday."

"Then I think you should try and become leader some day. Honestly, I think you would be a great leader for ThunderClan. You're smart and strong, but don't leap head first into battle."

Ambition gripped Flarepaw, fiercer than a claw. She pictured herself standing on Highrock, calling the Clan for a meeting, leading them into battle, making ThunderClan the most respected Clan in the forest. She wanted it more than anything, and she wondered just what she would do to achieve it.

The group returned to camp as the sun began to set. Halftail and Dappletail both had a mouse hanging from their jaws proudly, and Stonepelt carried a squirrel. The elders were tired from the trek, but rather pleased to have made the journey.

After the elders had settled back in their den, Flarepaw shared the squirrel with Stonepelt, which was a big honor though he was her father. By the time they finished cats had begun to gather for Oakkit and Rosekit's ceremony. Flarepaw went to sit by her littermates, remembering the day she had been made an apprentice.

"All cats old enough to catch their own fresh-kill gather beneath Highrock for a Clan meeting!" Firestar's yowl brought Flarepaw back to the present.

Tipping her head back she gazed up at Firestar, his pelt glowing like fire in the last rays of sun. I want to be up there one day…I willbe up there one day.

Below Highrock Rosekit and Oakkit each sat on one side of their mother, Maplespots, who had a look on her face that said, these are the best kits in the Clan. Flarepaw snorted to herself.

"Maplespots kits have reached their sixth moon, and it's time to make them apprentices." Firestar began. "From now on they will be known as Rosepaw and Oakpaw. Dustpelt, you are experienced and ready for another apprentice. You will mentor Rosepaw. Pass on all you know to her." He paused as the new apprentice and mentor touched noses. "Mistywing, you are an intelligent and smart warrior. You will mentor Oakpaw."

The Clan stepped forward to congratulate the new apprentices, purring and calling out their new name. As Flarepaw made her way back to the apprentice den Sandstorm bounded to her side. "We're on dawn patrol tomorrow, and then you're helping the new apprentices clean out the nursery and the elders den. Then you can hunt for the elders and maybe we'll train." Without waiting for her apprentice's reply she hurried back to where Firestar stood.

Flarepaw gaped. That was a huge list! Sighing she trudged to her den and ducked in, dropping down into her nest. She would go sleep early so she wouldn't be tired tomorrow. She closed her eyes as the rest of the apprentices came into the den and curled up in their nests. But Rosepaw and Oakpaw wouldn't stop whispering. Flarepaw hissed as Rosepaw giggled. Beside her Rainpaw snapped at them to go to sleep. They fell silent. A heartbeat later they were whispering again.

"Be quiet! Some cats have to go on dawn patrol! Flarepaw growled, flexing her claws impatiently.

Rosepaw glared at her. "I'm not listening to you."

"Well you better listen to me when I say stop it or I'll shred your ears!" Snakepaw snapped.

The she-cat glared at him but shut her mouth, resting her head on her paws. Oakpaw did the same. Flarepaw sighed in relief and yawned, already drifting off. But not long later she was jerked awake at loud snorts and suppressed giggles. Something hit her in the ear and bounced into her nest. Eyes flying open she jumped to her paws as something hit her again. They were throwing rocks at her! Unable to force down her rage Flarepaw leapt at Rosepaw, who squealed in shock, and tackled her, cuffing her ear and pinning her down.

"Stop it right now!" Flarepaw snarled.

Rosepaw squeaked something that was muffled by her paw. Glancing around she let the new apprentice up. She was surprised everyone was still asleep, even Oakpaw.

"Sorry." Rosepaw muttered.

Flarepaw doubted that. Stalking back to her mossy nest she picked the rocks out and lay down. But sleep would not come. Outside predawn light was filtering into the camp. Flarepaw was seething. It was Rosepaw's fault she hadn't got any sleep! Getting up she slipped out of the den and sat by the gorse tunnel to wait for the rest of the patrol. Flarepaw was half asleep as Sandstorm padded over to her with Brackenfur and Rainpaw.

She wordlessly followed at the rear of the patrol through the tunnel and out into the forest. A strong wind blew, buffeting her ginger fur and making it hard to listen for danger over its howl. Trees swayed, almost looking like they would tip over and crush them.

As they headed for the ShadowClan border Rainpaw dropped back beside Flarepaw. "What's wrong?" She asked, raising her voice to be heard above the wind.

"Rosepaw kept me up all night because she was talking and throwing rocks at me!" She snapped.

Her sister licked her ear sympathetically and bounded after her mentor. After they had remarked the ShadowClan border they trekked all the way to Tallpines to check for traces of the fox. To their dismay, they caught scent of another fox. The first one must have found a mate.

When the patrol returned to camp Flarepaw saw Oakpaw and Rosepaw already waiting for her outside the elders den. Sucking in a deep breath she left the others to report to Firestar and hurried over to join them. Rosepaw looked over at her cooly as she approached, her tail tip twitching. Oakpaw's greeting was much more friendly.

"Good morning, Flarepaw!" Oakpaw chirped. "Glad youre helping. What do you want us to do?"

Rosepaw narrowed her pale blue eyes. "She cant tell us what to do."

"Oh yes I can." Flarepaw snapped. "As I am older than you, and Sandstorm told me to help you. Not the other way around." Rosepaw opened her mouth to protest but she cut her off. "Now, if you want to get done at a decent time I suggest we hurry because we have to do the nursery too."

"Fine. What should we do then?" Rosepaw growled.

Flarepaw took another deep breath. "Go gather some fresh moss while I clear out the old stuff and fetch them fresh kill."

Rosepaw gave a brisk nod and stalked off to the camp entrance. Oakpaw, looking distraught, took a step forward to follow his sister then looked back. "I'm sorry, Flarepaw. Dont mind her. She just thinks she's StarClan's gift sometimes thats all. Rosepaw reeally is a good cat at heart." Without waiting for a reply he bounded away.

She watched him go, feeling annoyed and amuesed. Oakpaw wasn't bad. Rosepaw and Oakpaw came back loaded with moss just as Flarepaw had finished doing her part of cleaning and bringing the sun bathing elders their meal. Nodding in approval she helped them spread it out in the den. When they had finished they wordlessly did the same for the nursery.

As Flarepaw slipped out of the nursery she paused to watch the kits play. Ferncloud's kits were tossing a moss ball back and forth while Lightmist kept an eye on them from the shade; Ferncloud was resting inside the nursery. Eaglekit hooked the ball with one claw and tossed it over Spiderkit's head. Shrewkit sprang up and caught it in his teeth, doing an impressive roll to break his landing before getting back up and flicking it back to Eaglekit. Spiderkit squealed as he tried to stand on his hind legs and bat it out of the air as it soared past. He only ended up falling on his back. Whiskers twitching in amuesment, her gaze followed the moss as Eaglekit threw it back to Shrewkit, and as Shrewkit threw it back to Eaglekit. But as the small golden tom reached up to catch it, Spiderkit bowled him over and pinned his brother down while thier toy bounced to Flarepaw's paws.

Snatching it up she held it up high as the kits scrambled over to her, eyes fixed on the ball. "Jump up and catch it." Flarepaw mewed, waving the moss ball back and forth.

"I'll get it!" Declared Shrewkit, crouching down and then jumping up as high as he could, forepaws extended to hook the ball. But it wasnt high enough to steal it from her.

"Good try." Flarepaw priased, waving the ball again. "Hey what's that!" She mewed suddenly, looking over thier heads. Immeaditly all three toms turned to see and Fllarepaw called, "Spiderkit, catch!"

She flung the ball to the black and white kit and he whipped around, snatching it out of the air with one small paw and racing away with it in his jaws, shouting to his brothers, "Bet you can't get it!"

Purring Flarepaw trotted away in search of Sandstorm. She found her sharing a rabbit with Firestar next to the nettle patch. Dipping her head she approached the two cats, eyes respctful. "Sandstorm." Flarepaw hailed her mentor. "Are we going to train?"

Sandstorm swallowed a mouthful of rabbit. "Yes. Get something to eat then round up your littermates and meet me at the training hollow."

Flarepaw dipped her head again and back away, padding to the fresh kill pile. Her paws tingled with excitement. She bet it would be something important for training for all four of her littermates to be there. Picking out a plump wren from the top of the pile she went back to the apprentices' den. Inside Smokepaw and Fernpaw were sharing a squirrel while Mudpaw polished off a wood mouse and curled up for a nap.

"Hey." Flarepaw dropped her meal and sat down in her nest and began gnawing on the wren.

"Hi, Flarepaw." Smokepaw replied cheerfully, licking a paw and drawing it over his face.

"How did the den cleaning go?" Fernpaw asked, adding with a purr, "Want the rest of this squirrel?"

She nodded, leaning forward to take it. Flarepaw had already finished her wren; she hadn't noticed how famished she was. Gulping down the remains of squirrel she grunted, "Ok. Oh and did I mention Sandstorm wants all of us to go to the Sandy Hollow for training now?"

Smokepaw glanced up, ears pricked. "No."

Fernpaw's eyes glowed. "Let's go then! I'll go find Rainpaw and meet you two there."

Smokepaw and Flarepaw flicked thier tails in agreement and set out, bounding out the gorse tunnel and up the ravine. Flarepaw paused at the top, surveying the forest around her and inhaling the fresh green-leaf air. Being a ThunderClan cat was the best.

Come on, Flarepaw!" Smokepaw voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He was already racing off down the familiar, much used path to the Sandy Hollow. Flarepaw charged after him and ran by his side, her fur brushing his. When they reached the hollow Sandstorm and Brackenfur and Pebblefoot were patiently waiting for them.

"Where is Cloudtail?" Smokepaw asked sitting down next to them.

Brackenfur twisted around to smooth down the fur on his back. "He went to hunt with Firestar." The tom shrugged. Guess it was pretty important."

Flarepaw opened her mouth to ask what he meant, but at that moment Rainpaw and Fernpaw burst into the hollow with a yowl to announce thier arrival. Sandstorm chuckled and motioned for them to sit down.

"Today we are going to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the other Clans and moves we can use on them to take them down in battle." Pebblefoot began. "But first we also wanted to mention that tomorrow at dawn you will all have your first hunting assesment to see how your hunting skills are coming along."

Flarepaw exchanged excited glances with her littermates. She couldn't wait to prove to Sandstorm what a great hunter she was! And she should be non the less, with Sandstorm as her mentor. The ginger she-cat was one of the best hunters in the Clan. Flarepaw felt a burst of pride for her mentor. She would show Sandstorm just how well she could hunt! And fight!Someday she would be the greatest warrior the Clans have ever seen...

"Flarepaw? Flarepaw?" Paws burning with embarassment Flarepaw realized Sandstorm had asked her a question. "What are ShadowClan's strengths and weaknesses?"

"Oh um well ShadowClan...ShadowClan..." She groped for words her mind suddenly blank. "ShadowClan have good eyesight in the dark since they hunt at night, which makes them deadly if they ever ambush at night. Their weakness is that... maybe if you have a well worked out battle stragety for daylight you could win easily and... and maybe ShadowClan wouldn't have any allies to help because they are such a silent, sinister Clan."

Sandstorm blinked thoughtfully. "Very good, Flarepaw. I like your answer about ShadowClan's weaknesses."

Brackenfur twitched his ears in agreement. "Pebblefoot, Sandstorm, and I will show you four a good move to use on ShadowClan. Sandstorm and I are ThunderClan warriors and Pebblefoot is a ShadowClan warrior"

The three cats got to thier paws and Brackenfur and Pebblefoot started to circle each other, while Sandstorm hung back. Pebblefoot swiped at Brackenfur's face and the tom let out a pretend yowl of fear. Then he turned and shot up the nearest tree. Pebblefoot clawerd at the tree trunk, yowling insults up to where Brackenfur perched on the lowest branch. Just then Sandstorm charged over and tackled Pebblefoot, nipping his shoulder then leaping off. Pebblefoot spun around to face her growling. Above him leaves swished and Brackenfur dropped out, landing squarly on Pebblefoot's back and making the tom collapse. Sandstorm rushed forward and bit down on his tail while Brackenfur placed a paw on his throat.

"That was awesome!" Fernpaw called to them, eyes wide with admiration.

The three warriors broke apart and padded back to thier apprentices. Pebblefoot gave his pelt a swift licking to smooth the ruffled fur, then faaced the apprentices. "Can any one tell me why that would be good on ShadowClan warriors?"

Rainpaw leaped up. "Well, even though they are sort of cunning, they would think you had just given up and were trying to hide, so they wouldn't expect it."

"And if your in ShadowClan territory there are pine trees there you can climb, so it wouldn't matter where you where." Smokepaw added.

Rainpaw nodded. "That too."

"Exactly. It is a way to out smart even cunning cats, and they cant climb as well." Brackenfur meowed. "Now how about you guys try?"