Chapter 6
She couldn't believe the day had finally come. She was sitting outside of the nursery, neatly groomed by Poppystripe, staring blankly ahead of her. She was aware of Moonkit's complaining as Poppystripe groomed her, of the dawn patrol returning and speaking to Specklenose, of those dark, thoughtful amber eyes focused directly on her. She didn't have to look to be able to tell Raggedtail was staring at her. She could feel his eyes. She blinked, watching Swiftstar pad from his den and leap up onto the Tallbranch, standing up straight and surveying his clan for a few moments. She felt her heart skip, breath catching. It was time.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Tallbranch for a clan meeting!" Everyone slowly trickled to the center of the clearing, and Swiftstar leapt down, landing lightly and gesturing for the kits to walk forwards. Pigeonkit walked forwards calmly, head held high, and Moonkit stumbled a bit in an attempt to keep up with her sister. Pigeonkit only now realized that she was bigger than Moonkit. That was satisfying. They both stood in front of Swiftstar, Pigeonkit holding his gaze evenly, Moonkit quivering beside her. The leader stood, speaking in a loud, clear voice.
"Today, two young cats stand before me. They have reached six moons of age, and it is time for them to train in the ways of their clan. Moonkit, step forwards." The pale kit did so, staring up at him. "From this day on, until she has earned her warrior name, this apprentice will be known as Moonpaw." He turned his gaze to the crowd of warriors. "Scorchfall. It is time for you to receive a new apprentice. I trust you to pass on your wisdom and skill to her, and train her in the ways of the warrior code."
Pigeonkit was horrified. But he was supposed to be my mentor! She watched as the cat she'd worked so hard to get the approval of touched noses with her sister. It isn't fair!
Swiftstar turned back to her, smiling gently, and she stared numbly back. "Pigeonkit, step forwards." She did so, not taking her eyes off his. "Until she has earned her warrior name, this apprentice will be known as Pigeonpaw." He paused, lifting his head proudly. "And I will mentor her."
She was stunned for a moment, mouth slightly open, but then her chest flooded with joy. The leader, and her own father, was her mentor!
A yowl cut into her joyful thoughts. She turned around, staring at the cat who had caused it. Lightningtooth bristled, lashing his tail.
"You can't train your own daughter!"
Swiftstar opened his mouth, but Specklenose leapt up before he could say anything, stalking towards Lightningtooth until they were nearly nose to nose.
"You question our leader?! What, you think he won't train her properly?!"
"I think he's showing favoritism! There are many capable warriors in the clan!"
"Oh, so our leader isn't a-"
"Stop it!" Raggedtail's sudden roar made everyone jump, and Pigeonpaw shrank back against Swiftstar, lowering her ears. The dark tabby shoved himself between the two quarreling warriors, snarling. "You're scaring her! What are you doing, squabbling like a couple of kits?! Grow up! Leader's word is law." The two sat down, looking abashed. Raggedtail turned to Swiftstar and Pigeonpaw, nodding his approval and returning to his seat. Swiftstar nudged her to her feet, and she complied, obediently touching her nose to his. She caught a slight glimpse of Moonpaw, out of the corner of her eye, smirking at her. The clan immediately started chanting her name- and she heard Raggedtail, clearly shouting her name when the rest of the clan muttered it uncertainly- and she heard Specklenose, Bramblepaw, Poppystripe, and Fawnstep join. Her heart warmed again. Despite the opposition, there were still cats who supported her, and thought she deserved the leader as her mentor. She turned to Moonpaw, returning her smirk. The pale apprentice's smug look wavered, and Pigeonpaw's grew.
She'd show her who the best sister really was.
AN: Finally, they're apprentices! Lightningtooth isn't done with this issue, don't think he is! But Pigeonpaw is gonna not take this lying down anymore!
also, added some changes to Allegiances!