Chapter 7—Our Babies are Growing Up
When the kits finally turned six moons Firestar told Sandstorm that he thought all the kits were ready to become apprentices... except Smallkit. "...she's so much smaller..." Sandstorm agreed that she wasn't as strong as the others but she really didn't want her to be the only one left in the nursery. "Couldn't you take her? That way you can take it slow until she gets stronger." She begged "I dunno... cats might think that's a little bit of favouring... But she does deserve to be an apprentice with her siblings.... Okay I'll take her." "Thanks, Firestar" "Thank you. And by the way Forestkit will be moving up too." "Oh good! Ringtail will be soooo proud!" Ringtail had had only one kit, brown with forest green eyes, the day after Sandstorm. Lightnose and Sandstorm had the only ones at the birth and Ringtail admitted later that the father wanted nothing to do with the poor little kit.
That night after all the patrols had returned Firestar leaped onto Highrock and called "All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting." Instantly the clearing was full of babbling cats wondering what the meeting was about. "I know you are wondering why I called you here so I will start right away. We are gathered here to welcome 11 new apprentices; these kits are ready to start their paws on the next part of their life. By naming apprentices, we show that Thunderclan will survive and remain strong. I would like to start with Forestkit who while he learns the warrior code will be known as Forestpaw. Skymeadow, as this young cat's mentor I hope you pass on your knowledge with much patience." Ringtail nudged a shy Forestkit forwards and he and Skymeadow rubbed noses. They sat together and waited for Firestar to continue.
"Next I introduce SplashKit who will be known as SplashPaw. SplashPaw your mentor will be Darkfur, he will teach you the essentials of clan life including the warrior code and the skill of hunting. Listen closely and work hard." SplashPaw stepped forwards to meet Darkfur and after touching noses they went to sit with the other pair.
"SpottedKit you shall be known as SpottedPaw while Lionmane passes his knowledge on to you and FlameKit I hope Cloudtail can teach you all you need to advance from an apprentice by the name of FlamePaw to a brave Thunder Clan warrior." The two kits walked forwards , met their mentors and joined the other pairs.
"Brambleclaw, I hope you can pass on your skills and intense clan loyalty to young TumblePaw and Bearfur your new apprentice StormPaw is eager to learn. Notchear, this is your first time being a mentor but I'm sure you will manage StripePaw very well." Again, the kits and mentors met then joined the others.
"Nightkit you will be called NightPaw and will be mentored by Silverclaw. WhitePaw learn well from your mentor Goldenflower. BlackPaw, we hope that you can become as strong a warrior as Shadenose, your mentor." When Firestar finished the new pairs met each other and then sat waiting.
"Finally our last apprentice will be SmallKit. I will be mentoring this young kit now known as SmallPaw." When he finished he lept down from the rock, touched noses with his youngest, said "that is all" and felt his ears pound with the cheers for the new apprentices.
Once again that book came in handy Thunderwolf, the italizied phrase is right out of the book agian. I hope everyone likes the chapter!FFP
