Chapter 9

As Maplestorm charged at him, Shadow crouched down, unsheathed his claws, waiting for the attack. Maplestorm swung his paw at Shadow's face as Shadow ducked his head and charged at his exposed stomach. Maplestorm jumped back and charged at him again. Shadow unfolded his wings and shot up into the air. Maplestorm stopped just below him and growled.

"Get back here and fight me, freak!"

"Stand down, Maplestorm." Shadow and Maplestorm looked around and saw Icestar and three other warriors standing nearby. Maplestorm lowered his ears as Icestar began to walk toward him. Shadow landed nearby and folded in his wings. Icestar glared at Maplestorm.

"What do you think you are doing? Picking fights? I expected better from you, Maplestorm. I am very disappointed. Get back to camp, now." Icestar growled. Without another word, Maplestorm nodded and ran off toward camp, along with the other warriors. Icestar walked over to Shadow. Shadow braced himself for what Icestar might say.

"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" Icestar meowed with a smile. Shadow looked at him with a confused look.

"Uh, yeah, I guess." Shadow replied. Icestar chuckled.

"Its okay, Shadow. I am not going to yell at you. I just want to get to know you." Icestar said as he sat down and looked up at the sky. Shadow, a little hesitant, sat down beside him.

"Why? No one else has ever cared." Shadow mumbled. Icestar looked at him.

"You know Shadow, when I look at you, I do not see a strange, winged cat. When I look at you, I see a young warrior who has lost his way." Icestar meowed. Shadow's eyes grew wide.

"How did you know I used to be a warrior?" Shadow asked. Icestar smiled.

"Angelfrost told me." Shadow sighed.

"Of course, but you are right, sir. I am lost. I've lost everything. I'm nothing more than a shadow of the cat I used to be." Shadow said as he put his head down and closed his eyes. Icestar frowned.

"Well, I cannot bring back what has been lost, but I can help you rebuild, start a new life, as a Clan cat." Icestar meowed. Shadow's eyes flew open as he raised his head and looked at Icestar.

"What?" Shadow asked. Icestar smiled.

"Shadow, would you like to join FrostClan?" Shadow was silent for a minute before shaking his head and looking back at Icestar.

"Thank you for the offer, Icestar, but I cannot accept." Icestar frowned as he stood up and began to walk away.

"Alright, but if you change your mind, let me know." Icestar meowed as he ran off into the forest. Shadow sighed as he stood up and began walking back to camp. What should I do…this could be my last chance to be the warrior Applesky wanted me to be…..but…..what if I lose control again….but if I leave…Angelfrost…I'm sorry…but I cannot handle losing anyone else close to me.

…

When Shadow had finally gotten back to camp, all the other cats had gathered around the highrock as Icestar was about to speak. Shadow sat down by the medicine cat's den as he watched. Icestar began to speak.

"Well, it is time again for one of our kits to become an apprentice. Snowkit, please step forward." Shadow watched as Snowkit walked to the front of the highrock and looked up. Shadow smiled as Icestar continued. "Snowkit, as StarClan watches over us and grants us with their blessings, I now called you, Snowpaw. Angelfrost has spoken with me and we understand that you admire the ways of a medicine cat. So, Angelfrost has decided to take you as her new apprentice." Icestar finished as Angelfrost touched noses with Snowpaw and everyone started chanting her new name. It made him think back to when he was made an apprentice.

All of Wingclan chanted Shadowkit's new name, Shadowpaw. Shadowpaw smiled as he and his new mentor, Skystar, touched noses and everyone chanted his new name. His mother smiled at him as he bounded over to her, pressing his muzzle against her face. She purred as she spoke.

"I'm so proud of you. You're going to make a wonderful apprentice."

Shadow smiled as he saw Snowpaw and Angelfrost running over to him.

"I'm an apprentice now!" she yelled in excitement. Angelfrost giggled.

"You're going to make a great Medicine cat someday." Angelfrost meowed. Shadow smiled as he put his paw on Snowpaw's head.

"Congratulations, kid." Shadow said. Snowpaw's face lit up with joy. She nuzzled Shadow for a second, before running off.

"Thank you. I'm going to see the other apprentices." She called as she ran over to the apprentice den. Angelfrost looked at Shadow and smiled.

"I think this is the first time I've seen you so happy. Why the sudden change?" she asked. Shadow looked at her then back at Snowpaw, who was playing with the other apprentices.

"She reminds me of myself when I was young. So eager to serve the Clan." Shadow meowed. After he said it, she lowered his head and closed his eyes. Angelfrost, feeling like something was troubling him, looked at him and smiled.

"We should get some rest. After all, you're leaving tomorrow…aren't you?" She asked as her smile turned into a frown. Shadow looked at her and sighed.

"Yes. I must be going as soon as possible." Shadow said as he walked into the den. Angelfrost watched him as he walked inside. She lowered her head and closed her eyes. Shadow…. What will I do without you?Why can't you see that I…. Angelfrost sighed before following him into the den and laying down next to him. She closed her eyes and thought about how this would be the last time they would sleep together. Shadow, glanced over at her and sighed. I'm sorry Angelfrost…..as much as I want to stay…I can't…..I'm so sorry. He then layed down his head and closed his eyes.

Well, sorry it took sooooooo long for this one. I was really busy. Things are starting to heat up. Will Shadow leave the Clan and Angelfrost forever? Will Angelfrost admit her feelings to Shadow before it is too late? Find out 1/20! Bye Bye for now! XD