"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Snowpaw, from this moment you will be known as Snowdust. StarClan honors your compassion and courage in the recent battle, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WoodClan."

Twistpaw felt a grin tugging at his lips but he forced it back as his friends became warriors. Now the apprentice den would seem even emptier with two more apprentices gone. First Cloudpaw and Poppypaw died and then Snowpaw became Snowdust and Fawnpaw became Fawnstep, moving on and leaving the four remaining apprentices behind to pursue a better life.

The ceremony quickly came to a close as Twistpaw forced himself to cheer for Snowdust, his voice tight and choked in his throat.

"Hey, are you okay?" the young she-cat asked as she padded over, concern in her voice and her eyes as she gazed at him.

Twistpaw looked away, "I-I'm fine." he lied, his voice soft and pained. He didn't want to loose anyone else, he wouldn't be able to bear it.

Snowdust's eyes were gentle but her voice was firm as she mewed softly, "You don't look fine."

It was true. The young tom's fur was patchy and stuck out at different angles and his eyes were dull and tired, full of pain that no cat his age should have known. It was as if a weight was slowly crushing him, sucking the life from him but not before it made him suffer.

Twistpaw continued to avoid Snowdust's gaze, staying silent. It felt as though there was a hard knot in his throat and he felt like yowling to the sky from the pain it was causing.

The clearing was almost empty now as cats retreated to their dens, leaving only a few speaking to Fawnstep other than Twistpaw and Snowdust.

The new warrior moved closer to Twistpaw and the tom backed away, limping slightly from his twisted paw, his eyes glittering.

Snowdust gazed at Twistpaw, her eyes sad as she whispered, "What are you afraid of Twistpaw?"

The tom winced but moved his gaze to stare back into Snowdust's eyes as he replied in a voice barely more than a whisper, "I'm afraid of losing you too." the apprentice took a shuddering breath, his eyes watering as he continued, "Everyone I ever cared about always... always dies or abandons me."

Snowdust sighed, pressing close to Twistpaw, her mew soft and gentle as she murmured, "Twistpaw, love and care always carries an element of risk. True love is when you love someone, even if you're afraid that you'll loose them. Sure the risk is great but, to me, the rewards outweigh any loss."

Twistpaw stared at his paws, tears in his eyes as he whispered, "Why do you care? Nobody else does."

"Lots of cats care Twistpaw." Snowdust meowed, "I'm just not afraid to show it."

((A/N- Wow, three updates in one evening, I really am spoiling you readers who actually have stuck with me this far XD Everyone who reviews will get a big hug from Snowdust because she loves everybody, even grumpy old Twistpaw ;) Little bit of hopeful words for the poor kid. Reviews are appreciated!))