Chapter 21

Hey everyone!

After my super late update, I'm getting back into the swing of things. Thanks to all who reviewed!

Also, I have a little side note: in Chapter 7, I wrote that Cinderwing moved to the nursery. Then in Chapter 16, she became the deputy. So to clear things up, I've decided that she never had kits, she only wanted to help the queens out.

Anyways, on to the chapter...

It had been two moons since the Gathering. Silvermist was learning to live with her sister's death. She had resumed her warrior duties, and was making up for lost time by being on her paws from dawn till dusk.

The silver she-cat padded through the moor. Suddenly, a familiar scent caught her nose. She scanned the moor, noticing a rabbit several fox-lengths away. She quietly crept toward the animal. At the right moment, she pounced, catching the rabbit and killing it quickly.

"Nice catch," a voice mewed behind her.

Silvermist turned to see her father, Stormcloud, approaching her.

"Thanks," Silvermist replied blankly.

Stormcloud gazed at her a while longer before speaking. "I know you miss Featherpool," he began cautiously. "I miss her, too."

Silvermist flicked her ear. "Why do all the bad things happen to me?" She asked angrily.

Stormcloud's gaze was sympathetic. "It's not just you, Silvermist," he reminded her.

"I-I know," she mewed softly.

"Hollyfeather and Featherpool were my mate and daughter," Stormclpud continued. "You are my daughter, too. My job as a father is to teach you how to cope with your grief, and to help you become the best warrior you can be. If you refuse to live your life, because you are busy wishing for what you no longer have, then I have failed." His green eyes clouded with sadness. "Sometimes you don't realize what's truly important until it's gone. You're all I have left, Silvermist. I don't want to lose you, too."

Silvermist padded closer to her father. "You won't. I promise." She began to tear up as well. "I...I'm still very sad about Featherpool and Hollyfeather, but at least I still have you."

Stormcloud gazed at her sadly. "You know I would never wish for you to take either of their places, right?" He asked. "I have always loved you just as much as your mother and sister."

"I've never needed you as much as I do now," she pointed out. "But I know you've always loved me. And I feel the same way."

Silvermist walked back into the camp. She had been hunting with Stormcloud all day, but he had been asked to join a border patrol a while ago, so she was alone.

All of a sudden, she was tackled by a small cat.

"Oof!" She exclaimed, tumbling to the ground. She looked up to see a dappled grey tom on top of her. For a moment she didn't recognize him. Then it hit her. "Stormkit?" She mewed.

"You remembered!" The kit cried joyfully. "Silvermist, where have you been? You haven't spoken to me in moons..." ((Ha! I'm sure you all can relate :) Again, I'm REALLY sorry!)) Hurt glinted in his dark blue eyes.

Silvermist felt awful. "I...I'm so sorry, Stormkit," she told him. "I've just been focusing so much on what I've lost, I haven't given a lot of thought to what I still have."

Stormkit smiled. "It's okay. If my sisters died, I'd be awful sad too." A look of mischief crept into his eyes. "In fact, I would probably forget about what today is, just like you."

Silvermist was confused. "What's today?"

"I'll give you a hint," the kit offered. "How long has it been since you became a warrior?"

"Three moons...I think..." Silvermist replied.

"And how old does that make me?" Stormkit asked.

Silvermist was still puzzled. "That makes you..." Then it all came together. "Six moons!" She exclaimed.

Stormkit bounced with joy. "Yep!" He cried happily.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Highcliff for a clan meeting," Ravenstar called.

It was nearly sundown, so all of the cats were already in the hollow. Leopardheart and Rabbitfur herded Bellekit, Littlekit, and Flowerkit to sit outside the nursery. Cinderwing sat with Jaywing, Sweetpool, Lightwillow, and Sparklemist at the foot of the Highcliff. Silvermist padded over to sit with her father.

She couldn't help noticing Dapplepelt grooming her kits. Of course, they were mewling and trying to scurry away, but their father, Skyfall, kept them in check. Stormcloud's gaze was fixed on the young cats, his eyes sparkling with amusement. After all, Dapplepelt was his sister.

"I have a very special task to perform," Ravenstar continued when the Clan had gathered. "Today, WindClan are blesses with three new apprentices. Applekit, Adderkit, and Stormkit, please step forward."

The three kits bounced excitedly to stand in front of the crowd of cats.

"From this moment, until you receive your warrior names, you will be known as Applepaw, Adderpaw, and Stormpaw." Ravenstar's gaze swept over the gathered cats. "Redwind," he mewed at last. "Redwind, you have proven yourself a loyal warrior time and time again. I trust you will pass on your courage and loyalty to Applepaw."

A smile crossed Redwind's face. "I will, Ravenstar," he replied strongly. He and Applepaw touched noses, then retreated to watch the rest of the ceremony.

Ravenstar surveyed the cats once again. "Stormcloud," he called. "You are one of my senior warriors. You haven't had an apprentice in moons, but I would never question your ability to be an outstanding mentor. I know you have suffered great loss, yet I trust you will teach Adderpaw how to be a wise, fearless warrior like yourself, nevertheless."

Stormcloud was pleasantly surprised. "I promise, Ravenstar," he meowed happily. He touched noses with his black-and-white apprentice, and joined Redwind and Applepaw.

"Finally, Stormkit..."

Silvermist held her breath, praying that he would pick her. She didn't think there was much chance, after the way she had been acting, but she knew that God (the creator of all Clans) could make anything possible.

"...your mentor will be Silvermist."

The silver warrior's heart stopped. She couldn't believe what had just happened. I have an apprentice! She thought delightedly. Thank you, God!

"You have also had to cope with grief, but I know you - my former apprentice - are still capable of becoming an amazing mentor to your first apprentice. I know you will share your cleverness and your courage with this young apprentice."

Silvermist tried to block out the tears of joy that came to her eyes. "You know I will," she promised. She padded forward to touch noses with her new apprentice.

Stormpaw's eyes glinted with happiness. "I hoped it was you," he mewed.

Silvermist purred. "I couldn't be happier, Stormpaw."

***Dedicated to my Daddy, who is always there for me. I love you to StarClan and back!***

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! Stormpaw and his sisters are finally apprentices! :) Aaaaaanywaaaay...

Time for a contest!

I have based multiple cats in my story on cats in real life. Which of the following cats are based on my MAIN cats in real life (that live with me)? (You might have to guess on this one)! I have two cats (plus one with my dad, but he's not in the story yet).

First 2 people to correctly guess BOTH cats get an OC to be in WindClan! ;)

First 2 people to correctly guess ONE cat get an OC in any other Clan! ;)

CHOICES:: Skyfall, Leopardheart, Bellekit, Silvermist, Rabbitfur, Dapplepelt, Lightwillow, Cinderwing, or Ravenstar?

Good luck ;)

Thanks for reading! R&R :)

~Cinder:)