Here's chapter 34.

After Shadepaw had dropped her squirrel on the fresh-kill pile, she and Finchpaw went to visit Creekpaw. Entering the medicine cat den, they were surprised to find him standing on all four paws, his cobwebs having been removed, and trying different exercises.

"Right Creekpaw," meowed Swallowfeather. "If you do this one then I'll tell Fallenstar to make you a warrior when he makes Lynxkit an apprentice."

She instructed the tom to let his hind legs collapse and then push himself up using his forepaws. As Creekpaw did this, Shadepaw caught a glimpse of his maimed paw. The pad was disfigured with a huge blotchy scar and the claws that remained were torn and ragged. One deep gash had left a scar that raged across the first one and markings from several other wounds were visible. Despite this, Creekpaw managed to do several push ups without pain and Swallowfeather gave him the all clear.

"Great," he said, as the medicine cat walked out of the den on her way to see Fallenstar. Seeing Shadepaw and Finchpaw, the flecked tom rushed over to them, exclaiming, "I'm going to be on warrior vigil tonight."

"That is great!" purred Shadepaw, as Finchpaw wound her way around him. Creekpaw's eyes twinkled at the silver tabby and he pressed his pelt to hers. Not wanting to intrude Shadepaw excused herself and headed out into the clearing.

It surprised her to see that the sun was quite low in the sky. They had been hunting longer than she had thought. A low grumble in her stomach reminded Shadepaw that she had not eaten since last night. Grabbing a mouse off the pile, she headed over to where Ratclaw, Shadowpaw and Icestorm were sharing a rabbit. As she approached, Icestorm yowled excitedly, "Shadepaw, guess what?"

Shadepaw settled herself beside Shadowpaw and looked at the white and grey tabby. "What?"

"No," Icestorm objected, slicing the tail off the rabbit with her sharp claw. "Guess!"

"Um okay." Shadepaw thought for a second. "You caught a bat today?"

"No."

"You beat up Ratclaw in a fight."

The grey tom looked up, startled. "She could never," Ratclaw spluttered, spraying Shadowpaw with half-chewed rabbit. "And she didn't."

"Calm down Ratclaw," Shadowpaw joked, washing the meat from her pelt. "We all know that any she-cat could beat you up."

The dark grey warrior chuckled and batted the black apprentice with sheathed claws. "Only if they wanted to lose an ear."

"No, unfortunately I didn't beat him up," said Icestorm. "But I'm sure I could. Guess one more time."

Suddenly a random thought struck Shadepaw. "You're not pregnant, are you?"

"No," laughed Icestorm. "I'm too new a warrior to have kits. I don't want to get knocked up that quick like Fembrook." She knocked Shadepaw's ear with her tail. "I'm going to mentor Lynxkit."

"Oh," said Shadepaw. "That's great. Congratulations."

Icestorm purred but suddenly looked solemn. "I have no idea what to do with him though."

Ratclaw wound his tail with hers. "Don't worry you'll get used to it," he mewed. "How about tomorrow, you come with me and Venompaw and I'll get him to show Lynxkit the territory."

Icestorm touched noses with him. "That'd be great. Thanks." She turned to Shadepaw. "You better eat that fast. The ceremony will start soon."

Shadepaw nodded and started to devour the mouse in famished gulps. As the warm meat rolled into her stomach, she noticed Rootheart approaching. "Foxdung," she cursed.

"I've heard that your friend Creekpaw is to be made a warrior at sundown, Rougepaw," the brown warrior hissed. "I hope he has strong wits because me and CaveClan warriors don't tend to get along."

You seem to get on fine with Bloodspill though, Shadepaw thought. It satisfied her to spot that Rootheart's muzzle was tinged with grey. He would soon be an elder. "You won't have to worry about CaveClan warriors," she retorted. "Creekpaw will be a WoodClan warrior."

"He doesn't deserve to be one." Rootheart unsheathed his claws.

There was a gasp behind them. It was Shadowpaw. "He deserves it more than you."

Rootheart went up to the black she-cat. "You better watch your back too, little apprentice, if you plan to oppose me." He drew a claw around her ear. Shadowpaw flinched.

"Get your paws of her Rootheart." Rustpaw strode into the argument. "Or you'll have me to deal with."

Rootheart turned to face him. "Ooh if it isn't the second Rougepaw," he growled with glee. "I'm so scared."

Rustpaw planted himself in front of Shadowpaw. "You better be." He unsheathed his own claws. "I sharpened these this morning on rabbit bones. Next time they might just be yours if you don't back off."

"Ooh, Rougepaw, challenging me."

"Back off."

Shadepaw was convinced that her brother would have jumped at the older cat if Ratclaw had not stepped between the two of them. "Calm down," he meowed. "The both of you." He turned to Rootheart. "Have you no honour? Stop harassing apprentices and go and be useful; somewhere else."

"Oh dear Ratclaw," sighed Rootheart. "I always have thought highly of you, but now..." With that the huge brown warrior stalked away to where Swiftclaw was watching him with admiring eyes.

Ratclaw hissed and sunk his claws into the ground. "I've always thought Rootheart was a better cat than that."

Shadepaw turned to the grey warrior. "Thanks a lot for standing up for us."

"Don't mention it," Ratclaw mewed, purring as Icestorm pressed her pelt against his.

"And you two were great too." She flicked Shadowpaw and Rustpaw with her tail.

"He was being horrible," Shadowpaw shrugged. "To you and Creekpaw."

"And I wasn't going to let him harm Shadowpaw." Rustpaw licked the black cat's ear. "You're okay, yeah?"

Shadowpaw nodded and returned his gesture.

Shadepaw suddenly realised that she hadn't yet told Rustpaw that Flamefur was their father. Turning to her brother, she said, "Rustpaw, can I speak to you?"

"Yes," he replied. "Sure. You can speak to me anytime. You know that."

Smiling, Shadepaw was about to lead him away when a yowl reverberated across the camp.

"May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here, beneath the oak tree for a clan meeting!" proclaimed Fallenstar and Shadepaw cursed her bad luck. She would have to wait until after the meeting to tell her brother. Padding over to where the other cats were gathering, they sat next to Finchpaw and Sootwhisker.

The black tom, waved his tail in greeting. His fur was puffed up even more than usual. "Have you heard Icestorm's good news."

Shadepaw nodded but Rustpaw said, "What news?"

"She's going to mentor Lynxkit."

Rustpaw smiled. "That's great."

"Mmm," Sootwhisker purred. "I'm so proud of her."

At that moment, Icestorm padded up to sit beside her brother. Her fur was sleek and shiny making her look radiant. "How do I look?" she asked.

"Beautiful," said Sootwhisker. "You shouldn't worry so much. You'll be a great mentor."

"You think?"

"Defiantly." Sootwhisker flicked his tail over her ear.

Shadepaw turned to Finchpaw. "How's Creekpaw?"

"A little scared," replied the silver tabby. "And just a bit excited."

She laughed. "Are you happy for him?"
"I couldn't be happier about anything." Finchpaw nosed Shadepaw. "And you?"

Shadepaw forced a smile. "Top of the world." She did not voice her concerns about Fembrook and Flamefur. Finchpaw purred and licked her ear and Shadepaw the same closeness as before return.

Fallenstar coughed and yowled, "Tonight is a glorious night, for we shall have a new apprentice and a new warrior." The starlight rippled off the leader's coat turning it silver. "Firstly, I will ask Lynxkit to come forward."

There was a little squeak and the golden kit rushed from his mother to stand at the bottom of the oak tree. Minkclaw watched him go with pride and a touch of sorrow. Lynxkit was the only of her litter to have survived an outbreak of greencough and her other kit, Winterkit, had died on the same night as his father Snoweye. Lilyface came up and led her away, to where Emberkit and Sagekit were watching the proceeds with round eyes.

Fallenstar looked down at Lynxkit. "On this night, I call upon StarClan to look upon this kit. He is willing to learn and cherish your ways and ready to become an apprentice."

Fallenstar raised his head and looked at Icestorm. Shadepaw felt her heart jump for the white warrior. He beckoned her forward and turned his head to again look at Lynxkit. "From this day forward, until he has earned his warrior name, this kit shall be known as Lynxpaw." The leader looked at Icestorm. "Icestorm, you are a warrior of courage and great strength. You will train Lynxpaw to be a warrior. Guide him well."

Icestorm padded to the new apprentice, her eyes sparkling with excitement. They touched noses and retreated to the back of the gathered cats, both looking as thrilled as each other.

Fallenstar now gazed at Creekpaw. The flecked tom was standing at the back of the clearing and if he was feeling scared, he didn't show it. "Tonight I also have the great pleasure of making a new warrior," Fallenstar yowled.

At his words the assembled cats formed the two straight lines that Creekpaw was to walk up. To Shadepaw's surprise she found herself between Fembrook and Finchpaw, near the top of the lines. Fembrook looked at the black and white apprentice. "Shadepaw," she said, dipping her head.

"Fembrook."

The silver queen let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh I can't stand this Shadepaw. We used to be such good friends; we used to train together, go hunting. Despite this," she pleaded, pointing to her swollen belly. "Can't we still be what we used to be?"

Shadepaw looked at Fembrook sadly. "I don't know Fembrook. Friends are supposed to listen to each other and I can't make you listen anymore." Each word hurt like claws being wrenched down her heart. She softened her tone. "We'll always be friends Fembrook; just not in the same way that we used to be."

She turned away from her, trying not to notice the pain in the queen's eyes.

Fallenstar continued. "Creekpaw has waited longer than most to be given this title and I think that his efforts to bring Finchpaw here are well worth it." He gestured at the flecked tom. "Come forward."

Slowly Creekpaw advanced through the lines, his head held high. From most of the cats he got nods and some even gave him words of advice. Rootheart, Thistlesoul and Swiftclaw ignored him so Creekpaw ignored them. Shadepaw was surprised to see Lilacpaw give him a flick on the nose. When upcoming warrior reached her, Shadepaw touched her nose to his and murmured, "You really do deserve this Creekpaw, even if you think you don't."

Creekpaw's eyes sparkled and he thanked her before moving on to receive a passionate lick from Finchpaw and flicks over the ear from Rustpaw, Shadowpaw and Silkpaw.

Then he reached the Oak tree.

Fallenstar glanced at him. "Creekpaw you have no mentor to deliver you as a warrior and so I shall ask Swallowfeather." He looked at the medicine cat, who was seated at the back of one of the lines. "Swallowfeather, you have treated Creekpaw for a moon now. Do you think that he has recovered enough to be given his warrior name?"

"Yes I do," mewed Swallowfeather, nodding a Creekpaw. "He has shown much courage and pain-tolerance when I had to cut off most of his pad and I am sure that he will become a loyal warrior."

Fallenstar nodded and then fixed his green eyes on Silverpelt's swath of stars. "I, Fallenstar, leader of WoodClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has been through much to try and understand your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn."

The leader leapt down from the oak tree padded over to Creekpaw. "Creekpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life."

Creekpaw's eyes sparkled and Shadepaw thought her heart would burst with pride for her friend. "I do," he mewed boldly.

"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name: Creekpaw from this moment you will be known as Creekfall, in honour of when you fell from the log bridge and survived. StarClan honours you courage and determination and we welcome you as a full warrior of WoodClan." Fallenstar rested his tail on Creekfall's shoulder and the new warrior licked the leader's ear respectfully, before backing away to sit at the front of the lines.

Next to Shadepaw, Finchpaw yowled, "Creekfall." Her eyes were filled with love and pride and happiness that Creekfall finally had a place where he could belong.

Shadepaw joined the rest of the clan in welcoming the new warrior. "Creekfall! Creekfall!"

Fallenstar gazed down on Creekfall. "In the tradition of our warrior ancestors, Creekfall must guard the camp in silent ritual while we sleep."

Creekfall bowed his head in acceptance and Fallenstar leapt down from the oak tree yowling, "This meeting is over." Shadepaw noticed that he rushed off to the nursery. The leader was just as devoted to his kits as he was to his clan.

The cats started to break up into small groups. Shadepaw sensed Fembrook about to speak to her so she made a speedy exit, heading towards Icestorm and Lynxpaw. The pair was in the middle of a heated discussion.

"So Icestorm," mewled Lynxpaw, his golden eyes shining like stars. "What are we going to do?"

"Well tomorrow," answered his mentor. "I'm going to show you the territory."

"But we'll do some hunting yeah?" asked the golden apprentice. "And fighting and running and claw-sharpening and all the cool stuff."

"Yes, of course. But not all in one day. It is very important that you first know our boundaries, Lynxpaw, so you don't stray from them and anger the other clans."

"Yes Icestorm."

"But you know what I really want you to do? I want you to get a good sleep so you're sharp in the morning." Spotting Shadepaw, Icestorm beckoned to her with her tail. "Shadepaw, will you please show your fellow apprentice where to sleep?"

Nodding, Shadepaw beckoned to Lynxpaw and the two of them headed in the direction of the apprentices den. When passing the nursery, Lynxpaw stopped as Emberkit bounded out. "Don't go!"she wailed.

Lynxpaw's pain was raw his eyes as he turned to the kit and wrapped her in his tail. "I've got to. I'm an apprentice now. I want you to look after Sagekit and the others for me."

"I'll miss you." Emberkit's eyes watered.

"And I will miss you."Lynxpaw licked the top of her head. "We'll be together again soon. I promise."

Emberkit nodded and scampered back to the nursery, never taking her eyes of Lynxpaw until she disappeared down the dark entrance.

Lynxpaw sighed sadly. Shadepaw placed her tail on his shoulder. He was already almost as tall as she was and she knew that he would make a strong warrior. "She'll be okay," she whispered.

Lynxpaw smiled. "I know she will."

As Shadepaw led the golden apprentice into the den, Venompaw leaped up from his nest and tackled him. The two toms rolled about in a heap of gold and grey fur for some time before the older apprentice pinned the younger one down, saying, "And so the master had defeated the apprentice."

"Get off me," laughed Lynxpaw, pushing Venompaw from him. "It's good to fight with you again Venompaw."

"Yeah," sighed Venompaw. "I'm a bit better than the last time we fought though. Ratclaw has trained me well."

Lynxpaw gave his friend a lick and then went to talk to Lilacpaw and Shadowpaw, who were also in the den.

Shadepaw pulled Venompaw aside. "I want you to make him feel welcome and comfortable. It must be hard to have no other apprentice to come up with."

Venompaw placed his tail on her shoulder. "You worry too much," he meowed. "Me and Lynxpaw are great friends. He'll be fine, trust me."

"I do." Shadepaw touched noses with the dark grey tabby before exiting the den.

The sky was now completely dark and few cats were left in the clearing. Shivering, Shadepaw surveyed the scene. She noticed that Finchpaw was asleep in the centre, her pelt pressed against Creekfall's. The tom licked her head and stroked her side with his tail. However, no words escaped his mouth.

Shadepaw was about to make her way over to rouse Finchpaw but Flamefur got there first. Speaking a few words to Creekfall, the flame-pelted warrior woke the silver and black apprentice. Drowsily, she lifted her head and Flamefur pulled her to her feet with the tenderness of a father. Shadepaw remembered that Flamefur was Finchpaw's father. In the same moment she realised that Flamefur was her and Rustpaw's father too. As he and Finchpaw approached, Shadepaw felt her paws go numb with shock. It could not possibly be true.

Finchpaw was her sister!

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