MAKING their way toward MarshClan camp, Sedgepaw felt a pit of dread in her stomach. She did not expect the night to end this way. She thought her siblings would be rallying to find the truth, or at least support her. Instead, she felt a fissure dividing them, shaking the earth at its roots and causing her bones to perpetually rattle with the feeling of loneliness. At least she was able to walk beside Ospreypaw. At their paws, Hawthornkit was hopping around, blissfully unaware of the hurt inside Sedgepaw.

Magnoliakit and Foxkit were quietly walking side-by-side, gazing at the storm clouds as they flashed with lightning and bellowed. Magnoliakit was dwarfed by Foxkit, her stumpy legs struggling to plod along as the earth began to soften with rain water. Sedgepaw smiled to herself, remembering when she would wander out with Mudpaw in the middle of the night.

The echo of Mudpaw's laughter reached Sedgepaw's ears and she sighed forlornly. If only she could walk back in time, to the days when they would run through the forest with the warm breeze in their fur and sunshine in their smiles.

The thunder booming above reminded Sedgepaw of where she walked. Her reverie was cut short by the storming sky, and she felt alone. At least she had Ospreypaw. She glanced at her friend, watching the she-cat gaze sullenly into the underbrush, head low. Sedgepaw frowned and nudged her with her shoulder as they passed side by side. Ospreypaw glanced her way and smirked but remained silent. Sedgepaw's frown deepened as they continued to retreat to camp. Rain was starting to fall faster, the splashes filling the air with ambient noise, loud enough to qualm the rolling tide of questions still assaulting Sedgepaw's brain.

For better or worse, tonight, everything changed.

Thunder rolled above. Sedgepaw moved faster as rain began to pour, following Ospreypaw through the marsh. There was at least one more cat that could help Sedgepaw: Fernstream. She delayed the confrontation long enough. It was time to get answers straight from the source. Since Mudpaw and Yewpaw were in denial, she would have to go to their mother alone.

As they snuck back into camp, Sedgepaw skirted the warriors den, glancing back to make sure all three kits remained. Foxkit led the troop, nudging Magnoliakit along as she yawned. Sedgepaw smiled. He cared well for his Clanmates. She hoped he would be given a mentor that nurtured his gentleness, not squash it.

"Be careful when you return," Sedgepaw warned as the kits walked passed her. "You don't want to wake your mothers."

"We will!" Hawthornkit squeaked.

"Shhhhh!" Foxkit hushed, eyes narrowing.

"Oh, I mean… We will," Hawthornkit whispered, nodding.

Sedgepaw smiled and shook her head, waving them on with her feathery tail. As the kits ventured back to the nursery, Sedgepaw's eyes glinted when she realized the trio were going around the back of the den-likely escaping through a hole before. She would remember to "suggest" the nursery be re-fortified at a later time. It was not until she was sure that the kits were back in their den that she began to make her way toward the apprentices den with Ospreypaw at her side.

Camp was oddly empty. The guards were likely making their rounds within the wall of sawgrass, for not even they haunted the clearing. Sedgepaw felt a strange sense of unease overcome her. It took Ospreypaw flicking her shoulder with her tail tip to snap her out of it. Blinking slowly, she shook her head and followed Ospreypaw to the apprentices den. When she entered, she could see everyone was still sound asleep, and Mudpaw and Yewpaw were curled up close together.

As she stepped into her nest, she felt hollow. Though her siblings and Ospreypaw laid close to her, she felt like they were far away. Did she drive a stake into their relationships? Though Ospreypaw attempted to comfort her, she could still very well turn her back on her. Sedgepaw pressed close to her friend and squeezed her eyes shut, silently praying for her continued support.

For once, Sedgepaw did not dream. Instead, she was swallowed by sleep, and Sedgepaw relished the darkness. Thunder continued to rumble through the night, and the sound of rainfall lulled the apprentice into a deep slumber.

When Sedgepaw opened her eyes again, she could see pale sunlight filtering through the den. Stretching her legs, she felt her muscles unwind and smiled contentedly. It was not until her golden eyes blinked away their fatigue that she realized she overslept… again.

Bolting out of her nest, Sedgepaw felt clumps of moss sticking to her pelt. Mud flaked from her toes and legs as she ran outside the den, still caked onto her fur from her excursion the night before. The clearing in camp was lit with pinkish hues that were speckled with orange as dawn matured into day. Silvery clouds remained suspended in the pastel sky, lingering from the storm that ravaged the night. Tamed by time, the clouds slowly crawled across the rays of sunlight, dimming their brightness. Sedgepaw's eyes widened with confusion when she noticed the buzz of commotion hum in the warm morning air, for cats were gathering enmasse before the Fallen Cypress. Did she miss something?

Looking like a muddy dandelion, she stepped toward the crowd of MarshClan cats, but halted in her advance when she heard a bout of giggles. Pebblepaw and Lilypaw were staring at her with laughter in their eyes. She bristled, making her already spiky and unkempt fur look more severe.

"What a looker," Lilypaw teased, green eyes glinting. The she-cat's white fur was sleek and prim; she was just as well-groomed as her mother.

"Sheesh, Sedgepaw, did you wake up on the wrong side of the nest?" Pebblepaw chuckled, his whiskers twitching. When she glared at him, he choked up with a nervous snicker. "Kidding… kidding…."

Before Sedgepaw could manage a retort, Fernstream was upon her. Sedgepaw hissed in surprise when her mother started grooming her and tending to her fur vigorously. Hissing in surprise, Sedgepaw backed away, frazzled.

"Fernstream! I can groom myself you know," Sedgepaw snapped.

"There's no time." Fernstream's eyes were wide. She rasped her tongue over her white chest anxiously. "Whitestar has moved up your test. You will be taking it today!"

Sedgepaw felt the ground give way beneath her. The test was today? Her golden eyes flashed with alarm when she realized what that meant. By sundown, she could become a warrior. But… She still felt soreness in her shoulder, and despite her deep sleep, she wasted a good night's rest on her failed meeting with her siblings.

As Fernstream resumed grooming her, Sedgepaw joined in the fervent licks. She felt a rattle in her brain that turned to drone and then a holler. Today was the day. Today was the day! It felt like eternity before she was clean and presentable again. When Fernstream regarded her, there was a soft smile on her mother's face and relief glistened in her eyes.

"You look tired," she murmured gently.

Sedgepaw shrugged. "My nest is getting too small."

Purring, Fernstream touched her nose to Sedgepaw's ear. "Well, tonight, you will have a warrior's nest." Her mother sighed, her eyes grazing over her daughter. "How do you feel?"

"Uhm… confused, honestly." Sedgepaw shuffled her white paws. "Batface made it seem like the test would not be for a few more days."

"I know." Fernstream's features darkened. "I'm not sure what's going on, but we got the word this morning." Shaking her head, she nudged her shoulder. "There's no use dwelling on it now, though. Today is your day, and I know you will do well. Go join your siblings, they're waiting near the Fallen Cypress."

"Okay." Before Sedgepaw went too far, she hesitated. "Fernstream…"

Fernstream paused, for she was about to join the group of MarshClan cats gathering before the Fallen Cypress. "Yes?"

"Can… can we talk later?" Sedgepaw asked. "It's important."

A small smile crossed Fernstream's face. "Of course. You can always talk to me."

Smiling, Sedgepaw nodded before scampering across the clearing to the Fallen Cypress. She could see her siblings assembled as the upturned roots that fanned out like spider legs. Dust and mold collected at their tips, revealing the tree's age. Many apprentices before them sat beneath these roots, waiting to be called to the center of the Clan to accept their test, and many more would come to await the same challenge. As Sedgepaw took her place beside the apprentices, she felt of rush of pride surge within her. Despite her misgivings from the night prior, she felt ready to take on the world today. To think, this moment was within arm's reach… She made it.

Yewpaw looked like a viper sat before her, for she was frozen in terror. Her green eyes bulged with such fear that Sedgepaw thought they would pop out of her skull. Before she could offer reassurance, Blackpaw was by her side, rasping his tongue across her shoulder. Sedgepaw bristled, eyeing him suspiciously. Perhaps he did care for her? Watching Yewpaw lean against him, Sedgepaw's heart longed for the same closeness. Her mind immediately went to Blueflower. She began to look for her long, blue-gray fur in the crowd of MarshClan cats congregated before the fallen tree where Whitestar slept, but did not see her.

Sedgepaw turned her attention back to the gathered apprentices, seeing her brother chucking alongside Toadpaw. He seemed to sense her stare, for he glanced up and they locked eyes. Sedgepaw opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but words escaped her. She did not know where to start. Mudpaw pulled his eyes away from her, ears flattening. Toadpaw did not seem to notice his change of expression, for he continued chortling and making fun of Blackpaw for his closeness to Yewpaw.

When she felt a tug at her tail, Sedgepaw bristled, spinning to see Ospreypaw grinning at her with a Her face softened. At least someone managed a smile.

"Can you believe this?" Ospreypaw asked, sitting beside her.

"No," Sedgepaw murmured. "But… I am glad this day has come. I've been waiting for it my whole life."

Ospreypaw purred and leaned against her. "Did you know this was going to happen?"

"Batface told me it would not come for a few more days… Fernstream told me this came as a surprise to everyone."

"I wonder what could be the cause of it…"

Sedgepaw refrained from speaking again, for emerging from the curtain of moss that framed her den within the Fallen Cypress was Whitestar. Her sleek white fur gleamed like an ivory fang under the pale sunlight, and her eyes burned bright. Sedgepaw felt a shiver go down her spine as the leader scanned the apprentices lined up for the test. A ghost of a smile appeared on her muzzle, and it vanished as she leapt from the ground to the fallen tree silently.

"Good morning, MarshClan," she greeted proudly. "I thank you all for meeting me this morning. I am sure many of you are curious as to what today shall entail and why, and I assure you, all will become clear."

As she made her announcement, Sedgepaw noticed Spiderfang making his way to the foot of the Fallen Cypress, and he was followed by young Foxkit and his mother, Hollyfoot. Sedgepaw's eyes narrowed in confusion. Was he in trouble?

Whitestar sounded solemn as she continued. She sat, poised, with her tail wrapped neatly around her paws. Her amber eyes gazed down at her Clan astutely, and her lips were pressed thin in a tight frown. "My Clan, we gather under the morning sun with heavy hearts and troubled minds. I can see the pain and confusion in your eyes." She bowed her head. "After returning from the Lunar Cavern, I was greeted by abhorrent news regarding Minnowtail's whereabouts. Our warrior and friend, Egretsong, revealed that it was Minnowtail that attacked her and consequently let Scorchface walk free."

From the crowd, restless murmurs and angered hisses arose. Sedgepaw watched her Clanmates' faces contort in hatred at the mention of Minnowtail and Scorchface. She felt unease prickle along her spine. Though she understood why Whitestar would need to discuss the bloody truth, she did not like having to hear of it on her test day. It felt almost like a bad omen.

"It took the night for me to sleep on this revelation, and I've come to realize…" Whitestar paused, her amber eyes flashing. The Clan was silent as their leader spoke. Her voice was strong and clear, glacial. The words she spoke were undeniable, for she carefully articulated each syllable, and they rolled off her tongue like droplets of silver. "Our Clan is infested. For Minnowtail to act with such precision and coordinate so carefully, I have no doubt that he did not act alone. There is descenters in MarshClan, and they collude with the Fallen."

Alarm and fear arose, bubbling over from the gathered cats, forming a wave that crashed into Sedgepaw, tainting her tongue with the saline brine of fear. She shriveled as it dehydrated her of her composure. Spies? Her golden eyes flashed. Who would turn against the Clan, and why? Sedgepaw harkened back to her vision of Vinestripe, the scarlet smile against his throat, and the nightmares that haunted her as she slept. Maybe there was a reason to betray MarshClan… Sedgepaw could not shake the suspicion that something was amiss. She was beginning to think the prophecy had something to do with it.

"Alas!" Whitestar continued, her voice silencing the crowd. "I now must call on my loyal Clanmates to remain vigilant during these uncertain moons. When our friends and family are willing to turn against us, now is the time, more than ever, to show good judgment and character. Now is the time to strengthen MarshClan, so we may persevere against those that dare to rise against us."

As the whole of MarshClan murmured in agreement, Spiderfang began to nudge Foxkit into the center of the clearing. The apprentice's yellow eyes were wide, and when he gazed up at Whitestar, he shrunk back. He appeared confused, looking to Spiderfang for guidance. The deputy nodded slowly, amber eyes blazing with an eerie eagerness that made Sedgepaw feel nauseous. She did not like the way her deputy stared at the kit.

"As a temporary initiative, we will star training kits when they are five moons old, rather than six. However, if the parents of said kits are willing, and my senior warriors see fit to agree, they can start their training earlier." A sharp grin cut across Whitestar's muzzle as she spoke. "Hollyfoot and Claytooth agree that Foxkit is strong enough to begin his training now, and I know in my heart StarClan will accept this decision, for it will make MarshClan a stronger, safer place."

Sedgepaw glanced at Ospreypaw, noting her friend's uncertainty. "At least it's only temporary," Sedgepaw whispered to her reassuringly. "He's a tough little mite! This'll be a stroll for him." Though Whitestar's initiative was unsettling, there was little that could be done to oppose it. The leader's word was law.

"Right," Ospreypaw agreed. "Foxkit is strong and mature. He'll do well." She shook her head. "Whitestar is a wise leader," she murmured. "She always knows what's best for our Clan."

Though Ospreypaw sounded resolute, Sedgepaw did not feel so certain. Though Foxkit was bright and thoughtful, he was still young, and Sedgepaw was familiar with the dangers he could face as an apprentice. She only hoped he received a mentor that was considerate of his age. At least when Lilypaw and Pebblepaw became apprentices they were on the cusp of their sixth moon. Foxkit only just turned four. Sedgepaw sent a silent prayer to StarClan that he would be safe.

Whitestar lifted her chin and proclaimed the preface to all apprentice ceremonies proudly, "The desire to achieve, the ambition to succeed, these are the traits of a warrior. MarshClan thrives on the will of its members to serve the stars, protect the code, and defend our livelihood."

From the crowd, Sedgepaw spotted the broad shoulders and gleaming yellow eyes of Grayjaw making his way around the group to come alongside Spiderfang at the foot of the Fallen Cypress. The permanent grimace on his face remained as he locked eyes with Foxkit. Sedgepaw's heart sank. Of all the warriors to choose…

"Foxkit, from this day until the consummation of your warrior ceremony, you will learn our ways and uphold our beliefs with every fiber of your being. You will learn to wield your strength and execute your knowledge in the name of MarshClan."

Doe-eyed, Foxkit nodded, and Grayjaw slowly stepped forward to the ginger kit. As Whitestar watched from above, her smile grew more prominent. "Grayjaw, you are one of my most reliable warriors, for your determination to serve and succeed trump your whims and fears. I entrust Foxkit to you so he may share your strength and willpower and become as great a warrior as you are."

"I accept this duty with honor," Grayjaw rumbled. Leaning in, he moved to rest his head on Foxkit's, and the young tom rasped his tongue across the warrior's massive shoulder without hesitation.

"MarshClan, let us celebrate our newest apprentice: Foxpaw! May his training be full of success!"

"Foxpaw! Foxpaw! Foxpaw!" MarshClan chanted their newest apprentice's name proudly.

Sedgepaw joined in, but her voice fell short when she noticed a pair of dragonflies, spiraling in midair. At first, she was entranced by their grace. One gleamed a golden brown, the other was a deep red, and in their dance they resembled an ember lapping at the ridge of the sky where pastel pink bled to pale blue. As she continued to admire their dance, her eyes widened when she realized they were not dancing at all… instead, she realized the red dragonfly was striking at the golden one, for it pulled back only to twirl and collide once more. The golden one seemed to only want to escape to the heavens, flying persistently higher, but it too eventually fell to violence, clashing with the red dragonfly persistently until both were embittered in a knot.

The chanting began to fade, and Sedgepaw was forced to return her gaze to Whitestar, she was nodding appreciatively at her Clan. The white she-cat raised her tail for attention once more. "A new apprentice is not all we have to celebrate today." Her amber eyes fell to the gathered apprentices, and Sedgepaw averted her stare, instead gazing into the crowd of MarshClan cats with a sudden spark of adrenaline. This was her time now.

"As we strive to strengthen MarshClan, we call upon our youth to embellish our ranks and kindle our fire. Our need for warriors has only grown. With the Fallen at our borders, wanting to take what StarClan has so graciously blessed us with, we need to go to sleep knowing that we are safe. So, I have decided to expedite the final test for our senior apprentices."

Sedgepaw watched as Blackpaw moved forward, moving towards the center of the crowd. He sat before Whitestar with his chest raised and chin held high. His green eyes were gleaming with pride. Yewpaw followed gingerly behind him, sitting close by his side. Her eyes were on her paws.

Sedgepaw realized they were to all take their place before Whitestar. Her heart fluttered. This was it. She stood, watching as Toadpaw lumbered out from under the branches, followed by Mudpaw. She swallowed her excitement, though is jostled her frame with electricity. As Ospreypaw moved to the clearing, Sedgepaw hurriedly trailed her. Together, the apprentices sat, staring up at Whitestar, awaiting their fate.

"StarClan hear my words," Whitestar began the hallowed welcome all leaders make to apprentices accepting their final test. "It gives me great joy to announce that today these young cats will be embarking on their final test as apprentices of MarshClan."

Sedgepaw could hear her heart pounding in her ears. She dug her claws into the dirt, gazing with anticipation as Whitestar continued.

"They will be tested on their scholarship, speed, strength, and spirit. Having trained with their partner and mentor for six moons, this test will be their final challenge, and should they succeed, they shall be dubbed warriors of MarshClan."

From the crowd, their mentors emerged, filing through the gathered cats in an organized line. Leading it was Shaleheart, and his golden eyes were bright with joy as he sat before Blackpaw with a smile. Palemist was close behind him, and Sedgepaw was taken back by the beauty of her pale silver fur and icy blue eyes. She calmly sat before Yewpaw with a reassuring grin on her fair face. Sandthroat shuffled passed her with a lopsided grin, which turned into a toothy smile when he sat before Toadpaw; his creamy fur maintained its scruffiness despite his obvious efforts to slick it down with several licks. Longscar shrugged passed with a soft grumble, his dark gray fur gleaming, and he regarded Mudpaw with a nod, but not before sliding his amber gaze passed him to glare at Sedgepaw. She met his glare defiantly. She would not forget what he told Mudpaw about Blueflower. If Longscar wanted to make an enemy of her, Sedgepaw was up to the challenge.

When Molefoot stepped forward towards Ospreypaw, Sedgepaw broke her glare from Longscar. Their grizzled muzzle held a smile as bright as the sun as they sat before Ospreypaw. Finally, Sedgepaw was able to see Batface's scarred muzzle and rugged frame. She noticed he stole a glance at Blackpaw as he went by. He was not smiling, but Sedgepaw noticed faint warmth in his orange eyes as he sat before her. She opened her mouth to speak, but her mentor shook his head, brows furrowing.

"Before the test begins, I must lay out the rules," Whitestar resumed speaking once the mentors took their places. "Mentors shall supervise their apprentices during the test, however, any efforts to intervene or assist any of the apprentices will result in the failure of that apprentice and their partner. Understood?"

The mentors gave a resonate: "Yes, Whitestar."

"Apprentices, you have four skills that you will be tested on. If you fail two of those categories, you will not be allowed to complete your test, and you will remain an apprentice until I believe you are ready to test again. Your failure will also cause your partner to fail you and join you in remedial training. Understood?"

"Yes, Whitestar," the apprentices mewed, almost robotically. Sedgepaw felt a lump in her throat as she spoke.

"Apprentices, it is your responsibility to ensure your success as well as your partner's. You must also work to ensure one another's safety." Whitestar paused, her expression growing more grave. "If one of you dies during the test, your partner will fail. Mentors, if your apprentice dies during the test, you will never again receive a new apprentice; the mentor of your apprentice's partner will be absolved of their role, and the remaining apprentice will be given to the deputy or myself. Understood?"

Both mentors and apprentices were staring at one another as they spoke: "Yes, Whitestar."

Sedgepaw felt her resolve blossom within her. She did not allow her doubts to cloud her vision, before her she could see success, and it was her time to take it. She breathed in slowly, exhaling as she release all her tumultuous thoughts. Her whole life revolved around this very moment. As she held Batface's gaze, she only grew more determined to prove herself.

"By the power bestowed upon me, I commend these cats to StarClan in hopes of their victory. May they return to us as warriors by nightfall." Whitestar bowed her head in silent prayer, and the rest of MarshClan followed suit.

Sedgepaw joined in the prayer, but her ears were ringing with the sound of her heartbeat. She could only muster a silent wish that she and her siblings were successful today. She did not even know if StarClan was willing to listen to her. Was it even in Their plan for them to succeed?

"Mentors and apprentices, I hereby order the final test to commence at sunhigh. You have until then to make any final arrangements." Whitestar sprang off the Fallen Cypress and regarded her Clan with a nod. "The morning gathering is adjourned. Spiderfang will be taking charge for the remainder of the day while I prepare and observe the test."

As the MarshClan cats slowly broke away to go about their daily duties, Sedgepaw remained sitting before Batface. They continued to hold their gaze. She was not sure where to start. Thank you? I won't let you down? I feel like my heart is about to burst out of my chest? Sedgepaw was mute.

It was Batface that spoke first. "To think, you started as a scruffy, hotheaded ball of mischief." A smile crinkled his graying muzzle.

"That's not true!" Sedgepaw protested, laughing.

"You're right… you're not that scruffy." Batface chuckled.

"The temper I got from you." Sedgepaw stuck her tongue out at him. Though Batface often frustrated her, she did not realize how close they had become until their relationship as mentor and apprentice was coming to an end. She grew sullen, wishing she had listened to him more. "Thank you…"

"Don't thank me yet," Batface warned, growing serious. "You haven't passed your test."

Sedgepaw scoffed, "I know I will!"

"I admire your spirit." Batface nodded. "Remember your training, and you will do just fine."

Sedgepaw returned the nod, smiling. "I won't let you down!"

As Batface rose to leave, Sedgepaw watched as he was joined by the other mentors. They all seemed to be heading toward the fresh-kill pile, likely wanting a meal before the test began. Sedgepaw watched them go; her belly was too full of butterflies for her to even think about food. Her eyes scanned the dispersing crowd of cats for the other apprentices, but instead she met a familiar pair of deep blue eyes.

"Blueflower?" she breathed.

"I was on the dawn patrol," Blueflower mewed as she rushed to her. Her face held a mix of emotions, surprise being the most noticeable to Sedgepaw. "I heard the news. Congratulations?" She laughed. "I know you're ready… I'm just sure it came as a shock."

"It did…" Sedgepaw mewed, scratching at the grass with a smirk. "But you're right, I'm ready. I've never been more ready for anything." She smiled at Blueflower, stepping closer to the warrior. "Did you come to wish me good luck?" she mewed coquettishly, brow quirked.

Blueflower purred and rolled her eyes. "Like you need it." She closed the distance between them, rasping her tongue against her cheek. "But just in case..." she murmured gently against her face. "Good luck."

Sedgepaw was speechless as Blueflower brushed passed her, her long, blue-gray fur intertwining with her dark tabby pelt as she went by. Her scent soothed her, and she watched the warrior go to Spiderfang, likely meaning to report her findings with the rest of the dawn patrol. Entranced by the she-cat, Sedgepaw almost failed to notice a glare burning into her pelt, and when she turned, she saw Longscar, staring at her from the fresh-kill pile.

His eyes were unblinking, aflame. A snake in cat's fur, coiled and ready to strike. It seemed that Sedgepaw would have more than one test to overcome. She smirked.

Let him test me. I am ready.