Brightpaw was sleeping peacefully in her nest. She groaned as a few paws jabbed her in the side. Brightpaw opened her eyes to see Tansykit and Shrewkit jumping on top of her. Their sister, Featherkit, was sitting at the entrance with a nervous look on her face.

"What in StarClan are you kits doing in here?" Brightpaw asked, sitting up. "We're bored!" Tansykit wailed. "Can you play with us, Brightpaw? You're always fun!" Shrewkit squeaked.

"You three shouldn't be in here." Brightpaw said gently. "If we get in trouble, it's your fault, Shrewkit!" Featherkit meowed nervously. "Is not!" Shrewkit insisted. "Is too!" Featherkit replied, her white fur starting to bristle.

"Brightpaw, get them to shut up!" Redpaw snapped. He was clearly not pleased about being woken up by the kits. "Sorry!" Brightpaw hissed at the grumpy apprentice."Come on, I'll play moss ball with you guys outside."

"Yay!" Tansykit and Shrewkit cheered, skipping outside. Brightpaw let out a purr of amusement. "Badgerkit, get our moss ball!" Shrewkit called across the clearing. Badgerkit was just coming out of the nursery.

"Shush! You'll wake the whole clan!" Brightpaw scolded. "Sorry." Shrewkit apologized, his pale ginger ears laid back. Badgerkit ran over with the moss ball in his mouth. His fluffy, black and white fur blew in the wind. "Got it!" He said proudly as he dropped the moss ball in front of Brightpaw.

"Is everyone ready?" Brightpaw asked.

"Yup!"

"Yes, Brightpaw!"

"Start aready! I mean, please?"

"I'm so ready!"

Brightpaw laughed. "Alright, here we go! Remember, don't be too loud!" Brightpaw meowed. She hit the moss ball into the air, towards Featherkit and Tansykit. Tansykit, the more outgoing of the two, reached it first. The ginger tabby batted the moss ball and it soared through the air. Badgerkit ran after it and hit it into the air.

Featherkit ran to grab it, but Shrewkit was faster. He jumped onto her back and jumped into the air. He hit it, making his little sister fall down, and it landed by Brightpaw. "Are you okay, Featherkit?" The apprentice asked. "I'm okay." Featherkit replied.

"Shrewkit, be more careful!" Brightpaw meowed. "Sorry, Brightpaw. Sorry, Featherkit." Shrewkit mumbled, shuffling his paws. "It's okay." Featherkit replied, looking down at her tiny paws.

"Brightpaw, can you teach us battling moves now?" Tansykit asked. "But I want to be a medicine cat, Tansykit. We should do something we all can do." Badgerkit told his sister.

"Do you really have to be a medicine cat? What's so great about it when you can be a warrior?" Shrewkit said dryly. "Shrewkit, being a medicine cat is important too." Brightpaw pointed out. "There's no need to judge your brother's decision."

"But we won't be able to hang out as much if he becomes a medicine cat!" Shrewkit sighed. "Shrewkit, I'll make time for you guys. I'm your brother!" Badgerkit told him. Shrewkit smiled a little.

"Now can we learn battle moves?" Tansykit said impatiently. "Yeah, teach us battle moves!" Featherkit joined in. "Alright, alright." Brightpaw purred.

But before she could begin, Swiftfoot called for her. "We're going on a hunting patrol!" The black and white tom said. Heavyheart and Pebblesplash were with him. "But you didn't teach us anything!" Tansykit wailed.

"You know who loves kits?" Brightpaw smirked. "Redpaw! Tell him that I said he's going to teach you some battle moves and don't take no for an answer!" The four kits squealed with excitement as they ran towards the apprentices den. Brightpaw laughed as she ran to join the hunting patrol.

"What happened?" Pebblesplash asked. "I just sent an army of kits after Redpaw." Brightpaw smiled. Brightpaw and Pebblesplash laughed as they heard Redpaw yell from the apprentices den.

"Alright, enough fooling around. Let's go." Heavyheart ordered.

Brightpaw had grown fond of her new warrior friend. Pebblesplash was a rather shy apprentice. When he became a warrior, he had grown more confident with himself. Ever since Brightpaw had impressed Pebblesplash during their test battle, the two had become friends.

Brightpaw's ear twitched as a rain drop hit it. "Is it really going to rain again?" Brightpaw moaned. "Rain is always good for the forest. We should be happy it's not a drought." Heavyheart pointed out.

"Besides, who doesn't love the rain?" Pebblesplash purred. Pebblesplash was one of the few BreezeClan cats who didn't mind water. "We all know you like the rain, Pebblesplash." Swiftfoot meowed. "Well, it's fun!" Pebblesplash smiled.

"You're the only one." Brightpaw told him, flicking him with her tail. "I could always teach you how to swim one day." The gray tom reminded her. "I think I'll pass." Brightpaw purred.

"Sh!" Swiftfoot said. "You'll scare away all of the prey." Suddenly, a rabbit ran out of a hole in the ground and raced across BreezeClan territory. Swiftfoot immediately ran after it. Moments later, he came back to the group with the rabbit dangling from his mouth.

"Good catch!" Heavyheart told him. "Thanks, Heavyheart." Swiftfoot replied politely. "There's a squirrel over there." Pebblesplash told the group. "Heavyheart, do you wanna help me trap it?"

"Of course." Heavyheart meowed.

"Watch what they do, Brightpaw. This will be a great learning experience for you." Swiftfoot said to his apprentice. Brightpaw nodded. Heavyheart stood behind a rock. Pebblesplash chased the squirrel towards the rock. Then, Heavyheart grabbed the squirrel when it passed the rock.

"That was great!" Brightpaw exclaimed. "Thanks! We did do pretty good, didn't we?" Pebblesplash blushed. Brightpaw saw a blackbird fly over her head. It landed on a nearby rock. The patrol was moving on, but Brightpaw was determined to catch something. She walked closer to it before dashing after it. The bird was too fast and flew to another rock.

The patrol hadn't noticed that she was missing. Swiftfoot was too busy giving Pebblesplash advice to realize his apprentice was gone. Brightpaw leapt after it again, but the bird was one step ahead of her. It landed on another rock. Brightpaw chased it until she realized it had landed in the Star Valley.

Am I still allowed to catch it? Well, nobody else is around and it did come from BreezeClan's territory. Brightpaw climbed down the side of the valley slowly. She saw the blackbird still perched on a rock. Brightpaw took a deep breath before leaping out at the bird. She landed right on the bird, killing it with her claws.

But before she could react, Brightpaw was knocked onto the ground. She shook her pelt out to see a black tom standing on the rock with her blackbird. "What was that about?" Brightpaw demanded. "Hey, I'm just trying to feed my clan." The tom told her.

Brightpaw could tell that he was from SnowClan. He had their scent and his ribs were visible. "I caught it, so it's mine! Besides, it came from my territory." Brightpaw told him. "Yeah right. I saw his bird sitting here. I never saw you or the bird come from your territory." The apprentice said dryly.

"I caught it!" Brightpaw's fur began to bristle. "Well I have it now, and that's all that matters!" The black tom snapped. Brightpaw unsheathed her claws and tackled the SnowClan apprentice. They tumbled on the ground, leaving the bird on the rock.

The black tom slashed Brightpaw's muzzle with unsheathed claws. Brightpaw struggled underneath the apprentice. Though he was skinny, the apprentice fought like a warrior. Brightpaw clawed his ear, leaving a small knick in it. The apprentice flinched at the pain, allowing Brightpaw to push him off.

"Okay, now I'm pissed." The apprentice growled. He scratched Brightpaw's face, leaving a deep cut on her cheek. Before Brightpaw could retaliate, the apprentice knocked her down. The SnowClan apprentice attacked with strength, despite his visible ribs. Brightpaw landed underneath one of the Star Rocks. She hit her head on the rock as she got to her feet.

I can't let this fleabag beat me! Brightpaw shook her pelt out and dashed at the black apprentice. He dodged to the left, yet Brightpaw had an idea. She jumped towards a tree and used it to change her direction. The white BreezeClan apprentice landed on her opponent.

The SnowClan cat bit into Brightpaw's shoulder, making Brightpaw yell. She slashed at his muzzle. His scarlet blood landed on the ground. The apprentice threw Brightpaw off and slowly got to his feet. Then there was a standstill between the two apprentices. They were both tired and breathing heavily. Before either cat could move, there were shouts from both borders.

"Brightpaw! What in StarClan's name are you doing?" Swiftfoot called.

"Don't you dare move, Nightpaw!" A SnowClan warrior yelled.

Brightpaw shrank to the ground as her clanmates and Nightpaw's clanmates joined them. "What is going on here?" Another SnowClan warrior demanded. "Nothing, Addertooth. We were fighting over prey." Nightpaw explained. The black tom glared at Brightpaw.

"Prey that I caught!" Brightpaw snapped at him. "Enough." Swiftfoot said, signaling with his tail for Brightpaw to keep quiet. "Addertooth, Waspstrike, I apologize for any trouble between our apprentices." Swiftfoot told the two SnowClan warriors. "But Brightpaw did catch the blackbird. It belongs to BreezeClan."

Waspstrike hissed at him while unsheathing her claws. "Sheathe your claws, mouse brain! We're not going to start a fight over a blackbird!" Addertooth snapped, cuffing his clanmate on the ear. "That blackbird could feed our clanmates!" Waspstrike spat, sheathing her claws.

"We're leaving." Addertooth snarled. Brightpaw watched as the three SnowClan cats stalked off. Nightpaw glared at her before disappearing behind a bush.

"What were you thinking, Brightpaw?" Swiftfoot demanded. "I caught that blackbird fair and square!" Brightpaw exclaimed. "It wasn't worth starting a fight!" Swiftfoot snapped. "I was just trying to feed my clan!" Brightpaw exclaimed.

Swiftfoot sighed. "We'll discuss this later. But for now, go get yours cuts checked out by Lakebreeze. Then you can go check the elders' for ticks." Swiftfoot told her. "And take your blackbird back to camp with you."

Brightpaw's tail drooped. Pebblesplash gave her a quick lick on the ear. "It's okay. We can hang out later, if you want?" Pebblesplash meowed. "Sure." Brightpaw mumbled, staring at the ground.

"Come on, Pebblesplash. The prey isn't going to catch itself." Heavyheart called to him. "Goodbye." Pebblesplash whispered. The gray and white warrior ran to catch up with the rest of the hunting patrol.

Brightpaw headed to the nursery so she could give the blackbird to the queens. "Hello, Brightpaw." Rosepetal smiled. "Brightpaw's here!" Tansykit exclaimed. "Hush. Don't bother her." Tansykit's mother told her. Tansykit's tail drooped. "Okay." She murmured.

"Is that blackbird for us?" Another queen, Greentail, asked. Brightpaw nodded. "I'm not hungry. You can have it, Greentail." Rosepetal meowed. "Thank you, Rosepetal. You too, Brightpaw." Greentail smiled as Brightpaw dropped the bird in front of the pregnant queen.

"You'd better get those looked at." Applebreeze said, walking into the nursery. "They look pretty deep. You wouldn't want those getting infected." The ginger queen sat down next to Greentail. Applebreeze had moved into the nursery about a quarter moon ago. She wasn't very happy about giving up her warrior duties, but she seemed to enjoy being in the nursery now. She had Greentail, Rosepetal, and Rosepetal's kits to keep her company.

"Yeah, I'm going to go see Lakebreeze right now." Brightpaw told her. "Goodbye." Rosepetal purred. "Thanks for the blackbird, Brightpaw!" Greentail added, swallowing a mouthful of bird. Brightpaw padded to the medicine cat den.

"Hi, Lakebreeze. Hi, Daisypaw." Brightpaw meowed, stepping inside. "Oh, hello Brightpaw. Goodness, what happened to you?" Lakebreeze asked, already making a spot for her to sit.

"Just some annoying SnowClan apprentice. He tried taking my blackbird." Brightpaw explained quickly. "That's why I became a medicine cat apprentice. I have no time to take part in such a foolish fight like that." Daisypaw muttered.

"Okay, Daisypaw. What herbs should we use to treat her cuts?" Lakebreeze quizzed her apprentice. "Goldenrod for her cuts, cobwebs to stop any bleeding, and dock to soothe any scratches." Daisypaw said with her head held high. "Very good. Now let's help Brightpaw with her wounds." Lakebreeze purred.

Brightpaw flinched as Daisypaw applied the goldenrod poultice to one of her cuts. "Don't move." Daisypaw told her. "Sorry." Brightpaw apologized. "You're doing great with your training, Daisypaw."

"Of course I am." Daisypaw grinned. "You've gotten better as a warrior too."

At that moment, Acornpaw entered the den. "Oh, hey, Acornpaw!" Brightpaw purred. "I heard that you were in here. I thought I should come check on you." Acornpaw told her. "Hi, Daisypaw." Acornpaw added politely.

"Don't take too long in here. Brightpaw needs to rest, so hurry up and go." Daisypaw told him as she pressed a dock leaf against one of Brightpaw's scratches. Acornpaw's eyes shined with amusement. "I heard Redpaw and Volepaw were going to train for the apprentice games. They're so cocky." Acornpaw said, sitting down next to Brightpaw and Daisypaw.

"Most apprentices are cocky." Daisypaw told the brown tabby. "They think they're invincible until they get into a real fight. Then they come crying to me for help."

Acornpaw purred with amusement. Brightpaw couldn't help but laugh at her friend. Though Acornpaw seemed to like Daisypaw as a friend, it was clear that Daisypaw didn't return the feelings.

"Well, I have to meet up with my mentor. He wants me to get ready for the games. I'll see you two later." Acornpaw meowed, walking out of the den.

"I hope he doesn't come back here. What a pain in the tail." Daisypaw sighed. Brightpaw flicked Daisypaw with her tail. "Come on, you can be nicer to him." Brightpaw purred. "I'd rather not." Daisypaw scoffed. Brightpaw rolled her eyes. Daisypaw was a very prideful cat. She wasn't always good at making friends. Brightpaw wasn't either, but at least she tried.

"Acornpaw is really nice. He helped me stand up to Redpaw and Volepaw." Brightpaw meowed. "He's foolish for that. I'd never get into a fight with Redpaw or Volepaw. Both of them will make fine warriors." Daisypaw retorted. "So will Acornpaw! And me too!" Brightpaw exclaimed.

"Sure, sure. I know you'll be a good warrior." Daisypaw gave her friend a lick on her undamaged ear. "Just be a little nicer to Acornpaw, okay?" Brightpaw said. Daisypaw hesitated to answer. "For me?" Brightpaw smiled. "Fine." Daisypaw sighed. "Now get some rest."

Brightpaw watched as her ginger friend walked away towards the back of the den. Brightpaw rested her head on her paws. A moment later, Lakebreeze entered with a bird in her mouth. She placed it in front of Brightpaw. "You must be hungry after your fight. Enjoy." Lakebreeze purred. "Thanks." Brightpaw said. She had forgotten how hungry she was. Brightpaw ripped into the bird and within minutes, the bird was completely devoured.

Brightpaw wrapped her tail around her paws. Though the walls kept most of the wind out, some cold air did come in. Why does leaf bare have to come? It's such a pain in the tail.

Brightpaw wasn't ready to fall asleep yet. She couldn't stop thinking about the SnowClan apprentice and how skinny he was. No cat should have to suffer like that. Not even a fleabag like Nightpaw. It was pretty impressive how he fought. He looks frail, yet he fought like a lion. What am I saying? He tried to steal my blackbird! Brightpaw let out a small yawn. Maybe she was tired after all. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath, falling asleep. I could sleep for several moons.

Brightpaw found herself in the StarClan Forest again. She hadn't been here in a while, not since Brackentail had told her about the prophecy. Brightpaw blushed a little when she realized she had almost forgotten about it. Seconds later, a familiar brown tabby appeared in front of her.

"Hello, Brackentail." Brightpaw meowed politely. She wondered what the StarClan cat wanted. "It's been a while since I've seen you." Brackentail told her. Brightpaw shuffled her paws. "Yeah," Brightpaw murmured. "I guess I've been busy... With stuff."

"Child, in the moons to come, you'll be busier than you've ever been. I'm certain of it." Brackentail said, placing his tail gently on the apprentice's shoulder. Brightpaw shuddered at the thought. Hopefully being busy isn't a bad thing.

"Why are you here?" Brightpaw asked. "I thought it would do you well to talk about the prophecy." Brackentail replied. "I understand it isn't your first priority right now. Especially since the time for it hasn't come yet."

"When will that time come?" Brightpaw asked. Brightpaw noticed Brackentail's uneasiness. What was troubling him? What did he know that he wasn't telling her? "You'll find out one day." Brackentail finally said.

Brightpaw wasn't satisfied with his answer, but didn't press him about it. "So what's going to happen in the future? What am I supposed to do?" Brightpaw asked. Once again, Brackentail looked unsure. Don't tell me that all StarClan cats are like this. Before Brackentail could answer, Brightpaw's fur started to bristle, but she forced herself to stay calm.

"Do you really know what will happen?" Brightpaw meowed, anger was in her voice. "StarClan doesn't know every exact thing, but we are certain evil is arising. It is your fate to figure it out and stop it." Brackentail snapped. "You cats think StarClan should hold your paws every step of the way and tell you everything. You expect us to tell you everything will be alright. But it's not. Bad things happen all the time. And when they do, we get blamed for not stopping the impossible."

"If you wanted to talk about the prophecy, then tell me more about it other than I have to figure out some evil that you don't even know about and stop it! I'm only an apprentice!" Brightpaw hissed. She was shocked that she would snap at her warrior ancestor like that. Brackentail glared at her with big, amber eyes.

"I don't know why you were chosen. Some other cat could have done it better if all you're going to do is not think about it and demand me to tell you more." He said. Brightpaw watches her anger dissolved into sadness.

If even StarClan warriors had no faith in her, how could she have faith in herself? Brightpaw's eyes grew watery. She felt a lump building up in her throat. Brightpaw hadn't even noticed that Brackentail had walked away. Brackentail is right. I don't know why I was chosen. Any of the other apprentices could have done a better job than me. They're better apprentices than I am. Brightpaw laid down over her sleeping body. Immediately, her starry body was absorbed by her normal body. She returned to the real world and opened her eyes.

Daisypaw and Lakebreeze were asleep in the back of the den. The moon was high in the sky. Brightpaw laid her head on her front paws and shut her watery eyes. She fell asleep wondering if she really was good enough to be part of a huge prophecy.

I'm finally back again. Summer is coming, so I'll have more time to write, I promise! Sorry that the chapter wasn't too interesting, it will get better. I hope you did enjoy, and thanks for reading! This chapter's question: Do you have a favorite ship so far?