Chapter Three

"Attack me," ordered Waterpool. I stared at her.

"Just like that?"

"Yes. Hurry up…"

I charged at Waterpool, ready to strike – I leapt quickly into the air and slashed at her with my claws. Waterpool pinned me down with her teeth, but I shook her off and launched into the air again, slashing. My mentor jumped backwards.

"Good, Bluepaw." She sounded impressed. "You have a very good ability to shake the enemy off you. You're also quick. That is excellent."

I stared up at her, purring happily.

It was quite a few days after our battle with the ShadowClan warriors. There would be a Gathering in just a few hours. I highly doubted that I would be able to go; I had only been an apprentice for about a moon. But Redpaw and Runningpaw would be able to tell me all about it.

"Attack me again," demanded Waterpool. "But use your teeth, not your claws."

Use my teeth only? I hesitated. Then I leapt forward, my claws sheathed. Waterpool leapt nimbly to the side, but I kept after her, leaping on her side and knocking her down. The ThunderClan deputy struggled under me.

"Very good, Bluepaw!" She was definitely impressed this time. "You might even be made a warrior before Redpaw and Runningpaw. Now get off me."

I climbed off of my mentor as she stood up, shaking dust off her pelt. I couldn't help purring with pleasure at Waterpool's praise. I'd be made a warrior in no time!

When we got back to camp, Eaglestar was naming the cats that would go to the Gathering. Waterpool, Wolfpelt, Whitestorm, Patchpelt, Flowerpetal, Thistleclaw, Sharpclaw, Spottedpaw, Redpaw, and Runningpaw were called. Those cats left the Clan with Eaglestar leading them. I stared eagerly after them, wishing I could go. Goldenpaw nudged me.

"Hey, we'll be able to go sometime," she mewed. "We could go hunting together. I can't wait to try out my new technique for stalking a squirrel!"

"Good idea," I agreed.

The two of us padded out of the camp, into the forest. I sniffed the air for some sign of prey and located a mouse close by. I sniffed harder, detecting where it was, then dropped silently into a hunting crouch. I pounced suddenly, grasping it in my claws. The mouse was killed instantly.

"You can eat it," mewed Goldenpaw from behind me. "We're not on a hunting patrol. I know you're hungry!"

I purred with pleasure and bent down to eat the mouse. Goldenpaw went to find her own prey and returned a few minutes later with a magpie.

"This thing is half feathers," she complained, but ate it anyway.

I swallowed the last bit of the mouse. "Let's hunt for the Clan now," I suggested. "They'll need it."

"Okay," agreed Goldenpaw, and the two of us set off to hunt for more prey.

I watched Goldenpaw stalk a squirrel and watched with amazement as she nimbly leapt forward, catching it instantly.

"Patchpelt must teach you some good ways to catch squirrels," I commented.

Goldenpaw nodded. "That's for sure." She buried the squirrel as I caught a crow. I had never caught a bird before, and I was feeling quite proud of myself as we walked back to camp, carrying the prey.

Lionheart, a ginger young warrior, nodded approvingly. "That is an excellent catch," he mewed. "I can't believe you managed to catch that!"

"Thanks," we answered, setting the prey down.

Frostfur, a white warrior who had recently received her warrior name, took a mouse from the pile, followed by Orangecoat. Goldenpaw and I curled up in the apprentices' den.

When we woke up, Redpaw and Runningpaw were just entering the den, looking tired. Goldenpaw leapt to her feet.

"Well?" she demanded. "What did Shadestar say?"

Redpaw yawned. "He acted like nothing had ever happened," he answered bitterly.

"What?" I gasped. "Like no one fought a battle that day? That's outrageous!"

"I know," agreed Runningpaw, settling down on his bedding. "But we can't change Shadestar's mind. But…" Runningpaw hesitated.

"What?"

"Shadestar did seem rather close to Breezestar. Like they were partners."

"No way," I exclaimed. Breezestar, the WindClan leader, and Shadestar – friends? "Do you mean, like, allies?"

Runningpaw sighed. "It seemed like it."

"But that has got to be against the warrior code!" protested Goldenpaw. "Clan leaders can't be allies like that – it's unheard of!"

"You're right, Goldenpaw," mewed Redpaw. He was almost asleep.

"What else happened?" I asked. "Runningpaw? Runningpaw?"

Eaglestar's apprentice was already asleep. I curled up in my bed once again, and fell asleep.

"Bluepaw! Bluepaw, wake up! It's urgent!"

My eyes quickly snapped open. I looked up, expecting to see Goldenpaw standing there, but instead it was Whitestorm.

"What's going on?" I mewed sleepily.

"It's Palefur," he answered anxiously. "She's with Wolfpelt. She's becoming really weak all of a sudden – Wolfpelt thinks she's going to die."

I sprang to my feet. "Oh, no," I whispered.

"Come, apprentice." Whitestorm turned, beckoning me with his tail. I followed quickly.

The Clan was spread out amongst the camp, sharing tongues anxiously with one another. Everyone kept glancing in the direction of Wolfpelt's den. I trotted over to Goldenpaw. The yellow apprentice's eyes were clouded with sorrow.

Just then, Wolfpelt came out of her den, shaking her head. There was a horrible silence after that. Thistleclaw and Halftail dragged Palefur's body into the clearing. The stiff yellow cat was most certainly dead. The Clan shared tongues with her for the last time.

"Thank you for your stories," I told her when it was my turn. "I loved them when I was a kit. I'll miss you, Palefur…" I followed Goldenpaw away from the dead elder. We entered the apprentices' den.

"Well." Redpaw looked at us. "That was not good."

Runningpaw said nothing. A warrior entered our den. It was Patchpelt.

"Time for training, Goldenpaw," he mewed with a sigh. Goldenpaw hesitantly clambered out of the den. I had never seen her reluctant for training.

I stepped out of the den too, looking for Waterpool. She would most likely take me on a training session too. I spotted the blue-gray she-cat talking to Eaglestar, and waited patiently beside the pile of fresh-kill. Waterpool finally turned toward me, padding over.

"You're a good apprentice, Bluepaw," she mewed approvingly. "You didn't go up and talk to me while I was speaking to Eaglestar. Well done."

"Thank you," I mumbled, looking at my paws.

Waterpool and I walked toward the exit and into the forest beyond.

"I think it's time for your first solo mission," she mewed.

"Really?" I gasped.

"Of course." Waterpool purred. "But I'll be watching as you hunt. Go, Bluepaw," she ordered, and I left quickly.

I padded quietly through the forest, sniffing intently for any sign of prey. I sniffed a squirrel to my right and hesitated; I wasn't used to catching a squirrel and Waterpool might not make me a warrior. But then again, what would she tell Eaglestar: Yeah, Bluepaw won't be a warrior. She can't catch a squirrel. Literally. So I padded silently forward, crouching low to the ground. Was I being watched now? I wondered.

The squirrel was just ahead. I pounced! My claws shot out, grabbing the squirrel quickly. It was over in a few quick bites. I buried the squirrel and looked for more prey in the forest. Perhaps I could look by Snakerocks? No, that would be stupid. There were adders there. So I walked silently farther into the forest, listening and smelling for any signs of prey.

I had to resist looking behind me. Waterpool might be watching me at any second; it wasn't just prey I was sniffing for, it was my mentor. Something about her watching me while I hunted was unnerving.

When I got back, I had plenty of prey for the Clan. Waterpool was very impressed and told me to bring a few of them to the elders. So I picked up a couple of mice and headed over to the elders' den.

One-Eye, Smallear, and Snowfrost looked strangely alone after Palefur's death. I wished I had known her better. But Tigerkit was there, which bothered me for some reason.

"Fresh kill, One-eye," I mewed, pushing it to her.

She purred. "Thank you, Bluepaw," she meowed, passing one to Smallear and Snowfrost.

"Can you tell me another story?" asked Tigerkit.

Snowfrost thought hard. Then, "How about how Halftail lost his tail?"

"Ooh! I was wondering about that!"

I settled next to Tigerkit, listening.

"Well…" Snowfrost dropped her voice to make the story more dramatic. "It was morning in ThunderClan camp. An older warrior, Nailclaw, padded out of the warriors' den."

"And is Nailclaw Halftail's old name?" inquired Tigerkit.

"Yes," answered Snowfrost. "Anyway, he decided to catch something with his friend, Patchpelt. So the two of them walked out of the Clan while it was just waking up."

I could just picture Nailclaw and Goldenpaw's mentor, Patchpelt, two young, eager warriors, ready for hunting.

"So Nailclaw and Patchpelt hunted by Snakerocks. They were willing to take the risk, knowing that the adders couldn't hurt them." Snowfrost purred with amusement. "After all, they are great toms. Anyway, Nailclaw was just creeping up on a mouse when…"

Tigerkit and I listened intently for Snowfrost's next words.

"A ginger fox leapt out, snapping Nailclaw's tail in his mouth!" exclaimed Snowfrost. Tigerkit jumped. "The fox's bite was so hard that Nailclaw lost his tail. Patchpelt couldn't help him; he was too far away. And that's how Nailclaw's name became Halftail."

"Wow." Tigerkit stared in awe. "So that's how it happened! How about another story?"

I stood up. "I don't think I can stay for another, sorry," I mewed. I purred. "I've got apprentice things to do, you know."

Snowfrost's whiskers twitched with amusement. "That's all right, Bluepaw," she mewed. "Come back another time."

"Sure," I answered, and left the elders' den.

I walked over to the fresh-kill pile and brought a rabbit for Spottedpaw and Wolfpelt. I entered their den.

"Wolfpelt?" I called. "Spottedpaw? I've brought fresh-kill for you."

Spottedpaw's blue eyes appeared in the dark part of the den. The tortoiseshell she-cat walked toward me. "Thanks, Bluepaw," she mewed, purring. "This is really great."

Wolfpelt entered the den behind me. "A rabbit!" she exclaimed. "Thank you, Bluepaw, I was starving."

"You're welcome, Wolfpelt," I answered politely, and left the den.

Goldenpaw was just returning from a training session with Patchpelt. She padded over to me, looking exhausted.

"Patchpelt was teaching me how to climb trees," she panted. "Wow. Not fun."

"Waterpool hasn't taught me that yet," I mewed. "She taught me fighting skills. It was really cool. She also said that I have the makings of a fine warrior." I purred. "I'll be made a warrior in no time!"

Goldenpaw nudged me. "I'm sure you will," she meowed.

Eaglestar told Goldenpaw, Runningpaw, Redpaw, and I that it was time to take us to the Moonstone. Our mentors, Waterpool, Patchpelt, and Lionheart, would be joining us as well, with Eaglestar, of course. We hastily crossed the Thunderpath. That had not been an excellent experience - I had almost gotten hit by a monster!

We padded hastily across ShadowClan territory, staying close to the Thunderpath. Even if we ran into a ShadowClan patrol, they would not bother us because we were heading for the Moonstone. After crossing a second Thunderpath, we came to the rocky, hilly Highstones.

"That's it?" Goldenpaw was amazed. "That's the Highstones? And the Moonstone is supposed to be in there?"

"In Mothermouth, yes," replied Eaglestar. "I hope you are ready for this."

"I'm sure they are, Eaglestar," answered Lionheart before we could say anything. "They have trained excellently."

Eaglestar nodded and walked quickly forward. The sharp rocks stung my feet as we climbed over them. I spotted a dark cave ahead and felt a shiver pass through me; it did not look safe in there. Eaglestar turned to her warriors.

"You three stay outside," he commanded Waterpool, Patchpelt, and Lionheart. "You four - come on. We're going inside."

After we exchanged excited glances, we entered Mothermouth, closely following Eaglestar. The warriors were left behind.

"It's dark in here," complained Redpaw. "Ouch!" I heard a thud. He had tripped over something. Runningpaw helped him up.

"Come on, Redpaw, don't be such a klutz," he teased.

"I'm not a klutz! I just -"

"Redpaw!" It was Eaglestar. "Hurry up and stop arguing."

After sending an angry glance at Runningpaw, the four of us continued on our way, with Goldenpaw muttering, "Toms!"

At last, we came to the Moonstone. It was completely amazing - there was a hole in the ceiling above, creating a fleck of moonlight to shine on the dazzling rock. Its light shone brightly against the walls.

"This is the Moonstone?" gasped Goldenpaw.

"Hush, apprentice." Eaglestar swiped his tail over Goldenpaw's mouth. "I must share dreams with StarClan. Say nothing."

The brown tom knelt slowly beside the Moonstone and pressed his nose against it. His eyes closed slowly. Was he asleep? I wondered, glancing at my fellow apprentices, who only shrugged.

Quite a while had passed before Eaglestar stirred. He faced the four of us. "StarClan wants me to share something with you," he mewed, and the four of us leaned forward eagerly. "Metal's kin will rule the sky."

The four of us stared stupidly. "The wha?" exclaimed Goldenpaw, confused.

Eaglestar shook her head. "I don't know," she admitted. "I'm completely lost."

"I'm freezing," mumbled Redpaw.

Eaglestar nodded. "Right. Let's go."

We walked out of the cavern and into the moonlight.

We returned to camp safely, but after that we just wanted to sleep. I wasn't surprised. That had been the longest trip I had ever taken.

A moon after the last Gathering, it was time for another. I was learning fast, as Waterpool told me. I waited anxiously in front of the Highrock, waiting for Eaglestar to name the cats that would go to the Gathering.

"Waterpool, Wolfpelt, Lionheart, Speckletail, Patchpelt, Frostfur, Flowerpetal, Thistleclaw, Sharpclaw, Spottedpaw, Runningpaw, and Bluepaw."

I was amazed. She had chosen me! I shot a glance at Goldenpaw. The yellow apprentice was looking disappointed.

"You'll be able to go soon," I told her as Eaglestar leapt down from the Highrock.

"Why didn't she choose me!" demanded Goldenpaw angrily. "I'm just as good as you or Runningpaw. So why not?"

"Because she needs strong warriors like you to guard the camp in case rogues come," I answered. Goldenpaw snorted. "Really, it's just the weaker warriors who go to the Gathering."

Goldenpaw knew I was just making this up. But she sighed and nudged me. "Okay, Bluepaw," she mewed.

"Bluepaw!" called Waterpool. "We're leaving!"

"I'm coming!" I meowed. I said good-bye to Goldenpaw and padded quickly to my mentor.

As thirteen cats padded through the forest, I mewed to my mentor, "Will all those great warriors be there? Like, Scytheclaw and Raggedclaw and Crookedtail and Coalstripe?"

Waterpool purred with amusement. "Most likely."

We leapt nimbly over a fallen log, finally reaching the river. Eaglestar and Waterpool went through it effortlessly, but I hesitated. Runningpaw nudged me.

"It's not that hard, Bluepaw," he mewed. "Just swim. Come on."

I walked slowly into the water and nearly leapt back in shock when I felt how cold it was. It was newleaf, after all, and the water would be freezing. Determined to impress my mentor, I waded into the river until it was up to my chest, hastily paddling across. I climbed back up on the bank and shook the water from my fur.

"Good, Bluepaw," praised Waterpool. "I haven't taught you how to swim." She purred. "I see there is no need."

"Thanks, Waterpool," I mewed.

We journeyed farther through the forest until I spotted four huge oaks ahead. I could just smell the cats gathering there. I squinted ahead and saw a large rock where Shadestar and Breezestar were already sitting.

ThunderClan journeyed inside the four great oaks. I saw that there were already plenty of cats there, even when they were missing RiverClan. Eaglestar leapt up on the Great Rock with Shadestar and Breezestar.

"What do we do now?" I asked Waterpool.

"Converse with the other Clans," she answered. "It is good to know your enemies." She walked off to talk with the WindClan deputy, Talltail.

"Let's find some apprentices to bug," mewed Runningpaw. I purred with amusement. The two of us walked to where a bunch of apprentices had gathered.

"Hey!" exclaimed one of them, a white ShadowClan apprentice. "It's Runningpaw and another apprentice!"

"Shut up, Lightpaw," snapped another. This one was a light brown she-cat. She dipped her head to us. "My name is Cinderpaw. And you are?"

"Bluepaw," I answered. "I just started training three moons ago."

"Who's your mentor?" asked a WindClan apprentice.

"Waterpool," I replied proudly. "And my sister, Goldenpaw, has Patchpelt as a mentor."

"That's awesome," mewed another apprentice that I actually knew – a ShadowClan apprentice, Heartpaw.

"Here comes RiverClan!" exclaimed Clawpaw.

I looked behind me and saw the leader of RiverClan – Slitstar – and her warriors file into the clearing.

"Sorry," I heard Slitstar say to the other Clan leaders. "The river was overflowing. Hard to cross."

A few more apprentices joined us. I spotted a reddish brown tom talking to Blackpaw. Who is that? I wondered. He was…

"Who's that apprentice talking to Blackpaw?" I asked Runningpaw.

"Oh, that's Oakpaw," he replied. "He started training just about when you did. They say he's really good."

I kept staring at Oakpaw until he noticed me. His eyes widened. "Er, hi," he mewed awkwardly.

"Hello," I mumbled.

"Shh!" hissed the WindClan medicine cat, Vinetree. "The Gathering's about to start."

I looked up at the four leaders sitting on the Great Rock – Eaglestar, Slitstar, Shadestar, and Breezestar. I looked carefully for some kind of relationship between Shadestar and Breezestar, but came up empty.

"Right," mewed Slitstar, the RiverClan leader, "I will speak first." She stepped forward. "Two new apprentices were named – Waterpaw and Lilypaw."

I glanced at the two apprentices as yowls of approval rang out in the clearing. They were sisters, and both shared the same blue-gray fur, like me.

"Prey is excellent in RiverClan, as usual," continued Slitstar. "No cat would dare attack our camp now."

Eaglestar nodded and stepped forward.

"One of the two apprentices I named last time is here – Bluepaw." More yowls. I looked down at my paws, embarrassed. "Spottedpaw is becoming an excellent medicine cat, and StarClan has already approved of her. Newleaf always brings new prey to the forest, and ThunderClan is getting used to eating well."

"That's good, Eaglestar," commented Shadestar. "Now…what about your attacks on ShadowClan?"

Furious and shocked yowls rang out from the ThunderClan warriors. Eaglestar's fur bristled angrily. He stuck his face in Shadestar's.

"We have never attacked your camp, and you know it!" he hissed.

"Ah, yes, but see, if you have the right to lie, saying that we attacked your patrol, so do we," mewed Shadestar calmly.

"You did attack our patrol!" snarled Eaglestar.

"How do you think we got these scratches?" demanded Waterpool from the crowd.

"Maybe you met a fox!" yowled Rippletail, the ShadowClan deputy.

I looked at Runningpaw. "I can't believe this!" I hissed. "Shadestar is a complete mouse-brained idiot."

Breezestar sent an approving glance at Shadestar and mewed, "If it is not ShadowClan or ThunderClan that have been attacking each other, then what has?"

"Maybe it was a band of miniature Twolegs!" snarled Eaglestar sarcastically. "I know what your foul warriors smell like, Shadestar, and I can very much guarantee that it was them!"

"Look!" yowled Breezestar suddenly. "Clouds are covering the moon! StarClan is angry."

I looked up and saw that smoky-gray clouds were covering the full moon. Eaglestar turned to Shadestar.

"Yes, I wonder whom they're angry with," he sneered.

"This Gathering is over," mewed Slitstar loudly. "Time to head back to camp."

Eaglestar brushed his tail in Shadestar's face before leaving. He joined us on the ground.

"Come on," he snapped. "Let's –"

"We should attack ShadowClan right now!" cried Thistleclaw. "Those mouse-brained fools should know that ThunderClan is greater."

"I will take that into consideration, Thistleclaw," answered Eaglestar. "But something is telling me that that is not the right thing to do."

Thistleclaw snorted loudly but said nothing more as we headed back to ThunderClan camp.