Chapter 9: Mastery Assessment

Firepaw covered his mouth trying to stop himself from yawning too loud, trying his hardest to focus on Bluestar. His dreams have been restless- everytime he started to relax again, everything would twist and morph. At first there were the vague figures he'd seen before, a pained wail- then it became a feeling of grief, sinking into his bones dragging him down as he stared at a cat he couldn't identify. After that, the dream became more distressing. The feeling of claws in his shoulder and no matter how much he struggled he couldn't break free, fangs sinking into his throat- or he'd be running, running then tackled from nowhere and no matter how fast he was….

Firepaw gave himself a firm shake.

"Are you alright Firepaw?" Bluestar asked him.

He nodded, "Yeah- had a bad dream so I didn't sleep well."

"Ah, well you and the other apprentices were very busy yesterday so you will have a shorter day. One assessment, specialized training and then you're free to rest."

"An assessment?" Firepaw asked, straightening up.

"Yes," said Bluestar. "Your Foundations Mastery Assessment. You've been an apprentice for almost three moons now- you should have mastered the basics of being a warrior- hunting, stalking, basic stances for fighting. If you pass, we will begin to focus on using your Soulspark."

"Soulspark?" Firepaw perked up.

"The strength within us granted by the Souls," Bluestar purred. "I remember you saw those marks from Brightflower in the stone behind you?"

She means makai, Firepaw nodded to himself. Just like the Guardians!

"I get to do that too?" he asked, dancing a bit on his paws.

Bluestar laughed, "Yes of course. But only if you pass your basic training assessment- so you remember what rule that was?"

Firepaw quickly ran over the Warrior Code in his head. These prompts about the code were becoming ever more frequent- even from cats other than Bluestar! It seemed like the entire clan was ensuring that he actually knew the code. He'd feel a bit insulted if he didn't know that his friends were also being quizzed.

"Here's a hint," Bluestar said, noting his hesitation. "This rule isn't from the Warrior Code."

"Oh," said Firepaw. "Then uh, the General Code of Apprentices rule um… eight?"

"Yes," Bluestar purred. "Rule 8- an apprentice should not start learning to use their Soulspark until they've mastered the basics of apprenticehood."

"When will the assessment start?" he asked.

Bluestar looked up at the sky, eyes following the sun, "...at Sunhigh- that's long enough for you to get something to eat and talk with your friends."

Firepaw nodded eagerly.

"We'll come to retrieve you all when it's time, for now, eat. You'll need the strength."

Firepaw waited for her to press her nose to his forehead and turn around before darting over to the fresh kill pile, exhaustion vaporizing like the morning dew.

As he settled down to eat his shrew a bleary eyed Graypaw staggered over and collapsed next to him followed by a yawning Ravenpaw.

"Tell Sunsoul to blow out her eye," he moaned. "It's too bright."

"You're up early," said Ravenpaw as he began to groom his chest.

"Dawn patrol," Firepaw said, licking his lips. "ShadowClan is starting to get bold. If we're right about Raggedstar not being in control anymore, there are some warriors testing the boundaries."

"Testing them?" said Graypaw tilting his head.

"Seeing how far they can go without getting mauled," Ravenpaw explained before turning to Firepaw. "Did you see any?"

"No," he said. "Only smelled them- Bluestar's gonna bring it up at the next Gathering."

"Good," said Graypaw, taking a firm bite from his mouse. "We have enough to worry about with RiverClan."

Firepaw and Ravenpaw exchanged a look.

"...I'm better now Graypaw," said Ravenpaw gently resting his tail over his friend's back. "Look- my whiskers have even started regrowing."

"They ambushed you," Graypaw hissed. "We already won! They don't even need Sunningrocks."

"It's battle Graypaw," Ravenpaw said, nudging him gently. "Cats are going to get hurt. Let it be- if we held a grudge everytime a clan ambushed another, we'd never leave war times."

Graypaw huffed and went back to sourly chewing his mouse.

"Besides," Firepaw said slowly. "We have other things to worry about today- Bluestar says our assessment is today."

"Another assessment?" Ravenpaw yelped, jumping to his paws.

"Yeah, a Mastery assessment- Bluestar says if we pass, we'll start working on our Soulsparks."

Graypaw's head snapped up, bad mood forgotten, "Really?!"

"Yup."

"Awesome! I'm gonna be so fierce when I get my spark," Graypaw purred.

"Maybe we should wake up Sandpaw and Dustpaw," said Ravenpaw, glancing towards the apprentice's den. "So they can eat."

"Nah," said Graypaw. "I'll bring 'em a couple of robins."

"Alright," Firepaw polished off the last of his shrew and started grooming his pelt. He glanced up, "So what were you two dreaming about? Graypaw was kicking me in my back all night."

Graypaw grinned and launched into the story of him and Ravenpaw tackling an entire deer all by themselves.

"Your first task will be hunting."

Firepaw nodded as Bluestar walked him to a mossy log.

"This time the catches will be specific. You need a mouse to prove you've learned to stalk quietly, a bird to prove you've learned to move swiftly and a frog or a minnow to prove you're willing to hunt unusual prey in order to feed your clan."

Firepaw wrinkled his nose at the idea of hunting another frog which would mean he'd definitely have to step in mud. He sighed mourning his pelt as Bluestar chuckled clearly having chosen this specifically for him.

"Additional points will be rewarded for rare catches," she said. "Porcupines, young boar or skunks. Be careful- porcupines and skunks can be very dangerous and there is no shame in retreat when it stops you from being injured or killed. Young boar are often accompanied by their herd so before you hunt one, check for more."

"Okay," Firepaw agreed determinedly.

"Your range is from here to the Neutral Stretch," Bluestar instructed. "When you've finished your hunt, bring your prey to the nursery for the Sitters and the Monarchs then come to the Sandy Hollow."

With that, Bluestar padded off leaving him to his own devices. He waited until she was out of sight to begin searching for prey. Since this is a fundamentals assessment, he decided he'd follow every step to the letter. So he raised his nose to the air and sniffed for a general lead. It took a moment- the conversation with Bluestar had sent most prey skittering a bit farther away- but he caught the smell of a mouse. He opened his mouth to get a better direction and began following the trail.

He forced himself to move slowly and quietly. It'd take him longer to reach the mouse but it was better to move carefully than move quickly and miss the mouse- possibly in front of Bluestar. He stalked lightly through the brushes allowing the leaves and branches to run down his back- it both kept him from yanking his fur on the branches and made it seem like the wind was blowing the leaves. He avoided the fallen leaves as carefully as he could, leaping up and shimmying across logs and rocks to prevent crunching.

Finally he could see the mouse sitting on a tree root nibbling on a maple seed. Firepaw narrowed his eyes and crept forward even slower. He sat very still, when the mouse poked its head up to look around before returning to its meal. He'd just gotten within pouncing range when the wind changed direction. The mouse sat up straight and Firepaw lunged. His teeth connected in its neck and the mouse died instantly.

He cheered and quickly buried it- maybe he'd get extra points for still catching it after the wind changed.

"Now I need a bird or a minnow," Firepaw said aloud. Minnows and frogs would be easier to find and catch but he'd be muddy for far longer if he caught one next. On the other paw, the mud could disguise his scent. On the other, other paw, he'd be so itchy he'd probably get impatient and scare off any bird he found. He debated on it for a bit longer before deciding comfort over utility- the mud would distract him too much to catch anything and so he padded off to find a sparrow or something.

This time he strained his ears for any sound- rustling feathers, bird song, pecking on trees. Birds were noisy creatures and if you followed the song, you'd find a bird easily. He found himself on the Neutral Stretch before long which was great. Wild birds often rested in the trees and on the ground near them hoping to snag some of the grain given to the ducks and chickens. Sure enough, he spotted a chickadee eagerly swallowing some of the random seeds scattered on the ground.

He chattered a bit, soft warbling sounds that made it look up. The bird hopped a bit closer to the bush where he was hiding, curious about the sound. It was kit's play to swipe out and knock it to the ground, stunning it. He pounced and killed it instantly.

Before he could bury it, he was bowled over. He yelped in shock and instantly fought back, slashing blindly at his attacker's face. The ambush ended as quickly as it began a startled, "Hey cool down it was a joke! I won't do it again!" hit his ears.

Firepaw's ears instantly pricked and he grinned, rolling to his paws at the familiar voice. Sure enough, he came face to face with a silvery spotted cat and piercing deep blue eyes.

"Ahasra!" he called in delight, sprinting over. She purred loudly when he tackled her, licking her forehead.

"Hi Soryn! I saw you hunting so I waited- how've you been? Biketi told me she saw you on a patrol a while back!"

"I was," he agreed, dropping his head on her chest. "Moons ago."

"You look stronger," she noted. "Leaner too- do you even eat there?"

"Of course," Firepaw chuckled. "But we spend so much time running through the woods like Koakidanzi himself is hunting us that it all burns away right after we eat."

"Yikes," Ahasra winced. "I hate running."

"You run all the time!" Firepaw laughed.

"Doesn't mean I like it," she said with a grin. "My body always wants to run but rest assured I hate every second of it."

He batted her lightly with his paw, chuckling.

"How's training been?"

"Great actually- I've already earned my first gem!"

"Really?!" Firepaw gapped. "Let me see!"

He clambered off of her letting her sit up. Sure enough, her collar held a small blue gem in its leftmost socket- right next to the sigil of the Sun engraved into the leather.

"That's so blazing Ahasra! How'd mom react?"

She puffed up her chest, joy sparkling in her eyes, "I'm pretty sure that's the first time she's ever been proud of me. I'm gonna kick tail."

"I told you you'd get your gems faster than anyone," he purred, nudging her. "I'm proud of you."

The wind dropped from her wings and she ducked her head, embarrassed.

"...thanks Soryn- you've always believed in me."

"I'd have to have ashes on my brain not to," he said, rubbing his check against hers. "Well, I gotta get back to my assessment."

"Assessment?" Ahasra blinked. "You're in the middle of an assessment and you stopped to talk to me? Soryn you ash-brain go finish your assessment! We can talk again another time!"

He laughed as she grabbed his chickadee and brought it back over to him.

"Tell the others I love them," he said. "Take care Ahasra- may Raysushu watch your paws."

"And may Ashara offer you guidance," Ahasra purred.

Soryn trotted proudly back to his mouse, tail held high. His heart soared having seen his sister again- she was doing well, their mother seemed to have turned a new coal and he was going to ace this assessment. Not even the icky feeling of fishing for a frog could drag him down.

"I feel like you're always grooming."

Firepaw glanced up at an amused Graypaw who sat next to him and Sandpaw.

"He's been grooming since he got here," Sandpaw said, rolling her eyes. "I understood when he was just cleaning the mud from his legs but now he's just showing off."

"Old habits die hard," Firepaw shrugged and continued licking his flank. "Do you know how much I'd get yelled at for looking like a scruffy badger kit?"

"You got in trouble for that?" Sandpaw said, blinking.

"I'm the prince," he said, shrugging. "I have to look perfect. All the time. I doubt being a clan cat would change that- mother would stand on the border and scold me for looking like I went sliding through a thorn bush."

"...she seems… strict," said Graypaw with a slight frown.

"She's just protective. Dad was reported dead when we were just 3 moons old."

Sandpaw nudged him sympathetically, "How does grooming protect you?"

"Keeps us from getting into arguments with the heirs of the other kingdoms. Looking perfect is a really big thing for them- I don't mind. My coat is awesome and mud is uncomfortable so I'd rather take the time to groom."

"Seems like a lot of work," Graypaw decided. "That's because I have long fur though."

"Yeah," Firepaw laughed. "Ahasra has a longer coat than I do and she hates cleaning because it takes so long."

Graypaw thought about the brief glimpse of Ahasra he'd gotten as Sandpaw grimaced.

"Yeah, I'd hate to be her in the summer."

"Her fur is silver," Firepaw dismissed. "She's fine."

"Cold Firepaw, cold," Graypaw said shaking his head as Ravenpaw bounded in panting.

"Hey Ravenpaw!" they chorosed.

"Hi," he said sitting. His legs trembled and he shook his head, as if throwing away errant thoughts. "...I'm going to fail. I missed my shrew."

"You're not going to fail off of one shrew Ravenpaw," Graypaw soothed, running his tail over his friend's back.

"But I missed," he hissed. "I waited too long and it saw me and it got away!"

"Maybe you'll get a half point for knowing what you did wrong," Sandpaw suggested. "Whitestorm always says knowing why you failed is half the battle to succeeding."

"Larkwing isn't heartless," Firepaw chimed. "Sometimes even the hunters come back empty jawed. One sparrow isn't the end of the world."

"Calm down Ravenpaw- you'll pass," agreed Graypaw.

As Ravenpaw took shaky breathes, Dustpaw came pelting in panting.

"I'm last?" he asked looking around.

"Yup," said Firepaw. "Sandpaw was first- as expected."

Sandpaw smirked at him.

"I was next, the Graypaw- Ravenpaw just got here."

"I hope I don't lose points for being last," Dustpaw worried.

"That wasn't one of the penalties."

They all glanced up as Bluestar walked into the Hollow with Whitestorm, Larkwing, Darkstripe and Lionheart.

Firepaw flattened his ears at Darkstripe. Poor Dustpaw, he mused with disgust. Imagine having that flea brain for a mentor.

"You've all done well," Lionheart praised. "A few mistakes but that's to be expected for apprentices."

"You'll receive your final score after the sparring portion of this Assessment," Bluestar instructed. "Now, let's begin!"

Firepaw flopped into his nest with satisfied exhaustion, his fellow apprentices following his lead, groaning as they laid down. Firepaw had ended the assessment with 19 points. He'd gotten nine points in the hunting portion for catching each of the required animals plus a bonus five for adapting to the wind changing direction- just like he'd hoped. He lost a point for stopping to talk to Ahasra- something he took in stride despite the looks of disbelief from his fellow apprentices and the other mentors when Bluestar brought it up.

He'd earned another three points each for his perfect battle stance and his adaptability in battle.

Sandpaw had gotten her nine points and also another ten for a repeat performance of catching a bird mid-flight- except this time she got two at once. Gaining six points total for her battle, Sandpaw ended with 25 points taking the position as most impressive apprentice. Ravenpaw wasn't far behind, ending with 20 points because despite missing the shrew, he caught an adder to make up for it. Graypaw lagged behind with Firepaw- he caught all three necessary prey but will still relying a lot on his size and weight to win a battle- which was what ultimately cost him the match with Dustpaw resulting in 17 points.

"The passing score is 10," Bluestar had said. "So long as you catch at least two required prey and have shown improvement in battle skills, you should be able to pass and succeed."

"I can't wait to start Spark training," Dustpaw murmured. "What do you guys wanna learn first?"

"I wanna learn fang," Sandpaw said with relish. "When I sink my teeth into a RiverClan cat, I'm going to roast them."

Firepaw and Ravenpaw exchanged a look. They both silently agreed not to say anything- Sandpaw still hadn't really recovered from Redtail's murder.

"I wanna know shock field," Ravenpaw said instead. "That way I can chase away anyone who attacks me."

"We probably won't learn the cool stuff for a while," Graypaw sighed. "I asked Lionheart about it. He said we only learn Thunder Aligned Sparks when we become warriors."

"Really?" Dustpaw asked, devastated.

"Yup," said Sandpaw. "I remember dad saying something like that. Unaligned Sparks are still really cool though."

"And dangerous," Firepaw shuddered. "Brightflower almost used one on me when I found her- she almost cleaved a tree in half."

"In half?" said Ravenpaw, flattening his ears.

"Yeah. Sparks are really scary."

"Well you're not supposed to use them lightly," said Sandpaw. "Most Sparks could kill a cat- that's why we're not allowed to learn them until we've mastered the basics. So we're more responsible."

"I say they should demonstrate by clawing a rock," Firepaw decided. "I will never stop fearing what would've happened if that move had hit me."

"If you think that's scary, you should see the Leader Sparks," Sandpaw snickered. "Dad told me about the time Bluestar first used her- he said it was like lightning had become a cat and fought for ThunderClan."

"Count me out," Firepaw declared. "If I ever see living lightning charge me, I'm running away."

"Luckily you're on our side- don't betray us and it'll never charge you," Dustpaw snorted.

"What about the other leaders?" Firepaw asked.

"I don't know what theirs are," Sandpaw admitted. "Bluestar used her cloak of lightning and none of the other clans have really wanted war with us since."

"ThunderClan has hardly had to worry about the other clans since Bluestar became leader," agreed Ravenpaw. "Her strength intimidates them so we've been focusing on the famine and the- the still borns."

All of the apprentices fell silent.

"...I still don't understand," Graypaw whispered. "What did we do wrong? Why is Sweetsoul taking our kits before they're born? And why did Slysoul start taking prey from us?"

"I don't know," Ravenpaw said, dropping his eyes. "But someone must've done something."

"You think it has something to do with ShadowClan?" asked Sandpaw. "They chased out an entire clan after all."

"The famine seems to be affecting every clan but RiverClan- again," mused Ravenpaw. "It's possible."

"So you think this'll keep happening until WindClan returns?" yawned Dustpaw.

"Or until ShadowClan rejects their new leader," Ravenpaw agreed, settling into his nest.

"It's late," Firepaw mumbled. "Let's sleep guys- who knows if we'll be dragged out for a dawn patrol tomorrow."

He heard a couple of "yeah's" and exchanged good nights with his friend. He fell quickly into the realm of dreams.

"Perfect Firepaw, now aim at the rock."

Firepaw concentrated on the energy rushing through his veins, felt it sharpening his claws. He reared up slashed at the rock with a shout- "KA!" As soon as the word left his mouth, the energy rushed to his claws and he dug into the stone, scoring a deep gorge within it.

He jumped back panting, a swell of pride and awe rolling through him at the steaming rock. Firepaw purred loudly, turning to Bluestar who smiled.

"Well done!" she praised. "Soon you'll be on your way to using it while moving"

"Blazes," Firepaw panted. "It's hard to move it while sitting still."

"Indeed," Bluestar chuckled. "Using a spark is very draining and you should be very careful. How much Spark do you think you have left?"

Firepaw closed his eyes and followed the sensation into his chest near his heart. It took him a moment to focus on the latent flow of energy from his center to his claws. He followed it back to his center and tried to focus on his reserves- he pulled gently and groaned instantly when he started burning from the inside out.

"None," he reported, opening his eyes. "If I try anything but following the current, it hurts."

Bluestar tilted her head, frowning a little.

"Then our focus next time will be on controlling the flow of your Spark," she instructed. "You used far too much in that swipe- you should always leave a little extra just in case you truly need it."

"Like an ambush?" he asked.

"An ambush. Or a boar spots you before you spot it, or you encounter a bear."

Firepaw shuddered at the idea of coming into contact with a bear.

"Rest Firepaw," she commanded. "At sunhigh, you will come to the Gathering- with Graypaw and Ravenpaw."

"What about Sandpaw and Dustpaw?"

"Sandpaw is not allowed to this Gathering for fighting with a RiverClan apprentice remember? Dustpaw has volunteered to stay back with her."

"Oh," said Firepaw. "Alright."

He stretched and began to follow his mentor from the clearing. They traveled back to camp in silence, only stopping for Bluestar to gently nudge his cheek with her own.

"It's not frowned upon to nap at a Gathering," she told him. "If you're too tired, feel free to sleep."

Firepaw murmured "okay" and slipped into camp. He trotted over to stump by the apprentice's den and flopped down. He licked his paws as Bluestar was immediately pulled away by Lionheart and Larkwing. It was silly to be jealous of the other apprentices who spent more time with their mentors than he did- especially since he was used to it with his own mother. But sometimes Firepaw wished Bluestar was just a normal cat- training with her was always so much fun and it made him even happier with himself when she told him she was proud of him.

He hadn't realized how infrequently he heard it from his mother until he found himself working even harder than normal just for the chance that she'd say she was proud of him.

He sighed and mournfully continued grooming his paws. Then yelped at a sharp pain in his tail.

"Ouch!" he cried whirling around and came nose to nose with a small, pale tortie kit purring loudly and proudly.

"I did it!" she cheered.

"Cinderkit?" he asked.

"Yup!" she said proudly. "I totally got you Firepaw!"

"Yeah you did," he huffed. "Leave my tail alone."

"Or what?" she challenged.

Firepaw playfully growled at her and she took off, squealing with delight, Firepaw laughing as he trotted after her. She led him to her siblings who looked at her with awe as she strutted proudly over leading Firepaw.

"You got an apprentice!" squealed her brother, Brackenkit.

"Yeah Firepaw's my friend," Cinderkit boasted. "He's showing me real apprentice moves."

Her siblings ooh'ed as Firepaw held back his laughter chiming in, "Cinderkit even snuck up on me."

"You did?!"

"Uh huh- he didn't even see me coming. RiverClan better watch their fish brains 'cause I'm gonna be the deadliest warrior of all!"

"Firepaw firepaw- teach us hunting stuff!" demanded Brightkit. "I'm going to be the clan's best hunter ever!"

Suddenly he was swarmed with kits demanding he teach them. He laughed and managed to wrangle them away from his belly.

"All right, you have to crouch like this," he instructed, watching all the kits instantly drop to their bellies. "Make sure your tail isn't dragging but don't let it stand up like a tree."

Firepaw purred with delight as he watched the kits begin stalking around in front of the nursery. Frostfur stood by the entrance watching fondly.

"You'll make a good mentor some day," she praised.

Firepaw ducked his head sheepishly. Seeing the kits thoroughly distracted with their hunting crouches, he walked back over to the apprentice's den, settling down outside of it with a slight smile.