Wow! An ambush!
I didn't know whether to be excited or scared. I poked my head out of the nursery and looked around. I saw Applestar and Wingwhisker addressing the warriors and apprentices gathered around. I was too far away to hear what they said.
I'd always liked the leader and deputy. Applestar especially. Bramblestar and Squirellstar were both killed by a sudden sickness before my birth, leaving Appledawn to become Applestar, and Wingwhisker to become deputy.
I turned to the deputy and a dark pelt caught my eye. My mother was hunched over Leafkit. I could barely hear. "Mom! Why can't Ihelp fight? I'm a lot stronger than my stupid sister." I cringed, but listened some more. "My sweet Leafkit, you will become apprenticed tomorrow, it's just bad timing-" My mother was still talking, but I'd stopped listening. She'd never told me I'd be apprenticed tomorrow! I couldn't believe it! Excitement bubbled into my heart, and I forgot to feel upset about my sister's rude remark. I hopped to the cluster of cats.
Applestar was talking. "Petalbreeze, you can lead a patrol to hide in the trees, uh… how about… oh Nightshade. You will hide in the trees with Foxdawn, Goldclaw, and Swallowstrike." He rambled on with battle plans. The ambush was real.
I swallowed and shook my long, calico coat. "Darkfeather, you can accompany Wingwisker and me. Alright!" he shouted, "Lets win!"
Cheers erupted around the clearing as a huge patrol of cats followed Applestar. My mother was with them. She gave me a dark look, and turned away. She said something to the other warriors, who gave me evil looks as well. I felt more water in my eyes, but I blinked it away. Then, Darkfeather padded to my mother and the gossiping group of warriors. What was happening? Darkfeather hissed at my mother and the warriors, who growled something in reply. Darkfeather turned to face me and gave me a reassuring look. Had she really stood up for me?
Maybe I have a friend after all…
All of the warriors had left the clearing except for Aloespirit and Batclaws. I turned away to go to my nest and think. As I walked, thoughts danced around in my head.
I will be a real apprentice tomorrow! I'll have to share a den with the others though. Maybe they'll like me. I wonder why the don't. Is it because I'm ugly? I'm not exactly pretty, but I'm strong. Oh, I hope Thunderclan wins the battle. Great Starclan! I hope Darkfeather will be okay! Tansygaze should have her herbs ready…
I walked lost in thought, to the den. My nest was cleaned, probably by the apprentices.
Against their will.
To my surprise, Leafkit was in the den too. She growled angrily at me, her eyes filled with loathing. I said nothing and curled up in my nest. I was ready to be an apprentice.
I hope…