Chapter 2

"Hello Applepaw," a cat meowed politely.

"H-h-h-hi," Applepaw knew she was shaking from head to tail. This was her first time meeting StarClan!

"There is no need to be afraid young one," the pinkish-grayish cat replied. Something about the she-cat reminded Applepaw of someone.

"Wait a minute, you're Velvetleaf!" Applepaw realized.

"I was wondering if you'd remember me," Velvetleaf mewed.

"Y-you told me to 'Take risks for friends even if they have a low chance of succeeding'," It was all coming back to Applepaw, "I never had a proper chance to thank you."

"Just saving your clan was enough to thank me."

"Where are the other cats?" Applepaw looked around thinking they would be there behind her, but no other cats were in sight.

"StarClan sent me to come to you again to congratulate you on becoming an apprentice."

"Thank you," Applepaw's heart stopped when she figured that Velvetleaf did not give compliments easily.

"Now, I must go, for it is time for you to wake up," Velvetleaf looked sad that she could not spend more time with Applepaw, "This is only the beginning." She smiled then faded away.

Applepaw woke up with a start; she looked around and saw that the other apprentices were starting to stretch and wake up from their dreams. Wovenstar had already awoken and was sitting with his tail around his paws thinking. Applepaw thought she saw a worried look on his face for a flash until he called them out of the cave back into the passageway.

"What did your crystal look like?" Dewpaw asked Applepaw, "Mine had a dewdrop on it like the mark on my chest." She held her head up so Applepaw could see the white dewdrop marking on her light blue-gray chest.

"Mine was some apple seeds in placed in a circle," Applepaw answered, "Like a star." She added to herself.

"Mine had a frog shape on it," Toadpaw had overheard the conversation and walked over with the others.

"Mine had a pumpkin leaf," Pumpkinpaw sighed, "No surprise there."

"Mine had a tall flower with tall leaves around it," Gingerpaw frowned, thinking, "I don't understand why."

"Well maybe it's a ginger plant?" Marshpaw offered, "Well, anyway, mine was a reed with water all around it."

They were at the opening of the cave, and joined Thornclaw and Fogheart to walk home. Then ahead a large shape was moving towards the group, Applepaw squinted, and saw a smaller shape next to it.