Sorry, this chapter is a little short. I know the story is a little slow at this point but it's about to get more interesting. Please please please review if you read. Any comments or tips are appreciated.

Chapter 10

Icepaw tried to seal the knowledge about her fate in an unused part of her mind, blocking it off. Since Owlear had told her the truth, she had been following his instructions: she was attempting to act like nothing was wrong. She continued to train and hunt the way she always did. But whatever she did, Icepaw felt the ominous prophecy hanging over her head. Icepaw finally, desperately, came to the conclusion that if Starclan wanted her to save the clans, they would tell her how to do it. Or at least give her some kind of guidelines.

Icepaw took her mind off of the prophecy by throwing herself into her training. Coldsnow took her out hunting three times a day. Icepaw was becoming a regular cat on the dawn patrol and her fighting skills had increased dramatically. Coldsnow had even whispered that a place in the warrior den would soon be hers. When Icepaw wasn't training, she was playing with Seakit. Icepaw had taken to teaching the kitten abridged versions of what she had learned that day. Seakit was a fast learner and enthusiastic about getting a head start on being an apprentice. Icepaw was careful to make sure the kit didn't brag too much about her new-found skills-she didn't want the clan knowing.

The days were beginning to get warmer and warmer. Icepaw knew that greenleaf was coming to its climatic rise.

Unfortunately, that also meant that the annual influx of Twolegs to the lake. For some reason that Icepaw couldn't fathom, the hairless, pink creatures would set up residence by the halfbridge and spend greenleaf there. The clan would often see the Twolegs riding in what looked like giant leaves that floated on the water. It was relatively easy to avoid the Twolegs because they generally stayed close to their dens but Silverstar issued a warning to Riverclan anyway. Silverstar's deputy, Pinetail, had taken to patrolling the borders of the camp daily, taking extra care to sniff out any sign of intruders. Somewhere, deep inside of her, Icepaw knew that Pinetail was looking for any danger that could threaten Riverclan, which led Icepaw to the assumption that Owlear had relayed her message from Starclan to Silverstar and her deputy.

Besides the slight threat of Twolegs, the atmosphere in Riverclan was good. Prey was plentiful and since Seakit's mysterious sickness, no other cats had become the target of any ailments. And Icepaw was continuing to grow as an apprentice. Her only weakness seemed to be in hunting. While the silvery she-cat could catch fish like an eagle, she had immense difficulty catching and killing other animals, such as mice, rabbits, voles and even birds. Icepaw was beginning to feel like her shortcomings in hunting was preventing her from being a warrior.

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Icepaw had just finished dropping off her meager fresh-kill to the elders when a loud yowl echoed across the clearing.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join me besides Tallrock," proclaimed Silverstar, jumping upon the sandy boulder in the center of the camp.

Icepaw, her heart pounding with an inexplicable excitement, raced over to Tallrock and settled herself down next to Rainpaw, who had already seated himself on the ground.

"What's going on?" Icepaw asked the grey and black apprentice.

"I think one of Dawncloud's kits is being apprenticed!" Rainpaw replied, glancing at Icepaw.

Icepaw felt her excitement die down. She knew that her feelings of anticipation had come from her own desire to be made into a warrior. She gave an inaudible sigh and tried to be happy for the lucky kit who would be given its apprentice name. Soon all the other cats of Riverclan had gathered underneath Silverstar and were waiting around expectantly, looking towards the nursery. Dawncloud's grey and white pelt suddenly appeared from the den, her eyes gleaming with pride. She was leading Rockkit out and bringing him to Silverstar. Icepaw watched as Rockkit's brother and sister tumbled out after him, followed by Seakit. The three kits sat with a forced grimness by Rosetail and looked exceedingly pleased with themselves at finding a loophole in attending the clan meeting. Icepaw flicked her whiskers, amused, at the excited look in all four of the kits' eyes. Willowkit, Pondkit and Seakit may not be getting their apprentice names yet but Icepaw was glad to see them sharing in their den mate's enthusiasm.

"Rockkit has reached the proper age of six moons. He is ready to become an apprentice," Silverstar said, clearing her throat. Rockkit had reached the boulder and was standing proudly at the base, his black head thrust into the air. "From this day forward, until he gets his warrior name, Rockkit will be known as Rockpaw." Silverstar turned to Wingfeet who was sitting expectantly next to Dawncloud. "Wingfeet, you are a brave and clever warrior. Do your best to pass on your knowledge to Rockpaw."

Wingfeet padded over to his son and the two touched noses.

"Rockpaw, Rockpaw," the other cats chanted. Icepaw joined in, slightly reluctant. As usual, she was thinking about Seakit. Willowkit and Pondkit were only a moon younger than Rockpaw; they would be joining their brother soon but Seakit was only three moons old. She would be left in the nursery all alone for a good two moons. Icepaw sighed and vowed to spend even more time with the kit. Rockpaw and Wingfeet walked off together, the brown tabby warrior guiding his new apprentice with his tail. Icepaw heard them murmuring about exploring Riverclan's boundaries. She exhaled mournfully. Icepaw knew that Seakit was most excited about touring Riverclan. Icepaw gave Rainpaw a friendly lick and then strode over to where Seakit and the other kittens were sitting.

"Hi Icepaw!" Pondkit cried, bounding up to the grey apprentice. Since she spent so much time in the nursery, visiting Seakit, Icepaw had formed a close relationship with the other kits too, who were now accustomed to seeing the apprentice.

"Hello Pondkit. You must be happy for Rockpaw," she said fondly.

Pondkit nodded his head energetically. Willowkit and Seakit followed suit.

"But we'll be apprentices soon too!" Willowkit declared. She then turned and pounced on her brother. The two kits were soon lost in a tussle of fur and limbs. Seakit watched the two roll into the nursery, a strange look on her face. Icepaw twitched her tail uncomfortably.

"Don't worry. You'll become an apprentice too. You just have to wait a few more moons," she said.

Seakit looked worried.

"Rockkit-I mean Rockpaw said that I'll never become an apprentice," Seakit stuttered uncertainly, "He said it was because I was probably a kittypet, or a rogue," she continued, stumbling over the unfamiliar words.

Icepaw felt a burning streak of anger wash over her. How dare Rockpaw tell Seakit that?

"He's lying," Icepaw said baldly. Suddenly an idea popped into her head. She crouched down next to the kit and whispered in her ear.

"I want to show you something. I'll come and get you at Moonhigh tonight."

Seakit's eyes widened. "Are we going somewhere?" she asked.

"You'll see. Don't tell anyone okay," Icepaw said secretively.

Seakit nodded immediately. Icepaw gave the kit a little wink and then walked off towards the apprentice's den.