Three moons later. . .
The days dragged on, we went on living out our life as kits, sometimes we would play outside, but other times Rosefeather would drag us back in, saying it was too cold for us to be out there. What we didn't know was that Leaf-bare would be coming soon, and Cloudkit's cough would only get worse because of that.
It was night, the stars glittered coldly in the sky, I was fast asleep, dreaming of the day I would become an an apprentice.
Lionkit prodded me out of my sleep,"Hey! Darkkit! Wake up!"
Lionkit looked at me,his bright amber eyes shining. I could tell he was excited about something. Probably our apprenticeship. I thought.
Of course, I was excited about apprenticeship too, but I wanted to get a good night's sleep to prepare for it.
Lionkit started hopping up and down happily,"We're gonna be apprentices tomorrow!" he half-whispered, half-yelled.
"Yeah,I know." I said,trying to hide my excitement.
Lionkit looked slightly disappointed,"I was hoping you'd be more excited."
"I am!" I said,"But I'm tired and want to sleep."
Hanging his head sadly, Lionkit walked over to his nest, curled up, put his fluffy golden tail over his nose and fell asleep.
I shook my head,I loved my brother, but he could be annoying sometimes.
The next morning I awoke to the light of the cold Leaf-bare sun. I could barely contain my excitement.
Today's the day! I thought.
Rosefeather and the other kits were waiting outside. I couldn't believe it, I was going to be an apprentice! I had never felt such joy before, too bad that joy wouldn't last.
Lionkit and I rushed outside the Nursery.
"Slow down," Rosefeather scolded,"you're not apprentices yet."
"But we will be!" shouted Lionkit excitedly.
I nodded eagerly,"Yeah!"
But then I noticed someone was missing. And the excitement went away.
"Where's Cloudkit?" I asked.
"He's too sick to come to your apprentice ceremony." Rosefeather said sadly.
"Oh." I hung my head in disappointment.
Suddenly we heard the strong mew of our leader,"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!"
We raced up to Highrock, and sat just below it. I could see my father standing by Snowstar proudly.
This is going to be so awesome! I'm going to be an apprentice!
Once all the cats were gathered, Snowstar called out our names,"Lionkit! Darkkit! Step forward."
We stepped up to Highrock nervously, but with pride.
"Darkpaw and Lionkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Darkpaw and Lionpaw. Grayfur will be mentor to Lionpaw, and Iceheart will be mentor to Darkpaw. I hope Grayfur and Iceheart will pass down all they know on to you."
We touched noses with our mentor. We were apprentices.
We lifted our heads in pride as the Clan shouted our new names.
"Darkpaw! Darkpaw! Lionpaw! Lionpaw!"
And Rosefeather's cheers were the loudest of all.