Chapter One

"Grrr!"

Moonkit growled and sprang onto Flamekit. "Got you now, kittypet!"

"Never, Tigerstar!" hissed Flamekit. "Sandstorm will save me!"

"You need a she-cat to save you?" mocked Moonkit, baring her teeth.

"Sandstorm is a better fighter than you think!"

With that, Fernkit leaped onto Moonkit. "See?"

Moonkit spat and rolled over to dislodge Fernkit. She jumped over her two siblings and cannoned into them from the other side. Fernkit was thrown off Flamekit, but Flamekit flipped over onto Moonkit.

"Tigerstar! Say hello to StarClan!" hissed Flamekit, putting a paw on Moonkit's throat.

"Whoa there, little kitten," meowed a deep voice. A large paw pushed Flamekit off Moonkit. "You don't want to upset Bramblestar right before your apprentice ceremony. You know he's very sensitive about playing Tigerstar in ThunderClan."

"Apprentice ceremony?" asked Fernkit, her green eyes widening.

"Yes, you're having it at sunhigh."

Moonkit gasped. "We're having at sunhigh?" The sun was almost at its peak. She was almost an apprentice!

The warrior, Foxnose, nodded. "I was told to tell you." His green eyes sparkled, and Moonkit once again wanted him to be her mentor. He was such a good fighter!

"Moonkit, Flamekit, and Fernkit!"

Moonkit jumped up with her siblings and raced to her mother's call. Once she had reached Icestream, she sat in front of her impatiently, her fluffy silver tail twitching back and forth. As Flamekit settled down next to her, he caught it in his paws.

"Ouch!"

Flamekit received a sharp cuff on the head from Icestream.

"Now, Flamekit, this is serious. You're about to become apprentices. I want to you go say goodbye to Honeydrop, and then come back to be groomed." Icestream's blue eyes were serious, but in the back of them Moonkit saw a flash of priceless joy and pride.

"Yes, mother," she meowed obediently. This made Icestream's eyes widen. Moonkit never obeyed her mother. But Moonkit scampered over to the nursery calmly, and said goodbye to Honeydrop. She had figured out that in order to become a warrior, one had to be a good apprentice first.

Or so she thought.

"Moonkit, is something wrong?"

Flamekit's glowing amber eyes stared at her. "You don't look bad or anything, but is something troubling you?"

Moonkit laughed. Typical wise Flamekit.

"No, brother," she mewed. "I'm trying to practice being a good apprentice."

"That's a good idea, actually," interrupted Fernkit, padding over to stand by her siblings. Her green eyes were narrowed against the bright sun, and she dipped her head to Moonkit. "You are wise."

"Thanks," replied the silver she-cat. "I realized that if I have a mischievous attitude, I won't get to be a warrior soon enough."

"Soon enough?" asked Flamekit. "For what?"

"To be able to be a warrior!" crowed Moonkit.

Flamekit laughed. "Good one."

Fernkit's green eyes narrowed with laughter. "Nice one, little sister."

The two kits—Flamekit and Fernkit—stood over their smaller sister, but Moonkit's eyes widened.

"I'm about to become an apprentice," she reminded them. "I'm not the runt of our litter anymore."

"Sure!" snorted Flamekit. "And I'm not named Flamekit!"

Fernkit, however, nodded. "I understand, sister." She licked her golden paw. "I just can't get used to the fact you're not—well, you're not really little Moonkit anymore!"

Moonkit laughed. "Thanks." Her smile was sincere, but deep inside she felt hurt. Little Moonkit? Is that what they call me?

"Oh, hello, Moonkit, Fernkit, and Flamekit."

The three kits whirled around. Standing behind them was a huge dark brown tabby tom with large, glowing amber eyes. Moonkit shivered. She knew Bramblestar was a great leader and a loyal warrior, but she couldn't get it out of her mind how much he looked like Tigerstar, her great-grandfather on her father, Lionclaw's side.

Wait—she hadn't ever seen Tigerstar, how did she know what he looked like?

I probably just heard it from the elders. Nothing to worry about.

"Your apprentice ceremonies are soon," continued the leader. His eyes glittered as he stared at the young cats.

"I can't wait!" piped up Flamekit. Bramblestar nodded.

"I have chosen your mentors. They are good cats."

His eyes seemed to rest on Moonkit as he spoke. The moon-colored she-cat shivered a little, her blue eyes wide.

"Bramblestar?"

Squirrelflight, Moonkit's grandmother, padded out of the leader's den. Her fur was ruffled, and she looked like she had just woken up. Bramblestar laughed.

"Nice, Squirrelflight, showing yourself like this to your grandchildren."

Squirrelflight jumped. "Oh, hello, kits," she meowed. "You're becoming apprentices at sunhigh, right?"

Fernkit nodded, her eyes glittering. "I want Squirrelflight as a mentor!" she whispered to Moonkit.

"She's a good cat," replied Moonkit. "But I don't want her, don't worry."

Fernkit's golden fur gleamed in the sunlight. "I can't wait to become a warrior!"

"You've got a long way to go," meowed Flamekit.

"I know," answered both she-cats together. They burst out laughing.

Bramblestar dipped his head to Moonkit. "I'll see you," he purred. Then he bounded away to Squirrelflight and gave her a quick lick.

"Kits!"

Icestream padded over to her young ones. "Now listen. When Bramblestar calls your name, don't rush over. Be slow, quiet, and proud."

She preceded to lick Fernkit's fur until it shone like the sun, then Flamekit's until the sun danced on him like a tongue of fire.

But Moonkit, being Moonkit, didn't want to be washed. Her bouncy spirit was back.

Icestream grabbed the kit and began washing her, but Moonkit tried to struggle free.

"Stay there," Icestream commanded as she held down Moonkit's tail in a way that, if pulled—trying to get away—would hurt badly.

Moonkit sighed. Ugh. It's like I'm the runt again.

She sat calmly for the rest of the grooming.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey come beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!"

"Great StarClan!" fussed Icestream. "Go, go, and don't look back!"

Moonkit was hurried forward with her siblings.

"I have called you to perform one of my favorite duties," continued Bramblestar. "Flamekit, Fernkit, and Moonkit, please step forward."

Moonkit jumped up and calmly padded to the Highledge. Beside her, Fernkit panted with excitement and Flamekit was bouncing as he walked.

"Flamekit, Fernkit, and Moonkit, from this day forward until you receive your warrior names, you will be known as Flamepaw, Fernpaw, and Moonpaw. Flamepaw, your mentor will be Hollyfur."

The black she-cat stepped forward, her green eyes shining with pride. She touched noses with her new apprentice, and they turned as one and sat down by Lionclaw, who purred and licked Flamepaw's fur.

"Fernpaw, your mentor will be Foxnose."

The ginger tom stepped forward to his new apprentice, his eyes glittering. He was purring as he stepped forward to Fernpaw. The mentor and apprentice padded over to Flamepaw and Hollyfur, and sat down next to them. Moonpaw stared at Fernpaw in jealousy. She was so lucky!

"And Moonpaw," finished Bramblestar, "Passing over the sadness of Leafpool's death last night, Jayfeather will be your mentor."

Moonpaw padded over to the medicine cat to touch noses, her paws on wings. She was to be a medicine cat! Her blue eyes were round as she touched noses with her mentor. She would be able to understand the mysteries of StarClan.

"I'm glad to have you as my apprentice," murmured the blind medicine cat.

Moonpaw stared up at her. "I'm glad too."

Jayfeather straightened up. "Now, why don't we learn some of the herbs?" His jay-feather blue eyes were bright, and Moonpaw knew he was happy.

"That sounds great," she answered. The two cats padded back to Jayfeather's den, Moonpaw's tail flicking happily.

"These are cobwebs," meowed Jayfeather. "These cover up wounds and stop the bleeding."
Moonpaw nodded. "But wouldn't you have to disinfect it first?"

"Yes," nodded Jayfeather. "That brings me to my next point. These," he gestured to a pile of short, stringy leaves, "these are marigold leaves. They stop infection, as do burdock root and wild garlic." He gestured to a large, dirty root and a small, round root. "You are a good thinker, Moonpaw."

Moonpaw purred her thanks.

"Now I'm going to show you how to apply marigold leaves," continued the medicine cat. "I'm going to demonstrate on a leaf."

He pulled a large, flat leaf towards him, then chewed up some marigold leaves. He spat it onto the leaf and pushed the poultice around. After he had finished expertly applying marigold to a leaf, he glanced up at his apprentice.

"Do you understand?"

Moonpaw nodded, then remembered Jayfeather was blind.

"Y—y—yes," she stuttered.

Jayfeather laughed. "It's okay." His serious gaze burned into Moonpaw's head. "Now we will go out into the forest. I'm going to show you where the herbs are."

The two cats stood up and got ready to go. Outside the den, the camp was bustling around, and it seemed bright and hot compared to the dark, cool medicine cat's den.

Jayfeather flicked his tail at Moonpaw. "Come."

Moonpaw's stream-colored fur gleamed as she leapt after her mentor.

But they didn't have long.

"Bramblestar!"

The desperate cry echoed around the camp.

Bramblestar's head jerked up from the fresh-kill pile, where he was choosing his meal. He scented the air.

"That's Squirrelflight," he whispered.

Jayfeather bristled. "Moonpaw, get into the den and make a marigold poultice. Add some thyme—it's the small-leafed one that smells tangy."

Moonpaw raced into the den. She grabbed some marigold and some of what she thought was thyme, and began chewing furiously. It tasted horrible, but Moonpaw didn't care. She needed to save Squirrelflight.

"Squirrelflight!"

The anguished cry came from the camp entrance. Moonpaw gasped as Jayfeather dragged the limp ginger she-cat in. Behind her was her apprentice, Pinepaw, barely able to walk. Bramblestar supported him.

Jayfeather grabbed some moss and lay the two wounded cats in it. He took the poultice from Moonpaw and lay it on one of Squirrelflight's gashes.

"Squirrelflight," murmured Bramblestar.

Jayfeather shook his head. "Get out of here, Bramblestar."

The leader turned and padded out of the den, his tail drooping.

"Now," said Jayfeather, "let's get to work healing these patients."

Moonpaw nodded. "What shall I do?"

Jayfeather gestured to the marigold. "Get some of that chewed up and then we'll see where we are."

Moonpaw nodded, her eyes bright. She was on her way to becoming a medicine cat!

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Stormpaw's bright blue eyes gleamed in the darkness, and he padded silently towards his sister, Starpaw.

"Gotcha!"

"Ah!" shrieked the white she-cat. "Don't do that!"

Stormpaw laughed. "Served you right for letting that mouse go."

Starpaw stiffened. "How did you know?"

Stormpaw gulped realizing what a mistake he had made. He couldn't let anyone know about the grove of trees he had found to spy on cats.

"Oh, uh, Sedgepaw told me."

"Sedgepaw!" spat Starpaw. "He thinks he's so great just because he's becoming a warrior at sunhigh tomorrow!"

Stormpaw nodded.

"Well, we'll be warriors soon," meowed Stormpaw.

Starpaw shrugged. "Yeah, in three moons."

"Maybe we'll be in a fight and we'll fight really well and we'll become warriors!" blurted Stormpaw, not realizing how stupid that sounded.

Starpaw laughed. "Mouse-brain. We haven't ever trained for a moon!"

Stormpaw shrugged. "Who knows?"

"That's a good question," meowed Starpaw, taking on Breezeheart's—her mentor—voice. "In fact, why don't we ask Ashstar about that?"

Her green eyes narrowed, and a few seconds later she had collapsed with laughter. Stormpaw joined in, and for a while the two siblings laughed together. They play-fought until both were completely out of breath, and then they lay next to each other, watching the stars.

"Excuse me?" meowed a soft voice. A smell of storms and lightning reached Stormpaw's nose. He sprang up, his teeth bared. ThunderClan!

It was a small silver she-cat with wide, deep blue eyes. Her moon-colored fur glowed in the dark, and her eyes seemed to pulse with the stars.

"What do you want?" hissed Starpaw, now next to her brother. Her green eyes were narrowed with hate.

"Um…" meowed the she-cat, her eyes darting around nervously, "could you take me to Ashstar?"

Stormpaw nodded. "Why?"

"I need to send a message from Bramblestar," replied the ThunderClan cat.

Stormpaw nodded curtly. "Very well. Come."

The three cats padded to the WindClan camp, where Ashstar was sharing tongues with Crowfeather, her son. Both cats looked up, and Crowfeather's eyes widened. He paused, panicked.

"I'm Moonpaw," meowed the silver she-cat to Ashstar and Crowfeather. "Are you Crowfeather?"

The dark gray tom nodded, his eyes suspicious. "Why?"

"I need to talk to both of you," responded Moonpaw. "Privately."

The three cats padded into a small clearing of ferns. Stormpaw tried to see, but the ferns blocked his sight.

"Come on," he hissed to Starpaw. "We can eavesdrop."

Starpaw nodded. The two cats crept to the back of the ferns.

"What is it, Moonpaw?" Ashstar was asking.

"Well," responded Moonpaw, "last night there was a death in our camp."

Crowfeather jerked up. His fearscent drifted to Stormpaw's nose.

"Who?"

Moonpaw took a deep breath, and Ashstar's eyes narrowed. Crowfeather trembled.

"Leafpool."

Crowfeather took a breath, his eyes closed. Then his head dropped.

Moonpaw rushed over to him. "It's okay, Crowfeather. I know you loved her."

Crowfeather shook his head. "But she had my kits, Moonpaw."

Moonpaw gasped. "Who?"

"She had four," rasped Crowfeather. "Their names were Fernkit, Flamekit, Moonkit, and Starkit."

Starpaw gasped loudly. Ashstar's head whipped around, and she saw the two apprentices lurking behind the ferns. She beckoned to them.

"You must not tell anyone," she hissed. "Do you understand?"

They nodded, too frightened to speak. Moonpaw trembled.

"May I tell my siblings who their parents are?"

Crowfeather shook his head. "Don't. Please."

Moonpaw nodded. Then she turned to Stormpaw and Starpaw.

"Hello, my sibling."

Starpaw raced over to her newfound sister.

"You're my sister?"

Moonpaw nodded. "I was Moonkit." Her face clouded. "Who did they tell you their parents were? Mine were Lionclaw and Icestream."

"Mine were Crowfeather and Nightcloud."

Moonpaw dipped her head. "I must go," she meowed. Then, turning to Ashstar, she asked her: "May I tell Bramblestar, Jayfeather, and Squirrelflight?"

"Only Squirrelflight," replied the leader. "And you must make her promise never to tell anyone."

Moonpaw thanked her and departed.

"You will not be punished," meowed Ashstar. "Starpaw had the right to know, and Stormpaw, you are always by her side.."

Stormpaw dipped his head. "Thank you."

"Now I suggest you get some food and some sleep."

Stormpaw hurried out, Starpaw at his side. The white she-cat was trembling, her green eyes wide.

"Well, at least they told us half the truth."

Stormpaw nodded.

They shared a mouse, and then they settled down in their nests.

"Good night," meowed Starpaw sleepily.

"Good night."

It was only after Starpaw had fallen asleep that Stormpaw realized he still didn't know who his parents were.