Warriors New Rivals
Chapter 5
"Swiftleap!" A voice called from the clearing. It had been three moons since the fire that had burned through the camp and cats were still recovering.
"Swiftleap we need you to help patch up the warriors den!" The voice called again.
"I'm coming!" He shouted in reply.. Swiftleap's dreams had been untouched by the agonizing yowl of Dapplecoat but with the fire raging through the camp the warriors den was cold at night and the only warmth Swiftleap could get was from Dapplecoat's fluffy pelt. Swiftleap got up and stretched his forepaws out in front of him before padding out into the damp air of dawn.
"Finally," Breezefang, Bearpelt and Rosetail were sitting next to the back of the warriors den with forepaws weaving new leaves and twigs into it.
"Cats old enough to catch their own prey please meet here beneath the highcliff!" Brindlestar called out to her clan. Many of the cats came out including the queens and their kits.
"Where's Reedthorn?" Nightberry fretted to Moonpelt.
"She's really exhausted, her kits are ready to come but she isn't ready to give birth," Moonpelt replied while Sweetkit and Tumblekit followed.
"We have recovered well from the fire and it is time to do something very important for the whole clan," Brindlestar praised.
"Could you get on with it then?" Sagewillow replied.
She always has been the crankiest cat. Swiftleap rolled his eyes and looked up at Brindlestar once again who was glaring at Sagewillow.
"As I was saying, Sweetkit and Tumblekit are six moons old and need to be apprenticed," Brindlestar added.
"Oh this is wonderful!" Nightberry exclaimed, facing his two kits with absolute pride.
Just wait until Dapplecoat has kits… Swiftleap thought to himself.
"Sweetkit, Tumblekit do you promise to train and uphold the warrior code?" Brindlestar continued.
"I do!" The two kits synchronized.
"Shredflame would you step forward please?" Shredflame stood up and nodded.
"No way!" Sweetkit exclaimed.
"Is there a problem?" Brindlestar asked the kit.
"No, of course not! Shredflame is just so amazing!" She praised him; Shredflame instantly went hot with embarrassment.
"Well then, Sweetkit until you earn your warrior name you shall be known as Sweetpaw, may Shredflame train you well" Brindlestar continued.
"Appleskip, can you come forward please?" She faced the she-cat and Appleskip stood up and faced her new apprentice.
"Tumblekit, until you earn your warrior name you shall be known as Tumblepaw." Brindlestar jumped down from highcliff and touched noses to the two apprentices and nodded to the two mentors.
"Let's go explore the territory," Shredflame advised.
"Good idea," Appleskip replied, the two siblings faced each other and ran toward the thorn tunnel.