To the rest of WindClan, it was the warmer sunshine of Greenleaf that lifted their spirits with the promise of more fresh-kill. But to Icekit it was leaving the nursery and finally becoming an apprentice. She'd finally be able to leave camp and get to explore the moor for real now. To feel the wind through her white fur as she raced along the open plains. Her mother had fully rejected her by now. It was Paleflower who groomed her while Grasskit and Weaselkit were trying to chase their mother's tail. Blossomtail and her kits were huddled together, not even saying goodbye to her. But she was in too good of a mood to let them upset her. Not even Swanpaw could get to her in that moment. When Dovestar called out her name, she said her goodbyes to Paleflower and her kits before making her way over to where Dovestar and Runningwhisker stood above the Clan. The Clan was silently locked towards her, a couple of them glaring. Swanpaw, Poppypaw, Wasptail, and Ivyheart mostly.

"I've thought long and hard about this," As her leader spoke, Icekit swept her gaze trying to figure out which cat got her. Cloudwing and Birdleap had anticipation in their eyes. Was it only because they wanted an apprentice and she would do?

"From this moment on, until this apprentice gets her warrior name, she'll be known as Icepaw. Clawnose, you had an excellent mentor in Runningwhisker and I hope you pass down his wisdom and courage to her in return."

Icepaw felt her blood turn cold. Why did Dovestar choose a cat who hated her?

"I'll do my best," the ginger tom didn't seem convincing and his blue stare was harsh. But he didn't shy away when he had to press his nose to hers while the Clan half-heartedly called her new name.

"Icepaw. Icepaw."

"That is all," Dovestar dove back into her den as the Clan returned to their duties, only Cloudwing, Birdleap, Amberfur, and Needledust congratulating her before she was alone with her new mentor.

Icepaw glanced at him sheepishly, "What are we going to do first? Are you going to show me the territory? Maybe hunting or training?"

"No," Clawnose shook his head. "You are going to clean the elders' den."

"Oh," Her hope dwindled down. "Can I do that after we explore the territory?"

"Are you deaf or do I have to repeat myself?" the scarred tom hissed. "I gave you an order and you will follow it."

He slashed at her face, causing her to yelp as her nose throbbed in pain.

"Y-y-yes, Clawnose." She stuttered as she back away from his sharp claws.

"Glad to know you understand," Clawnose huffed. "Besides, there's no point in showing you the territory."

"But if I don't see the territory, how can I learn to fight or hunt?"

He shrugged, "It's not like you'd make a good warrior. So why bother. Now go before I get really annoyed."

Icepaw held back her complaint as she did as the tom said. Would he never let her leave the camp? She felt sadness well up inside her. She had to watch Beetlepaw, Thistlepaw, and their mentors leave camp while she collected moss for the new dens while tossing out the old ones. And the elders didn't help her mood either.

"They actually made Icepaw an apprentice," Stagfur said while she built his nest. "Didn't think Dovestar would."

"She shouldn't have," Shelldawn poked at her moss with a paw and gave Icepaw a glare. "It's not soft enough, apprentice."

"It's moss," Stagfur purred at his denmate. "It can't get any softer, Shelldawn. You're just an old cat. Hey 'paw, I think there's a tick on my left shoulder."

"You're older than me. And keep that mouse bile away from me. I can get my own ticks, thank you!"

"Ignore her, young one," Stagfur sighed as Icepaw tapped on his shoulder with the bile, cracking the tick between her teeth while trying not to gag. "She always complains. And you let your son get your ticks, Shelldawn."

"Shut it, rabbit-brain," She glared at him. "Needledust is a good warrior. Can't say the same for her. Clawnose will be wasting his time."

"No one can doubt Needledust's skill. Thistlepaw will learn a lot from him."

"He reminds me of Smoketail all the time."

"He was Needledust's mentor," Stagfur explained to Icepaw. "He was also your father."

"He wasn't a good mate," Shelldawn growled. "He should have taken his mate and kit with him."

"And have us lose another warrior and kit during Leaf-bare?" Stagfur's stomach growled.

"It's not like Silverfang is a good warrior," Shelldawn hissed. "Must be hereditary."

It look all of her willpower to not claw the elder as she continued to berate Icepaw. Once she was done taking care of the elders, she took a mouse and took it with her to her nest. The other apprentices were still out with their mentors, reminding her that she'll never be able to go out of camp with them. She'll never get the bonding experience that they other apprentices got. Feeling low, she took small bites of her prey while tears began filling her eyes. She was supposed to be a normal apprentice, not the one stuck with all of the boring chores. She was-

"Icepaw."

Her head shot up as the unfamiliar black she-cat's voice rang throughout the den. She turned around to see the she-cat sitting behind her, tail tucked around her paws.

"It's you!" Icepaw gasped. "You're that StarClan cat! What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to comfort you," the she-cat gave her a soft look. "It must be so lonely to be in a camp full of cats and not a single one likes you."

Hawkpaw likes me, She thought fiercely before answering the other cat, "Are you here to help me?"

"Of course," the she-cat placed her tail on Icepaw's shoulder. It was surprising cold and a shiver was obvious. "Don't be afraid of me, Icepaw. I was sent to watch over you."

"You are?"

"Of course," the she-cat bowed her head and said. "My name is Nightfeather. I will see you again. For now I must go."

"But wait!" Icepaw called, but the shadowy she-cat vanished and she was alone again. Her voice must have alerted one of the others because Amberfur's voice sounded behind her.

"Are you alright, Icepaw? I heard you call out."

"It's nothing," Icepaw replied, realizing that the golden tabby had not noticed Nightfeather.

"If you're sure," Her amber eyes were confused. "Just let me or one of the other warriors know if something troubles you."

"I will," Icepaw lied. None of the warriors cared about her so she wouldn't bother trying. They'd probably ignore her anyways.