Chapter Nine

The past two moons were like a blur to Skypaw. Her wings were beginning to grow larger than she ever expected. Every now and than she would find herself tripping over them. Cloudpaw had offered her advice on how to avoid that. Skypaw was grateful to have a friend like Cloudpaw. She knew she would never have gotten this far if it wasn't for her. And Leafstorm was probably the best mentor in the world. She had already taught Skypaw a few new tricks she could use with her new found wings.

By the second moon it was time for Cinderpaw, Sandpaw and Grasspaw's warrior ceremonies. The three apprentices were more than thrilled, and for a good reason. Cinderpaw was the one who had spotted an eagle from a distance. She along with her brothers managed to keep the eagle away from the camp where kits were hiding. Goldenstar was so impressed with how they dealt with the situation that she had decided to hold a ceremony for them. They were now known as Cinderstorm, Sandfire, and Grassfang. And of course Cinderstorm used her warrior name to her advantage.

There wasn't a moment wasted where she would use it to order Skypaw and Cloudpaw around. Shadowpaw was a bit harder to anger. He didn't listen to anyone except his mentor. Cinderstorm had gotten tired of his fiery attitude and moved on to Skypaw and Cloudpaw instead. There were times when Skypaw flew to a branch just to avoid Cinderstorm, in the hopes she could get some peace and quiet. But of course the she-cat would always find her somehow, and literally knock her off the branch.

"I just wish there was something we could do about that foxheart," Cloudpaw muttered as they padded through the forest. "What makes her think she can just boss us around all the time? She doesn't even have an apprentice yet, and I'm willing to bet she never will!"

"I wouldn't worry about it," meowed Leafstorm as they stopped and listened. They were patrolling the border after all. "Eventually Karma will get to her. She's just got a big head because she only just became a warrior."

Skypaw nodded in agreement, remembering full well that Leafstorm was right. Cinderstorm just needed to be put in her place. And Skypaw couldn't wait to be that cat. The patrol carried on in silence as Ashwhisker flew ahead, taking to the sky. Apparently he hated being on the ground, and took flying to a whole new level as he soared through the air with ease. Skypaw couldn't help but admire his flying skills. Her wings, according to Leafstorm, were still too undeveloped to be used properly.

They reached the edge of the grassy meadow that led into CaveClan territory. Many times Skypaw found herself wandering to this part of the border. She wasn't sure what drew her here. Maybe it was the past that kept haunting her. Or she just wanted to see how her old Clan was doing. Either way, she knew it was dangerous to stay so close to the border. Most CaveClan cats didn't even know the winged cats were real. It was better to keep things that way.

"Those Cave rats are nearby," Ashwhisker growled, flying down towards them. Cloudpaw's eyes widened, and she looked around warily as if expecting to find a CaveClan cat waiting for her. Skypaw tried not to purr in amusement at her expression. "We'd better make sure they don't get much further."

"Don't," Leafstorm warned him. "The last thing Goldenstar wants to start is a war, especially against CaveClan." Skypaw didn't miss the dark look flashing in Leafstorm's eyes. Clearly something had happened that she didn't want to talk about. "Besides, they aren't bold enough to cross the field unless they're asking for trouble from the eagles," she added.

Relief washed over Skypaw's shoulders as she followed them back to camp. Ambermist's kits were ready to become apprentices, and she wanted to be back in time for their ceremony. Flightkit was probably her favorite of the litter. The little tabby was always full of adventure and spirit. She would often be caught trying to fly even though she was restricted to the ground for now. Flightkit would make a good warrior in the long run, if she was taught some patience.

"I can't wait to see what Daisytail and Sundapple's kits look like," Cloudpaw purred as they bounded back into camp. Skypaw nodded in agreement, remembering how cute Frostpelt's kits had been. She wondered what they were up to now. By now they would have opened their eyes, and were probably wandering around the caves. They had no idea what the world around them was like. And they would likely never understand just how dismal the caves were. "Sundapple said that her kits are still a moon away, but Daisytail's kits could be due any day now," Cloudpaw added. "It'll be fun to see who's is biggest or strongest."

"Are you two done chattering yet?" Leafstorm's yowl made both apprentices jump in surprise. Skypaw hadn't realized they had fallen behind. She grinned at Cloudpaw before rushing ahead, using her wings to boost her speed.

"I'm looking forward to challenging you to a real race," Skypaw purred as she reached the apprentice's den. Cloudpaw just stuck her tongue out at Skypaw before grinning.

"Right? It'll be fun flying around together," she replied. "And to think, you were actually afraid of the idea at one point."

"Let all cats old enough gather around the Leader's Den for a Clan meeting!" Goldenstar's yowl echoed throughout the clearing. Skypaw looked up to see her standing on the rocky ledge. Her elegant looking wings were folded neatly to make her look not so intimidating. "It is time for one of my favorite ceremonies, the naming of an apprentice. By naming apprentices, we show that our Clan will remain strong, and the bond between us will also remain strong."

Purrs of approval rose above the crowd. Skypaw had never heard of such a thing being said. Back in CaveClan Shadestar had never said that during her apprentice ceremony. Brackenpaw and Leafpaw had never gotten the same treatment either. She loved how different things were between the two Clans. WingClan was so much more open and friendly compared to CaveClan.

"Now, why don't you three step forward?" Goldenstar suggested, looking at the three kits in question. Their pelts were well groomed, and Skypaw could see their wings sticking out like a sore paw. She tried not to purr at the sight as Flightkit stumbled over her wings. "Flightkit, until you have received your warrior name, you will be known as Flightpaw. Lightbreeze, you are ready for an apprentice. Though you may be a bit snappy towards the younger cats, you have a caring side that I expect you to pass on to Flightpaw."

The two cats touched noses, and Skypaw didn't miss the worried look flashing in Cloudpaw's eyes. She knew how hard Lightbreeze could be on the young apprentices. Why was Goldenstar giving Lightbreeze an apprentice as energetic as Flightpaw? She shook her head at the thought, realizing she had no place to say such a thing out loud.

"Pouncekit, from this moment on you will be known as Pouncepaw. Foxfang, you too are ready for an apprentice. You have shown great bravery and battling skills in both the sky and on the ground. I expect you to pass on your knowledge to Pouncepaw."

The russet-colored tom purred in approval as he touched noses with Pouncepaw. Skypaw could easily see those two working together. Pouncepaw was a good fighter; she had seen the way he play-fought his sisters. All he needed was a good mentor to push him forward.

"And last but certainly not least, Spottedkit, from this moment on you will be known as Spottedpaw. Frostleaf, you are ready for your first apprentice. Your spirit and carefree nature will be passed down to Spottedpaw, and together you will keep the Clan's bond strong."

Again Spottedpaw and Frostleaf touched noses, but Skypaw was frowning in confusion. She turned towards Cloudpaw, who was nodding in approval at Goldenstar's choice.

"What does she mean by keeping the Clan's bond strong?" she couldn't help but ask.

"It means that our Clan, unlike CaveClan, is strongest when we work together," Cloudpaw explained almost at once. "You see, when the Clan was first formed we weren't really close to one another. But then a great tragedy struck the Clan, killing off most of our warriors. When Wingstar saw what was happening, he decided that it was time the Clan became closer, not as just friends, but as family. We treat each other with respect and love, because that's what keeps us together."

That's a lot to take in, Skypaw realized. She suddenly understood why the Clan had welcomed her with open paws when she first arrived. It was their way of ensuring that she was treated like family. But that didn't explain why Cinderstorm always treated them like foxdung. She tried shaking off the confusion as the ceremony drew to an end. Something told her that there was still so much she had yet to learn about this Clan. And she was about to find that out the hard way.

AN: Don't you just love time skips? :P Truthfully I don't, but I figured it would be good to have one since there's really not much to describe. Anywho, onto review replies!

Lightclaw's Shadow - Yep, she finally has some much needed friends... let's see how long that lasts :P

Foreststar of WindClan - Yeah, Cinderpaw- er, Cinderstorm, is definitely a big old grump who needs to be put in her place. Actually she reminds me a lot of Dustpelt and Sandstorm from the original arc :) Maybe that's why I actually like her XD And yeah, Redflower doesn't deserve the name she has...

SilverStormyWolf - Thanks for reviewing! I appreciate it :) I'll see what I can do... I've already got most of the story planned out, and I'm already a few chapters ahead. So he might not be shown until towards the end of the book. But we shall see, I'm glad you're enjoying the story though!

Petalfur - You're welcome :) And that would be cool, I'd love to see some fan art. I never expected this story to get so popular. And you should feel happy that she became an organ donor, she saved someone's life by doing that :') I'm hoping that's what I can do when I pass on. Writer's block can definitely be a pain in the butt, but I think I've got the story down pretty good. I've just been so busy over the last couple of days that updating is pretty difficult. Life can be that way ;) Thanks again for reviewing, I appreciate it!