Chapter 2

The full moon filtered down past all the bare but budding trees with baby leaves. I stick close to my beloved mentor, we walk with heads down. She pointed out the different scents again but this time she showed me how to cat scent from each cat and clan. We all stink! All those scents mixed together what stench!
With our clan the last one to show up. I scanned the large island full of cats. I pressed close to Rosefang. She pressed back. "Remember, don't let the other cats get secrets out of you," I just nod basking in her pretty mew.
"Don't stare at me, it's not nice," with a chuckle she flicked my muzzle with her long plumy tail.

Cats where all around me. It was almost scary. But I see the deputy Ivypool seated on the roots of the large single oak. Rowanstar looked wary at the other cats. Mistystar smiled at me as I look for other young cats, I must say the River clan leader is pretty for an old cat. I shake my head, then I hear a cats beside me and I see its Winterpaw is standing with a she cat that smells of Windclan.
"Olivesong, this is the freak cat I told you about, her strange eyes burn right through you, and I heard she likes She-cats not toms. How queer is that?" His eyes held a challenge. *I won't back down but they can't know that I do like Rosefang like I do, but who knows? Maybe I don't really like her.*
"I like my mentor and I admire her courage and good will for her clan. Don't you admire your mentor?" I respond coolly but inside my heart is racing with excitement and worry.
With a sniff I turned away my white black striped tail waving in the air.
*that should teach him!* I think to myself as I see a group of Shadowclan cats. I see Rosefang sitting with the cats of Riverclan. I drink in her sleek pale red fur. Her pretty blue eyes and I know I'm hopeless in love with her. I wonder if we could be mates. I don't want kits. But the clans frown upon same sex mates.
A light golden tabby Tom with dark green eyes, his long fur makes him look like he is floating as he catches my eye and makes his way over me. I mentally gulp. I glance back at Rose fang who nods, she wants me to see this tom. Shaking my fur I go over to him.
He looks down at me.
"Hi, my name is Darkfreeze," oh my Starclan his voice is so deep! Rosefang is right perhaps I should try to the natural first before choosing the unnatural.
Rubbing my front paws together I shyly told Him my name "Battlepaw, from Thunderclan," I keep my eyes lowered, Darkfreeze smiled at me, "That is a pretty name for a pretty she cat.," I blush at his praise, his eyes are warm and kind.
"Sit with me Battlepaw," Darkfreeze asks. I blink, "ok," I felt happy like when it's just me and Rosefang out hunting. I could get used to this. Then a voice sounded in my head. / You're betraying Rosefang, \ I shake my head to clear it. I look up at the Great Tree. All the leaders are there, I see Rowanstar, Mistystar, Onestar and my leader Brightstar.
I unknowingly start to lean against the Shadowclan tom.
"Welcome cats of all clans. This is the first gathering after the Great Storm that stole the lives of many warriors. I may be an old cat but I will lead Thunderclan as best as I can. We have a new cat in training. Her name is Battlepaw!"
All eyes turned and looked at me. I raised my head high my violet colored eyes gleaming with pride. My first gathering! Then the moment was over as the cats turned back as Onestar reported about his clan, then Shadow clan's leader and so forth they went. I rose to my paws trying to slip away from the handsome tom, but Darkfreeze heard me.
"Battlepaw, wait. It's not over yet. Stay with me. Please?" I was torn, "I barely know you, I'm sorry," I say then I saw the hurt flash in his gaze, but he then dipped his head," Wise choice, I like you Battlepaw, stay safe. If you ever need anything just find me," with that he turned and went back with his clan.
I watch him and I realized I will miss him. His strength and warmth, but I'm young and I have time to choose for now I think I want to be friends. I smile. Yes! Turning swiftly I race back to him just as he joins his clanmates. I see him jump as I crackle the dead leaves underpaw.
"Battlepaw! What do you need?" He smiles. Then I take notice that he has no battle scars on his pelt. "Are you a med cat?" I blurt out. Then I duck my head low, mousebrain!
He Chuckled, "yes, I am,"
I smile, "can we be friends?"
With a purr Darkfreeze darts over and pressed against me. My heart racing at his closeness.
"Yes I would love that," he said stepping back. His clanmates just laugh at him.
"This is why you're the med cat, Darkfreeze, your way to nice!"
"shut up Swallowsong, I trained you better than that," he said with a smirk.
"Ok, meet me halfway to the moonpool next half moon. We can get to know each other better then," he bent and gave my ear a quick lick. I returned the favor on his shoulder. "See you then," I said before dashing way back to my clan.
Tonight was great! I hope this feeling lasts.
I catch up to Rosefang as we crossed the Tree Bridge.
Yes it was a great night. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.