Chapter XIII

Cinderpaw was still gazing at Snowhaze's five kittens, when Rosestar's unmistakable voice yowled, "All cats old enough to catch their prey gather beneath the Burnt Log!"

Everyone perked up. It had been somewhat of a lazy day, and everyone was looking for some excitement that was preferably not generated by Snowhaze's kits. "We will be fighting EmberClan." Rosestar told them, cutting straight to the point. "Yesterday, some warriors spotted rival warriors carrying away our prey. We shall not let this go easily. We will ambush EmberClan tomorrow at midnight." The leader informed the shocked cats.

"Also as some of you might have noticed," Rosestar started again. "The Gathering is today, and I have chosen some cats to go. The DuskClan cats who will go are Cloudfall, Bumbleberry, Dustblaze, Fawnberry, Bramblepaw, Shadowpaw, Cinderpaw," The gray apprentice mentioned twitched her ears in surprise.

The Clan dispersed; since it was only some time after sun-high, there was only one more patrol to attend. Cinderpaw's mentor called her over to where she was standing next to the Burnt Log. "I would like you to come into my den, as I have something important to tell you." Rosestar's expression was all business now, no excited grin.

Inside the rectangular-shaped den, Rosestar pulled her apprentice to the farthest corner. "You, are part of a age-old prophecy." Cinderpaw nodded, blinking her eyes, making them appear wider. "The prophecy says that when I find the special kit, which is you, you shall save us all." Rosestar continued.

What? But-but- the Clan is not in danger! What do I have to save them from? How can I possibly do it? To save someone who I'm not familiar with… I can't do it. It can't be me! A torrent of thoughts rushed at Cinderpaw.

But then, she remembered Thunderstar, Riverstar, Windstar and Shadowstar. It couldn't have been just a dream, right? What the leaders had told her… Then Rosestar is right. If I was a normal 6-and-a-quarter-moon-old 'paw, I wouldn't have gotten the dream…

"Then that is all I have to tell you. Thank you for your time." Rosestar meowed, tipping her head to one side. "You may have some free time to think about it." She added generously, smiling once more.

Cinderpaw murmured a "Thanks" under her breath and, picking her way down the rocks, she headed towards the nursery.

The young cat didn't know how to explain it, but she felt a strong connection to Smokekit, like they knew each other as if they were brother and sister. Well, I do want to spend time with the kits. So it is a good decision to spend my precious free time with them. Cinderpaw entered the burrow-like den, where the kits were still cuddled up to their mother.

Snowhaze lifted her head when she saw the gray she-cat enter the den. "Hi there, Cinderpaw. The kits are still very young, would you like to take care of them?" The young apprentice nodded shyly, gazing at the small cats.

"Hi, Smokekit." Cinderpaw whispered to the smallest. "Don't touch him!" Snowhaze meowed. The apprentice shot back with a frightened look on her face. "Just… he's very small and fragile. He could get hurt without me knowing." She corrected softly, her face guilty.

Smokekit mewled loudly. The gray cat looked up at Snowhaze, and seeing as she was looking away, she whispered again to the kit.

"You're not weak. Don't listen to any of them."

A/N: So! Who wants to strangle Snowhaze? Wow, seems like Cinderpaw's getting courageous. Sorry if last chapter was a little bad, I was sleepy and grumpy at the time xD

I changed my pen name once again, from Aqua's Color Palette to Aquamarine Sapphire. Old usernames are still on my profile so if you search me (stalk me) on google, with any name I've ever used it will probably come up.

Anyway… I want to hear your opinions-slash-reviews-slash-feels. Let's make our ultimate goal 70, OK?

I want your opinion on what you make of the connection between Cinderpaw and Smokekit… I haven't really decided what I'm going to do about it. Love, acquaintance or friend?

Also, updates will be more frequent! YAY! One more month and SCHOOL'S OUT! Lol xD

QOTD: What do you make of the connection between Cinder and Smoke? I'd love to hear your opinions.

~Aqua ≥◊≤