Chapter 2
Three moons had passed since the naming ceremonies for Foxfang, Icestorm, Rosepaw, and Toadpaw, and another litter of kits had been born. Applekit was a dark brown tabby like his father- Birchfall- while the she-cat, Ashkit, had Whitewing's snowy pelt. The nursery had become very crowded with the number of cats doting over the new kits and Birchfall never left his mate's side. The nursery had become very crowded and Jaykit was glad that Briarkit, Bumblekit, and Blossomkit were getting the apprentice names today.
Paw steps from the nursery made Jaykit look up in surprise. Whitewing's snowy head poked out of the den and soon the rest of her white body came out. Seeing Jaykit's surprised gaze, the white she-cat explained, "I wanted to ask Leafpool if she had anymore borage. Birchfall offered to get some, but I need to stretch my legs. I miss going out on patrols, but Applekit and Ashkit make everything easier." Whitewing added quickly and then she bent down to give Jaykit a gentle lick on the head before heading over to Leafpool's den.
Jaykit watched as Whitewing disappeared and then after a couple seconds returned her mouth full of herbs. When Whitewing entered the nursery again, Jaykit got to her paws and padded over to Leafpool's den, her mind whirling with thoughts. Leafpool was sitting next to Brightheart and even though Jaykit was only at the entrance, her voice carried, "Would you get more borage, Brightheart? Maybe take one of the apprentices with you as well."
"I'll take Rosepaw. Since Hazeltail has a bellyache, she has been in camp all day," Brightheart answered, dipping her head to Leafpool before padding towards the exit. Jaykit didn't even get a chance to hide before Brightheart spotted her and meowed, "Hello Jaykit."
"Jaykit?" Leafpool's questioning mew sounded from the den and a second later, Leafpool padded up to stand beside Brightheart, "Jaykit, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Jaykit paused and then opened her mouth to add something else when another voice filled the air, "Will all cats old enough to catch their own prey, please report under Highledge for a Clan meeting."
"That's Firestar calling for Millie's kits' apprentice ceremony," Leafpool commented and then added, "Brightheart it looks like the borage will have to wait." And without another word, Leafpool padded away to stand beside Brambleclaw and Honeyfern.
Brightheart watched her leave before turning to Jaykit and asking, "Would you like to sit beside me for the meeting?" Jaykit nodded and the two of them headed over to a small group of cats, already gathered underneath Highledge. The two she-cats sat beside Cloudtail, Thornclaw, and Foxfang, all who were already gazing at Firestar.
"Three kits have reached their sixth moon and now it's time for them to earn their apprentice names. Please step forward," Firestar meowed to the three kits and after encouraging looks from Graystripe and Millie, they obeyed. "Honeyfern, you had excellent mentor is Sandstorm. I trust you to teach Briarpaw everything you know."
"With pleasure," Honeyfern meowed, padding over to stand beside Briarpaw.
Firestar nodded and continued, "Brambleclaw, you were mentor to Berrynose and he has become a fine warrior. I wish for you to do the same with Blossompaw."
Blossompaw looked at the giant warrior who padded towards her with wide eyes and touched noses with him hesitantly. Jaykit- who was the close to the two cats- heard Brambleclaw murmur, "Its okay your doing fine."
Once Brambleclaw and Blossompaw padded over to stand beside Honeyfern and Briarpaw, Firestar leapt down from Highledge and padded up to Bumblekit, his voice loud yet gentle, "I have not had an apprentice since Brambleclaw and I miss the feeling of having one. I will mentor Bumblepaw."
Firestar touched noses with Bumblepaw and Jaykit heard Thornclaw and Foxfang whispering from behind her. Tilting her ears into their conversation, Jaykit heard Thornclaw mutter, "Firestar only wants to mentor Bumblepaw because his father is Graystripe."
"Even if that is the case, Bumblepaw will be trained just like any other kit," Foxfang defended his leader and their conversation was cut short because Brightheart hissed, "Quiet."
Now that the meeting was ending, Clan life continued. Brightheart flicked her tail to Rosepaw and the two of them padded out of camp to collect borage. Firestar was asking Lionblaze to lead a patrol and the golden tom called for Hollyleaf, Poppyfrost, and Toadpaw to join him. From behind Jaykit, Brackenfur had padded to Thornclaw and Foxfang and meowed, "Want to go out hunting?"
Jaykit watched as the patrols left and her eyes drifted over to Leafpool who was congratulating Honeyfern on being chosen as a mentor. Noticing Jaykit's stare, Leafpool excused herself from Honeyfern and padded over to the Jaykit. In a knowing voice, Leafpool meowed, "You wish to speak to me?"
"Yes," Jaykit squeaked, suddenly feeling very young as Leafpool stared at her with wise amber eyes. "I wanted to know if you were thinking about taking on an apprentice."
A look of pain flashed in Leafpool's eyes and Jaykit suddenly wished she had kept her mouth shut. No doubt Leafpool was remembering her former apprentice, Jayfeather. Jaykit wasn't sure what to say and was about to pad away when Leafpool meowed, "Yes, I have been thinking about taking on another apprentice. I'm not as young as I used to be."
Staring at Leafpool's bright fur, Jaykit didn't really believe the medicine cat's words. Leafpool looked very young to Jaykit. Bringing her mind back on the conversation, Jaykit asked nervously, "I was wondering if I could become your apprentice."
Leafpool stared at Jaykit for another second before nodding slowly.
