Chapter 1
Bravepaw rushed through the forest as fast as his legs could possibly go. He was racing his best friend, Starpaw to the old thunderpath, where they would start to practice fighting. Bravepaw had awaited this day ever since he was a kit, And now it was finally he…
His thoughts were interrupted as he tripped over a tree stump and fell face-first into the ground. Moments later, he heard a playful "I win!" from Starpaw. Bravepaw got up and shook the dirt off his fur. "Great StarClan, that was a close race." he said and congratulated his friend by brushing his tail against her flank. Starpaw chuckled. "It certainly was. Especially since you're the fastest apprentice out of all of us."
"Yes, but you are the 'Miracle Daughter'"
This remark ended up in him getting a faceful of dirt for a second time. "Don't call me that." Starpaw said in annoyance. Bravepaw chuckled "But it's true."
It was true. Starpaw was the daughter of Bramblestar and Squirrelflight, and the name "Miracle Daughter" came from the story that Squirrelflight was due with two cats, but a moon before they were ready, Squirrelflight got very sick and the kits were stillborn. But afterward, Leafpool, the medicine cat of Thunderclan, fell in love with a WindClan cat and was due with three kits. Jaykit, Lionkit and… another kit whose name he was never told about. But once the secret got out that the three were unrightfully hers, everything fell apart between Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight.
Then Brambleclaw realized why and forgave her by appointing her as deputy when he became leader. Moons later, they successfully had Starpaw. Bravepaw was just a moon old, but he clearly remembered how excited the clan was. Even Lionblaze, his father and the strongest and the most stubborn warrior in the clan, was weeping tears of joy.
"You guys ready for combat training?"
Bravepaw jumped slightly at the voice. It was Dustpelt, one of Firestar's close friends. His mate, Ferncloud, had died in the battle with the dark forest cats and to his knowledge, had never recovered. But he was still a strong and faithful warrior. And with his experience with his own kits, he had become a lot softer around kits and apprentices.
Bravepaw and Starpaw both nodded excitedly.
"Alright then," Dustpelt said, "Let's get started!"
Bravepaw had never felt so worked in all his life. He felt like he had learned every single possible fighting move, and he was still having trouble with the teeth grip. It was the one move that he was having trouble with, and he could just easily ask to go back, but he really wanted to get it right. So he lined in front of Dustpelt and circled him. Then, he leaped at Dustpelt's tail. Dustpelt dodged easily and began to speak to Bravepaw when he landed.
But Bravepaw wasn't done. He quickly turned and lunged at Dustpelt for a second time. Dustpelt was caught completely off guard, so Bravepaw landed on top of him, biting into Dustpelt's scruff as hard as he possibly could. But Dustpelt managed to shake him off after a few seconds. Bravepaw landed onto the ground while Dustpelt forced himself back a few steps.
Then he collapsed and went limp.
Bravepaw froze.
Did he just kill his mentor?
Bravepaw and Starpaw rushed up to him and tried to help him up. Bravepaw was terrified, thinking he had accidently killed Dustpelt, his own Clanmate.
This was bad.
Then Dustpelt blinked, and started to laugh.
"Well done, Bravepaw. You seem to have finally got it. Just next time, please don't use it on your own Clanmates."
Starpaw exhaled with relief. Bravepaw silently thanked StarClan.
"Instead of killing our own Clanmates, why don't we head back to camp?" Starpaw suggested lightly.
Bravepaw nudged her in annoyance and said "Yes, let's go back."
While they were walking back, Bravepaw about how much he had learned. He had learned so many attacks he felt like his head would explode. But, aside from almost killing Dustpelt, it had been worth it. He couldn't wait to tell Lionblaze and Cinderheart what he had learned. He couldn't wait to show all the apprentices. There was so much he wanted to do that evening.
Then he smelled something strange, and he wasn't the only one. His Clanmates were sniffing curiously too.
Then a cream-colored cat stepped from the bushes and saw them.
"What's this?" she asked smugly. "Trespassers on ShadowClan territory?"
End of Chapter 1
