Chapter 19

"Warriors! Gather!" Lightningstar called over the barn.

Wolfpaw walked out of the apprentice den, which was some sort of stall in the barn. He gulped. He'd been preparing for what he'd say to Lightningstar, now he'd have to try to say it.

"It is time for one of apprentices to become a warrior. Lizardpaw!" Lizardpaw gasped and stepped forward, for once looking about as nervous as Wolfpaw. "Wingshadow has been watching you," Lightningstar flicked her gaze towards Wingshadow for a moment, "She tells me you're worthy for a warrior name. So let Starclan look down to agree with that. Do you promise to be loyal to this clan even at the expense of your life?"

"Yes. Yes!" Lizardpaw stood up straighter and shouted.

Lightningstar flashed one of her rare admiring smiles. "Then from now on, you will be known as Lizardtail!"

The clan broke out cheering for Lizardtail. Wolfpaw meanwhile, slipped through the crowd until she reached Lightningstar. She was climbing back up the ladder. "Lightningstar!" Wolfpaw called after her.

Lightningstar turned around. "Yes?" She asked. She didn't sound as patient as usual, she probably already knew what was about to happen.

Wolfpaw felt tempted to gulp again, but he knew she didn't like that. "Lightningstar, I don't want to be part of this clan anymore. I want to go to Wildclan."

"You do?" Lightningstar raised any eyebrow. She began to speak, her voice growing steadily angrier as she spoke. "Your siblings are here, your mentor is here, we have all been patient and supportive with you, and you're giving it up to join a clan we're battling with! And one you don't even know will except you!"Wolfpaw stepped backwards, his fur shrinking back in his fear. "They only have black footed cats! But fine, if you want to go try to join, do so." She glared at him darkly. "And the second you leave this camp, you won't be seen as a clanmate. You will be an intruder, and if we ever see you here again you will be treated as one! You're choice."

Wolfpaw gazed into Lightningstar's eyes, then he whirled around and dashed out of camp as fast as he could.

"Wolfpaw!" Frostfur cried after him. He didn't stop, he didn't even slow down.

Frostfur turned around to face Lightningstar. "What did you do?! That's my brother!"

"I reminded him he was leaving his siblings." Lightningstar growled. "I told him everything honestly and bluntly, and he still picked Wildclan. Maybe he doesn't love you as much as you thought." Then she turned around and climbed up the ladder, disappearing from everyone's sight.

Wolfpaw meanwhile, was racing through the forest. He knew everyone had heard Lightningstar, and everyone would surely attack him if they saw him on the territory again. He managed to reach Wildclan's border. He slowed down, letting himself catch his breath. Then a thought occurred to him and he stopped in totality. Wildclan would still think of him as an enemy, he would have to wait for a patrol.

Time seemed to stretch out. Then Ripstar and Coldsting showed up. Ripstar blinked in surprise when he saw the apprentice. "Wolfpaw!" Then he narrowed his eyes. "Where's the rest of the patrol? Hiding?"

Wolfpaw shook his head. "I came alone."

"Why?" Ripstar seemed to generally want to know.

Wolfpaw tried to stand a little straighter, but he suspected if he tried too hard his legs would shake till he fell. "I want to join your clan."

Coldsting gave a gasp and recoiled. "What?!" He snarled.

Ripstar didn't even flinch though. "Really?" He asked.

Wolfpaw nodded. "Ripstar, you can't be seriously considering him can you?" Coldsting asked.

Ripstar ignored him though. "Again, why?"

Wolfpaw shook his head. "My loyalties are torn here." He said. "I can't serve Lightningclan."

"Absolutely not!" Coldsting shouted. "Only black footed cats can be part of this clan!"

Ripstar finally acknowledged him. "I'm sorry," He turned towards Coldsting, "Did I ever say that?"

Coldsting gasped again. "You-Ripstar, you can't be seriously considering this apprentice." He gave Wolfpaw a disgusted look. Wolfpaw dropped a little lower.

"Why shouldn't I let someone join who wants to? I don't care what kind of cat they are, so long as they can be loyal!" Ripstar snapped.

"Can he be loyal?" Coldsting questioned.

"Lightnignstar told me I'm an intruder from now on. Talk to her if you don't believe me." Wolfpaw spoke up. Both cats turned towards him. "So yeah, I can be loyal."

Ripstar turned to Coldsting. "And that," He said, "Is good enough for me."