CHAPTER 3

"Assignment lines!" Adder announced, his gruff voice ringing through the camp. Eclipse looked up from her half-eaten finch and stood before padding over to the four lines that were already forming. She stepped into her place behind Marrow and in front of Spider, as she did every day. For kits, your rank was by age, but it was much more difficult for other cats.

"Excuse me," mewed a smug voice from the Protector's line. Eclipse watched with wide eyes as Shade slipped in front of Dune, wacking the golden warrior with his gray tail.

"That isn't your spot," Dune meowed calmly, though his eyes were burning with anger.

Shade shrugged, and with a smirk, he replied, "Oh, but it is. After your performance yesterday…well, let's just say you were demoted."

"He's right," Eagle added, appearing beside the two. "Now stop acting like a Claw and get into line." With a huff, Dune followed orders, and Eagle gave Dune a slight smirk before taking his place at the head of the line.

"Eagle's been a council member for a while now, huh?" Spider remarked.

Eclipse turned around to face her brother. "I mean, he's not old, so I don't see the problem with it."

"Normally the Head Protector dies in battle really quickly. That's what Thorn told me. He says Eagle's immortal," Spider told her with wide eyes. Eclipse scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"Sure. You need to stop talking to Thorn. He just wants trouble." Eclipse kept her voice low, in case Thorn would hear from the next line over, but he was busy tearing up a large leaf with his claws.

The clearing fell silent, and Eclipse quickly turned around to watch Reaper slowly emerge from his den. His inky black figure was like a patch of nighttime against the layer of frost that covered the clearing. His cold eyes traced the crowd as he calmly made his way toward his spot on the snow-covered log that he used for addressing his subjects. Adder quickly joined his leader, followed by Reed and Jay.

"The sun has risen another day, and we have risen along with it. Prepare for daily assignments," Adder meowed. He rattled off his piece quickly, his eyes bored. It was the same every day. But routine was good for the clan. At least that's what Reaper always said.

"Chip, take Mist, and Fawn hunting. Return at midday for the midday meal before going out again. Sunny and Ivy, you two will hunt after the morning meal and return for the day at midday. Owl, you'll join Chip's group after midday. Citrus, off day. Are we clear?" Reaper fixed his gaze on the line of Scouts as they nodded in unison.

"Yes, sir," they chorused.

"Good. Eagle, you'll…" Eclipse's mind slowly drifted off into nowhere, the sounds of her father's voice melting into a soft hum. I wonder when I'll get my first assignment… she thought wistfully. Her expression turned sour. But it won't be a Protecting assignment, she reminded herself.

"Eclipse?" asked a voice, jarring Eclipse from her thoughts. She blinked twice and turned around to find Citrus gazing at her intently.

"Oh! Sorry." Eclipse scrambled around to face the Head Scout. "Can I help you?" she asked.

Citrus nodded. "I'd like to speak with you. Let's go for a walk." Eclipse calmly nodded her agreement, but nerves and excitement battled each other on the inside.

Eclipse followed the ginger and white she-cat out of camp, nearly sprinting to keep up with her long strides. Finally, they made their way to a tiny clearing in between two holly bushes. Eclipse was careful to weave around the thorn as she sat down across from Citrus.

"Eclipse," Citrus began. "I've heard you want to be a Protector." Eclipse's heart sank. Citrus was here to deliver more bad news.

"I know I can't be one. She-cats are too weak," Eclipse mumbled sullenly. To her surprise, Citrus let out a huff.

"Don't you dare think like that," Citrus snapped. Eclipse looked up at her with wide eyes. "She-cats can be anything. Toms like to think that they're better than us, to preserve their fragile egos."

Citrus scoffed. "It's funny how they think we're so helpless. It makes them feel powerful and smart, but really, they're the dumb ones. They have no idea what we can do."

Eclipse what dumbfounded. Flabbergasted. Appalled. Who knew the loyal, quiet Head Scout was so fiery and passionate? "U-um…" Eclipse stuttered.

Citrus let out a long sigh. "Sorry. I probably scared you." A few moments passed.

"No, it's fine," Eclipse finally meowed. "I completely agree. But it's not like we can do anything about it." Eclipse dragged her tail through the snow. Her thick fur gathered clumps of ice, and she quickly flicked them off.

"And that's where you're wrong. The Saber is full of cats like us, she-cats and toms, who want change. We're going to get it." In that moment, with her gleaming green us and sleek pelt, Citrus looked like a goddess. Powerful, courageous, and strong.

"Who else is with you?" Eclipse asked with wide eyes.

Citrus smirked. "You'll find out when you prove yourself, little kit. You'll be getting your first Scout assignment soon enough. I've already talked to your father and arranged for me to train you. We can talk then." Eclipse winced. She hadn't even thought about her father. What would he do if he found out?

He won't, Eclipse told herself. She took a deep breath and stared Citrus right in the eyes.

"I'm in."

Notes: Not much to say really! Just go touch some grass I guess lol. And then come back and read the next chapter!