Cats of the Clan - One

I woke up to find that the sun was in my eyes. I twitched my nose in annoyance and hid behind my brother Smokekit.1

“Ouch.” He complained as I nuzzled my nose into his soft fur.2

I chuckled and nudged him harder. “You big baby.”3

He meowed something in return, before returning back to sleep. I began to doze off when I remembered what today was. It was the day that I became an apprentice! I opened my eyes again and jumped to my feet. That’s why Lakefur, my mother, was gone, she had to talk to Swiftstar!4

I swatted at Smokekit’s ear with my paw. “Wake up! Don’t you know what today is?” I began bouncing up and down with joy.5

“Yes, now let me go back to sleep.” He groaned and covered his head with his paws.6

“Come on!” I began play fighting with him by jabbing him lightly with my paws over and over.7

“Settle down Flowerkit.” I heard my sister Littlekit scold me and I turned to face her.8

“How can you not be excited! We get to be apprentices today!” I went over to her and playfully swatted at her tail.9

She slowly stood up and cleaned the moss off of her fur. “Where is mom?” She asked after examining the nursery.10

“Probably talking to Swiftstar!” I jumped up an down a few times before I saw Snowfur give me a look between partially closed eyes.11

“Well why don’t we go get some fresh-kill! I could eat a whole dog I’m so hungry!” Smokekit exclaimed as he stretched and shook the moss from his pelt.12

I nodded and led the way outside the nursery, where a few warriors and apprentices where walking around and lazing in the sun. I grabbed a plump looking vole while Smokekit and Littlekit got a small bird to share.13

“So how are you three doing today?” Hawkfire walked up to us and sat down.14

I swallowed the little bit of meat I had in my mouth before talking. “Great! Did you know that today is the day we get to be apprentices?” I asked enthusiastically.15

“Why yes I did Flowerkit.” The orange tom smiled and patted me on the back with his tail. 16

“I think everyone in the camp knows from the way you’ve been carrying on all morning.” Our father Turtlerock came up beside Hawkfire and sat down. 17

“Very funny.” I stuck my tongue out at him and gulped down the rest of my meal.18

“So did you hear what happened on the morning patrol?” Hawkfire asked Turtlerock.19

“No, I was on the hunting patrol over by the WindClan border.” He replied.20

“Well…” Hawkfire began to whisper into Turtlerock’s ear and his eyes became bigger and bigger as Hawkfire continued.21

“Does Rainbreath know?” Turtlerock asked once Hawkfire was done with the story.22

He shook his head. “Swiftstar said not to tell her.”23

Turtlerock nodded and Hawkfire padded off towards the warrior den.24

“Well guys, it looks like Swiftstar and Lakefur are coming out of Swiftstar’s den.” Turtlerock chuckled under his breath as I jumped up and turned around.25

I looked at Smokekit and Littlekit and the look on their faces told me that they were just as excited as I was.26

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather." Swiftstar jumped up onto the highledge as his voice rang out over the camp. The warriors and apprentices slowly made their way over.27

“Come on.” Turtlerock nudged us over to the bottom of the highledge where Snowfur was waiting with a smile on her face. We were her first kits that had survived long enough to become an apprentice.28

“Today we have gathered to add three new apprentices to our clan, and with the hard leaf bare that has just left us, I’m sure we are all glad to have the extra help.” There were murmurs of agreement that rippled through the crowd. “So with that, will Littlekit, Smokekit, and Flowerkit please step forward!” We all stepped forward and bowed our heads towards the ground. "Will you protect and remain loyal to the clan at all times?" 29

“Yes.” We all meowed loudly.30

“The from now until you receive your warrior name, you shall be called Littlepaw, Smokepaw, and Flowerpaw” We were all smiling at one another as the other apprentices called out.31

“Littlepaw! Littlepaw! Smokepaw! Smokepaw! Flowerpaw! Floawerpaw!” As they were cheering I saw three cats make thier way to where we were standing.32

“Dawnwhisker, Redsky, and Rainbreath,” Swiftstar continued. “I know you will teach them well.” Littlepaw and Dawnwhisker touched muzzles and went to stand off to the side while Smokepaw and Redsky greeted each other and Rainbreath and I touchee muzzles. I couldn't help but notice that she smelled like mint.33

“I’m so happy for you.” Lakefur gave me a quick lick on the ear. 34

“So do you want to go on the next hunting patrol?” Dawnwhisker asked.35

“Yes!” We all exclaimed at the same time.36

“I’m sorry.” Redsky laid his tail across Smokepaw’s shoulder. “But I’m went out on the morning patrol, so you are going o help Pebblepaw clean out the Nursery.” Smokepaw frowned but nodded and trotted over to wear Pebblepaw was standing outside Tanglepath’s den.37

“Come on Flowerpaw!” I turned and to my surprise the other three cats were already at the entrance of the camp, waiting for me.38

“Coming!” I gave an apologetic smile to Smokepaw and raced to catch up with the others.39