Danger Force in Shadowclan

Chapter 7

The new-leaf sun, warmed Owlswoops pelt as she stepped outside of the warriors den. She padded over to Tansystar's den. She noticed Doestep sat there as well. "You wanted to see us?"

"Yes," Tansystar started, "you two are both skilled warriors, I was considering giving you one of Sagecreeks kits, but I figured I would observe you a little longer. If you'd take my offer, one of Rosesun's kits will be your apprentice." Owlswoop gasped. Her? A mentor!

"I would love to," she dipped her head.

"Me as well," Doestep added on. Tansystar nodded.

"Then I will announce it," he purred, getting to his paw. He padded outside, climbing up to Shadebranch, yowling his ancient call. The clan gathered around, Rosesun finished up her kits pelts, as they wiggled.

"Can't I be an apprentice?" Morningkit asked, prodding at a beatle on the ground.

"In two moons yes, but not right now," Wolfcry replied.

"Today Shadowclan remains proud, Pebblekit and Mothkit are at the age of six moons old, and it is time for them to be apprenticed. Until they have earned their warrior name they will be known as Pebblepaw and Mothpaw."

"Doestep you are a thoughtful and well-rounded warrior, I hope you pass all you know down to Mothpaw." Owlswoop's heart beated out of her chest as her fathers gaze stopped on her. "Owlswoop, you are a strong and independent warrior. I hope you teach all you know down to Pebblepaw." Owlswoop found the small gray she-cat among the crowd, and placed her nose gently onto hers.

"What will we do first?" She asked,

"I thought we'd tour the territory," Owlswoop replied, "and if we have time I'll show you basic hunting techniques." Pebblepaw nodded, bouncing around her mentors paws as they exited camp. Owlswoop gazed down, relieved to find Pebblepaw sticking close to her side. She perked her ears up at the sound of water lapping. "We are coming up to the lake, it's beautiful, and you can see the island." Pebblepaw's blue eyes widened with excitement, and she picked up her pace.

She slowed down when the large body of water came into view. "Woah!" Pebblepaw gasped, "which clan is which?"

"Well near us is woodlands like ours, just not as dense, thats Thunderclan," Owlswoop replied, "and then it opens up, thats Windclan, and then next to them is Riverclan."

"How can cats stand being in the open like that?" Pebblepaw snorted as they padded closer to Thunderclan, "I would feel as though I have no fur!" Owlswoop purred with amusement.

"I'm sure they think how we can live in all these trees!" The she-cats came to the border, and padded along side it. She found a strong scent of Thunderclan. She noticed a patrol getting closer, a senior warrior known as Hawkwatcher at the front.

"Greetings there," he dipped his head, "who is this? I don't recognize her from gatherings." Pebblepaw shrunk down anxiously.

"This is one of Rosesun's kits, Pebblepaw, she just got apprenticed today," Owlswoop replied.

"Wonderful news, may Starclan light your path," A tortoiseshell known as Lovepurr replied.

"You as well." She gestured Pebblepaw on with her tail. As she padded along, a clearing came into sight. "This is the where twolegs come and sleep in makeshift dens."

"That sounds mouse-brained!"

"Twolegs are strange creatures, that is for sure. It becomes dangerous in greenleaf." Pebblepaw nodded, tail flicking. The sound of barking in the distance caused the fur along Owlswoops spine to stick up. "Don't worry the dogs are usually secured." Pebblepaw seemed to calm down a bit. The lights in the twoleg den flickered.

"Who's there?" Owlswoop stopped in her tracks. An old gray cat sat on the fence, "oh your those clan cats aren't you?"

"We are, just passing near," she replied, carrying on. Owlswoop showed Pebblepaw the Riverclan border. She noticed the gray apprentice dragging behind, and she suppressed a yawn. "How about we head back to camp?" She suggested.

"You said you would teach me hunting!" Pebblepaw protested.

"I know, but you seem tired, and we did a lot of walking today," Owlswoop explained, "we can get up bright and early tomorrow, to start training." Pebblepaw gazed at her paws. She took the silence as she gave in. Owlswoop pushed through the thorn barrier, the camp was still cruising. Cats dropped off fresh-kill and Morningkit chased after a feather.

"Is there anything I can do?" Pebblepaw asked.

"If you'd like you can see if the elders need prey, maybe you can even change their moss." Pebblepaw opened her mouth to argue, but closed it before heading over to the fresh-kill pile. Owlswoop let out a purr of amusement, padding over to join Berrypool who was chatting with Ray.

"What are you two on about?" She asked, tilting her head as both toms looked up.

"Nothing really," Berrypool shrugged, nuzzling into the she-cat. Rays eyes narrowed at them.

"You two are mates?" He mumbled.

"You didn't know?" Owlswoop tilted her head.

"I suspected, but wasn't sure," Ray huffed. Owlswoop rubbed against Berrypool's pelt, pushing herself into his pelt.