Destiny

CHAPTER ONE

Mallowkit peeked out of the nursery, alert for any warriors that happened to be outside. The dawn patrol just left and his father, Pikestar already went back into his den. He quickly, and quietly, sneaked out and padded toward the exit of the RiverClan camp. He thought about the weird scent he picked up outside of the nursery a few days ago. He knew it was outside the RiverClan camp, and today was the day he decided to find out what it was. But unfortunately, before he even had a chance to leave camp, he bumped into Shellheart, the clan deputy.

“Where do you think you're going?” Shellheart growled lightly. His voice was strong and deep, and his tortoiseshell pelt was sleek and fat. Though Shellheart is the oldest senior warrior, he still had great strength and agility. His mother would tell him all the stories of his battles with Pikestar and how he was chosen as deputy.

“I just wanted some fresh air.” he mewed, hoping there was no uncertainty in his reply.

“I don't think so.” Shellheart rumbled. “The last time you said that, you climbed up a tree outside camp and Icefur had to get you down. Bluemist was very worried.”

Mallowkit looked down at his paws guiltily. He knew RiverClan cats liked to swim and catch fish, not climb a tree like a ThunderClan cat. But it was so tempting, like the tree was urging his paws to go up, and have an adventure. And once he went up, he didn't feel like coming down, no matter how many times Silverkit pleaded. His fun only ended when Icefur, the only cat brave enough to go up that high, take him down. He expected Pikestar to scold him and tell him that RiverClan cats don't climb, but instead, his father purred in amusement, like he knew something everyone else doesn't.

“In case you forgot,” Shellheart meowed. “today is you apprentice ceremony. I suggest you be on your best behavior.”

Mallowkit gulped. He forgot! “I will, Shellheart” he replied.

Shellheart nodded and disappeared into a thicket where the warriors made their den. He knew that someday that's where he would be sleeping too.

“Mallowkit!” a familiar voice called. He turned around, and saw his littermate sigh in relief. Silverkit's pelt was licked clean by Bluemist, all ready for the ceremony. “Mallowkit, Bluemist is worried. We thought you left camp again.”

“I almost did.” he admitted. “But Shellheart reminded me that today is the apprentice ceremony.”

“We can finally go to Gatherings.” her bright blue eyes shining with excitement.

Just then the dawn patrol came back, carrying lots of fish and some voles. “It's getting harder to catch prey now that it's leaf-fall.” he heard Rockpaw grumble.

“No complaints.” Goldenfoot warned. “RiverClan always find a way.”

As he padded back to the nursery behind Silverkit, he heard Mapleleaf meow loudly, “He's over here, Bluemist!”

Almost immediately, Bluemist rushed over to him and gave him a few fierce licks. He tried squirming away, but he knew he couldn't escape his mother's grasp. “It's your first ceremony and you choose to run off again.” she scolded him lightly. “How will you ever become a responsible warrior that way? Your father would never approve...”

“Go easy on him.” Mapleleaf purred. “He'll learn soon enough.”

Mallowkit blinked at her gratefully. Yes, I will. He promised.