eternal: hyacinth || warrior cats

chapter 13

viperpaw

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THE FOUR TOMS padded back to camp a little past sunhigh. Snakepaw was proudly carrying a pigeon, his first success in catching a winged prey, along with two lizards. Viperpaw trailed after him, bringing with him only a small vole.

"Go put that down, and bring the elders some prey," Sandstrike instructed Viperpaw, nodding at his vole. "Then you can eat."

Viperpaw quickly ducked his head and trotted off, grabbing two mice. He couldn't be more thankful that the moon was almost over; from doing their ticks to cleaning out their nests, Viperpaw was forced to do everything.

I can't believe Snakepaw got away scot-free, he thought grumpily. That's not fair!

Yet, nonetheless, he held his tongue, not daring to complain.

After dropping down the food, Viperpaw spotted Frozenkit sitting outside the nursery all by herself, a nervous look painted on her face. With a flick of his tail, he remembered today was her apprentice ceremony; the white she-cat had been anxious about it all week.

Viperpaw padded over. "Hey, Frozenkit!"

"Viperpaw!" Frozenkit's amber eyes lit in greeting, before turning into amusement as she studied him. "What happened to your pelt? Why are you all muddy?"

Viperpaw winced, remembering the rough mock fight he had with Snakepaw. He'd prefer not to think about how easily his brother beat him. "Long story. Where's Featherflight and Sweekit?"

"Washing Sweetkit's fur," Frozenkit answered. "I couldn't take Featherflight's fussing anymore, so I came out here."

"Well..." Viperpaw nudged her shoulder, accidentally smearing mud onto her perfectly groomed white fur. "Are you excited?"

Frozenkit's eyes sparkled with laughter as she cleaned off the mud. "I guess. But I'm also nervous."

"Come on," Viperpaw groaned playfully. "Being an apprentice is one of the best things ever! I mean, aren't you so excited to deal with Frostlight and Tigerstrike's ticks?"

Frozenkit purred. "I'm ever so eager," she replied sarcastically. 

"Seriously, though," Viperpaw meowed, "just wait 'til you go on patrol for the first time or learn all the cool techniques. You'll never want to go back and be a kit."

Frozenkit relaxed. "You're right. Thanks, Viperpaw."

"No problem," Viperpaw mewed cheerily. 

Just then, Ivorystar climbed up the Clanrock, and gathered the entire camp's attention with a mighty yowl.

"Let every cat of ShadowClan gather around the Clanrock for an apprentice ceremony!"

"That's your cue," Viperpaw spoke. "I'll see you when it's over."

Frozenkit nodded, quickly picking herself up as Featherflight and Sweekit burst out of the nursery, following them to the front of the crowd. Viperpaw found himself a seat next to Snakepaw, watching the entire ceremony happily.

It was good to see the Clan celebrating rather than mourning.

Ivorystar ran through the ceremony quickly. Frozenpaw's mentor was now Brooklight, and Sweetpaw was assigned to Dawnfoot.

"Frozenpaw! Sweetpaw!" Viperpaw raised his head, joining in with ShadowClan's cheer.

When the ceremony was over, Viperpaw was one of the first cats to congratulate Frozenpaw on becoming an apprentice. However, she was called by Brooklight to go tour the territory, and quickly bounded away.