Splashflight's Mistake (book one)

Chapter 16

"Come on, Splashpaw! I found a hiding spot for us to go each night!" Brightpaw pulled Splashpaw along the forest, towards the DewClan border. They headed towards the east side of the territory, across the river and up towards the waterfall. Hardly anyone hunted near here. The prey used this a a sanctuary to thrive and DewClan kept it that way, so they could always have a fresh supply of food. Brightpaw climbed the slippery rocks near the middle of the waterfall and leaped gracefully into it, disappearing beneath the sheets of shimmering water.

Splashpaw smiled. "Cave?! Cool!" He cried, jumping in after her. Brightpaw purred.

"Isn't it great?! No one knows about it, and the best part is, it's huge! We can explore!" She squeaked. Her eye shone with happiness.

Splashpaw purred too, curling up beside her and tucking his tail around her body. "The kits reminded me of us today," he murmured through drowsy purrs. She smiled.

"One day we can have kits that perfectly reflect each of us..." She purred. Splashpaw nodded in agreement.

Brightpaw got up, stretching. "Guess what?" She said, a playful glint in her eye. She crouched, stalking towards him and pouncing with a laugh. Splashpaw purred.

"What?" He asked, as she toppled over him, and landed on top of his belly. They lay there, gazing lovingly into each other, and Brightpaw purred harder.

"I passed my assessment! Aquastar is making me a warrior early!" She squealed with glee. Splashpaw smiled and leaned up for a kiss.

"Thats perfect, Brightpaw!" He whispered, his eyes closed and his throat throbbing and thumping with the sound of his purrs. Brightpaw puffed her chest out in pride.

"My ceremony is tomorrow! I'll be a warrior!"

Splashpaw purred, breathing in her sweet, sweet scent. This day was perfect.

*****

"Clan meeting!" Aquastar coughed from the base of the highrock. She was catching greencough, with leaf bare approaching fast and furiously. The clan gathered near the rock in a tight cluster, and Brightpaw licked her brothers forehead lovingly before prancing up beside Aquastar. Splashpaw was settled beside Nightgaze, and Redstrike was sitting beside the nursery with Heronkit and Fishkit. Venomrain was sleeping.

"Brightpaw has passed her warrior assessment with flying colors. Her mentor, Firegaze, has requested her apprentice is given her full warrior name early to reflect her perfect score. Brightpaw, step forward!" Aquastar called proudly, and Brightpaw took a shaking step forward.

"Brightpaw, I name you Brightshine in honor of your shining spirit and your bright personality. I know StarClan will welcome you into the clan with honor and respect." Aquastar finished.

"Brightshine! Brightshine!" The clan cheered. Splashpaw heard Fallingpaw call his sister's name loudest of all, his eyes shining and sparkling with joy and pride. Morningshine was glaring at the great rock, tail flicking the slightest bit beside Fallingpaw. Splashpaw ignored her and cheered along with his clan.

"Brightshine! Brightshine!"