Chapter 1

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The dawn of sunup appeared in the sky after a long night through the storm, many trees had been blown over or just blown apart, leaving many leaves scattered around StormClan's camp. Treepaw woke up, seeing his two other apprentices still asleep he wanted to take a walk around the camp.

Treepaw was a fantastic Apprentice, he hadn't witnessed the battle between DarkClan and StormClan but heard stories, and that made him curious to see what kind of fighting moves it would take to bring down a DarkClan Warrior. After moons of peace between the Clans, that wasn't necessary but the older cats who had witnessed the battle were very proud of him.

As Treepaw walked around camp, he thought about his fellow apprentice: Sunpaw. She was special to him, if not an unlikely crush, then as close as a sister. They had trained together, snuck out of camp together as littermates and even almost fought a badger together.

Treepaw felt a smack in the face whenever Sunpaw woke up and Leafpaw wove around her. But he shook it off and bounded over toward the two apprentices.

"Hello, Treepaw." Leafpaw meowed. "Hello Leafpaw..." Treepaw yawned then walked over to Sunpaw.

"Hi!" Sunpaw energetically purred.

Treepaw purred back but couldn't get close to her because Leafpaw intervened, "We're going to have to train together. So let's wake up our mentors!"

"Ah, that's exciting!" Sunpaw bounced up and down with enthusiasm, her eyes glowing wildly.

"What happened to you?" Treepaw meowed with laughter.

"Nothing... Just got to see you sleep. It's hilarious." She laughed, rolling her eyes. Treepaw felt red and turned away, but then looked at Leafpaw who shook his head in disbelief and raced over to the Warriors' Den. It was reinforced alright, sticks bound the windows shut, and the normal exit and entrance were filled with leaves.

"Swiftclaw!" Leafpaw shouted.

"Ivyclaw!" Sunpaw yowled.

"Ripplestream?" Treepaw asked calmly. Ripplestream appeared from behind Treepaw, "I'm guessing we're all both early birds, eh?" He chuckled.

"Ah, yes! Ripplestream, you survived." Treepaw purred, his mentor was also his father.

"Of course I did. I am not weak, like some cats." Ripplestream flashed an amused look in his eyes at Leafpaw.

Leafpaw's father is a real sleeper... Poor Sunfire... They must get judged all the time, Treepaw thought to himself.

"Now. Why are you three shouting into the Warriors' Den?" Ripplestream asked.

"We're ready to start our training, Ripplestream!" Sunpaw declared with enthusiasm, her tail flicking excitedly behind her.

Ripplestream nodded, his gaze shifting between the three apprentices. "Very well then. Let's make good use of this morning light."

The four of them made their way to the training grounds just outside the camp. The recent storm had left the area littered with fallen branches and damp earth, providing a challenging terrain for their exercises.

"Today, we'll focus on agility and balance," Ripplestream announced, his voice carrying over the clearing. "Treepaw, Sunpaw, Leafpaw, I want each of you to navigate through this obstacle course as swiftly and gracefully as possible."

"Alright!" Treepaw glanced at Leafpaw competitively.

"You're on." Leafpaw hissed playfully, but the hateful competitive glint in his eyes was not fake.

As the apprentices began their training, they leaped over fallen branches, balanced on narrow tree trunks, and weaved through the obstacle course with determination. Treepaw and Leafpaw raced neck and neck, each pushing themselves to outdo the other, while Sunpaw followed closely behind, her movements fluid and graceful.

Ripplestream observed his apprentices with pride, noting their progress and offering guidance where needed. He could see the potential in each of them, and he was determined to help them reach it.

As they reached the final stretch of the obstacle course, a particularly tricky section where they had to leap across a wide gap between two tree trunks, Treepaw hesitated for a moment, eyeing the distance uncertainly. Leafpaw seized the opportunity and leaped ahead, clearing the gap with ease.

But before Treepaw could follow, a sudden gust of wind caught him off balance, sending him tumbling towards the edge of the gap. With a yelp of surprise, he reached out desperately, his claws scraping against the rough bark of the tree trunk.

In that moment of panic, Sunpaw sprang into action. With lightning-fast reflexes, she lunged forward and grabbed Treepaw by the scruff of his neck, pulling him back to safety just as he teetered on the edge of the gap.

"Are you okay?" Sunpaw asked, her eyes wide with concern as she helped Treepaw to his feet.

Treepaw nodded, his heart still racing from the close call. "Thank you, Sunpaw. I... I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there."

Sunpaw smiled warmly, her gaze meeting his. "That's what Clanmates are for. We look out for each other."

Ripplestream approached them, his expression is serious but proud. "That was quick thinking, Sunpaw. You showed great courage and presence of mind."

Sunpaw dipped her head respectfully. "Thank you, Ripplestream. I just couldn't stand by and watch Treepaw get hurt."

Ripplestream nodded approvingly. "Indeed. And Treepaw, remember to always stay focused and alert, especially in challenging situations like this. A true warrior is not only skilled in combat but also in awareness and quick decision-making."\

"Yes, of course, Ripplestream," Treepaw replied.

Ripplestream nodded, satisfied with Treepaw's response. "Good. Now, let's continue with the training. Leafpaw, Sunpaw, help Treepaw up and let's finish this course."

With Leafpaw and Sunpaw's assistance, Treepaw regained his footing, his heart still pounding with adrenaline from the near fall. Determined to shake off his momentary lapse in focus, he steadied himself and prepared to tackle the remainder of the obstacle course.

Together, the three apprentices navigated through the remaining challenges of the course, pushing themselves to improve their agility and balance with each passing moment. They leaped, climbed, and ducked with precision and speed, their movements growing more fluid and confident with every step.

Ripplestream watched them closely, offering encouragement and occasional pointers to help them refine their techniques. Despite the obstacles and the lingering effects of the storm, the apprentices persevered, their determination unwavering as they pushed themselves to excel.

As they reached the end of the course, they were greeted with triumphant cheers from their mentors and fellow Clanmates who had gathered to watch their progress. Treepaw felt a surge of pride swell within him as he exchanged congratulatory nods with Leafpaw and Sunpaw.

"Well done, apprentices," Ripplestream praised, his voice ringing out across the clearing. "You have all shown great skill and determination today. Keep up the good work, and you will become formidable warriors in no time."

Treepaw nodded, his chest swelling with pride at Ripplestream's words. He knew that he still had much to learn and many challenges to overcome, but with the support of his Clanmates and the guidance of his mentor, he was confident that he could face whatever lay ahead.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its warm light over the camp, Treepaw felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With each passing day, he would strive to become the best warrior he could be, for the sake of his Clan and the honor of StormClan.

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