𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐂𝐘 ──── 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯.

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚡𝚟𝚒𝚒𝚒.

MOONLIGHT WAS BEGINNING to spill into the den as Dovepaw finished restocking the coltsfoot supply and turned to look at Frozenfang, who let out a pained groan. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"It hurts all over. I can't tell what it is, though," Frozenfang explained through gritted teeth. "Can you check it before you leave?"

"Of course." With a glance at Badgertooth she strode over to Frozenfang. "Where does it hurt the most?"

Frozenfang winced as Dovepaw ran a careful paw along where the cobwebs were swathed. "My hindquarters and my hind legs," she answered.

"Would it be okay if I took off the cobwebs to take a look?" Dovepaw asked.

"Yes." Frozenfang's voice sounded tense as if she was bracing herself for the sting of air on an open wound.

When Dovepaw removed the cobwebs and gasped. Frozenfang turned to look and her eyes widened. "It's—it's gone! And it doesn't hurt anymore."

"Y-yeah," Dovepaw breathed. "I didn't think it would work because it didn't work on you before. . . ."

"But it does now," Frozenfang pointed out. "Maybe you can get more answers at the half-moon meeting?"

"I can try, but I doubt I'll get anything that's straight-forward," Dovepaw muttered. "StarClan is always vague."

"And that's why you're a medicine cat. To interpret those signs," Frozenfang told her assuringly. "I'm sure, if you get anything vague, you can interpret the signs."

Dovepaw sighed. "Sure, and I'm a mouse," she mewed sarcastically.

Badgertooth perked up and stepped forward. "If you're a mouse, why would I be performing your ceremony tonight?"

Dovepaw whirled around to look at him in shock. "What? Really? You really think I'm ready?"

Badgertooth nodded. "After all, it has been a while. And I think you're growing to be a fine medicine cat."

Dovepaw glanced at Frozenfang, whose eyes sparkled with joy for Dovepaw. She looked back at Badgertooth. "Wow! I can't thank you enough. We should get going soon, then, I suppose?" she asked gleefully. I can't believe it. I'll finally be a full medicine cat! I wonder what my new name will be. She felt giddy at the thought, and she fought to stay calm on the outside.

A purr of amusement rumbled in Badgertooth's throat. "Of course. Frozenfang, will you be alright until we get back?"

"More than alright," Frozenfang responded. "Good luck."

***

Dovepaw followed Badgertooth down the path toward the Moonpool. She saw Fawnspots and Swallowpaw up ahead, and, glancing at Badgertooth, she hurried ahead. The two WindClan medicine cats seemed to be waiting for the others. "Hey, Swallowpaw!"