Warriors: A New Light (Book 1)

~ Chapter Three ~

Thrushkit

Thrushkit inhaled a breath. Tomorrow would be the day he strikes six moons old, the same day he would become an official apprentice of his clan. The corners of his mouth tilted upward, forming a smile. An apprentice. It struck him awkward. Who would be his mentor? All the cats in his clan were magnificent, such skilled warriors. He would be lucky to have any! He strongly believed that his own father would end up being the one whom trained him. Ever since he was a couple moons old, Dustwhisker had gone on and on in such optimism on how he wanted to be the mentor of Thrushkit, and how he'd make him the most powerful warrior in all the clans. He doubted he'd be the most powerful warrior, but he had good thought that he would be a favourite. After his sister had died the same moment she had just been born, his clanmates had overrun him with affection and favoritism. No one, not even his denmates, minded it. He only minded it ever so little. He enjoyed the love, knowing that his clan would always be there for him. But at the same time, he wanted everyone to be an equal. Not one better than the other. Except for the leader of course.

"Are you excited for tomorrow?" His mother, Brambleflower, broke into his quiet yet quick thoughts. She sat beside him, curling her long, plumy tail around his lower back. He nodded, shifting his weight until he sat in a more comfortable position.

"I am." He replied verbally this time. He glanced at the sun dipping below the horizon. The clan was rather empty, cats out to hunt and patrol the borders before it was time to relax for the rest of the evening. He looked over at his mother, whom was softly yet sadly gazing after the horizon, lost in though as it seemed.

"Are you missing her?" He said gentle and quietly, careful not to tread on any sensitive nerves that may attract the tears of her heart.

She couldn't help but dip her head, closing her eyes. "I am. I always am, every day." She responded desperately. The strong scent of CloudClan tested the air, bringing notice to Rainstar, who was sitting high on the Tall Boulder. Cats brought bundles of prey, a few even kind enough to gather herbs for Birdsong and her storage.

"Thrushkit! Tomorrow is the big day!" Dustwhisker hopped on over, quickly nuzzling his mate between the ears before doing the same for his son. The small kit smiled.

"You excited to train with your father?" He said in a playful voice.

"Have you talked to Rainstar?" He asked, surprised.

"No, but I'm already assuming she'll choose me. I am the perfect fit for you, after all. Any cat could see that." He puffed out his chest proudly, before turning toward the prey pile. He noticed Brambleflower slightly roll her eyes. She sighed, shaking her head before getting to her paws and nudging Thrushkit after him.

Without question, he followed. Mistfur was sitting below Rainstar, looking around camp and seeming satisfied for once. You never knew with that deputy, always on track and making sure everyone was following the warrior code. In his own mind, he thought Mistfur was the best deputy. Everyone else wasn't as good of a rule follower as her, or as straightforward and honest, even though sometimes you heard truth in things that you didn't want to before.

"Are you excited for your apprenticeship, young Thrushkit?" He looked up, gaping, as he saw Rainstar himself beckoning him forward. He shook out his long, brown fur, the surprise finally dissolving. He dipped his head, stepping toward the leader.

"I very much am. Have you decided a mentor for me, Rainstar?" He asked politely, afraid to be a burden for the leader.

"Why yes I have. I think you're going to be pleased with the cat that I have selected for you." He murmured, a low purr rumbling in his throat. Thrushkit's belly tightened. Was that 'cat' his father? He didn't know who he wanted as his mentor, he just hopped it was a cat that would be kind to him.

StarClan, I promise I'll be a good apprentice.

THE NEXT DAY

It wasn't long before Sunhigh, cats sitting around in the clearing, it being obvious what was about to happen at this next moment.

He had already called the meeting, now standing atop the boulder, his eyes shimmering with pride and fur slicked neatly along his lithe frame.

"Thrushkit, step forward." Rainstar called, his voice ringing clearly around the hollowed camp. Slightly nervous, he trotted forward, praying to StarClan he wouldn't make a fool of himself on this special day he had been looking forward to all his life.

"Thrushkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Thrushpaw." He forced himself to stop trembling, from both excitement and anxiety. The next thing that Rainstar would do, would be naming who his mentor would be. He glanced behind him, to see his father smiling and lifting his head. He looked proud, and ready.

"Your mentor will be Nightfeather. I hope he will pass down all he knows on to you."

Cats started cheering their names, and Thrushpaw hopped over to his new mentor, touching him lightly on the nose.

"I promise I will try to be the best mentor you could of ever had," The black warrior murmured gently in his ear, purring. Thrushpaw felt happy, his whiskers quivering.

"And I promise I will try to be the best apprentice you could of ever had." He vowed.

Cats began to congratulate the both of them, dipping their heads and offering each other pieces of prey.

The only one who didn't come to congratulate them was Dustwhisker. He hung in the back, glowering. His eyes were darkened and threatening. He slowly walked over, his nostrils flaring.

"I was going to be your mentor," He hissed, before glaring at Nightfeather.

"Do not take your anger out on us. It was not suppose to be our decision in the first place. Respect Rainstar's choice." Nightfeather said defensively. Thrushpaw felt trapped in place.

Conflict. I can sense it. Is it jealousy from father? No. I....I think it's hatred.

Thrushpaw lowered his body, watching Dustwhisker snarl and angrily stomp away, going to who knew where. He peeked over at Nightwhisker to see his reaction, and he noticed him looking rather concerned. Rather confused. Dustwhisker was a very difficult cat, but he wasn't usually this upset about something. 

He expected his father to be happy. Why would he care so much about who got to be his mentor? Surly he could still help him out with training? He just wouldn't take the official role of a mentor, that's all. 

Thrushpaw looked at the ground in frustration, until Nightfeather sneaked closer to him and pressed a flank against his. "Don't worry so much about your father. He'll get over his own problems soon enough." He said gently in his ear.

"But what if he doesn't?" He responded, looking up. 

Nightfeadher's gaze softened to as soft as it could get, but he didn't say anything. He shook his head side to side. "Just leave him be for a while. And if he can't cool off by himself, I'm sure Brambleflower will find a way to calm him down. He's being..." He broke off, as if wanting to say "ridiculous' or 'mousebrained' but clearly having second thoughts, as if he didn't want to hurt the young toms feelings. "C'mon, I'll give you. tour of the territory." He said/

Thrushpaw heaved what seemed to be an inaudible sigh, before following his newly assigned mentor out the camp, hoping he'd catch sight of his father and that he had come to his senses.

AUTHORS NOTE: Yes, just came out right after the second chapter, but YAY! That's it for the pre-written chapters, now I can write NEW ONES that can be LONGER and probably more exciting :P Comment and vote if you enjoyed <3 (after all I can only continue if I know people are actually reading this-)