A Spark in the Night, part one: The Spark Ignites

Chapter twelve

"Softpaw, Featherpaw, do you promise to uphold the Warrior Code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

Softpaw stood as tall as she could. "I do!"

Featherpaw trembled, but her response was confident. "I do."

Emberstar smiled at them. "Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Featherpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Featherleap. StarClan honors your bravery and quick thinking. Softpaw, you will be known as Softcloud. StarClan honors your kindness and loyalty. You are both welcomed as full warriors of MistClan."

"Softcloud! Featherleap! Softcloud! Featherleap!" The Clan chanted their new names.

"Okay, Softcloud. Featherleap. Go sit at the entrance. When the sun finishes setting, your vigil begins, and you stop talking." Bluemist instructed.

The two new warriors nodded and headed towards the entrance. "I can't believe we're warriors!" mewed Featherleap.

Softcloud smiled. "Same!" and then added, "Shinepaw should be with us, though. What do you think his name would've been?"

Featherleap thought for a few heartbeats, then replied, "Shineheart."

Softcloud nodded. "The sun is almost down. Let's be silent now." she mewed.

Featherleap nodded and they sat without speaking. Now I'm a warrior. I have to do something about Grasswhisker and Leafclaw.

When morning came, Bluemist approached Featherleap and Softcloud. "Your vigil is over." the deputy told them. "You may go and rest."

Featherleap smiled at her. "Thanks."

"Yes, thank you, Bluemist." Softcloud added.

Featherleap turned to look at Softcloud. "It's time to pick an area to sleep!"

Softcloud nodded. "Let's go!"

They entered the den. Softcloud decided to set up her nest as far as possible from Grasswhisker and Leafclaw. And close to Strikestone... She found an open area and got moss from the medicine den. Perfect. She brought the moss to the warriors' den and piled it in the area she'd found.

When she was done, Softcloud grabbed a small mouse from the fresh-kill pile. I haven't hunted today, I should have something small.

She finished up her mouse, headed to the warriors' den, and curled up to sleep.

Softcloud woke up in StarClan for a special dream. Maybe I can see Shinepaw this time. She noticed that she could pick up his faint scent. "Yes!" she mewed aloud. She followed the scent until she could see his silver pelt in the distance. Her heart soared at the sight of her dead littermate. "Shinepaw! Shinepaw, over here! It's me!"

Shinepaw turned around. "Softcloud! I watched your ceremony! I hoped you'd come!"

Softcloud smiled. "You should've been with us. And besides-"

Shinepaw suddenly stiffened. "Wake up, Softcloud!"

Softcloud looked at her paws. "Why? Do you not-"

Shinepaw looked at her, frantic. "Softcloud! I know what's best. Please, try to wake up!!"

Softcloud could tell something serious was happening. "I'll try!"