Feathermist's Hardship

Chapter 2

 "Reedfur! You can stop licking my fur now I'm completely fine!" exclaimed Featherkit to a light brown tabby she-cat. Reedfur had been like a real mother to her, she nursed her, took care of her, and played with her. But now, Featherkit would leave the nursery and reside in the apprentices's den. She would be able to go on hunting or border patrols, participate in battles, and be able to help around the clan.  

  Moons ago she had come to the clan as a helpless kit, but now her goal as to become the greatest apprentice the clan has ever seen. Or maybe just a good apprentice, either was good for her.    

  Reedfur looked down at Featherkit, "You're good to go now, remember don't make yourself dirty this is a big day for you, your littermates are now in the apprentices's and are happily waiting for you," Reedfur stopped and looked over to the fresh-kill pile, "There they are now, go and share a piece of fresh-kill with them, I know how excited they are for your ceremony." 

  "Thank you for taking care of me even though I don't share blood with you." Featherkit mewed. 

  Reedfur purred, "I'll always protect you, you are my kit, blood or not blood." Reedfur purred and gave Featherkit a lick between the ears. 

 Featherkit smiled and padded away towards her littermates. 

  "Hey!" A somewhat deep voice came from behind her. She turned around and saw the bulky shape of Goldenpaw. He was the kind tom who she first had met from the clan. He was just a couple of moons away from becoming a warrior.  

  "Hey Goldenpaw! Weren't you supposed to be on patrol?" Featherkit questioned. 

  "I was but then I got away, border patrols are boring especially if all we're doing is making sure ThunderClan doesn't take Sunning Rocks." Goldenpaw twitched his tail when he said ThunderClan. Featherkit knew there was a long rivalry between ThunderClan and RiverClab due to their constant fighting over Sunning Rocks. 

  "Goldenpaw! How many times do I have to tell you that border patrols are important and a big privilege for an apprentice." A golden tom padded up to Goldenpaw staring at him with furious blue eyes. 

  "I just don't like border patrols Quickshine, now I gotta run I need to go make dirt, bye Featherkit." Goldenpaw ran to the dirtplace. 

  "He was hyper to go on border patrols with me when he was a kit, how I miss those times." Quickshine sighed and walked away. 

Featherkit checked to see if her littermates were still near the fresh-kill pile. Luckily enough, they were still there sharing a massive carp. 

  "Featherkit! Look at what Gorsemist brought us! He said we should all share it so here, you can have a big bite of it first!" Streampaw purred. 

Featherkit licked her lips at the sight of a plump carp. Gorsemist probably had to hunt for long to find such an amazing piece of fresh-kill. She felt grateful having someone care for her very much. She took a bite out of the carp and gossiped with her littermates for a bit. 

 "Let all cats old enough to swim gather around to hear my words!" Shellstar's words rang around the whole camp. Featherkit ran to the clearing and sat near Mistpaw and Streampaw. Goldenpaw padded next to her and sat down.  

  "Today is a very special day for a certain kit," Shellstar purred, "Featherkit step forward." Shellstar mewed while jumping down from his rock where he gave clan meetings. Featherkit walked up to Shellstar and was just paw-steps away from the great leader. 

  "Featherkit, 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 Featherpaw. Your new mentor will be Quickshine. I hope Quickshine will pass down all he knows on to you." 

Quickshine walked up to Featherpaw and they touched noses. 

  "Featherpaw! Featherpaw! Featherpaw!" the clan celebrated her new name. She could see Mistpaw and Streampaw bouncing happily and shouting her name. Goldenpaw gave a friendly nod to her and smiled. 

  Featherpaw padded up to her new mentor. She could tell that he was very experienced if he was put on most border and hunting patrols. 

  "What should we do first?" Featherpaw asked. 

  "You should get some rest, tomorrow I'll show you how to hunt fish and some fighting moves near the river." Quickshine said confidently. "Until now, you can ask Mintfur if she has some mouse bile. because you're going to check if the elder's have ticks." Quickshine purred amused. 

  "Oh come on!" Featherpaw protested. Quickshine let out a mrrow of laughter and padded away.