Snowflake's Story

Chapter Two

River hopped down from the ledge he usually sits on in the brick building. "May cats of the clowder gather around for the Youngcat ceremony of James!" He shouted.

James's yellow eyes lit up as he raced over to River. The other cats gathered more slowly.

Stars was licking behind James's ears. "I want you to look your best," she meowed.

James pawed her away. "I'm almost a Youngcat! I can groom myself," he retaliated.

Stars only smiled. "I bet that your father is very proud of you."

James purred and turned back to River.

River seemed to be a giant compared to James. He rested his muzzle on the kitten's head, his green eyes closing. "With the power of the Ghostcats running through my veins, I call upon Echo to approve of this kitten becoming a youngcat."

Snowflake thought she could see a silver tomcat appear beside River.

With white paws.

And yellow eyes.

Echo.

Echo meowed something in River's ear that Snowflake couldn't hear. River's ear twitched, and Echo vanished.

River lifted his muzzle from James's forehead. "Echo approves," he meowed.

Snowflake could tell a burst of joy had exploded in James, but the new youngcat contained it calmly.

"Thank you, River. I will make you, Echo, all the Ghostcats in the sky, and every cat in this clowder proud," James promised.

River nodded.

The clowder began to cheer James's name. "James! James! James!"

Snowflake joined in on the cheer quickly.

Stars's green eyes shined with pride for her son.

Once the ceremony was over, Snowflake padded over to James. "You're a Youngcat!" She mewled.

James's tail tip flicked. "I know! It's so cool--I could barely contain my excitement! I'll learn so many things! I can't wait to train with you, Snowflake!"

"But first, you're training with the other youngcats," a voice behind them meowed. It was Tim. "River assigned me to train you first," he explained.

James nodded. "Who am I training with?"

"Me!" Cocoa meowed, bounding over. He seemed very tough and full of energy. "You're going to be my prey, little kitten!"

James winced.

"He won't hurt you," Tim promised.

"But you're going to help me learn how to track! And you'll be my prey! And i'll get you!" Cocoa bounced around.

James only rotated his ears.

"C'mon, what are you waiting for, kitten?" Cocoa teased, pawing at James's ear.

James stood up straight. "You'll never be able to track me!"

"We'll see about that, kitten!" Cocoa replied, running to the brick building's exit.

"I'm no kitten anymore!" James retaliated. He glanced at Snowflake before following Cocoa, Tim close behind.

Snowflake watched them go.

"Milk, Ash, Squirrel!" River called from the side of the room. The three tomcats padded over. "Will you go hunting for food, please? Sara complained about being hungry. Her kittens are coming soon."

Snowflake flicked her tail and padded over to Snuggle, who was chatting with Glow, as usual.