Snowflake's Story

Chapter Six

"May cats of the clowder gather around for the youngcat ceremony of Snowflake and Snuggle!"

River's words echoed in Snowflake's ears. She had been grooming herself for what seemed like months; her brother had been doing the same. Their pelts were as shiny as water now.

"I'm so proud of you two," Blizzard meowed to them. Her green eyes were glistening with happiness for the first time after Glass died.

"I wish Glass was here to see this," Snuggle murmured.

"But Snuggle, he is seeing this. He's watching over us," Snowflake replied.

Snuggle nodded and turned to River, who was approaching them with his chest puffed out.

"You two have been through a lot in the past few days," River meowed. "I am sorry that such a loss has struck you at a time you should feel happy." The alpha, who was usually mighty and strong, had sympathy in his green eyes. He rested his muzzle on Snowflake's head first and closed his eyes.

Snowflake felt a shiver run through her.

"With the power of the Ghostcats running through my veins, I call upon Glass to approve of this kitten becoming a youngcat."

Snowflake forced herself to keep still as she saw Glass appear beside River and whisper something in his ear. He then disappeared.

River opened his eyes and lifted his head. "Glass approves."

The clowder cheered Snowflake's name; she could make out the loudest voices of Blizzard, Snuggle, James, Cocoa and Glow.

Snowflake felt a million suns explode in her chest, emitting only pure happiness.

Next was Snuggle; it was the same thing, really. Glass had appeared again and done the same thing. Blizzard, James, Cocoa, Glow and, of course, Snowflake cheered the loudest for Snuggle.

Once the ceremony was over, the group of friends (James, Cocoa, Glow, Snuggle, Snowflake and Bird) had gathered. (Bird is the newest addition; Cocoa invited her.)

"You two aren't kittens anymore, but i'll still be calling you that!" Cocoa teased.

Bird nudged him with a shoulder. "Oh hush," she purred.

Cocoa only replied to her with a smile and a flick of his tail.

"I'm the only kitten now. I hope you guys wait for me to catch up!" Glow joked.

Snuggle flicked a gray ear. "I'd wait for you any day."

Glow smiled.

"I can't wait to train with you!" James cheered and nuzzled Snowflake.

"Me either," Snowflake purred back.

"Why so much romance all of a sudden?" Cocoa grumbled.

"You're one to say!" Glow retaliated, gesturing to Bird.

Cocoa's face flushed red as he narrowed his golden eyes at Glow.

Bird only laughed.

Cocoa rolled his eyes. "Yeah, fine, whatever, let's just all go training."

"We need a growncat to go with us; and Glow can't come," Snuggle replied.

Glow nodded. "Well, i'm going to go take a nap while all of you work your pelts off training," he joked, then trotted off.

Snowflake held her head high. "I'm glad to work my pelt off! I'll work my skin off, too!"

Snuggle flicked his ears. "Bet you won't work your muscles off!"

"Bet you can't work your bones off!"

"I'll work my eyeballs, teeth and tounge off!"

"Your tounge is a muscle, goofball! And your teeth are bones!"

"Oh."

Snowflake purred and licked Snuggle's ear. She was so happy to have him; her goofy, innocent, good-hearted brother.

Hop and Falcon trotted over. "We're here to take you all out for training together," Falcon meowed.

"I won't go easy on you!" Cocoa meowed to Snowflake, pawing at her ear.

"Wasn't hoping you would!" Snowflake replied, smiling and flicking her tail. "Because I'll get you!"

"What are you waiting for, kitten?" The chocolate colored tom raced to the entrance, Snowflake and Snuggle close behind. Bird raced past them in front of Cocoa.

"Let's race, Cocoa! Bet you can't beat me to the mossy clearing!" Bird cheered.

"Bet I can!" Retaliated Cocoa, laughing, then speeding off. Bird was on his heels.

"Here; James, race after them," Falcon meowed.

James nodded and sped off, kicking dust behind him.

Snowflake took a moment to admire how James ran; it was like he was sure of where he was going. His paws thumped onto the ground with determination, and his yellow eyes stared forward.

Snuggle pawed at Snowflake's muzzle, snatching her thoughts away. "Did you hear any of that?" He meowed.

With embarrasment, Snowflake looked up at Falcon and Hop, realizing that they had told her something that she didn't pay attention to.

"I said, you two should try to track them," Falcon hissed.

Snowflake blinked and nodded, then put her nose to the ground; but Snuggle had already got the scent and raced off. Snowflake followed him, Hop and Falcon close behind.

They arrived in the clearing. James, Cocoa and Bird were in a tree, their eyes wide with horror.

"What's going on?" Snowflake mewled. Then a horrible scent filled her nostrils.

"Fox!" Hop hissed.