Mapleshade's story

Chapter 1

"Mapleshade."

Delight filled the tortoiseshell and white she-cats green gaze. She had just been made a warrior of ThunderClan, and she was loving every second of it.

"Mapleshade, Mapleshade, Mapleshade!" Cats cheered her new name. Her pose become stronger and prouder as they came up to congragulate her. A wide grin appeared on her maw. She was a warrior of ThunderClan!

"Congragulations! I'm sure you'll make a fine warrior, as you were apprentice," Duskpelt mewed, warmth in his gaze. "Thanks!" Mapleshade replied, watching the warrior nod and pad away.

"Your new name is so cool!" The voice of her sister, Cherrypaw, sounded out. The ginger-brown and white she-cat's yellow-green gaze was filled with hapiness. That made her wonder what Cherrypaw's warrior name would be. "Thank you! I'm sure you'll be one too in no time," She replied, nodding her head towards her sister.

After every cat had congragulated her, Mapleshade knew it was time to begin her vigil. She enhaled the scents of the cool, fresh air, before turning her head towards the fresh-kill pile. She was quite hungry; she hadn't eaten all day.

"Go ahead," A genuine voice sounded from infront of her. Looking up, she saw the light grey leader of ThunderClan; Vinestar. She then nodded gratefully and picked a plump mouse and a robin. She padded over to a light coloured green bush in camp and wolfed the mouse down hungrily. As she moved on to the robin, she began to think of the possiblities. There was so much more authority in being a warrior of the Clan. One day she could even become deputy and possibly leader!

Mapleshade pictured being a Clan leader as she chewed on the last mouthful of feathers. It would be tough, but she would love to have such honour and authority amongst her Clan. But no, she wouldn't kill any cat in order to do that. She would only dream and hope that one day the chance arose.

"Mapleshade!" A voice awoke her from her daydreaming. It was Raintail, the deputy of ThunderClan.

"Yes?" She then quickly answered. Raintail gestured her tail over to the entrance of camp. "You will begin your vigil right beside the entrance to camp," Mewed the thick coated silver-grey she-cat. Mapleshade nodded at the deputies words, and watched as she moved over to the tortie. "Here; I'll take these bones for you," Raintail offered, picking up the dry white cylinders. Mapleshade gave a mew of appreactiation, before padding towards the ferns of the left side of the camp entrance, breathing out a happy sigh.

The tortie sat confidently as she watched her Clan settle in. Her mother, Shinefur, gave her a comforting lick across the head. "You've done well, Mapleshade. I'll see you in the morning," The white and ginger she-cat praised affectionatley, before padding away. "Good luck!" The voices of Duskpelt and Cherrypaw then sounded out, and faded away as they dissapeared into the luxuries of their dens.

Energy rose up inside the young tortoiseshell warrior. She was a warrior now; ambitious, strong and brave. She couldn't wait for the next gathering; the sight of all the other cats cheering once more.

Her green gaze slipped over the camp with a sense of protectiveness over her Clan. She would do anything to protect her Clan, and she wouldn't be stopped.

Hopefully...