Shadows in the Night

Chapter Seven

//Yay! New update!

I'm planning for this book to have 11-13 chapters, so only 4-6 to go! Don't worry, there WILL be sequels!

Thank you for sticking with me for all this time!

-Alliehuang

“From this moment forth you will be known as Duskfoot. StarClan honors your courage and your intelligence, and we welcome you as a full member of LightningClan.” Duskfoot quivered in excitement as Nightstar rested her muzzle on his head, and licked her shoulder in respect.

“Pinesplash! Silverstorm! Duskfoot! Pinesplash! Silverstorm! Duskfoot!”

Duskfoot stood next to his littermates and puffed his chest out in pride. Nightstar had only been the leader for one moon, but she had insisted on making Duskfoot and his littermates warriors as soon as possible. Featherstar hadn’t been around to finish his warrior training; so even though he had spent the last moons preforming warrior duties, it was nice to have his official name at last.

“We have one more ceremony to preform today,” Nightstar meowed, silencing the cheering. “Poppykit,Cheetahkit and Mudkit have reached their sixth moon, and it is time for them to become apprentices.” Poppykit let out a squeal from the other side of the clearing, and Whitestripe quickly pushed her tail into the little kit’s mouth to silence her.

I’m glad she recovered... only a little while ago we were all worried that she would join StarClan.

“Poppykit, step forward.” The golden she-kit padded up, unable to resist a little bounce of joy. “This apprentice will be known as Poppypaw. Frostpelt,” Nightstar meowed, making the white she-cat look up in surprise, “you will mentor her. Share with this apprentice your intelligence and skill, and help her become a worthy warrior of LightningClan.” The new apprentice and mentor touched noses, and retreated to the side.

“Mudkit,” Nightstar continued, “you will be known as Mudpaw. Sharpclaw, you will mentor Mudpaw. Share with him your patience and spirit, to make him a worthy warrior of LightningClan.” The black tom looked thoroughly surprised to be named a mentor, and eagerly bounced forward to greet his new apprentice.

“Owlfang, you will mentor Cheetahpaw.” The brown deputy blinked as he touched noses with his apprentice, and Duskfoot noticed that there were gray whiskers surrounding his muzzle.

Duskfoot couldn’t help being disappointed. He knew he was far too young to mentor an apprentice; he had only been made a warrior today! But he really wanted to be able to train a kit to become a strong warrior.

Perhaps in a few seasons.

“Congratulations, Duskfoot!” Frostpelt purred. “I wish Stormpelt could be here to see you now.” Duskfoot saw his mother’s amber eyes cloud in sadness. He pressed his muzzle into Frostpelt’s flank. 

Nightstar leaped down from the highrock. “You three will keep vigil over the camp tonight. Owlfang will wake you at dawn.” Duskfoot dipped his head in respect as the jet black she-cat padded away to talk to Webfoot. 

Pinesplash parted his jaws to speak, but Silverstorm silenced him with a glare.

As Duskfoot settled down near the entrance of camp, the first snows began to fall.

Snows in newleaf? It’s going to be a long night.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~--~-~-~

“Hey, Duskfoot! Are you free to join the moon-high patrol?” Owlfang rasped, his voice hoarse. He’s getting old. Duskfoot shook his head.