"Leopardkit!"

      The she-kit's eyes flew open at the panicked yowl. She glanced around wildly, realizing she was alone in the nursery. The bramble bush was eerily empty, faint midday light filtering in through the branches.

      "Are you alright?"

      Leopardkit whipped her head around at the voice to spot a familiar ginger figure standing at the entrance to the den. Her heart soared out of her chest with glee. Redpaw?

      Although her pelt fizzed with joy, there was also a sick sense of dread deep in her belly. Something about this wasn't right.

      "ShadowClan is coming!" Redpaw hissed, his green eyes wide with terror. A little too wide. His fluffy pelt was standing out at all ends, as it always did when his nerves were frayed. "I just wanted to make sure that you're sa—"

      The apprentice didn't get to finish his sentence. A tall, dark shadow rose behind him, and Redpaw's agonized wail filled the den as a wide, dirty white paw clamped over his back and dragged him away.

      Leopardkit felt a screech rising in her throat, but she also found that she couldn't move. The she-kit was frozen in her nest, her eyes locked on the trail
of dark liquid left behind in the nursery. Her blood was ice. She could still hear his screams, echoing back to her and getting louder and louder... "Leopardkit! Leopardkit!"

      "Leopardkit!"

      Leopardkit gasped and her amber eyes flew open. She immediately jumped to her paws, spinning around as she searched for intruders. However, it was only Mousekit who stood in front of her, his head tilted in confusion. There were soft snores from the other end of the den, where Gingerstorm still lay curled around her litter. Sandstreak and her favorite kits were nowhere to be seen.

      "A nightmare?" Mousekit asked gently, licking a ruffled patch of fur between her ears.

      Leopardkit felt chills run up her spine. It had felt real—too real. Her heart was still pounding in her chest. "Yeah, just a nightmare," she breathed. She willed the feeling of dread and sickness in her belly to disappear. Redpaw's terrified green eyes burned in the back of her mind.

      The she-kit realized Mousekit was still staring at her tenderly, and her spotted pelt spiked in irritation. "I'm fine," she snapped at him, swiping her tongue over her unkempt chest fur.

      Knowing her brother, the black tom-kit probably didn't believe her, but he let it slide anyway. "It won't be too long before Darkstar calls for a gathering. We should be getting ready for the ceremony."

      Leopardkit shot him a skeptical look as she shook scraps of bedding out of her fur. "Getting ready?" she questioned.

      Mousekit sighed, flicking a scrap of moss off her ear with a claw. "Grooming ourselves, I mean. Sandstreak woke up the others as soon as the sun rose to make sure they look perfect for the ceremony. You don't want Weedkit and Longkit looking better than us in front of the whole Clan, do you?" he joked.

      The thought of it made Leopardkit shudder. "Of course not." She reluctantly allowed her brother to groom her unruly spotted pelt. The mention of Weedkit and Longkit reminded her Mousekit's newest injury. Her amber eyes carefully watched as he favored one of his hind paws, and she realized with a pang that she still hadn't asked him about it.

      "Darkstar told me that Weedkit and Longkit hurt you," she meowed, amber eyes serious. "What did they do? And why didn't you tell me?"

      Mousekit only shrugged his skinny shoulders. "Well, they decided to attack me, as they usually do when they find me alone, but they were a bit rougher than before—I guess they were still energetic from the ambush and had to take it out on some innocent cat. Anyway, Weedkit decided to throw all his weight on top of me, and my hind leg actually popped out of place. It was the most pain I've ever felt; I thought for sure I was going to die," he said with a chuckle. "I was so swelled up that I was stuck in the nursery for days, and no one was really sure what to do, with Firetail gone. I would have gone looking for you sooner if I could've..."

      Leopardkit's blood was boiling. "That's not funny, Mousekit. Weedkit seriously injured you. And I'm sure Sandstreak didn't do a thing about it! I bet Darkstar didn't either..." She let out a frustrated growl.

      Mousekit let out a sigh and continued to lick her fur until it lay flat. "It was all accidental, Leopardkit. You don't have to worry about me, I'm already getting better. All we have to do is stay out of their way, and we'll be alright."

      "Stay out of their way?" Leopardkit scoffed, lashing her tail. "We're going to be stuck in the same den as Weedkit and Longkit for the rest of our lives. If they don't learn to leave us alone now, they never will!"

      "I'm sure once you become a great warrior, they'll see how strong you are and won't ever lay a paw on you again," Mousekit reassured her.

      Leopardkit rolled her amber eyes. The black tom-kit spoke in the tone of a queen who was warning her kits not to fear some make-believe creature. He wasn't taking her seriously.

      The pair fell silent, and Leopardkit soon took the job of grooming her brother's black pelt while he sat still. The she-kit was irritably licking down a clump of black fur on his bony back that kept springing up with each swipe when a shadow fell over the entrance to the den. Her heart skipped a beat as her mind flashed back to her dream, but a familiar black head and vibrant green eyes poked into the den.

      Both kits swiveled their head toward ThunderClan's leader, eyes wide. "Is it time?" Mousekit breathed. Leopardkit felt a fluttering of nervousness in her chest that she hadn't anticipated.

      Darkstar let out a low chuckle. "Almost. A word, Leopardkit?"

      The she-kit swallowed, her excitement fading. She glanced back once at Mousekit who watched her curiously as she padded up to the large black tom.

      Leopardkit lowered her eyes to avoid his piercing green gaze. Was Darkstar still angry with her after last night? Was he going to postpone her apprenticeship? Her pelt spiked up in alarm.

      The ThunderClan leader blinked as she approached, and then turned and signaled with his black tail for her to follow him out. The she-kit obediently trailed behind him into the sunlight. She stopped at the exit, breath catching in her throat at the sight before her.

      A thin layer of the snow that had fallen last night still remained on the ground of the stone hollow, shining like crystals under the sun. Other ThunderClan cats had already trampled across camp, leaving criss-crossing trails where the gray stone floor was still visible. They huddled in groups against the wall, their pelts fluffed out contemptuously as if they couldn't see the wonder surrounding them. A couple turned their heads to look at her, eyes narrowed, and then returned to their gossip. Darkstar turned and glanced back to make sure she was following, his black pelt stark against the snow.

      Leopardkit marveled at the beautiful white stuff, before realizing that it made her paws unpleasantly wet and cold as she trod across camp. She tried to stretch her steps so that her paws landed only in Darkstar's tracks, but his stride was so long that she nearly had to jump to reach them.

      The huge black tom led her to the space beneath the High Ledge where the snow did not reach. He sat there and faced her, his expression giving nothing away. "Please, sit."

      Leopardkit obeyed. She was sure that Darkstar could tell her tail was twitching nervously. Was she in trouble?

      "You're not in trouble," Darkstar meowed, as if he could read her thoughts. "And I'm not angry anymore. You did not fully understand what you were talking about, and I cannot hold that against you. However, I do not want you speaking of that again, is that understood?"

      Leopardkit nodded awkwardly. She was relieved and disappointed by his words, but also still on edge. Was that all he had brought her out here for?

      "There was something else I wanted to discuss with you, Leopardkit," the black tom began, his green eyes searching her so intently that it made her uncomfortable. "About your apprenticeship."

      Oh no, the she-kit thought, her heart sinking. This is it. I'll never get to be an apprentice!

      Darkstar hesitated. "I was wondering if you would be interested... in becoming a medicine cat."

      Leopardkit was dumbfounded. She couldn't have imagined something more outrageous for him to say. Her jaw even fell open in surprise. A medicine cat? Why in StarClan's name did he think she was interested in that? Ever since she had opened her eyes she had dreamed of becoming a warrior.

      Darkstar must've noticed the shock in her eyes. "I know what you're thinking, but hear me out." He lowered his deep voice, green eyes flitting from side to side. "Snowheart was considerate enough to become the new medicine cat, but you'd likely get better healing from a fox. I've asked the other Clans to send their medicine cats to help her out for awhile, but Blue-eye is busy with a greencough outbreak in WindClan, and Swallowfeather is reluctant to leave her apprentice alone. She has offered to come teach, but only once a quarter moon."

      Leopardkit slowly put the pieces together. "You want me to be a medicine cat so I can teach Snowheart?" she asked slowly.

      Darkstar gave her a small nod. "Of course, it is your decision. But from your moons spent with Firetail, you likely have the best knowledge of herbs of any cat in ThunderClan. The path of a medicine cat is an honorable one. It would truly benefit the Clan. And you'd be safe, here in camp."

Leopardkit stared at her paws. Stuck here in camp for the rest of my life? She felt suffocated by these tall stone walls. She was prisoner to the disdainful stares of the warriors who hated her. She was unable to escape her cruel, cruel mother. She needed to get out. Besides, how else would she prove her worth other than becoming the greatest warrior?

Leopardkit finally met Darkstar's gaze. "I can help Snowheart a little bit... but I want to be a warrior." She was surprised at how confident her words came out.

Darkstar slowly nodded. Leopardkit noticed a flicker of something across his green eyes, but could not tell what it was. "So you will become. I am proud of you, Leopardkit. Now, go join your brother. The ceremony starts soon." He gave her an affectionate nudge. "And groom your pelt. You look like a burr."

Leopardkit felt a jolt of excitement shoot through her body as she bounded back to the nursery. She passed Sandstreak, who obsessively licked Longkit's fluffy pelt straight while barking at Weedkit to stand still. The she-kit huffed, glad for once that the queen paid no attention to her.

The she-kit turned her attention to Mousekit, who sat patiently outside the bramble bush. His green eyes brightened upon seeing her excitement. The little tom-kit glanced up the blue sky, where the sun was slowly climbing. "It's almost time," he murmured.

They needn't wait very long. Leopardkit could hardly sit still as Darkstar leapt on to the High Ledge, letting out a yowl to draw the Clan together. She and her brothers were already in the middle of camp, waiting impatiently. Sandstreak sat stiffly beside Weedkit and Longkit, her head held high and yellow eyes peering at everyone else. The two tom-kits beside her copied her stance, looking insufferably proud.

Leopardkit let out a shaky breath, trying her hardest to stay still. She also held her head up proudly, but made note to act more like Mousekit. The little black tom-kit sat with his shoulders squared and face relaxed, calmly watching Darkstar.

Before Leopardkit had time to guess who her mentor might be, Darkstar began. His booming voice rang out across the clearing, hushing any stray whispers among the crowd. "Cats of ThunderClan, we are gathered today for a very special ceremony. Four of our kits are of age and ready to take their next step in Clan life. Longkit, step forward."

The cream-furred tom-kit started and then trembled as he stepped up from the line, although he tried very hard to hide it. Darkstar leapt down from the High Ledge, meeting the young tom.

Leopardkit wondered why Longkit seemed so afraid. She realized that the tom-kit may have never spoken to Darkstar before. To a cat who didn't know ThunderClan's gentle leader, he did look like a mighty, powerful beast.

"Longkit, 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 Longpaw. Your mentor will be Brightfeather. I hope she will pass down all she knows to you."

      The long-haired white she-cat stepped forward out of the crowd and sat next to Longpaw. The tom gazed up at her in wonder. She purred in response, blue eyes bright.

Darkstar's lip curled into a grin, as if he was satisfied with his choice. "Brightfeather, I believe you are ready to take on another apprentice. Your first apprentice, Skyleap, has become a valuable warrior, and I expect the same of Longpaw. You have shown yourself to be enthusiastic and compassionate. You will mentor Longpaw, and I hope you pass down all you know to him."

      Brightfeather briefly touched her nose to Longpaw's, her blue eyes sparkling. The cream-colored tom shuffled his paws nervously, glancing back to Weedkit.

      Leopardkit spotted Sandstreak edging her way to the front of the crowd. Her yellow eyes were locked on Brightfeather, narrowed and glowing with contempt. Leopardkit rolled her eyes at her mother. Was she so obsessed with her sons that she was unable to let another cat mentor them?

      The spotted she-kit brought her attention back to Darkstar, who now called Weedkit's name. The black and white tom carried himself with confidence up to the ThunderClan leader. Leopardkit wrinkled her nose at him in disgust.

      As Darkstar repeated the traditional words, she drifted off in her thoughts. Leafnose? No, she's already training Fogpaw. Could it be Sootdust? He seems fun. Or maybe Brackenpatch...

Leopardkit started as a pale-furred tom walked past her, meeting Weedpaw and Darkstar. Yellowcloud leaned down to touch his nose to the younger tom's.

      Leopardkit shuddered. Yellowcloud was a short and stocky senior warrior, but also very strong and hot-tempered. He was respected for his brutish battle skills. She was glad Weedpaw had gotten him, and not her.

      Next up was Mousekit. The black tom gave her a reassuring brush of his tail before he stepped forward to meet Darkstar. He was named Mousepaw.

      Darkstar's green gaze swept over the crowd. "Grayfoot, you are ready for another apprentice. You have trained two successful warriors in the past, and you have shown yourself to be patient and dutiful. You will be the mentor of Mousepaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to him."

Leopardkit felt a twinge of jealousy as she watched the crowd part for the tall, smoke-colored tom to walk through. Grayfoot was a senior warrior as well, but was known to be kind and fair, as well as an excellent hunter and fighter. Mousepaw would undoubtedly do well with him. The pair lightly touched noses. Leopardkit thought she noticed a glimmer of relief in Mousepaw's green eyes.

      The she-kit felt her stomach flop over as she realized she was next. For six long moons she had waited for this moment.

      "Leopardkit, step forward."

      The she-kit breathed shakily as she walked up to Darkstar. His dark figure seemed to blot out the sun. She looked up and met his green eyes, and they shone proudly down at her. When he spoke, his voice was lower, as if he was speaking to her personally and not the entire Clan. "Leopardkit, 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 Leopardpaw. Your mentor will be Squirrelheart. I hope he will pass down all he knows to you."

      Leopardpaw didn't catch Darkstar's next words. His voice sounded muddled, as if he was far away and not directly in front of her. She could feel her heart sinking deep in her chest. Squirrelheart? It can't be! Didn't Darkstar know he was one of the warriors who despised her most for losing the territory? He was one of the toms on the patrol that retrieved her from ShadowClan, and he was also the loudest to protest it. 

     The little she-cat stiffened as the small dark tabby appeared and settled beside her, his amber eyes locked on Darkstar. Her heart began to thrum with panic. Oh, no. This can't be happening.

     Leopardpaw couldn't bring herself to meet her mentor's gaze, even after Darkstar had finished his speech it was time for them to touch noses. She reached out, grimacing, as the tom's cold nose touched hers.

      He must have noticed her expression, because his amber eyes narrowed at her. She quickly pulled back.

      Leopardpaw was still in a daze when the Clan began chanting the names of the four apprentices. She could've imagined it, but it sounded as if her name was shouted far less than those of her brothers.

      Before she knew it, the crowd was dissolving. Weedpaw and Longpaw were visiting with Sandstreak, who was warning them of something in that hissy snake-like voice of hers. Mousepaw was talking enthusiastically to Grayfoot, who gazed at him with an amused expression. Even Darkstar had jumped back up to the High Ledge, where he sat and watched over the Clan with a flicking tail.

      Leopardpaw gulped and turned to face Squirrelheart.