Frostkit opened his eyes, pain churning in his belly. 

Shakily getting to his paws, Frostkit pressed his paws on his moms face, who wake with a start, "Frostkit? What's wrong? You're paws are burning up!" Riverices annoyed voice instantly turned worried as she got to her paws, careful not to wake her slumbering kits. 

"Don't....feel...good." Frostkit gagged, the world around him seemed to be going in circles.

Riverice picked the tom up by his scruff, quickly going to Whispersongs den, "Whispersong, I'm sorry about bothering you, I know you must be tired from last nights meeting with the others, but Frostkit is gagging." Worry came off the she-cat in waves, making Frostkit anxious. 

The white medicine cat looked at Frostkit, "Did you get into anything?" 

"I had a mouse yesterday.. it tasted a bit funny but I didn't-" Frostkit gagged, a slime going up his throat, threatening to come out. 

"It was probably rotten, Sunfur was going to sort the rotten prey from the good but.." Whispersong sighed, "Riverice, can you tell Eagletalon to gather some cats to sort that out, I don't need the elders and kits sick. We're low on herbs as it is." she picked up a white leave, putting a bundle in front of Frostkit as his mother left, "Eat those, it will make you feel better."  

"Is it gross?" Frostkit asked, looking at the medicine cat, who nodded.

"Yes, but would you rather eat them and feel better or miss your apprentice ceremony? It's due any day now." Whispersong peered at him, her green eyes narrowed playfully.

Instantly the tom lapped up the leaves, his face contorting in a look of disgust, "Yuck!" He said once he got the vile flowers down. 

He gagged multiple times before throwing up a brown-yellow slime, he trembled, still trying to recover from the disgusting herb.

"Good job, such a strong little warrior." Whispersong purred, licking his ear gently. 

"Can I still be an apprentice?" Frostkit asked, looking at her, he didn't want to be apprenticed late.

"Yes, you can, but, don't eat any fresh-kill today, it will be to rough on your stomach. I'll speak to Graystar and see if you can be apprenticed tomorrow." 

Excitement bubbled in the gray tom, "Thanks Whispersong!" He called, running out. 

The clan was now awake and lively, the fresh-kill pile was getting filled, put into holes in the icy ground to keep it fresh longer. Ivytail and Mousetail, some elders, were talking to Scarpelt.

Rushing over to the three, Frostkit greeted them, "Hi Scarpelt! Where are you going?"

"Sunningrocks, it's warming up, leaf-bare is going to last but the sun isn't hiding anymore. Good thing to, my old bones can't take anymore of this." Scarpelt replied, his gray ear twitched, flicking away some frost that fell on it. 

"Can I come?" Frostkit asked hopefully, eyes shining.

Mousetail chuckled, "Maybe when Graystar makes you an apprentice you can, but as for now, the answer is no." The blind tom said.

"Come now," Ivytail started, "I want to take advantage of the sun." She purred, then turned looking at Frostkit with sympathy, "Sorry little warrior, you can come when your apprenticed." She padded away, leading her mate and brother off.

Frostkit watched, disappointment prickling his heart.

"Come on Mousepaw! Lets go the the Sandy Hallow." Frostkit looked up, seeing Iceheart leading the tom towards the bramble entrance of the camp. Thunderheart followed him with Dawnpaw, Bramblestripe and Foxpaw taking the rear. 

Tigerpaw, who was weak with green cough was ominously still where he slept in the medicine den, Whispersong was out collecting herbs so he stood in front of Bramblestripe.

"Tigerpaw isn't moving!" Frostkit said, ears drooping.

Bramblestripe rushed into the medicine den, the whole camp was still then a yowl of grief came from the huge tabby tom. 

He came out, carrying the dead apprentice, tears running down his face, "Tigerpaw! Oh Tigerpaw.." He sobbed mindlessly, twining his tail with his sons.

Longclaw padded forward, grief in his eyes, "He was going to be such a great warrior to, his warrior ceremony was going to be today." He murmured.

Graystar stepped forward, "And he will die a warrior,  I ask my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has learned the warrior code and given  up his life  in the service of his Clan. Let Starclan receive him as a warrior. He will be known as Tigerfang." She finished, pressing her muzzle to the dead warriors head. "Stormclan, honors his courage and patience." She pulled away. "I'm sorry about this Bramblestripe." 

The tom looked at her, tears still running down his face, "Tigerfang thanks you, I thank you. He hunts with his mother now." He whispered, licking the toms face, closing his dull blue eyes.

Whispersong, who had came back, approached the group, "I'm sorry I couldn't save him. He died in his sleep, it wasn't painful if that helps." She whispered, sorrow heavy in her voice.

"Medicine cats can't fix everything, isn't that what Runningnose told you Whispersong?" Bramblestripe looked at her, "He's not in pain anymore, he's happy." 

'So much grief.. this leaf-bare is as vicious as Marshclan!' Frostkit thought. Tigerfang played with him all the time and taught him the hunters crouch and a few basic battle moves, he was going to miss the tom but he knew he was going to be happier where he is now. 

Graystar turned, jumping up on Highledge, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath Highledge, for a meeting. It's time that we greet some knew warriors. Dogpaw, Bluepaw come forward." 

The blue-gray and brown and black toms stepped up, straightening up.

"I, Graystar, leader of Stormclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. She looked at Dogpaw, "Dogpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." Dogpaw said, looking at the leader with wide amber eyes. 

"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Dogpaw, from this moment you will be known as Dogclaw. Starclan honors your bravery and courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Stormclan." Graystar pressed her muzzle against the toms head as he licked her shoulder. He backed up, as she turned to Bluepaw, "Bluepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." Bluepaw said, her blue eyes determined.

"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Bluepaw, from this moment you will be known as Blueheart. Starclan honors your determination and strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Stormclan."Graystar rested her muzzle on the head of the she-cat and she licked her shoulder.

"Blueheart! Dogclaw! Tigerfang! Blueheart! Dogclaw! Tigerfang!" The clan cheered, calling out the live and dead warriors new names, Bramblestripe calling Tigerfangs name the loudest. 

"As tradition," Graystar said as the commotion died down, "they will sit vigil tonight to guard our camp, but today is a great day. Five more apprentices will be named today. Hawkkit, Frostkit, Lionkit, Rainkit, and Stormykit some forward."

Stunned, Frostkit stayed still but then he was nudged by Riverice who was smiling, "Go!" She urged, rushing the tom forward to the base of the rock. 

Frostkit straightened up, his tail and head erect.

"Lionkit come forward," Graystar beckoned the tom forward then looked around, "Longclaw." 

A few gasps from the clan rung in Frostkits ears, he too, was surprised with Graystars choice. 

"I know that you have lost an apprentice that was on his way to becoming a great warrior, but this flighty tom will be a wonderful replacement. I trust you will pass your wisdom and battle skill to Lionpaw!" 

Longclaw looked stunned but then he nodded, "Y-yes! Of course Graystar! Thank you for this second chance." He rushed forward, pressing noses with Lionpaw. 

"I'll make you the best warrior that Stormclan as ever seen." Frostkit heard Longclaw whisper.

"Hawkkit come forward," her eyes fixed on Bramblestripe, "Bramblestripe, you are a great warrior, you know honor and always strive for perfection, you are also patient, and I trust you to pass your honor and wisdom to Hawkpaw."

Bramblestripe nodded, pressing his nose to Hawkpaws, "I won't fail you Hawkpaw." Bramblestripe said, leading the tom next to where Longclaw and Lionpaw sat. 

"Stormykit come forward," The she-cat looked up, watching as Graystar looked around, "Eagletalon." She said, looking at the russet tom, "You are the deputy of Stormclan but you are a fantastic mentor, I trust you will pass your courage and fierce loyalty to your Clan to  Stormypaw." 

Eagletalon nodded, pressing his nose to Stormypaws, "Thank you for this chance Graystar." He said then looked at Stormypaw, "You will do great!" He said, smiling. 

"Rainkit co-"

"Hold it!" Whispersongs voice rung out as she shouldered her way through the cats.

"Thank Starclan." Frostkit heard Rainkit say, causing him to look at his brother confused.

"I know I haven't been able to talk to you Graystar, but there is a new medicine cat among these kits." Whispersong said then turned, "Cats of Stormclan, as you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took an apprentice. I have chosen a cat who has shown quick thinking and a thirst to learn. Your next medicine cat will be Rainpaw!" 

Frostkits eyes widened, "Rainpaw?" He asked, staring at his brother.

Rainpaw looked thrilled, "She listened to me Frostkit!" He said, the excitement in his voice not subtle. 

Graystar, who looked surprised, quickly recovered and looked down at the gray tabby, "Rainpaw, do you accept the post of apprentice to Whispersong?"

"I do!" Rainpaw called, in the strongest and loudest voice Frostkit has ever heard him muster.

"Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Moonstone, to be accepted by Starclan before the other medicine cats." Whispersong said, looking Rainpaw, a glow in her eyes.

"The good wishes of all Stormclan will go with you." Graystar said.

Now Frostkit was alone and the anxiety of it was finally catching up to him, making his heart race.

"Now, Frostkit come forward," Graystar beckoned the tom close, "I have thought long and hard about who should mentor you and I have chosen," She gazed around before her eyes fixed on Frostkit, "Myself, from this moment, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Frostpaw." 

Frostpaw stared at the leader before realizing that she was gazing at him impatiently and pressed his nose to hers. 

'The leaders my mentor!?' He thought, still not believing it. 

The clan seemed just as stunned as he was before Iceheart broke the silence, "Frostpaw! Hawkpaw! Rainpaw! Lionpaw! Stormypaw!" He cried, pride in his eyes. 

The rest of the clan joined in then they quieted down as Graystar jumped from the rock, marking the end of the meeting.

Frostpaw rushed over to Iceheart and Riverice, as well as his siblings.

Riverice looked at Frostpaw and Rainpaw, "Medicine cat and the leaders apprentice, what an honor! I'm so proud of you, all of you." She purred, licking all three of the toms ears. 

Lionpaw nodded, then looked at his brother doubtfully, "Rainpaw, are you sure about medicine cat?" 

"You heard his voice when he replied, he was born ready." Iceheart said, purring. "He treads a different path but he's to be respected, the path of a medicine cat is a special one, only met for those worthy." He looked at Rainpaw then looked at the three, "I'm so proud of you." He looked as though he was going to burst with pride. 

"Rainpaw! Come here, I want to get through some herbs before the Gathering!" Whispersongs meow made Rainpaw look up. "Okay! Bye Mom, dad, Lionpaw, Frostpaw." He rushed off, going into the rock den of the medicine cat.

"I can't imagine how he can be excited to stay in a den full of herbs all day." Lionpaw said, a disgusted look on his face.  

"And he can't see how we can run through the forest and hunt all day." Frostpaw retorted evenly, making Lionpaw roll his green eyes. 

"Lionpaw, come on, were going to hunt!" Longclaw called his apprentice, tail flicking. Lionpaw got up, padding towards his mentor.

"Bye Lionpaw!" Frostpaw called, seeing Lionpaw flick his tail in acknowledgement. 

He looked at Riverice, "I'll make you proud mom." He murmured, seeing Graystar beckoning to him near the camp entrance.  "I know you will." Riverice purred, watching as the tom ran off. 

"What are we going to do know?" Frostpaw asked, his eyes gleaming. What he really wanted to do was train to battle, but he had a sinking suspicious that that wasn't going to happen. 

His suspicious was correct as he heard Graystar mew, "We're going to explore the territory, then we are going to collect moss." the cat bounded away, not slowing as Frostpaw scrabbled to catch up. 

"Why are we collecting moss?" Frostpaw asked, looking around the forest in awe. 

The trees were huge, leaves and littered the forest floor and there was this weird white powder on the ground.

"Because, you want a place to sleep don't you? Dogclaw and Blueheart are taking their beds out of the apprentice den."

It finally dawned on Frostpaw that he wasn't going to be sleeping in the Nursery anymore, no more nights of suckling on his mom, or sleeping with her, for that matter. He was going to be sleeping in the apprentices den now, but Rainpaw wouldn't be there either. 

"Frostpaw! Frostpaw are you listening to me?" Graystars voice shook him from his thoughts. The she-cat had stopped and was looking at him, slight annoyance in her eyes. 

"Sorry, I was thinking, what did you say?" Frostpaw asked, staring at his mentor, who rolled her eyes.

"I asked if you knew where we were. Stay alert Frostpaw!" She hissed, tail lashing.

Looking around, he noticed that instead of the dirt that was all over the forest he was standing in sand. "The Sandy Hallow?" He guested, he parted his jaws, breathing in the scent of the forest, but something confused him. The scent of water and fish. "I smell fish." He said, blinking. 

"That's Deltaclan, we're close to Sunningrocks,  the border is near here, and yes, we are at the Sandy Hallow."  Graystar replied, sparking hope in the young tom. Seeing the hope in his eyes, the she-cat regretfully shook her head, guilt stabbing her as the toms ears drooped. "We can train tomorrow." She promised, then walked away.

Frostpaw rushed forward, the scent of fish began to over power his senses, he pricked his ears, swiveling them around. He picked up the sound of running water that told him where he was. Looking around he spotted a large tree, "Is that the Owl Tree?" He asked, looking at Graystar, who nodded without slowing her pace.

Slowly the ground, that was sand began to turn gray and hard. He looked around, the rock stopped abruptly, he peered down and it reminded him of a mini cliff, it was a small drop but it was high enough that you'd have to be a strong jumper to get back up. It continued to a bank, where a river with stepping stones was, dividing them from Deltaclan.  To the right of that bank was a cave, vines hung down making it a nice shelter. To the left the river just continued. Frostpaw looked around, noticing that some stones made some ledges that made it easy to get up and down.

"This is Sunningrocks." Graystar said, looking around proudly, "Deltaclan doesn't need this territory so we don't fight over it as much." she informed her apprentice, jumping off the small ledge, Frostpaw following. 

"Why? Do they have more territory than Riverclan did?"

"Yes, since the two-legs changed this place quite a considerable amount they have allot more territory than the clan before them." Graystar blinked, "On their territory, they have allot of streams, and their camp is at the bottom of they call a waterfall. I guess the two-legs got rid of the gorge, making the water tip down." she finished.

"That's exactly what they did, but they made it a pond, so our camp is a delta." A slick furred black tom padded forward, his amber eyes shining as much as his pelt, he was followed by a light brown tabby with white paws and ears and silver tabby and a ginger tabby she-cat. 

"What's a delta?" Frostpaw asked.

"A place where dirt and sand was put because of a river, but the river was dried up so we made a camp there." The tom replied, ear flicking. 

"Greetings Graystar, who's this tom that's with you?" The light brown tabby asked.

"This is my new apprentice Oaksplash, I will tell you more at the Gathering." Graystar replied, sitting down.

The ginger tabby peered at Frostpaw with narrow green eyes, making the tom shuffle his forepaws uncomfortably. He lifted his chin and stared back, seeing her whiskers twitch in surprise and she looked away.

'I'm not afraid of you! You'll pay for attack my father!' Frostpaw thought, anger hot in his pelt. He lashed his tail and glared at the patrol. Graystar, who had been talking to Oaksplash, looked at her apprentice, who was digging his claws in the ground, and gently cuffed his ear. "Calm your fur Frostpaw!" she ordered, glaring at the tom.

"They attacked Iceheart!" He growled, "How can you be friendly to a bunch of fish-breaths!" he seethed, his eyes wild.

Oaksplash's eyes narrowed then he blinked, "You must be his son," He said, standing up. "you're father is a good fighter, he has my respect." he dipped his head. "I apologize for the attack Graystar, hunger made us desperate." He admitted, "But now we are well fed, I wish the same for your clan." 

Graystar nodded, "Yes, of course, thank you. Now, Frostpaw."

Frostpaw followed his mentor up the rocks, watching in admiration as she jumped up easily. Tensing his muscles he leaped, digging his claws into the stone and pulling himself up, panting. He looked up, seeing an impressed glow in Graystars green eyes, "I've never seen an apprentice clear that." She said half to herself, then nodded in praise, "Good job." She said briefly then turned, "Now come on, the sun is going down and we still need to go to the Marshclan border." She ran off, not slowing. 

Frostpaw followed, following the leaders paw steps, his ears pricked, suddenly he was alone. He looked around wildly, panic rising in his chest. He realized that this was probably a test from the leader and he forced himself still and slowed his breathing. He looked around, tasting the air. A foul taste filled his mouth making him pull a face. He pricked his ears, listening hard, he heard some paw steps to his right but made no move until he heard the crunch of a leaf confirmed where Graystar was. 

He lunged, tackling the she-cat and pinned her down. "Got you!" He said triumphantly, looking at the she-cat who nodded. 

"Good job, sorry for leaving you, I wanted to test your independence and tracking skill. You passed with flying colors." She mewed, getting up as the tom got off. "Now," She flicked her tail, "let's go mark the border." 

Nodding, Frostpaw followed the leader down when he stopped, "Wait, isn't this Snakerocks?"

"Yes but the snakes are sleeping. They only come out at night." Graystar replied continuing her stride.

Nervousness clawed at the white-gray cat but he trusted his mentors word. He ran over to her and saw a large sink hole going into some dark mud.  "Is that Marshclan territory?" He asked, looking at Graystar who nodded.

"The border is over there," She pointed at a slope leading to the marsh, "there once was a thunderpath here but it broke, creating what we call the mud drop. That mud will eat you but if you don't trespass you won't fall." the white she-cats ears twitched. "Mark the border and then we'll head to collect some moss." 

Nodding, Frostpaw watched as Graystar marked the territory and did the same, spraying the border then followed his mentor up to Snakerocks and past a small stream. His paws shook slightly out of exhaustion, pads hurting. 

"Are you done with the territory now?" Frostpaw asked hopefully. 

"No, almost, come here, there's one last thing I want to show you." Graystar looked at him apologetically, "Come on it's not much further." She encouraged, pressing forward. Frostpaw followed more slowly, muscles aching, telling him to stop. 

He looked up, seeing a large tree, "The Great Sycamore?" He asked, looking up at it.

"Yes, part of your training before your warrior assessment is climb up and come back down, safely." Graystar mewed, looking at him, "Now, before we leave, lets see if you can catch that mouse." She said, nodding towards the brown rodent that was eating a nut. 

Frostpaw dropped into a hunters crouch slowly putting one paw in front of the other, stopping to look around so he wouldn't step on a twig or overturned leaf. He pressed forward, then bunched up his muscles and leaped, nipping the mouse in the back of the neck, killing it. 

"Thank you Starclan for this food." He said softly before picking it up, as he did he realize just how big and plump the kill was. It's hind legs almost touched the ground, its tail coiled like a snake, slithering like one as he walked as well.  

"Nice, catch! Come on, I'll show you to the place where we collect moss." She beckoned him, padding away, slowing a bit when she saw that he was struggling to catch up with his load. Once he caught up, he fallowed her to the front of the camp entrance and set down his catch.

He looked at the green sponge littering an old tree then at Graystar, waiting for her to show him how to remove it. She padded forward and sat back on her hunches, "Alright, this is how you do it." She said, she lifted her paw, turning it sideways so her brown pads showed with her claws unsheathed, and swiped it under the moss and flung it on the ground next to her. "With practice, you can rake a muzzle or nose with this move or tear an ear." She continued before backing up, "I did about half the work for you, now let me see you try." 

Frostpaw nodded, taking her place and copied her motions, he looked down seeing that he had a sizable ball he looked up at Graystar, "Can you carry it and I carry the mouse?" He asked, wanting the clan to see that he caught it. Graystar nodded, a knowing gleam in her green eyes, picking up the moss ball, and walked off.

Frostpaw followed, pushing his way through the bramble entrance, puffing out his chest proudly. 

"Woah! Look how huge that mouse is! I almost thought it was a rat." Mousepaws surprised yowl sparked attention from the rest of his clan mates. Mews of congratulations and praise. Iceheart padded forward, "Nice catch Frostpaw!" He purred, "That mouse is indeed huge!" He smiled at him, pride in his eyes. Hawkpaw looked at him, amber eyes narrow, and approached him. Frostpaw looked at him, a challenge in his ice blue eyes. Hawkpaw gazed at him for a few heartbeats before nodding, "Good catch Frostpaw." The tom said before turning and padding away towards the apprentices den.

Surprise rippled through Frostpaws pelt at Hawkpaws praise, 'Maybe he's not as much as an annoying furball as I thought..'

Tail flicking, he trotted towards the elders den, nosing his way through the vines that hung down from the old tree trunk. "Scarpelt! Ivytail! Mousetail! I brought you a mouse. Freshly caught." He purred, dropping his catch. 

Scarpelt, who was sharing tongues with his mate, looked up, "Wow, look Ivytail, it's huge!" He cried. Ivytail looked up, smiling, "Did you catch that?" She asked the apprentice and, who nodded puffing out his chest proudly, nodded pride in her eyes. "Mousetail, are you hungry? There's no way me and Scarpelt can eat this all by ourselves!" She asked her brother, ear twitching. Mousetail, who was scratching his ear, nodded, "Starving." He said simply. 

"Do you want me to check for ticks while I'm here?" Frostpaw offered as he enjoyed the stories the elders would tell him. Mousetail nodded, "Please, there's one behind my ear." He murmured, leaning down to eat.

Frostpaw moved, nosing the back of his right ear trying to feel the small hard body of the tick. Finding it, he bit down, cracking the small body between his teeth and pulled it out, spitting it on the ground somewhere. 

He pricked his ears, listening as the elders talked to one another, as he searched for more ticks.

"Mousetail, don't you ever miss being medicine cat?" Scarpelt asked the tom, gulping down a mouthful of mouse. The aforementioned cat nodded, "But I trusted Whispersong with her duties. She's never once failed me, I was proud to call her my apprentice." He purred, blue eyes shining. Ivytail snorted, "That cat... too think I was once afraid that she was going to be the end of you." she shook her head, "Hard to believe she used to be so stubborn, just like her mentor." She flicked her brother with her tail, chuckling. Mousetail let out an indignant growl, "How am I stubborn! I wasn't the one who tried to face a fox on my first day of apprenticeship!" He looked accusingly at Scarpelt, who glared at him playfully, "That's only cause you had your nose full of herbs!" He cried, flinging a piece of stray moss at the former medicine cat. 

Frostpaw felt his chest warm at the sound of the old cats playful fighting and teasing, glad that they didn't let their age get in the way of them having fun. 

He continued to look through each of their fur, getting rid of ticks that he found, until he was satisfied. 

Scarpelt let out a satisfied grunt, "Thank you! Great Starclan that feels so much better." He looked graciously at his grandson, who nodded, "Are you hungry Frostpaw? We've all had our fill." He pawed half of the catch over to Frostpaw who wolfed it down, the sweet juices filling his mouth.

"Frostpaw! It's almost time for the Gathering hurry up and do your nest!" Eagletalons yowl made him jump and hiss softly. 

"Here." Scarpelt gathered some extra down feathers from around the den, "Put that in your nest, it'll help!" 

"Thanks!" He picked up the down feathers, careful not to damage them, and padded out of the den. In the clearing, Graystar was sharing tongues with Whispersong, Lionpaw was wrestling with Hawkpaw and Rainpaw was eating next to Blueheart, talking softly with her. 

Rolling the moss ball into the apprentices den, he saw Stormypaw was laying down, eating a small shrew.

He looked at her, confused as to why she was alone, but said nothing, not that he could, and kneaded out his green ball. He added the feathers and tested it, each time kneading out a bump or moving down feathers before he was satisfied. He looked at Stormypaw, "Are you okay?" 

She looked up at him, "Fine, just.. feels awkward being around so many warriors at once." She smiled gently, "Are you going to the Gathering?" She asked, finishing the shrew. Before he could answer a yowl rang across camp, "Cats of Stormclan! Come and listen to me as I name the cats attending the Gathering this moon!" 

He looked at Stormypaw and laughed, "Guess we'll find out huh?" He said, a warmth rising in his chest when she laughed with him. She followed him out and looked up at Graystar who was on Highledge. "The cats going are Blueheart, Dogclaw, Stormypaw, Frostpaw, Lionpaw, Nettletail, Goldenspruce, Hawkpaw, and Crookedheart!" She called. "Longclaw can you watch camp until we return?" She inquired the tan tabby who nodded, "It'd be my honor," He turned to look at Crookedheart, "tell me if anything intresting happens!" 

Crookedheart, who was talking to Nettletail, waved his tail in acknowledgement. 

Frostpaw looked at Stormypaw excitedly, "Our first Gathering!" He purred, happy that his friend was going. Hawkpaw forced his way between the two, "Hey Stormypaw, did you hear about the vole I caught?" He asked, leading the she-cat away. Frostpaw watched angrily, tail lashing back and forth. "Tough luck, think she likes him?" Bluehearts soft mew surprised him. He looked at the she-cat and sighed, "I honestly don't know what idiot would ever want to be mates with him." He growled softly, looking away. "Do you have anyone in mind?" He asked suddenly, looking at her curiously. 

Blueheart lowered her ears in embarrassment, blushing slightly, "Oh, ah, well.. yeah, but he doesn't really notice me." She smiled slightly, casting a glance at Dogclaw who was sitting next to Eagletalon.

"You like Dogclaw?" Frostpaw asked, looking at the tom. 

"Mhm, he's so strong and brave, but he doesn't seem to notice me." She murmured, looking at the tom. "You probably don't want to listen to my moony rambling." She padded away before Frostpaw can answer. 

Suddenly he saw Graystars tail kinked over her back and then the leader power walked off, the cats following her. 

Frostpaw fell next to Lionpaw, who was chattering away with Hawkpaw, "I almost caught a black bird but I stepped on a twig." the tabby was saying, "I got so mad but Longclaw said that he lost a mouse his first day, he's such a great warrior, it's weird to think that he's ever lost a catch." Lionpaw finished, looking at Hawkpaw, "How's Bramblestripe?" He asked, staring at Hawkpaw. "He's strict." Hawkpaw blinked, "He about clawed my ears off when I asked if I could take a break from walking all over the territory." he muttered. Frostpaw snorted, "That might be an improvement." He joked, looking at Hawkpaw, who rolled his amber eyes. "How's your first day?" He asked Stormypaw, who had caught up with the trio. Her turned her eyes towards him, "Eagletalon is really patient, he didn't yell when I missed an easy catch." She murmured. She gazed at Frostpaw, an emotion Frostpaw couldn't exactly name was in her beautiful blue eyes. 

He felt his chest tighten a little, but he didn't know why. 'Am I sick?' Dread rose inside the white-gray tom, 'I can't be sick! Not now! I've just become an apprentice!' Fighting off panic, Frostpaw forced his way to the front, ignoring the annoyed glare he got from Crookedheart. He looked up at Graystar as she held her tail erect, the sign to stop, and watched as she smiled down at him. 

"Ready?" she murmured softly, green eyes warm.

"As I'll ever be." He replied, trying to calm his racing heart. 

She smiled and pressed her nose to his ear, "You'll be fine." She murmured before sharply pointing her tail, charging down out from the bushes and down a small slope. Frostpaw was hot on her heels, the smell of wind and tall grass cut his nose, making him look around. He saw a couple of lithe figures standing about, talking to one another. On Leadersrock a small white tom was laying down, gazing down at a tan she-cat who was talking to him. He glanced up and jumped to his paws, "Greetings Graystar!" He called, jumping from the rock. 

Frostpaw looked at him, "I thought Leadersrock was for leaders only." He muttered, staring at the tom, thinking he had not heard but the white cats ears were sharp. "It is, that's why I was on it." He said, looking at him with intense blue eyes.

"Frostpaw, meet Smallstar." She looked at him, "Don't brush him off just because he's small, I've heard Rocksun complain about getting scratched by him multiple times." She chuckled slightly. 

Smallstars ears twitch, "Yes well, I'm not one to yowl about a pointless victory." He said softly. 

Frostpaw sensed sadness around him, there was something he wasn't telling Graystar but he figured it would come out eventually. "So you're leader of Breezeclan?" He said, deliberately changing the subject. 

Smallstar nodded, "Yep, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world." He purred. "The feeling of knowing my clan is safe.. I tell you there's nothing like it." He looked at Graystar, "How's you're clan? I see many new faces, I trust you'll let us in." He chuckled before his ears pricked, "Icestars coming." He informed. 

Frostpaw looked up, hearing pawsteps of the Deltaclan cats approaching, led by a silver tabby she-cat.  She trotted over to Graystar, "Hey Graystar!" She said in a chipper way.

Graystar, Smallstar, and Icestar padded away, talking among themselves.

A acrid stench suddenly flooded the clearing, he turned, seeing a ginger tom gazing down at them with a smug smirk on his face, eyes narrow. He padded down, chest puffed out as if he owned the territory, Frostpaw didn't know or for that matter cared who he was, all he knew was that he disliked him. 

The ginger tom jumped on the great stone known as Leadersrock and lay down, looking at the leaders who had been talking. 

Frostpaw stared at the tom, anger in his chest. 'Who does he think he is!?'

"Hey, I wouldn't be glaring at Foxstar if I were you." He jumped and whipped around, his jaw dropped when he saw a beautiful spotted tabby she-cat looking at him with narrow green eyes. He stared at her lost in thoughts before her sarcastic mew broke his thoughts, "So are you going to tell me your name or stare at me like an idiot all night?" 

"U-um I-I'm Frostpaw." He struggled out, cursing himself for stuttering like a fool. "I'm Icehearts son." He added, Iceheart was a pretty well known and respected tom around the clans. 

Recognition flared in the she-cats eyes, "Icehearts son huh? You're father was a friend of my dads. I'm Leopardpaw." She smiled slightly, making Frostpaws chest burn.

 "Who's your dad? Is he here?" He asked, curious. Leopardpaws eyes grew sad and she shook her head, "He's dead." she whispered softly. Frostpaw hesitantly pressed his muzzle to hers, "I'm sorry." He murmured. 

The two stayed like that before Frostpaw quickly retreated backwards, feeling the gaze of Foxstar pierce his pelt. "Foxstars staring at me isn't he?" He asked, looking at the she-cat, who laughed and nodded. "Yep, and, judging from that look on his face, it isn't friendly." 

Frostpaw chuckled, "My first Gathering and I'm already making enemies." He joked, tail twitching. 

Leopardpaw opened her mouth to answer, but a gruff growl cut her off, "Leopardpaw! What are you doing, rubbing muzzles with a Stormclan scum?" 

Fur bristling at the insult he whipped towards the growl and quickly reconsidered when he saw it was Foxstar, glaring at him with furious green eyes.

"I was just comforting her!" Frostpaw snarled, not caring at the rude tone he was addressing the leader. "I wouldn't know how I would cope if my dad died." He looked down, not liking the thought. 

Foxstars whiskers twitched, "Shadowfang was a dear friend of mine." He said softly, "I was devastated when he died." he sighed then growled, "Leopardpaw, watch yourself. You too tom." He turned and padded away.

Frostpaw glared after him then looked at Leopardpaw, "How can you stand him?" He asked. Leopardpaw shrugged, "He's not all bad once you get used to his antics." she said simply. Frostpaw rolled his eyes, "Hey, I thought Iceheart had more kits." the indirect question caught him off guard. 

"He did, uh.. see that golden tabby next to Eagletalon?" He asked, pointing to Lionpaw, who was boasting to some apprentices, "That's my brother, and see that small gray tabby next to Whispersong? That's my brother as well." 

Leopardpaws tail twitched, "What's their names?" She asked. "The golden furball about to get his ears clawed off is Lionpaw and the gray furball who looks like he's going to die of anxiety any moment now is Rainpaw." He jokingly replied, earning a mrrow of laughter from the pretty she-cat.  

"Frostpaw! The Gathering is starting, come sit by me!" Blueheart called, beckoning the tom over.

Frostpaw looked at Leopardpaw, who was...glaring..? Why would she be glaring at Blueheart?

Shaking his head, Frostpaw turned, "I have to go. See you after?" He asked, not waiting for her to answer as he ran over to Blueheart and sat down. 

"The Gathering is starting!" Icestar called, her strong voice ringing across the clearing. 

Smallstar padded forward, "This leaf-bare has been cruel but Breezeclan is coping, we have a new warrior Harespring!" Frostpaw turned, seeing a white tom straighten up, sitting strangely close to a black and gray she-cat, many cats called his name, obviously he was popular in the clans. "We also have many more apprentices, some of which could not attend this Gathering, of Thundersnows kits Crowpaw, Bramblepaw, and Twigpaw are here." He started, "Frozenclouds kits could not come but they will be here next Gathering. Other than that, we would like to inform Deltaclan of an owl spotted flying around." He dipped his head to Icestar and backed up, his spot getting replaced by Icestar who nodded graciously.

"Thank you Smallstar for your warning. Deltaclan, too, has new apprentices, Sparrowpaw, Volepaw, and Wasppaw, as well as three new warriors, Nuttail, Gingerheart, and Berryheart." Frostpaw joined in the chorus of calls. Icestar waited for the noise to die down before continuing to speak, "Other than that it's the usual. The clan is getting fed well enough and we are strong!" She backed up, and the jerk of a leader, Foxstar, padded forward. 

His green eyes gleamed, "We have one new warrior, Snakeheart, and two new apprentices, Shadowpaw and Wasppaw. In addition to that, I am pleased to report that prey has been plenty this leaf-bare." He retreated into the shadows his green orbs glowing hungrily. 

Finally Graystar padded forward, "Sunfur has been killed in a battle that shouldn't of been fought!" She announced, glaring at Foxstar, "I trust you have a good reason to attack my warriors?" 

Foxstar blinked, then shook his head, "I was aware that a couple of hotheaded warriors had attacked a patrol, but I was not aware that they had killed an honorable deputy." His green gaze turned angry, "I know there is not much we can do, but if you need herbs or anything Marshclan is here." Somehow, Frostpaw doubted the leader had meant a word he said and clearly he was the only one as Crookedheart snorted and mutter, "As if, Marshclan help Stormclan? I'm going to see hedgehogs fly the day that happens." 

Graystar obviously didn't buy his words either but said nothing, only her twitching tail showing her agitation. "We have new apprentices, Lionpaw, Hawkpaw, Stormypaw, Rainpaw, and my very own apprentice Frostpaw!" 

All gazes were turned towards him, surprise rippling through the crowd. 

Frostpaw, thankful that the attention was falling away from him, listened to Graystar, "Eagletalon is the deputy now and I trust he will be a fitting replacement." She nodded towards the russet warrior who was sitting on the boulders under the rock called Deputystones. "We have two new warriors, Dogclaw and Blueheart, Tigerfang died of greencough, earning his warrior name as he did so." A grief stricken gasp was drawn from a gray tabby she-cat from Breezeclan. 

Frostpaw looked at her confused when a soft mew ruffled his ears, "Windfur was Tigerfangs mother." 

His eyes widened at Blueheart who was looking at him, "He was half-clan?" 

Blueheart nodded, "Only Graystar, Smallstar, and me know, only cause I eavesdropped." she admitted, smiling. 

Frostpaw looked at Graystar, who was waiting for the sad mews to stop, and blinked. 'All cats have their secrets.'

"Prey has been good, with so many apprentices there's been plenty to eat. Stormclan is strong and will defend its borders!" She added that last part firmly, gazing at the Marshclan cats with an intense gaze. 

Foxstars eyes narrowed but he said nothing about the indirect threat and jumped down. "We shall stay for a little longer!" He announced, then turned to a dark gray tabby.

Frostpaw looked around and ran over to Leopardpaw who was standing next to a black tom and Lionpaw, talking. 

"Yeah! I missed the bird though, but I'll catch it next time!" Lionpaw said, eyes filled with determination. 

He snorted, "Are you kidding me? With how you walk anyone would swear you're a badger!" Frostpaw teased, earning a glare. 

Leopardpaw chuckled slightly before Graystar called out, "Stormclans leaving!" 

Frostpaw sighed and looked at Leopardpaw, "I'll see you later?" He asked, hope flaming in his heart.

"Meet me at the border tomorrow." She said. With a flick of her tail she padded away. 

Frostpaw watched her with longing before turning and running catching up to Rainpaw.

"You look weird." Rainpaw informed him. 

"Huh?" 

"You look like Blueheart when she talks about Dogclaw." Rainpaw said again, ears twitching, "Who do you have a crush on?" 

The question made Frostpaws pelt hot, "I-I don't have a crush on anyone!" He cried defensively. Rainpaw gave him a disbelieving look, "Is it Stormypaw?" He asked, "She obviously likes you." 

"N-no she doesn't! Me and Stormypaw are just friends. Do you have bees in your brain your asking stupid questions!" Frostpaw looked away, trying to hide the massive blush on his face.

Rainpaw snorted, "Well whatever, just don't do anything you'll regret." He rushed forward, catching up to his mentor. His words made Frostpaw stop, meeting Leopardpaw was against the warrior code.. 'She's just a friend! I'll train twice as hard to make it up!' He promised, shaking his head and running through the bramble barrier. 

Suddenly exhaustion rushed through him, he padded towards the apprentices den and layed down in his nest, closing his eyes. 

Excitement prickled in his pelt, his thoughts quickly shifted to a pair of beautiful green eyes and a soft gentle voice asking him to meet at the border. 

Slowly, Frostpaw fell asleep, the scent of Leopardpaw still tickling his nose.