Cragkit trembled with excitement.

Strikefeather swept forward and grabbed him by the scruff. She dragged the squirming tom backwards and began to briskly groom his fur.

"Strikefeather!" Cragkit wailed, battering at his mother's belly in a desperate attempt to pry himself away. "I washed my fur already! Clean Nightkit instead, he's rolling in the dirt with Cardinalkit again."

Strikefeather thrummed with amusement as she finished smoothing a tuft of fur on Cragkit's rump. She freed him, and he indignantly shook out his fur, lapping rebelliously at a spot on his shoulder that she'd messed up.

"You need to present yourself to the Clan at your best. Your mother is only helping," a deep voice mewed proudly.

Cragkit turned around, and his amber eyes grew wide. "Larkbite!" He purred.

The black tom blinked his amber eyes happily at the dark gray kit. Cragkit scrambled forward and buried his nose in the warrior's—no, the new deputy's—chest. The little tom could barely hear Nightkit's squeals of protest and Strikefeather's amused purring as he embraced his father.

"You're not going to miss our ceremony!" Cragkit trilled happily, wearing the world's biggest grin as he stared up at his father, a cat often so busy with his warrior duties that he couldn't visit his kin.

"I wouldn't miss it even if the forest was on fire." Larkbite's eyes glowed with pride as he leaned down. Cragkit happily nuzzled his chin.

"Great StarClan, I'm free!" Nightkit puffed, scampering to Cragkit's side with a light glare cast in Strikefeather's direction. Strikefeather chuckled, and as Nightkit's gaze shifted to the black tom before him, his eyes brightened. "Larkbite, you're here!"

"That's right. Look at you two, all nice and groomed. I'm proud to say that you're ready for your apprentice ceremony!" Larkbite smiled warmly at the two kits, who squirmed with excitement.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!"

"It's time!" Nightkit squealed as Ripestar's voice resonated throughout the camp.

Cragkit shot a glance back towards the nursery where Hollykit, Cardinalkit, and Fleckkit all watched patiently. Beside them were Sedgeflight's kits; Flowerkit, Dawnkit, and Slightkit. In contrast, those three were fighting each other for the best view with shrill squeals of excitement. Sedgeflight gently scolded the trio and swept them close with a grand whisk of her tail. The kits struggled feebly until finally, they calmed down and watched the ceremony with wide, eager eyes.

Hollykit tore her eyes away from the younger kits and caught Cragkit's attention. She sent him an excited smile.

Larkbite gave Cragkit and Nightkit a prompting nudge.

Cragkit gave his pelt a firm shake and puffed out his chest, setting his broad shoulders. The dark gray tom padded forward. A slight tremble entered his whiskers, and he felt Nightkit's fur brush against his. He shot a look in his brother's direction. The black tom was a mirror of his nervous excitement.

Ripestar stood, noble and proud atop the Highrock. Her peach-colored fur stood in a bright contrast to her deep, icy blue eyes, and she searched the Clan with her sharp gaze. At last, she found the two kits, and the cold fringes of her eyes softened into warm blossoms of pride.

Cragkit realized with a start that Ripestar wasn't the only one who watched the two toms. The entire Clan followed their movements with their eyes. The gray tom's spine prickled beneath the watchful gazes of his Clanmates.

At last, Cragkit and Nightkit reached the Highrock. The brothers settled in the dust with their tails curled primly over their paws.

"It is at times like these where I am most proud to lead ThunderClan," Ripestar began. Her voice rang loudly throughout the ravine. Soft, yet commanding, and rich with every word, "every birth, death, apprenticeship, warriorship, and retirement marks an important milestone for our Clan. And today, though Quaildapple's passing lingers heavily on our minds, we are here to celebrate the coming of new apprentices."

Ripestar smiled down at the kits. "Cragkit, Nightkit," she mewed, "you have both come forward and requested to become medicine cats in-training. After due consideration and discussion with Stumpwhisker," she flicked her tail to the medicine cat, who bowed his head politely, "we have decided that the two of you will embark on this journey together."

Cragkit perked up with a startled glance in Nightkit's direction. Though, he wasn't too terribly surprised, considering how his brother had shown an equal fascination to Stumpwhisker's duties.

"From this day onward, until you receive your medicine cat names, you will be known as Cragpaw and Nightpaw. Stumpwhisker, I entrust you to teach these cats the ways of healing and how to protect the Clan from the most dangerous of ailments."

Stumpwhisker dipped his head as the Clan began cheering the apprentices' new names; "Cragpaw! Nightpaw! Cragpaw! Nightpaw!"

The medicine cat strutted forward with his thick tail hovering over his spine, sweeping the young toms with his green optics. "At the next half-moon Gathering, you both must journey to the Moonstone to be accepted by StarClan before the other medicine cats."

Nightkit and Cragkit exchanged glances, excitement reflecting in their eyes. "Okay!" Cragpaw squeaked, his tail flicking around behind him.

Stumpwhisker leaned forward and gently touched his nose to Cragpaw's forehead. The tom stilled. Stumpwhisker's breath brushed across his fur, until at last the older tom withdrew and did the same to Nightpaw.

Stumpwhisker smiled and turned away, leaving the newly-made apprentices to face the onslaught of congratulations. Warriors pressed in around the brothers, familiar faces that Cragpaw had never directly addressed before murmured their praise, and he felt heat rushing beneath his pelt as he profusely thanked each cat.

"It's a shame we won't be having more cats in the apprentice's den," Cricketpaw sighed, flicking her dark tail along Cragpaw's spine. "I was looking forward to seeing the two of you again."

Cragpaw's nose furrowed. "You're the one who never visited us," He pointed out to the older she-cat.

Cricketpaw shrugged. "Moondust keeps me busy."

"It's been four moons! I'm sure you haven't been that busy," Nightpaw retorted, frowning at the older apprentice.

Cricketpaw blinked. "Sorry, I guess," she grunted. Her gaze flashed back to the two apprentices, her body growing still aside from the blink of her eyes. "Anyways, congratulations to you two. I hope you look forward to taking care of Rattail's ticks." Her whiskers shivered in amusement, and she bounded away to join Goosepaw at the apprentice's den.

Nightpaw and Cragpaw exchanged glances.

"Is she angry?" Cragpaw asked cautiously.

Nightpaw shrugged. "Probably."

The two toms fell into silence, until the sound of rapidly approaching pawsteps touched the tufts of Cragpaw's ears.

"I'm so happy for you two!" A shrill voice squealed.

Cragpaw turned around to see Hollykit sprinting towards him. Just past her shoulders, Fleckkit and Cardinalkit raced only a few whisker-length's behind.

The red she-kit skidded to a stop and butted her nose to Nightpaw's. Then, she turned to look at Cragpaw.

"Why did you choose to be a medicine cat?" She mewed, giving a quick flick of her whiskers.

"What Stumpwhisker does is truly admirable," Cragpaw explained with a tilt of his head.

Hollykit's nose quivered. "Same with Ripestar. Why not be a warrior?"

Cragpaw shrugged. "I like herbs."

Hollykit turned her curious eyes to Nightpaw, a small glitter of extra warmth swarming through her green eyes. "And you?"

"The same reasons as Cragpaw," he mewed proudly. "I want to be just like Stumpwhisker, helping the Clan where I can. With herbs and omens, not with teeth and claws."

Hollykit's eyes widened in awe. Cardinalkit bowled her over.

"Boring!" The tom groaned, a frown puckering his lips. "Who am I going to train to be a warrior with now?"

Nightpaw laughed. "Hollykit and Fleckkit, of course."

"Hollykit talks too much. And Fleckkit is... you know, Fleckkit." Cardinalkit cast an apologetic glance to his brother, whose tail drooped a little.

"Yeah, well at least we're not lame like you," Hollykit snorted, flicking her tail angrily on Cardinalkit's nose. "Fleckkit is perfect as he is. Right, Fleckkit?"

Fleckkit bobbed his head happily.

Cragpaw smiled softly at the trio of kits. His friends. "Just because we're training to be medicine cats doesn't mean we won't be able to train together," he pointed out.

"That's right."

Cragpaw twisted his head around to see that Strikefeather had come over. His fur bristled as she gave him a long lick between the ears.

"Strikefeather!" He protested, pawing reluctantly at her nose.

"Although you two are becoming medicine cats, this doesn't mean you have to end your friendships." Strikefeather pulled the squirming Nightpaw closer and gave him a brisk lick as well. "Our medicine cats are a precious asset to the Clan. Losing one is a great blow, and that's why Stumpwhisker will teach you the very basics of battle training."

Cragpaw tilted his head with a slight frown. "Only the basics?" He asked, craning his neck to look at his mother.

Strikefeather purred. "Yes, didn't you know? Your focus will be on herbs and prophecies. Only the basics are needed to protect yourself, especially with the entire Clan behind you."

Cragpaw frowned a little, but gave an understanding nod.

"Anyways," Strikefeather turned her gaze to the three gathered kits, "you three had best run back to the nursery. Vixensong is looking for you."

She smiled as the three kits whirled around, only to see Vixensong watching them through slitted eyes at the nursery entrance.

Hollykit let out a begrudging sigh, and turned back to Nightpaw and Cragpaw. She touched her nose briefly to Cragpaw's, then gently nuzzled Nightpaw's chin.

"Goodbye, you two. I'll miss sharing the same den!" She called over her shoulder as she bounded away, brothers at her side.

"I'm off on patrol now," Strikefeather mewed to the young toms, her eyes soft with warmth and affection. "Go on and meet with Stumpwhisker. I'm sure he has plenty to say to you."

Cragpaw nodded and tilted his head as Strikefeather briskly walked away, towards the tunnel that led out of the ravine. His paws prickled with excitement. Soon, he and Nightpaw would be leaving through there. The territory was theirs to explore—he was officially a ThunderClan medicine cat apprentice!

Cragpaw turned to inspect the clearing, where cats mingled about as others left to go on patrol. His father had already returned to his duties, taking on his new deputyship with pride. Cragpaw sighed, eyelids drooping as he trailed Larkbite's figure as the dark tom left the camp with a small patrol at his tail.

"Come on, Cragpaw." Nightpaw flicked his tail over Cragpaw's ear.

The dark gray tom turned to see Nightpaw slinking off towards the medicine den. Cragpaw's heart sped up. "Right!" He purred.

He raced ahead of Nightpaw to catch up with Stumpwhisker. Now that he was finally an apprentice—Stumpwhisker's apprentice, at that—he could actually enter the medicine den!

"Stumpwhisker!" He exclaimed, bursting through the fern tunnel. "What are we doing first?"

His whiskers shivered with excitement as he spotted the medicine cat nosing through the slab of herbs. He collected a pawful of roots and leaves, before piling them into a large oak leaf.

"I'll be checking up on Sedgeflight and her kits," Stumpwhisker replied, scooping the herb bundle into his jaws. Nightpaw poked his head into the den, and quickly withdrew as Stumpwhisker pushed past.

Cragpaw scampered eagerly behind the older tom. "And? What can we do to help?" He pressed, his tail waving high with excitement.

Stumpwhisker heaved a sigh. "You and Nightpaw get settled in my den. Once you're finished, you may ask Goosepaw for help with utilizing some mousebile."

Cragpaw's eyes gleamed. "Mousebile? What's that?"

Stumpwhisker flicked his tail. "You'll see. For now, you two had best get your nests ready."

Cragpaw trailed to a stop as Stumpwhisker swiped his herb bundle into his jaws and slipped into the nursery.

"He doesn't seem too enthused to have us around," Nightpaw snorted. Cragpaw glanced over to see that the black tom was scowling.

"Maybe he's just grouchy," Cragpaw defended, his fur prickling.

Nightpaw shrugged, and after looking around the clearing, he padded towards a cluster of ferns. The apprentice's den.

Cragpaw sprinted to catch up to his brother. "Why are you going over here?" The tom asked once he'd fallen into pace with his littermate.

Nightpaw twitched his tail. "We need to get nests from somewhere. I'd bet three mousetails that Cricketpaw and Goosepaw prepped some bedding for us."

"I guess that's possible," Cragpaw conceded.

Nightpaw slipped inside, and Cragpaw squirmed in only a heartbeat later. The darkness of the den met him. The air, though musty, had a faint fresh breeze trickling in from the entrance. Cricketpaw jerked her head up and scowled in their direction.

"What are you doing here?" She snapped, her silver eyes narrowed in the darkness. "I'm trying to sleep, y'know."

"We're here to get our nests," Nightpaw replied simply, nosing around on the floor until he found two piles of fresh bedding. He cast a knowing look back at Cragpaw, who smiled eagerly and padded to his side.

Cricketpaw huffed. "Wow, congratulations. You found them." She rolled back over and flopped her head into the moss.

Cragpaw grabbed the corners of one nest between his teeth and backed away, dragging it out of the den. He relinquished his hold and glanced around, righting himself, before snagging it once again and hauling it over to the fern tunnel.

He wriggled inside, backwards, and deposited the moss nest in a corner near the entrance, a few tail-lengths away from Stumpwhisker's nest. He sniffed the bedding to double check, and verified this through Stumpwhisker's powerful aroma.

He gently kneaded his moss and fluffed it out, before backing away with a satisfied purr. It looked cozy enough, fluffy and bold around the edges, while kneaded down in the center with just enough space to curl up in. Cragpaw glanced over to Nightpaw, who was just finishing his own nest about a whisker-length away from Cragpaw's.

"Done!" The black tom cheered with a whisk of his tail, flashing his bright yellow eyes to his brother.

Cragpaw smiled. "Shall we find Goosepaw now?"

"Of course." Nightpaw swished his tail and padded outside. Cragpaw followed closely behind, blinking happily in the bright sunlight.

The gray tom's eyes roamed across the clearing, until at last he spotted the dusty tabby. Goosepaw was busy nosing her way through the freshkill pile. She plucked up a rather plump vole and nestled down near a cluster of gorse by the apprentice's den.

Cragpaw and Nightpaw approached the older apprentice, and she looked up with uninterested gray eyes.

"What do you two want?" She asked, taking a large bite out of her vole. Cragpaw's mouth watered at the sight of the juicy prey, but he shook his hunger away.

"Stumpwhisker told us to ask you for help with some mousebile," Cragpaw's eyes glittered with excitement.

Goosepaw raised a brow. "On your first day? How fun."

Nightpaw bobbed his head. "What is it, even?" He flexed his claws and glanced around, his fur ruffled with excitement.

Goosepaw laughed. The two tom's exchanged glances, and then looked at her in confusion.

"What's so funny?" Cragpaw mewed, feeling a self conscious itch beneath his fur.

Goosepaw shook her head vigorously. "Let me finish eating and I'll show you. I'm sure Rattail will be thrilled to see you two."

Cragpaw and Nightpaw sat as they waited. Cragpaw's tail twitched restlessly, but he tried earnestly to hide his impatience. Finally, Goosepaw took one last clean bite of her meal and swiped her tongue daintily across her whiskers, before reluctantly standing to her paws and giving a brisk shake of her fur.

"Follow me," she mewed, and the dusty tabby led the way quickly across the clearing with the two young apprentices bumbling behind her.

Cragpaw ducked beneath the hanging ferns as he slipped back into the medicine den. Goosepaw strode to the dark corners of the den, collected a small wad of moss, and brought it back to Cragpaw and Nightpaw. She dropped the moss to the floor and with her claws, she tore it into two smaller pieces.

"This one is for you," she passed one to Cragpaw, who gave it a sniff, "and this one is for you." She tossed the last one to Nightpaw.

Cragpaw's nose wrinkled. The moss smelt acidic and gross. "What is it?" He asked.

"Mousebile," Goosepaw said with a swish of her tail. "It's literally just bile from a mouse's stomach. It's used to remove ticks."

Cragpaw frowned. "Ticks?"

"Yes, it would appear that Stumpwhisker would like you to clean Rattail's ticks today. Dab it lightly on any you find, and let them fall off. Don't rip them off or their heads will stick."

Nightpaw groaned. "Are you kidding me? On our first day, this is what we're assigned?"

Goosepaw shrugged. "That's what it looks like. Anyways, I'm off to sleep now. Viperwing wants to take me out later tonight to go hunting. Have fun, you two." The dusty she-cat's whiskers trembled in amusement as she gave the two toms a sympathetic stare. With a graceful whisk of her tail, she padded confidently away.

Dejectedly, Cragpaw collected the bundle of smelly moss into his jaws and exited the den with Nightpaw by his side. The two medicine cat apprentices succumbed to their distasteful chore.