Poppykit quickly shut her green eyes, hoping that her mother wouldn't try to rouse her. I don't want to wake up yet! It's not even dawn! "I know you're awake, Poppykit. You have to get up now." Minnowflight whispered, gently prodding Poppykit's side. "But I don't want to. It's too early," Poppykit mumbled, muzzle under her paws. Minnowflight started to walk towards the entrance of the nursery, giving Poppykit a chill which prickled her pelt. "I guess you'll just have to miss out on your surprise." Instantly, the dark ginger she-kit shot to her paws. "I'm up!" Queen Minnowflight beckoned her kit over with her tail. "Everybody's asleep, so we must be quiet. Follow me." Poppykit's paws tingled with excitement as Minnowflight lead her to the Pine Rock - the place where every King and Queen would address their Clan. 

The ginger she-kit looked up at the top of the Pine Rock where her father's den was. "Want me to pick you up?" Poppykit shook her head, "I can do-" Minnowflight covered Poppykit's mouth with her tail, "Remember, we have to be quiet." When Minnowflight removed her fluffy gray-and-white tail, Poppykit gave an innocent smile. "Sorry, I won't be loud." The ginger kit's mother purred, "Alright, then. I'll be behind you, so you won't fall." I would never let myself slip off it! As she was climbing up the tall rock, her father emerged from the den.

"Welcome, my little princess," Kestrelfall purred; walking down the rock and towards his daughter. "Hi dad!" Poppykit quietly exclaimed as she started clambering up the rock in a hurry. "Slow down; you don't want to hurt yourself." Kestrelfall reached down and held her by the scruff. "Daaad, I can do it by myself!" Minnowflight purred in amusement, following Kestrelfall into the den.

After the king let Poppykit down, she made sure to keep a good posture as she sat next to him. "She's been working on her manner lately. She'll make a great queen one day." Minnowflight meowed, looking at her mate; who in turn locked his green eyes with her amber ones. "She sure will. And that is exactly why you're here right now, Poppykit." Kestrelfall paused, now looking at Poppykit who was bristling with excitement. Am I becoming queen right now?! Yes! "You will help your mother and I with the apprentice ceremony." 

"Oh." For a heart-beat, Poppykit was disappointed to not be announced queen...before her father's words replayed in her head. "Really?! This is gonna be great!" Poppykit squealed while leaping to her paws, fur standing up at odd angles. "Poppykit! Calm down! You'll wake everybody!" Minnowflight, now on her paws, scanned over MistClan's camp frantically to make sure nobody was disrupted. "I wonder who she gets that from," Minnowflight murmured, turning around to face her kin.

Kestrelfall rolled his eyes before looking at his ginger-furred daughter. "Next time, make sure to be quieter." "I will," Poppykit murmured, starting to smooth her fur down. "Anyhow, Poppykit, you shall be the one who announces Thornkit, Frondkit, and Branchkit's mentors. Minnowflight and I have already chosen them." 

Minnowflight started to pad over to her kin. She looked at Kestrelfall with amber eyes full of emotion. Why's mom sad? Or is she angry? "Kestrelfall, are you sure you have made the right decision to make him Thornkit's mentor." Huh? Who's 'him'? Kestrelfall looked at Minnowflight steadily. "Of course I'm sure. I wouldn't say it if I wasn't-" "But what about my sister? What about Rainfeather?" Minnowflight brought her voice down to a low whisper. 

Am I supposed to be hearing this or..? Poppykit shifted, letting her tail knock a small pebble a few spaces to the right of her. She kept her green gaze lowered as she felt her parents look at her. I wasn't supposed to listen! "Well, dawn is nearly here and we still haven't practiced what we we're supposed to." Kestrelfall quickly changed the subject, "Okay, Poppykit, here's what we'll do. I will be speaking in the ceremony first. When I look down at you, it is your turn to speak."

"So...what do I say, and who are the mentors?" As Kestrelfall answered Poppykit's questions, she nodded eagerly.

The princess blinked, contemplating on how to give out her part of the ceremony. "I am Poppykit. I am princess of MistClan. And our... No, that doesn't sound right." The she-kit whispered to herself before feeling a tail drape over her small shoulders. "I can help you with the words if you like." Queen Minnowflight purred, gazing at her daughter with warmth.

I would like some help... "Yes, please." With her mother's guidance, she was able to learn and recite the proper words. Then, she perked her ears up as she started to hear voices from outside of the den. "It is time for the ceremony." Poppykit gave a sharp inhale; I'm so excited! "Now, it is time to present ourselves to our cats. Follow us, Poppykit." Minnowflight meowed, starting to exit the den with Kestrelfall.

After quickly glancing at her fur, she followed her parents to the front of Pine Rock's ledge. Wow! Everybody is here! She gazed down upon the cats before looking at her father who was clearing his throat in preparation of the ceremonies he would hold today. "There are three young cats who have come of age and shown themselves worthy of becoming apprentices of MistClan." Kestrelfall scanned across camp before his powerful green gaze landed on three kits; pelts tidy and in front of the nursery with their mother. 

"Thornkit, Frondkit, and Branchkit, step forward." As the other cats jostled around to make way for the toms, Poppykit shifted her weight from side to side; nervous for the role she had in this apprentice ceremony. What it I mess up! Oh...  As the kits at the front of the large rock settled into a neat line - all three gazing up at the royal family with contained excitement - Kestrelfall swept his gaze across the warriors who all sat tall and proud. "We gather today for the apprentice ceremony of these fine, young, strong cats." He paused for a heart-beat, beckoning Poppykit to stand right next to him.

"They have a lot to learn, so it is the job of MistClan's warriors to teach them. It is, as how it has always been, Clan tradition to pick mentors for our kits to train under. After long thought and careful consideration, Queen Minnowflight and I have decided who will be the mentors of Thornkit, Frondkit, and Branchkit." 

Each cat who sat beneath the Pine Rock dipped their heads in respect. Poppykit followed her father's gaze as it landed on a dark brown tabby tom sitting in-between his brothers. Thornkit will be first! Poppykit's heart fluttered in her chest. "Thornkit, step forward."

The tom kit stood and walked forward with pride, stopping to stand in front of the Pine Rock. "Thornkit," Kestrelfall began, "You have reached the age of six moons old and are ready to become an apprentice of MistClan." As her father continued with the apprenticeship of Thornkit, Poppykit's nerves shot higher. I'm ready! No, I'm not ready! Oh, but I'll do it! I'll do it! Just...don't forget the words, Poppykit! "Thornkit, as the oldest sibling, do you promise to protect those you care about? Do you promise to abide by the warrior code even if it costs you your life?" Poppykit's pelt tingled as she awaited her friend's answer. "I do."

Kestrelfall looked down expectantly as his young daughter. With the sudden pressure of feeling all eyes on her pelt, she nearly shrunk back. What was I supposed to say?! Uh, come on! We practiced this! With a momentary blankness of the mind which faded as quickly as it had come; she suddenly remembered all she would have to say. The ginger kit straightened herself, held her head high, and started to repeat the words which were rehearsed. 

"As Poppykit, the princess of MistClan, I now proclaim you the apprentice of our fine warrior, Snowleap!" She looked at her father, who had a smug smirk as he watched Snowleap bring himself forward to the crowd. I must have done it correct! Now, I just gotta do it two more times...

Poppykit then switched her green gaze to look at her mother, who was now in preparation to speak. "Snowleap has shown courage and loyalty to MistClan for many moons, and I know that he will train Thornpaw well." Minnowflight's voice wavered, but she still kept her peaceful demeanor. Princess Poppykit watched as Thornpaw turned to face his mentor and touch his nose to the white tom's muzzle. They looked at each other as if they knew what the other was thinking. Then, Snowleap and Thornpaw padded into the crowd and sat side-by-side. Poppykit then looked up at her father, who had started to announce Frondkit as a new apprentice. Right when Kestrelfall began to speak, Poppykit felt an overwhelming pressure again. I just need to get it perfect like last time! Oh! Just remember who his mentor is! Just remember his mentor! She started to take deep, slow breaths. 

Soothing herself just in time, her father nodded her along. "As being the princess of MistClan, Poppykit, I proclaim Frondkit as the apprentice of our fine warrior, Antlerlight!" Poppykit sighed in relief when she saw an approving smile on her mother's face, who now stepped forward. After the queen had announced Frondpaw and Antlerlight as official apprentice-and-mentor, Poppykit angled her ears to hear what they were meowing.

Frondpaw was bristling with excitement, while the older and larger warrior purred. "You will be a great apprentice. And I promise I won't eat you." Antlerlight winked at his apprentice before the two went into the crowd together.

"Branchkit, step forward," Kestrelfall meowed. He's the last one!

All eyes turned to the smallest of the brothers. Branchkit hobbled forward, the stump where his leg would have been moved slightly. Doubt echoed through the crowd, but nonetheless, he stood with his head held high and an icy-blue fire of triumph in his eyes. He had come so far to get to this point, and Poppykit knew it. He'll be just as good as his brothers! This time, she didn't feel so nervous about announcing his mentor after two perfect tries. She looked up at her father who was now starting his speech.

"Branchkit, you have reached six moons old, and indeed, have come far. As the youngest sibling, will you promise to bring protection to everybody you care about? Do you promise to abide by the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?" After a moments hesitation, Poppykit angled her ears downward to hear Branchkit's response. "I do."

Poppykit smiled as her father looked down at her. I am ready! "As being MistClan's princess, I now proclaim Branchkit as the apprentice of our fine warrior, Scorchedfur!" Poppykit felt relief, pride in herself for being able to say the correct words, and proud of her friends who were now apprentices. Once Scorchedfur was in front of the crowd, Minnowflight had begun her oration.

"Scorchedfur, you have shown what it means to continue thriving even in harsh times, and you have shown what it means to sacrifice yourself for others." The silver she-cat which Minnowflight was addressing stood up straighter before gazing fondly at Branchkit.

Queen Minnowflight, about to continue, stared in shock as King Kestrelfall broke tradition, going up to speak instead of her. Poppykit's pelt twitched uneasily, and by looking down at the cats gathered in front of her, they were surprised as well. What's going on? 

"Branchkit, you will now have a new name. You will be known as Lostpaw." An unearthly silence swept across camp. Poppykit looked from her mother to her father, before tearing her gaze to Stonefeather who was bristling with anger. Lostpaw flicked his tail anxiously, while Scorchedfur shuffled her paws. "Any objections?" 

At first glance, Stonefeather looked as if he would speak up - until a quiet voice sounded. No matter how hard Poppykit strained her ears, she couldn't hear what the cat was saying, or who the cat was. Once the whispering stopped, Stonefeather seemed to have calmed down a bit; lowering his head in submission and backing into the crowd of cats, Kestrelfall looked on in triumph.

"Very good..." Kestrelfall murmured so quietly that even Poppykit had trouble hearing him. "Scorchedfur will train Lostpaw well," Kestrelfall said, while Poppykit watched the mentor and apprentice touch noses. 

There was a moment of silence, before voices came ringing out for the new apprentices.

"Thornpaw!"

"Frondpaw!"

"Lostpaw!"

Poppykit smiled when each of their names were called. I can't believe they are apprentices! And it'll be my turn next! "Clan dismissed." As MistClan's cats began to disperse after congratulating the new apprentices, the ginger she-kit looked up at her parents. "How about you go congratulate the new apprentices, Poppykit. Be careful going down the Pine Rock." By the way her voice sounded, Poppykit could tell that Minnowflight was very tense.

"Okay-" Poppykit broke off when she saw her mother stalk into the den. Kestrelfall stared at his daughter for a moment before joining Minnowflight in their shared den. Poppykit could start to hear a few angry hisses coming from her mother. Oh no...mom's real mad. 

Poppykit carefully climbed down the huge rock. She then rested her green gaze on the three apprentices, who were with their mentors, mother, and Stonefeather. She quickly trotted over; her paws tingled with excitement and happiness. Upon reaching them, she blurted to all three apprentices in turn, "Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations!"

She, about to continue, shrank into her fur when she realized that her Clanmates near the three apprentices purred in amusement. "It is a pleasure to see you, Princess Poppykit," Scorchedfur meowed. "You did a great job during the apprentice ceremony." Antlerlight purred, looking down at the ginger kit. 

"T-thank you," Poppykit sat down, licking her chest fur embarrassingly. Once the she-kit looked back up at the adult cats, Fernshade smiled and motioned with her tail for her sons to come talk to her.

 "Hello, Poppykit. Thank you for giving us our mentors-" "Yeah! Thank you! I couldn't have wished for a better mentor!" Frondpaw interrupted Lostpaw mid-sentence, purring profusely from his own excitement and pride. Poppykit flicked her ear, hearing a purr come from Antlerlight. 

"It was no big deal!" Poppykit then paused, standing up. She looked down before looking at Frondpaw, Lostpaw, and then Thornpaw. "Can you promise me something?" The ginger she-kit whispered, taking a step closer to them. "I dunno, first you gotta tell us..." "I was getting to that, Frondpaw! Anyway, promise me that you'll never, ever, ever stop visiting me in the nursery."

"Of course! You're our friend. Just because we are apprentices doesn't mean we'll stop." Poppykit felt gratitude towards Lostpaw, "Thank you!" She then looked mischievously at Frondpaw. "Of course I'm not going to visit my best friend... Don't get worried, princess!" Poppykit purred in amusement, before hearing Antlerlight call them over.

The light brown tom looked at the four young cats. "I'm sure you had a good talk. Now, Scorchedfur, Snowleap, and I must give the new apprentices a tour around our territory." Aw! I wish I could see the territory! Seeming to know what she was thinking, Scorchedfur reassured; "And I'm sure they'll tell you all about it." 

"Alright, let's go now," Snowleap murmured, starting to slowly pad away. Poppykit looked at Lostpaw and Frondpaw, who waved their tails in departure. She then looked at Thornpaw, who looked like he was about to follow them.

"Wait, Thornpaw," Poppykit purred, stepping in front of him. "Hm?"

Princess Poppykit lifted her head up and whispered, "Always come to visit me once in a while, when you get the chance of course." Then, without a moments hesitation, the princess touched her nose to Thornpaw's. Not waiting for a response, Poppykit quickly scurried away and towards the Pine Rock. 

She didn't dare look back, but instead took a deep breath. Why did I do that? 

Read this author's note!!! 

I give a HUGE thanks to OllyTheOrangeCat for being my co-writer!!! I wouldn't have gotten this chapter done without her!!! Since I was struggling with this chapter, Olly decided to help me!!! Thank you so much for the help!!! I literally can't thank you enough!!!! 

Basically, she wrote some of the paragraphs for the chapter, and I wrote what she wrote in my own style. Honestly, I think that this is what caused me to leave writer's block (is it considered writer's block though? I knew what I wanted for this chapter, I just couldn't write it, so I guess so). So, once again, THANK YOU OllyTheOrangeCat!!!!!

Thank you everybody for reading this chapter! It was a huge struggle (as mentioned above), but I'm glad that I was able to bring it out. It only took...2 months. So...I was way overdue. But hey, during all that time I was able to accomplish things. Hopefully you guys weren't waiting too long... So sorry for how long it took! I will make sure that the next chapter comes out sooner!