========================================= *Chapter 3* ========================================= "Moonkit, 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 Moonpaw." Goldenstar's voice boomed down from the Highbranch. Cherrykit felt a shudder pass through her as she awaited her turn. "Flakeheart," Goldenstar addressed the young warrior, calmly, but her eyes shone with happiness as she watched him step forward. "You are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Amberheart, and you have shown yourself to be responsible and talented warrior. You will mentor Moonpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her." Cherrykit happily watched Moonpaw and Flakeheart touch noses, excited for the moment she could congratulate her sister. "Cherrykit, please come forward.," Goldenstar's voice grabbed her attention once more. She stepped forward and gazed up at the golden-yellow cat. To Cherrykit's surprise, Fallingspirit joined the leader on the Highbranch. "Fallingspirit, is it your wish to mentor an apprentice? And have you chosen Cherrykit to train in the ways of healing and listening to our ancestors?" "Yes." Turning to Cherrykit, Goldenstar asked, "Is it your wish to train with Fallingspirit?" Horrified, Cherrykit hissed, "Of course not!" Meows of horror echoed throughout the camp, making Cherrykit crouch down in embarrassment. Goldenstar flicked her tail, motioning for silence. "Your mother came to Fallingspirit and I, concerned about the dreams you've been having these past two moons. She mentioned one that sounded like a prophecy, 'The cherry will blossom, ever so bright, its leaves forming that of a stream of peace and prosperity. One blossom shall hold the tree together, as a leader holds a Clan. The stream will grow, as a feather dark as night gradually sweeps the blossom holding the tree into the pine trees across the way. The tree shall waver in faith, lost and crumbling without the blossom, but will stay strong against all odds.' We found this prophecy-like dream very convincing, since it seemed to have something to do with BlossomClan. Therefore, you are to be a medicine cat." Goldenstar announced. Cherrykit remembered the dream. "Okay," she reluctantly conceded. "I'll become a medicine cat." Goldenstar performed the ceremony, and anointed Fallingspirit as her mentor. She quickly touched noses with Fallingspirit than sulkily walked away. "Cherrypaw!" Cherrypaw jerked her head up to see Moonpaw walking towards her. "That was interesting. Have you seen my mentor? He's handsome. He reminds me of the stories about how Firestar looked." Ignoring her sister's first question, Cherrypaw snorted at the mention of the LeGeNdArY Firestar. "Seriously, Moonpaw? Firestar never existed! There was no such thing as ThunderClan, and he most certainly isn't the most important cat that has ever lived. How can believe in something so mouse-brained?" Moonpaw opened her mouth to protest, when Flakeheart appeared behind her. "H-hi, Flakeheart." she stuttered, blushing. "Hi, Moonpaw. Ready to see the territory?" Flakeheart shuffled his paws, and looked at the ground. Regardless of the fact he wasn't showing his face, Cherrypaw knew he was blushing. Toms! So gross. Fallingspirit walked up to Cherrypaw, "I'll show you the best herb-gathering spots!" he purred. Trying not to roll her eyes, she walked off with her mentor, thankful that Moonpaw and Flakeheart were heading in the opposite direction. She didn't want another fight to break out, but honestly! Firestar. Why in StarClan's name would he be such a great cat? And none of the elders have heard of him, let alone Clans named WindClan, RiverClan, SkyClan, ShadowClan, and ThunderClan! How mouse-brained can Moonpaw possibly be?! As she walked with Fallingspirit, she froze and stopped in her tracks. "Everything okay?" Her mentor asked. "No, there's more to Moonpaw's stories than I thought. She never told me the names of the Clans in her stories, yet I somehow knew them all. The names include StarClan...do you think it's possible ThunderClan, RiverClan WindClan, ShadowClan, and SkyClan truly existed?" Fallingspirit wouldn't meet her gaze. "That...is something you have to find out on your own, Cherrypaw. What you find in the stars will shape your destiny," He turned quickly and looked Cherrypaw straight in the eye. His gaze shone with the knowledge and pain he had experienced. "Do not dive deeper into our forgotten history than you need. Get the gist and get out. Knowing too much could weigh heavier on your heart and soul than you could ever imagine..."
Edited the ending MAJORLY. Please reread the entire story to see all edits and understand the addotions completely. Thanks!!! Next: Coming soon! (Please check out the poll that has been put up to determine the plot of the next chapter.) Previous: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/972838339/ First: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/968599939/ Characters in chapter: Cherrypaw: White she-cat with a pinkish tint. She has brilliant blue eyes and a white muzzle, chest, tail tip, and paws. She also has special marking beneath her eyes. Ref: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/810543680 Moonpaw: Dark gray(almost black) she-kit. Wide blue eyes and large, clumsy paws. She can be a mouse-brain sometimes, but she's very loveable and kind. She's a reserved, happy little thing and always can spare time to do things for others. Fallingspirit: Fawnspots' brother. A brown tabby tom with white ear tips and paws. He's the Clan's only medicine cat and is currently looking for an apprentice. He's a kind tom and is very thoughtful and caring. He enjoys sorting herbs in a patch of sunlight before curling up for a nice nap. Flakeheart: Recently received his warrior name and was promised an apprentice. Flame colored tabby coat with green eyes. Shy, patient, funny, and respectful. Tom who has an -*ahem*- cRuSh. Goldenstar: Broad golden tabby she-cat with light blue eyes. She was made leader after Molestar passed, ten moons ago. Regardless of being a new leader, she has gained tremendous amounts of respect. She is noble, wise, and reserved, but isn't afraid to challenge others for what's right. Thank you @Fireheart1221 for the cover!
