By the time that sunset rolled around, almost every cat in the Clan had met the three new additions to the nursery. The apprentices were last, Shadepaw included.

"You can come in now." Blurrypelt, just leaving the nursery, said. Shadepaw nodded to him, flicking Rainpaw's shoulder with his tail, telling him to follow.

The two brothers entered the nursery very carefully. Shadepaw hissed as Flamekit sunk his teeth into his tail. "Get off, brat!"

"Be nice." Rainpaw muttered, going to stand over the three kits. "Have you thought of any names yet?"

"The silver one is Silverkit." Moonbeam said, "And the ginger one is Firekit. I haven't thought of a name for the third."

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Rainpaw asked.

"They're all girls." Minnowleap answered for Moonbeam. "What do you think of the name Spiderkit? If I had a daughter-"

"You do have a daughter!" Echokit squealed, biting her mother's tail.

"I mean, if I had a daughter BESIDES Echokit, I would name her Spiderkit." Minnowleap glared at Echokit.

"Well, I just think that Spiderkit is more of a boy's name." Moonbeam grumbled, "But I suppose it could work."

"It's your kit." Rainpaw shrugged, "You decide."

"Spiderkit is fine." Moonbeam licked the pale golden kit on the head. "I'll keep it."

*

"What do you think of the new kits? Are they good or bad?" Frozenstar quizzed Shadepaw that night as he slept.

"They're good. It's always good to have more cats in the Clan." Shadepaw said.

"Wrong." Featherfur disagreed, "They're more potential enemies. Just three more cats to battle when you become leader."

"No, they could also be my allies." Shadepaw said.

"That's also correct." He nodded his head, "But you must understand that not as many cats will support you as you think."

"When you become leader, who will be your deputy?" Frozenstar moved on to the next question.

"Rainpaw." Shadepaw said instantly, "He's my brother."

"Is that any good reason to appoint a deputy? Kinship? Think, Shadepaw. Would Rainpaw really make a good deputy?" Pinefeather spat.

"Of course he would!"

"Can he fight?" She narrowed her eyes, "Can he hunt?"

"Yes, he can. He is a warrior just like the rest of us." Shadepaw defended his brother. Did they really think that Rainpaw would be a bad deputy?

"But is he the best at what he does?" Pinefeather went on.

"No.."

"Then choose someone who is! Think, Shadepaw. Your deputy will become ruler after you. Do you think your followers would bow to Rainpaw? He is not intimidating enough. He is not better than them. What cat do you know who is the best at what they do?"

Shadepaw blinked. "Well, Blurrypelt is a very good hunter."

"Yes!" Pinefeather hissed, "Finally, you've figured it out. Blurrypelt is a very fine choice for deputy; you'd have to he stupid to pick Rainpaw over him."

"Next question." Frozenstar said, "Are there any she-cats you like?"

"You mean.. Do I want a mate? No. Great leaders don't have time for all of that."

"Wrong again." Fawnfrost spoke this time. "Do you never want to have kits some day? That's foolish. You should have kits, who will have kits, who will have kits. Think of how strong a kit related to you would be! To have them on your side? It would be wonderful."

Shadepaw shivered. "Then, who should my mate be?"

"A cat as strong as you are." Fawnfrost's eyes sparkled. "Perhaps one of Moonbeam's kits will be that cat. Perhaps not a MudClan cat at all.."
"This is for you to figure out yourself, Shadepaw. Next question." Frozenstar interrupted. "Are you ready to fight?"

Before Shadepaw could answer, Featherfur was attacking him again. The gray tom rolled Shadepaw onto his back, but this time, he was ready. He pummeled Featherfur's underbelly with his hind paws, clawing at his muzzle with his forepaws. Featherfur dipped his head, nipping at Shadepaw's shoulder, then leaped away completely before Shadepaw could bite back.

"That was better." Featherfur complimented, "Try again."

This time, Shadepaw jumped out of the way when Featherfur leaped at him. When the gray tom turned to attack, Shadepaw slashed at his muzzle, then jumped away again.

"Don't just jump away, fool! You'll wear yourself out!" Pinefeather shouted.

Shadepaw crouched, flattening his ears. He was no fool! He'd rule the forest one day; these dead cats should show some respect. I'll show them! He jumped in for the attack, but the image of Featherfur disappeared as Shadepaw dug his claws into his fur. Confused, Shadepaw blinked open his eyes.

Blurrypelt was shaking Shadepaw's shoulders. "Wake up! Time for the dawn patrol."