CHAPTER 3
Three moons had passed since the dream. Dandelionkit had had the same one every night, each time with the same echoing fear. Life hadn't gotten better-Applekit and Frostedkit had joined in bullying her with Rashkit and Kitekit, Starflame had stopped hanging around with her and the small cat's demand was getting to her head.
As she finished her shrew, Dandelionkit decided to go and look for Starflame. She and the white warrior had fallen out but she still sought friendship between them.
She spotted her emerging from the dirtplace tunnel.
"Hi, Starflame!"she purred.
"Oh...h...hi, Dandelionkit,"Starflame meowed,"Shouldn't you be getting clean?"
"Clean?"she echoed. Does she mean my zigzags? StarClan, don't let her bully me!
"For your apprentice ceremony..."
"M...my apprentice ceremony?" Dandelionkit paused. Great StarClan I'll begin my warrior training today!
"It's today!"she gasped with realisation.
"You forgot?"Starflame purred.
"Well..."she scretched her ear with her hind paw,"Yes,"
The white warrior let out a mrrow of amusment.
"I gotta go!"Dandelionkit squeaked, dashing off to the nursery.
Dotfur and Splotnose were licking Applekit and Breezekit.
"Is it true?"Dandelionkit skidded to a halt,"Our apprentice ceremony is today?"
"Duh, Ziggedchest. Why do you think I'm letting her groom me?"Applekit sneered.
Breezekit shot them glares as Frostedkit giggled. Well they aren't going to get better...
"Your turns,"Splotnose reached paw over to her.
"No!"she gasped, struggling to wriggle free.
"Just let them do it,"Frostedkit sighed,"They won't be satisfied 'til they have,"
Annoyed and wet, she obeyed.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!" Lighstar yelled. Splotnose paused, tongue still hanging out of his mouth, "Okay, it's time!"he gulped. Dandelionkit scrambled out of the den, excitment drowning out her nerve.
I'll be a warrior! I hope Starflame mentors me!
Rashpaw and Kitepaw were waiting at the entrance.
"Congratulations, Uglykit,"Rashpaw sneered,"Looks like you'll be a warrior after all,"
"Oh, more like Uglypaw,"Kitepaw corrected, mocking a kit's squeal.
Anger surprised her; a wave of pure rage slashed through her body as they scolded her very existence.
The brothers padded away, casting smug scowls over their shoulders.
"Ignore them,"Starflame advised,"You earned this,"
"Thanks,"Dandelionkit muttered, relived to have recovered thrir closeness.
"Frostedkit, step forwards,"Lightstar commanded. Frostedkit obeyed.
After a few moments, Frostedpaw was paired with Garlicwhisker, Breezepaw with Frostbitewhisper and Applepaw with Firethroat.
My turn next!
As ordered, she took a step forwards.
"From this day forward, until she earns her warrior name, this apprentice will be known as Dandelionpaw,"Lightstar turned his head to a certain cat,"Junipertooth, you have shown sharp courage and cunningness, you will mentor Dandelionpaw,"
Dandelionpaw's mentor's eyes widened in disbelief.
No! Not Junipertooth. She hates apprentices...everyone for that matter!
Junipertooth's eyes narrowed as she stalked up to her.
"I...I'll be great,"she stammered as they touched noses.
"You'd better be,"Junipertooth hissed, tail flicking.
"Frostedpaw! Applepaw!" Breezepaw! Dandelionpaw!"whilst the chants went up, Dandelionpaw stood frozen, horrorfied.
The small she-cat who had haunted her dreams was twining herself around her neck,"You haven't escaped us yet, Dandelionpaw,"she whispered, "You've just taken one step closer to becoming a murderer and a traitor,"
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