Diamondpaw followed behind her mentor, and Foxtoe and Firepaw followed behind them.

"This is the path to the dirtplace." Lemonclaw said.

Diamondpaw wrinkled her nose at the putrid smell.

"Over there is the high rock and the medicine cat den."

Diamondpaw nodded at the sight of both, arranged in the same cliff side.

"And the apprentice's den is here!"

Diamondpaw and Firepaw went into the den. Dusk was quickly approaching, so they situated themselves in their nests.

Firepaw dozed off almost instantly, but Diamondpaw was having trouble. She lay awake on her back, trying to bat off the thoughts that swarmed her mind like wasps.

However, she couldn't shake one particular thought.

The toms are so cool! And yet, I'm a she-cat, unable to be like them.

I wish I could be a tom.