MistClan's camp, a colossal hollow amid the pine trees, began to brighten due to the sunlight filtrating between the pines' needles and cones. This sunlight meant that cats were beginning to wake as the morning mist dissipated and the birds began to sing. Dawn had arrived, which marked another new and eventful day for the Clan.

It's today, Snowkit thought as he leapt to his paws, stretching. I'll no longer be a kit, and neither will any of the others in this nursery. While it may be a shame that I won't be a warrior, at least I have Nightkit's offer to look forward to. The white tomcat smiled, taking a glance at the black tomcat being groomed by Dewspring.

A few moments later Snowkit sighed, beginning to frown as he stared at Dancingleaf's empty spot. After the early apprenticeship training three days ago, she wouldn't even look at him, and spent nearly no time inside the nursery. Due to her inattentiveness, he found himself craving her attention, yet nonetheless, perturbed by her presence. Be that as it may, since she wasn't in the nursery to clean his fur, Snowkit walked over to Fernkit and her parents.

"Need us to freshen you up?" Foxsight asked as she gazed at him, her voice kind and welcoming. She nudged her mate, pricking her ears as she continued grooming her daughter.

Snowkit nodded in response. "If you don't mind, then yes."

"Righto!" Ottersplash exclaimed as he started to neatly groom the white tomcat's fur. "Excited for today? I know you won't be a warrior apprentice, but still, you'll actually get to leave camp," he rambled in-between licks. "I swear, Foxsight and I tried our best to convince Queen Softheart to make both you and my son medicine cat apprentices, but she adamantly refused. Anyways," he digressed, "excited for today?"

"I think so. I'm glad to get to leave camp, as you mentioned," Snowkit replied, considering Ottersplash's words. Now that I think about it, why didn't Queen Softheart want Stonekit to also be a medicine cat apprentice? That's... confusing, because two cats can train to be a medicine cat at once. Maybe I can ask Dappledleaf about that later.

"All done!" Ottersplash abruptly exclaimed, admiring his work. "You look dapper."

Snowkit smiled from the compliment. "Thank you," he purred.

"No problem, kitto." Ottersplash stood up to nuzzle his mate and daughter. "I'm gonna wait outside now. Pebblepaw's probably still asleep, if you notice the silence out in camp, and I'm on wake up duty for my apprentice," he joked, trotting out the nursery.

Snowkit also stood up, stepping towards Fernkit. "Where's Stonekit?" he asked her, gazing around the nursery.

"Oh, I'm not sure. He left right after my mom groomed him," Fernkit stated, her blue eyes landing on Bramblekit. "I'll see you during the ceremony," the diluted calico molly said, excusing herself as she walked towards the reddish-brown molly.

Snowkit looked up at Foxsight, who was chuckling. "He's in the medicine den right now," she answered. "But, I wouldn't advise leaving the nursery. Your apprentice ceremony will start any minute." The ginger molly dipped her head, going over to Dewspring.

After his stare found Nightkit, who was conversing with Kestrelkit and Leaftuft, Snowkit sighed. I can't speak to Nightkit right now, he noted, letting his claws unsheathe. The white tomcat began to draw lines in the compacted earth, humming as he did so. It's still strange, he thought, how I'll be an apprentice a moon early. From what I've heard, this hasn't happened in seasons. I suppose it makes sense, though, considering the circumstances.

Snowkit was jolted from his ruminations once he heard Whitespeckle by the nursery's entrance. "The apprentice ceremony shall commence soon, so I suggest you all gather by Pine Rock in five minutes," the black tomcat notified, his honey coloured gaze landing on Snowkit. He smiled warmly at the small tomcat, stepping towards him. "Come with me, Snowkit," he murmured. "There is something I must say to you."

Led out to the front of the nursery's entrance, just out of the ear range from all their Clanmates, was where Snowkit and the tall warrior sat. He looked up at Whitespeckle, his yellow eyes filled with curiosity and slight fret. What does he want to say to me? he questioned, flicking his tail tip. Knowing what's happened these past three days, it'll probably be something bad.

"Your mother," Whitespeckle began, "has been so desolate recently. She feels very alone and hated, so she's been isolating herself. That's why she's always been so strict on you, Snowkit. However," he continued, "I think she'll be glad that you'll be an apprentice, even if she doesn't say it."

No, glad that I'll be out of the nursery, Snowkit silently corrected, slowly nodding his head. "It's alright if she doesn't say it," the white tomcat stated. "It doesn't matter what she does or doesn't do, anyway, because I know I've broken her trust. That's why my mother hasn't been in the nursery lately, isn't it?" He narrowed his yellow gaze.

Whitespeckle took a sharp inhale of breath. "Dear me, please don't take what I've said the wrong way! I am not trying to slander you or your mother in any way by what I've said." After making his clarification, the black tomcat sighed. "Truthfully," he admitted, "the reason Dancingleaf hasn't been in the nursery so often lately is because she's been out with me. I doubt you knew this, but she and I have known each other since we were kits. We've been getting closer these past couple of days, so I thought it would do us all a favour if I were to tell you this."

"Do us all a favour?" Snowkit questioned, tilting his head.

"I don't want you to hate her, Snowkit." Whitespeckle brushed the small cat with his tail. Despite opening his mouth to continue, he wisely kept quiet as he watched the parents and soon-to-be apprentices exit the nursery and head towards the camp centre.

"I-I've never hated her," Snowkit asserted once the crowd of cats were out of range. She's my mother, how could I ever hate her? Even if she hits me, or ignores me, I know she truly cares about me deep inside. Even you, he thought, staring up at Whitespeckle, said it. She's only been like this because she's upset. Though, he digressed, now I wonder, how different would she be if she wasn't so upset? Would she trust me again, or would I still have to feel so anxious when around her?

"Is she happy when she's with you?" Snowkit suddenly asked.

"Dancingleaf, happy with me?" Whitespeckle murmured under his breath, his honey gaze narrowing. "I suppose so. Why do you ask?"

"I was just curious. After all, you mentioned that she's been upset, and you've been getting closer lately." Snowkit paused, carefully choosing his words. "If I don't make her happy, I was wondering if you do."

After a few moments of silence passed, the two were jolted by an echoing voice calling attention. The apprentice ceremony is starting already?! Snowkit thought, panicking as he looked up at Pine Rock to see the royal family- complete with Rainkit and her sister, Princess Minnowkit -sat atop.

"Go, join the other kits!" Whitespeckle ordered as he quickly trotted to the camp centre. Snowkit followed him there, finding the other kits gathered at the front of the crowd.

"Where were you?" Stonekit whispered as Snowkit sat beside him, gliding a paw over his ear. However, Snowkit wasn't able to respond, as King Silverhawk began to give his speech.

"Cats of MistClan," the gentle silver tabby began, "today we will be welcoming six new apprentices." His amber, hawk-like stare swept across the kits situated at the front of the crowd. "These cats are Fernkit, Stonekit, Kestrelkit, Nightkit, Bramblekit, and Snowkit, who we will welcome as 'paws. After careful consideration, we have decided who will be chosen to mentor this new generation."

After a few moments of silence, Softheart began to speak. "Now, let us not idly wait," the white molly purred, nudging Silverhawk to the side. "This apprentice ceremony has commenced!"

Snowkit looked around at his Clanmates, all of them cheering for him and the other kits. It really has begun, he thought, giving his chest a few quick licks. It's time for us to gain our new titles. I can't tell if I'm more excited or stressed by this.

"Fernkit, please step forward," Minnowkit ordered, her voice soft and kind, yet holding the demanding spirit of a natural leader.

Snowkit watched as the addressed diluted calico molly stepped forward. Her tail was confidently raised as she gazed upon the royal family atop Pine Rock, and it was clear that she was ready to accept her new position as a warrior apprentice.

"Fernkit, do you promise to protect your Clanmates with your life, and follow the Warrior Code as every good warrior must?" Softheart narrowed her blue stare as she awaited Fernkit's response.

Fernkit spoke with conviction, despite her utterance of two words: "I do."

Snowkit gazed at the cats around him, eyes searching through the crowd. Who will be her mentor? There are many warriors who can mentor, he thought, except for Whitespeckle, Jaggedfur, Ottersplash, and Badgerblaze. They're already preoccupied with Ravenpaw, Ripplepaw, Pebblepaw, and Spottedpaw.

"Step forward, Hazelstripe," Softheart demanded as she kept her eyes trained on the golden-brown tabby. "You have been a warrior of MistClan for many moons. You are level-headed and have a lot to offer to your new apprentice. I'm certain that you won't let your status as cousins impact how you train Fernkit in any way." The Queen gave an amused purr, "So, tell me, Hazelstripe, can I trust you with this task?"

"Yes, Queen Softheart. I will train her well," Hazelstripe replied, dipping her head.

"Perfect!" Softheart grinned, fluffing out her fur. "Hazelstripe and Fernpaw, you are bound by StarClan to be a mentor and apprentice duo!"

As cheers resounded for Hazelstripe and Fernpaw, Snowkit watched as they touched noses and sat to the side of the crowd. One down, five more- including myself -to go, the white tomcat tracked, flicking his tail anxiously.

"Stonekit, please step forward." This time Rainkit gave the order. While her voice wasn't as soft as Minnowkit's, she kept that demanding aspect her sister had.

The grey tomcat by Snowkit's side stood and stepped forward. Stonekit's tail was drooping, and his head was slightly lowered. It was obvious that he didn't want to be there as he gazed at the ground with an almost lachrymose stare.

"Stonekit, will you promise to protect your Clanmates with your life, and follow the Warrior Code we all must follow?" Silverhawk asked this time, sweetly gazing down at Stonekit.

"Yes, I do," Stonekit begrudgingly murmured, lifting his head to meet the King's gaze.

With a small smile, Silverhawk looked towards the gathered warriors. "Longwhisker, please step forward." As the long-whiskered tomcat stepped forward, Snowkit's ears pricked as he heard a few gasps.

That's right, Snowkit remembered, Longwhisker's known to train apprentices with unsheathed claws. Not for malicious reasons, but to train his apprentices with real fighting experience. The realisation hit him as he noticed Stonekit's eyes had widened. He'll get hurt from this, and he doesn't even want to be a warrior!

"You are our eldest warrior, Longwhisker. You've served MistClan well in these many seasons. You are strict, but you always make sure you set your apprentices up for success," Silverhawk complimented. "Longwhisker, do you promise to train Stonekit well?"

"Of course," Longwhisker replied, "I'll be sure to."

"Then," Silverhawk concluded, "Longwhisker and Stonepaw, StarClan approves of your mentor-and-apprentice bond."

As Fernpaw and Hazelstripe previously did, Longwhisker and Stonepaw also touched their noses together as the crowd of cats cheered for them. After they walked to the side to sit next to the other mentor-and-apprentice pair, the rest of the ceremonies began.

"Now, this is a special occasion!" Softheart gave a rumbling purr as she spoke. "Since there's still four of you left, it'll be tiresome to keep going back and forth." The molly nudged her daughter, Minnowkit, indicating that she should speak.

The grey molly purred, her soft blue eyes resting on the soon-to-be apprentices. "Kestrelkit, Nightkit, Bramblekit, and Snowkit, please step forward."

Surprised, Snowkit pinned his ears, but nonetheless rose alongside the other addressed kits. They all stepped forward, each eagerly gazing upon Pine Rock. I didn't expect this so soon, he thought, but I suppose I'm excited for it. I'll get to see what the world looks like outside of camp, and even if I'll be a medicine cat apprentice, Nightkit will be there to teach me how to fight.

"Kestrelkit, Nightkit, Bramblekit, and Snowkit, do you promise to protect your Clanmates with your life, and follow the Warrior Code as every good warrior must?" Softheart asked the kits, purring as one by one they all voiced their positive responses.

"Then Leaftuft, Fleetrunner, Finchsong, and Dappledleaf, step forward as well." Softheart raised her tail, smirking as she looked down upon the cats she called to the front. "Leaftuft," she began, purring out his name as her gaze focused intensely on him. "You have been such a strong and reliable warrior for many moons. You have a lot to offer to our new generation, Leaftuft, and due to your striking similarities, you've been chosen to mentor Kestrelkit."

As Softheart continued, Snowkit watched Kestrelkit. The light brown tabby looked as if he expected his father to be his mentor. He was grinning, and so was Leaftuft, who seemed almost flustered from Softheart's praise. The two touched their noses together, joining Hazelstripe, Fernpaw, Longwhisker, and Stonepaw after.

"Fleetrunner," Softheart continued, her stare slightly narrowed, "you have been a quick-witted warrior known for your agility and sharp-tongue. These traits would compliment Nightkit well. Can I trust you with being his apprentice?"

"Of course you can," Fleetrunner smugly confirmed.

Snowkit, just as he previously watched Kestrelpaw, kept his eyes on the black tomcat. He couldn't quite tell how he felt, almost as if he felt nothing whatsoever. However, once Nightpaw touched noses with Fleetrunner, he seemed to smile, looking towards Snowkit. Amidst the crowd's cheering, the white tomcat met Nightpaw's warm green gaze which seemed almost reassuring. That's right, he thought, he's my father's apprentice.

After yawning, Softheart carried on. "Finchsong, you may be the youngest warrior we currently have, but you have proven yourself ready to be a mentor. You are soft-spoken, yet motivational to your peers. You have a lot to offer to Bramblekit, so can I trust you with mentoring her?"

Finchsong nodded, sweetly purring. "Yes, you may," the light brown molly replied. "I won't let my apprentice down!"

Softheart dipped her head as she smiled. "Finchsong and Bramblepaw, StarClan bounds you together!"

Once again the gathered cats cheered as Finchsong and Bramblepaw touched their noses together. Snowkit smiled as he saw Bramblepaw's fright melting away as she followed her mentor. Now it's my turn to become a 'paw, he thought, flicking his grey-tipped tail. I'm ready for this.

"Dappledleaf," Softheart spoke, "you have been our medicine cat longer than any of us have been alive. It must feel liberating to finally be relieved with the task of finding an apprentice. With your seasoned knowledge and tact, you will be a great mentor to Snowkit." The molly paused for a moment to fluff out her fur. "It goes without saying, but Dappledleaf, can we entrust you to teach your new apprentice the way of medicine?"

"Yes," Dappledleaf purred, dipping her head.

"Dappledleaf and Snowpaw," Softheart rumbled, "may StarClan approve of your bond!"

Snowpaw's pulse began to quicken as his Clanmates cheered for him and Dappledleaf. They're all cheering my name with happiness. This feels so... strange. He touched his nose to Dappledleaf's, smelling the scent of herbs which clung to her pelt.

"Well, it seems we've come to the end of our time," Softheart murmured as the cheers dwindled, almost sadly. "MistClan, you are dismissed!" She turned away, leading her kin into their den.

Excited chatter filled MistClan's camp as nearly everyone complimented and congratulated the new apprentices. Joyous tears were shed by proud parents amidst the concoction of purrs and praise. Dancingleaf, however, was not in camp, leaving before getting to even speak to Snowpaw. That's alright, he thought. I didn't expect her to say anything to me, anyway. Neither her nor Fleetrunner. Although, I don't think I would want him to say anything to me.

After a few minutes had passed, their Clanmates had started to disperse. Before long, Snowpaw realised he was the only apprentice still in camp. Well, that's a bit awkward. He gazed towards his mentor, who met his gaze.

"Let's go to the medicine den now," Dappledleaf rasped, beckoning Snowpaw to follow her. As they trudged to the medicine den, the golden molly would sometimes need to stop in order to cough and wheeze. It was evident just how old she was, and how soon she would be taken by StarClan.

"There's a lot to learn," she murmured once they entered the den. "And we've got so little time, Snowpaw. I cannot leave camp, so there will be no tour of the territory from me. You'll have to do that on your own time," she informed, her eyes green glistening. "It's been moons since I've left camp. I've had to rely on the warriors to bring me herbs since there hasn't been any cat willing to take my place."

Snowpaw flicked his tail, "What about Stonepaw? Couldn't he have also been a medicine cat apprentice with me?" To be honest, he silently added on, I still don't understand why it's so dangerous for me to become a warrior apprentice. I may be 'puny', but I can grow stronger.

"Because of my age and health, I am unable to train two apprentices at once. If I cannot leave camp to monitor you and him, you and him could easily get distracted while on the job. It's unfortunate, but it's how things are," Dappledleaf replied. "Now, let me teach you the basics when it comes to herbs."

. . . . .

She definitely didn't just teach me the basics, Snowpaw thought, gazing at the sky from the medicine den's exit. Minus breaks to make dirt, eat, and drink, Dappledleaf had been teaching the white tomcat the entire day. It's nighttime?! I learned far too much to retain all at once! As he continued to stare at the dark sky, he noticed a cat walking towards him. "Spottedpaw?" he questioned, tilting his head as the bleeding tortoiseshell molly strode past him.

"I need to be patched up," she stated, her back turned to Snowpaw as she stared at Dappledleaf, who nodded.

"You know what to do, Snowpaw. Deal with her wounds." Dappledleaf glanced at her apprentice as she began to cough.

"Right. I'll get on with it." Snowpaw, after a few moments of hesitance, took horsetail from the medicine stock, stepping towards Spottedpaw. He began to chew it into a poultice before applying it on Spottedpaw's wounds. She had many cuts, each of them bleeding. Once the white tomcat finished, he faced the tortoiseshell molly. "What happened to you?"

"Badgerblaze and I got a bit too carried away." Spottedpaw turned, beginning to exit the medicine den. "I'm leaving now. Thank you."

Once Spottedpaw left, Dappledleaf beckoned her apprentice over. "You did well, Snowpaw. Using horsetail instead of spider silk was a smart choice. Spider silk may stop bleeding, but horsetail does that and can prevent infections. You thought about that, didn't you? I saw your hesitance."

Snowpaw nodded in response. "Yes, I did."

"Very good. You'll make a great medicine cat someday." Dappledleaf purred, slowly blinking. "Due to the time, it is time for us to rest. See your nest?" she asked, pointing at the nest towards the front wall of the medicine den. "You'll be sleeping there. Good night, Snowpaw." The golden molly curled up in her nest, closing her eyes.

Once Dappledleaf was certainly asleep, Snowpaw sat outside the medicine den's exit, watching as the rest of MistClan's cats entered their respective dens. Soon the only sounds remaining were from the chirps of crickets, the occasional hoots of owls, and the wind rustling pines. As he waited for Rainkit to arrive, he stared at the opposite side of MistClan's camp where the apprentice den was. Narrowing his gaze, he noticed green eyes staring back at him. Nightpaw's waiting, he thought with a smile.

"Stop ignoring me," Rainkit huffed, playfully tapping Snowpaw with her paw. "Just because you're an apprentice now doesn't mean you can pretend I don't exist!"

"O-Oh, no, I didn't realise you were there, that's all! I wasn't ignoring you," Snowpaw hurriedly defended.

"I know," Rainkit purred, sitting beside him. "What were you looking at, anyway? You were staring very intensely at the apprentice den. Were you looking at someone?"

"No, it was nothing," Snowpaw replied, shrugging. "I was just zoning out."

The blue-grey molly gasped. "Do you have a secret crush or something?"

"W-What?! N-No, not at all!" Snowpaw shook his head, "I don't even know what that feels like!"

"Don't worry, I'm only pulling your tail." Rainkit smiled, gazing warmly at the smaller tomcat. "How does it feel to be an apprentice? I still have to wait two moons for some reason, so I might as well ask. I mean, I know you wanted to be a warrior, but at least you'll be able to leave camp and you won't be bound to the nursery."

"Well, to be honest, it doesn't feel much different," Snowpaw replied. "I stayed in the medicine den all day learning about herbs. I haven't gotten to leave camp at all."

"Oh, well, when you do leave camp, tell me about it." Rainkit tilted her head after a few moments. "You knooow, I heard we have a river."

Snowpaw nodded, "I wouldn't be surprised. I've heard that our territory is huge."

Rainkit narrowed her eyes, smirking. "Unlike you."

"I-"

"Sorry! I don't even know what happened there, it sorta just slipped out!"

"Rude!" Snowpaw playfully scowled, "You and Kestrelpaw would get along great."

Rainkit stood with her mouth agape. "I am very offended by that, Snowpaw! Don't compare me to him!" After a few moments she began laughing. "This is so dumb!"

"Maybe it is," Snowpaw agreed, "but I enjoy this." The white tomcat purred as he smiled at Rainkit.

"Y-Yeah, that's right." Rainkit glanced at the ground, her tail flicking. "I know this was a short meeting, but we both need to get some sleep. Tomorrow night I'll see you again, right?"

Snowpaw nodded, watching as the molly bounded away. Sleep, huh? I sure won't be sleeping. The white tomcat looked back at the apprentice den, watching as Nightpaw slunk out of its entrance and towards him.

Nightpaw warmly smiled at Snowpaw. "I'm so happy to see that you remembered! To be remembered by you is such an honour," the black tomcat innocently purred, slowly blinking.

"Of course I remembered," Snowpaw replied. "There's no way I would've forgotten. I've been looking forward to this ever since you brought it up. I'm excited to train with you, Nightpaw. Thank you, again."

"It's the least I could do for you." Nightpaw turned around, beginning to lead Snowpaw out of camp. "Are you ready? I know you haven't left camp yet, so I decided that we can tour the territory."

"Yeah, I'm ready for this." He's so kind to give me a tour, Snowpaw thought.

"I thought so," Nightpaw stated, grinning. "Now, follow me, and prepare to be amazed."