"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the highledge for a Clan meeting." Hawkpaw felt excitement buzz in her stomach as her Clanmates assembled around her. Morningstar waited patiently and let his gaze scan the cats below him. His stare finally fixated on her and her brothers, his light blue eyes sparkling.

"Today we name three new warriors Snakepaw, Rabbitpaw and Hawkpaw, please step forward." She inhaled sharply and strode up, careful to take her time. She sat beside him, her paws vibrating. Morningstar lifted his muzzle to the sky before continuing.

"I, Morningstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these three apprentices. They all have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn." He turned his head back to them. "Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," she mewed.

"I do!" Snakepaw was quivering with anticipation.

"I do," squeaked Rabbitpaw. Hawkpaw's whiskers twitched.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Hawkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Hawkfire. StarClan honors your skill in battle and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Morningstar proceeded to rest his muzzle on her head, his whiskers brushing against her as she stretched her neck to lick his broad shoulder.

Hawkfire slid over as Morningstar moved on, "Rabbitpaw." Her brother took a deep breath and slowly stepped up. He stood in front of Morningstar, his chest heaving heavily as if he were out of breath. Their leader meowed, "From this moment on you will be known as Rabbitclaw. StarClan honors your dedication and kindness." He laid his snout upon Rabbitclaw's head who in return licked his shoulder. Snakepaw shuffled forward next. Ha! Your last to become warrior, Hawkfire thought smugly. She caught his eye and he scowled as if he knew what she was thinking.

"Snakepaw, you have earned your warrior name. You shall be known as Snakefang. StarClan honors your strength and courage." Morningstar threw back his head and yowled, "Hawkfire! Rabbitclaw! Snakefang!" The Clan joined in and soon enough, the soaring walls encircling the camp echoed with their yowls. She couldn't swallow back her pride and gave a small smile, her head slightly tilted up. I'm finally a warrior! Next, I'll become leader.

Hawkfire saw Lightningmask tip back his head to raise his voice which carried above the others. How obnoxious, she smiled. As the cheering died down, she leaped down and was instantly swarmed by her Clanmates. Lightningmask shouldered his way through to be the first.

"Congratulations! I knew it wouldn't be long before you became a warrior." His eyes shone with pride and joy as if he were the one just made a warrior.

"Thanks," she couldn't stifle the purr rising in her throat anymore.

Flareheart smiled warmly, "I'm so proud of you. I'm sure your parents are watching in Silverpelt right now and overjoyed at your accomplishment." A sharp jab of sorrow hit her as she thought sourly, I wish they were here with me. If only I had been stronger before. Nonetheless, she dipped her head respectfully to her former mentor.

Applepaw pushed forward next, his mew edged with jealousy, "I'm so happy for you, congrats! Too bad I won't listen to you fidget in your sleep anymore."

"I don't fidget," she meowed, her pelt burning with embarrassment. Realizing the apprentice would be by himself, she felt sympathetic towards him. "Don't worry though, Softkit and Cherrykit will be made apprentices soon enough to join you." He grinned and squeezed through the crowd to get to her brothers.

She saw Fuzzypaw make her way over and gloated happily, "Ha! I beat you, Dazedpaw."

She was shocked when all the apprentice did was bow her head and mew sadly, "Congratulations, Hawkfire." What's up with her now? She should be happy, not sad. She shrugged the thought away as the kits scampered over.

"I can't believe you're a warrior," Cherrykit breathed.

"Whatever, I'm still going to become the greatest warrior of all," Softkit squeaked and fluffed out her pelt. Hawkfire purred and felt downy fur brush her legs as Mosskit arrived from under her.

Mosskit pouted, "I want to be a warrior." She suddenly brightened up then and smirked. "One day, I'll be as strong as you, so don't think for a moment you don't have competition."

"No, of course not," Hawkfire rumbled. "I'll have to look out for you."

"And me!" Softkit broke in.

"Uh uh, I am stronger so you don't count." Mosskit retorted and swiped a paw. Softkit squealed and the two started to roll around in the dirt.

"Break it up you two! Honestly," Raindapple muttered before smiling at Hawkfire. "May StarClan light your path. You have certainly come far." Hawkfire nuzzled her mother's old friend.

"Thank you."

Morningstar padded over then and mewed with a quick glance at the tousling kits, "Join me, Hawkfire." She waved her tail to Raindapple and trotted away with her leader. I wonder what he wants to talk about? Maybe he's going to make me deputy now! Wait, but what about Flareheart?

The old calico tom stopped beside a mossy rock. Soft evening light filtered through the rustling leaves, bees humming sleepily among the wildflowers. A crow called from the branches above their heads.

"What is it?"

"I just wanted to speak with you alone." He paused and closed his eyes. "Your journey to become a warrior has been hard, but you have dealt with it well. I am sorry about the loss of Fallengaze and Sorrelbreeze, they shall be missed still."

Hawkfire nodded as he continued, "What do you want?" He asked so softly she barely heard him. What do I want? To become leader and a strong warrior I suppose.

"I want to become a great warrior," she meowed simply.

"Is that all you want? To become a great warrior?"

"I guess."

"What else is there?" Hawkfire wondered where all these questions were leading. Did Morningstar distrust her? She narrowed her eyes and swallowed back her anger. She'd trained harder than any other apprentice!

"I just want to look after my Clan and keep everyone safe. After all, that's the most important thing in the world." And becoming leader.

Morningstar opened his eyes and stared hard at Hawkfire for a moment. She shifted her paws.

He finally looked away, "really?" His mew trailed away as she burst out.

"I can prove myself to you still! Give me any task, any quest, fight any battle and I'll do it to show I can be great!"

He stared at her fixedly, "I do not doubt you for a heartbeat. You have proven your loyalty plenty of times. But being a warrior isn't just about courage and skill and being ready for combat."

What is it about then? Hawkfire watched her leader pad away, leaving her dumbfounded.

Night fell and Hawkfire and her littermates sat by the entrance, ready for their silent vigil.

"Good luck," Lightningmask gave a wry smile. She purred and watched the rest of the Clan creep into their nests. Morningstar was the only one left.

"You know what to do. I'll see you three tomorrow then, as full fledged warriors." His eyes glowed and he strode back to his den, leaving them alone. Hawkfire glanced at her brothers. Snakefang was hunched over, weariness plain to see in his figure while Rabbitclaw was sitting erect. She dug her claws in the dirt, too excited to be tired. I wonder if any cat will try to attack? Well, I'll be ready!

The night dragged on sluggishly, her bones aching from not moving. Snakefang was beginning to nod off, even Rabbitclaw was starting to squirm restlessly. As light started to leak down on the trio, Morningstar came out. Snakefang breathed a sigh of relief as he dismissed them.

"I presume you already built beds for yourselves," he meowed. They nodded and staggered to the warriors' den. I can finally sleep here. Her paws pricked as she entered, the heat of warm bodies enveloping around her. She found her nest right by the front, squished between Rabbitclaw and Lightningmask. She curled up and tucked her nose under her thick tail, happiness pouring out of her. I am sleeping in the warriors' den!

"Excellent job! You finally became a warrior, little one." Thistleclaw brushed against her pelt, a purr resounding in his throat.

"I'm not little anymore," she snarled.

Thistleclaw stiffened and growled, "you are still little to me. You have a long way to come in your training yet."

"What more can I possibly learn?" she questioned.

"Do not forget you are training with StarClan and I am the one who is helping you become leader." She lowered but decided to not provoke him. "Come now." They made their way to the clearing where the others were. Nettleclaw sniffed as they joined them, the trees visible beyond his pelt.

"Heard you actually became a warrior. Took you long enough."

"Silence," she ordered, not bothering with him. He narrowed his eyes but Thistleclaw stood between them.

"Hawkfire, we have a new cat with us today. Please welcome, Sootpaw." A dark gray tom ducked forward, his yellow eyes glinting. He doesn't seem much older than six moons and reeks of ShadowClan. Wait, isn't he Duskfur's kit? I didn't know he was made an apprentice. Also, why does this cat remind me of something I can't quite put my finger on.

The young tom met her gaze smoothly, "I am ready and willing to train under you, Hawkfire." She nodded approvingly.

"You come from ShadowClan, correct?"

"Yes. My mother is Duskfur and my..." he broke off with a snarl. "Er, adopted brother is...Russetclaw." Russetclaw! She had completely forgotten about the clouded tabby tom. Does Sootpaw have something against Russetclaw?

"Father?"

"Dead." She looked askance at him. I hope I can trust him.

"Well, let us move on to training now." Thistleclaw interrupted and he flicked his tail at Eeltail. "You can fight him," he instructed her. She flexed her muscles and cracked her neck.

Eeltail curled his lip, "I'm ready when you are."

"I've been ready," she swiped at his face, her claws snagging on his nose and pierced the skin. He yelped and tried to swat at her but she easily ducked and sank her teeth into his tail. Eeltail ripped his tail free and whipped around, slapping her down with his paws. Hawkfire's head reeled as she smacked the ground and felt claws rake her. She hissed in pain and frustration as a talon ripped her flesh on her left shoulder, blood trickling through her fur. Hawkfire pummeled him off and grabbed his flanks before he got away, dragging him down. She tasted blood swell up in her mouth as she bit into his neck. Eeltail screeched and writhed, trying to escape but she only clamped down harder until he was forced to give up.

"Very good," Mudfang praised but she didn't let go. Her vision blurred and she crunched into his flesh more, her flattened ears blocking out his howls. Blood, blood, blood. Kill, kill, kill. The odd voice sung inside her head and she struggled to push it away. No! Stop!

Teeth grabbed her scruff and hauled her away, hefty paws holding her down. She snapped her jaws wildly at her new foe, spit flying. The voice eventually faded away and her senses returned, letting her see what was happening. She immediately discerned Tideclaw holding her down, then froze at the sight of Sharkpaw kneeling beside Eeltail. The bracken colored tom was lying still, blood pooling from his neck.

"I-is he dead?" she managed to croak. Sharkpaw shook his head slowly.

"Almost, I don't know if he'll live though." Sootpaw was shaking like a brittle leaf in the wind, ready to be swept away from the tiniest breath. It happened again, what is wrong with me? Why am I doing this? Hawkfire screwed her eyes shut, finding herself in her nest. The only other cats in the den where her brothers now. I must have missed patrols, she figured. A long cut was on her shoulder blade and she cleaned it, exhausted. She cringed at the tart flavor of her own blood. She stood up and slipped outside, her fur fluffing out against the cold. I hate leaf-bare. Hawkfire stalked over to the fresh-kill pile and plucked a mouse from it, ignoring the scrawny pigeon. She sat down and took a bite of the critter, it's juicy tang warming her instantly.

Brighteyes walked over and meowed, "would you like to join Lavenderstripe, Webfur and I on a hunting party? We need to stock up on prey."

"Sure, let me finish this real quick." She gulped down the rest of the mouse in four bites and sat up, licking her chops. She joined her Clanmates and pushed away all thoughts about Eeltail. I'm sure he's fine. Besides, now's isn't the time to worry about him, I am going on my first patrol as a warrior! Hawkfire bounced on her toes as they left, purring happily.

"You're in a pleasant mood," Webfur commented.

"Why wouldn't I be, I'm a warrior now," she reminded him.

"True, true." He smiled and tasted the air. "Squirrel!" Just as the words tumbled out of his mouth, a red streak pelted past them and they gave chase. Hawkfire was gaining on the prey when it abruptly darted up a tree, balancing on the top branches.

"Fox-dung," she exclaimed.

"Oh, well. There's still plenty of prey in the forest. Come on, let's not lag behind the others." They caught back up and Lavenderstripe inspected them.

"Did you catch it?" Webfur shook his head and they moved on. After awhile, they returned to camp with two birds and a vole between the four of them. Hawkfire washed herself by the highledge, wishing she had something to do to keep her busy. She kept picturing Eeltail shrieking in her mind. She shuddered and saw Fuzzypaw trot out of the medicine cat's den just then. The apprentice flashed her a worried glance before heading out of camp, making Hawkfire frown. She has been acting strange around me lately. Something's obviously bothering her, but what?