What if Fireheart had been born in ThunderClan?

Fireheart stretched, curling his tail in pleasure. His jaws gaped in a huge yawn. His warrior vigil had been the night before and he had slept peacefully in his new nest in the warriors’ den. He padded over to the fresh-kill pile and grabbed a plump vole for himself. Settling himself down outside the den, he ripped into his breakfast.

“Well, if it isn’t ThunderClan’s new warrior,” purred a rough, familiar voice. Fireheart looked up and smiled when he saw the dark tabby padding toward him.

“Hey Tigerclaw!” The senior warrior nudged his shoulder playfully, sitting down beside him to crunch on his blackbird. “I sure had a horrible night to have my vigil, huh? I was freezing my paws off!” Tigerclaw chuckled.

“Well, that’ll only make you stronger. I was made a warrior in the middle of leafbare. Talk about freezing your paws off.” He shuddered theatrically. Fireheart purred in agreement. Finishing his vole, he swiped his tongue around his mouth and surveyed the camp. His eyes flickered to the apprentices’ den. Graypaw and Dustpaw stumbled out, their eyes drooping with exhaustion. His heart pounded as he wondered when Bluestar would give him the honor of training his own apprentice.

Slinking out of the den was Tigerclaw’s apprentice, Ravenpaw. Fireheart bit back a sigh. The small tom was always on edge and could really be a downer during patrols. Ravenpaw’s green eyes flickered over to Tigerclaw and Fireheart saw a shiver run down the slim cat’s spine. He growled. How could the apprentice show so much distain for the great warrior? Especially when he was his mentor! Fireheart couldn’t understand the timid apprentice.

Suddenly, a streak of gray knocked the black tom to the ground. Graypaw grabbed his ear with his teeth playfully. “C’mon, Ravenpaw! Are you just going to stand there like a dazed badger? Or are you going to come hunting with me and Dustpaw?”

Ravenpaw smiled weakly and nodded. Fireheart nudged Tigerclaw. “Looks like your apprentice is up.” Tigerclaw narrowed his amber eyes and sighed.

“It’s about time.” He heaved himself to his paws. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with that useless lump of fur.” Fireheart shot his friend a sympathetic look and rose to his paws as well.

“I just hope I don’t get such a stubborn apprentice.” Tigerclaw smiled at him and nudged his shoulder.

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” He padded over to the group of apprentices. When he saw the great warrior walking toward him, Ravenpaw shivered and crouched down low to the ground.

“Fireheart!” yowled a sweet voice. The flame-colored tom turned to see Sandpaw romping toward him. He stifled a growl of annoyance. The small she-cat had been padding after him ever since she had become an apprentice. She raced to his side, her pale green eyes shining with admiration. “Hi Fireheart! Did you sleep well?”

The young warrior rolled his eyes and muffled a growl. “Fine, Sandpaw. Thanks.” The apprentice wriggled with delight at the attention he was giving her.

“So, Fireheart, I was wondering…would you show me some hunting moves?”

Fireheart sighed. He couldn’t possibly pass up a moment to show off his warrior skills—especially when he had such an eager audience. He looked down at the she-cat and nodded. “Why not. You could use some practice.” Sandpaw’s eyes widened with delight.

“Great!” she yowled. “Let’s go!” She raced through the gorse tunnel, into the forest. Fireheart groaned. What had he gotten himself into? Spending an entire afternoon with an annoying apprentice? Just the thought sent shivers through his pelt. Hesitantly, he padded after the over-excited she-cat.