Mistlekit's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony

The trip had been a long one but they were finally there. After guiding the young she-cat through the tunnels and carrying her for the most dangerous part, her granddaughter was there, standing in front of the moonstone before many apprentices in the clan. The light painted her grey pelt with white as well as his. Jaystar made his way to the shiny rock and smiled in a fatherly way to the small Mistlekit who was about to become Mistlepaw. "This rock, Mistlekit, is the Moonstone, the bridge between our realm and Starclan. Here, cats of every clan come to talk to their ancestors. Leaders come here to receive their nine lives. Apprentices visit this place to receive advice before becoming warriors. Here... Starclan names their medicine cats." The large tom padded forward to the she-cat and gave her a reassuring nudge, accompanied by a gentle touch in her forehead. "Tonight you will receive one of the greatest honours a cat can have. Our ancestors will speak to you and you will start your training as a medicine cat, as a healer to all in the clan and as the cat who will have the strongest connection to Starclan. It's a lot to take in... but you were chosen. You have a talent for this and in each step you take, don't forget your family will be there for you."

With those last words, the tom laid down next to the stone and invited the kit with a flick of his feathery tail. "Come and relax. Touch the stone with your nose and close your eyes. Starclan will be there to welcome you in their beautiful starry woods."

Taking in a quick, sharp breath, the young Mistlekit gathered her bearings and stepped towards the Moonstone. She mustn't hesitate now; this was her destiny. She had to do this, for Finchkit. Trembling slightly, she laid down before the cool glittering stone. "Ok, grandfather. I'm ready," she announced, tail twitching nervously. Exhaling slowly, Mistlekit pressed her nose against the cool, smooth stone, and was instantly overcome with exhaustion. Resting her head onto her paws, the young gray and white tuxedo allowed her eyelids to close as she was welcomed into the place of her ancestors. 

~~~

Mistlekit awoke with a small gasp, startled by the sudden shift in the environment. She was definitely not in the cave anymore, and there was no sign of Jaystar, or any other cat for that matter. She was alone, left to analyze the breathtaking beauty of her ancestors' home. She raised herself off the lush, green grass, which gently swayed in the soft breeze. Glancing around, she noticed the abundance of wildflowers, all sporting their own color and fragrance. Mistlekit let out a purr of delight as the sweet scents wafted through the air and into her nostrils. In the distance she spotted the mighty Star Oak, which stood proud and tall with its crown of glittering leaves. Starclan really was beautiful...a fitting reward for cats that died noble deaths. Not that she planned on coming any time soon, but she would surely look forward to it when it was her time. As her mind began to wander again, a voice broke the tranquil silence that had been established. 

"By Starclan, your eyes mirror your mother's, Mistlekit."

The gray and white she-cat looked up at the unfamiliar tabby that stood before her. He had long legs that initially made her believe he was from Windclan, but upon closer inspection she noticed he had webbed paws. His amber eyes shined with amusement, but Mistlekit could see the hint of sadness that swirled within them, even though the tom did a good job covering it. When she finished studying the mystery cat, he spoke again, "I am Torrentstorm, formerly a warrior of Riverclan. I was close friends with your family, mainly your mother, Hailsong, and her sister, Orchidpool." His face fell for a moment, at the mention of her mother's name, but his welcoming smile quickly returned. "I have been watching over you and your mother since the moment you were born, and I'm quite proud of how far you've come. You will be a great medicine cat for Riverclan, Mistlekit. We all believe in you." As he spoke this, Mistlekit noticed the presence of the other shimmering Starclan cats. They all watched and listened closely as Torrentstorm recited the sacred words.

"Warriors of Starclan, I present to you this young kit, who has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant her your wisdom and insight so that she may understand your ways and heal her clan in accordance to your will. From this day forward, until you earn your medicine cat name, you will be known as Mistlepaw," Mistlepaw beamed as the gray tabby tom stooped down and touched noses with her, a look of pride on his face. "Starclan congratulates you, Mistlepaw. Good luck on your journey," He purred, standing tall once more, "oh, and say hi to your mother and Orchidpool for me. Tell them that I miss them dearly." That was the last thing Mistlepaw heard before her vision contorted and the world went dark once more.

~~~

Mistlepaw stirred from her place on the cave floor. She groaned, turning away from the Moonstone's bright glow to allow her eyes time to adjust. It all seemed so surreal..she really was in Starclan, talking to a dead Riverclan warrior. She rose and stretched her sore muscles, aching from the uncomfortable ground she had to sleep on. Nevertheless, she was a medicine cat apprentice now, and could begin her training in the ways of healing. The gray and white tuxedo turned to Jaystar, and nudged his flank with her paw. "Jaystar? I'm ready to go now."