Willowkit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath Jaggedrock for a clan meeting." Webtail called out from his place on the large stone.

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Willowkit was beyond excited. It was her apprentice ceremony, after all! As the silver tabby kit sprinted into the clearing after grooming her fur (her mother let her do it this time), she fantasized about her next days as an apprentice. My mentor would be a she-cat who's really good at fighting... Willowkit began in her mind. She'd be the best mentor ever! We'd go out to do battle training every other week and go on patrols on the other days. I'd be called the best apprentice when it comes to fighting and all the other apprentices, even Redpaw, will admire me. 


The silver tabby sat down in front of the Jaggedrock, tail twitching in anticipation. For once, she didn't worry about what other cats might think or if she might make a mistake and not touch noses with her mentor or something. Instead, she continued imagining her future. I'd meet a tom, a good-looking one at that, and we'd go out on patrols together a lot and share fresh-kill everyday. I'd pass my assessments with flying colors and my parents and siblings would be really proud of me...


Then when all the warriors had arrived and took their places, she snapped into attention and looked up at her leader, her green eyes shining with excitement.

Redpaw sat down beneath the Jaggedrock, watching the normally shy Willowkit - or Willowpaw, as she would soon be known, stand proudly for her apprentice ceremony. He gave his friend an encouraging smile - he wanted her to know how confident she looked.

Littlebrook purred as she watched her kit rush to groom herself. Willowkit had insisted she do it so she let her. She followed her out as she went to go sit down under Jaggedrock and gave her a quick lick over a patch that she had missed before taking a seat just a little bit behind her. She remembered how excited she had been when it was her turn to become and apprentice and she was proud and excited that it was her kits turn.

Webtail looked over those who had settled to watch, giving Littlebrook in particular a look of appreciation. She had kept his son out of trouble and the tom was settled now, not constantly looking for battle. His green gaze went done to Willowkit. "We gather here today to make a kit an apprentice, Willowkit, please step forward."

Willowkit twisted around when she noticed Redpaw settling down a few paces from her. The red tom met her green gaze and gave her an encouraging smile. Willowkit returned his encouraging gesture with a shy, thankful smile for everything he had done for her and quickly turned towards the Jaggedrock without seeing his response.

Her mother padded up to her and groomed a patch of fur that she had missed awhile ago due to her rushing. The young silver tabby cat let out a purr of appreciation and silently thanked her mother for bearing with her and her siblings. Her leader, who had waited for everyone to settle down before starting the ceremony, called everyone's attention and told her to step forward.

Willowkit stood up, suddenly becoming conscious of all the gazes on her. She took a sharp breath and walked forward stiffly, butterflies dancing in her stomach. The soon-to-be-named-apprentice stopped right in front of the Jaggedrock, doing her very best to look strong and confident in herself.

Webtail started the next part of the ceremony, speaking once more. "Willowkit, until you have earned your warrior name, your name will be Willowpaw. I will be your mentor." He finished jumping down to meet his apprentice, a reassuring smile on his face.

Willowpaw's eyes widened in surprise as the leader himself declared that he would be her mentor and leaped down the Jaggedrock to touch noses with her. The leader of ShadowClan. Her mentor. For a few moments, she felt so big and so small at the same time. She had the leader for her mentor and he would definitely teach her well. But would she able to reach his (probably high) standards? More questions, possible answers, and the most negative outcomes ran through her mind as she lifted her head up.

Stop being so pessimistic for once! Willowpaw inwardly reprimanded herself. Think. Webtail's your mentor. He's the leader. He dealt with worse matters than an apprentice with self-esteem problems. And you've never seen him snap at anyone yet, right? Okay. Be happy. Be excited. It's your big day, Willowpaw! The silver tabby apprentice looked up at Webtail, admiration and a slight hint of nervousness flashing in her green eyes as she leaned forward and briefly touched noses with her new mentor. Around her, cats began chanting her name enthusiastically. The silver tabby smiled slightly when she managed to pick out Redpaw's, Hickorypaw's, her mother's, and her siblings' voices.