Ryekit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting," Ashstar yowled from atop the Tallrock. After all the to-do about her son's deformed kit, it was time he became an apprentice.

Quailpaw ran out happily at her grandmother's call. Finally, her favorite younger brother was going to be an apprentice!

Limping towards the Tallrock with his stiff hind leg serving almost no purpose as he half drug, half wobbled on it, Ryekit made his way to the front of the gathering clan and sat down, his left back leg sticking out awkwardly to the side. He felt so small compared to everyone else and he hated large crowds, so being in the front of one where everyone could look at him made his fur stand on end. Just recently, he’d gotten over his case of Greencough and although the sickness still lingered around camp, he’d been doing surprisingly well. Ha! That’ll show Kindlepaw, he thought to himself, lifting his head and puffing out his chest fur. His sister, the foxheart who’d pushed him to the ground and called him worthless was wrong and the fact that he’d survived the life threatening illness made the usually insecure cat beam with pride.

Looking over to his father who sat near the base of the large rock, Ryekit wished that he was able to huddle up under his father’s fur, but knew he’d look foolish if he did. He was becoming an apprentice and no matter how much he hated being exposed like this, he needed to stay strong, for now at least. I just hope that I get a patient mentor, he thought to himself, turning his gaze back up to the Tallrock and waiting for the leader to speak.

Beetlepaw poked his head out of the medicine cat's den, looking around curiously. He could spare some time from his duties to witness the ceremony, so he settled himself amongst the cats. When his eyes fell on Ryekit, his eyes turned milder, a hint of pain for the kit. Maybe he didn't even know it, but he had gone throuh so much and his dxistence almost tore the clan apart in two sides. The medicine cat pushed past cats to seat himself near the kit with a soft smile. "Hello, Ryekit. Or should I say Ryepaw? Good luck, little one." he wishdd upon the soon-to-be apprentice. He glared up slightly to match the sight of the deputy seated close by, but no kind of emotion could be seen on his face.

How could you try and kill him was all his eyes gave out.

The WindClan leader smiled reassuringly. The small kit who had always been so behind the other kits, so quiet and unsure, had finally gotten to today. "Ryekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and we know you are worthy to become an apprentice, so it is time for you to be receive a new name and a mentor. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Ryepaw." She blinked thoughtfully for a moment, then nodded as if she had made a decision. There were few cats she trusted to be kind, gentle and sensitive with the tom, but she knew who was just the mentor he needed. "I will be your mentor. I will do my best to pass all my knowledge onto you." She leaped down off the Tallrock and touched her nose to the new apprentice's. The grief and pain melted out of her green eyes as she looked into Ryepaw's, and a peaceful smile touched her mouth. There was an innocence in his face that made her adore her grandkit all at once. Hopefully, with Smokepelt's help, she could make him into a capable warrior.

Quailpaw thought her face would burst with grinning. "Ryepaw, Ryepaw!" she cheered proudly, giving her brother a friendly nudge. "Congratulations- you totally deserve it! You were so brave! I hope we can train together soon," she purred.

Listening as the leader spoke, a sense of hope filled the small tom. He was an apprentice and though some cats didn't have faith in him, he was determined to become a warrior no matter what they told him. Meeting the leader's soft gaze, Ryepaw was surprised to hear that the leader of all cats would be his mentor. Was he really going to be able to train with her? Or would he just slow her down?

Becoming a easily discouraged once more, he touched noses with Ashstar and gave a simple nod instead of saying anything. Turning to Quailpaw, he was truly greatful towards his sister for always being there for him and gave a crooked smile of joy.

~~~~~~

Smokepelt chanted his son's new name with the clan, overjoyed that Ryepaw was able to make it this far, even with him previous doubts towards the little cat.

Hollowpaw had just arrived in time to see Ryekit - now Ryepaw - earn his apprentice name, and was glad to see the cat doing well. Sure, Hollowpaw had like no friends, and he'd probably never have any, but he was still pleased to see the other tom become an apprentice.

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes landing on the deputy close by, and he wondered what would have happened if feeding his son deathberries had worked. Did Smokepelt feel guilty? He probably would, and that was understandable, but the tom must be proud of his son.

The sleek apprentice began chanting Ryepaw's names with the others, a rare smile creeping up on his maw.