Shallowkit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the willow branch for a Clan meeting!" came Fishstar's call from the perch that rose above the camp.

Bouncepaw raced out of the medicine cat's den. Oh, is this Shallowkit's ceremony? he wondered. There was an uncharacteristic skip in his step as he sat down below the rock. Along with the mundane joy of new ceremonies, there was a certain pride to this one. Bouncepaw purred as he straightened his back. He waited to see Shallowkit, smiling brightly.

Cinderpaw slowly padded out of the apprentice den. Is it Shallowkit`s ceremony? She sat Boucepaw looking excited, it must be. She smiled as she padded up to Boucepaw meowing, "Is Shallowkit okay for being a apprentice?" She was worried for her friend.

"Yeah, it was just a little fluke," said Bouncepaw, spellbound. It was perceptible that something was up with his focus since his stutter was gone. His ears then perked, and he gave a clearer answer, embarrassed. "Um, ye-yes. It's perfec-perfectly fine for her to be-become an apprentice, as l-long as she doesn't... overwork herself." Bouncepaw blinked at the ginger, white and tenebrously-patched kit kindly.

Cinderpaw nodded, "Good. Shallowkit deserves to be a apprentice. She would be a wonderful warrior one day." She purred. As the other stutter she realized that she does not stutter as much as she used to. She was having more confidence in herself thanks to her friends. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Don`t worry."

Bouncepaw smiled. "I agree," he purred acquiescently. His furry tail flicked up with joy. There was splendour in his amber eyes as he sat back. His ears swivelled perpetually, sensing all movements in the purlieu around him.

With a slight yelp, Shallowkit dashed out from where she was previously, her clean fur bouncing as she ran. She skidded to a halt beside Bouncepaw and Cinderpaw, and gave them a large smile, her eyes flickering with excitement.

Bouncepaw returned her smile, welcoming her beside him. He let a purr rumble in his throat, but when Shallowkit found out what this was, he wanted it to be a surprise that would unfold. Just like my ceremony, he considered. He was in a jovial mood.

Cinderpaw smiled back, her eyes filled with as much joy and excitement as the kit herself. When Boucepaw purred at Shallowkit she purred along. "Are you ready?" She muttered to Shallowkit trying to stay quiet.

"Yep!" She purred in reply. She could barely sit still! This was so exciting!

"Shallowkit, please step forward," Fishstar beckoned.

She stepped forward as told, her eyes gleaming with wonder, and her head held high with pride. That little seizure didn't hold her back for long!