Duskkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Beartooth jumped to the top of the rock, trying not to consider how strange it was to sit in a leader's place once more. But this was his duty now. The clan expected him to address them in the formal manner that so many deputies had before. This was simply his task now. Without as much hesitation as he had during Houndpaw's ceremony, he called out to the clan, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the highrock for a clan meeting." It was just loud enough for those milling around the clearing and sharing tongues to hear. Others likely saw and began to congregate below. The kit did not take long to arrive, and his eyes fixed on her coat with a mild discomfort. Flintfang's kit was to begin her apprenticeship. He felt like there was a responsibility to raise what the late tom had left behind. And it was also his duty to fulfill that duty.

Aside from Oakstar, there were a few cats who seemed to inspire Duskkit as well. She would often stop in her tracks to gaze at their scars, or ask them bluntly where they were headed. Some of the larger, more formidable warriors didn't mind her presence, while others shrugged and padded away. There was a strange cloud she seemed to carry over her head. It almost seemed to confirm the wary glances her clanmates gave her. Maybe they were scared of the fuzzy kit? But that seemed unlikely. Duskkit wanted to be strong, but didn't blame others for seeing her as a mere scrap. Her cream-and-gray fur served to bulk out her physic a little, but in truth, she was thin. Dreadfully thin. No warrior would ever be intimidated by such a thing. Houndpaw and Dacepaw were kind, they didn't judge her for being small. They even had taken her out of camp to explore, a venture; she had learned, most warriors didn't opt for. Kits were not supposed to leave camp, which was very frustrating to Duskkit. In the bush, before the clans, she and Hazelkit would explore the forest freely. Given, Bonewatcher had never been far behind. There were some days she wondered if she'd stumble over Flintfang's body. Her father had been a noble cat, Bonewatcher had told her. And yet she never did know where he had been buried. Duskkit had a dream to kill the owl that stole his life from him. It was a simple goal, yes, but she didn't see the need to dedicate her time to other things.

Beartooth's call boomed through the clearing, and the kit skirted through the sand, fuzzy pelt windblown in all sorts of ways. The scars of the massive tom intrigued her. Houndpaw had told her many a time that this large tom was his father. The comparison made the kit giggle. Houndpaw was a funny cat with big ears, and Beartooth was a true fighter. His pelt was torn and ragged, Duskkit cocked her head at the sight, paws kneading the ground in excitement. She had seen through her time in camp that this tall rock was for ceremonies. This was where kits became apprentices, and where apprentices became warriors. Her dreams resided here. She hated to have to rely on another for her fate, but Beartooth was a strong cat. If she had to place her destiny in the paws of one, it would be him. She wanted to learn where his scars came from.

Mossbloom emerged from the medicine cat den, pausing at it's entrance. It had been a while since the last ceremony, and she was finally starting to emerge from her den once more since Flintfang's death. His two kits were nearing apprentice she, perhaps this would be the start of their ceremonies. She was still uncertain of her feelings towards Flintfang's true children, but perhaps she should give them a chance.... Even if Flintfang had loathed giving her one.

Dacepaw immediately perked up from where she had been crouched in a very obvious hiding place, waiting to pounce at Duskkit when she ran by. Dacepaw was feeling playful; today could be a good day if she simply didn't let her concerns for her father ruin her good mood. StarClan was protecting him, or they must be if they'd chosen him to send him on a quest. She had to believe that. Beartooth had interrupted the apprentice's game of distraction, but she didn't mind - she liked the deputy even if he didn't say very much. Duskkit looked with admiration and curiosity up to Beartooth, and Dacepaw felt a sudden fuzz of excitement warm her belly. "Duskkit!" she exclaimed, having a suspicion of what the ceremony might be, "Come sit with me!" She glanced around for Houndpaw as well, eagerly waiting for her few friends to join her.

✧ The call of his father cut seemed to catch something akin to a mousebone in his throat. It didn't sit right, but like the rest of the clan he made his way into the clearing. Perhaps it was just a matter of habit. Although he didn't pad towards the front immediate and settled for the edge of the clearing. But Dacepaw was there an excited for whatever was happening. Even if there was still a mild discomfort at the fact that he actually had shown some affection towards this she-cat, which was a foreign concept, his enjoyment of her company outweighed that. It was similar for the young Duskkit who he had also spent some time with as well. He padded towards them quickly, trying to hide his excitement at the idea that Dacepaw had been looking for him and with a discontented sigh as he settled down, asked, "What's all this about? Doesn't Beartooth know we've been running our paws all day already?" He was ignorant to Duskkit's fascination with his father, and that was probably for the best. ✧

✢ He saw the kit join Dacepaw and Houndpaw and he had to glance away for a moment. Beartooth still found it hard to look after his own son, the one who bore a constant reminder of Ridgelight and what had been lost. Houndpaw was better off. And it seemed he was making friends. Good. With that thought, the deputy cast away all unpleasantness to focus on his Oakstar-given duty, "Duskkit, please come forward. You have reached the age of six moons and are now ready to begin your training. From this day until your warrior ceremony, you will be known as Duskpaw. I will be your mentor." With his usual low intonation, he addressed the clan in a manner that likely had the fringes of the crowd straining forward to hear his words. And then it was over. Duskpaw was now his sole apprentice. He would train up Flintfang's daughter so that she might be a good and loyal Thunderclan cat. The enthusiasm was obvious, even for a cat as bad at reading emotions as him. He leaped down and padded towards her with heavy steps, touching noses in the customary way before meowing, "We start tomorrow, be ready." ✢

Dacepaw called her name from farther into the clearing. Her fuzzy fur was tipped white in the morning light, making her look more like a lion than a cat. Purring, Duskkit bounded over to her friend, eyes wild with excitement. Houndpaw emerged not long after, the lanky tom settling down next to the pair. "Beartooth's making me strong." The small kit answered the big-eared cat, green eyes shining. She wasn't completely sure whether her assumption was correct, however her confidence was unwavering. Better to give a strong answer incorrectly, then to stutter. However it seemed her guess was right this time. The deputy called her forward, name rumbling from his throat across the camp. Dozens of eyes watched as she pattered to stand beneath him, tail flicking, fur unkempt and wild.

And now her name had changed, and with it, her opportunities. Duskpaw. She gazed back at her friends and smiled, knowing they now shared something similar. Along with her new title came her mentor, the strong scarred tom atop the rock named it himself. Beartooth leapt from his rock and came to touch noses with the small she-cat, voice rasping orders to began tomorrow. Duskpaw's eyes narrowed inquisitively as she wondered whether she could trust this cat. Perhaps he'd stare at her funny like some of the others seemed to do. But he was strong, carrying large seven-clawed paws, with impressive scars lacing his pelt. If Duskpaw was to become a warrior, this cat would make a good teacher. Deciding she was satisfied with the choice of mentor, she returned the nose-touch, eyes wide. Duskpaw stood on her tip-toes as she perked up, trying to meet Beartooth's eyes. "I'm glad you're my mentor." She spoke matter-of-factly. "I'll be strong, like you." Her name rang into the sky as ThunderClan cheered. The smile on her maw never faded as she ran to her friends, tail high. Oh, the adventures that awaited her were exciting indeed.

Hazelkit sat beneath the high rock. She couldn't believe it! Her sister was becoming an apprentice! Although she couldn't help but be a little jealous. Not that she was becoming an apprentice, no it was something different. Duskkit always hung out with Dacepaw and Houndpaw. And yet she was always alone. It felt like she was losing her sister. But she put on a smile, shouting her sister's new name."Duskpaw! Duskpaw!"


After the meeting was over, she went up to greet her sister. "Congratulations! And the deputy as a mentor! Wow, you must be important!" This low key made her even more jealous. But she would never admit this. "Of course, you won't be ahead of the game for long!" She teased.