[moss]

"Will cats old enough to catch there own prey join me in the clearing!" the LightningClan leader said. The sun was just rising so she decided this was the best time to gather everyone. She stood atop the Hill in the clearing as always. But today wasn't just any old meeting this was an apprentice ceremony. This was the first in such a long while.

While she was waiting Rockstar streched. Normally a leader wouldn't do this after calling a meeting but she didn't care. She thought it made her seem more like any other cat by doing it this was sorta.

Finally everyone had arrived so now was the time for her to do her part. She scanned the clearing till she found Littlekit and Darkkit. There fur was flattened and shiny in preparation for this exact ceremony. "Today is a very special day!" Rockstar begain. "Today is the day that we take another step forward to having more warriors. Littlekit, Darkpaw please come up here." 'First I think i'll do Littlekit.' she thought as she waited for them to come.

"I, Rockstar, leader of LightningClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this young cat. She has reached six moons and is ready to learn your ways and your code. Littlekit, from this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Littlepaw. Wishstone, you are ready for an apprentice. You will be Littlepaw's mentor." Rockstar proclaimed looking at every face in her clan and the down to Littlepaw's. She waited until Wishstone and Littlepaw had gone to sit down before we continued.

[caracalfang]

*Cunningstrike wore a proud smile as she heard the summons echo around the camp. This was it! Her kits would finally be made apprentices today. And she could get to her warrior duties finally! At first, after they arrived, the she-cat had liked the rest, but now she was thrilled to be doing something again. She had groomed her kits shiny, though even now Littlekit was grumbling about going out on their own again. Cunningstrike watched Littlekit close. The little orange kit reminded her so much of Tornclaw, her long gone mate. But not in a good way. Littlekit was better at hiding it, but she had Tornclaw's tendencies from before Cunningstrike had helped him find his true self. He had been wild and ruthless, and Littlekit was suspected of being similar. Cunningstrike didn't envy her mentor-to-be. Darkkit, as always, had been pensive and quiet, accepting the ceremony with a gentle, wise smile. Some thought Darkkit was odd. Truth be told she was. For a kit. But Cunningstrike knew her daughter was a very special cat that would benefit her clan for seasons to come.* Alright. Here we go. Littlekit, behave. Darkkit...never mind. Let's go!

*Littlekit supressed a hiss. How was everything Darkkit did right and everything she did wrong!? It wasn't fair! It is okay, Littlekit...We will soon show them who is more valuable...one way or another... the voice in her head purred. She flicked her ear to clear it out of her mind. Of coarse she would prove herself! That darn voice was always telling her things with a voice smooth as honey. Addmittedly, it did sometimes make sense, but sometimes it told her things she already knew..and once it had scared her...She tossed her head and frowned at her mother.* This is rediculous. You could teach us both better than any of those clan cats! *At the look she recieved, Littlekit huffed and replied,* I know, I know! "I am one of those clan cats, and a clan is the best way to grow up. It is a noble idea and will protect and defend us the same as we would them". Fine! I'll 'behave'. But I don't have to like it! *She stood and stalked out of the den to wait close to the front of the circle where she could get to the front easier.*

*Darkkit frowned, but stood and walked over to her mother. She touched her white foot with her tail and said,* She is angry. Don't worry. I feel she will be well matched with her mentor, as I will be with mine. Afterall, Rockstar knows what she is doing. Littlekit will find her path, whatever that may be. *She smiled at Cunningstrike and added,* She shares your determination as well as your leg marking. *Rubbing against the mention foot as she left, Darkkit made her way to sit beside Littlekit with a serious gaze.*

*Cunningstrike marvaled at Darkkit, then smiled again and followed them out and sat behind them.*

*As the ceremony carried on and Littlekit learned she would be the first to be apprenticed, the irony hit her. She didn't even want to be here! And she would be made an apprentice first! Littlekit...this is wonderful...whos name will they chant first? ....Who will be made warrior first?.... Who will prove herself best? Think Littlekit... the voice spoke. Littlekit could not repress a happy smile as she thought about it, and onlookers would have thought she was excited about being an apprentice. Still smiling, she stepped forward and waited for her mentor to hurry up.*

[mad]

W.I.S.H.S.T.O.N.E.

He layed down gently in his mossy bed, looking straight ahead. His golden hues distant as the stars as he was deep in thought. His tail swished with his thoughts slideing around him like a barrier. His eyes blinked back into reality at Rockstars call, the tom instantly got to his paws. Stretching out his forepaws before trotting out. His gaze cold as usual, he still wasnt quite used to this deputy stuff. Making his way to the front he sat down below Rockstar. His white tabby fur glittering in the casting sun as he lifted his head. His face was expressionless as he watched the clan gather. His listened to his leaders voice unmoving as she started out talking about the kits that were to be given there apprentice names. His face kept the same, his face showing no emotion except irritation but even that couldnt be proved. Closing his eyes they instantly snapped open, did he just hear that?! She said he was to mentor Littlekit, well Littlepaw now. His whiskers twitched with annoyance as he scowled lightly before pulling his face back into a smooth look, like stone, as he got up. Dipping his head to Rockstar in respect before he touched noses with Littlepaw turning quickly to walk back to his place. Siting down he wraped his tail neatly over his paws.

[Deleted]

Findinging he highly doubted that Darkpaw would be a normal cat, somehow--she was the third named "Dark" in the Clans, if Fallrain recalled correctly, which most of the time he didn't.

Silence masked his air of momental distaste. Well, even the cats of his adoptive litter hadn't been able to see through him. The black warrior expected no other cat to, either. Eyes wandered over to all the cats in the crowd, and a thought struck.

Other than Darkpaw, I'm the only black cat... and my father had a white pelt, my mother and siblings... also a pale brown.

It was a confusing to think like such, for Fallrain had never doubted where his peltage lied before. His yellow eyes surveyed for his own apprentice, who was in high contrast to him. He often wondered why StarClan brought them together... a small wonder it was.

[caracalfang]

*Cunningstrike had to hold back a laugh. Of all the cats in the clan, Wishstone was to mentor her Littlepaw! It was almost too perfect! With a reputation as bad tempered and anti-social, he was an intresting match for Littlepaw's anger and sarcasm. Well, well, well. Perhaps her mentor Will be able to handle her! She wished she could be there the first time they went out together, but she knew she would probably be back on patrols and such then. She glanced at her other imacculatly groomed kit and wondered who her mentor would be.*

*Darkpaw openly smiled at her sister's pairing with Wishstone. She had had a feeling that was how it would go. She curled her tail over her paws and waited expectantly for Rockstar to go on.*

*Littlepaw touched noses with her new mentor with a deep frown on her face. She hissed under her breath to him,* Don't think that I didn't see that quick scowl. Just so you know, I'm not exactly thrilled at the prospect of the months to come either! *She kept her voice for only his ears because she didn't want to get in trouble. What she said wasn't the most respectful thing to say to your mentor, even She knew that. Make him earn your respect Littlepaw...But tread lightly...As the deputy, he holds power...Power that could come in handy.... Annoyed, Littlepaw drew her black left paw over her ear as if to bat the voice away.*

[moss]

Rockstar watched as annoyance flickered across Wishstones face. 'Well now I may have to speak to him about that later...' she thought watching them turn around and sit down. He deputy had never been the nicest cat in the clan, but he did his job just as well as anyone else would. 'Now for Darkkit.'

"I, Rockstar, leader of LightningClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this young cat. She has reached six moons and is ready to learn your ways and your code. Darkkit, from this day forward, until you receive your full name as a Medicine Cat, you will be known as Darkpaw. Sunpelt, you are ready for an apprentice. You will be Darkpaw's mentor." Rockstar looked happy. Her clan was well, and they had just gotten a step closer to having a warrior and Medicine Cat.

[caracalfang]

*Darkpaw purred to herself but was otherwise calm. She lifted her head proudly and stepped forward to wait for her new mentor to come forward. She had always wanted to be a medicine cat, but she wasn't sure she would get the chance. But something just felt right when she pictured herself in the role. Warrior really wasn't for her. She was a healer, though she would make sure to keep on her toes and keep track of Littlepaw. There was something to that, or she was a mouse.*

*Cunningstrike smiled broadly, also proud that her daughter was to be a medicine cat. She had given the clan two cats that were well needed plus herself. Well, two granted Wishstone didn't flay his apprentice within two sessions. She snickered at the thought, but was please with how things had turned out just the same.*

*Littlepaw, on the other paw, was madder than a bee-stung badger! Of course Darkpaw would be a Medicine Cat Apprentice! Anything to be better than she, she who would only be a warrior! Calm yourself Littlepaw....Breath...yes, good...You will be fine...no, better than fine!...You will be Littlepaw, the best apprentice the clan has ever seen or ever will see!...And one day, when the time is right, we will rid ourselves of Darkpaw for good...one way or another.... The orange she-cat listened as far as the voice said she would be the best. She didn't like her sister, but the last time she had followed the voices suggestion concerning Darkpaw, she had almost caused her death and it was why she didn't listen to it mostly. But when it stroaked her ego, especially when it gave her good advice, she couldn't help but listen. Yes...She would be the best. Better than any cat! But call her a mouse if it would be because of Wishstone! No, she would treat him and every other cat the same as she had. No getting cozy just because she wanted to advance her postion. Not yet anyway...*

[moss]

"That is all I have for right now" Her voice rung around the clearing "Go back to you duties." She flicked her tail dismissing her clan.

[sunpelt]

Listening intently to which kit she would be assigned, Sunpelt's heart thumped, threatening to burst out of her chest. Nearly jumping with delight when Rockstar called out that Darkkit was to be known as Darkpaw and assigned to her, the orange she-cat rose to her feet. Sunpelt began to walk forward to her new apprentice at a steady pace. She was happy to be getting an apprentice. I just hope I can train her as well as Kestralfur taught me. Reaching the black cat with beautiful golden eyes, Sunpelt dipped her head elegantly and touched her cold, pink nose to Darkpaw's. After the two had touched noses, she gave the black she-cat a warm, open smile, hoping it was similar to the one Kestralfur had given her when she was apprenticed. Sunpelt gave Darkpaw a quick lick between the ears and then walked back to her place at the Ceremony and sat down, wrapping her tail around her front paws and holding her head high.

[caracalfang]

*Darkpaw returned the smile in a tamer form. She sort of chuckled at the lick, since it wasn't really part of the ceremony, but liked it. It let her know that her new mentor was enthusiastic. She padded after her and sat down where she did, watching Rockstar end the ceremony. After being dismissed, she turned her knowing eyes on Sunpeltwith a slight smile.* I suppose I should get my nest together, or I shall have no place to sleep tonight, hmm?

*Littlepaw viewed the rest of the ceremony with bordum. When it was Finally over, she looked at Wishstone sarcastically.* Well, what first?

*Cunningstrike smiled as she watched her kits take their first steps into apprenticehood. Darkpaw waded in, like always. Littlekit fell in, clawing and hissing, like always. But they were her and Tornclaw's kits and they would do fine. She sighed as she thought of Tornclaw. It was time to let him go...They had traveled far and wide and not found him. She just hoped that, wherever he was, he was happy and taking good care of the other kits. She decided that today was the day she would move forward. Always practical, she wouldn't be tied down to the illusion of her once-mate's return. She would miss him, but the bulk of her grieving had been done. She shook her head to clear it, and padded over to Rockstar.* Thank you Rockstar. I couldn't have made better choices for their mentors myself. And I have to tell you, getting on with the warrior duties has been on my to-do list for some time and I am really looking forward to it.

[mad]

W.I.S.H.S.T.O.N.E

The small white tabby tom watched the rest of the cerimony through bored eyes and smiled lightly as Dark-kit was made Darkpaw and was to be mentored by Sunpelt. "Congratulations." he mewed cooly to Darkpaw and dipped his head to Sunpelt. His face instantly returned to his normal look, uncaring and completly bored. Turning his golden optics onto Littlepaw he growled his whiskers twitched with annoyance at her attitude. "Nothing yet." he answered cooly. "We start tomarrow." he stated geting to his paws. His tail flicked dismssivly and he started to trot towards the clan entrence. His ears pirked at the sound of Cunningstrikes voice. She expects you to train her well... He grumbled lightly to himself. "Littlepaw." he called "I changed my mind, were going hunting." he mewed walking out of camp.

[caracalfang]

*Littlepaw had started to head toward her new den to get together a nest when Wishstone called her back. She huffed and wheeled around back toward her mentor. She rolled her eyes when she reached him and said, *Haven't you done this before? A cat would think you could make up your mind! *She let her gaze challenge him. He hadn't earned her respect yet, and she would make sure he worked for it. Littlepaw...don't twist his tail too hard, Littlepaw... She cleanched her jaw and mentally told the voice to shut up. She would do as she well pleased, voice or no!*

*Darkpaw gave a nod to Wishstone at his praise. He wasn't a particularly social cat, but she always liked him. He got the job done, and he was good for the clan. That was all she needed in a deputy.*

*Cunningstrike saw the Littlepaw and Wishstone head toward the entrance and snickered lightly at her daughter's annoyed tone. Oh yes, Wishstone would probably have her fur by the time they got back. Good! It would be good for Littlepaw to get an attitude adjustment.*

[sunpelt]

Sunpelt's insides seemed to be full of mush. She was very enthusiastic about having an apprentice. The she-cat felt...proud for the first time in her life. Knowing that a young mind was in her paws made her feel more responsible. Glowing with enthusiasm, pride, and warmth she meowed a response to Darkpaw's question. "Well, you are my apprentice now...So I suppose you should start making a nest. Wouldn't want your first night as an apprentice to be a cold one! That just wouldn't do." For the first time in a long time, Sunpelt walked toward the Medicine Cat den with her head and her tail held high.

[caracalfang]

*Darkpaw purred as her mentor walked to the den they would be sharing from now on. She liked her new mentor. Sunpelt was sweet and fun. Her apprenticeship was looking up. But, as she padded by her sister, who was already showing her attitude, she kept her eyes open and watchful on her way to the mossy area. She suppressed a shiver while she gathered her moss, then dragged the ball to her new den.* Where should I set myself up?

*Littlepaw smirked after her sister went by. Still scared. It was amusing all in all and the orange apprentice was momentarrily releaved of her annoyance, till she noticed the cat in front of her, her own mentor, again. She rolled her eyes again at him, to make sure he knew that he had not inspired her short good mood.*

*Cunningstrike frowned as she looked at the two apprentices reactions toward each other. She wished they were closer, but she wouldn't force it. In any case, she was more interested in how Wishstone would handle her kits obviouse distaste.*

[sunpelt]

"Just set up your nest anywhere you like, Darkpaw!" Sunpelt was looking forward to their lessons together. Darkpaw did not appear to be shy, which was good. She also seemed ready to learn. "I think you'll like our first lesson. But until then, it must remain a surprise." Sunpelt began walking around the den, looking to see what was needed to be gathered, making mental notes of cobweb, chervil, honey, and feverfew. Padding back to her apprentice to check on how the nest was going, she also saw that they were low on catnip. That's strange...Didn't I just gather some? Sunpelt thought. Shaking away the thought, Sunpelt struck up a conversation with Darkpaw. "Well, I hope you get a good night's sleep! We must be off early tomorrow!" The orange she-cat meowed happily.