Willowdream

Stars #738 - link

-She-cat

-Warrior of LagoonClan

-Seal rosetted lynx sepia with amber eyes

-60 moons

-Mentor was Acornfleck

Willowdream was always made fun of for her looks. Although her pelt was pretty, the strange placement of her fluff was the main target for snide remarks. She struggled with fitting in and often ate, slept, and played alone. After the kits responsible for the teasing grew up, they apologized with clear guilt in their voices. These recurring gestures warmed her heart, as she was starved for companionship with cats other than the crazed Honoreds.

Though she never told anyone, Willowdream fantasized about strolling through the halls between the Twoleg dens. When the beasts were sleeping, it seemed so quiet, especially with no prey or cats around to make noise. Perhaps she'll go there on a nice sunshiney day.

Ever since she became a Warrior, Willowdream has pledged to help her clan and all the cats in it, and to not hold grudges against those who have wronged her in the past. The older Warriors and Hunters greatly respect her for this, as young cats can find it more difficult to be the mature one in a situation than those with experience.

Seastar hopped upon the River Rock and beckoned her clanmates to come forth.

"Tonight, we have new apprentices joining our ranks! May Willowkit, Maplekit, and Beechkit (Not actual cats, just made up for story purposes) step forward." Willowkit's paws trembled with fear and anxiety. She wasn't used to be called upon by name from the Founder herself. "Are you three kits ready to train for your future ranks as Warriors, Hunters, or Gatherers?" inquired the soft-looking she-cat. The kits looked up, their faces illuminated in the moonglow, and nodded. "Then by the powers passed upon me by our cat ancestors, I grant you the new rank of Apprenticeship. Use your newfound knowledge wisely and to benefit the Clan and all cats within it. Now for your disciplines." The cats in the crowd had their eyes fixated on Seastar, but Willowkit's mother gazed at her, bursting with warmth and pride. 

"Willowkit," boomed Seastar. Willowkit felt a buzz course through her veins, making her shudder slightly. "You will train to become a Warrior!" The Warriors in the crowd cheered. "Your mentor will be Acornfleck. May he pass all his wisdom onto you, young apprentice." 

Willowkit's vision blurred, her mind foggy. Her eyes met Acornfleck's. His were pitying. A Warrior? A kit like her couldn't be a Warrior. They had to be confident and strong. She was weak and got picked on. This has to be a mistake. After the majority of the crowd had left, the kit went up to Seastar, who was grooming herself.

"Uhh, Founder, I think you made a mistake with my discipline. I really don't think I should be a Warrior..." Her voice was meek and pathetic, exactly how she felt.
Seastar looked at the kit quizzically.

"What do you mean, Willowpaw? Of course you should be a Warrior. The best of them came from humble beginnings. Most were picked on, or played alone. I trust that Acornfleck will guide you through the training with care and acceptance. Trust me, you'll be one of my best Warriors." The Founder reached down her neck and gave the kit a little lick. Willowkit thought about what she said, then waddled off into the nursery with her mother. Maybe she could be a Warrior after all.

Willowpaw heaved herself up, panting from the exertion. This training session with Acornfleck was taking a toll on her muscles. She took Seastar's comment to heart and had pushed through the first couple moons of her training. An orange figure blurred past the corner of her eye. Acornfleck. She whirled around in time to see the silver-tinted cat lunged at her, paws extended. Instinctively, Willowpaw barrel-rolled to the side, leaving Acornfleck tumbling where she once was.
"Nice roll! You're improving nicely," remarked Acornfleck. He shook off dirt from his pelt and playfully swatted Willowpaw's ear. She allowed herself to take pride in what she'd done, and how far she's come.