[o]Everything That Goes Away Will Be Returned Somehow

[GnawingOnIce]

Dogstar shifted his paws beneath him. He felt uncomfortable sitting in what was Sablestar’s den. It felt strange, but the moss allowed some comfort. He would miss feeling his mother’s fur against his in the warriors den.

He took a breath and composed himself, standing and stepping out of the den. He climbed to the piece of rock that jutted out of the caves wall and sat with his tail curled around his paws.

”All cats old enough to cross the waterfall, please gather here for a Clan meeting.” his voice echoed across the stone walls, and surely, his Clan began to gather beneath him.

When it seemed all had turned their attention to him, he began. ”Cats of MistClan, this moon a new deputy must be chosen. I have chosen Whitefire; continue serving your clan well.” he nodded his head to her.

”This moon we also have some new apprentices and warriors. Lilykit, Alderkit, Carpkit, and Flintkit, come forward, please.” the seemingly stoic leader smiled as his nieces and nephews stumbled up to the front of the crowd.

”Lilykit, from this moment forward you will be known as Lilypaw. Your mentor will be Miredawn.”

”Alderkit, from this moment forward you will be known as Alderpaw. Your mentor will be Gullhop.”

”Carpkit, from this moment forward you will be known as Carp-paw. Your mentor will be Aspencrest.”

”Finally, Flintkit. From this moment forward you will be known as Flintpaw. Your mentor will be Meteorfall.”

As the Clan chanted their names and their respective mentors touched their noses to their’s, Dogstar caught his breath. He was proud to see his family grow in MistClan, where they had StarClan and Clanmates to confide. He believed it was the best kind of life.

”Now, Lakepaw, Robinpaw, and Milkpaw. It is time to receive your warrior names.” he turned his attention to the three when the cheering died down.

“Lakepaw, you will now be known as Lakeshine. Your personality is bright and something that will hopefully be rubbed off on your Clanmates.”

”Robinpaw, you will now be known as Robinchase. Your hunting is something to be greatful for in these cold seasons.”

”Milkpaw, you will now be known as Milkbreeze. Despite your quietness, your care for your Clanmates is very admirable.”

The Clan cheered again. It was music to his ears and he thinks that, for the first time, he truly appreciates new warriors and apprentices.

“Continue serving your Clan well, warriors and apprentices. This concludes today’s ceremonies.” He bowed his head and watched his Clan resume their daily activities.

Dogstar stepped down from the rocky outcropping and was met by the scarred face of his mother and the gentle face of his half sister. ”Toffee, Honeywing.” he touched his cheek to theirs and smiled the smile of a son and brother.

“I am prouder than you will ever know, Dogstar.” Toffee’s voice dripped with emotion, and he was reminded of everything they’ve been through. He saw her weathered face, still smiling despite everything.

”Thank you.” A loud purr rumbled in his throat.

”Thank you for making sure my kits are well cared for.” Honeywing told him, nudging his shoulder with her muzzle. The thankfulness clearly showing through in the smile on her face. He saw Lilykit out of the corner of his eye smiling up at him, too.

”Of course, sister. Anything for my family.” he slowly blinked at them, then bowed his head and bid them farewell as he went to see his new deputy.

Tags;; Mama, LupTacco, Broadwaykat, pants, bits, KingHarry, splinch
Notes;; n/a

[Broadwaykat]

Carpkit had been waiting for this day with his siblings for what felt like forever - although a part of him also wondered if his friends made in other clans was also waiting for this day. He felt like his fur was full of fleas, he was twisting and twitching with so much excitement bubbling up within him. A very strange feeling.

But as each of his siblings' names were called, a part of him was confused. Wasn't one of them missing? He knew that Pebblekit was often overlooked; and he felt bad for his brother, he really, truly did. Maybe Dogstar was just having a bad day...he was a new leader after all, but still as he rose to touch muzzles with Aspencrest, he asked in a whisper.

"Why didn't he give my brother a mentor?"

---

Gullhop had never aspired to be more than a regular warrior. He had barely survived his own apprenticeship, in his own mind; it was stressful. Now, as a warrior, he could look forward to not letting anyone else down, save maybe his friends. Websong seemed to be kind enough to him, but a part of him still wondered if he was letting anyone else down. He kept his nose out of others business and just went on with -

wait...

He had of course been listening to the ceremonies - it was a good time to gather and congratulate others. But it took him a moment before he recognized that his name had been mentioned among the new mentors. A moment before sheer blind panic set in and he stumbled forward and bit to brush his nose against another small cat.

"S-sorry." He stumbled over the words - a slightly irregular greeting, and one that may have stood either for an apology to Alderpaw for some unforeseenmistake in the ritual - or an early apology for their training relationship to come. It was hard to tell at that moment, honestly.

[fortsumter]

As Aspencrest touched noses with her new apprentice, she heard him whisper, "Why didn't he give my brother a mentor?" 
Aspencrest backed away and spoke in a whisper. "It must have been a mistake, Carp-paw. Even leaders make mistakes. I'm sure your brother will get a mentor soon. If you'd like, I'll ask Dogstar. He probably just forgot about him."
She nervously looked back at Pebblekit before turning to face Carp-paw. She smiled warmly. "Carp-paw, you don't need to worry. Your brother will have a mentor soon."

[Broadwaykat]

With Aspencrest's comforting words, Carp-paw's hackles smoothed back down. He was his mentor - after all. And what they said made sense. His Dogstar had a lot on his paws, after all. Even leaders, surely, could be a little forgetful from time to time.

"Okay," With a slight, almost caninelike wag of his tail, he reached onto the tips of his paws to but his head against Aspencrest's nose. "And then they can train with us too, right? I can't wait to train together!"