Blood-Soaked Roses

Chapter Two: A Kit's New Path

Word Count: 3,357

Redstar and his mate sat side by side sharing tongues while waiting for Patchclaw, the deputy of the clan. He took some cats out to get fresh-kill for the final meal of the day while Redstar was able to rest. However, he wasn't just resting, he was also thinking about the future apprentices he will appoint tonight. He had thought it over for a few days; he just needed the final opinion of his deputy.

"Redstar? Don't you think Goldenkit has gotten fierce lately? I mean this could be a mother's bias but I truly think she could be the best apprentice we have out of this large group." Specklesnout explained. "Perhaps, but she has a long way to go...it's simply too early to tell. I plan on giving apprentices mentors that will boost their weak spots." Redstar paused trying to form the right words in his mind, "For example our son, he has so much potential. He's smart and in every wrestling match he has with his sister he tries to approach it with caution and forethought. I just wish he had the confidence to go through with his plans." Specklesnout purred in agreement. "Yes, besides who do you plan on mentoring them?" She questioned.

"You can stay here when I talk about it with Patchclaw. I'd like your opinion too." He began to get up, stretching his legs. He peaked out of his den to watch a handful of kits play under the eye of other queens. Moving his gaze to the entrance he saw Patchclaw returning with Swiftheart and Russettail. He then turned back into his den and waited for his deputy to come in.

"Ey Redstar, when will you do the ceremony, we got a ton of these kits that need mentors and I don't want to be waitin' for hours for food," Patchclaw questioned as he entered. The sun was beginning to go down and only the queens, elders, and kits had eaten so far. Other clan members could eat if they wish but most of them wanted to wait until the ceremony was over. "Patience my friend, we'll eat soon but first we need to discuss these kits. I have an idea of who their mentors should be but I want to hear your opinion." Redstar explained.

"First, Goldenkit should be assigned Snowyclaw." Specklesnout's eyes widened at the thought of her old rival mentoring her daughter but didn't say anything. " My daughter is strong but she often acts without thinking...and I think Snowyclaw can teach her a better balance of strategy and strength." Redstar waited for any opposing opinions but both of his clanmates nodded in agreement. "Now...Dustkit should be assigned Snaketail. Snaketail is powerful and will teach him how to grow stronger and more confident in his abilities." He paused again, "and Applekit...will be assigned to you, Specklesnout.'' He brushed his tail against her back while waiting for a response. Even if he was the clan's leader he still would get anxious over the opinion of his mate almost like they were kids again. Specklesnout's eyes got big and she excitedly licked Redstar on the cheek, "Oh, thank the heavens! Thank you, Redstar you truly are my love." She said in a hushed excited voice trying not to be too alert to the clan of the news. Patchclaw rolled his eyes impatiently, "Are y'all a couple of kits? Come on explain how she would be a good choice." He grumbled. Redstar and Specklesnout pulled their excitement back in and continued the small meeting.

"Well I think this should be obvious but Applekit is very quiet and timid but the few times I've seen her fight with Dustkit she did well. I think Specklesnout will be able to pull out her inner warrior and learn to trust herself." Specklesnout purred with pure joy and Patchclaw began to add his part of the conversation, "I agree for all of them but you forgot about Gingerkit and Snowkit." Redstar sighed, "Of course I did...why are there so many kits this year?" He asked himself. "Anyway, who do you think would be good mentors to these two? Or who do you think needs a mentoring experience?"

"I think Snowkit should be paired with Barkclaw. Barkclaw is a great warrior and he's been bothering me about getting an apprentice these past few days. As for Gingerkit...." he hopelessly shook his head, "Possibly Longfang?? She's stealthy just like Gingerkit is almost invisible to the clan. Perhaps she can teach her to use that to her advantage?" They all agreed and decided it was time to start the ceremony.