Don't Trust Anyone

Chapter Two

An amused murmur settled through the seated cats as Rainpaw's jaw dropped to the floor. Starting with the youngest, Jaggedstar began their apprentice ceremony. Blizzardkit didn't even bother with trying to stifle his laugh, and even Hailkit —though stone-faced— looked on through entertained lenses. After all, Darkstone's expression was the most priceless thing Blizzardkit had possibly ever seen.

"Darkstone, you have proved yourself to be a loyal and compassionate warrior, please pass these traits on to Rainpaw." Jaggedstar indicated for the two to touch noses.

Darkstone would be mentoring Rainpaw! How absolutely amusing!! Blizzardkit thought.

"Compassionate, my tail," Rainpaw muttered, so softly that only Blizzardkit heard.

Blizzardkit identified the tension in Darkstone's jaw as the dark grey tom gritted his fangs before nodding politely. He watched their uncle reluctantly touch Rainpaw's nose, and realised how alike they were in terms of looks. Both of them were long legged and lithe, with dark grey fur and long, currently twitching, tails. The most striking difference between the two was Rainpaw's triangular face and prominent sea-green eyes.

Darkstone's lime-green orbs narrowed as the two stepped to the side, both refusing to sit close to one another.

Blizzardkit was more than ready to see how this apprentice-mentor pair would work out. His tongue flickered over his muzzle with interest.

Already having the apprentices swear to uphold the code, now it was time to call upon Blizzardkit's mentor. Jaggedstar cleared her throat and the nervousness finally kicked in.

"Blizzardkit, from this day onward until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Blizzardpaw."

A warm feeling rushed throughout his body and Blizzardpaw could hardly contain his excitement. Who would he get as his mentor? The independent and quirky Narrowwhisker? Meticulous and punctual Swiftstream? Wise and humorous Cragfoot? Silent yet passionate Hawkcry? He knew so much about so many that he was left in anticipation wondering who he would get as a mentor!

His dark blue gaze caught Cavernheart's serious expression. He would have loved to have been mentored by MountainClan's practical and strong deputy, but she was already mentoring Quickpaw.

Jaggedstar's strong voice broke through the white and grey tom's thoughts.

"Blizzardpaw, your mentor will be Gorgeleap." Who? Confusion sparked Blizzardpaw's pelt. He was sure he knew everyone, but who exactly was Gorgeleap? He had no recollection of ever knowing a cat by that name!

Blizzardpaw's sharp eyes snapped over to a flicker of movement. A well-muscled tom, fur the colour of fresh milk and splotched with dashes of cream and orange, made his way through the gathered cats. Blizzardpaw's excellent hearing could catch the whispers of his seated clan-mates as Gorgeleap padded forward.

"He's finally come out of his shell, that Gorgeleap."

"To think that he's actually accepting an apprentice after all this time...And after what happened."

"I wonder how long it's been since I saw his face properly."

"I missed him."

"Huh? Who even is Gorgeleap again?"

"Dirtpaw, don't be rude."

An array of whispers, each lined with their own emotions towards this peculiar tom, settled in the air. Blizzardpaw narrowed his eyes, wondering why he had never been aware of this tom's existence before. When Gorgeleap stood before him,  nostalgia gripped his nose with wispy claws. This tom's scent was familiar to him!