Tay's Story: Struggles

Chapter two: Fury

Another 3 months had past since Zipper's and Tay's conversation. Tay was always a little more on the edge since then. She worked harder, building up her strength, and practiced hunting Butterflies or Small rodents in her free time. Soon enough her easy, peaceful days would be over though. She was going to be named an apprentice soon, along with Ari and a couple more of her den mates.
She wasn't looking forward to it though. From what she heard the apprentice naming ceremony was a nightmare for the females. And she would probably be assigned a rank she didn't want. Tay wanted to be a warrior. She worked super hard everyday for months to get to her current strength. She did all this to prove everyone wrong. Girls are just as strong or stronger than guys. She was going to prove that one way or another.

-The ceremony-

"Ari please step forward."
Dunes voice echoed through out the camp.
Ari padded forward, his head held high. He dipped his head in respect.
Dune smiled down at the new apprentice "I have observed you as a Cub. You do well in battling and show interest in hunting. It's because of this, that I name you Sol's apprentice." he announced, dipping his head.
Ari's ears perked up excitedly, Sol was one of the best warriors out there. He would surely become a Strong warrior with Sol's knowledge and abilities!
The Dappled Lion stepped forward. His eyes on his new apprentice. "I swear to the pride of stars that I'll train Ari to be the best he can be. "Sol's voice echoed through out the clearing.
Sol turned to his apprentice and touched his noes to Ari's. "Let's go my apprentice." sol nudged Ari back into the clearing. Waiting for the others to be assigned mentors.

After Tay's other den mates were assigned mentors, it was finally Tay's turn.
Dune paused for a second and scanned over the clearing of lions, searching for more apprentices. He sighed when he realized Tay was the only one left. He lifted his head and spoke "Tay, please step forward." his ears flattened. He knew assigning her a mentor would be hard on her. She wanted to be a warrior so badly. But- she couldn't. 'Girls are weak.' He reminded himself in his head, reassuring himself this was for the best.
Tay stepped forward. Her gaze hopeful. Her Dad would surly make her a warrior? He knows it's her dream. Why would he want to ruin it for her?
"You seem to be good at socializing with others your age. That is why I'm assigning olive to be your mentor. She is a Fine Queen and will teach you everything you need to know about Raising Cubs for your future." he dipped his head to his daughter.

Tay's fur pricked immediately. Her heart felt like it had been jabbed with claws multiple times. A tear rolled down her face. Future? As a queen? That's the last thing she wanted! Her claws unsheathed and she opened her mouth to speak. "B-but ima warrior at heart! You know I'm stronger then all my den mates! You know how many hours I put into getting this strong! I wasn't just born like this.. I had to work hard everyday! And THIS is what I get? A future being cooped up with kits??!" she snarled.

Dune looked down at Tay. He could she the fury in her eyes. "Hush." he shushed her. His tail flicking in annoyance.
'he doesn't even care..' the pain jabbed at Tay's heart once more, she looked down, and made her slow way back into the clearing. Her tail dragging behind her.
Dune rolled his eyes. 'It's not my fault you were born female. Weakling.'