Redtail's Ignition
Grey clouds drifted over the Windclan moors, mirroring the puffs of sheep that grazed the heather far below. Chattering rivers cut through the mossy marshes further south, carving the Riverclan border. Black pines loomed over Shadowclan, wrapping the land in a dark embrace.
But under the golden-red canopy of chattering birds and rustling leaves, a huge event was about to unfold in Thunderclan.
But the patience of Redkit was not like that of a hunting warrior.
So of course, it had to start with what Redkit does best.
Not doing what he's told.
Ears twitching, Redkit peered through the fronds that marked the entrance to the leader's den. His curious eyes locked onto Sunstar's golden pelt, which seemed to glow in the dim cavern.
"The apprentice ceremony can wait. We don't know enough about him." The leader murmured. His eyes, normally wise with the granted power of nine lives, worriedly stared at the cavern floor.
Claws scraped the ground. "He is full of energy! Starclan have sent no signs that he cannot be a warrior." Bluefur's voice rang loud and clear. Redkit noticed how she confidently stepped towards her leader, eyes narrowed. "Sunstar, he deserves a chance." The golden leader merely shook his head. Bluefur sighed.
"Even Featherwhisker hasn't had any omens from Starclan!" she cried, swinging her head round to glower at the medicine cat.
Redkit squeaked and tumbled back as a fluffy white tail poked out between the fronds, nervously twitching. Redkit had to resist the urge to pounce on it.
"Ah well…you see, I can neither confirm nor deny that Redkit will have- er – physical problems that will affect his training as an apprentice. However, the chances are more likely he will." Featherwhisker meowed.
Oh.
They're talking about me.
All of the forest seemed to close around Redkit. Bluefur's voice retorted back at Featherwhisker, exasperated, but Redkit was too dazed to catch the words. As he shakily trawled back to the nursery, he let them fall around him like leaves.
From the moment he had opened his eyes, Redkit knew he was rare. Despite his mother's best efforts to herd him from prying eyes and hurtful words, Redkit's curiosity for what his Clanmates had to say about him only urged him further.
A male tortoiseshell?
I've heard they can never have kits.
They won't be as strong as normal warriors surely?
Ha, yeah they're probably mouse brains.
Willowkit had never looked at him the same. But his other sister, Spottedkit, was different. Her eyes seemed to glow as they examined his unique pelt time and time again. After, Redkit would often find her at Featherwhisker's den, prodding him with questions.
Swiftbreeze leapt through the nursery entrance.
"REDKIT!" The white stripes of his mother's face were scrunched into a familiar frown.
"Where in Starclan have you been? Whitekit and your sisters are all groomed –
The flustered tabby glanced up at the Highrock where Sunstar ambled upon the peak. Her muzzle opened, but immediately clamped shut at the sight of her kit's drooping head.
"…Redkit? What's wrong?"
He flicked his fox red tail, the most unusual feature of his strange pelt. At once Swiftbreeze understood.
"You are going to your apprentice ceremony whether Starclan likes it or not."
Redkit watched as Sunstar's mouth meowed silent words. Spottedkit, Willowkit and Whitekit bound past him in blurs. One by one, each kit stepped forward and touched noses with their new mentor. Their pawsteps seemed to echo Redkit's heart, which was beating as though all of Starclan were trying to claw their way out.
All the cats stopped moving, and turned to stare. Redkit hung his head lower, his claws gripping the dirt.
Sunstar's going to banish me. What use am I to the clan?
"…by the power of Starclan, I now pronounce you Redpaw. Your mentor will be Sparrowpelt."
The brown tabby blinked, looking from Sunstar to Redpaw. Sparrowpelt then cleared his throat and padded forward to greet his new apprentice. Under Thistleclaw's shadow, Tigerpaw narrowed his eyes at the new apprentice. His tail flicked up and down, slow and silent. Murmurs echoed around the meeting.
Redpaw didn't hear them.
He felt as though Starclan had burst through his heart and raced through his blood.
"I'm going to be a warrior!" he mewled. Awkward chuckles broke through the murmurs. Swiftbreeze shot a deadly look at any cat who dared continue whispering.
"Of course young one. Time will tell." Sunstar meowed. The hint of uncertainty in his voice slipped past Redpaw's ears.
"Sparrowpelt, I hope you will pass on your courage and agility to Redpaw. Thunderclan is thankful for the new apprentices Starclan has given us. Clan dismissed."
Sunstar's eyes followed Redpaw as he bounded out of camp for the first time. Exasperated, Sparrowpelt leapt after him, yowling for his apprentice to slow down and wait.
Sunstar knew that Redpaw wasn't going to slow down. Like his fiery tail, he would burn through Thunderclan with all of his energy. Whether this would lead to his destruction or his destiny, he did not know.
"May Starclan guide you." Sunstar murmured.