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While most of the ceremonies had gone over smoothly, now it was time for the initiates who wished to take part in initiation were now brought into the ceremony springs holding their sunflowers that they had picked from the sunflower fields. They had three candidates today, three cats that could potentially become new members of the clan.
"Initiates, you have worked hard serving SunClan, and learning the ways of the Sun God. You've proven that you can act as a part of SunClan, and you can work as a part of SunClan, but now, the Sun God will tell us if you truly have the heart of a SunClan cat. Step forward, Initiates, and let the Sun shine on your souls." Handsome and Pond's sunflowers caught on fire, one after the other. The bright colors rising into the sky in a dramatic display of the Sun God's power, but one sunflower remained dark. The petals seemed to wilt and dull, as Littlestar's heart sank. Had Nekonotpaw22 really not passed initiation? Her heart began to beat faster, Mistyrose would never forgive her for what was about to happen.
"Handsome, Pond, the Sun has examined your heart and seen that you are truly worthy of joining SunClan. As the tides shift, abandon your old lives and begin them anew in service to the Sun God. I now grant you your new names. Sparrowflight and Mapleheart" her words caught in her throat, not wanting to say the next words. Once they tumbled from her mouth, there would be no going back. Nekonotpaw22 would be killed by the Janus. It was her duty to see these ceremonies through, but her friendship made her hesitate. She didn't want to do this. She didn't want to make this order, but she had to. The Sun God knew what lied within Nikko's heart. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breathe before continuing, her voice trembling
"Nekonotpaw22 , the Sun has examined your heart and seen only treachery and lies. You came to SunClan under false pretenses and made a mockery of our deity. You shall now pay the price."
"This must be a mistake." Bloodyrondo had never once doubted the Sun God. Or, at least, he believed that his heart was free of any uncertainties. After all, his problems with Moonlitnocturne had very nearly resolved. Their relationship wasn't butterflies and rainbows but it was worlds better than it used to be. Bloodyrondo took that as proof that, through devotion to the Sun, all hurdles will eventually be overcome. He had thought Nikkopaw a great example of this. They had met when the young tom was trespassing, intentionally seeking death, but the Sun god had influenced Bloodyrondo, then Bloodypaw, to let him live. Fast-forward and the words shared that day lead the ex-WinterClan tom to try and initiate. Bloodyrondo had not liked him at first, of course, but the one-on-one lessons he had with Nikkopaw had made the two grow close. Bloodyrondo had even let it slip that failing initiation could mean death and yet here Nikkopaw was, bravely facing the Sun, knowing the risks better than almost any other initiate before him. The truth was that Nikkopaw was the closest thing that the Priest Promised had ever had to an apprentice... and maybe even a friend. He just couldn't fail initiation,"Is that even a sunflower? Its color is wrong..."
If you want to shine like the sun, first you must burn like the sun ~ SunClan High Priestess
6,904 posts
Post by racer on Jan 31, 2020 22:03:07 GMT -5
Littlestar draped her tail over Bloodyrondo's shoulders pulling him close. She couldn't help but feel responsible for this. She had left Nekonotpaw22 in the care of Bloodyrondo. Perhaps she should have been doing the lessons herself, but she had put her faith in the young cat who had been working so hard with the initiates. She could only imagine how he was feeling in this moment, if she felt this terrible. "The Sun God doesn't make mistakes..." but her eyes fell upon the sunflower that lied at the young cat's paws as it lied their dull in comparison to the bright flames on either side. She leaned in, whispering in his ear "I know that this will be difficult for you, he was your first initiate. The Sun God knows what lies within his heart better than either of us. He lacks faith in our god..." she trailed off knowing her words would be of little comfort "only he can decide to open his heart, it's not your fault" The gray she-cat's heart thrummed in her chest, watching as the Janus moved forward to pounce. Nothing she said at this point would stop them, all she could do was try to comfort her promised.
(I also wanted Radiantkit to be promoted if you could add her too) Skipstep could see the pain clear as day in Littlestar's eyes. She didn't wish to cause pain to her promised. With that in mind he would make this quick. He gestured with his tail for the other janus to surround Nekonotpaw22. They couldn't give him a chance to run and if they were all on him it would be over quickly.
Nikkopaw nodded to Littlestar, "It's okay," He mouthed to her. His shoulders rolled back, "I guess this is ironic, I always wanted to die, but for once, I was actually looking forward to what was ahead," He said, his gaze for a moment on Bloodyrondo before moving away, "but this is okay too, really. All I ask is a moment to apologize to my friend before I go," He said, walking across the clearing to Bloodyrondo, "Bloody, thank-you for everything, you gave me a reason to live and you've given me release in this death. I love you, I wish you the best, the absolute best for my best friend in the whole world," Nikkopaw said, the ice in his eyes melted away as he spoke until it left him with bright robin egg blue eyes, brimming with tears, "You didn't fail me, I promise, this was always going to end this way. I was just too happy to leave, too happy being with you. I owe you this last story about me. My older sister was meant to be sacrificed to the deities of WinterClan by my mother and when she refused to kill her daughter she was so brainwashed that she threw herself off the cliff. They cursed my mom, punished her for not murdering her daughter. I believe in the Sun God, but I can't trust him, it's too scary to trust in a God after that."
He looked to Littlestar, "Thank-you for always making me smile, I'm sorry I wasn't good enough. If you want I can be thrown down a cliff or maybe eat too many deadly herbs, something to appear more accidental," He offered before adding more earnestly, "I want my mom to have a friend to lean on after this and I'm not sure if there's a rule that says exactly how the Janus kill me so long as it's done."
At Nikkopaw's words Skipstep hesitated glancing towards Littlestar waiting to see what she wished. Claws to the throat would be quick and done, but if his mate would rather grant this request given the circumstances he wouldn't say no.
"Who said I was giving you a 'release in death'? Absolutely not!" Bloodrondo hissed, pushing Littlestar's tail away and getting nose-to-nose with Nikkopaw. His heart was pounding against his chest as he watched the Janus circle around Nikkopaw. He had not realized how much the Initiate meant to him until he was about to lose him forever, but now wasn't the time to deal with those emotions. The Priest Promised's eyes were ablaze and hackles raised as he continued his response, "WinterClan follows false Gods, or, at best, Gods who cower before the Sun God. He is strong enough that he doesn't need sacrifices or use fear as a way to control his followers. Look at Littlestar. She was born in WinterClan but, through the Sun God, found strength to lead this Clan. I'm sure it was not easy, but he's not an unjust God."
Bloodyrondo stepped back as if he was done, then whipped around and slammed his head against Nikkopaw's. All cats gathered would be able to hear the crack of skull against skull. Bloodyrondo himself had been prepared for the impact; while he was seeing stars, he stood firmly, unwavering, and continued his presumably final lesson, "Quit getting all hung up on your past. Sure, it hurts, but that pain fades under the Sun. You say you are afraid of death, and are facing it now, but what happens to you after? Do you fear opening your heart to the Sun God so much that you want to take your chances with an afterlife that you don't know? Your future is with SunClan and..." He trailed off his last statement, not wanting to finish it. He could see the Janus were all in position, ready to claim their heretic. The Priest Promised was out of time to turn this around. He said this last bit in a low tone, only for Nikkopaw's ears, "..me. With me. You idiot! Why are you being so stubborn!?"
Were those tears in the corner of Bloodyrondo's eyes?
If you want to shine like the sun, first you must burn like the sun ~ SunClan High Priestess
6,904 posts
Post by racer on Feb 1, 2020 0:32:17 GMT -5
Littlestar, could hear the pain in Bloodyrondo's voice as he spoke, as he heart began to break. She didn't want to do this to him or Nekonotpaw22. She had a duty as the High Priestess, but that didn't meant that she had to enjoy what had to be done. The Janus were circling the initiate, all waiting on her signal as Bloodyrondo rushed to his side. It was almost as if she was frozen, unable to tell them to proceded as she watched the scene before her unfold. If she ordered the attack, there was a good chance Bloodyrondo would be injured. She waited, but if it went on for much longer the Janus wouldn't wait for the ok. They would act in accordance to the Sun God's will.
Nikkopaw half rolled his eyes before laughing a little at how close Bloody got. He felt his barriers rise as Bloodyrondo talked about the Sun God. Convinced that if his mom didn't need to feel that he didn't either, but in times like this he didn't know how she did it. He could feel the prickle of emotion slowly crashing into his composure like waves pulling at sand. It was easier to not trust the Sun God and be hurt later or someone he cared about being hurt later. He suddenly felt pain in his head, he hadn't expected Bloodyrondo to strike him and partially slipped to the ground from the impact. He gave almost an amazed expression at Bloodyrondo, surprised that he would hurt him. His words made him feel stiff, he wanted more time, time to comfort him, tell him that he was scared, but at peace with this.
"..me. With me. You idiot!"
His heart caved in, his blue gaze searching for Bloody's green eyes and when he couldn't find it he moved his head under Bloodyrondo's and onto his shoulder. If he died now, that would be okay, but he never had someone he needed to live for, "Okay. I promise," He said leaning deep into his fur, "I won't go, not now." He moved away looking Bloodyrondo in the eyes, "I trust you with my life, with my soul. If you really believe the Sun God is not needlessly cruel I believe it with all my heart," He leaned his head back into Bloodyrondo's, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have made you angry, I trust you and I trust him."
If you want to shine like the sun, first you must burn like the sun ~ SunClan High Priestess
6,904 posts
Post by racer on Feb 1, 2020 1:17:04 GMT -5
As soon as the last words came from Nekonotpaw22's lips, the wilted sunflower that had been left behind and forgotten burst into bright flames. Crackling embers broke off showering the Janus that had surrounded Niko and Bloodyrondo, but did not burn them "STOP" came the loud and commanding voice from the gray she-cat that watched the proceeding from up above. This had never happened before, but the message was clear. Whatever Bloodyrondo had said to Nekonotpaw22 had worked. He had gotten through to him. "The Sun God has spoken. Nekonotpaw22 the Sun has examined your heart and seen that you are truly worthy of joining SunClan. As the tides shift, abandon your old lives and begin them anew in service to the Sun God. I now grant you your new names. Nikkohydrangea" relief flooded over her as she spoke his new name, deciding to honor his mother's wish about his name. After all he had just been through that much she could do.
Bloodyrondo would have thought he was still seeing stars if it wasn't for the familiar heat that the embers carried. He stepped away from Nikkopaw, no, Nikkohydrangea and blinked a few times as his vision and despair cleared. He felt his eyes were damp but there were no tears now, just a surprised look on his face as he processed Littlestar's words. The Sun God had changed his mind? Bloodyrondo had never heard of anything like this happening before and did not know how he felt about it. Moments before, he had thought he was losing his best friend forever; now, he was a full member of the Clan, destined to be with him forever. He let out a shaky breath and said nothing right away. For the first time in his life, he felt uncomfortable with the eyes of his clanmates on his pelt.
"Welcome to SunClan." He said before abruptly turning around and padding straight for his den, leaving Nikkohydrangea standing alone in the crowd.
Already waiting to see if Littlestar would wish for the Janus to use other methods to end the failed initiates life. Skipstep saw the flower ignite, and immediately stepped back. Though he didn’t show it he felt relief. This would’ve devastated Bloodyrondo. Instead Skipstep gave the newly named Nikkohydrangea a nod, flicking his tail to signal for the Janus to back off as he moved to stand beside Littlestar.
Nikkohydrangea watched the embers dance around them before dissipating and pulled back from Bloodyrondo staring into his eyes as Littlestar talked, all the while waiting for the reassuring moment that Bloodyrondo would look happy. He didn't seem Bloodyrondo smile, but he couldn't help, but stifle a bit of laughter in the tension. His mom always told him that was going to be his warrior name, it always felt long to him, but he did like hydrangeas from the one time he had seen them, they were blue like him. He looked up at Littlestar for just a moment, but turned back to look at Bloodyrondo, he'd have to ask Littlestar about training later. He hadn't learned hunting or fighting skills as an initiate and although he had been from WinterClan he ditched all of his classes and lacked really any core skills except for spying, which he hadn't disclosed to them because naturally they would think he was spying on them when that wasn't the case.
Besides talking to Bloodyrondo seemed far more interesting so he followed after him to his den, especially since he'd never seen his den before. His guess was it was messy and maybe had animal heads or a weird collection of something. He thought of joking that Bloody couldn't help, but make his life miserable by making him live, but instead said, "Thanks for talking me into staying, but after tomorrow I'm going back to my sarcastic self, don't expect me to be kissing your paws past today so I think you should enjoy it while it lasts."
If you want to shine like the sun, first you must burn like the sun ~ SunClan High Priestess
6,904 posts
Post by racer on Feb 1, 2020 19:06:02 GMT -5
Littlestar pressed her nose against Skipstep's cheek, dismissing the gathered crowd with a flick of her tail. Murmerrs started, for nothing like this had ever happened. No one had ever just changed their mind about allowing the sun god into their hearts. It wasn't as simple as just saying the words, it had to be what you really felt on this inside. She blinked, her golden eyes searching the crowd for Mistyrose. Had she been watching the whole thing? His father had been... So even if Mistyrose wasn't present, she didn't doubt that she would hear about it.
"I sure hope Bloodyrondo gives me a speech like that when I get promoted," Discordantpaw snickered. She had watched the discussion with a grin on her face and seemed happy with how it ended, although truth be told she probably would have reacted the same way had Nikkohydrangea been laying dead and bloody in front of her. --- "Nikkopa-Nikkohydrangea, leave me alone, I just can't deal with you anymore today." Bloodyrondo had curled up in his nest, which was actually very neat and tidy, much like the rest of his den. There were a few decorations - a sunflower, some pretty amber stones, a few feathers - but it was rather minimalist. Simple. It was not quite what you would expect from a tom with such a boisterous personality and flair for the dramatic, "I've got half a mind to tell the Janus to finish the job even though your stupid sunflower really did burn." And empty threat, obviously. He just wanted to be left alone. That was literally the reason he he left the ceremony the way he had.
He was beginning to calm down, though, even if his tone had not yet changed. The scent of lavendar was quite strong in this enclosed space; its purple petals could be viewed weaved into his bedding. Bloodyrondo had been slipping lavender into his den since he was an apprentice due to its calming effects.
Having Mistyrose as his mom he knew a bit about herbs and definitely knew that these were relaxation herbs. A new idea formed in his mind as he followed Bloodyrondo in, "Actually, I might know something that might be fun and helpful for the both of us, if you're interested. It involves a favor, but you've helped me and we could both celebrate."
Bloodyrondo swiveled his ears toward Nikkohydrangea then lifted his head and faced the newly initiated SunClan cat. His eyes looked a little red but there was no way he'd been crying or anything. He just looked really tired and a little edgy, "I don't think now is the time? Don't you have something better to do?" That being said, the Priest Promised was starting to get to his paws, shaking a few leaf-bits from his pelt as he stretched out of his nest.
"My something better to do was being murdered by a pack of cultists, but now that that dream is crushed I've returned to my old lifestyle of bothering you. Want to go to the hot springs?"
"Seriously?" Bloodyrondo looked Nikkohydrangea directly into the eyes. The Priest Promised was definitely a hot-head - this wasn't his first outburst, but it was probably one of his most public ones - and he needed time to recharge. Usually all that meant was a nap, but sometimes he would go to the hot springs. The idea was tempting but he didn't want to go with Nikkohydrangea. That being said, the new Warrior had been through something arguably more traumatic, and Bloodyrondo realized that it would be good for both of them. His reply was reluctant; he looked away from the blue-gray tom when he spoke, dropping his tough-guy facade, "Whatever, I guess I'll go with you, just don't do anything stupid or annoying."
