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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 May 25, 2020 18:03:57 GMT -5
Now that the normal ceremonies had been completed, there was one last ceremony to conduct. Three initiates were led into the ceremony springs, each carrying a sunflower that they had picked from the field. She dipped her head, motioning for them to lay their sunflowers down at their feet. She always held the initiation ceremony last, since things could get messy if cats did not pass the Sun God's test. It was no secret among the SunClan cats that if you failed initiation you would be killed. It was part of the reason that only the kits that were being promoted into apprentices during this ceremony were allowed at the ceremony springs, and no initiates that were no involved in the ceremony were allowed inside so that when it was their turn they would attend their own ceremony without undue fear. Few cats ever failed, by the time the undertook the initiation ceremony. All one had to do to pass, was open their hearts to the Sun God and show commitment to learning SunClans ways "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."
Kissy leaned into her sister's side, like a lot, it was a testament to Toots's strength that she didn't topple over then and there. She was carrying a massive sunflower, the biggest she could find, made even bigger by the fact that the long step was still atatched. The big fluffy brown she-cat stepped forward and delicately dropped her prize down at Littlestar's feet. Her evergreen eyes shined bright as she looked up at the leader expectantly. She was very excited about this and the only reason she wasn't yammering on and on was because Mistyrose had drugged her a couple hours agos.
Cypressblaze, who refused to honor her initiate name of Sassy, unceremoniously dropped a shredded sunflower next to the other ones. She had a smirk on her face and overall looked disheveled. Her fur ruffled, her frame thin. The only reason she was standing here at all was because Oakshade had begged and begged and begged her to be on her best behavior. She had a hard time saying no to the big goofball. While the other two she-cats had their eyes on the High Priestess, hers were on her brother near the front of the group. His pregnant mate was with him as was Mapledawn. They had always been a few steps ahead of her and were already starting their families when she didn't even had a mate. She chuckled under her breath and prayed to Selene that this would be over quickly.
Oakshade had his tail wrapped round Tinymutiny's small frame. He was trembling. He had been assured that no cat had failed initiation in many moons and he prayed that the Sun God would take pity on his sister and let her pass.
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 May 25, 2020 19:05:09 GMT -5
Toots didn't seem overly worried as she put her sunlower down and walked beside of her sister to comfort her. If their mother and father had made it through this, then so would they. Actually she was sort of excited about the whole thing. After all surely this whole picking flowers thing was just some sort of preamble to the real thing. Who in their right mind would let a cat's choice in flower decide their fate? It was all rather humorous to her, so she stood tall meeting the high priestess eyes with ease despite the waves of nervous energy rolling off her sister.
Tinymutiny purred leaning into Oakshade trying to comfort him. She was having one of her good days, and had been trying to control her crazy pregnancy hormones since the reality of her situation set in. This still hadn't gone quite back to normal, but at least now when she yelled at Oak she had an excuse. She was just barely starting to show, even though it was very early on in her pregnancy. She nuzzled his cheek "I'm sure she will be fine. You made it through, all she has to do is open her heart to the Sun God and all will be well"
Just moments ago the soothsayer watched her kits grow up into apprentices completing their ceremony. In typical SunClan fashion the ceremony was long from all the kits and apprentices graduating onto new things. However the stone she had been lounging on was far too warm to get off of now so for once she chose to stick around instead of returning to her den.
Gingersnap shuffled her paws nervously staring across the open land at the initiates. It seemed every time she came here everything became more like a horror story and less like the dreamy place she envisioned the ceremony grounds to be. The first time her den had been set on fire, the second time she was told to attack the priest promise, and now she was here again. The initiates looked calm, but Gingersnap could feel her paw tremble every time she moved her paw. Her mouth was beginning to feel dry and she was just about certain she was on the verge of a full blown panic attack even though nothing had yet to happen. She hummed lightly to herself as she watched the proceedings. She was six moons old today, she could do this... She could do this! Her spirit inflated once more and her bright blue eyes flicked back to the initiates happily.
Mistyrose yawned, her tired expression staring out her daughters, personally anything this flashy to her was unnecessary. Every time she could swear it took longer and longer for the Sun God to just burn the sunflower. Just burn it or not and get it over with so everyone could go home.
Mapledawn sat on the other side of her brother, her nerves split between leaving her kits for the first time, and worrying for her sister, but as brightly as the Sunflowers had burned for her and Oakshade surely it would do the same for their sister wouldn't it? Of course that hope was tarnished as soon as she saw the mangled flower that Sassy had offered up before the Sun God. The golden queen's heart sank like a stone to the pit of her stomach. She wished her sister would lose the arrogant smirk on her expression but, it's not like she could tell her that. She wasn't her mother or her leader. She wanted to press against her brother for comfort but, thought better of it.
Satinlights waited anxiously with the other Janus, she wasn't fond of ceremony grounds either. She could practically feel the anxiety radiating off Gingersnap standing near by but she didn't think the younger cat would appreciate ant comforting gesture from her. The last time she was here, her mate was almost sentenced to death. All she could hope for this time was that the Sun God would spare any theatrics this time.
Dapplebreeze sat close to Gingersnap. This was her first ceremony as Janus, and she could feel the tension in the air thick enough for her to cut with her claws. The kit tried to keep her face serious and composed to seem more adult, but she was still so young and it was hard for her to not pick up on the many emotions and reflect them herself. Dapplebreeze waited for something to happen anxiously. Her composure was slipping the longer they stood there.
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 May 28, 2020 19:32:07 GMT -5
As Littlestar finished speaking, two of the sunflowers burst into flames while one remained dark in the shadows of the others. She blinked in surprised, but gave little indication that something was wrong even though the atmosphere around them had begun to change. The SunClan cats became restless, whispers spreading through the crowd as Sassy was left with the sunflower she had picked laying at her paws "Toots, Kissy, 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. Applecrumble, and Carmelcream" it should have been a joyous occasion but no cheers of joys could be heard, as the High Priestess' gaze fell upon the former MoonClan cat. It was truely a shame that she hadn't been able to let the Sun God's warmth into her heart, when both her brother and sister had been fully integrated into the clan. She took in a deep breath, waiting for a few moments before continuing, hoping that the Sun God would change his mind. But as the seconds ticked by, it was apparent that this time... the Janus would be forced to perform one of the more grizzly duties entrusted to them.
"Sassy, 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."Jadie, @samiam
Skipstep let out a sigh shaking his head when he saw that the sunflower failed to ignite. He glanced at all the janus. All fresh blood and he wasn't about to have his daughter do the deed. "Watch closely," He told them, "When you agree to become a janus you agree to take on not just the glorious duties... but the not so pretty ones too." He meowed as he slowly stalked forward, eyes focused on Sassy. With her currently focused on Littlestar and the others he would be able to get into position to strike soon.
"No surprise there, Littlestar. There is no pretense falser than being drug out of your own territory and forced to initiate into you Clan's most bitter rival." Cypressblaze tittered, meeting the High Priestess's with burning evergreen eyes. She knew she wasn't going to pass from the very beginning. She didn't want to be one of the Sun God's spineless followers; he heart belonged to the Moon Goddess. The MoonClan she-cat sensed the mood shift around her but whatever this "price" was it couldn't be anything worse that she'd already faced in this wretched Clan. It was only when she glanced toward her siblings and saw how horrified they looked that she began to realize something very, very bad was about to happen. She scanned the crowd only to see a hoard of kittens begin to circle her and she began to laugh hysterically, "What are you trying to do, melt my heart or something?!"
"Maybe it's just late..." Oakshade couldn't take his eyes off his sister. He was in complete disbelief. The Sun God had granted his prayer for a family, but so far it seemed he'd ignore the ones for his sister's initiation. His whole body began to ache and then reach a cool numbness as adrenaline began to course through his veins. He'd never been so afraid in his life, the closet comparison was when he nearly lost Cypressblaze, back then Cypresspaw, ironically to the paws of another SunClan cat many moons ago. Back then a SunClan cat had saved her. Today he would be that cat.
"Littlestar, there must be some kind of mistake. Just give her some more time! Like you did with Bloodyrondo!" He called out, taking a step forward, his fur bristling. He was beginning to look positively feral. It didn't fit him well.
"Back off, Oakshade. This is her fate. Just accept it." Bloodyrondo was sitting next to Littlestar, looking bright and shining as always, his golden and green body pain immaculate and glistening in the sunlight, "Unless you want to join her?"
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 May 28, 2020 20:32:54 GMT -5
For once Littlestar and Bloodyrondo were in agreement "The decision lies with the Sun God, not myself. If she wants more time, then she should start praying for it" the words were cold, but it was out of her paws now. What happened next was between Sassy and the Sun God. It wasn't to late to repent,to open her heart but she could not call off the attack now. The decision had been made, and now only the Sun God could stop it at this stage. She watched with an unflinching gaze, "If you want to save her, you know very well what must be done, she must change what is in her heart" With a single flick of her tail, several of the clan's warriors were moving into position to intercept him and Mapledawn if they insisted on interfering.
Tinymutiny tried to stay at his side even though he was bristling and snarling at this point "Oakshade... talk to her, make her understand what she had to" she pleaded glancing nervously between him and the Janus that were closing in on his sister "It's not to late, she can still make it"
"Mom?" Gingersnap asked warily to Autumngossamer who was watching the scene unravel with slight interest.
Mistyrose scratched the side of her ear, "It must be hard for young cats to watch how stupidity can kill someone. What mouse brain drags someone to join a cult and expects them to live past this initiation?"
"Gingersnap darling, stay behind Skipstep and pay attention," Autumngossamer encouraged, but her claws unsheathed anxiously. She was never this small when she was a Janus, Gingersnap had only become six moons old today. She glanced back at Cypressblaze and the fire in her eyes and beckoned Gingersnap, Divinehope, Dapplebreeze, and Funkson back with her tail. These Janus were either kits or barely apprentices, there was no need to have them this close when they could see equally fine at the distance she was at. Especially when these cats stood no chance fighting Cypressblaze given their age. "Ginger, Divine, Dapple, Funkson, back by me. You can watch and learn just fine over here. There are plenty of capable warriors that can jump in if Skipstep or Satinlights should need it."
Dapplebreeze paused her movements to listen to Autumngossamer. Mistyrose's words rang in her ear. Stupidity can kill someone. Cypressblaze was going to die? The kit slowly walked closer to the Soothsayer, but she kept looking toward the Initiate. Dapplebreeze was curious as to what dying looked like. "I didn't know stupidity made you die," she meowed at the other Janus, hoping for an explanation. "I'm never gonna be stupid if that's what'll happen." Her little tail made an attempt to wrap around her paws as she sat down, attentively watching the scene unfold around her.
Satinlights looked to her father nodding to him briefly in understanding before she started moving towards Sassy, teeth bared and ears back. Last time she found herself in this position she had hesitated. She wouldn't this time. The Sun God had chosen her as a janus to uphold SunClan's ways and traditions and she vowed to do just that. At first she wondered if it was a good idea to have the other janus here seeing as the others were all kits but she knew that one day they would more than likely be by her side doing the same thing one day. Suddenly she sprang at the failed initiate going for the throat. The least she could do was grant her a quick death.
Cypressblaze didn't even honor Littlestar's advise. She connected the dots pretty quickly; the consequence of her failure was death. This was her execution. She would have laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all if she had had the time but, before she knew it, a pretty little puff of fur lunged at her. Cypressblaze was a young Warrior but she had fought pitifully in the NovaClan war and since then focused on her battle training with a vengeance. In other words, she was a good fighter. She narrowly dodged the young Janus's attack and twisted around, quick as a snake, to attempt and dig her fangs into the back of her neck. This was a fight of life and death. She was going to lose, of course, SunClan had some all the Clan's most deadly and revered Warriors, but the least she could do was spill some blood in the honor of Selene before she joined her as one of her stars.
"She won't listen, Tinymutiny. She-- Satinlights, stop, STOP!" Oakshade had tried to regain control of himself but when Satlinghlights pounced he just saw red. The large brown-and-white tom broke free from the ring of SunClan observers, his claws unsheathed and his fur raised, and lunged at the mostly white Janus. He truthfully didn't want to see either she-cat hurt he would defend Cypressblaze. What else could he do? She was his sister, and the only thing he valued above religion and tradition was his family.
"Now, that's quite enough of that." King's Bane usually watched these kinds of things, having no real desire to be the subject of a initiation ceremony for this exact reason. He had attended two in his time in SunClan and they were both rather dramatic. However this time it seemed their Sun God had spared the theatrics but someone clearly didn't get the memo. The large brown tom rammed into Oakshade before the other tom could could touch Satinlights. The two tabbies went rolling a few feet away with King ended up on top. He stood on top of Oakshade's back pressing his face into the dirt with a paw on the back of his head. "Stay down you idiot or you'll never meet your kits."
Satinlights had turned just in time to see Oakshade get tackled, quickly she dodged Sassy's attack, feeling just a bit off balance. Lunging forward again, only this time her aim was to rake her claws across the initiates muzzle. She was no longer a scared apprentice, where this new found confidence came from even she didn't know. She jumped back a bit before leaping on the she-cat's back trying to force her to the ground. Sinking her claws into Sassy's shoulders she sank her teeth into the other cat's scruff.
"You can die from someone's stupidity if let's say a cat decides to cover you in honey right next to a fire ant hill. The same can happen in more complicated manners like this. Cats should never be forced to join SunClan because we're not desperate nor do we need our time wasted convincing non believers with no interest in our culture to be a part of it. If you force a cat to join then chances are they won't pass initiation because their heart was never in it. You essentially would be their reaper deciding that they will die here. I joined SunClan because I loved everything about it, but the rest of my clan mates were forced to and killed during initiation. I was the only survivor," Autumngossamer explained to Dapplebreeze.
Her expression softened as she gently nuzzled the side of the young kits cheek, "So long as you put care and attentiveness to everything you do you won't be stupid," she promised.
"She passed because of her true love for my dad," Gingersnap whispered to Dapplebreeze.
Dapplebreeze endured the cheek nuzzle from Autumngossamer, still unused to attention from an older figure but not wanting to seem rude. And maybe she could get used to this. The Janus looked over at her new friend as she made a comment about her mother's love and she felt unsure. Dapplebreeze didn't really think that was the cause. She had never experienced love before, so the idea that it could influence the Sun God's decision seemed silly. She said as much to Gingersnap. "I think that's a cute story, but there's no way something as insignificant as love could change the Sun God's mind."
Her conversation was put on pause as a commotion arose a bit away. Cat bodies were being flung around and dodging attacks. Dapplebreeze leapt to her feet and stood with her tail stuck out straight behind her, ears tipped forward in interest. "Look at that, Gingersnap! Maybe we should be helping Satinlights!" She snuck a peek at Autumngossamer, wondering whether her duty to obey her or to follow the Sun God's command was more important in this circumstance.
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 Jun 6, 2020 10:47:36 GMT -5
Littlestar nodded at approval down to Autumngossamer who had placed the young Janus behind her for their own safety. Sassy wasn't going to go down without a fight. Normally she would have remained on her perch, but the current grouping of Janus was so young that it really only left two cat's to fight. Those who failed initiation had to die... It was part of their way, the only way they could maintain the safety and security of their borders. Cats could not be allowed to go forth and spread any of SunClan's weaknesses to their enemies. However, it didn't mean that she wanted this she-cat to suffer any more than she had to. She walked under she was shoulder to shoulder with Autumngossamer, her golden eyes watching the scene before them taking one step ahead of the Soothsayer. She didn't want this to become dragged out and put both her mate and daughter at risk. Her claws emerged from their sheathes, but she waited firmly at her post. This was the Janus' duty, and she was heavily pregnant herself.She would only interfere if forced to do so. Either for the good of the Janus, or in order for Sassy not to suffer. JadieJetclawFaith
Tinymutiny stumbled backwards as Oakshade charged, her center of balance off from her growing belly. She tripped over her own paws sending her tumbling backwards into the soft grass of the ceremony springs. She hadn't been able to stop him, but before she could even find her footing another cat had managed to pin him to the ground. She forced herself shakily to her paws, her sides cramping from the impact, as she made her way to her side "Oakshade stop" she pleaded. The price for interfering in such a ceremony was your own death "You are going to get yourself killed, how is that gong to help your sister" tears were stirring in her eyes as she tried to talk some sort of since into him "Oakshade please... for me?"Jadie
Skipstep had intended to make it quick but Satinlights had run out before he could see her, and seeing his daughter narrowly get hit made the tom lose all thought and consideration for the failed initiate.
The normally mild mannered and friendly janus snarled, fur puffed up to make him look twice his size as he moved in. With Satinlights now on top of Cypressblaze and seizing her focus, Skipstep went right for the kill.
If Cypressblaze had moved like a snake Skipstep was a viper. He smacked her head to the side claws raking across her cheek, before moving in teeth snapping for her throat, his other paw hooking one of her forelegs to yank her down, it would off balance him as well, but with Satinlights already on top of Cypressblaze, Cypressblaze would be the one in the weaker position.
Jetclaw having seen Oakshade move to attack her niece, had taken a few steps closer. The tan and black she cat standing near where King's Bane had Oakshade pinned a look of dark contempt on her face. With most of the janus being so small now she'd feared if they could truly down a full grown cat. She barred her teeth a dark promise in her eyes if Oakshade wanted to try and interfere again. She would not tolerate such an attack on her kin.
Autumngossamer looked at Littlestar briefly before looking back at the battle field, "I hope you're coming down here to protect the Janus, Littlestar. Look, I know you would never allow any pregnant cat to fight in a battle like this so I'm not about to let you enter this just because you're priestess. If they need assistance I will be there and I'll make it count," Autumngossamer said before turning to look at her, "I promise," She smiled reassuringly. Her brown gaze slipped back to the fight in front of them.
Sure Littlestar and her had difficulties at first, but her husband and daughter were literally attempting to kill someone. There was no way she was going to sit idly by if either were in danger. Especially when Littlestar had been nothing but kind to her lately. In the forest an elk could out race a wolf on the pure instinct to live, but a wolf could hunt an elk on its instinct to feed and devour. The only real determination of who would win was who wanted to live more. Satinlights and Skipstep were fighting for SunClan, but Cypressblaze was fighting for her life and without the extra janus backup they didn't have the same fight in their heart as the initiate did. But when Cypressblaze struck Satinlights the current changed and soon Skipstep was on the initiate in moments.
Her orange tabby tail curled around herself, it looked like the fight was going to end soon at the rate Skipstep was going. Maybe there wouldn't be a need to jump in at all. Still she was ready to react if the moment arrived.
