In the Spider's Web {Sparrow}

[shadow]

With the clan meeting over, it was safe for kits to once more venture from the nursery and wonder around. One such kit was small, even for a kit and he was handsome regardless with sleek silver tabby fur. Bright blue eyes glowed slightly in the gloom of the camp clearing as he slipped out of the nursery leaving his sister, Featherkit, to nap. Webkit had watched Melodykit and knew full well she had watched the announcement of Marblestar as leader and Leopardheart as the deputy. Huh, Webkit didn't need to be in the clearing to hear things what with all the noise the clan made. From what he'd heard they either loved or hated the idea which meant there was no or very little grey area.

Shaking his head the little tomcat sat outside the nursery entrance and sat back on his haunches. Wrapping his black-ringed tail around his paws, the kit nearing apprentice age watched as a few cats padded past carrying prey from a hunting patrol. It seemed that apart from Marblestar's announcements it would be just another boring day like any other. Webkit sighed and wondered absently who Marblestar would name his mentor. He wasn't particularly bold or aggressive so Dustwind and Foxslash were more or less written out. Maybe Leopardheart? He dared not even think Marblestar would take an apprentice herself so that wasn't an option.

Flicking his tail, Webkit glanced at the medicine cat's den. He had been wondering around there while Sparrowcall had been gone and hoped she hadn't noticed. He hadn't meant any harm, he'd just been curious. The only time he'd really been there had been after the fox attack that had disfigured Featherkit and killed Rosewing. A shiver rolled down his spine and the little tom turned his gaze away from the den, instead watching an ant as it crawled all alone past his paws.

[Duskstar]

In the middle of the camp a tortoiseshell she-cat rested, pale green gaze searching for those under six moons. Sparrowcall was 68 moons and counting, not young, and was beginning to feel the effects of her age. It was time for the elderly medicine cat to find an apprentice, which was discussed with Marblestar earlier. With a sigh she wondered about Quailpaw, her sister whom had died long ago. If having survived to warriorhood, what would she be doing now? Would she be a queen, her previous crush having fallen in love with her? If so what would her kits look like, and would any of them be interested in her position?

With a groan the soar medicine cat heaved herself to her paws, pads still burning from the journey here, though her joints felt much better. Sparrowcall hadn't been able to sleep yet and was exhausted. Pale green gaze rested on a small cat; Webkit, whom was staring at her den. A few times the tortoiseshell had noticed a few things out of place and suspected someone had messed with things. Had it been Webkit? Heart lifting Sparrowcall started over toward the nursery.

"Good morning." The elderly she-cat stated, sitting and wrapping her tail around her paws. She had never really been good with kits, having never been a mother herself, and sort of felt awkward around them at times. "So, how are you and Featherkit doing?" Sparrowcall tried to keep things casual, not wanting to pressure the young tom. Her mind wandered back to the day Featherkit and Rosewing were injured. It was horrible watching the queen die, and the she-cat wondered vaguely if the scars on Featherkit's face were healing.

[shadow]

Webkit watched as the tortoiseshell medicine cat padded toward him. She looked stiff and sore. Mentally Webkit winced in sympathy with the older cat. Apparently Sparrowcall was starting to feel her age but then again, Marblestar hadn't looked so great either when he'd glimpsed her after the announcements. When Sparrowcall sat in front of him, Webkit shuffled his paws a bit shyly. He was braced for her to interrogate him about who had gotten into her den. He hadn't meant any harm, he'd been curious and Featherkit hadn't been sleeping well so he'd snatched some poppy seeds...nothing bad right? He pricked his ears when Sparrowcall didn't growl at him but instead asked about how the pair were doing. Relaxing a little, Webkit smiled.

"Featherkit's ok, she's just having nightmares." Webkit flicked his ears, remembering how it seemed only he could wake her up once she got going on a late-night show of how she'd been scarred. Looking at his paws, Webkit sobered a little, remembering his own sorrowful dreams about Rosewing's death. "She wants to be a warrior still" Webkit told Sparrowcall. "I don't see why she's so excited." Webkit winced as he glanced across at the apprentice den where two older apprentices were play-fighting. To him that didn't seem like something that was enjoyable.

Then again, he was the runt, always had been and it was predicted he always would be. Webkit didn't have a problem with his size, he was big enough for him. It was just a little embarrassing when he was smaller than his own sister.

[Duskstar]

;; "Nightmares huh?" Sparrowcall mumbled, as if deep in thought. Then she continued more clearly, "Well, tell Featherkit to stop by my den before she goes to sleep tonight. I might have something to cure that." The medicine cat figured all the kit would need would be some Thyme before curling up in the nursery to sooth her mind into thinking good thoughts. It was horrible that Rosewing had to join StarClan because of the fox attack, but the two kits needed to move on in order to enjoy life to the fullest. Sparrowcall moved to a comfortable position, tucking tortoiseshell paws beneath her and gazing kindly upon the tom before her.

;; He wasn't excited about apprenticeship; another good sign on her part. Most future medicine cat apprentices had little to no interest in violence, and were the smarter of their litter. So far this kit was looking good.

;; "So Webkit," Started Sparrowcall casually, gazing behind him at the nursery, "Your not as thrilled as Featherkit to be an apprentice?" The elderly medicine cat appeared calm, stretching out her paws in front of her as though chatting with Webkit, not deciding his fate. The tom seemed perfect for the job of her apprentice, but Sparrowcall tried her best not to get her hopes up. After all, the final question she would ask would truly decide his future. Did Webkit want to be her apprentice? The question bounced around inside the she-cat's head as she awaited the tom's answer.

[shadow]

Deciding against telling Sparrowcall that Featherkit would probably be asleep for the rest of the afternoon, Webkit flicked his ears to acknowledge Sparrowcall's request. He doubted Featherkit would want to be drugged again but if it was for her own good then she might consent if Webkit pressed her hard enough. It wasn't fair that she was struck with both mental and physical reminders of what had happened while Webkit only had the occasional nightmare that was out of focus and blurry. Sparrowcall's question made Webkit look up, intelligent blue eyes locking on the older she-cat.

"Not particularly" Webkit admitted, shuffling his paws. "Rosewing said I was just nervous but..." Webkit's voice trailed off as he glanced past Sparrowcall to the apprentices that were swiping at each other and mentally flinched. Running paws turn to slashing claws. Webkit looked back at Sparrowcall. "I don't think I'll make a good warrior no matter who trains me" he admitted without shame. He knew it was true. No matter if Cliffedge, Leopardheart or even Marblestar trained him it was very unlikely he'd be a fierce, powerful warrior no matter how long he trained.

He was too quiet and shy. Featherkit had once told him that, saying that a warrior needed to be unafraid and bold. Well, Webkit was unafraid but he wasn't bold. He was a listener and liked to simply watch. He remembered when Featherkit had gotten a thorn in her paw but wouldn't go to Sparrowcall because then she'd have to admit she'd been out of camp without permission. Webkit had told her a story the elders had told him and pulled the thorn out when she was enthralled in his retelling of an ancient battle. She'd nearly clawed his ears off for doing it but she'd felt better. That was just the kind of cat Webkit was, a helper not a fighter.

[Duskstar]

;; Tortoiseshell she-cat nodded thoughtfully, tail gliding gently back and forth. She had been the same way as a kit, she and Quailkit spending more time watching than fighting, and Sparrowcall spent so much time in the Medicine Cat's Den next to her sister it seemed as though she was destined to be there. Webkit wasn't interested in becoming a warrior, he was shy, quiet, and smart. By the flinches Sparrowcall saw from the tom, he didn't like violence either. These were all very good traits for a medicine cat apprentice.

;; "Webkit," Her tone was solid and serious, though not scolding, "Were you the one who has been poking around my den?" The elderly cat didn't sound angry, just curious. Though not very good with kits, Sparrowcall knew how to keep a cat calm simply with the tone of her voice. It was a very important thing to learn in the path of a medicine cat. Rosewing was right, Webkit was nervous, but he shouldn't have to be. Most kits were either excited or neutral about their apprenticeship, never afraid.

;; If Webkit replied yes to her question, Sparrowcall would be sure that he was right, and ask him the question that would determine the young tom's future. Pale green eyes studied him for a moment, as if searching for an answer. Tortoiseshell was sure Webkit was destined to be a medicine cat.

[shadow]

Flicking his ears, Webkit shuffled his paws and looked at the ground at Sparrowcall's question. He was sure he was going to be told off if he admitted to the crime. He couldn't blame another kit though or the apprentices because that just wasn't fair. Sparrowcall would take the word of a warrior saying he didn't do it over Webkit trying to blame one. Might as well face up and admit it, what was the worst she could do? Maybe have Marblestar postpone his apprentice ceremony but that wasn't really a big deal so...what did he have to loose? Besides, he was a horrible liar.

"It was me" Webkit admitted, not looking up at the patch-furred she-cat. "Featherkit couldn't sleep and you weren't around so I got some poppy seeds for her. She was having really bad nightmares and I didn't want her to be tired if Marblestar decided to make us apprentices." Shuffling his paws, Webkit glanced up at the bigger she-cat but he couldn't tell if she was mad or not.

Looking back at his paws, Webkit resigned himself to his punishment, whatever that may be. Since he didn't know Sparrowcall very well, he couldn't guess what she would make him do. Probably stay in the nursery another half moon while Featherkit became an apprentice or something like that. That wouldn't be so bad but if he had to pick ticks off the elders he wouldn't be too pleased. Still, Webkit wasn't one to complain and besides he'd done the crime so he had to do the time. He just hoped Sparrowcall wouldn't be too mad. He'd tried not to make a mess of anything and being so small that hadn't been too hard but he might have accidentally knocked over her marigold leaves or something like that.

[Duskstar]

;; Sparrowcall gave Webkit a small lick on the ear. So it hadbeen him. She couldn't believe she didn't see the signs before, when he was much younger. In fact, the tom never seemed very eager to be an apprentice since Rosewing died. The tortoiseshell couldn't blame him; when Quailkit died it felt as though nothing could ever be the same again, and spending so much time with her in the medicine cat's den was what had led the elderly she-cat to where she is now. With an understanding gaze, Sparrowcall let out a soft purr, "You're not in trouble Webkit." The she-cat was thrilled to have finally found the one she had been looking for for so long. It was hard having to do everything by herself, especially at this age.

;; Tortoiseshell moved into a sitting position, shifting the weight on her paws and wrapping a patched tail around her small paws. Even as Sparrowcall got older she was never the largest of her age. In fact, other than Quailkit she was the smallest in her litter. Most likely she would have been made fun of more had it not been for her striking appearance and fun personality. Then again, both had faded over the years. Suppressing a sigh the medicine cat's pale green gaze rested once again on the silver tabby pelt before her.

;; "Did you know, Webkit, that you can be a medicine cat apprentice, instead of a warrior apprentice?" Sparrowcall tried to keep her voice casual, not wanting to frighten or pressure the tom. Some cats were blunt and straightforward about things, and usually the elderly cat was the same way, but with these kinds of things she went slowly, easing into it one step at a time. If she came up and said, 'Would you like to be my apprentice?' Webkit would most likely be confused and not know what to say. Then again, that was just Sparrowcall's opinion.

[shadow]

Webkit smiled shyly at Sparrowcall and relaxed a little. At least he wasn't in trouble. Webkit never had liked being in trouble or being yelled at. When they'd been younger it seemed Featherkit was forever in trouble with Rosewing or someone else. Webkit had never been mad at his sister because that was just her but he shied away from being in trouble with big scary warrior or the impatient apprentices. At least now he knew Sparrowcall wasn't mad because he liked her and didn't want to make her mad. She seemed like a nice she-cat, a bit old but nice.

When she mentioned being a medicine cat apprentice, his ears flicked up and his dark blue gaze locked on the tortoiseshell. He searched her gaze to make sure she wasn't joking or for some hint of some other motive. So that was why she was so intent. Sparrowcall was aging and needed an apprentice but none of the other kits would be eager to do it. Webkit looked at his paws for several moments, mulling over the idea. He could be a medicine cat, respected by his clan despite his size. He wouldn't have to fight unless it was in defense or if he had to fight through a battle to get to someone. He could handle that. Sparrowcall would be his mentor. But...did StarClan approve?

Looking around, Webkit's gaze caught a glint of silver beyond his potential mentor. Near the entrance to the medicine cat's den he spied a spider web hanging in some brush, glinting in the dim light of the ShadeClan camp. A purr rumbled in Webkit's narrow chest when he saw it and looked back to Sparrowcall. "Could I be your apprentice?" he asked, eyes lit with hope and excitement.