Brokenkit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather beneath the tallbranch for a clan meeting!" Rippedsky let out a yowl as he took Crowstar's place above the clan. The black tom was all that sick but had picked up something small and due to exhaustion, the deputy was taking over today. His claws dug into the branch to steady himself. It had been some time since he had stood here and addressed the clan. But, they could not wait to continue the training of their young. The latest apprentice was to be one of Dandeliondapple's kits. He waited patiently for the crooked-tailed tom to join the crowd before continuing on. Blue eyes scanned the cats below as he waited for Brokenkit to join them.

Brokenkit crawled slowly away from the warm nursery. He poked his head out of the cave, and examined the scene of cats before him. Not to be shy, but he still wasn't sure about the whole idea of being an apprentice. None of it made sense to him yet, but his siblings were excited by their own ceremonies, and Mom had said this is what he was meant to do. Brokenkit looked at the expectant but patient Rippedsky, remembering his visits to the nursery. Finally, he moved forward and focused on apathetically taking his time, trying to seem less nervous than he was.

He smiled encouragingly at Dandeliondapple's kit. What did not seem like long ago, his mother had stood in the same spot. Rippedsky knew her kit could only prove himself to be as talented and dedicated, "Brokenkit, please step forward." It was redundant, but not reciting the words as they were always said felt wrong. His ear twitched as he waited for the kit to do so. Once Brokenkit was in place, he continued,"We gather once more to name another young cat as one of the clan's apprentices. Brokenkit is old enough to begin training. From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Brokempaw. Given Sedgepaw is nearing the end of his training, I will be your mentor."

Once the ceremony was finished, the black and white tom yowled his name along with the rest of the clan as they officially welcomed him into his new rank. He leaped down to the ground and padded towards the young, black tom. Rippedsky touched his nose to the newly named Brokenpaw's and meowed, "Congratulations. I cannot wait to begin our training."