Newtpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!" Leopardclaw called out in a booming voice, tinged with excitement.  Today the clan would be gaining a new warrior, after many long moons of training.  The deputy was proud of all young cats that made it this far, but today he was even prouder; the tom who would be getting his warrior name was his adopted son.

Newtpaw came out at the sound of his father and sat in the clearing.

With a smile, Leopardclaw stood tall and called out: "Newtpaw, step forward!'

Newtpaw's ears perked and he stood up, looking g at his father on Highrock. Someday, he'd do this every time there was a ceremony. He was thankful that this was one of the occasional times he did it now. The tom tried to stay reserved as if it didn't affect him that much but a soft smile cracked his muzzle.

Leopardclaw gazed down at his son for a moment before taking a deep breath, and beginning the ceremony; "I, Leopardclaw, deputy of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn.  Newtpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

The tom flicked his tail and met his gaze. "I do." It felt so strange, this abstract goal that was ingrained in every apprentice's brain was about to be achieved.

Leopardclaw's chest swelled with pride as he heard Newtpaw take the solemn oath of a warrior, remembering fondly the same feeling of excitement he had once possessed in this moment that he was almost certain coursed through his son's mind as well.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name.  Newtpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Newttongue.  StarClan honors your shrewdness and resourcefulness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."

Leaping down from the rock, the golden spotted deputy rested his head on top of Newttongue's head, completing the ceremony.

A soft purr rumbled in Newttongue's chest. He supposed the name was fitting for him, it must have been his father's idea.