Coalkit's apprentice ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock for a clan meeting!"

At long last, it was the final kit’s turn. A young black pelted tom who was the only son to two of ThunderClan’s warriors. Nightwing and Yarrowtooth. Both were fine and upstanding cats, and he could scarcely imagine that little Coalkit would be anything less.

He glanced at the crowd that had gathered around to witness the ceremonies. Proud of his clan, it’s growth, and comfortable with the knowledge that they still respected him despite his origins. This kit, would never have to worry about them. He was thunderclan pure and true.

"Coalkit, step forward." He called, as he beckoned the small black kit before him.

Coalkit felt his fur fluff up and he gave his shoulders and chest a few rapid rasps of his tongue as he strutted forward, head and tail held high. His heard fluttered in his chest as he looked up at Oakstar, yellow eyes wide if not a little uncertain. He still felt uneasy about what had transpired, and StarClans words hung heavy in his mind as he gave his head a small shake and stood as tall as he could, and excited gleam lighting up his eyes.

Dacedream perked her ears and moved from the fresh-kill pile to watch the ceremony begin. She smiled, remembering the murmuring of other queens. A new kit would be receiving their apprentice name today! She recognized little Coalkit immediately, and she saw the uncertainty in his gaze but thought nothing of it besides nerves regarding the ceremony. She gave the little black tom a reassuring nod and then looked up to Oakstar to patiently wait for it to begin.

Cedarpaw padded out of the den, looking at the small black kit. Must be his apprentice ceremony. She wondered who would mentor the kit. There certainly were going to be a lot of apprentices very soon. All of the kits were becoming them, and she wondered if they would have enough mentors.


Daisypaw reluctantly came out, not being able to look at her father. He had caused er so much doubt and pain by revealing he was from Shadowclan. She felt guilty resenting him, but she doubted StarClan would accept her before she found out. Now she had a sinking feeling that they definitely wouldn’t. She smiled and out on a happy face as she looked towards the kit, not wanting to ruin his day.

Icepaw watched coalkit. She was excited to see him join the apprentice den! He was going to make a fine apprentice and a great warrior!

The proud little tom made Oakstar chuckle softly to himself. He’d be a fine warrior in time, but he would need a good mentor. One that could teach him how to temper that pride. With a slow amber blink, he pushed on with the ceremony.

"Coalkit, you have reached the age of six moons. It is now time for you to become an apprentice. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Coalpaw." His head turned towards the assembled cats. He narrowed in on a black she-cat, a smile on his muzzle.

"Batbite will be your mentor. She has travelled far and has moons of experience to offer you. She was one of my own apprentices, and I expect her training will take you far on your journey to warriorhood." His amber gaze was soft towards the black pelted apprentice " Coalpaw, Coalpaw!"

Coalpaw felt his chest swell with emotions as he puffed up, trying to make his slim frame look bigger than what it actually was as he turned to look at his new mentor. His yellow eyes shone with nerves and excitement as he stretched forward to touch noses with her. He didn't know Batbite well, but he was thrilled to have someone with a world of knowledge teaching him. A pit welled up in his stomach though and he wondered if harm would come to her as a result of StarClan's punishment. The words spoken had left him shaken and questioning those around him.

Batbite gently touched her nose to Coalpaw's, wondering vaguely if Oakstar had lost his mind while she was gone. An apprentice? She'd only just returned home! Still, she'd have to do her best: it was what Coalpaw deserved, after all. "We'll start your training tomorrow," she told the new apprentice, making sure to fill her voice with all the confidence she didn't feel.

The ceremony began, and Dacedream listened with a gently swishing tail. In her mind, some part of her was grateful that Coalkit would never be questioned for his heritage. He was ThunderClan through and through, and he would one day help make the Clan strong with his skill. For now, though, he became Coalpaw, and Dacedream let out a bright cheer of happiness as his mentor was assigned. As he moved with a bright expression towards Batbite, the she-cat who would train him, the tortoiseshell queen called encouragingly, "Congratulations, Coalpaw!" She dipped her head then and stepped away to let the mentor and apprentice become acquainted.