Snakepaw's Warrior Ceremony

Another night meant another new warrior. All of those apprentices were finally growing up, and that would mean more frequent warrior ceremonies. It was a good thing, Frostgaze knew, but it was always just more work. He supposed he should think of it as a privilege, guiding these young cats onto the next phase of their lives. Finally leaping onto the Jaggedrock, he called out to the clan. "All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock for a clan meeting!"

Snakepaw slithered out with his belly nearly touching the ground. The lower he was, the better he felt. Perhaps it was the perspective of looking up at other cats, making it easier to strike. Whatever the reason, he'd adopted this method above any else. Settling in for the meeting, he watched Frostgaze through slitted, yellow eyes.

A bit begrudgingly, Webshadow's slender form rose from the crowd, approaching the Jaggedrock and hauling himself up it. It was clumsy in all regards, but he crammed himself up against Frostgaze's side. It was... a new perspective, to say the least, looking down at the Clan, craning his neck in either direction to survey them all properly. Once his eye caught the dark pelt of the tom he was looking for, he cleared his throat and called out, "I will be taking over the ceremony in Frostgaze's stead. Snakepaw," his sharp gaze narrowed, and Webshadow quirked his head to the side. "I have heard that you have done well in your training, and you are ready to be a warrior. Stand before the Clan now." A beat to let the apprentice step up, and, "Consider this your final assessment. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend your Clan above all else, even at the cost of your life?"

Snakepaw's eyes focused on the warrior, narrowing curiously as he was addressed. Becoming a warrior? Rookfire must have said some nice things about him. He briefly wondered if his mentor had lied or if biting a stick as a hobby was enough to keep the other cat sated. That being said, his occasional launch at an unexpecting clanmate's tail had not stopped. It probably never would be. Ultimately, the greasy black tom was guided by his own selfish desires at every turn. But if some cat thought he was decent enough to become a warrior, at least it meant that he could go out on his own. Scuttling closer, his yellow eyes bore into Webshadow, "Sure."

Snakepaw moved forward in his... odd little gait, golden eyes seeming to stare straight through Webshadow. His answer came quick, one clipped word, and the dark tabby couldn't help but let out an amused snort. What would be one of the most important moments in his life, and he had said "sure." Apprentices were such funny creatures. Nodding, "Then we will welcome you as a warrior of ShadowClan. Fom now on, you shall be known as Snakebite. Enjoy your new freedom, and do not ignore your responsibility." Webshadow clambored down the Rock, until his paws touched solid earth again. He did not want the little warrior to miss out on any of the usual fanfare for a warrior ceremony, even if it was no one blessed by StarClan. So, Webshadow moved forward, steps slightly mechanical until he could drop his chin to rest on Snakebite's head. "And do not forget about your vigil today."

Snakebite. It was certainly appropriate. Having interacted with Webshadow before, he'd already decided that the elder tom was tolerable enough. Apparently he had a good sense of humor as well. As the warrior drew close to finish the ceremony, the newly named warrior ducked lower to the ground instinctively. Having another cat put their maw on his head was a weird feeling. A vigil would be easy enough. Perhaps when the clan slept he could dart away for a moment or two. However, thoughts of responsibility were far from his mind. Such a thing held little importance to Snakebite. He waved his tail before scuttling away.