Crimsonpaw’s Warrior Ceremony

Performing apprentice ceremonies was one thing, Briarthorn could handle those. But… warrior ceremonies? The notion was absurd. A moment of such honor for a young apprentice, what they’d been working towards for the entirety of their young lives… Entrusted to her. If it had been up to her, she wouldn’t be the one doing this. But duty called, so she leaped onto the Tallbranch and cleared her throat, declaring, ”All cats old enough to climb a tree, gather beneath the Tallbranch for a Clan meeting!”

Aether to this day still felt awkward attending these meetings or other Clan affairs. Sure, he had been part of the Clan for a while now, training under their guidance, but it still felt odd. He grew up an outsider. Spent his whole kithood among the Forgotten Order. Training. Learning to survive. No amount of moons in SkyClan would erase that part of him.

Still, he had made a promise. And honestly, he didn't regret it. There was no life left for him with the Order, not one that he would have wanted. And he was making a new life in the Clan. Growing new relationships, learning more of the Clans. Being his own cat, even if he didn't always feel like it. But he was growing to be happy. To leave the past behind. And that was what mattered.

So now he sat in front of the tall branch, just as he did any other meeting (except maybe a little more smug seeing as Bloodstar wasn't the cat up there. Small victories. Not that he would outwardly show it, though, of course.)

And he awaited Briarthorn's words.

Once a sufficient amount of Clanmates had gathered and Crimsonpaw was within her sights, Briarthorn officially began the ceremony. ”Today, it is my honor to welcome an apprentice into our warrior ranks. Crimsonpaw, please step forward.” Once the tom had done so, she nodded and continued. ”I, Briarthorn, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of our noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Crimsonpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?” Briarthorn had memorized these words long ago, but never thought she would be the one to utter them.

It took a lot of control to keep a straight face as Briarthorn spoke. He was becoming a warrior? No wonder why Bloodstar wasn't doing this ceremony! His stubborn grandfather was probably butt hurt that he even made it this far.

Still, Aether wasn't going to ruin this. Stepping forward, he listened as Briarthorn continued speaking. She asked a promise of him, and there was a conviction in his voice as he answered. He had worked too hard for him to have doubts now.

"I do."

Briarthorn nodded once more. He had taken the oath, and so it was time for him to receive his new name. ”Then by the powers of StarClan, I grant you your new name. From this day onward, you will be known to all as Crimsonflame. SkyClan honors your dedication and adaptability.” Leaping from the branch, she offered a quick word of congratulations to the newly appointed warrior, and then retreated to the edge of the crowd to allow for celebrations to begin.

Crimsonflame.

As much as he disliked Clan names, he honestly didn't mind that one. It still wasn't Aether, he could never let go of the name he was born with, but at the same time, he was beginning to see what Poppyshine had meant when she spoke of the pride of earning that name. Maybe there was more to the system than he cared to admit. His chest definitely puffed out a bit more, a grin on his face. He had truly done it. He was officially a warrior of SkyClan. He finally felt as though he had earned his place among his new Clanmates. And he was ready to shout his victory to the world.

Of course, he didn't actually shout out. Instead, he settled for a nod and a word of thanks to Briarthorn, before turning to celebrate with those who would celebrate with him.