Fuzzypaw's Medicine Cat Ceremony

Basilbloom was almost giddy with excitement as she finished her preparations, tucking sprigs of chamomile behind her ear with a purr before nudging Fuzzypaw's sleeping form.  "It's time to go Fuzzy, I'm ready when you're ready."  The day had finally come for her apprentice to receive his full name and be inducted fully into the life of a medicine cat.  Basilbloom looked back fondly upon her own naming ceremony, overseen by her mother.  It had been one of the happiest days of her young life, and even as what the kits called 'an old lady' she still felt a thrill at the memories.  Now, it was time for Fuzzypaw to have the same experience.

Fuzzypaw rose to his paws. It was good to see Basilbloom, he trusted her more than any cat in the forest. Still a little groggy, he shook his head vigorously before looking up at his mentor.

“Cool! I can’t wait. Let’s go!”

The fluffy brown tabby grinned back at Basilbloom. He tried his best to learn all the herbs, to learn the treatment methods, to learn to properly prepare the dead, to take apprentices to StarClan’s doorstep, the Moonstone.

He was ready to go, as ready as he could be, still not entirely sure of the purpose of the trip.

-timeskip-

It was nearly sunrise by the time Basilbloom and Fuzzypaw made it to Highstones.  The tortoiseshell she-cat's heart was beating in a strange way, causing her to take more breaks than usual, but she guessed it was just because of exhaustion.  She wasted no time leading her apprentice down into the tunnels, following the familiar path she cherished.  Once the silver light of the Moonstone lit up their eyes, she turned to Fuzzypaw with a happy, yet somewhat emotional smile.  "Fuzzypaw, the time has come for you to receive your full name as a medicine cat.  You've trained well, and have so much talent!  I can't wait to see all that you do for ShadowClan in the moons to come."  Taking a deep, somewhat wheezing breath, the she-cat closed her eyes.

"I, Basilbloom, medicine cat of ShadowClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help he will serve his Clan for many moons. Fuzzypaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"

His face lit up as he meowed, “I do!”

Fuzzypaw radiated joy, his brown tabby pelt billowing around him.

Basilbloom purred.  "Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. Fuzzypaw, from this moment you will be known as Fuzzybelly. StarClan honors your kindness and determination, and I welcome you as a full medicine cat of ShadowClan."  Stepping forward, she gently touched her nose to Fuzzypaw's forehead before stepping back and motioning towards the Moonstone.  "Go be welcomed by StarClan, you've earned it!"

Fuzzybelly grinned from ear to ear.

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Basilbloom. You’re the best.”

He blinked a few times, his eyes misty. Was this what Snakebite felt so many moons ago?

“Yes, of course, I’ll meet with them now!”

The tom took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure, as he approached the stone. He was no longer Fuzzypaw, but Fuzzybelly!

With a solemn nod, the tom placed his nose on the stone, and the stars took him with them.

Fuzzybelly opened his eyes, examining the clearing. Every time he saw StarClan, it looked the same yet very different. Colors were more vibrant, prey scent was on the breeze, every herb known to him lingered in the starry winds.

He turned to face a cat as they approached. Fuzzybelly nervously smiled as he looked at them, not sure of what to say.