Batpaw's Warrior Ceremony

It was not long after Harriertalon's ceremony that Singedfox had approached Nightstar and told him that he believed Batpaw to be ready for his ceremony, so it was with little delay that Nightstar jumped into the Jaggedrock. "All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock for a clan meeting!" Nightstar called, waiting for his clan to gather. Nightstar knew little of Batpaw, the young tom was always off and away somewhere, especially recently, but he trusted that Singedfox was making a good decision, and that if there was anything of true concern, Leopardsun would have spoken to him.

After StarClan greeted him in the form of a kittypet named Kindle, Batpaw could have sworn they were trying to tell him something. Was he even meant to be here? None of this felt right and, as he padded closer to Jaggedrock, was filled with dread. If this was what he thought it was, there would be little time for visiting himself in the Deep Marshes.

"Today we are all to witness the naming of a new warrior. Batpaw, please step forward." The tom sat silently as the apprentice did so. "I call upon all those present and watching to gaze 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. Batpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Batpaw couldn't help but smirk at the 'he has trained hard' bit. If anything, he went through the motions by the force of others. Nothing but the constant avoidance of his duties was his own will. The thing pushing him to even agree to rank up further was Cicadapaw saying being strong would make him even more beautiful. "I do." If only Nightstar knew how big of a lie this was.

"Then it is my honor to name you a warrior before all witnesses present. Batpaw, from this day forward you will be known as Batswarm. ShadowClan honors your passion and dedication, and we are proud to welcome you as a warrior in our ranks." Nightstar called, looking down at the apprentice before he leaped from the rock, landing strongly in front of the apprentice, now warrior, and touched his nose to his head. "Congratulations, enjoy a little bit of time with your peers, and take up your position for your vigil." When he was done speaking, the tom backed up a bit with a nod before he let the new warrior go free.

Batswarm... What kept his anxiety at it's lowest was having his father involved in the naming process. Had it not been something his own blood had suggested, he would have found it lame and kind of rude that he had no say in this either. Batswarm. It felt like a fresh start, somehow.

He could have done without Nightstar touching him, though.