Beetlepaw's Warrior Ceremony

Time stopped for no one, and certainly not for ShadowClan-- amidst the shift in power and the loss of trust, there was also the ever-present progress of everyday life. Leopardsun sat at the base of the Jaggedrock, still refusing to stand atop it, and called the Clan to attention.

"All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, please gather in the shadow of the Jaggedrock for a Clan meeting!"

The sound of Leopardsun's voice beckoned Beetlepaw forward, their curious blue eyes shifting to the she-cat, then to the moon above. A twinge of nervousness hooked their stomach, worried that whatever she had to say would be something bad, especially given the last moon. Letting out a sigh, they sat among their clanmates, allowing their posture to relax.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the naming of a new warrior," Leopardsun declared, hoping that Beetlepaw's warrior ceremony would go forward without the interruptions of their apprentice ceremony. It hadn't been anyone's fault that Snowfoot had been on the verge of retirement and not willing to commit herself to training, and she wasn't entirely sure what sort of interruptions she ought to be considering, but there was that lingering sense of worry that something would go wrong. It always seemed to, whenever she let her guard down. "Beetlepaw, please step forward."

"I call upon the warriors of ShadowClan to gaze upon this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of our honorable code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in turn."

She met Beetlepaw's gaze and held it for a moment.

"Beetlepaw. Do you swear to uphold the warrior code, to protect and defend your Clan; even at the cost of your life?"

Leaopardsun's opening announcement ignited a response of excitement and anticipation within the apprentice. They knew that their warrior ceremony would be soon. They had already completed their moonstone journey, so they knew it was only a matter of time. With anxious excitement they shuffled their paws, padding forward with limitless energy when their name was called across the clearing. This was it, this was what they'd been working so hard for. What they'd been looking to achieve on Louse's behalf. They met Leopardsun's gaze. "I do."

Leopardsun nodded at the apprentice's steadfast commitment.

"Then it is my honor," she declared, "to name you a warrior before all of ShadowClan. Beetlepaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Beetlechaser. ShadowClan honors your honesty and curiosity, and we are proud to welcome you at last as a warrior in your own right."

They had certainly trained long and hard for this.

She touched her nose to the top of the newest warrior's head.

"Congratulations, Beetlechaser. Take some time with the rest of your Clan before your vigil."