flypaw's warrior ceremony

While there was a plethora of apprentices joining their ranks, it was finally time to welcome one of those apprentices to the rank of a warrior. Mottlestar was more than thrilled to have had the conversation with the cat's mentor, because it meant opening up another spot in that ever-growing apprentice den. With a smile on her maw, the tortoiseshell hopped onto the Highrock, not wanting to delay things any further. "Let all cats gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!" From the way she spoke, it sounded as if Mottlestar could hardly keep herself from celebrating right then. Who could blame her? She was excited!

Flypaw couldn't quite hide his excitement as he hurried forward to the crowd of cats. Acornstem had made it pretty obvious that he was almost ready for his warrior ceremony, and as a result each and everytime and Clan was called together for a meeting he had hoped that it would be his day. The dark ginger tabby sat down next to his brighter-furred mother, amber eyes watching Mottlestar intently.

Goldenfern purred as her son sat down next to her. He was as eager as ever, with shining eyes and leaning forward until he nearly toppled over. The she-cat rested her tail gently on his shoulder, a reminder of her love for him... and a reminder for him to calm down.

She had missed getting to see the enthusiasm on an apprentice's face upon earning their name. There would be a plethora of such glee in Thunderclan's future, but for now, she was going to savor the moment. Her gaze tilted to Goldenfern for just a moment, a slow blink being offered towards the mother. She had done well in raising her kits, and it was certainly worth the recognition. Unable to hold back a small purr of her own, Mottlestar stood to begin the ceremony.

"Thunderclan, I gather you here not to have another kit come into their apprenticeship, but to recognize an apprentice graduating to their full status as a warrior. They have trained hard under the noble code of our ancestors, and it is time for them to earn their warrior name in turn. Flypaw, please step forward." Ceremonial phrases rippled off her tongue with ease. One day, she knew Acornstem would be able to recite them in much the same way. Tail swishing, the leader continued. "Flypaw, your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and Thunderclan is willing to welcome you under your warrior name. However, as all warriors have dedicated themselves to a life of service and you have gotten a taste of that life, I must ask. Flypaw, do you promise to defend and serve your Clan in the name of the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?"

Despite having been waiting on this moment for several days, Flypaw still found himself stunned as his name was called. So this really was it, then? He turned to face Goldenfern, to check that he had heard correctly. The proud look in her eyes was all it took for the apprentice to scramble to his paws and make his way to the front of the crowd. Eyes shining, Flypaw listened as Mottlestar went over the ceremonial words. He had heard them dozens of times before, and yet this time there was something different about them. They seemed more grand, more majestic.

"I do," Flypaw answered instantly, before Mottlestar could even finish her sentence. He held his breath as he waited for the final reveal of his warrior name. The one moment he had dreamed about since he was a kit was just around the corner. Time couldn't have been going any slower.

Truly, she would never tire of this moment. The way the breeze lifted through camp, stirring the pelts of her longer-pelted kin and clanmates, the flicking ears of those dismissing its chaos. Her clanmates, all focused on both herself and the young tom in question, all anticipating the moment she would reveal his full name. Even Flypaw himself, as excited as he appeared. Every time she got to enjoy this moment with her Clan, it made being leader worth it. All the hard moons of work, trouble, and heartbreak... yes. This was what kept her going.

"Then it is by the blessing I have received from Starclan that I call you Flypaw for the last time. Your eagerness and honesty have not gone unnoticed, especially by your mentor Acornstem. From now until the stars reveal their fates, I am excited to get to call you by your warrior name for the first time." Leaning beyond the edge of the rock, Mottlestar's entire body shifted to show her joy. Truly, it was unbridled joy that she carried in her as she called loudly out to her clan:

"Thunderclan! Please welcome your newest warrior: Flysnap!"

“Flysnap! FLYSNAP!!!” Blazefang yowled above the crowd, barreling forward to nuzzle both her daughter and grandson. “My grandbabies are growing up,” she murmured under her breath. “I couldn’t be prouder of you,” she added, licking Flysnap behind the ear.

Flysnap. The name was fierce, fiery, all the things that he wished he was but never was. And yet, Mottlestar had chosen the name for him. The calls of his clanmates sent shivers down his spine, and the newly-named warrior stood just a little taller as he turned to face his clanmates. He was a warrior now, a true member of his Clan. His tail flicked happily as the first to step forward was the one source of support he could always count on since he lost his birth mother at a moon old.

Goldenfern purred as she padded up to her son. Of all her kits, he would be the first to receive his warrior name. He might also be the only one. Her birth litter, Brindlepaw and Hickorypaw, had both gotten sick and stayed more often in the medicine cat den than the apprentice den. Honeypaw... was still not something she could talk about without tearing up. Flysnap alone had made it this far, and she was determined to never let that change.

The she-cat curled around her son, purring so hard she could hardly speak. The tabby himself was purring, amber eyes glowing with the same proud look Sunfire once had as he earned his own warrior name. Goldenfern felt a pang of grief, but this time it came with a hint of love. She loved Flysnap more than she could say.

"Flysnap," She purred, trying the new name. It seemed so beautiful, so majestic. So fiery, like Sunfire. So simple, like Finchtalon. It was everything she ever loved."Flysnap," She repeated, a huge smile on her face, "Congradulations."

Hearing his mother say his new name, repeat it like it was as precious as stars, sent a rush of joy through Flysnap. "I'm Flysnap," He mewed, matching his mother's smile with his own silly grin. The sight of the mother and son was both ridiculous and wholesome.

Then Blazefang came forward, nuzzling both of them. Goldenfern couldn't hide her smile as Flysnap ducked to avoid the lick. "I'm not a kit anymore!" The dark tabby protested, then puffed out his chest proudly. "I'm a warrior!" Despite his words, the silly smile remained on his face, and he gave his grandmother a loving nuzzle against her cheek.

"Flysnap, Flysnap!" Acornstem happily cheered from the crowd - joy bursting at her chest for her apprentice. He deserved it - he had done so well in their training and it had been an honor to alert Mottlestar that another apprentice was ready for their warrior's den. The apprentice den was already getting so full...A new warrior was greatly needed but the simple need for new warriors didn't make her any less proud. As Flysnap turned to meet his family, the deputy thought about padding over to congratulate him but held off. He deserved this time to be with his family - she could tell him how proud she was when it was time for his vigil.