Cowpaw's Medicine Cat Ceremony

Icewhisker looked down at his sleeping apprentice, and smiled. She's done all her training. I think it's time she becomes a full medicine cat. he told himself, lightly prodding Cowpaw's flank.

"Wake up. We have something to do." he whispered.

Cowpaw yawned, stretching out her body as she stood up. "What is it, Icewhisker?" She asked drowsily.

"We're going to the Highstones." he meowed simply and padded out of his den, making his way to the entrance.

Cowpaw nodded hastily, even though she didn't understand. She'd find out when they got there. Maybe some rare herb? It was better not to guess; it's easier to be disappointed that way. Following Icewhisker to the entrance, she didn't bother asking.

Once out of the camp, the medicine cat broke into a run, looking back to see if his apprentice was following him. He then looked up at the sky. It was almost moonhigh. Hopefully we make it on time...

Cowpaw, overcome with curiousity, even though it wouldn't do any good, asked, "What's going on, Icewhisker?"

"Well, what do you think it is? It's almost moonhigh, and why else would we be heading to the Moonstone at this time of night?" he quizzed her, not wanting to give it away completely. He could see the Highstones start to appear infront of him. Well, that was kinda quick... But the rocky caves were still just small dots. A little longer.

He had to be joking. She wasn't ready! But she wanted it. So bad. "Are you yankin' my tail?" She asked.

"Was I joking when you became my apprentice? I wouldn't joke about something this big." he meowed with a smile. The Highstones were getting close now.

Cowpaw's tail twitch with excitement; and nervousness. Could she be a Medicine cat? One that did as well as Icewhisker?

Just as they reached Mothermouth, Icewhisker noticed the moon looking like it was straight above them.

"You ready?" he asked her, ready to slip into the cave at any moment.

Cowpaw gulped, and nodded. "I s'pose so." She said, choking on her words slightly. "I mean, yes, Icewhisker! I'm ready!" Her eyes brightened; she was going to be a Medicine Cat. No more Cowpaw.

Icewhisker slipped into the cave, letting the darkness swallow him up. He led the way, using his sense other than just his eyes. After a while of silence, they reached their destination. The Moonstone. The moon was already shining down on it, lighting up the cavern. Remembering his ceremony, the tom clear his throat, and look up to the stars.

"I, Icewhisker, Medicine Cat of WindClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. She has trained hard to learn the ways of the medicine cat, and with your help she will watch over and serve her clan for many moons."

"Cowpaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of the medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalries between clan and clan, and to protect all cats equally; even at the cost of your life?" He looked down at his apprentice with sparkling eyes. She'll do good. I know it.

Following Icewhisker into the cave, Cowpaw was surprised at how much she trusted her mentor. She was literally blindly following him, into the cave. He had taught her well. And now she was going to become a fully-fledged Medicine Cat; still his apprentice, yet so much more than that.

As she crept forward, the reality of this achievement hit her. She was to guide WindClan's leader, heal their injured and sick, and be the bridge between WindClan and StarClan? She wasn't ready to take on all that responsibility. At least Icewhisker was going to be there for a while longer. She hoped.

"I do, Icewhisker. I do," She said proudly, her voice barely above a whisper. This was what she had trained for. Icewhisker's hard work wasn't going to be in vain; she would try her best at all times.

A nagging voice brought her back to reality. Moonsage. Who was he? She would ask Icewhisker later, she supposed. Ever since Highstones, she kept her dream to herself. She had vaguely told Icewhisker of the happenings. When the time is right, they will welcome you home. They. Her family. Home?

Shaking her head abruptly, she averted her gaze from Icewhisker, and towards The Moonstone. This wasn't the time to think negatively. This was her time. Her achievement. Moonsage wasn't going to take that away from her. No one was.

Icewhisker smiled. His apprentice was becoming a full Medicine Cat.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your true name as a Medicine Cat; from this moment on you will be known as Cowbelle. StarClan honors your high spirits and enthusiasm, and welcomes as a full Medicine Cat of WindClan." he finished, his heart swelling with pride. He rested his muzzle on her head, just like his mentor had with him.