Willowpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Crowstar called out to his clan. "Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather here for a clan meeting!"

Willowpaw padded out of the apprentice's den, back aching from being crammed into a small space for so long. His fur was sticking up everywhere, a disgruntled expression on his face as he sat down somewhere in the crowd of his clan-mates. He had little enthusiasm to be here right now, wanting to take care of the cramp in his muscles and run in the forest.

Ever since his journey to the moonstone, Willowpaw had started to hang out in camp more often. Heck, he even volunteered for a few patrols or so. After forcing himself to spend time with this clan, his tree-hugging clan-mates were now tolerable tree-huggers. He was finally ready to become a warrior. But still, he couldn't help but want to see a certain Thunderclan she-cat who he could be completely himself around and wouldn't put up with his mouse-dung. It wasn't like he was trying to avoid bolting to Fallen Oak early and waiting for his arch-enemy for a pathetically long time. Nope. Any cat who claims otherwise would get a glare from the depths of the Dark Forest itself.

The time has come for another warrior in his clan, another warrior to add to the ranks. "Today we are gathered to name a warrior. Willowpaw please come forward." The leader said, slight joy sitting in his voice.

All his earlier feelings vanished when Crowstar called him up. He was...he was becoming a warrior. Inwardly shaking himself at his shock, Willowpaw padded forward to receive his warrior name at last. He glanced at the apprentice's den, suddenly realizing he wouldn't be sleeping there anymore. No more cramped spaces. His sibling's faces flashed into his mind, all having become warrior moons before him. No more feeling unworthy. His father and mentor's calm expressions erased the rest of his thoughts. No more doubt that he could become a warrior.

Finally ready, Willowpaw faced Crowstar and met his leader's gaze. It was time to officially accept who he was- a warrior.

"I, Crowstar, leader of Skyclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Willowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Crowstar asked.

"I do," Willowpaw answered steadily. He was ready.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Willowpaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Willowflight. Skyclan honors your willingness and courage. Congratulations." He jumped down and joined the chanting, to welcome his new warrior.