Sunpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Leopardclaw's paws trembled slightly as he leaped up onto the Highrock, and called out to summon the clan; "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"  Today another brave apprentice was to earn their warrior name, and despite feeling proud of the young tom, the deputy's chest was still weighed down with the immense pressure of grief.

Heatherpetal stood beside Sunpaw by the sidelines, waiting for her foster father to ask her apprentice and young brotherly figure to step forward and receive his warrior name. He had been working long and hard for this day, and as his mentor she could definitely say that he more than earned it.

Birchheart padded out the medicine cat den with Newttongue following close behind. The two sat in the clearing. Birchheart in particular have pride shimmering in her eyes.

Sunpaw stepped forward, his eyes glittering with excitement. He looked around at all the cats that supported him on his journey to becoming a warrior, and finally he would be able to pass on help to others. Standing at the base of Highrock, Sunpaw met Leopardclaw's eyes with a warm smile.

Leopardclaw returned the young tom's smile before beginning the ceremony; "I, Leopardclaw, deputy of ThunderClan, 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.  Sunpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

The russet tom let the question simmer, though he already knew the answer. He looked at Heatherpetal, at Leafstorm, at Birchheart, at Newttongue; he couldn't imagine any greater honor than giving his life for his clan... as his mother had. Finally, Sunpaw turned his head up with resolution set in his shoulders. "I do."

Leopardclaw nodded approvingly, warmed to see the young tom so absolute.  "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name.  Sunpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Sunleap.  StarClan honors your loyalty and your friendly spirit, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."  Hopping down from his post, the deputy rested his chin on top of the warrior's head, completing the formal part of the ceremony.  Stepping back, he called the tom's new name along with the rest of the clan, his eyes glowing.

Sunleap tilted his head back, letting the calls of his clanmates soak him through with their warmth. He turned, looking out at his huge family, and caught the eyes of Heatherpetal. He darted forward, bowling her over with a purr in his throat. "Heatherpetal! I did it! We did it!" He cried in joy.

Heatherpetal let out a mrrow of laughter at her former apprentice's excitement. She nuzzled his cheek with her muzzle, purring as well. "I'm so proud of you, Sunleap! You're going to make ThunderClan proud, I just know it."