Spotpaw's Warrior Ceremony

He'd grown so much, it seemed almost like a lie. Spotpaw had first been a hot-headed apprentice, too quick to anger in the defence of a code that he barely understood. Too dogmatic in many ways, unwilling to flow like the river their clan was named for. But with time, with age, he'd become a loyal, wise cat that saw good but also the bad. And the broken trust between them had been bonded. So as the leader leapt onto the willow branch, she was proud to call the clan together for this ceremony. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!"

Spotpaw had braced himself for something bad. But, oddly, this time was an... almost cheerful call. Curious, he padded under the willow branch, gathered with his clan.

"Spotpaw, Jaystream has made it known to me that you are ready to undertake the responsibilities of a warrior. If you agree, step forward so your ceremony may begin." Ivystar watched and waited till Spotpaw made his decision.

Spotpaw let out a barely audible gasp. He was becoming a warrior like Reedclaw! Perhaps I could have shared this moment with Frostpaw, Raccoonpaw, and... Brightpaw. I will have to feel it twice as much for my brothers and sister! Watch this moment, my siblings, wherever you are up in Starclan, and savor my ceremony as your own! So, he stepped up in front of the Clan, ready to become a warrior at last.

Reedclaw sat in the crowd of cats with his chest puffed out. He was happy that his brother would be joining him in the warriors' den. The dark grey tabby was proud of himself and his brother for having made it this far, unfortunately his sister and other two brothers would not have the opportunity to have their warrior name bestowed upon them. But Reedclaw knew that they were watching over him and Spotpaw.

"I, Ivystar, leader of Riverclan, 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, Spotpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Ivystar watched with abated breath as Spotpaw would make the decision that would define his life forever. This would be it, if he accepted, he would be a warrior of RiverClan with all the duties and burdens it came with.

Spotpaw had been thinking about this moment since he was a kit, and now it was finally here. There was no hesitation as he gazed up determinedly at Ivystar. "I do." He said.

"By the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you will be known to all as Spotfur. RiverClan honours your earnest heart and unwavering loyalty. I am proud to call you a full warrior of RiverClan." She paused to allow them all to call out his new name, everyone in the clearing took their time to yowl. Otterleap sat beside Minnowslip, eagerly praising the newly named warrior. It was a wonderful moment. "Tonight, you will hold a vigil and watch over the clan as they sleep. But patrols will continue as always due to the growing threat of foxes. May StarClan guide our paths."

Sweetheart smiled as she listened to the warrior name Ivystar had given RiverClan's newly appointed warrior. She began to chant loudly, doing her best to sound happy for him. "Spotfur! Spotfur!"

A smile grew on the newly-named Spotfur's face as Ivystar spoke. He was filled with happiness. He'd done it! He was a warrior at last. For Brightpaw. For Darkpaw. For Raccoonpaw. For Frostpaw. For Rowanpaw. And he would live for Fawnsong.