Sunpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" Ivystar yowled out for the clan to hear, her voice sounding much clearer after her mean bout of whitecough. She sounded like herself again, eyes filled with light and molten with iron-like pride. She was ready to name Sunpaw into the ranks of warriorhood, joining the countless others that stood resolute, defenders of RiverClan.

Lilytail walked out of the warrior's den, pride radiating off her body. Her second apprentice was going to become a warrior. She couldn't be prouder. Her eyes twinkled and her chest puffed out. She began to purr. A sign of complete excitement.

Futilely attempting to ward away any lingering nerves and doubts, Sunpaw's tail twitched apprehensively as she stepped into the clearing before Ivystar. Although maturity had helped quashed any anxious or painfully introverted behavior, she still found it to be a bit awkward to be among her Clanmates in scenarios such as this- even with familiar cats such as Ivystar and Lilytail there alongside her. Sleek, meticulously groomed fur shimmering slightly in the weak light of the hour, the young she-cat forced herself to sit tall and unwavering before her Leader.

"Sunpaw, Lilytail has informed me that you have shown yourself to be ready for the mantle of warrior. If this is true, step forward." The silver leader looked down to meet Sunpaw's eyes, watching for any signs of hesitation, only to find none. She was a model cat, pose strong, fur gleaming, a testament to Lilytail's training and the natural grace of their clan.

The eye contact between herself and Ivystar was quite unpleasant, even for as brief of a stretch as it actually was, but Sunpaw felt a glimmer of satisfaction as she remained unflinching. Tilting her chin upwards slightly, the young tabby took a measured step forward, blood singing with an unusual mixture of pride and nerves. Inhale, exhale. Sunpaw reminded herself sternly, occasionally being caught off guard by her tendency to hold her breath under times of stress. Inhale, exhale.

The deputy, who was next to the leader in the floor, stepped forward after her mother's command, willing to continue the ceremony. This was the perfect training for him to start acting up like the leader he should be in the future.

Jaystream fixed his green eyes on the strong she-cat and looked at her seriously. "I, Jaystream, deputy of Riverclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her 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 tom asked, already knowing her answer.

Inhale, exhale.

Inhale, exhale.

Stubbornly keeping her chin lifted and gaze focused on Jaystream, despite the firestorm of nerves that boiled deep within the core of her being, Sunpaw refused to allow her resolve to waver. This was everything she had trained for! It was the only dream that had kept her company throughout all of those lonely moons within the Nursery.

"I do." Sunpaw mewed, blinking rapidly as she gazed up at Jaystream.

"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you will be known to all as Sunfish. RiverClan honours your kindness and compassion." He mewed satisfied with her warrior name. He was happy for the young she-cat, who, without a mother, she managed to go through all kind of hardships for this moment.

"As per tradition, tonight you will hold a silent vigil and watch over the clan and your clanmates as they sleep. But for now, we celebrate the rise of a new warrior. May our ancestors light your path always." Jaystream said those words with a cheerful tone as he left his spot to congratulate his new denmate. Even if they weren't close family, he felt happy for her and he truly wished to see her grow into a good Riverclan warrior. Jaystream was sure she would be amazing.

Lilytail leaped up and chanted Sun's new name. "Sunfish! Sunfish!! I'm so proud of you! I know you'll do many great things!" she purred with a closed-eye smile. She pressed herself against her former apprentice and head-butted her like she usually did when she was joyful.