Badgerkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Rain fell softly through the canopy of empty branches above ThunderClan's camp. A cold wind cut through the base of it, leaving pelts to fluff against the chill and warriors of all ages sticking together for warmth. The dullness of the day could be broken by a significant event. A dark tabby tom slunk over to the high-rock and leapt onto the slippery surface with a graceful bound. His large claws scratching the surface of the stone as he tried to maintain traction against slipping down.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath High-rock for a clan meeting!" He yowled. Marshstorm's voice strong against the pattering of rain as he kept his eyes carefully peeled for the kit soon to be an apprentice. It was time after all, and the move couldn't have been better timed. With leafbare so close, Marshstorm felt a sense of urgency towards getting any and all kits safely apprenticed to mentors. To the cats that could guide them towards the better paths.

Badgerkit could barely contain his excitement when Marshstorm called for the clan. He was finally on his way to becoming the best warrior in all five clans! And if he was lucky enough, maybe even the best Leader of Thunderclan, like great-grandpa Leopardstar!

He bounded to the front of the clan, sitting right beneath the High-Rock with his chest puffed out and his chin held high, as if he was already destined for greatness. His green eyes stared determinedly up at Marshstorm, ready for him to start the newest chapter of his life.

"Badgerkit, step forward." Marshstorm began, with a small smile on his muzzle at the kit's familiar eagerness. No longer would he be a kit after today, he would be ready to take on the dangers outside of camp as a warrior. The thought both warmed and concerned him, yet he forced himself to continue.

"Badgerkit, you have reached the age of six moons. It is now time for you to become an apprentice. From this day on, until you recieve your warrior name, you will be known as Badgerpaw." He recited with confidence as the young kit, now apprentice seemed quite proud of himself. He turned from the black and white kit to his own former apprentice and calmly beckoned him forward. "Your mentor will be Beartooth. A strong dependable tom who I know will help you see your potential." He looked at Beartooth with pride before he leapt back down from Highrock to chant the apprentice's name.

Badgerkit's- no, Badgerpaw's, he reminded himself, fur puffed up with pride as he heard the clan chant his new name. He beamed brightly, staring his green eyes into Marshstorm's amber eyes. "I won't let you down, Marshstorm!" he said, his tail whipping wildly behind him with excitement and impatience.

He bounded over to Beartooth and touched muzzles with his new muzzles with his new mentors, purring lightly.

Not but a few sunsets before the clan had been called together in a similar fashion. As Marshstorm stood in front of the clan, Beartooth was grateful for the fact that it seemed like nothing urgent. As inept as he was at reading the emotions or expressions of others, even an oblivious warrior like the bulky tom could pick up on the relaxed nature of his former mentor. Good. While he often tried to ignore the sensation, the warrior had worked himself to the point where it was near impossible to pretend it did not exist. And he had not even had the time to train his apprentice yet. He felt bad for Snowpaw but had managed to give her some tasks around camp, and eventually, they would go out and learn battle and hunting techniques.

He tilted his head back to watch Marshstorm as he presented the clan's newest apprentice, Badgerpaw. Soon, the young tom would train alongside his sister. It reminded him of how he had learned to hunt and fight with Ridgepaw and Hailpaw, respectively. There were hints of a soft smile underneath the fangs that grazed the warrior's maw. A call of his name snapped him back to the moment. This was his apprentice? His eyes blinked slowly with a bit a shock but he was dutifully on his paws without hesitation. It hadn't been long since his warrior ceremony and already he was to train up two apprentices. Beartooth returned the brief touch of muzzles and meowed lowly, "Congratulations. We start tomorrow. You and Snowpaw will meet near the entrance at dawn."