Pantherkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Bunching his powerful muscles, Scorchclaw sprung up the willow tree. His claws dug easily into the bark, and he soon stood securely atop the Willow Branch. Today would mark the ascension of another kit to the Apprentice Den. Pantherkit—he ran the name over in his mind. The last cat to bear such a name might have been a troublemaker, but he had still passed away too early. He could only hope that this Pantherkit would turn out differently. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Willow Branch for a clan meeting!"

Pantherkit scrambled to the Willow Branch, excitement adding a bounce to his step. He was becoming an apprentice today, he was sure of it! Skidding to a stop, he groomed down his ruffled fur and sat up a bit straighter. I hope I get a really awesome mentor! He shifted his paws, eager to hear Scorchclaw speak.

Minnowslip came out of the warrior den to see Pantherkit become an apprentice. It was always nice to watch another rise to their duties, the clan always needed more apprentices to keep them afloat, especially considering how many of them were in the clan.

Beepaw sat next to Patherkit, giving her former nursery-mate an excited nudge. She looked forward to seeing him join her in the apprentice den.

Pale-green eyes narrowing just slightly, Scorchclaw called the young tom forward. "Pantherkit, step forward." Even in the middle of an apprentice ceremony, his demeanor barely shifted from its usual solemnity. He spoke dispassionately, without excess emotion. "Pantherkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day onward until you receive your warrior name, you shall be known as Pantherpaw. Stormstrike will be your mentor. May his strength and loyalty guide you well."

Pantherpaw's eyes widened in pleasant surprise when he heard the name of his mentor. Shooting a quick grin back at Beepaw, he darted towards his mentor, the smile not yet faded. "I can't believe I got my hero as my mentor! I can't wait to train with you, Stormstrike!"

Stormstrike shook his head, stalking forward to meet Pantherpaw. "Training begins every day at sunrise. I expect you to arrive on time." The silver tom's lip curled as he bent down to meet the apprentice's nose with his own. This would take a lot of work...