Rainpaw's Warrior Ceremony

(OOC: For paradox avoidance, this will follow in Dacepaw's ceremonies paw prints. It will be the day after bear died, but a day before he was found. This takes place AFTER Dacepaw's ceremony.)

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock for a clan meeting!" Oakstar's mighty yowl echoed as he saw a familiar pelt come back from patrol. Earlier that same day, he had already given Dacedream her name, and now that the sun was setting, it was time for a new ceremony. One that would see his grandkit... become a warrior.

His chest puffed out a bit, proud of his granddaughter. She was a good, strong apprentice. Who was never afraid... didn't back down from a challenge, and deserved every bit of recognition that she would get. He smiled at his clan mates gathering once more. Joy radiating from him as he flicked his tail patiently while the rest of the patrol settled into place before him. He blinked meaningfully at Mistwalker.

Then, looked back to his daughter. She shared Mistwalker's tabby coat and fierce personality. Whether or not she shared his disbelief in the stars... well, he hoped not. However, he didn't want to force his way into a father role for her. Her real father had her, and cared for her well. He forced himself to keep at a respectful distance, so she could grow with him. Clearly, it had worked out well. Oakstar couldn't have asked for more in a grandkit.

The thought of her warrior ceremony had not crossed Rainpaw's mind for several moons. When she was first apprenticed, it had been her number one goal: get through the training, fast-track her way to warriorhood, and continue from there. And she had done that... but truly, she had learned that it didn't matter. Sure, earning her warrior name would draw some sort of respect from both her fellow clanmates and the other clans, but that didn't matter to Rainpaw. Sure, it was "proof" in the eyes of StarClan that she was worthy to move up in the clan, but it didn't actually change who she was.

And so unlike what she expected the majority of shimmery-eyed warriors-to-be did, Rainpaw attended her own warrior ceremony with an air of pure indifference. Her pale eyes fixated on her grandfather's moonlit pelt as she settled down next to Mistwalker, waiting for the words she knew would follow. The very words she'd heard spoken at Dacedream's warrior ceremony less than a whole day ago. To most, her tranquil expression and relaxed posture would give the idea that she was simply amenable to what was coming, or perhaps that her lack of excitement meant she didn't know what the ceremony was for. But the reality was, she was apathetic about the whole situation. Apprentice, warrior, what did it matter? In the end, she'd get what she wanted regardless of her name.

Oakstar waited patiently for Rainpaw and the rest of the clan to gather. His familiar smile on his muzzle as he flicked his tail in beckoning. There were no guests this time, but Rainpaw and Dacedream would get to have their vigils with each other.

"Rainpaw, step forward."

Rainpaw did as she was bid, tail high as she padded - no, sauntered - forward, towards the leader. She blinked at him expectantly, looking up to where he sat, above the rest of the clan. Her eyes flickered around, lingering in the spot where their non-clan guests had been during Dacedream's ceremony, before returning to her grandfather. She dipped her head, waiting.

The time spent with her family was wonderful, but as always, the good things had to come to an end as they all went their separate ways. Dacedream, named a warrior earlier in the day herself, was glad to be back in camp again and was more than happy to sit for another ceremony. She didn't have to wait long wondering who or what it was for; Oakstar's voice rang over the clearing, calling for his grandkit Rainpaw. Dacedream's cheerful gaze landed on the young she-cat with enthusiasm and encouragement. How exciting - two new warriors in a day!

Oakstar smiled at his granddaughters confidence. She was young, but her mind and body were strong and sharp. She had trained under a good she-cat. One who was fierce and noble. He looked down at Ferretnose and nodded to her. His amber eyes warm with gratitude and delight as he returned his attention to the ceremony.

"I, Oakstar, leader of ThunderClan, 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 them to you as a warrior in their turn. Rainpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

He smiled as he asked the all familiar question. A vow that every warrior took in turn. He knew his daughter would answer, and it was confirmed swiftly. The ‘I do’ was enough for him to push forward. To give her a name she so rightfully deserved.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Rainpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Rainstrike. StarClan honors your Bravery and Boldness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." He concluded the ceremony with a proud tilt to his voice. His head raised high, as if declaring it to the stars themselves… and wasn’t he? He was declaring her ready… releasing her into her own to a world she had fought and hunted for. He chuckled to himself, as he led the chant to welcome Rainstrike as a warrior in full.

"Rainstrike, Rainstrike..."

"I do." The words were quiet, and she punctuated them with a tilt of her head. Her gaze cut sideways, to Dacedream who she'd only just noticed, and Rainpaw blinked at her, the tip if of one ear flicking in greeting. It seemed that tonight, they'd share their vigil... guarding the camp, silent and watchful. Alone. Oakstar's continuation of words recaptured her attention, and she listened as her grandfather went on with the ceremony, giving her, finally, her warrior name.

Rainstrike.

The pale she-cat let a smile peek through the mask of apathy and flattened her ears as her name rung out through the camp. Rainstrike. It was fierce, and demanding, like she was. A name that would strike fear into the hearts of her enemies. She liked that. She liked it a lot. "I will do my best to make ThunderClan what it should be," she said finally, "the best clan in the forest."

The observation Dacedream had made earlier that day remained true now. The words of the ancient tradition felt so much different when they were being said for oneself. Despite the excitement that Dacedream felt for her Clanmate in that moment, it simply couldn't compare to the feeling of her own ceremony earlier that day. Still, she listened with quiet reverence and anticipation as Oakstar asked Rainpaw to take the oath. The pretty silvery tabby apprentice answered in a much softer tone than Dacedream did, but the sincerity still sent shivers up the tortoiseshell's spine. Of course Rainpaw meant it.

Oakstar gave her her new name then: Rainstrike. It was a powerful name, contrasting a bit to Dacedream's more passive and graceful name. It was an exciting name, Rainstrike, and as soon as the ThunderClan leader stepped down to greet his new warrior Dacedream let out an enthusiastic yowl to cry it with the rest of the Clan. "Rainstrike! Rainstrike! Rainstrike!" Yes, that was a good name - perfect for the brave new warrior. Dacedream wondered if Rainstrike agreed, but couldn't even imagine how she wouldn't.