Bloodpaw's Warrior Ceremony

The familiar call rang out through the SkyClan camp: "Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather beneath the Tallbranch for a Clan meeting!" It was a significant meeting, as all warrior ceremonies were. Spottedstar was always proud of his clanmembers when they earned his name, and now he was doubly so of his grandson, who was quite the diligent young tom. He was much like Wolfcall, although the thought of his deputy left the leader with a slight frown. No matter - today was still a special day.

Bloodpaw startled at the sound of Spottedstar's voice calling for a clan meeting. He froze at first, his mind racing with what this possibly could be about. Did Wolfcall tell him what happened? Were they in trouble? He got to his feet and walked to Tallbranch, head up and shoulders back. Whatever happened... happened.

"We gather here today to give one of our apprentices their warrior name and rank. Bloodpaw has proven himself worthy to climb the ranks of SkyClan and receive his warrior name." Spottedstar, not fond of waiting around, began quickly when everyone had gathered. "Step forth, Bloodpaw. I, Spottedstar, SkyClan's leader, call upon our 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. Bloodpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

This was the first time he even heard Spottedstar say his name. His eyes widened. Was this really happening? Really?? His breath caught in his throat, but then did his best to reset his face to being stoic. Once Spottedstar was done speaking, Bloodpaw nodded once. "I do"

He managed to keep his excitement out of his voice and projected himself clearly. He barely prevented himself from shaking with excitement though...

Spottedstar nodded down at Bloodpaw. He sincerely believed him. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name: Bloodstrike. SkyClan honors your ambition and loyalty." To be completely honest, he had to get help from Wolfcall on that part. The leader had been painfully absent for the past... well. He'd been distanced from his Clan for about as long as he'd had his nine lives. He wished he knew the new warrior as more than that - a new warrior - but his heart had been a storm for seasons now. Maybe Spottedstar was being selfish. He jumped from the branch he was perched on, landing neatly in front of Bloodstrike and resting his muzzle on his head as was customary. However, he had very little to say. "Congratulations." He was proud, but he was also afraid to overstep his bounds.

Blood...strike. He was Bloodstrike now... he stood up straighter as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him. He had done it! After all the struggle and all of the strife... he was a warrior of Skyclan. As Spottedstar approached him, it was then he realized how much bigger he was than most other adult toms. Bloodstrike lowered his head some for Spottedstar to rest his chin on.

"Thank you," he answered simply. Just then, a slight mark on his emotions slipped through his mind. He still had things to get off his chest with his leader, but they would have to wait.

"When you have an hour or two of free time... I would like to talk with you alone, if that's alright."

Mistpaw stared proudly at her brother, before silently chanting on with the rest of the Clan. “Bloodstrike! Bloodstrike! Bloodstrike!” Smiling at her brother one more time, the gray and cream tabby apprentice slipped away, a mixture of emotions stirring in her. Would he still be hanging out with her and Firepaw and Adderpaw again or would he be too busy to? Part of Mistpaw felt happy and proud for her brother, but the other felt sad that she couldn’t become a warrior with him.

"Bloodstrike! Bloodstrike!" Smokepaw called with the rest of the clan. She was happy for her friend. Soon enough it would be her turn, she hoped.

After the ceremony was properly completed, she padded over, "Congratulations, Bloodstrike," she said. The name was going to take some getting used to, she thought.