Crabkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Sablestrike scaled the Jaggredrock slowly today, for this ceremony was one that he wanted to put off as long as possible. Perhaps he didn't even need to go through with this, perhaps Crabkit could just stay in the nursery the rest of his life. Who could he even stick with such an odd kit? Black paws steadied themselves at the peak of the rock.  No, there was no way he could ignore this, if he put this ceremony off any longer he'd have Crabkit's mother at his throat. That poor queen deserved to be rid of him.

"All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, please gather in the shadow of the Jaggedrock for a Clan meeting!"

He was supposed to silently stalk in the shadows but with such overflowing excitement and joy, Crabkit couldn't contain himself. Bounding through the center of the clearing, the kit's vibrant red-orange coat stuck out every which way. Finally, after all these moons, he would get to break out of the camp and explore the territory. Surely, he and his mentor would have the best time leaving no snake unbothered.

Once he stopped at the base of the Jaggedrock, he quickly slammed his rump on the ground and looked up at Sablestrike. The deputy looked very odd with one less eye. Crabkit wondered where it went. Further still, he wondered how the world would look with one eye always closed. Blinking his left eye shut, he tilted his head to the side and continued to regard the black-furred cat. One thing was immediately confirmed by this, he could not see as well.

Sablestrike stayed silent long after his clanmates settled, single golden eye frozen on the kit that was mimicking his... lack of an eye. What a flattering sight... "Crabkit, step forward."

"You have reached the age of six moons, Crabkit, and are ready to become an apprentice. From this day on until you earn your warrior name you shall be known as Crabpaw. Your mentor will be..." As he spoke Sablestrike looked around the camp, wondering which unfortunate soul he would give this kit to. The newest of their warriors didn't deserve such a punishment, and the more senior didn't deserve that kind of disrespect. Stars, for once he wished Nightstalker was here. He'd have no trouble taking on this apprentice. With a sigh Sablestrike finished. "I will be your mentor. Use the rest of the night getting acquainted with your fellow apprentices, we'll start your training tomorrow." Tomorrow, because he would need time to mentally prepare himself.

As Sablestrike called him forward, Crabkit forgot all about the endeavor of keeping one eye closed and both shot open. Crabpaw now! He thought excitedly to himself. There was a pause as the deputy looked around the clearing and the newly named apprentice followed his gaze. One of them would be his mentor. The looming silence was overwhelming and unbearably joyful. Moments from now he would be roaming the territory with... Sablestrike. His jaw went slack and he whipped around to look back up at the top of the Jaggedrock. The deputy was going to be his mentor? If he had a tail, it would have been waving enthusiastically back and forth. Although the tom wanted to protest that he had to wait tomorrow for training, the idea of making a nest in the apprentice's den was an equally exciting endeavor.

"Sablestrike! You're the best! Thanks!" It wasn't the most professional farewell to a ceremony but Crabpaw had already dashed off to his new den.