It was one of the hardest tasks of a leader, the most dreaded. It could alter the lives of countless young cats, and either bring destruction or eternal loyalty. It was a task that Whitestar now faced with great dread.
Giving the apprentices their warrior names.
To be clear, it was not his fault the queens named their kits silly things. However, he ended up being the one with the burden of offering them a respectful warrior name.
Mind you, this was not an easy task when one had a queen naming her kits 'Fluffykit' 'Sweetkit' and 'Bouncekit'.
It might have been easy if Fluffypaw actually kept her thick kitten fluff, or if Sweetpaw actually lived up to her name, or if Bouncepaw was actually energetic.
But no, of course it wouldn't be that easy. He couldn't just slap a 'Fluffyfur' 'Sweetheart' and Bouncefoot' on.
Not to mention the names of Shimmerfur's litter. Really, wasn't naming your kits after the stars, moon, and sun, a bit snobby? Or was it just him? Nevermind the fact that if Starpaw ever became leader, she'd have to live with the name of Starstar.
Oh, but it got worse.
Then there was Bluepaw, a ginger tom with amber eyes.
Yep, nothing blue. His mother tried to name him after his eyes, but apparently all kits are born with blue eyes.
Huh, learn a new thing every day. Sadly, it was too late for poor Bluepaw.
Then there was sweet little Darkpaw. The best apprentice he could ask for. He had wanted to add –heart for his warrior name, but when mulling it over, realized 'Darkheart' might give cats the wrong impression.
Foxdung.
Primrosepaw and Jackpaw were also an issue. Primrosepaw kept insisting she be named Primrosefeather, in honor of her WindClan friend who didn't survive Leaf-Bare. Whitestar respected the fact she wished to honor her friend, but deemed Primrosefeather a rather ridiculously long name. As for the former kittypet Jackpaw who refused to change his name, he had no idea what to do. Jackpaw said he should name him Jacksparrow, and though that made little sense to him, he couldn't think of anything better.
Whitestar let out a long, tired sigh. He had a feeling that by sundown the new warrior would be planning their vengeance on him and his horrible names.
Foxdung.