Cloverpaw was done cleaning the elders' bedding, when he dashed out the den and nearly crashed into Fawnspots in the middle of the clearing. He backed away in embarrassment.
"Sorry!" Cloverpaw mewed apologetically.
"It's fine. I was looking for you actually." The dark tortoiseshell queen replied, licking one of her paws and drawing it over her own ears. "Stonewing has requested your presence in the sandy hollow. Apparently, your assessment is going to be today."
Cloverpaw jumped in alarm. "Today?!" He exclaimed, shock and panic taking over him. He wasn't expecting his assessment to be so soon. He isn't ready! "Is it right now?"
"Probably. But you should check with your strange friends." Fawnspots answered with a dismissive flick of her tail. "Apparently, they'll be joining you as well."
Cloverpaw hurried over to the apprentices' den. Peeking inside, he saw Hollowpaw's curled up form over one of the moss nests. Since the others have gotten their warrior names, they weren't here to complain about his presence in the den anymore, and Hollowpaw was more than happy to get one of the empty nests available. Redpaw napped next to him, sprawled out on his own nest with his legs fidgeting in his sleep.
"Guys wake up!" Cloverpaw yowled, shaking them awake. "We're gonna have our assessments today! We're going to be warriors!"
Redpaw instantly jolted awake, sitting up on his nest and looking at him in bewilderment. Hollowpaw simply groaned in protest and rolled over, seemingly not caring.
"Are you serious?" Redpaw questions, his fur a mess. "Our warrior assessments are today?"
"Probably right now!" Cloverpaw continued to nudge his eyeless friend. "C'mon Hollowpaw! Wake up! We gotta go!"
The blue-tabby turned over on his nest again, letting out a huge yawn as his eyes squinted open. "Fine. I'm up."
The three quickly got to work in making themselves look presentable. Once they were in better shape and mostly prepared, they strolled outside into the clearing. The light of sunset made the camp shine in an orange hue. Redpaw shook his pelt roughly, enjoy the sun's warmth. "What a day, huh?"
"It's so unexpected though! Not that I'm complaining, the idea of us becoming warriors tonight is amazing!" Cloverpaw mewed. "Just wished we had some time to prepare ourselves."
"You'll be fine." Hollowpaw assured him, flicking his tail sideways. "Anyways, we should get going."
"Fine by me." Mewed Redpaw, stretching his limbs out lazily. "Hopefully some exercise on the way there will warm us up a bit."
The three apprentices trotted through the gorse track and out of camp. They hurried to the sandy hollow. Stonewing had not yet arrived, so they hung around in the shelter of a pine tree; practicing hunting crouches.
"Are you worried about the assessment?" Hollowpaw asked Cloverpaw, as the young tabby padded backward and forward with quick, nervous pawsteps. "There's no need to be. You're one of the best hunters in the Clan."
"But what if I forget something?" Cloverpaw murmured anxiously. "I could step on a branch and scare the prey away. Or worse! What if I get injured? Then I can never be a warrior!"
"For goodness sake, sit down!" Hollowpaw grumbled. "At this rate, you'll be worn out before we begin!"
By the time Stonewing arrived, the three of them were much better prepared for their assessment. Even though Cloverpaw was still pretty nervous about it. A shallow trail stretched in the sand where he previously paced around relentlessly.
The ThunderClan deputy greeted them briskly and launched straight into the details. "Today is the big day for the three of you. Everything you learned so far over these few moons will be put to test. I have discussed with Oakstar and the other mentors about your training, and we all agreed it has reached high time for you three to become warriors." He meowed. "And so, today you'll have a chance to show me how much you have learned. Each of you will take a different route and hunt as much prey as possible before the sun disappears. And whatever you catch will be added to the supplies in the camp."
The three apprentices looked at one another, nervous and excited. Redpaw felt his heart begin to beat faster at the prospect of a challenge.
"Redpaw, you will follow the trail beyond the Great Sycamore and go as far as the Snakerocks."
The red-tabby scratched the ground in anticipation. Snakerocks is infamously known to be one of the most dangerous places to visit. With plenty of venomous adders lurking around, and prey scarce, this will prove to be a proper challenge for him. However, Redpaw couldn't stop the dark thought that drifted into his mind. Snakerocks is right next to the Thunderpath; the border between ThunderClan and ShadowClan. What a funny coincidence for him to send Redpaw to hunt over there, so close to his former Clan. Is the ThunderClan deputy looking to test him? Could it be that despite everything, Stonewing doesn't trust his loyalty to the Clan? The thought aggravated Redpaw somewhat, but he was determined to prove himself.
"Hollowpaw, you will take the route along the river from Sunningrocks all the way to the Owl Tree."
"Great." Mewed Hollowpaw sarcastically. "I get the choice between wet paws or getting picked off by an owl."
"Don't be ridiculous! You're too heavy to be picked off!" Redpaw interjected. "Not to mention all that fur. That owl will have a hard time eating you if it's that desperate!" A hard stare from Stonewing silenced him before he could go on teasing.
"And finally, Cloverpaw. You shall take the route through the Tallpines, past the Treecut place, to the woods beyond until you reach the Twoleg borders."
Cloverpaw nodded, frantically tracing the route in his head.
"And remember." Stonewing finished, fixing them all with his blue-eyed stare. "I shall be watching you all." And with that eerie message the deputy disappeared into the undergrowth, leaving the apprentices along in the hollow, trying to guess who Stonewing would follow first.
"He's your mentor." Redpaw pointed out, nudging the blue-tabby on the shoulder. "You're more than likely going to be first."
"Whatever." Hollowpaw grunted. "Have fun trying not to get bitten by snakes! I hope you don't make it."
"Yeah, be careful Redpaw." Cloverpaw agreed. "You'll have to spend your time both hunting and looking out for snakes."
Redpaw scoffed. "I'll be fine!" He flicked his tail dismissively. "I'm pretty fast, and I won't let some dumb snake get the best of me. Anyways, I'd better get going. See you two back here later on. Good luck!" He sprinted away into the bushes, heading towards his designated path.
"Well, I guess we should get started too." Hollowpaw concluded. "See you around, Cloverpaw. Good luck!"
"Good luck to you too!"
Hollowpaw raced off toward Sunningrocks. Cloverpaw paused to sniff the air, then bounded up the side of the hollow and began to head for the Tallpines.
Cautiously, Cloverpaw crossed the narrow path into the pine forest. He looked through the straight rows of trees, across the flat forest floor, alert for the sight and scent of prey.
A movement on the corner of his vision caught his eye. It was a mouse, scrabbling through the pine needles. Remembering his lessons, Cloverpaw dropped into the stalking position, making sure to keep his weight in his haunches, and his paws light on the ground. Performing the technique perfectly, the mouse didn't detect Cloverpaw until his final leap. He caught it with one swipe of his paw and killed it swiftly. The he buried it, so that he could pick it up later on his journey back.
Cloverpaw travelled a little farther into the Tallpines. Ahead of him, he could smell Twolegs and hear their voices, loud and raucous like crows. He'd never seen a Twoleg before, though he heard tales from the elders about them, and has been warned plenty of times to stay far from them. They are crazy creatures that like to hang around dogs, rip off their pelts to go in water, and have fur only at the top of their heads. Weirdos.
Cloverpaw stayed alert and watchful, but not just weary of Twolegs or for signs of prey. Stonewing might be somewhere around, observing him at this very moment. He thought for sure he'd heard a twig snap in the bushes behind him.
Just then he paused, scenting a young rabbit ahead. A few more steps and he saw it. Flattening himself down, he stalked the creature. He was barely a mouse-length away before it detected him. But by then it was already too late. The white bobtail darting away sent the thrill of the chase surging through Cloverpaw's veins. A rush of speed, a flash of claws, and he had the rabbit caught beneath his paws.
He held the wriggling body fast and finished it off quickly.
With one mouse and a rabbit to his count, he buried the prey to fetch for later, and moved on with his assessment. The hunt was just getting started.
(Meanwhile…)
Hollowpaw followed the trail Stonewing had ordered him to go for, padding calmly along the riverbank. So far, he managed to catch a measly little shrew, and a water vole. Nothing very impressive. But not like he could help it. He hadn't caught a whiff of anything good since he arrived in the area. Especially with RiverClan's strong scent clouding his senses as the wind blew over from their side to ThunderClan's. The pungent scent from their rivals made Hollowpaw's nose wrinkle in disgust.
Thankfully, the smell began to fade away gradually, as he crossed a stream over a fallen tree. Although there were stepping stones farther ahead, this is the quickest way to the Owl Tree. The stream itself isn't particularly deep, but it is cold, and Hollowpaw wasn't keen on getting soaked today.
He crossed over the log easily, and bounded away through the undergrowth. The fern and bramble bushes rasped against his pelt, weaving his way beneath the arching fronds to come face to face with a gigantic tree that towered above the others in the clearing. Its crown stretching beyond the canopy that shielded the sky. Its roots, some thick as branches, twisted through dense layers of leaves around its base and burrowed into the earth.
Hollowpaw paused to scent the air. The owl stench was strong in the air, but mostly because this is its lair. Aside from that, there was no indication that the owl was around at the moment. Hopefully, it won't be a problem for his assessment.
His pelt began to tingle. He could smell prey. Birds chattered in the trees above his head. Leaves rustled at the base of the large oak tree, stirred by wind or small creatures.
Suddenly he heard the skitter of paws on bark. Hollowpaw froze. Glancing sideways, he spotted a squirrel sitting on top of a tree root with a nut between its paws. It was gnawing busily, too absorbed in its tasty morsel to notice the blue-tabby's presence.
Hollowpaw dropped into a crouch. Raising his belly and lifting his tail so it just skimmed the ground, he began creeping toward it, silent as a snake on a rock. His heart pounded hard against his chest with exhilaration that he was sure the squirrel must've heard it. But the critter only carried on gnawing until Hollowpaw was close enough to hear its teeth scrape the nut. Holding his breath, he stopped and pressed his backside to the ground, tensing the muscles in his hind legs; ready to spring.
Suddenly, a shadow flicked over him. Hollowpaw didn't have time to wonder what it was. A heartbeat later a hawk swooped down from the sky, bursting through the foliage of the trees, and gripped the squirrel in its powerful talons. Flapping its wings furiously, it started to take off.
"Oh no you don't!" Hollowpaw bellowed, launching himself forward with outstretched claws. "That squirrel is mine!" He had been searching for a good prey to catch since he set out on his assessment, and he wasn't about to let it get away from him by an overgrown pigeon!
He sprang onto the hawk's back, sinking his claws into its shoulders. It screeched and began to beat its wings furiously; for a couple of heartbeats it lifted Hollowpaw off the ground, only to fall back under his weight. Careful in dodging the hawk's sharp beak, trying to peck at him, he moved up toward its neck. He bit down hard on its throat and swung his body to bring it down. Another sharp bite to its spine finished it off. The wings stopped beating and the hawk lay limp over the forest ground.
"Ha! I did it!" Hollowpaw stood atop the dead bird victoriously, puffing up his chest with triumph. "Now the squirrel is mine." He hopped off, and went to take the critter which laid motionless by the hawk's feet only to look over the huge prey he managed to catch. "Hmph! Even better! I can take both the squirrel AND the hawk."
Moving to bury the two catches, he felt proud of himself. It wasn't his intention to catch the hawk as prey for his assessment. All he was after was the squirrel. But since he managed to kill it, he ain't gonna complain about it. Stonewing would no doubt be proud of his hunting skills!
(Meanwhile…)
Redpaw trotted quietly beneath the shadows of the trees as he made his way toward his next destination, Snakerocks. He had an easy time by the Sycamore Tree, and prey had been plentiful to catch. The dumb critters were practically jumping into his paws. However, he was not content with the lack of challenge, and he moved down for something more up to his standards.
He slid through the undergrowth, his red-tabby pelt gleaming in the shafts of sunlight that glimmered down from the small gaps between the tree branches, until the smooth, sand-coloured sides of Snakerocks came into view. For a few heartbeats, he stood and tasted the air. A mixture of scents reached him: A fox came by not too long ago. He'll have to be on a look out for that horrible creature. The staler scent of other ThunderClan cats. Snakes, as Redpaw had expected. And surprisingly, he detected a fresh whiff of pheasant in the area.
Such a large bird could be a well defining catch to his assessment, and will feed the Clan well.
He followed the scent trail, careful where he stepped. Redpaw pricked his ears, high alert for any sounds. He could make out the faint roars of the monsters rushing up and down the Thunderpath not too far away. He elected to ignore them. He couldn't afford any distractions in his assessment. Not with Stonewing possibly watching him right now.
Creeping with his belly close to the ground, intent on seeing without being seen, he stalked through the grass. Straining his ears forward, he heard a distinctive crow ahead of him. Peeking through the leaves, Redpaw spotted his target. The large bird stood ahead of him, pecking at the ground in search of bugs to eat. Its long tail trailed behind it as it walked along the stones.
Redpaw's mouth began to water at the mere sight of it. Slowly, he crept closer. His tail slithered behind him silently. He kept his eyes trained on the bird, watching it closely for any reactions and movements it made. When he was barely a tail-length away, Redpaw began to rock his haunches and braced himself for the pounce.
However, his ears swivelled backwards, and a hiss was heard from behind him.
Alarm pulsed through him. He jumped just in the nick of time, as a large viper shot forward from the grass and attempted to bite where he was previously positioned before. The pheasant was alerted instantly, and scurried away into the undergrowth.
Redpaw twisted around, letting out a hiss of annoyance at the loss. He fixed the snake with a glare. The viper continued to slither toward him, its tongue flickering in and out of its snout. He bared his teeth back at it into a snarl. "If you think you're going to make an easy prey out of me, then you are very mistaken." Redpaw growled. The viper hissed at him in return, lifting its ahead above the ground and eyeing him; ready to strike again.
Redpaw circled the venomous threat, never taking his sight off it. His fur bristled along his back as he prepared for the deadly confrontation. But despite that thought, his veins pumped with excitement at the thrill of it all.
The snake followed his movements, hissing with bared fangs and slitted green eyes. Redpaw dashed to the other side, his movements too fast for the viper to follow immediately. He stood behind it and nipped its tail, pressing his claws down over its back. Aggravated, the snake lashed out, attempting to bite him but Redpaw managed to jump away before it could. He repeated the same tactic a couple of more times until he got rather bored. Enough messing around. He decided.
Redpaw stood motionless, staring into the snake's eyes as it neared him, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It took his bait, and the viper lurched forward at him. Its fangs glinted menacingly, inches away from his shoulder. Redpaw dropped to the ground, pressing himself low enough for the snake to strike at the thin air above him. When the snake was right within reach, Redpaw sprang upwards and managed to latch onto its neck, gripped tightly between his teeth. Before the viper could react and strike again, he furiously shook it around; batting it repeatedly over the ground, stunning the snake long enough for him to snap its neck and kill it.
Redpaw let go of the snake, letting it drop to the ground dead. The viper was quite big, and ferocious, but in the end it stood no match for him. He towered over his prey with pride. Not many cats are skilled enough to survive a viper encounter, much less catch one. Wait until he returns to camp with this dangling from his jaws. His Clanmates will be so impressed with him, no one will ever question his loyalty again!
(Time skip)
At the end of the day, Cloverpaw returned to the sandy hollow with a large rabbit and a magpie gripped firmly between his teeth. He dropped his catch in front of Stonewing, who stood waiting patiently in the hollow.
"You're the first one back." Meowed the deputy.
"Yeah, but I've got loads more prey to fetch." Cloverpaw mewed quickly. "Should I go and take the rest now?"
Stonewing shook his head. "When the others get back, we'll go collect it all together." He decided. "You must be tired from your long, busy day."
At that instance, Cloverpaw let out a yawn. "A little." He admitted drowsily.
A swish of bushes announced Hollowpaw's arrival. He was carrying a hawk and a squirrel in his mouth, much to Cloverpaw's astonishment, and he dropped his catch next to his rabbit. "Pfft!" He spat a load of feathers from his mouth. "Stupid birds and their choking hazardous feathers! I'm going to be coughing them out all evening."
Stonewing admired his catch, but made no comment. "Redpaw's late." He observed. "We'll give him a bit longer. If he's not here by then, I'll go look for him."
"Do you think he could've gotten bitten by an adder?" Cloverpaw asks worriedly.
"It's a possibility, but I find it unlikely that Redpaw would be this careless." The deputy meowed solemnly.
"Then you don't know him at all." Hollowpaw grumbled under his breath.
They waited in silence. Cloverpaw fidgeted in his paws anxiously, worried about Redpaw. Stonewing sat emotionless beside them, apparently lost in his own thoughts.
Cloverpaw was the first to scent Redpaw's arrival. He jumped to his paws as the red-tabby cat leaped into the clearing, looking highly pleased with himself. Dangling from his mouth was the long, diamond-patterned, greenish brown body of a viper.
"Redpaw! Are you okay?" Cloverpaw called.
"Hey!" Mewed Hollowpaw, approaching to look at his catch. "Did you get bitten?"
Redpaw purred loudly. "In your dreams, StarClan reject. I was too quick for it!"
Stonewing fixed all three excited apprentices with a calculating stare. "Come on." He said briskly. "Let's collect the rest of your prey and get back to camp."
After spending the rest of the evening backtracking and digging up their catch, the four of them finally returned to camp. At this point, the three apprentices were tired; their paws sore, and their bellies groaned with hunger.
Hollowpaw could hardly wait for the chance to curl up on his nest after having a good meal. But then he remembered that he wouldn't have time to sleep tonight. His warrior ceremony is going to happen soon, and along with it, the silent vigil. Hollowpaw inwardly groaned at the notion of staying awake the whole night, doing absolutely nothing but staring at the sky. And next to Redpaw of all cats. He wasn't looking forward to any of it.
Cloverpaw, Hollowpaw, and Redpaw entered the camp, strolling behind Stonewing. Their impressive day's catch hung from their mouths, although Redpaw kept tripping over his dead snake.
"A viper!" Cloverpaw mewed, still astonished as they dropped their catch in the fresh-kill pile for other cats to share. "I can't believe you actually caught one!"
"What shall I do with it?" Asked Redpaw, sniffing the snake's long body as it laid beside the heap of prey.
"Can we even eat snakes?" Hollowpaw prompted with a tilt of his head.
Cloverpaw purred with amusement. "Trust you to think with your stomach" He joked, butting Hollowpaw with his head.
"I can't help it!" He protested. "I'm starving after hunting all afternoon."
"Well, I wouldn't want to eat it." Murmured Redpaw. "I mean, my mouth tastes pretty foul after carrying it the whole way here."
They shrugged their shoulders, and left the snake as it is. They each picked something out of the fresh-kill pile and carried back to their den. Cloverpaw took a chaffinch, Hollowpaw got a rabbit, and Redpaw took a sparrow. Then they ate together. When they finished, the three of them sat close together to groom one another and chat.
"Do you think Oakstar will really makes us warriors tonight?" Cloverpaw meowed anxiously. "I hope I went well on my assessment."
"You did fine! There's nothing to worry." Hollowpaw reassured him. From the corner of his vision, he saw his mentor converse with Oakstar on the other side of the clearing. Judging by their body language and occasional glances in their direction, he'd guessed they're talking about them.
"Any ideas on what your warrior names are going to be?" Cloverpaw prompted curiously. "I just hope mine isn't something stupid."
"I want my name to be something cool, and fitting." Redpaw stated. "Hm, Red… strike? Maybe. Red… fur? No. Red… storm? Nah."
"How about Redclaw?" Hollowpaw suggested, narrowing his sockets. "It is the most probable name for you anyway. It kind of fits you. And it'll be in honour of-"
"Don't you dare!" Redpaw snapped, casting the blue-tabby with a vicious glare. "There's no way I'm ever going to be called Redclaw!"
"You may not have a choice. It's Oakstar who decides the names, not you." Hollowpaw pointed out. "Besides, If Alderclaw wants to he could make a request for your name. Parents are the only ones who have a say aside from the leader when it comes to naming the warriors."
Redpaw's fur began to rise along his back. He sank his claws into the ground to keep himself from lashing out, as he fixed his slit glare on Hollowpaw. "And what about you, uh? You do realize that your name is going to be painfully obvious, don't you?"
Cloverpaw shrunk in apprehension. Watching the two stare each other down and argue. He regrets bringing up the subject of names with these two.
"The whole Clan already knows what your name is going to be. Maybe Oakstar should exclude you from the ceremony and we just start calling you-"
"Guys! Cut it out!" Cloverpaw stepped between the two of them, pushing each of them back before the argument could escalate any further. "Can't you two settle down for just one moment? We're about to become warriors! This is supposed to be exciting, and it's an important moment for us!"
Redpaw and Hollowpaw stared at him momentarily, before turning their gazes back on each other. They glared at one another in silence for several heartbeats. Cloverpaw was afraid they were going to disregard everything he said and just attack each other. But thankfully, Hollowpaw stepped back and looked away. Redpaw did the same and scoffed. Cloverpaw breathed a sigh of relief.
"May all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather around beneath the Highboulder for a Clan meeting." Oakstar called out, standing high up top of the boulder.
Forgetting all about the previous drama, Cloverpaw shared an excited look between his two denmates. They know exactly what it means. The Clanmembers slipped out from their dens and started to make a circle around the clearing, murmuring curiously at one another.
"We've faced many hardships along the year. We celebrated our victories, and mourned our losses." Oakstar began, once everyone was quieted down. "ThunderClan shall prevail against any threat, no matter what. And now, we'll have three new warriors to stand along with us. Cloverpaw, Redpaw, and Hollowpaw; step forth." He announced, flicking his tail to motion the three forward.
Lavenderstripe darted over to Cloverpaw and smoothed his fur with her tail. "Well done." She purred.
Hollystorm weaved past Redpaw. "You'll make a fine warrior."
Breezeshine was gleaming with happiness; tears pricking the corners of her warm eyes. Rainblossom sat beside her, a purr rumbling in her throat.
Hollowpaw looked uneasy. He surveyed the clearing and met glares directed at him. Does he even deserve to be a warrior, knowing StarClan rejected him? And judging by the cold stares from his Clanmates, none of them are happy for him to be included in.
A tail landed over his shoulder, startling him out of his thoughts. Turning, his empty sockets met Acornshell's pale green gaze. "Don't worry about what they think. StarClan is watching over you." She told him. "This is part of a destiny only they understand, but you must believe that they are guiding all of us, and that they care about you just as much as any other cat in ThunderClan."
Hollowpaw blinked as the medicine cat turned and trotted away to sit by the edge of the crowd. He wanted to believe her; he truly did. But why would StarClan let something so unfair happen to him?
Cloverpaw was already padding into the centre of the clearing, and Hollowpaw hurried after him. Redpaw followed, his paw steps even and strong.
"I, Oakstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these three apprentices." Redpaw clawed the ground in anticipation as Oakstar went on. "They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn."
Gingerpaw sat close beside Acornshell, watching the ceremony intently. He was so happy for his friends! Though he couldn't earn his own title along with them, he would be content for them regardless.
"Cloverpaw, Redpaw, and Hollowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your own lives?"
"I do." Cloverpaw answered with no hesitation. He sounded as relieved and excited as a cat that had just caught its first prey.
"I do." Redpaw echoed solemnly, stiffening with determination.
Hollowpaw took a heartbeat longer to reply. "I do." He breathed, unable to keep himself from quivering.
"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior names." Oakstar jumped down from the top of the Highboulder, where he made his announcements. He approached the apprentices.
"Cloverpaw, from this moment on you shall be known as Cloverheart." Oakstar's fur brushed against his, and the leader bent forward to placed his muzzle against his forehead. "StarClan honors your spirit and enthusiasm."
Cloverheart felt something stir within him, a fire that burned in his belly and rang in his ears. He suddenly felt that everything he had done for the Clan so far; all the prey he ever caught, and all the enemy warriors he'd fought have all been for the sake of this single moment. Cloverheart bent lower to give Oakstar's shoulder a respectful lick, before straightening up. His paws were barely holding him up, as he trembled in excitement.
The ThunderClan leader turned to face Redpaw next.
"Redpaw, from this day on you shall be known as Redthorn." Oakstar announced, pressing his muzzle against Redthorn's bowed head. "StarClan honors your fighting skill and intelligence. You are a true ThunderClan warrior now."
Redthorn's muscles were trembling so much that he could hardly stoop to lick Oakstar's shoulder. He purred hoarsely to show his thanks, then backed away. At this point he is just relieved he wasn't given the name Redclaw.
At last, Oakstar paused and moved on to the last cat. He studied Hollowpaw for a long moment before speaking. "Hollowpaw, you have suffered many hardships throughout the course of your training. And yet, here you stand; strong and resilient." His mew was gentle with sympathy. "Your new name may describe your appearance, young warrior, but it doesn't describe your heart. I know you are as true and loyal as any warrior. Bear your name bravely and nobly."
Hollowpaw nodded solemnly. Of course he would tell him that, though Hollowpaw did not believe a single word he said. It's just to make up for the obvious name he is about to be granted. Just get it over with it already! Hollowpaw shouted in his mind. I know what you're going to name me, everyone does, so just end it!
"From this day forward, you shall be known as Holloweyes." Oakstar announced, placing the tip of his muzzle between his ears. "StarClan honors your dedication and independence."
No, they don't. Holloweyes silently rebuked as he licked his leader's shoulder in gratitude. He tried his best to ignore the jeering murmurs that rippled through the crowd, as he felt their intense glares burn his pelt.
"Cloverheart! Redthorn!" The Clan raised their voices as they welcomed the new warriors. Only a select few chanted Holloweyes' name. Though he did not care for the fact. His empty sockets surveyed the crowd, meeting their glares head on as they continuously chanted his companions' names.
"Holloweyes." He murmured his new name. "I am Holloweyes." He repeated, stronger this time. He did not care for the obvious name, or the jeers that came along. He was finally a warrior, and he'll be damned if he allowed some stupid cats ruin this moment for him. He raised his chin, even if barely no one welcomed him. "I am Holloweyes."
Cloverheart looked around the Clan, seeing faces that he'd grown so fond over the last few moons. Well, at least some of them. Mudfang, and the recently named warrior, Stormtail, are still prickly thorns on his pelt. He listened to his Clanmates as they called his new name and felt overwhelmed by the kindness and respect he saw shining in their eyes. He felt a burst of pride swell in his chest, and he couldn't help but gaze up at the darkening sky. Stars already twinkled up above. Are you watching Stagheart? I did it!
"It is almost moonhigh." Meowed Oakstar, glancing at the sky. "In the tradition of our ancestors, these three new warriors must sit in silent vigil until dawn, and stay poised as sentries while we sleep."
They nodded solemnly.
As the rest of the Clan began to melt away back to their dens, Gingerpaw trotted over to them. "Congratulations guys! You three are true warriors now!" He meowed enthusiastically. "How do you feel?"
Holloweyes shrugged indifferently. "It's not that different, to be honest."
"Don't be like that." Cloverheart nudged him heartily. "Admit it, you are content too."
"Yeah, I guess." The eyeless warrior twitched his ears, tail flicking from side to side.
"I'm so happy for all of you!" Gingerpaw squealed with glee, practically jumping up with joy. "Now you guys are free to do whatever you want. As long as you don't break the code, I mean." His whiskers twitched with amusement.
"Thanks. But uh…" Cloverheart trailed off, feeling uneasy all of the sudden.
Gingerpaw faced him, face clouded in confusion. "What is it?" He stepped closer to him.
"Well, it's just that, I mean… The four of us became apprentices together. And now, we got our warrior names, but you're still an apprentice." Cloverheart tried to explain, fidgeting in his paws. "It just seems kind of unfair to you somehow. Are you okay with this?"
The orange cat just shook his head, still smiling. "Why would this bother me? I'm just glad for you!" He mewed. "Besides, it won't be long until I get my own name too. Though I won't mind waiting till then." Gingerpaw stepped closer, and pressed his muzzle against Cloverheart's cheek affectionately. He then moved over to do the same to Holloweyes and Redthorn.
The red-tabby was uncharacteristically quiet this time. Though he was thankful for his friend's gesture. Redthorn had narrowed his eyes, as Alderclaw parted away from the rest of the crowd and approached him. He faced his father coldly.
"Hey, uh, congratulations on your warrior ceremony. Oakstar picked a fine name for you. It suits you." Alderclaw commented proudly. When Redthorn had no shift in his expression, or answered him, he gave a step back; looking hesitant. "I know things haven't been right between the two of us, and you still blame me for everything that's happened with your mother. But I just want you to know that I couldn't be prouder of who you turned out to be. And I'm sure that if she's watching at us right now, she would feel the same about you."
At the mention of his mother, Redthorn felt his throat clog with grief. He choked down the sensation and continued to glare at Alderclaw. "How dare you tell me how she would've felt?" He hissed, trying his hardest to contain his anger and not cause a scene within the Clan. "You didn't seem to care about how she felt when you took me away from her. Or when she died! So don't come to me now, and pretend. I don't want anything to do with you."
Alderclaw stared at him in dismay, his eyes shone with hurt, but Redthorn did not care. His father said nothing more, as he simply bowed his head and walked away.
Turning back to his friends, Gingerpaw has already left them; presumably went back to the medicine den to retire for the night. In the middle of the clearing, he sat down to Cloverheart's left, while Holloweyes sat on the right. They exchanged glances, but said nothing. In the silence of the night, the three reflected their new positions and names in the Clan, and what could come for them here on forward.
Cloverheart gazed at the moon above his head. His brown tabby and white coat glowed in the cold light. Around him, the bushes and trees were draped in mist that brushed damply against his fur. Scenting the air, he could detect the presence of rain in the area. It won't be long now for it to break down. Hopefully after their vigil, when they won't have the chance of getting soaking wet. Cloverheart closed his eyes and recalled the memories from his kittenhood. Nursery tales from his mother and the elders about a warrior's life, and now, that life is stretched ahead of him. He felt unrestrained joy flood up from his paws and surge through his body.
He is a warrior at last. What could StarClan have in store for him now?
Here we are! What do you guys think of their names? Don't worry about Gingerpaw! His medicine cat ceremony is coming after the next chapter, which is a ship request. Which one? You'll just have to wait and see! ;)