Chapter 25

Everything seemed to settle into a regular routine. After the circumstances of Fadingfire gaining his warrior name a little earlier, nothing particularly noteworthy happened. Skypaw's days were filled with training as usual, mostly with Minnowheart pushing Skypaw to get more and more involved with more major injuries. Though, most injuries tended to be minor. It was Greenleaf, and Minnowheart claimed that there wouldn't be much in the way of illness either, at least not until Leaf-fall rolled around again.

So, most of Skypaw's training consisted of him and Minnowheart going out and gathering as many herbs as they could… While still leaving room for more to grow and not bleed their stocks dry. Of course, they could only pick so many. So, Minnowheart began giving more focus to teaching Skypaw hunting and some basic battle skills… Well, she'd already started, however she wanted to make sure they were ingrained. She said that being a medicine cat was no excuse for being incompetent as a cat. They might've chosen a different path, however that was no excuse to being unable to hunt or defend himself. Though, Minnowheart claimed there would always be those who would be dishonorable and attack a medicine cat.

He spent his free time…. Somewhat avoiding Fadingfire, while still trying to talk to his friends. He found it harder to find time to talk to Twistpaw sometimes, because his brother was sort of… Hogging the ginger apprentice's time. He guessed it was because of the cats their age who got along with Fadingfire easily… Salmonpaw was angry at Fadingfire for letting Creekpaw get hurt and apparently not caring, while Creekpaw wasn't angry exactly… But Skypaw didn't think Creekpaw really knew what he felt other than he didn't want to be around Fadingfire.

Mostly, Skypaw spent time getting closer to Cloudypaw and Shinepaw. He still made an effort to spend plenty of time with Creekpaw and Salmonpaw, following up on his promise to help support Creekpaw through his adjustment to losing half his sight. The black and white apprentice had stumbled at first, but he eventually did regain some of confidence and learn how to move and fight with only one eye. Skypaw hoped that Creekpaw might one day find his ability to fight with only one eye a source of pride.

Regardless, things seemed to be looking up. For the most part, nevermind that the only thing that wasn't looking up was the one thing Skypaw wished it was. Salmonpaw was still rather pushy, but at least wasn't forcing herself into Creekpaw's training sessions anymore. Twistpaw had seemed to loosen up visibly, beginning to convince others that Twistpaw was serious about staying. Cloudypaw seemed to be adjusting better as well, smiling with less awkwardness every day. Shinepaw was…. Still Shinepaw, but Skypaw wasn't sure she'd ever change. Or if he'd even want her to.

Skypaw was laying on top of the root that served as one of two walls of the medicine cat's den, when Flashstar called out for a meeting.

"Let all cats old enough to fish gather beneath the Tall Root!"

Skypaw took his place near the back, never wanting to be in the middle of the crowd. After the clan had gathered before the Tall Root, Flashstar looked over the crowd, then briefly nodded to himself.

"Salmonpaw, Shinepaw, Creekpaw, Twistpaw, Cloudypaw. Step forward." The leader of Rainclan commanded.

Skypaw could see the various reactions of his friends. Twistpaw and Cloudypaw looked to each other before stepping forward. Shinepaw yawned, which caused Flashstar's eye to twitch ever so slightly. Salmonpaw seemed about to explode in excitement. Creekpaw seemed similarly excited, though with an element of anxiety tied to it.

Flashstar looked between Salmonpaw, Shinepaw, and Creekpaw. "Your mentors, Snowyash, Faithwhisper, and Morningglow, all tell me you three have trained hard to learn the ways of being a Rainclan warrior. I believe it is time for you to bear the name to match your skills. I, Flashstar, leader of Rainclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look upon these three young apprentices. They have all trained hard to prove themselves worthy of the warrior title, and I commend them all as warriors in their turns. Salmonpaw, Shinepaw, Creekpaw. Do you promise to uphold our code and to protect this clan and our values, even at the cost of your life?" He asked.

Salmonpaw and Creekpaw both answered immediately.

"I do!"

"I-I promise."

Shinepaw seemed determined to ever so slightly irk their leader at every opportunity. She shrugged and only said, "Sure."

Flashstar pointedly ignored Shinepaw's usual bout of disrespect. "Then by the powers invested in me by Starclan, I grant you your warrior names. From today on, you shall be known as Salmonmist, Creekpool, and Shinestream. We honor your compassion and dedication. We welcome you all as true warriors of Rainclan." Then he looked to Twistpaw and Cloudypaw.

"Your mentors as well, have told me that you have trained hard. Exceptionally hard, to learn the ways and values of Rainclan, to join us and embrace Rainclan as your new home. We agree that it is time for you to receive your warrior names. I, Flashstar, leader of Rainclan, call upon my warrior ancestors, to look upon these two apprentices. They have trained hard to prove themselves as genuine in their path to truly join Rainclan, and I commend them as warriors to you in their turns. Twistpaw, Cloudypaw. Do you promise to uphold our code and to protect this clan and our values, even at the cost of your life?"

Twistpaw nodded immediately. "I do."

"I promise." Cloudypaw replied softer, however just as resolute.

Flashstar nodded. "Then by the powers invested in me by Starclan, I grant you your warrior names. You shall be known as Cloudyflame and Twistflight. We honor your loyalty and resolve. We welcome you both… As true warriors of Rainclan."

As Flashstar dropped from the Tall Root, all the newly named warriors bowed their heads. It appeared the meeting and all the ceremonies were over. Wow. All of Skypaw's friends had been named at once.

Then the calls rang out from the clan, cheering on the new warriors. "Salmonmist! Creekpool! Shinestream! Twistflight! Cloudyflame!" Repeating over and over, loudly and enthusiastically. Skypaw joined in as well.

Now… He was the only one without their full name among his age group. Though, he didn't mind. He didn't think it'd change anything major. He was only happy for his friends.