The cats sat in the center of the barn, forming an evenly spaced circle. Today was a very special day, one that only came every once in a great while. Talon and Kroova's son was eleven months old today, and it was the day he would announce his name. He had spent the entire morning and early afternoon grooming and preparing, and when the sun shone through a hole in the ceiling and hit the center of the circle, he would come out and announce what he'd been pondering for the last several weeks. As the cats waited for the light to creep to the center of the circle, they talked quietly amongst themselves—well, most of them did; Vail and Mercuos were simply lost in each other's eyes.
Taru soon was unable to stay engrossed in the conversation she was having with Rascal, and her eyes became locked on the pool of sunlight as it inched across the floor. One by one, the conversations ended and they all watched as the circle of afternoon light came within inches of being centered in the circle. They all did their best to keep still, but an occasional flick of the tail betrayed impatience. Finally, the young tom of honor left the shadows of the barn and entered the circle. Nobody moved as he stood in the middle of the sunlight. His golden fur shone brightly, and it seemed he was actually reflecting light into the darker shadows of the barn.
"Today is a very important day for me," he started out, giving the traditional speech whenever a barn cat announced his or her name. "Eleven months ago today, I came into this world, and was not given a name by my mother and father. Some don't understand this, but those who do know that the cat who finds his own name knows himself better than any other living thing on the planet. I have explored the recesses of my mind, learning every single aspect of myself, hoping I might learn what my name is. I stand here this day to announce what I have come to realize."
He took a deep breath and looked at his parents, who were beaming with pride. "My name is Apollo, son of Talon Strongpaw and Kroova Kindheart."
Cheers erupted from the barn cats, and they all rushed forward to welcome Apollo officially into the small clan. They would stay up into the early hours of the morning, celebrating the naming of another cat.
[A/N] Ok, I only did this so that I wouldn't have to keep saying 'that cat' in my Narnia cross-over. But just so you all know, in the beginning of the story, Apollo is one month away from being named… so ten months… anyway, I just had to post this so you guys know his name. Also, there is something about Apollo; I bet nobody will ever guess. In fact, just in case someone does, I will *ahem* allow them certain privileges regarding the Narnia cross-over. Not to inspire competition, or anything. I just want to know if anyone can get it ;) I also thought it proper to end "The Name Game" with a cat being named!