Waterstar's Heart

Chapter 12

"I, Shadestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn."  Shadestar's meow echoed across the camp clearing.

Waterpaw stood in front of his father, legs trembling. His purr was so loud his whole body seemed to shake. The whole clan was watching. Badger and Houndtail watched from close by. He could see his mother smiling wide, eyes glimmering in pride. For first time in moons, his mother was happy again.

Clovernose leaned against Webtooth with a large purr. His former mentor gave him a wink when he smiled at her. Heathertail and Iceear sat at the foot of the Highrock.

The dark grey leader took a moment before continuing. It was obvious he was beginning to get emotional. His voice was heavy with pride as he posed the question, "Waterpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." The grey tom swallowed, straightening his head.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Waterpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Waterheart. StarClan honors your spirit and bravery, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."

His father rested his muzzle onto his head, and Waterheart gave his shoulder a lick.

Waterheart stepped back, turning to look at Grassfang and Oakpath who bounded up to join him in the clearing.

ThunderClan erupted into a loud cheer. The three newly named warriors beamed with happiness.

"Grassfang! Oakpath! Waterheart!"

Grassfang purred and nuzzled Waterheart's shoulder. Oakpath then pulled the grey warrior close, ruffling his fur at the top of his head with a paw. "I'm glad you became a warrior with us."

As the meeting was dispersed, Waterheart was met with his parents and Clovernose. Badger was the first to acknowledge his new name, a deep purr rumbling in her throat.

"Waterheart." She repeated. His mother licked his ruffled fur back, smoothing it out. He was glad she was back in her old spirit.

"It suits you." Clovernose meowed. Her tail gently swished as she gazed at him with her one good eye. "I'm honored to have mentored you."

Shadestar chuckled. "I remember when you left the nursery for the first time...now look at you." He was getting choked up. "The moons have passed so quickly," he licked a paw and drew it over an ear, "I hope your vigil comes and goes quickly tonight."

***

The moon was high and full in the sky. Waterheart made his way down into the hollow behind Houndtail. She limped carefully down the slope, claws deep in the soil. Silver moonlight lit the clearing, bathing the cats below. There were already many conversations going around.

His vigil had gone smooth the previous night, and he was relieved that he was able to rest in preparation for the gathering.

Waterheart slipped away from the elder as she found Dovecloud and Rainfoot, two elders from ShadowClan and RiverClan respectively. They met Houndtail with raspy purrs.

This wasn't his second gathering. He had gone almost every full moon when he was an apprentice. Waterheart could see the familiar faces around him. Cats he had fought, or had brief one time talks with. There were also cats he had never seen before, too.

In the distance he could see Maplepaw. His fur bristled as they locked eyes. The calico sat alone this time. With a flick of her ginger tail, she invited him to sit with her. He still hadn't forgotten about her little comment.