𝘞𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘴: 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺 (𝘉𝘖𝘖𝘒 2) (ROS)

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 27

When three quarter-moons have passed by, the day has finally come. 

He finished his last training after two in a half-moon with some disruptions. He was now at the age of fifteen moons. He may be ready, but he was nervous about something. Something that relate to his own blood, who haven't been present for a good while. He sat in his apprentice den for the last time, wandering about his uncle and where he has gone. The apprentices, Orca'paw and Shell'paw entered the den, as they were also supposed to rank up with him. 

"Hey." Orca'paw bluntly greets him. "My brother seems to be fond of a name he wanted to give you during your ceremony. But it's only a surprise." He sat on his moss bed, facing at the tom's direction. It made Spider'paw curious as to why Emerald'glare had done that. "Is Otter'star prone to give bad names?" He asked, which made the apprentice burst into laughter. "No dirt! One of our queens is named 'Clam'rage'! Who names a warrior that?" He fell over, catching himself into a laughing fit. 

"They didn't like each other. 'Clam' probably fits her anyways." Shell'paw added, even bringing himself into a fit of laughter. That memory lived freely into their minds since they were kits. Spider'paw couldn't help but to purr in amusement. Although, he was still anxious of what name could be given to him. Spider'leg? Spider'claw? Spider'leaf? They all sound too basic and overused from time to time. He needed a new name, a name that hasn't been heard of in a while.

Just before he could speak, a cat yowls the meeting call. 

"If you are old enough to swim through the harsh waves, gather beneath the blue rock for a meeting!"

Cats hurried to gather as they recognized Emerald'glare's voice. They were curious, excited, and even nosy on who will be warriors today. Otter'star showed no interest in joining, the memory had got him so angry but intimidated to see Spider'paw exit the den. His eyes watered just from the sight of him gave a deadly reminder of him. The black tom finds himself sitting on the middle, Orca'paw and Shell'paw followed him. Cats were looking, their eyes stuck to the black tom. Spider'paw couldn't help but hide his face, the fear and nervousness coming back for the final battle. He knew now that he was going to leave Sunflower behind.

"Hearing rumors of a warrior ceremony is true. There are three that will rank up today." The deputy stood on the crystallized rock, his eyes focusing on the cats below him, especially his brother and his own apprentice. "Orca'paw, Spider'paw, and Shell'paw. Step up." He ordered, Spider'paw saw the two cats walking up below the shadow under the rock. Spider'paw looks around, some of the cats were suspicious to him. It was making him feel uncomfortable that many eyes were staining his back with fear and hopelessness. He quickly shook that off and followed the two toms towards the middle. Orca'paw's chest puffed up with pride. Shell'paw was rather tame about it, as it seems to be a normal day for him.

"I hereby call upon the spirits of SunClan to guide these three as they become shining stars of our clan." he prayed. "I commend them as a warrior in the words of the great suns. I hope now that Wave'star will embrace them as the new generation of WaveClan!"

There were two fellow warriors that were mentors of the two apprentices. Water'step  was proud of his apprentice, as he had given his pride to the young and bold Orca'paw. Quiet'ripple was nearly about to burst into tears knowing that her son was now growing on her. It was bad enough that her daughter had to sit by and comfort her, some of the cats held their laughter from the entire meeting. Spider'paw seemed to be proud of the two apprentices, but he felt alone for some reason. They all had their families to watch them. Emerald'galre could tell that his own apprentice was feeling somber just from the sight of the apprentices and their families. 

It didn't really help that Spider'paw knew he and Orca'paw were related. It made him feel alone in some way, but he never bothered to show it. There's always a time and place; he was still happy for them at the end. As Orca'paw was firstly called, he observed carefully. He did hear a voice of his ancestor, whispering in the disguise of the cold wind that caused his shoulders to shudder. 

"Look up." 

He confused as to why the BloodClan ghost called him. His body vibrated, feeling a familiar company that was hiding in the shadows of the cave. He looks up to see what he didn't expect to be there.

Dusk'prowl. 

His entire face brightened up; his heart beaten like never before. He thought he wasn't going to see him again, there were many questions as to why he had even passed the strict security of WaveClan's borders? Dusk'prowl stood in the darkness above, his cold eyes wandering at his nephew. He had made a promise, and he was going to commit to it. Spider'paw could feel his body turning into a whole pit of fire, the warmth traveled his veins. The feeling of hope now that he was there. He was now confident of the ceremony, the fear of everyone's judgement fell through to him like sand. 

After Shell'brindle has been renamed, it was now time for Spider'paw.

Emerald'glare moved from the rock, approaching to his apprentice. He rested his nose on Spider'paw's forehead. "I'm proud of you." He whispered, and then backing away from him to conclude the ceremony by giving his name last. "Spider'paw, do you promise to fight and defend for your clan, even at the cost of your life? Will you learn to follow the sacred code, and provide our intelligence and wisdom to others?"

Spider'paw's head never wavered, his eyes firm as sharp, hefty rocks. "I do." He responded.

"By the might of SunClan, you will be known as SPIDER'STALK from now on. SunClan will honor your strategy, kindness, and wisdom." 

The clan was left silent from that name. The forbidden prefix of an old warrior who left the clan form the slip of the cliff. The grief that struck the clan for many seasons. But the deputy knew the clan needed to move on, the name had fit greatly for the newly apprentice. Although, the new warrior's appearance didn't really help with anything. It was a bold decision, that even Dusk'prowl nearly slipped from where he was at. 

Spider'stalk, noticed the silence. Had he done something wrong to anger them? 

He desperately looked around, only to be greeted with agitated stares, the elders distancing themselves from him. It was silent that only a small pebble could be dropped and still heard. The grim atmosphere continuing all the way until the end.

As the newly appointed warrior sat in front of the raging beach, Ghost'breeze was left in shock. The sun shined between them, the shadows of the past lurking. 

"They did what?" She caught her breath, her eyes widening from shock.

"No one said anything. They all just stared at me as if I was born with five heads." He explained, his eyes heavy from the wide disappointment of the clan. "Did I do something wrong?" He asked her with a genuine look. His eyes showing the hint of his innocence. Ghost'breeze couldn't say anything, she wasn't supposed to say it. She knew now that one word could burn a whole forest. 

"No. no." The SunClan warrior reassured him. "They were just hurt from the past; you have nothing to fear for. I promise." She gently nuzzled him, her tail swayed anxiously. Spider'stalk was left suspicious of his friend, but he didn't want to ask. It wasn't his business. He just stares out to the blue waves, hoping that his vigil will fill in his skeptical mind. 

It will be nothing more than just him, and him only.

The new warriors had been assigned, but one had nearly caused an uproar.

Orca'leap.

Shell'brindle.

Spider'stalk.