Blighting Flame

Chapter 21

Warriors Fanfiction Series

Book One: Blighting Flame

Chapter Twenty-One

"Dear cats of SkyClan, it is time Dapple become a warrior of SkyClan."

     Harrypaw blinked as Dapple shifted next to Sparrowpelt. Her eyes were wide with warmth and Harrypaw could tell that Petalnose's sister was honored. Petalnose, herself, had her eyes brimming with pride, as if she was watching her own kit's warrior ceremony.

     I guess it's time for Dapple to officially join us. She's proved that she's loyal, Harrypaw thought. Today was a special day for her, now that it was more than a moon after the battle with Flame. Leafstar had wanted to do the same with Starlight, but Starlight refused, keeping the name her mother had given her as a kit. Harrypaw wasn't so sure it was such a good idea.

     Other SkyClan cats had kept their original names in the past, as well. Tangle, Egg, Sloe, Sol, who'd been formerly named Harry. And Harrypaw was named after him. But he was relieved his clanmates didn't look at him with suspicion or apprehension. Here he had compassion. But we have other problems to worry about right now, a problem that's called Flame.

     "Go on, Dapple!", Tinycloud encouraged the splotchy she-cat warmly. "It's time she earned it," Creekfeather commented. Stormpaw was sitting next to Sagefur, keeping her gaze fixed on Dapple. But Harrypaw knew Stormpaw approved. She changed a long time ago, the gray tabby told himself.

     Dapple left Sparrowpelt's side and padded forward in front of Leafstar. Leafstar was gazing upon her and continued the ceremony.

     "Dapple," Leafstar meowed. "You fought alongside against Flame, and have hunted for us, so that we're always well-fed. We do not doubt your loyalty for us," She paused. Harrypaw heard Rockshade scoff behind. Not everyone, I guess. But will making Dapple a warrior cause more hostility for us and the rogues, or benefit us for the better?

     "You have earned your warrior name. From this moment, you shall be known as--"

     "Hold on!"

     Shocked mews ran throughout the crowd, as Dapple interrupted Leafstar. Harrypaw froze. Why would she do that? She isn't allowed to! He could see that pretty much everyone else was thinking the same thing. Mintfur's mate, daylight warrior Harveymoon, looked disgusted. Even Petalnose looked like she wasn't expecting her littermate to do that.

     Harrypaw couldn't resist looking back to crowd and seeing Clovertail's satisfied expression. Her eyes gleamed with uncertainty, but Harrypaw knew that she was liking whatever was happening. She's gone crazy, even if she is Honeypetal's mother, he realized. Leafstar was a bit taken back by Dapple's interruption.

     Dapple surveyed the crowd of warriors and apprentices, through steady amber eyes. "Listen," she began. "I am honored and privileged that you would consider me a warrior. But I'd like to choose my own name. If Leafstar permits it," she glanced at her leader. "Then I would like to be called Dappled Petal. In honor of my sister, Petalnose, who has been alongside me, all my life."

     Stunned silence overcame the crowd. Harrypaw felt insecure. "Can she be allowed to pick her own name? I've never heard of it ever happening," Specklepaw suddenly said out loud. Ripples of murmurs began to sweep through all of them and Harrypaw discussed the issue with Firepaw, next to him. "I don't know. It doesn't even sound like a clan name, 'Dappled Petal'", Firepaw worried. Harrypaw agreed. "It sounds more separate."

     Then, Dapple spoke up. "Listen. I know many of you are disturbed or nerved by my choice. But Starlight keeping her name, is no different from me picking my own," she explained. Harrypaw flicked an ear, while Sandyfoot just had to call out, "But it's not!"