Chapter 13

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The cool breeze ruffled Dapplepaw's fur as she wandered aimlessly around the territory.  Her paws led her to the large lake that bordered the territory.  Dapplepaw clawed her way up a willow tree and nestled herself among the branches.  It sure is pretty out here, Dapplepaw thought as she gazed into the distance.  The sun was just beginning to rise and the light cast a ethereal glow on the deep blue water.  Lulled by the calming waves, Dapplepaw felt herself slip into a shallow sleep.  

When Dapplepaw awoke she saw the sun high in the sky.  Great StarClan disappearing twice in one day! Blazeheart is going to be so angry, Dapplepaw thought anxiously jumping down from the tree.  Branches whipped her face and leaves crunched under her paws as Dapplepaw raced back to camp.  Just as she entered, she saw her mentor chatting with Fernhollow.  The two looked engrossed in conversation so Dapplepaw thought it would be best to slink back to her den.  

"Where were you?" Shadowpaw hissed as Dapplepaw slipped into the den.  "I woke up and you were gone.  Flowerpaw thought that ShadowClan had kidnapped you!"  

"I'm sorry," Dapplepaw apologized.  "I went for a walk last night and fell asleep." she explained to a snarling Shadowpaw.  Suddenly Flowerpaw raced into the den.  "Dapplepaw!  Thank StarClan you're okay.  Ravenpaw and Shimmerpaw are becoming warriors today!" Flower purred,  her eyes shining with anticipation.  

"Soon it will be our turn," Shadowpaw reminded her sisters before racing out of the den.  The two she-cats followed suit and saw Ravenpaw and Shimmerpaw standing in front of Tornstar.  The two cats had meticulously groomed their fur and they looked stunning.  Ravenpaw's dark gray pelt shone and Shimmerpaw looked as pretty as ever as Tornstar began the ceremony.  

"I, Tornstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice.  He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn." he meowed, his strong voice echoing through the camp.  "Ravenpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" 

"I do." Ravenpaw's steady meow matched Tornstar's in strength.  

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name.  Ravenpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Ravenheart.  StarClan honors your dedication and loyalty and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Tornstar meowed.  He turned to Shimmerpaw and repeated the words.  

"I, Tornstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice.  She has trained hard in the ways of your noble code and I commend her to you as a warrior in turn." Shimmerpaw's pale green eyes were overflowing with excitement as Tornstar addressed her.  "Shimmerpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," Shimmerpaw replied, her voice calm and confident. 

"Then by the powers of StarClan I grant you your warrior name.  Shimmerpaw from this moment on you will be known as Shimmerfall.  StarClan honors your warmth and kindness and I welcome you as a full member of ThunderClan." the leader finished.  The Clan chanted the cat's new names and the warriors were beaming with pride.  

"Congratulations!" Dapplepaw purred padding up to the pretty gray she-cat.  "Thank you," Shimmerfall  mewed graciously giving Dapplepaw a quick lick on the head.  

"The den will be so empty without us," Shimmerfall joked shoving Dapplepaw playfully.  "Not for long," Dapplepaw purred.  "Redfrost's kits are almost six moons." The two she-cats talked for a while until Flowerpaw approached them.  

"Dapplepaw can we go for a walk?  I need to tell you something." 


 

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