Of Dust and Dawn

Generation One: Chapter Four

The sky was still dark when Dawnstar's meow echoed throughout the camp. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Highstone for a Clan meeting!" The phrase rolled off Dawnstar's tongue naturally, a newfound sense of importance raining over her. Morningdew made her way through the camp, gathering up the groups of cats from their slumber areas. Dawnstar rose to her paws when the group had gathered below, "StarClan had granted me the wisdom of the Warrior Code and I wanted to share that with all of you." She began by explaining who StarClan was, the Warrior Code, clan ranks, and all the knowledge Whitestar had shared with her. "I want to begin with a warrior ceremony for everyone who wishes to truly become a member of the Clan."

Kirito was the first to step forward, "We have not known each other long but I know I am willing to follow you and the Warrior Code."

Dawnstar beckoned him up onto the rock, "Thank you for stepping forward," she purred, giving Kirito a quick lick on the top of his head, before looking up at the star speckled sky,"I, Dawnstar, leader of DawnClan, call upon the lost warrior ancestors to look down on this tom. He has promised to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn." She turns her head back to Kirito, "Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do."

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

Morningdew starts to chant, "Patchpelt! Patchpelt! Patchpelt!" The others slowly began to join in with the cheer. One by one the others stepped forward to receive their warrior name. Toby, the large Maine coon became Hawktail, for his sharp eye and bravery. Gracie the pretty Laperm she-cat was named Foxface, for her beauty and endurance. Simon the quiet oriental shorthair's warrior name was Orangestripe, for his fur. Blake the orange Siberian was named Firefoot for his strength, the Egyptian Mau Lulu became Featherflight for her speed, Nami, the new mother American longhair became Rainpool for her determination to protect her kits, Sasha the Korat became Mousepath for her keen hunting skills, and Sybil the Ocicat's new name was Spottedwillow for her ability to blend in to her surroundings.

The cats cheered on as each received their new names. "You missed my kits." Rainpool's soft voice broke through the excitement.

"I have not, as their mother you are to give them their names." Dawnstar explained that she could pick any prefix for her kits and the suffix would be 'kit'.

The clan watched the queen as she debated on what to name her young ones. Once she had chosen the cats cheered the kits' new names. The girls; Ivykit and Rosekit and the boys; Aspenkit and Leafkit.