Deep Blue Eyes-- a warriors fanfic (completed story!)

Chapter 19

“Bramblefur, is your apprentice Dapplepaw ready to become a warrior?” Fernstar asked.

Flowerpaw leaned in closer. She definitely deserves this. She is a good friend, and she tried to help Blazepaw and I. She risked a glance at the black and white tom. Even if it didn’t work out.

“She is more than anything,” Bramblefur sounded more certain than any cat Flowerpaw had ever known.

Fernstar turned to Dapplepaw. “Dapplepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, defend and protect our clan, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do,” Dapplepaw’s voice rang out strong and clear.

“Very well. Dapplepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Dapplesplash, for your sociable, cheerful personality can prevent a clan from fighting and you have lots of influence, along with your sense of humor is just like a splash of wonder.” Fernstar touched her nose to the newly named Dapplesplash’s ear. “StarClan honors your loyalty and enthusiasm, and welcomes you as a warrior of ThunderClan.”

“Dapplesplash! Dapplesplash!” Flowerpaw cheered. She was happy for her former denmate. It’s not going to be much longer until I’ll join her!

A cloud covered the sunset, making the whole camp fall into darkness.

“And there’s one last thing I’d like to do tonight. It is time for the naming of two apprentices,” Fernstar meowed. Flowerpaw noticed Goldenblaze bristling. Is she receiving an omen? At the time of an apprentice ceremony and a warrior ceremony?

“Specklekit, Lionkit, please step forward,” Fernstar commanded. The two kits bounced forward excitedly.

“Specklekit, from this moment until you receive your warrior name you will be known as Specklepaw. Your mentor will be Dapplesplash.” When shocked gasps erupted from the clan, Fernstar continued, “Dapplesplash has shown that she could handle most things from our interview, and I believe she is ready for her first apprentice.” A surprised Dapplesplash came up to touch noses with her new apprentice.

Flowerpaw’s vision blurred, and she was swept back to the time Specklepaw was still a kit.

“Dapplepaw said that Blazepaw was really angry at you, and that he didn’t want to be your friend anymore.” Flowerpaw buried her nose in her paws.

“Specklepaw! Lionpaw! Specklepaw! Lionpaw!” Flowerpaw sat up and gave one last cheer to the new apprentices. Oh StarClan, don’t let them think I ignored them!

“Now it’s time for rest. Dapplesplash is sitting her vigil tonight.” Fernstar commanded. The clan scattered into the nest. Flowerpaw purred as she watched Specklepaw head towards the nursery, but suddenly remember what she was doing and spin around to head towards the apprentice den, paws churning across the ground.

“It’s time for you to rest, Flowerpaw.” Fernstar’s sudden mew erupted behind Flowerpaw, and she squealed in shock and stumbled back.

“I-I’m on my way, Fernstar.” Flowerpaw apologized. When she made her way to the apprentice den, she felt strangely threatened. Why do I feel as though something bad is going to happen?

The next morning Flowerpaw felt a paw prodding her awake. “Flowerpaw! Wake up!” Flowerpaw blinked open her eyes to see Dapplesplash standing over her. “I need to talk to you!”

Flowerpaw yawned. She stumbled out of the apprentice den and outside of the camp.

“I apologize for this, but I didn’t want the clan to hear,” Dapplesplash quickly spoke. “Blazepaw went to the Moonpool last night, and got his full name, Blazefire.”