Warriors: Stormspot's Grief

Ch.3

(Cat above is Firepaw)

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Firepaw, from this moment you will be known as Fireclaw. StarClan honors your strengths and your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."

When he finished speaking Fallowstar stepped up to Fireclaw and rested his muzzle on his bowed head. Fireclaw licked his shoulder respectfully, then walked over to stand between Ashshade and Mudpelt.

"Fireclaw! Fireclaw!"

Just as he had said, Fireclaw's warrior ceremony happened first thing in the morning. Stormpaw was next Cloudpaw, who was chanting along with the rest of the clan. When the noise died down the clan dispersed, some going to congratulate the new warrior, other going to do their duties.

Fernpaw, who had been on Stormpaw's other side, races over to Fireclaw and pressed her muzzle against his. Fireclaw returned her gesture, whispered something to her, then was escorted by Brackenear and Spottedflare to the warriors' den.

Stormpaw rolled his eyes then slipped under the brambles that sheltered the apprentice den. Gray clouds moved sluggishly across the sky and he could scent rain on the breeze. Shivering, he sat down, licking one paw and rubbing it over his face. Cloudpaw joined him in the den a few heartbeats later. Stormpaw could see her lithe body shivering as well.

"A thin drizzle set in." She mewed.

"It'd be pointless for Oakflame to send out a hunting patrol." Stormpaw commented. "All the prey will be in their holes."

Cloudpaw let out a small huff of laughter then licked a paw and ran it over her muzzle. The two apprentices sat in silence for a few moments.

"So," Stormpaw meowed after a while. "What do you think of Fireclaw's name?"

Cloudpaw looked up from where she had been resting. "I like it. Fallowstar gave him a fitting name."

"What do you think yours will be?" Stormpaw asked.

Cloudpaw shrugged. "I'm not sure. I've often wondered what Fallowstar would name me."

"Rainflight and Stonehaze think I'll be named for my spots." Stormpaw mewed.

"Probably." Cloudpaw smiled. "What else would you be named for?"

Stormpaw gave a small smile then curled up in his nest and rested his head on his paws.

I don't really mind my name. What would I be honored for?

*

*

*

Stormpaw padded over to the fresh kill pile, a couple of shrews dangling from his jaw. He dropped his prey off then turned and headed for the apprentice den.

A few days had passed since Fireclaw's ceremony. Stormpaw didn't see much of him now that the ginger tom spent most of his time with warriors. When he wasn't doing that, he was off somewhere with Fernpaw.

Stormpaw rolled his eyes as he sat outside the den. He spotted Oakflame padding over to Stonehaze when suddenly Marshtail emerged into the camp. The brown and black tom's fur was sticking out and he was panting.

"Fallowstar!" He called. "Oakflame!"

Fallowstar emerged from his den and raced across the clearing with Oakflame behind him.

"What is it?" Fallowstar asked.

"It's ShadowClan." Marshtail explained. "I spotted them across our boders. I think they moved thier borders into our territory."