The Dawn of [ARCTIC] a New Era

[Mossmask]

[When you wake up on your own]

[/color]

Bramblestar blinked as the sun continued its steady climb into the sky, marveling at the bright colors of the sunrise. He vaguely wondered who was on the Dawn Patrol, or if there even was one planned. He stood up and stretched from his position by the entrance, his brown tabby pelt shining from getting a thorough wash during the past night (mostly during the times when he was bored or on the verge of falling asleep). He felt fairly awake at the moment (thank StarClan), so he figured he would do all of the overdue ceremonies, then try to organize patrols with his new deputy, perhaps even go on one or a hunt himself.

The young tom circled the High Stone and immediately prayed that he would not lose a life by slipping off the icy coating and falling in front of the rest of the clan. Cautiously, he leapt up upon the High Stone, using whatever nooks and crannies he could find for paw-holds, and stood up tall, surveying the rest of the camp. For a few heartbeats, he felt dizzy; however, he scolded himself and steadied his paws.

He was going to have to get used to it, after all.

Clearing his throat and hoping that it wasn't too early for the rest of the clan, Bramblestar yowled, "All cats report to the High Stone for a clan meeting!"

[And look around you 'cause you're not alone][/color][/blockquote]

"This is the Future," (c) Owl City[/size]

[[whispers] in the .[wind].]

// By the way, sorry if this post is bad. I haven't roleplayed in a long time.

The call resonated from the pinnacle of stone imbedded within the frosted earth. The sound itself slinked its way through the camp, making its way through the moss, snow, nocks, and even crannies until the sound brushed the ear of a cat who had curled himself up within the sanctuary of the Warrior’s Den

At first the sound pasted him as if it had no affect on him. But out of the mass of somber grey and ebony fur raised an ear, a simple ear. The ear let the sound down deep into the cat’s skull and his brain acknowledged it as a sign to ‘wake up and move himself near the perimeter of the High Boulder.

The cat, who is known by his comrades by Windwhisper, pulled himself out of the curled up position he used to sleep and shook his head to the sides as a attempt to clear his mind of the sleepy muddled thoughts. With a quick yawn he sauntered out of the hollow with brisk strides over the snow-laden ground towards the rock another cat had seated himself upon.

As he trotted towards his destination, his nose picked up the scent of food and he quietly reminded himself that he must get something to eat after this was all over. After that he began to see more cats peek out of dens and make their way towards the same area he was.

[r a v e n]]*]

[HOLLOWPAW]&&[ECLIPSEDPAW]

"Almost there, Eclipsedpaw. You can do it" His soft voice coaxed his sister out of the medicine den. It was all his fault that she had been hurt. And it didn't look good for her leg. She couldn't put any pressure on it. Any time she did, it'd buckle and she fall. Hollowpaw stayed close beside the black she-cat, her eyes, though determined, were also filled with pain. She turned her eyes towards him, opening her mouth to speak, but not sound came out. She cleared her throat, managing a few small words. "Does Mama know..?" She asked, barely above a whisper as she looked up at her brother. Hollowpaw shook his head. He hadn't left Eclipsedpaw all night, staying awake just in case something had happened.

The two of them made their way out slowly as the rest of the clan gathered, Hollowpaw looking out for both his brother, Foxpaw, and their parents. No doubt, Torturedsoul would be over in an instant, as would Cyclonefrost. Letting out a slow breath, the young tom found a spot close to the front, so Eclipsedpaw could see, then made her lay down, nosing her leg gently to put it into place. She smiled, a pain-filled expression, as she looked at her brother. 'I'm okay. It doesn't hurt too bad' She mouthed, nuzzling her brother's cheek. It hurt, but it was a dull pain, not enough to keep the black she-cat down.

Bright red eyes stared out of the den as the young tom made the call, a slim smile across her face as she stepped out of the den. Stretching her long legs out, she turned her head towards Bramblestar, then glanced around the camp, surprised that Eclipsedpaw wasn't out already. For that matter, neither was Hollowpaw or Foxpaw. Strange... Shaking her head, Torturedsoul slipped through the already gathered cats, glancing around for anyo of her kits, or mate.

It was them her gaze locked on that of the two forms exiting the medicine den. Her face dropped as she saw the limping form of her daughter leaning on her brother. Rushing forwards, she nosed Eclipsedpaw, glancing over at Hollowpaw in concern. "What happened?" She demanded, eyes narrowed slightly, stepping towards Hollowpaw when the black she-cat stopped her, shaking her head. 'After the meeting' She mouthed. With that said, Torturedsoul sat down beside her daughter, glancing up at the leader.

[TORTUREDSOUL]

[[Ridge] of [Sapphire] light]

Mythflight lifted an ear as the call entered the warriors den and echoed back across the clearing. She flicked her tail and moved her aching muscles. She had stayed up too long the night before, but with the message from her friends in starclan new life seemed to be flowing into her limbs and she stretched letting the life enter her. She trotted briskly out of the den, willing herself to be happy again. She smiled at every passing warrior, and dipped her head to Bramblestar as she saw him up on the high boulder. She took a seat near the front determined to be on the dawn patrol after the meeting, or on a hunting patrol at least. she needed something to do. She flicked her tail and let it fall around her paws and she gazed up at the the new leader, smiling at his young face and flicking her ears.

Her red and white pelt moved slowly up and down a soft even tempo. She lifted her head as she heard Bramblestar call from the high boulder. She moved her lithe muscular body into a luxurious stretch and moved quickly out to sit off the side of the group. She flicked her tail so that it landed around her paws. She looked around the clearing and flicked her ears as she counted cats. the clan was growing, even through these tough times with no clear leadership, they had made it and they were growing. she sighed and looked up again at Bramblestar. She dipped her head to him in greeting, and knew that this was a very important time for the clan. He would make warriors and apprentice kits. It was a good day to begin afresh. She sky was clear, and the sun was shinning. The cats were well fed, even though green leaf was still moons away. she flicked her ears again and let a smile cross her lips.

He blinked his eyes, he had been awake for a few hours now grooming his pelt. It's tawny coloring shone like new bark in green leaf. he flicked his long slender tail, and nudged Cherubimpaw awake. The younger tom wouldn't be getting a warrior name today, but he needed to look nnice at least. "At least get the moss out of your fur Cherubimpaw!" he scolded, feeling more like a warrior already. He flicked the tom on the ear, and without another word padded into the clearing. He searched for his father, and mentor, but not seeing either of them padded instead to sit beside Cardinalvoice who nudged him on the shoulder and smiled. "I'm proud of you,' she murmured, and though she wasn't his mother, he felt a strange satisfaction coming from his heart. He fluffed himself up and looked up to the high boulder waiting for Bramblestar to begin. He was excited but sat quiet and refined, not wanting to act like an apprentice anymore. He smiled lightly at the thought. He hadn't acted like an apprentice in moons. He was already a warrior by deeds, he merely needed his name. He gazed at Bramblestar, his brother, best friend and now leader, he knew he would follow him to the end of his days, no matter the toms choice. He looked up to the sky and smiled thinking of the stars he had seen dancing last night in silver pelt as he waited for Bramblestar to get his lives. I hoe you're watching He thought thinking of Tawnysongs. He knew she was. something just told him she was.

Cherubim was nudged awake by his brother and friend. He looked up just in time to see the older apprentice, soon to be warrior slip out of the den. He smirked at the toms words and rose. he looked over his ruffled fur and gave himself a shake. He was ready to become a real apprentice. he needed a mentor and he smiled at the thought. He looked over his fur and gave himself a quick grooming, laying pieces flat here, and pulling moss and bracken out there. He smiled thinking to himself before he padded quickly out of the den and sat next to his well groomed and sleek denmate. He flicked his tial, realizing that he would be the only one in the apprentice den soon. Foxpaw, Hollowpaw, Eclipsedpaw, Sprintpaw, Flowerpaw, Cinderpaw, all of his friends were going to be made warriors today. He sighed lightly and looked up at the high boulder waiting to see who his mentor would be.

[x-Ginger-x]

Hunterstealth awoke from his nest, after being sent there late last night by Mossmask. He grinned and stood up, stretching his shoulders, before padding out of the den. It wasn't long before he scented a scent so familiar, he jumped. "Sprintpaw!" He cried, pushing his way through the crowd to reach his son and apprentice. "I missed you so much! Was the trip fun? Are you okay?" He nosed his son and licked him. Taking a breath, he meowed, "Are you ready for your big day?" He nudged the apprentice before looking at Cardinalvoice. "Hey." He licked her shoulder and meowed, "Want to go hunting later? We can take Sprintpaw, if he's not too tired." He looked over at Sprintpaw, realizing how tall he was, and meowed, "Want to come hunting with me and Cardinalvoice later?"

[Mossmask]

[Let your hopes go and they'll survive]

Bramblestar returned nods and smiles to his clanmates that appeared -- Windwhisper, Mythflight, Cardinalvoice, to name a few. Yet, he blinked at seeing Eclipsedpaw emerge from the medicine cat's den, hobbling while leaning against Hollowpaw's shoulder. She had been going to get her warrior name, along with almost every other apprentice, but... Would her leg allow her to keep up with the rest of the warriors?

In his musings, he had failed to notice another she-cat exit the medicine cat's den. The long-haired female had deftly made her way through the crowd and positioned herself at the bottom of the High Stone.

"Bramblestar, dear," Feathersoft had called up, and the tom glanced down at the un-retired medicine cat. With a slight smile on her aging face, she asked, "Might I have a word?"

Another slow blink of his green eyes showed confusion, and Bramblestar hesitated slightly before leaping off of the stone pillar to confront his aunt. "Is there a problem?" Already?

"No, no trouble." Her smile grew before her copper eyes -- the same hue as his blood brother's -- turned in the direction of Eclipsedpaw in the crowd. "As you can see, Eclipsedpaw's leg will not be an asset to her or the clan as a warrior. However, I am getting old, and I have already spoken to her about becoming my new apprentice."

Bramblestar nodded, a smile gracing his handsome face as he gazed into the crowd. "That's great, then," he said. "Thank you for letting me know."

"You're welcome, dear." She winked and added, "Good luck up there," before vanishing back into the throng of cats. Bramblestar paused a moment to get his thoughts in some sort of order, then leaped back atop the High Stone. He sat down once more and decided to wait a few more minutes for the last of the sleepy-heads to appear.

Feathersoft made her way to Eclipsedpaw's side, casting her a smile and nodding to Hollowpaw and Torturedsoul. Half to herself, the medicine cat said, "We'll have to add a bit more goldenrod to the wound when we change the cobwebs. Thank you, Hollowpaw, for helping us out. You must be very proud of your kits, dear." This last sentence was said to Torturedsoul, as well as, "Now, where is your other rascal?"

['Cause this is the future and you are alive]

Mossmask poked her head out of the warrior's den, her eyes bright in the morning sunlight. Her pelt was looking as glossy and beautiful as it did before the Great Move, and she had thanked Mythflight for that. A smile curled on her maw at seeing her son standing tall on the High Stone, and he caught her gaze, granting her a grin in return. She dipped her head to him, as well as to her older sister Feathersoft when the two locked eyes, and glanced at the apprentice den.

Sprintpaw and Cherubimpaw were already out, and Mossmask felt the need to go over to each of the toms, giving them a swipe of the tongue across the ears and murmuring, "I'm so proud of you," to each. She smiled at Cardinalvoice and Hunterstealth as she waited by the pair for her daughters to join them.

Flowerpaw and Cuckoopaw did not disappoint. Side-by-side, the two emerged, their shining pelts the spitting images of their parents. Flowerpaw grinned and kneaded the earth in excitement, but felt the need to roll her eyes when Cuckoopaw yawned.

"You're supposed to be awake for this," the former said teasingly.

Cuckoopaw nudged her sister as the pair walked toward Mossmask and company with their heads high and proud. "It's a bit difficult when one had a squirming sibling next to her all night," she said. Flowerpaw did not respond; instead, she affectionately head-butted Cherubimpaw and nuzzled her nose in Sprintpaw's neck, excited for this next chapter in their lives.

The black and white sister smiled crookedly to herself, despite Mossmask beginning to fuss over Flowerpaw and herself. She hadn't seen Flowerpaw this excited since... Well, since before Copperpaw died. Cuckoopaw allowed Mossmask about three licks to her fur before protesting and getting her mother off her back before looking up at Bramblestar.

He was grinning back at all of them, fitting the picture of one darn proud older brother. He winked at Cuckoopaw when they locked gazes, and she felt her smile grow. She was a bit sad that he wouldn't be gaining his warrior name with them, but he had gained something much more important the night before...

Speaking of which, she though while stifling another yawn, why is HE so wide awake?!

[...You're headed home]

"This is the Future," still (c) to Owl City[/i][/size]

[[Ridge] of [Sapphire] light]

Sprintpaw lifted his head and looked at Mossmask as she entered and spoke encouragingly to him. He smiled dipping his head and turned to answer his father. He shuffled his paws slightly, knowing this might not be what the tom wanted to hear but knowing too that he would understand. "I was actually thinking of Flower and I going out together as our first warrior hunt...Just the TWO of us?" He said the word with slight emphasis hoping his father would understand. He had to talk to the she-cat who had been on his mind for moons. She had been on his heart last night at the moon pinacle, and she was on his mind now. He glanced at Cardinalvoice as she leaned over to Hunterstealth whispering something, and was about to speak when a scent so sweet wafted around him, he had to turn and smile at Flowerpaw as she came out of the den, looking as beautiful as her mother. Her fur was sleek, and shimmering in the sunlight of dawn. Her eyes danced with excitement mirroring his, and he flicked his tail in greeting to her and her sister. he looked over at Bramblestar as he spoke with Feathersoft. He didn't know what it was about but it didn't look to serious. The pair parted and Bramblestar leapt back to the head of the boulder. He looked over at Flowerpaw and nudged her shoulder with his nose. Hey, wanna go hunting with me after our ceremony? There's something I wanna talk to you about." he mewed and looked at her and smiled lightly his heart though was pounding. he was terrified she would say no, or ask if Cuckoopaw could come. He didn't mind the other sister, but he needed to speak with Flowerpaw alone.

Cherubimpaw moved over as the sisters parted the way and sat between him and Sprintpaw. He smiled and looked over at the tom as he spoke softly with Flowerpaw. He knew the pair would make good mates, if Flower returned Sprint's advances. He smiled knowing that last night had given Sprintpaw a lot of the courage he had needed. He flicked his tail and shook his head a small chuckle escaping his lips he looked at Cuckoopaw and spoke softly. "Are you as excited at Sprintpaw? I swear he woke up two hours before sunrise." He smiled at her and looekd around his eyes scannign the clearing for Cinderpaw.

((This will be a sad day for him...))

Cardinalvoicce flicked her tail as Mossmask came up. Her former mentor sat nearby the little family, for that's what they were now, surrounded the soon to be warriors. She smiled lightly at Sprintpaws words and nodded slowly to him. She knew of her mate's insecurities about his son and leaned over slowly offering a few words. "I think his heart is calling him..." She mewed softly a smile lighting her lips. She wasn't his blood mother at all but he was a special apprentice to her. The son of her mate she smiled and let her tail caress Hunterstealths side. She purred and looked up at Bramblestar hoping he would start soon. The clan needed these ceremonies more than anything. it would show them that even though their leader and deputy had gone, there was still a Starclan watching over them. Everything was back on track now. Bramblestar was the leader and he would soon choose a deputy. She looked around wondering who it would be. Mossmask perhaps? she would make a wonderful deputy, but would she be afraid to challenge her son? She shook her head. No, Hunterstealth perhaps? She smiled at the thought and flicked her ears forward to hear Sprintpaw ask Flowerpaw to go hunting.

[x-Ginger-x]

Hunterstealth had caught the subtlety behind his son's words. "Okay," He laughed. "But we will go out soon, I promise." He licked the tom on the head before butting Cardinalvoice with his head. "Yeah, he's growing up. But it'll be awesome once he's in the warriors' den with us. Then we can bug him all the time!" He laughed again, before flicking her in the ear and purring back. "I wonder who Bramblestar will pick for deputy? Maybe Mossmask? She'd make an excellent deputy. Or could you see yourself up there?" He asked Cardinalvoice, the hint of a purr bordering his meow.

He'd be so proud if she were to become deputy. He didn't think Bramblestar would pick him, because he was just a warrior. He wasn't anything special, or so he thought. I would never become deputy, he's never going to pick me. He smiled at himself as he doubted himself, knowing how true it could be.

[[whispers] in the .[wind].]

//Foxpaw, Cyclonefrost

The clamor began to rise as the more weary cats shook off the creeping sense of going back to bed and joined their comrades outside. They were congregating nearby the stone that rose out against the camp and nearby tundra like a majestic baron ruling the land. A clatter clambered up a rock wall, entered through a small cave cut within it, meandering through a maze of mossy beds, fluffy cats not willing to quit their slumber, and tracked its way to the back of the cave. In a cozy corner, a particular ball of orange fluff and fur began to twitch and turn within his motley bed. Foxpaw had been willing to ignore the call by Bramblestar, willing to take the lecture by his father. It was dawning on him that he would have to wake up one day, and it was becoming irritably clear that he wouldn’t be able to sleep through the talking. Foxpaw begrudgingly sat up and sleepily began to lick the small pieces of moss off his pelt, and gave up in futility and began to trek the cave out towards to mouth and the campsite.

At the mouth of the cave, he cringed as the full affect of the light shined in his eyes and he grumbled beneath his breath and made his way down towards the lightly frosted ground. When he made his way down he shook his paws partly to get the moister off, and partly to get the blood running within them. With that task done he slinked off towards the High Stone with a grunt. That attitude seemed to dissipate within the air the moment he laid eyes upon his sister in a cast, brother, and mother. Thank StarClan dad’s not here yet, I would t- WHOO! Eclispedpaw’s in a cast?’ His brain took a few heartbeats to fully digest this information and Foxpaw’s body used this time to look around confused. When the brain was content that it has understood what happened, it allowed Foxpaw to dash down to the clearing.

When he reached his family he began to tightly circle them. While he was doing this he was constantly saying “Who, what, where, why, how, when, now, then, who, them, what, where-“ and other words similar to them. On his course around, and around his family a mossy rock found its way into the circles circumference and subsequently tripped Foxpaw and sent his tumbling through the soft, powdery snow. He sat up after his embarrassing fall and sat next to his brother, Hollowpaw. However he did not quit his attempts at finding out what was going on. “Who, what, where, why, how, mhhrm, mmrm, mrrmmm… mruh?” He mewed and looked down at what was muffling him. He found a tail covering his mouth and followed that tail to a cat’s back, and followed that back to a head, and followed that head to a pair of glaring eyes. Those eyes belonged to a cat known as Cyclonefrost, to Foxpaw, that cat was known as dad. Foxpaw quickly stared at the ground with a shameful look.

“I though you had manners like your brother,”

[r a v e n]]*]

[HOLLOWPAW]&&[ECLIPSEDPAW]

Eclipsedpaw beamed at Feathersoft, smiling despite the pain. Her mentor had always said the little black she-cat was always looking at herbs more so then her opponent drying training. There really wasn't much fight in this she-cat, only if she was in dire need to fight. She glanced down at her leg, covered in cobwebs, before looking back up at the Medicine cat as she spoke to her mother and brother. Eclipsedpaw nudged Hollowpaw's shoulder, grinning at her brother before she shifted her leg slightly, grimacing as she did. Torturedsoul licked her daughter over the ears before letting out a slow breath, raising her head to glance around the camp. She barely noticed Foxpaw race across the clearing, but soon heard his voice as she circled the three of them. She rolled her red eyes slightly, intending to stop him before he tripped over the rock, then went to sit beside his brother.

The black she-cat let out a slow breath, shaking her head as Foxpaw continued to babble, opening her mouth to speak, then stopping as Cyclonefrost came up behind him, covering his mouth with his tail. "Much better. We can all think again" She murmured, chuckling softly before reaching over, nuzzling her mate's cheek before returning her attention to Eclipsedpaw, who managed to push herself up into a sitting position, moving slowly till she could bury herself in her father's warm chest fur. Hollowpaw's eyes seemed a bit empty as he watched her, his stomach twisting. If only he hadn't been goofing off, Eclipsedpaw wouldn't be injured. She'd be becoming a warrior with him and Foxpaw.

"Hi, Dadd-" Eclipsedpaw could barely get the words out before her voice left her. Again. She growled slightly, her claws on her good front paw, digging into the ground as she shook her head. Torturedsoul's brow furrowed slightly before she pulled Foxpaw against her chest, smoothing the fur on his head down. "Can you hush for a small time, my little Fox?" She asked with a chuckle, nuzzling his head before giving a quick glance towards Cyclonefront and their daughter.

[TORTUREDSOUL]

[--|Sootie|--]

I am not afriad to show you who I am

In the few sun-rises before Forreststar's death, Skypaw had been getting on better and better with Bramblepaw and his family. Probably because she'd spent more time with them, but it was good to leave her past and step out into the sunlight. Star Clan knows she was forced into the dark for too long. But then so much had happened so fast. The much-loved leader had cruelly been taken away, Mossmask; one of the clan's most senior and respected warriors had sunk into a mild depression and Bramblepaw had disappeared off to find answers from Star Clan. And now, Bramblepaw was Bramblestar, possibly the youngest leader the forest had ever seen. But Skypaw was proud for him, and sympathetic: she had seen from the edge of her darkness how stressful life gets when you're under strain and pressure. The smoky lilac she-cat had been tense all day; she'd been born able to sense when something was coming, and now she sensed a new breath of air bringing change and positivity. She knew that it was Bramblestar returning from his journey, with his accompanying group, all somewhat different from when they left.

And I'm not ashamed of my life

Since his small adventure following two apprentices out of camp, Pumpkinkit had decided to start trying to teach himself apprentice duties. He'd wandered through the snow and ice for days alone after his parents had been killed by the badger, and had learnt survival skills, and how to imitate others. So he'd sit in the enterance to the nursery, watching apprenitces play fighting, or practicing their hunting stances. Then when there is nobody about, he'd try it for himself. Pouncing on leaves, or attacting a piece of fresh ill like an invading enemy. But now, he hoped, the new leader, Bramblestar, would give him the name and a mentor to work with his self-teaching. Maybe Pumpkinkit was about to before a true Arctic Clanner, an apprentice.

Though I've walked alone down this cold and souless road

When Bramblestar and his friends were close enough to camp to be heard, Skypaw jumped up and shot through the Apprentice's Den to meet them at the camp entrance. He was bringing back the future of the clan. Upon thier arrival, Skypaw affectionatley rubbed her head against each of their shoulders. It would be so strange having to remember that Bramblestar was now her leader, not her den-mate! She bounced her way to the High Stone and sat near to the front. Everyone had been waiting for this day. In her case, it was almost 12 moons. 19 moons was too old for an apprentice. There needed to be new blood, new energy. The current kits would certainly need taming whent they were apprenticed. The atmosphere below the High Stone was buzzing, and the excited chatter was electrifying. Skypaw kneaded the snowy ground with her paws in anticipation, the tip of her heather coloured tail twitching uncontrolably. This would be a ceremony to remember for moons to come.

I've always felt you deep in my bones

The orphaned black kit groomed his fur quickly, willing it to lie flat just for once, and then decided to give up. Making Pumpkinkit look presentable was something which could never be achieved even by the most vigorous grooming. He pushed through the Nursery and found the main camp clearning heaving with bodies, either making their way to greet and welcome their new leader, or to find a good place to sit for the forthcoming speech and ceremonies. Being small and agile, Pumpkinkit was easily able to weave his way to the front of the crowd and sat down beside a familiar silver hazed pelt. Pumpklinkit had begun to see Skypaw as something like a sister, with them both being orphans, and neither having any family the relied on the clan and now each other. Skypaw had protected him and taught him and spent time talking to him, talking of deeper subjects than any normal kit would have understood. But that is why they got on so well, becuse they were so alike. He touched her briefly with his tail in greeting, and then looked up at Bramblestar as everyone fell silent.


With every step I rise and fall with everything to gain

_{Music by Meatloaf, Blind as Bat}

[Mossmask]

[Open your eyes and see]

Flowerpaw grinned at Sprintpaw's question. "Sure, that'd be fun. And the clan could use any hunting it can get."

"I wouldn't be making any plans at the moment, though," Cuckoopaw said from her sister's other side, her blue eyes glancing back and forth between Flowerpaw and Sprintpaw. "Who knows what kind of patrols we will be assigned to once these ceremonies are over."

"Well, Sprintpaw and I will volunteer for a hunting patrol, then," Flowerpaw said. "I don't think Bramblestar will argue with us."

"He probably wouldn't," Cuckoopaw said. "I'm just saying wait and see. He may want us on the Dawn or Sunhigh patrol or something."

Flowerpaw shrugged. "We will go, though, Sprintpaw," she said. "If not right away like Ms. Pessimistic over here says--"

"Oh, shut up," Cuckoopaw said lightly, nudging her sister. Flowerpaw giggled as she almost fell on top of Sprintpaw, but remained silent, as it seemed that Bramblestar was about to start.

Bramblestar's paws twitched from atop the High Stone, and he almost decided to sit down, but he figured it would look better to be standing. That, and he didn't want to move for fear of slipping off; he was going to have to get used to this new position.

He watched as his clanmates appeared before the High Stone, and he sighed inaudibly at how much smaller the clan seemed since before the Great Move. They really had lost a lot of clanmates... The young tom chuckled as Foxpaw came flying out of the apprentice den, tripping over himself before settling down with his immediate family. And there was Skypaw and Pumpkinkit, with Mossmask tearing herself away from her blood daughters to invite Skypaw and Pumpkinkit to join the family by Cardinalvoice and Hunterstealth.

There were still a few cats missing, but Bramblestar knew that those who were there on time were getting antsy. Clearing his throat, he began to speak, praying that his father would be whispering a script in his ear.

"ArcticClan," the brown tabby said, "we have lost many loved ones during the Great Move... I don't need to tell you that. Mark this day as a day of new beginnings. New apprentices, new warriors, new... leadership. This day marks ArcticClan's willingness to not only survive, but to thrive in these new lands." He grinned. "The other clans better watch out, because we'll do so with flying colors.

"I shall start with the warrior ceremonies," Bramblestar continued. "Tonight the camp will be guarded well with all the new warriors sitting through their vigils. I will begin with the older new warriors and work my way down. Cuckoopaw, Flowerpaw, Sprintpaw, Skypaw, step forward."

Bramblestar could not keep the proud smile off his face (not that he tried very hard to) as he watched the four obey. Cuckoopaw's head was held high as she walked with measured paw steps, while Flowerpaw seemed to want to bounce her way to the High Stone.

Praying that he was reciting the correct words, Bramblestar said, "I, Bramblestar, leader of ArcticClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Cuckoopaw, Flowerpaw, Sprintpaw, Skypaw, do you all promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do."

"I do!"

[Everything you can be]

"I'll Meet You There," (c) Owl City[/i][/size]

[--|Sootie|--]

I ain't gonna be ust a face in the crowd

Skypaw smiled fondly at the small black kit whith his large, wide flourescent orange eyes. Skypaw had come to think of Pumpkinkit as like a brother. They had much in common, and he made Skypaw feel much better about herself that Ringedpaw ever had. She had once felt bitter and angry about her brother, but recently after much contemplative thought, those feelings had been replaced by guilt on her part and sorrow. Maybe Ringedpaw felt the same from up in Star Clan, but it didn't matter to her if he didn't. It was her life and she had to live it looking to the future now dwelling on the past.

Her violet eyes unclouded and she turned her head to look at the new leader, Bramblestar, as he started to talk. Skypaw could only imagine how nervous and excited she would feel in his place. A she-cat could only admire his courage. She listened intently to all that he said, but her ears pricked forwards eapecially when she heard her own name being called. She looked around her and saw that Cuckoopaw, Flowerpaw and Sprintpaw were stepping towards the High Stone with no hesitation. She shakily stood up and joined them before Bramblestar. She heard him speak the warrrior ceremony which had been said thousands of times and realised that she was finaly becoming a warrior of Arctic Clan. She felt stronger as she replied 'I do.

You're gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud

_{Music by Bon Jovi, It's My Life}

[[Ridge] of [Sapphire] light]

He flicked his ears irritably as Flowerpaw and Cuckoopaw spoke. Sprintpaw nodded a smile lighting his face as Flowerpaw promised him time. He looked up at Bramblestar as he spoke. He surpressed a cheer from his chest and beamed as his name was called. He stepped forward with his friends, his head and tail high and proud. He looked up at his friend, leader, and brother and spoke the next two words with confidence. "I do." He said and looked at Flowerpaw and his heart leaped. He had an image cross his mind of himself and Flowerpaw in seasons to come, kits on the way, and his smile brightened, his heart leaping in his chest. He wouldn't speak of this to anyone, but it was all he needed. He flicked his ears and waited to hear his name.

His eyes shined as he watched his friends step forward. He smiled lightly at them and flicked his ears. He wrapped his tail around his paws contemplating who his mentor would be. He looked up to Cardinalvoice who was staring at the group a smile bright as day lighting her face. He looked to mossmask and flicked hsi ears before turning back to the group. He licked hsi lips listening for the names he woould cheer for his family, and friends.

((-dies- HORRIBLE post....))

[x-Ginger-x]

Hunterstealth's eyes lit up as he heard his son's name called. He gave him a lick as he walked to the center of the crowd. After this ceremony, his son would be a full-fledged warrior, sleeping in the same den as him. He wouldn't be the little kitten bouncing arund his paws anymore. The thought made him a little sad, but he shook his head, clearing the thoughts. "Cardinalvoice," He started, looking at the she-cat beside him. "Thank you for being there for Sprintpaw and I. You have been a great foster mother to Sprintpaw, and I know he loves you. Both of us will never forget Tawnysongs, but we both love you." He pressed his head against her shoulder quickly, before looking back at Sprintpaw. He wanted to be the first to call out his new name, whatever it would be.