A short two-shot. The easiest promises to make are most often the hardest to keep.

Definately Maybe

Ashpaw and Blazepaw sat at the foot of the Highledge. The two apprentices held their heads high, and looked very proud of themselves, as they very well should. The two were finally going to become warriors of ThunderClan, and a nobler calling the two couldn't imagine.

Graystar, the leader of ThunderClan, made the customary call to all of the ThunderClan cats. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather here beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!" All the cats, from the youngest apprentice to the oldest elder, obeyed the summons and swarmed out of ther dens, forming a semicircle around the Highledge.

"I, Graystar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn." The two apprentices eyes shone, if possible, even more intensely. This was the moment that would define their entire lives from now on.

"Ashpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." meowed Ashpaw, standing up straighter as she made the vow.

"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I bestow upon you your warrior name. Ashpaw, from this moment, you will be known as Ashpelt. StarClan honors your courage and your strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Graystar rested his muzzle on Ashpelt's head, and she gave his shoulder a respectful lick. Stepping back, she waited for him to name Blazepaw.

"Blazepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." said Blazepaw, and it was evident from the way his voice squeaked at the end that he was barely able to suppress his excitement.

"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I bestow upon you your warrior name. Blazepaw, from this moment, you will be known as Blazetail. StarClan honors your bravery and your cleverness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Graystar rested his muzzle upon Blazetail's head, and Blazetail gave his shoulder a lick.

"Ashpelt! Blazetail! Ashpelt! Blazetail!" The Clan began chanting the names of the two new warriors, welcoming them officially into the Clan. The two cats held their heads, if possible, even higher than they had during their ceremony.

"Congratulations!" meowed Lightheart and Redfur, the two warriors' former mentors. Ashpelt and Blazetail's tails twitched in recognition. As new warriors, they weren't allowed to speak until the following morning. A few more congratulations followed, and then, all too soon, it was over. The sun had set, the others had all gone to sleep for the night, and the two were left alone to hold their vigil of silence under the sparkling light of Silverpelt.

Ashpelt had a lot to think about. As she gazed up at the star-studded night sky, she tried to think about what meant most to her. Of course, her Clan meant a lot to her, but other, more immediate concerns always seemed to take precedence. Besides, she thought, ThunderClan isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Glancing over at Blazetail, she wondered what he was thinking. The firery red tom had been the center of her interest for quite some time, and although neither had said aniything, they were great friends, and just maybe something more would come of it. She was at once glad and fustrated at the silence required during the vigil. She was glad for it because it meant she didn't have to say anything, and at a time as potentially arkward as this, that was always a blessing. But it fustrated her because, at the same time, it meant that he couldn't tell her anything, either. Life was full of mixed blessings like that.

Blazetail was reflecting on things too. Sensing someone watching him, he turned his head in time to see his best friend, Ashpaw- no- Ashpelt, turn away, a light blush forming on her cheeks. He smiled. His dark gray friend was nice, but she could be a little bit weird sometimes. Still, he thought, I guess that's just as well. I mean, where would I have been the past few moons if not for her friendship? Turning to her, he smiled openly. They may not be able to speak openly,but over the moons of their friendship they had perfected the art of speaking to each other without using words.

Flicking his tail in a rather round about gesture, to indicate them as they were now, Blazetail then looked up at StarClan and glanced at her quizzically. He meant this to ask: How did she feel about their present situation, and did she think they would make good warriors? Ashpelt had always been the more introspective of the two, and so he could ask these sorts of questions and expect to get a well-thought-out answer back.

Ashpelt seemed to contemplate for a moment or two, and then she blinked back, her eyes full of hope and inspiration. A signal that she thought their furture was a bright one, and that they were, as far as could be told, certainly on the right path. Blinking his thanks at her for reassuring him, he relaxed and just sat, content to let the night pass.