Disclaimer: I do not own Warriors or any of the character.

Summary: What if Bluestar had not picked Tigerclaw to be deputy, what if she had picked another cat? What if she had chosen Longtail instead? Follow Longtail as he tries to follow the warrior code and serve his Clan while the figures of Tigerclaw and Darkstripe linger over him, trying to manipulate him.

Chapter One- Not Part of the Plan

Bluestar took a deep breath and continued. "I say these words before the body of Lionheart, so he may hear and approve my choice." She hesitatingly paused, seemingly going over her choice in her mind. "I have not forgotten the way he questioned the acceptance of young Firepaw, but through him StarClan showed their approval of my choice. He has shown nothing but loyalty to ThunderClan and StarClan, and more then ever ThunderClan needs his undying loyalty." Bluestar paused once again before meowing the name of her choice loud and clear. "Longtail will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."

Yowls of approval sounded throughout the camp. Firepaw turned to look at Tigerclaw, the cat that the whole Clan thought would become deputy, and found the dark tabby barely counseling a dark look, as he appeared to glare at Longtail. Darkstripe was at Tigerclaw's side, looking very confused and shocked. Firepaw had heard that Darkstripe had mentored Longtail and the apprentice guessed that Darkstripe never thought his old apprentice would become deputy one way.

The apprentice then turned to the new deputy who was being congratulated by the rest of the Clan. The pale tabby looked surprised by the sudden change in his rank, but he also seemed nervous. Firepaw guessed Longtail was nervous about his new reasonability; it was the most reasonable reason behind it.

Longtail slowly made his way up to Highrock and leapt up next to the blue she-cat to address the Clan. "ThunderClan," he yowled out in a slightly wavering voice, "I am honored to accept the position of Clan deputy. I vow to serve you and the Clan as best as I can." He dipped his head toward the body of Lionheart, pausing for a long moment, before leaping off into the coward.

Firepaw heard Ravenpaw sigh in relief beside him. "Thank StarClan," he heard the black apprentice mummer under his breath to their warrior ancestors.

Firepaw was curious as to what Ravenpaw meant, but the other apprentice and Graypaw had already moved back to Lionheart's body to sit vigil with the other warriors. The orange tom quickly moved over to join his friends in the mourning of their lost deputy.

The next day, Bluestar was appointed guards and Yellowfang had been fully accepted as a member of ThunderClan. When Firepaw went out to find some wild garlic for his rat bites, he stumbled upon Tigerclaw, Longtail, and Darkstripe talking together.

"You becoming deputy was not part of the plan, Longtail," Tigerclaw hissed at the pale tabby, who sat with his head and ears low.

"I'm sorry, Tigerclaw. I didn't know that Bluestar would pick me over you," Longtail told the older warrior.

"You could have declined the offer to become deputy," Darkstripe hissed at his former apprentice, going so far to make a paw swipe at Longtail.

"No, no, Darkstripe. This could still work," Tigerclaw meowed. "But this isn't the main reason why I wanted to talk to you two."

"What is it?" Darkstripe asked, almost eagerly, turning his back on Longtail who had shrunk back from them.

"It's Ravenpaw. Even though he is my apprentice, I can't believe he would be a traitor like that to go and tell ShadowClan this," Tigerclaw informed them.

"We can't have traitors in ThunderClan," Darkstripe growled darkly.

"Yes, I would have to agree with you, Darkstripe," Tigerclaw mewed. "Even if he is my apprentice."

Firepaw would not believe what he was hearing! Slowly, he backed away and turned back to the camp, completely forgetting about the wild garlic. He had to tell Bluestar what he just heard; his friend was in danger. He knew he had to somehow convince the leader that he was telling the truth.