A/N: Erin Hunter is the proud parent(s) of Warriors! Please support the official release!

Ch.3: Cross Examination

In the days since their encounter, Tigerclaw had insisted that they be in the same patrols constantly. Or at least the deputy arranged it and his former apprentice had yet to protest. The stares from his former master weren't as prominent, but he caught the occasional glance still. The scarred warrior had Fireshade wondering if there was something wrong with him. At that notion, a flash of his dark dream rolled in his mind, making him shake his head.

Okay, there was something different about him. But it was nothing the older warrior should have been able to see. Plus, it wasn't something that would make him an ineffective Clan cat. Someone only need ask Clawface to confirm that. Does he not trust me to keep my end of our promise? His ears flattened to his skull. Why help him clear his name if the deputy was going to continue to question him?

He was definitely lying to me that day. The ginger tom thought to himself remembering their conversation from a few nights 's scowl softened a bit as he realized that wasn't entirely accurate. He had detected hints of genuine humility, in the deputy's amber eyes. Still, he doubted the tabby had told him the entire truth.

Bluestar's piercing yowl sounded for Highrock, cutting through his musings like soft flesh.

"A naming ceremony," Graystripe determined as he came up beside his friend. His ear flicked excitedly. "Longtail's probably getting an apprentice. He's been dropping hints for days." The tom bounded over to join the cats gathering at the edge of the clearing.

"Yay," Fireshade stonewalled as he followed, leaving the mouse he'd been picking at behind. As if Longtail didn't act entitled enough…

A small black-and-white kit padded into the clearing. His soft paws made no sound on hard earth. He walked towards Highrock with his pale eyes lowered and Fireshade wondered if the little scrap would tremble. He looked too young and the slope of his shoulders seemed very undetermined to the orange warrior. He couldn't foresee the pale tabby being happy with his protégé.

"From this day forward," Bluestar mewed, staring down at the kit, "until he has earned his warrior name, this cat shall be named Swiftpaw."

There wasn't a flash of determination in Swiftpaw's eyes as he looked up at his leader. The only thing to be found in his wide orbs was anxiety.

Fireshade watched with an almost morbid curiosity as Longtail padded towards his apprentice.

Bluestar spoke again. "Longtail, you were once Darkstripe's apprentice. He taught you well and you have become a fierce and loyal warrior. It is my hope that you will pass these same qualities on to Swiftpaw."

The ginger warrior expected to see disdain in the pale tabby's gaze. Instead, his eyes softened at his new apprentice's wary stare, and the cats touched noses. "It's okay, you're doing fine," he murmured encouragingly.

Fireshade's left eye half-shut as his lips curled back, tremoring. It shouldn't have surprised him in the slightest. A worm of disgust crawled through his spine. Of course! He snarled course, Longtail is merciful with him! After all, Swiftpaw is Clanborn! His resentment only grew as he looked to rest of the Clan who were congratulating the new apprentice. Now, their easily impressed!

"What's up with you?" Whispered Graystripe. "That'll be us one day."

"Maybe…" Fireshade murmured, not caring about his companions confused stare. Green eyes suddenly found themselves wondering over the stoic face of the Clan deputy sitting beneath Highrock. Did I really win you over? Or any of them for that matter?

He had yet to forget the Clan's readiness to turn on him. The vision of their hateful gazes was imprinted in his core. What was the most he could ever be to them? A commendable tool, never actually considered a true warrior? Was that really better than a twoleg toy?

The whole thing left a bad taste that would linger in his mouth for a while yet, with or without the promise of an apprentice.

A/N: Something short and bitter-sweet for now

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