Authors Note: Thanks for the reviews, guys! You all wanted more, so I wrote the next Chapter. I do not own Warriors or the original SkyClan cats in this story. However, some of these cats are mine, just additions to the original Clan. Big thanks to Petstar who allowed me to use her cats Pebbleclaw and Cloudstorm! *hugs*

Chapter Two

"I, Leafstar, leader of SkyClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. Rockpaw, Tinypaw, and Bouncepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Leafstar's commanding yowl called from the top of Rockpile.

"I do." chorused the three apprentices, staring up at their leader.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your Warrior names. Rockpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Rockclaw. StarClan honors your bravery and fighting skills, and we welcome you as a full Warrior of SkyClan." Leafstar leaped off the Rockpile, landing gracefully in front of the quivering black apprentice. She rested her muzzle on his head, and he stooped low to lick her shoulder. Then he stepped back to give his littermates a turn.

"Tinypaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Tinywhisker. StarClan honors your kindness and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full Warrior of SkyClan." Repeating the same sign of respect as her brother, the small white she-cat followed her brother and sat beside him.

"Bouncepaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Bouncefoot. StarClan honors your enthusiasm and quick learning, and we welcome you as a full Warrior of SkyClan." Performing the head and shoulder lick ceremony, Bouncefoot stepped back to sit with his littermates.

"Bouncefoot! Tinywhisker! Rockclaw!" chanted the Clan.

"As you know," Leafstar continued. "You must sit a silent vigil for one night, protecting the camp alone. Sharpclaw has also mentioned a fox in our territory, so you will have to watch out for that. I'm sure you three can handle it, though." The tabby's gaze slid to Rockclaw, who held it evenly before his leader turned away.

The sun was setting, casting the gorge a blood red color. Scarlet spilled into every nook and cranny in between the rocks as the Clan sat in silence beneath the Rockpile.

"Also, Cherrytail's kits are healthy and well." Echosong spoke out. "One is a tortoiseshell she-kit, and the other is a dark ginger she-kit. Cherrytail picked the names Owlkit and Poppykit." meowed the silver she-cat.

Every cat murmured approvingly, exchanging glances and speaking quietly. When Leafstar flicked her tail, the Clan dismissed themselves and withdrew to eat their share of fresh-kill or go and sleep. A furious hiss came from the Nursery, and every cat whipped around to see Sharpclaw backing out of the queen's den. Petalnose, a growl rumbling in her throat, was standing in front of the entrance.

"Cherrytail is fine! Great StarClan, stay out of the Nursery or I will make you stay out! You are a disturbance to every cat in there." snarled Petalnose before whirling around and stalking back inside.

Sharpclaw growled, but knew it was no use. He whipped around and dashed away towards the Warrior's Den. Every cat snickered, exchanging about how the great deputy Sharpclaw had gotten chased out by a queen! And one who hadn't had much battle training, at that.

******

"Hey, Pebbleclaw. Pebbleclaw! Get yourself up this instant!" came a voice.

A brown she-cat stood up, shoving her front paws forward in a pleasing stretch. Her green eyes fluttering open, the she-cat named Pebbleclaw looked around. "What do you want?" she demanded, annoyed.

"Well, I thought that we could go on Dawn Patrol."

Pebbleclaw narrowed her eyes. "Who are you, anyway?" she demanded.

A sleek gray tom stepped out of the shadows, his pale blue eyes glittering. He flicked his tail, and then said, "We'll take Mintpaw, too. Silverflight said she was too tired to take her out today."

"Whatever, Ashtail." growled Pebbleclaw, hauling herself to her paws and stalking outside.

The brown she-cat was spitting out a mouthful of sparrow feathers when Ashtail padded over, followed closely by the gray tabby shape of Mintpaw.

"Ready?" Ashtail asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Yes." snapped Pebbleclaw, hauling herself to her paws and giving a curt nod to Mintpaw.

The three set out. It was a fine morning, with birds chirping and the sun warming their backs. They brushed past the ferns and into a small clearing. A tall tree rose high above them, and the rising sun glimmered through the branches.

"Ewww, this mud is wet." complained Mintpaw, lifting up a paw to show that it was muddy brown and soaked.

Ashtail purred. "Yes, Mintpaw. It is very early in Green-leaf, the stream is swollen with rain and some of it is pouring over, you know, and some ends up in this clearing." he meowed, turning as a sparrow took flight.

"I've got it!" Mintpaw shrieked, propelling herself forward.

The gray tabby apprentice reached for the bird, her powerful hind paws slashing at air. Her unsheathed claws reached, up, up, up, until she caught the sparrow. With a yowl of triumph, she fell back towards the earth, her catch proudly clamped in between her sharp teeth.

A sudden rustle in the bushes caused the three cats to turn, their heads whipping around. They all began to bristle when they recognized the snapping jaws, red fur, and bushy tail as it swept the ground.

"Fox!" screeched Pebbleclaw, unsheathing her claws and hissing angrily.

Mintpaw leaped forward, her claws reaching for the fox. It hit their target, swiping the fox across the nose. It took no notice, shaking it's nasty muzzle. Drops of sticky red liquid splattered the ground as it lurched forward, it's vicious jaws reaching straight for Mintpaw. The fox clamped down on her leg, and lifted her up. With massive force, the fox flung the small apprentice. Mintpaw hit the tall tree, sinking down, motionless.

"Mintpaw!" yowled Ashtail, springing forward. The fox instantly moved to stand in front of the two Warriors, its eyes glittering as they locked on their target.

Pebbleclaw and Ashtail were in trouble now.