Chapter 27: New Warriors

Waking up in the warriors den was an interesting affair. The large den was mostly empty save me and the rest of the newly made warriors. I must have been exhausted because I didn't even notice Ravenfeather pressed right up beside me. He started to rise with a confused mrow. Lazily his eyes opened to witness the empty den. They briefly flashed open alert before he realized he was a warrior and held no morning obligations. He must have still been tired because he snuggled in deeper to my fur to try and go back to sleep.

Unfortunately, I could not let that happen. I pulled up onto my paws and moved away enough to give myself a good stretch. Ravenpaw shifted uncomfortably for a moment before deciding to rise as well. I spotted Fireheart's ear twitch as he clearly heard us wake up. While he woke Graystripe, Ravenfeather and I made our way out. The air was slightly chilly, offset by the overhead sun. I felt a breeze ruffle my wild coat. My recent longer fur was both a blessing and a curse. It kept me warm, but it also required much more maintenance. I settled down for what was going to be an annoyingly long wash. At least my fur was somewhat wiry meaning it didn't tangle easy, but that also meant it speared into and collected dust and leaves far easier. I was about three fourths of the way done before I felt another tongue working to remove all the tangles and debris from my fur. It was Ravenfeather, who had just gotten finished cleaning his own pelt. We finished rather quickly after that.

It was only once we finished did I notice a loose tuft just behind Ravenfeather's ear. I lightly pulled him over so I could reach the spot and smooth it down. I'd done this type of thing before for Fireheart because he was a messy kit who had constant bed fur. My reward for fixing Ravenfeather's missed spot was that same quiet purr that seemed reserved for me. I let the silence fill the air, content to just feel the warmth of the day and my companion by my side. After a couple minutes, Graystripe and Fireheart joined us.

"So, what should we do today?" Asked Graypaw in an almost philosophical tone.

I stared at the camp pondering that same question. What did I want to do now that the shackles of education no longer bound me? Remembering how unskilled I was due to my condition, I found an answer. "Let's go hunting. We may be warriors, but I'm still the least skilled cat allowed out of camp. Maybe you all could help me on my combos."

"Combos?" Asked Fireheart.

"Yeah. I have a terrible reaction speed. Like if you barely miss a mouse. You instantly get the sense on how to correct yourself and catch the thing. I don't have that. That's why Darkstripe has been working with me to make combos. If I miss, I have a couple moves preemptively prepared. Same is true for combat." I replied.

Today there was no threat. Today was about relaxing. We were just about to head out when Bluestar called a meeting, turning us back.

"It has come to my attention that the recovery of Lionheart will be extensive and leave a permanent limp. As such, I have discussed it with our senior warriors, our medicine cat, and Lionheart himself, and we have come to a conclusion. Lionheart will step down from the position of deputy. Tigerclaw, it is both my and Lionheart's belief that you are the best option to fulfil the role of deputy. Are you willing to take that place?" She mewed with an air of command.

Tigerclaw's eyes met mine showing his sheer delight. The rest of him stayed completely composed. Fortunately for me, I also saw potential fear in them as well. Bluestar had just displayed she was willing to have a cat step down from the position of deputy. He was not now unassailable.

"I accept." He stated firmly.

I could read him far clearer than any other cat could. This was a victory. He had fulfilled one of his purposes. He'd even won honestly. Bluestar had chosen him over his rival. It wasn't just that he won, he'd bested an opponent to the point they conceded. I hoped he realized this was the real victory. Winning doesn't hold a candle to besting someone. Anyone can play a game alone and win. It is only when we beat an opponent that's our equal or better do we find the most true joy in victory.

"Tigerclaw sure took the change of position calmly." Stated the oblivious Graypaw.

I scoffed in response. "Yeah right. He's downright elated by the change. You just can't read him like I can. I bet as soon as he's alone out of camp, he'll run a lap around the whole territory."

Fireheart seemed to be puzzling something in his head for a moment before turning to me. "You meant for him to become deputy?"

I nodded firmly, glad that he'd caught on. "Yep. That cat has one of the blackest smudges around. How could I not choose to put him in such a precarious position."

"Ah. Your classic reform or die." Fireheart stated.

"Or die!?" Mewed Ravenfeather fearfully.

"It's an exaggeration… mostly. You see, secrets are a commodity. They have value. The blacker they are, the more you can do with them. Tigerclaw has one so black that I could probably set up a puppet government. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to take over the clan or tear him down. I just have the capability to. Me and Tigerclaw have a… kinship is the word. I've told both Ravenwing and Fireheart before, but I have a strange mind. Tigerclaw has something very similar. Speaking of secrets, I think when we head out, Ravenfeather should let you two in on ours." I mewed with compulsory charisma.

"I knew it! You two are mates!" Mewed Graypaw excitedly.

I tilted my head confused while Ravenfeather hunkered down in embarrassment.

"No. What? I meant Ravenfeather knows a secret he shared with me. Where did you even…. Never mind. I'm going to ignore what you just said. Even if we were, I'm not the type to keep that kind of relationship secret. Let's just go." I mewed somewhat exasperated.