Disclaimer: The voices in my head inform me that I still don't own Warriors.

Chapter 9. Warriors

A paw jabs me in the ribs, hard. "Get up. We must go to the ShadowClan camp now," Tigerclaw commands.

I wrinkle my muzzle at the stink comin' off him. "What? Has something happened? Did you roll in carrion?"

"Just wake your brother and stop asking stupid questions," Tigerclaw growls, already stridin' over to poke Snag. Blackfoot has roused Tangleburr and Stumpytail.

A moment later, we're all followin' Tigerclaw through the predawn woods. The stars are still out, the leaves sparkling with dew. It's been about half a moon since the deadly raid into ThunderClan territory, which thankfully hasn't been repeated. I know Tigerclaw would rather sleep in a dumpster than admit he messed up, but we've stuck to the wild forest and ShadowClan land since then.

When we get to the camp, grief hangs over the place like the foul breath of twoleg monsters. All the cats, some still thin and sickly, huddle in miserable knots around the skinny body of the old black tom who welcomed us on our first visit. Even Lightningkit and her foster brothers are there, whimpering as Newtspeck licks 'em gently. The clan's frail old medicine cat Runningnose—which has gotta be the most ridiculous forest name ever!—hurries over to Tigerclaw.

"Nightstar is dead," Runningnose says in a tremulous voice. "ShadowClan has no leader and no deputy. StarClan is silent."

As Tigerclaw murmurs somethin' sympathetic and reassuring, the exiles move among their former clanmates, sharing this ancient mourning ritual. I can't hardly tell the difference between them and the warriors who stayed now. I go sit beside Tangleburr. I didn't know Nightstar, but the clan's solemnity moves me.

ShadowClan sits vigil until dawn, when Runningnose and a few others take the leader's body for burial. When he gets back, the medicine cat jumps onto aa lichen-covered rock in the middle of the clearing.

"Clanmates, Nightstar was a noble leader and we all grieve for him, but life must go on. As we have no deputy, I will lead you until StarClan makes their wishes known. The worst of the sickness has passed, and we must make ourselves strong once more. Hunting and border patrols will be sent out as normal, and battle training will begin again," Runningnose meows.

"But we've only just gotten over the sickness! We need more time to recover!" some cat protests.

Runningnose takes a step back, lookin' weaker and more out of his depth than ever.

"With your permission, cats of ShadowClan, I can help you," Tigerclaw meows, his deep voice ringin' across the camp. "My companions and I have kept your fresh-kill pile well stocked for the past moon, and now you are strong enough to hunt for yourselves. So why not let us help with your border patrols and battle training? If you wish, that is," he finishes somewhat awkwardly.

"Tigerclaw, we'll take all the help we can get," Runningnose says gratefully.

"Wait, ShadowClan has always survived on its own. Why should we let outsiders do everything for us now?" calls Deerfoot, one of the warriors who really don't want us here. He never misses an opportunity to make some snide comment whenever Mowgli, Snag, or I are in earshot.

"That is not what I'm proposing," Tigerclaw says, meetin' Deerfoot's eyes squarely. "We merely want to work alongside you, give you time to recover your full strength now that the danger of the sickness has gone. Cats of ShadowClan, never forget that you are surrounded by enemies who will attack the moment you have any trace of weakness. You were lucky to be left alone while the sickness was here. Can you keep it a secret forever? It only takes one sharp-eyed cat at a Gathering, one rumor across the border, for other clans to put your strength to the test. ShadowClan has always been the most feared clan in the forest. I promise, I will not let that change."

I don't know what a Gathering is, but Tigerclaw's right about other cats takin' advantage of any hint of weakness. That's how things worked in BloodClan. If a cat was sick or injured, stronger cats drove them away from good food and shelter. Mama taught us to help weaker cats rather than take what they have, but she also taught us not to let ourselves become easy prey. Apparently the ShadowClan cats agree, 'cause most of 'em be cheerin'.

"Organize the battle training as you see fit," Runningnose tells Tigerclaw.

The dark tabby dips his head. "Very well. I need to assess every cat's skills first. We'll train in small groups. I'll work with Flintfang, Ratscar, Tallpoppy, and Darkpaw. Blackfoot, you take Rowanberry, Wetfoot, and Oakpaw. Snag, you're leading Dawncloud and Frogtail. Cici, you're with Fernshade and Deerfoot." I almost jump out of my fur when he says my name, but I make myself nod even as my heart sinks.

"What about me?" Stumpytail asks.

"You, Tangleburr, and Mowgli will lead hunting patrols," Tigerclaw tells him. Tangleburr nods and calls out to Wolfstep, her former mentor.

A large rock has gotten stuck in my throat, preventing me from swallowing. Why can't I lead a hunting patrol? Does Tigerclaw expect the most hostile warrior in the clan to take orders from me? I seriously debate askin' him to let me switch places with one of the others.

"He did this on purpose," Blackfoot murmurs, comin' up beside me. "You have to earn Deerfoot's respect, Cici."

"But how?" I hiss.

"By showing him that you know what you're doing and won't be pushed around," Blackfoot says. "Fernshade will help you. She's my sister. I'll have a word with her before we leave." He flicks his tail toward the tortoiseshell I've seen him hangin' out with on previous visits.

"You've got this, Cici," Mowgli calls as he heads out with Russetfur. Boulder also gives me a nod and a wink before he leaves. Oddly, the gray warrior's confidence makes me feel just the tiniest bit better. It also makes my heart flip in a way I force myself not to think about.

Nobody talks as Fernshade leads us to a clearing just over a small rise, not too far from camp. The tension in the air is thick enough to slice with a claw. I do my best to control my expression, but I'm sure my anxiety is clear as day to the two ShadowClan warriors.

Deerfoot curls his lip and sneers, "All right, mighty warrior, what does Tigerclaw think we can learn from a rogue who's scarcely bigger than an apprentice?"

Fernshade shoots her clanmate a reproachful look. "Can't you give it a rest? Your constant sniping doesn't help ShadowClan get stronger."

"Nor does giving our clan over to rogues," Deerfoot growls with another scornful look at me.

If I let Fernshade defend me, ain't no way Deerfoot will take me seriously. Blackfoot's words come back to me. I have to show 'em that I know my stuff. Remember everything Tigerclaw and the others have taught you, I remind myself. Tiger¢law's lessons can sometimes be harsh, but unlike with Bone, I actually learn some useful moves.

"Come at me, Deerfoot," I meow, cuttin' across their bickering.

Deerfoot's eyes widen. "What?"

"If you think I'm just a stupid rogue who don't know anything, you should be able to beat me easily. So let's see what you got." I ignore the panicky little inner voice that asks if I really think I can beat a clan cat with seasons more experience.

"Cici, are you sure-" I cut Fernshade off with a lash of my tail.

"Gladly," Deerfoot snarls, and he attacks.

The brown tom is fast, faster than I expect. He goes for my hindquarters, slicin' at my back leg and knocking me off balance. I hiss in pain and surprise. His tail curls with pleasure as I stumble awkwardly. He's going to humiliate me. I'll be laughed out of the forest.

I shut out my own fear and focus on the battle, lettin' instinct and training take over. Deerfoot's early success makes him overconfident. He's too slow on the follow-up. This gives me an opportunity to slip, snake-like, past his next blow and rake my claws over his belly fur.

"We train with sheathed claws," Fernshade meows sharply.

I shrug. "This is how Tigerclaw trains us," I tell her. "He says we'll learn quicker if there's a risk of getting hurt."

Deerfoot ignores us and lunges again, swipin' his claws at my flank. But I don't oblige him by stayin' still this time. Tigerclaw has told me half a dozen times that my smaller size means more speed, more agility. I weave around him so he gets dizzy tryin' to keep track of me. My teeth graze his shoulder, though I'm careful not to actually draw blood. This is practice, after all.

Before I can dart away, Deerfoot's claws slice my cheek open. But I'm used to fightin' through pain in ways these clan cats can't imagine. I snarl and land a solid blow on my opponent's head. Deerfoot reels back, blinking in confusion. But he recovers quickly and sinks his teeth into my tail. I lash out with my back legs, knockin' him off my paws. I spring on top of him before he can get up again. He throws me off with a grunt and a heave. But I land on my paws, twist around, and snap my teeth shut a whisker's-length from his neck. Tigerclaw didn't teach me that move; I saw Bone use it to kill no less than three cats during our time in BloodClan. Deerfoot and I are both pantin' like crazy.

"You really do know your stuff," Fernshade says.

"You're not hopeless," Deerfoot grumbles, but there's a new respect in his eyes when he looks at me. Tigerclaw and Blackfoot were right! This will help my standing in ShadowClan.

The rest of the training session goes much better. Fernshade is a skilled fighter, and by the time we go back to camp, I reckon I'm on the way to makin' another friend. Tigerclaw's already there, so I give him my report. He nods and tells me I did well. Stumpytail, Tangleburr, and my brother have done a good job of restocking the fresh-kill pile.

"Every bite we eat tonight is in honor of Nightstar," Tigerclaw meows as cats start selecting pieces of prey and clustering in familiar little knots.

Runningnose dips his head and calls, "Tigerclaw, on behalf of my clanmates, I would like to invite you and your companions to move into the camp. You have proven your loyalty to ShadowClan many times over, and it's what Nightstar would have wanted. You belong here, not outside our borders." Stumpytail gasps, and his eyes light up.

A few cats mutter irritably, but Tigerclaw's voice carries over theirs. "If you're sure this is what Nightstar would want, then we accept," he meows.

Rowanberry gets to her paws. "Welcome to ShadowClan, Tigerclaw. To those who have lived among us before, welcome home."

Tangleburr touches noses with her brother Deerfoot. She goes up to the perpetually sniffling Runningnose but goes for nuzzling his cheek instead. Blackfoot purrs and twines himself around Flintfang and Fernshade, while Dawncloud rubs herself against Stumpytail. How far does this welcome really extend to us? I wonder. Snag, Mowgli, and I draw together at the edge of the crowd.

"Runningnose, I have a great favor to ask. Please, may I give my friends Snag, Mowgli, and Cici warrior names? This will make them feel like ShadowClan is their home as well. I am sure Nightstar would want the same," Tigerclaw calls.

I'm sure Nightstar didn't know us from last moon's fresh-kill, but Runningnose inclines his head submissively and meows, "Of course, Tigerclaw. Please, go ahead and choose their names."

"Only if your clanmates agree," Tigerclaw says humbly, glancin' 'round at the gathered cats. "After all, a naming ceremony should be performed by a leader. I don't want to offend anyone."

"We don't want the other clans questioning these cats' right to be in the forest," says Wetfoot.

Tigerclaw jumps onto Clanrock, but I lash my tail and meow, "Hold up. My name's always been Cici."

"And now it will be something different," Tigerclaw says cooly.

Who does this cat think he is, changin' the names Mama gave us? "I just… Cedarstar let Boulder keep his name," I say, makin' an effort to meet and hold Tigerclaw's gaze. "I like my name. Mama gave it to me."

"Hush, Cici, it's not a big deal," Mowgli hisses out the side of his mouth.

"Cedarstar isn't leader anymore," Tigerclaw growls menacingly. "If you're not truly dedicated to your new clanmates, you're free to leave. No cat will stop you."

He's boxed me in, like the twolegs with their cages. Snag and Mowgli clearly have no problem losin' their names, so I gotta go along. "I got dedication fallin' out of my fur. Let's do this," I say, straightening my shoulders.

"I call upon our warrior ancestors to look down upon these cats. They were not born among us, but they have worked hard to understand the ways of your noble code and help their new clan through a troubled time, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn," Tigerclaw says solemnly. "Snag, Mowgli, Cici, do you swear to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do," we say together.

But what does that actually mean? I've come to care for ShadowClan, but am I willing to die for them? To let Snag or Mowgli die? I wish Tigerclaw hadn't forced us into this so fast.

"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Snag, from this moment, you will be known as Jaggedtooth. StarClan honors your strength and your fighting skills, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan," Tigerclaw meows, resting his muzzle on my friend's broad head. Jaggedtooth beams and purrs. Tigerclaw whispers something in his ear, and he licks the dark tabby's shoulder once.

Turning to Mowgli next, Tigerclaw gives him the name Nightwhisper, honoring his stealth and courage. My breath catches in my throat as Tigerclaw locks eyes with me. He pauses for a long few heartbeats, then says, "Cici, from this moment on, you will be known as Nettlethorn. StarClan honors your fierceness and intelligence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan." He rests his muzzle on my head, and I lick his shoulder respectfully.

"That's not fair, they didn't even have to do any training," Oakpaw complains.

"Don't even with that," I shoot back. "We've fought cats, dogs, rats, and twolegs."

This gets purrs of amusement from my fellow new warriors, Stumpytail, and even Tigerclaw. "Clanmates, I give you Jaggedtooth, Nightwhisper, and Nettlethorn!" Tigerclaw yowls.

Tangleburr jumps to her paws, cheering. "Nettlethorn! Jaggedtooth! Nightwhisper!" Blackfoot, Stumpytail, and Boulder quickly take up the chant of our new names. My eyes widen as the whole clan follows their lead, even Deerfoot. I ain't never been accepted like this. I let out a purr of contentment, and Snag... no, Jaggedtooth rubs his cheek against mine.

"You'll be awesome warriors!" Boulder enthuses, though I notice that his gaze lingers on me. My heart does a strange little dance.

"It'll take you a little while to get used to your new names, but soon you won't remember being called anything else," Russetfur assures us.

"I told you you could be a warrior!" Lightningkit squeaks in delight, pouncing on my tail.

"Owwww, sheathe your claws, will you?"

"Sorry," the kit meows, lookin' downcast for all of three heartbeats. "But it's amazing that you're a warrior, and Nettlethorn is a cool name!" Her genuine enthusiasm erases my misgivings, and I lick her head affectionately.