Tigerclaw’s Fury

Stumpytail and Clawface had done an impressive job of stocking the fresh-kill pile. The cats swarmed around it, keeping their voices low out of respect for Nightstar but unable to hide their delight at such a good haul. Tigerclaw stepped forward just as Oakpaw was about to drag a shrew from the pile.

“I want to say something,” Tigerclaw announced. All around him, the cats fell silent. Tigerclaw gestured to the fresh-kill pile. “Every bite we take tonight is dedicated to the memory of Nightstar. ShadowClan has lost a noble leader, and my companions and I are honored to share your grief.” He bowed his head in a show of respect. In his mind, Mapleshade let out a rasp of laughter. Nightstar was weaker than a newborn kit. Don’t think these warriors didn’t know that.

“Thank you, Tigerclaw,” mewed Runningnose. His voice cracked. “We are honored to have you here—you and all your companions.” He stood a little straighter. “On behalf of my Clanmates, I would like to invite you 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 now, not outside our borders.”

Tigerclaw blinked. He had not expected this so soon, and he could tell by the startled whispers that Runningnose didn’t speak on behalf of all his Clanmates. Should he make Runningnose wait a little longer, until the whole Clan was desperate for Tigerclaw to join them permanently? You can win them over more quickly if you’re among them all the time, Mapleshade pointed out. Tigerclaw waited for one more heartbeat, then bowed his head. “You are very generous, Runningnose. If you are sure that this is what Nightstar would want, then we accept.” He lifted his head, daring the ShadowClan warriors to challenge something their leader seemed to approve through the words of his medicine cat.

Rowanberry stepped forward. “Welcome to ShadowClan, Tigerclaw.” She glanced fondly at Clawface. “And to those of you who have lived among us before, welcome home.”

There was a murmur of approval from some of the warriors, and Stumpytail and Dawncloud touched noses. Snag and Mowgli stood at the edge of the crowd, looking wary.

Tigerclaw raised his tail. “Runningnose, I have a great favor to ask. Please may I give my friends Snag and Mowgli warrior names? Only then will they feel as if this is truly their home. I am sure Nightstar would want the same.”

Runningnose nodded. “Of course, Tigerclaw. Please, go ahead and choose their names.”

Tigerclaw glanced around at the watching cats. “Only if your Clanmates agree,” he meowed. “After all, a naming ceremony should be performed by a leader. I don’t want to offend anyone.”

“I’m sure we’ll cope, Tigerclaw,” meowed Fernshade drily.

“We don’t want the other Clans asking questions at the Gathering about where these cats came from,” Wetfoot agreed.

Tigerclaw jumped onto the rock, ignoring the ripple of surprise from the ShadowClan warriors. “Snag, Mowgli, come here, please.” The massive ginger tom and the sleek brown cat padded forward until they were standing below him. Tigerclaw took a deep breath. “Snag, Mowgli, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your lives?”

The two cats bowed their heads.

“I do, Tigerclaw.”

“I do.”

“Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior names. Snag, from this moment on 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 reached down and rested his muzzle briefly on the broad orange head. Then he turned to the brown tom. “Mowgli, from this moment on you will be known as Nightwhisper. StarClan honors your stealth and your courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan.” Tigerclaw touched his head, and stepped back. “Clanmates, I give you Jaggedtooth and Nightwhisper!”

“Jaggedtooth! Nightwhisper!” cheered Stumpytail and Blackfoot. Other ShadowClan cats joined in, and the newly named warriors lifted their heads proudly.

“That’s not fair! They didn’t have to do any training!” grumbled a small voice from the back. Tigerclaw sought out Oakpaw and fixed him with a cold glare; the apprentice ducked his head and said nothing more.