Bramblepaw speaks
The decision
I've always been ridiculed and treated badly because of my ancestry. Because of who my father is. Tigerstar could have been one of the most respected warriors of all time, but he chose to darken his heart with betrayal. I grew up to be an apprentice only knowing that my father had been a great warrior, not knowing the truth. All of the stares I ignored and blew off as normal were intentional. When Firestar told me about the murderous crimes Tigerstar commited, I realized why I was always stared at differently. I am a mirror image of my father and I am always under suspicion. Even my own mentor, the legendary Firestar, does not trust me completely. I always want to be judged for my actions, and not of my fathers.
When Tawnypaw went missing, I didn't want to believe that she went to join the treacherous cat, but deep in my heart I knew it was true. TigerClan was the new enemy now, RiverClan and ShadowClan merged to one. When Firestar lead LionClan to go and reject TigerClan's offer to join, Tigerstar was angry. I could tell in his eyes of a burning hatred for my leader and mentor. I looked over his shoulder and my heart sank. A tortoiseshell she-cat apprentice was standing behind my father, "Tawnypaw!" I gasped. I remember the guilty look my sister shot me as Tigerstar told everyone that she came willingly. I called once more my voice filled with grief, " Tawnypaw! What are you doing? You're a ThunderClan cat, come back to us!" She didn't even say anything. I couldn't believe my sister had left me, especially for that piece of mousedung! I'd never hated anyone ever in my life, but now I hated Tigerstar with a rage that filled my entire body. He took my sister away from me.
"No, Bramblepaw," Tigerstar meowed, "You come to us. Your sister made the right choice. TigerClan will rule over the whole forest, and you can share our power." I stood rigid with disbelief. How could he even think of asking me that? After all the pain he caused me. All the mistrustful looks, the suspicious glares, and the accusing stares were all his fault! I could not even express how furious I was, but he persisted, "What do you say? ThunderClan is finished. There is nothing for you."
"Join you?" I whispered, swallowing my anger. "Join you? After everything you've done?! I'd rather die!" ThunderClan murmured their approval for my rejection and my fur crawled with glee. It was the first time I'd ever seen my clan back me. I looked up at my father once more and was stunned to see him staring at me with pure hatred flaring in his eyes.
"Are you sure? I wont make the offer twice. Join me now or you will die." His massive tabby pelt was bristling and he glared at me through narrowed eyes.
Now I was more confident, knowing my leader was staring proudly down at me, "Then at least I'll go to StarClan as a loyal ThunderClan cat." I was brimming with defiance.
"Fool! Stay, then, and die with these other fools." I remember feeling overcome with anger once again, but it was now mixed with a new feeling, sorrow. My father would always be known as a betrayer, one to scare nursery kits with. He would never be a loving, caring parent like Goldenflower had been. I would never be able to look up at him and be proud to be his son. My thoughts were interrupted as Blackfoot raised his tail.
Out of nowhere, row after row of ragged, skinny cats stinking of crowfood emerged around us. These were no clan cats. I took a look at their necks, they were kittypets, as Ashpaw had pointed out, but their collars were studded with cat and dog teeth. I remember a wave of horror crashing over me, although I kept my composure.
Before I knew it, a small black apprentice padded out, speaking for his clan. The next few minutes flashed by, and I knew Firestar had revealed Tigerstar's treachery to Scourge, the tiny black cat that I'd thought to be an apprentice. I turned for one moment, and then I heard Leopardstar gasp with shock. I turned to see Scourge tearing open Tigerstar, from neck to tail, in one single blow. Blood poured out and washed over my paws. So much blood… He shuddered and convulsed over and over again, and then he was dead. All I could do was stare down at his body. It had happened so fast, I didn't know what to think. Grief as well as relief came over me and I lowered my tail to the ground.
Later on, Firestar tried to comfort me. For once, he was honest and trusting with me, his gaze soft and concerned. That's when I realized that I did have a father. He may not be my blood father, but he will always be there for me from now on. His pelt shown with the brilliance of fire and just in the way he padded along, you knew he was a strong warrior. He is my idol and from that point on I knew we would be safe. Even with the threat of BloodClan, he would be the Fire to save our Clan. Only one day can I hope to walk in his footsteps…to save my clan and be the best warrior I can be
Requests are very welcome everyone! Enjoy the others!
Tawnystripe