Tigerstar and Darkstripe

My first fanfic in the Warriors series. It's going to be long, and eventually will be slash. There aren't very many stories on this pairing which is why I decided to write them first, since I'm kind of desperate for DarkXTiger. =) This will eventually be slash, maleXmale so if this bothers you please don't read.

These aren't my characters, they belong to the writers known as Erin Hunter.

Chapter 1: Mentor

Darkstripe watched as Tigerstar walked away from him. He could not help but feel disappointed. He was tempted to follow Tigerstar, but somehow he knew that this time Tigerstar would not appreciate it. No, Tigerstar was usually very clear when he gave orders.

Against his better judgment, or his cowardly judgment, Darkstripe crouched down and slowly padded after Tigerstar at a safe distance. The Dark Forest was creepy, no stars in the sky, he wondered briefly what it would have been like if he had chosen his clan over Tigerstar. Darkstripe knew that that was impossible, ever since he became an apprentice and Tigerstar became his mentor, he was born to follow Tigerstar no matter his crimes.

Luckily, Darkstripe thought to himself as he followed Tigerstar, the Dark Forest lacked wind, so picking up his scent was almost impossible. Tigerstar would not know that he was following him until Darkstripe wanted him to.

Tigerstar paused suddenly, sniffing around him. Darkstripe crouched lower to the ground, unsure if Tigerstar had scented him or if he was just making sure he was alone. Darkstripe waited for Tigerstar to move, but he did not.

Without warning two tabby cats appeared, both remarkably similar to Tigerstar. Darkstripe recognized Bramblepaw, though he had gotten bigger since the last time he saw him. The other he did not recognize.

"You're both on time for once," Tigerstar said eyeing Bramblepaw with a slight glare.

The other cat looked at Bramblepaw with some sympathy, but did not say anything. Tigerstar continued, "Hawkfrost, you did well chasing off that badger. Your skills as a warrior showed."

Hawkfrost beamed with pride, while Bramblepaw congratulated him. However, Tigerstar was not finished speaking and he interrupted him, "Brambleclaw have you figured out a way to become deputy yet. With Graystripe gone you should actively be pursuing that position."

Brambleclaw nodded, but Darkstripe could tell by his posture that he had hoped to avoid this topic. Darkstripe almost purred in amusement at the thought, Tigerstar never let anything go. The best course of action around Tigerstar was not to reveal anything to the tom. Tigerstar was an expert at finding a cats weakness and using that weakness to his advantage. Darkstripe should know he was one of those cats. Seeing Tigerstar string his sons along awakened the bitterness in him again.

Here he was, the cat who had died for Tigerstar. No one could be more loyal then that. Yet, Tigerstar had excluded him again, and included two cats whose loyalty was questionable at best. A little voice in his head added, but if you were still alive you would be useful, you're dead you aren't useful to him anymore. It was frustrating.

He watched as Tigerstar tought Brambleclaw and Hawkfrost fighting moves. Watching them reminded him of when Tigerstar taught him, but things had been different. Tigerstar had yet to come up with the plan that would eventually spiral out of control, leading to Tigerstar's exile. Tigerstar knocked Brambleclaw to the ground, clawing at his belly. Tigerstar had not been this ferocious with him when he trained him, but he had not learned those moves. Already the two of them knew more then he had learned as an apprentice. He struggled to keep his jealousy from making him leap down there and demanding Tigerstar to teach him and not those spoiled brats.

Darkstripe paused, mid-thought, and turning from the scene in front of him bitterly. He now realized why Tigerstar had not wanted him to come. Tigerstar knew Darkstripe's issues, probably better then Darkstripe himself, and had known that Darkstripe would demand all of Tigerstar's attention. He knew that Darkstripe would most likely not teach his sons to the best of his ability because of his jealousy.

Darkstripe walked quickly through the trees. He looked up, no stars could be seen. He thought bitterly to himself, I even gave up StarClan for Tigerstar.

Many Moons ago

Darkkit clamored after his friend Runningpaw. Runningpaw turned and gave him a stern glare, "Darkkit what are you doing out of the nursery?"

"Following you," Darkkit squeaked, ducking as Runningpaw took a swipe at him. "Hey what was that for?"

"Go back, your mother will miss you," Runningpaw said sternly. "Besides I'm off for assessment. I should be made into a warrior soon."

Darkkit looked at the ground. If Runningpaw was made a warrior then Darkkit would be the only apprentice. After Nightkit had died, he was the only one left. He wondered who his mentor would be, maybe if Runningpaw became a warrior he could be his mentor. Darkkit did not talk too many of the other cats, so he was not too sure.

"Don't worry I'll play with you latter," Runningpaw said purring in amusement. "I doubt the assessment will take too long this time, since I'm the only one now."

Darkkit was tempted to follow him, but thought better of it. If Redtail caught him, he would be in big trouble and then he might have to wait longer to become an apprentice. Darkkit padded slowly back, besides Runningpaw was right his mother was going to be very very angry with him.

As he came back in to camp he saw Bluestar talking to Tigerclaw. They were in a deep discussion, but Tigerclaw looked pleased. Tigerclaw had not been a warrior long, if Darkkit remembered right. He was made a warrior not even a moon after Darkkit was given his name.

Tigerclaw looked up and at Darkkit. Darkkit froze, wondering what Tigerclaw was thinking. Darkkit was still unsure of what to make of him. Tigerclaw looked out for the clan well, if there were any problems it was commonly accepted that a cat would go to Tigerclaw sometimes even before Redtail and Bluestar.

Bluestar noticed Tigerclaw's distraction, and nodded at him to go. She padded up to him. Darkkit stared at her in wonder, she asked, "Is your mother around, I need to speak with her?"

Darkkit nodded enthusiastically, leading Bluestar to the nursery where his mother was likely to claw his ear off. His mother was lying down, speaking with Spottedleaf the new medicine cat. They both turned to look as Darkkit brought Bluestar in.

His mother took one look at him and hissed, "Where have you been? Did you get in trouble? Why is Bluestar here?"

"Its okay, Darkkit is fine," Bluestar interrupted firmly though her eyes glowed with amusement. "He was just wishing Runningpaw luck on his assessment."

Darkkit stared at her in amazement, how did she know that? His mother, however, seemed to accept that answer. Bluestar turned to him and said, "Why don't you go outside and play I need to talk to your mother."

Darkkit nodded and left along with Spottedleaf. Spottedleaf murmured a greeting to Bluestar as she passed. She turned to Darkkit, and asked, "Would you like to come with me and help me sort out the herbs?"

He nodded, as the only kit he did not have anyone to play with, so many of the older warriors tried to keep him as busy as possible. He ended up spending the rest of the day with Spottedleaf. He learned a great deal, though he really was not much good when it came to actually helping any injuries that came in.

He was just about to ask Spottedleaf if she wanted anything to eat, when Redtail came in, "Bluestar is calling a meeting."

At the same time Darkkit heard Bluestar's yowl calling all the cats. He followed Spottedleaf, and sat next to Runningpaw who looked proud. He whispered excitedly to Darkkit, "I'm going too made into a warrior. Isn't that exciting?"

Darkkit nodded, turning his attention to Bluestar who called Runningpaw forward, I, Bluestar, leader of Thunder clan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Runningpaw do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life? (1)

Runningpaw did not hesitate when he said, "I do."

Bluestar nodded before continuing, "Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name: from this moment you will be known as Runningwind. StarClan honors your loyalty and your wit, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." (1)

The camp roared with, "Runningwind, Runningwind."

Runningwind glanced at Darkkit eyes bright with happiness and awe. Darkkit ran up to him, congratulating him. As the noise died down, Bluestar signaled with her tail for silence.

Everyone paused looking up, Bluestar began to speak, and "It is time for Darkkit to begin his training, as an apprentice."

Darkkit looked up with surprise, Runningwind pushed him forward. He wondered what his name would be, before remembering sadly that he still had to go through training.

Before he had time to dwell on it, Bluestar continued, "I call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this kit. He would like to become a warrior of Thunderclan, but must first become an apprentice. Darkkit, from this day forth, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Darkpaw." (1)

Darkpaw looked at Runningwind pleased with himself. He saw from the corner of his eye Tigerclaw's tail twitch impatiently.

Tigerclaw stepped forward suddenly, before Bluestar spoke again. Bluestar hesitated a moment before continuing, "Tigerclaw, you will train Darkpaw. Thristleclaw was your mentor. I hope that his loyalty and bravery will pass through you to your new apprentice." (1)

There was a chorus of, "Darkpaw, Darkpaw."

Darkpaw meanwhile was too shocked to say anything. He knew he was going to apprenticed soon, but not this soon. Tigerclaw reached forward touching noses with Darkpaw. Darkpaw looked up at him in amazement.

"We'll start training first thing tomorrow," Tigerclaw said and he pushed his way out of the crowd of cats that went up to congratulate him. Runningwind poked him hard, and mouthed congratulations before going off to sit vigil. Darkpaw's mother padded up, and gave him a quick lick of happiness.

"I'm so proud of you," she said as the other cats went back to what they were doing. "You have a fine mentor."

Darkpaw nodded, and started to follow her into the nursery when he remembered that he would sleep in the apprentice den.

He said a quick goodbye to his mother, before heading off to the apprentice den. He crawled in; it was bigger then what he had imagined, made for several apprentices. Runningwind had been the last of his group to receive his warrior name, due to an injury. Mousefur and Tigerclaw had become warriors together, after they had successfully forced a fox out of their territory.

Darkpaw was not going to have anyone with him. He had not truly realized this until he lay down to sleep and found no one with him. He missed his mother, and he wished his sister was with him. Nightkit had died when a badger had attacked killing her and the old medicine cat who had tried to save her.

He curled up tightly, wrapping his tail around him. It was much colder sleeping alone. Darkpaw hated it, he wanted the warmth of his mother back, and he wished, though he knew he should not, that Runningwind was still Runningpaw. Then he would have company. Darkpaw could not stand being alone. He closed his eyes tightly, and was soon asleep.

The next morning he felt someone prodding him. He blinked up at Tigerclaw. Tigerclaw stepped back, "Come on eat some fresh kill. Then I'll take you around the border."

Darkpaw leapt to his paws, and scrambled after Tigerclaw. He took a vole, and sat down next to Tigerclaw, eating quickly. Tigerclaw barely took notice of him, instead he talked to Redtail. They were arguing the best way to deal with RiverClan, who had gotten somewhat comfortable near Sunningrocks. Darkpaw had to agree with Tigerclaw the best way to deal with RiverClan was to fight them off.

Once Darkpaw was done, Tigerclaw quickly said farewell to Redtail. Together they walked off, towards Snakerocks. Tigerclaw made him check for strange scents, finding none they ventured over to Two-legged place, and then to ShadowClan territory. Tigerclaw taught him each new smell as they went along, circling the whole of ThunderClan territory.

As they were approaching camp, Tigerclaw spoke, "You did well today. Go get something from the fresh kill pile and go to sleep. Tomorrow will be even more vigorous training."

Darkpaw glowed with pride, snatching up some fresh kill before sitting next to Runningwind, who looked a little put out. Dark paw swallowed his bite, "What's wrong?"

"Wha—nothing," Runningwind said returning to his meal.

"I don't believe you."

"Well, it really is nothing," Runningwind shrugged his shoulders, licking his back. "I guess I feel a little out of place is all."

"Oh, you've only been a warrior for one day," Darkpaw said sharing tongues with Runningwind. "I've been an apprentice for one day, and I'll admit it is weird."

"Yeah, how did that go," Runningwind asked. "Did Tigerclaw work you to death?"

"I guess," Darkpaw shrugged. "I did a lot of work, but I knew it already."

"He probably had too, to see where you are," Runningwind said, confusing Darkpaw's lack of response with disappointment.

"It was still fun," Darkpaw counter, Runningwind merely purred in amusement.

As soon as Darkpaw was done, he got up and went to the apprentice den. He was excited about tomorrow, Tigerclaw must be teaching him something difficult if he wanted him to go to sleep immediately after eating. He twitched with excitement, he could not wait to go out.

Again he had a hard time falling asleep, he really did not like sleeping alone. It was cold without his mother to warm him. He pushed himself as far as he could into the den and curled tightly. He was almost asleep when Tigerclaw popped in.

"Good, I was just making sure you did what I asked," Tigerclaw said, Darkpaw looked up at him in awe.

Darkpaw wished he could sleep with at least Tigerclaw. He was not particularly close Tigerclaw. Yet, he reminded himself. Tigerclaw nodded and turned to leave, "Why don't you sleep with the warriors tonight, its too cold for you to sleep here by yourself."

Darkpaw stared up at him shocked that was the last thing he had expected. Tigerclaw turned to make sure he was following, and seemed to get aggravated that Darkpaw had yet to follow him, "Come on, I'm not going to wait for you, and I doubt the other warriors will let you without me."

Darkpaw shut his mouth and quickly followed him.

Darkstripe sighed at that memory. At the time it had seemed as if Tigerclaw actually cared about him, but now Darkstripe realized that that friendliness was an act to gain followers. He needed support within the clan so that he could rule over it.

Darkstripe stopped, his ears drooping. No, he knew that he and Tigerclaw shared something more then a leader-follower relationship. There had to be something more between them, otherwise everything Darkstripe did was all for nothing, and that was too depressing a thought for Darkstripe to deal with at that moment.

1) These lines are quotes from the book series. I'm pretty sure both are used in Book 1 Into the Wild since Firestar becomes Firepaw and Fireheart in that book, but really you can pick up any of the books and find one or the other, sometimes both. You can also find them on a website, called warriorswish, which is where I got it from, because I'm out of the country and don't have the books. The reason I put them in was I didn't want to skip over the naming ceremonies because they are important to the story.

Note: Updates might be slow, I'm currently studying abroad and therefore will be spending more time sightseeing and doing homework, then writing this story. So I'm asking you to be patient. Thanks for reading.