This a short story that I came up with. It's here to help me with writer's block on my other stories. It takes place back in the old forest.
Ready to learn what Tigersight wished for? Ready to learn why she wished that way? Read to find out!
Review and Enjoy!
A Tiger's Sight
Chapter 7
Yowls rang out as the two Clans faced off. Thunderclan and Riverclan were at it again. Since Blizzardstar denied Lizardstar the necessary herbs, the Thunderclan cats were determined to make him regret it. Water flew as the Riverclan cats charged forward. They were angry. The land based Thunderclan were proudly perched on Sunningrocks. Yesterday they had fought and won it. Now they had to keep it.
Lizardstar slammed his shoulder into Blizzardstar's chest. The massive white leader was still weak from his sickness. He fell back into the water. Rumblechest and Flowertail, the deputies, locked into battle. Most of Thunderclan raced up Sunningrocks. Riverclan was forced to follow. The advantage of higher ground belonged to the forest dwellers. Blood flew in all directions. The sun was high overhead. Thunderclan played their cards right, forcing their rival Clan to come deeper into their territory. That eliminated Riverclan's strength in the water. Another advantage was that Riverclan was still battling the illness despite the arrival of newleaf. Windclan and Shadowclan had turned Riverclan away as well. They heard of Blizzardstar's decision to withhold herbs. If Riverclan was unwilling to help them, why should they help them? It was an unfair trade. Viperstar and Breezestar were also unwilling to lose their limited stockpile of herbs to another Clan. One never knew when the sickness would start spreading again. Shadowclan had lost five warriors, six kits, and two elders to the disease. Windclan lost three apprentices (out of six total), one warrior, their deputy, their medicine cat apprentice, and all four elders. Thunderclan lost six warriors and one elder. Luckily they didn't lose any kits.
Darknight reared on the small tabby before her. Claws raked through the air. Then she dropped to the ground. Tigersight froze with shock. The black warrior eyed carefully before dipping her head. She turned, yowling at the top of her voice, as she charged in to help a Clanmate fight off Waterpelt. A cat landed beside her. Instantly she spun with claws unsheathed. Her deep blue eyes met the gentle gaze of her mate. Swiftpool was unharmed and looking around in shock. Not one Thunderclan cat raced at them. Not one lifted a claw to harm them. He met Tigersight's gaze and shrugged. If no one would fight them then there was nothing they could do about it.
Both turned as a powerful yowl rang out. Lizardstar and Blizzardstar were rolling in the wet grass. Blood flew in all directions. Hisses were the only sounds they made. Cats stopped fighting in order to watch the leaders. Thunderclan was smiling. Riverclan was watching with fear. Something told Tigersight to start moving. Her deep blue eyes stretched wide as Lizardstar gained firm footing. He slammed Blizzardstar into the mud. Blood-stained teeth shined in the sunhigh light. Narrowed amber eyes glared into wide green eyes. Those jaws separated. Desperately Blizzardstar pressed his claws into Lizardstar's chest to stop him. Fangs snapped shut inches from the Riverclan leader's throat. The Thunderclan leader ignored the claws in his chest. He ignored the pain and dripping blood. The cat beneath him denied him the herbs his Clanmates needed. In Lizardstar's mind, Blizzardstar didn't deserve to be alive. He didn't deserve the nine lives Starclan gave to him.
His jaws snapped near Blizzardstar's throat again. Brown ears pricked as he heard pawsteps. A small, lightweight body slammed into him. Lizardstar rolled onto his feet. Claws flashed in the sunlight. Teeth were bared in anger. How dare someone interfere! This fight was between him and Riverclan's pathetic excuse for a leader. Blizzardstar was slowly rolling onto his paws. Between them, fur bushed outward, was Tigersight. Her deep blue eyes met Lizardstar's amber glare willingly. Her claws were unsheathed. Lizardstar knew that she was going to defend her leader. A snarl touched his lips. Calmly he stepped forward.
"Step aside, young one. I'm here to punish him for everything he's done. I don't want to hurt you after you've done for my Clan," he hissed in a whisper.
Tigersight shoved her pink nose in Lizardstar's face, forcing him to step back, "He's my leader and I will defend him with my life. Taking a life in cold blood isn't our way. Stand down. Your Clan won this battle but if you take another step toward my leader then you'll have to fight me."
She turned her back to him. Gently she nuzzled her leader into a standing position. Swiftpool stepped to the other side. Together they guided Blizzardstar to the river. Riverclan snarled at them. They were giving up the fight! They were surrendering to Thunderclan, a group of petty, self-absorbed mouse-brains! None of their Clanmates could believe it. However, Thunderclan cats were pressing them towards the water. They had no choice but to back down.
Back at camp, everyone started hissing at Tigersight. They weren't happy with her decision to surrender Sunningrocks. That's what they believed transpired between her and the Thunderclan leader. Several shoved her out of the way. Others whispered the made-up story to the cats who hadn't fought. Shock then anger appeared on their faces. Tigersight stayed near the camp entrance. She knew when she wasn't welcome.
Her orange, black-tipped ears pricked as a tan pelt pushed its way through the crowd. A smile pulled at her lips. It was Swiftpool. He was carrying a thrush in his jaws. Green eyes shined brightly. The tom dropped the fresh-kill at her white paws. The two shared a nuzzle before he joined a hunting patrol. Birchpelt was leading it. Tigersight saw her brother glare at her as he left camp. She sighed before leaning over and started eating. A purr rumbled in her throat. The thrush was good, very tasty. Her stomach rumbled as she finished the bird. Tigersight's gaze darted to her stomach. She was surprised no one had spotted its growing size. Then she gave vent to a defeated sigh. No one paid her any heed. They probably wouldn't care about the secret she was carrying.
Calmly she rose and padded towards her father. There were still a few days before she had to surrender her warrior duties. Rumblechest looked at her. His eyes narrowed. He wasn't any happier with her. Tigersight's heart twisted at that. It dropped to her stomach as he signaled to Swallowtail's fishing patrol. She knew the she-cat hated her. Especially since Swiftpool seemed determined to spend very moment he could with Tigersight instead of his family. Nodding to her father and deputy, the orange tabby padded over to the patrol. The cats spotted her in a heartbeat. Two snarled. The rest, five cats total, groaned audibly. They couldn't believe they got stuck on a patrol with her. Swallowtail stepped up to her, teeth bared.
"Don't slow us down, runt. It's high time you started pulling your weight in this Clan. We're getting tired always working and watching you benefit without working," she spat in the small warrior's face.
Tigersight flinched but replied submissively, "Of course. My apologies."
Viperclaw, one of the five cats who groaned, let out a sarcastic laugh, "If your apologies were fish, Tigersight, this Clan wouldn't have to work for a whole season."
The others laughed. The orange tabby gave a pained smile. She wasn't going to make a scene. It wasn't worth it. As the patrol headed out, she hung back with her head down. She was a faster swimmer than several of her patrol but she remained behind them. That way they wouldn't snap at her. Mossfoot, a brown she-cat with white patches and green eyes, had actually held her under water once before. Tigersight wasn't keen on repeating that day again. They padded towards the river near Windclan's territory. Everyone continued to laugh at each other's jokes. Tigersight was often the center of those jokes. She just flattened her ears and ignored them. That way her feelings were never hurt…not that she had much feeling.
Reaching Riverclan camp again, they found everyone preparing for the sundown meal. Cats were already in groups. The patrol scattered towards the groups of family or friends they wanted to join. Swallowtail quickly told Blizzardstar and Rumblechest that everything had been clear. Then she turned and trotted over to her mate and kits. Tigersight grabbed a mouse before finding a corner to hide in. She was glad to see Blizzardstar out and about. However, she could sense the disapproving look he was giving her. His lives didn't matter as much as teaching Thunderclan a lesson. Tigersight dug into her meal. Her mind told her to ignore everyone. They were just mouse-brained idiots. Her heart told her otherwise. It longed to be accepted by her Clanmates. It desired to be an equal, to laugh and joke with them, no feelings hurt. But she knew that desire would never come true. Looking up at the stars that were appearing, Tigersight smiled. She welcomed in one place. She would wait patiently for that her day to come. Her deep blue eyes spotted Swiftpool returning. He dropped his catch in the fresh-kill pile, chose a fish, glanced around the camp, then headed straight to her.
"You look tired. Is everything alright?" he spoke softly after dropping his meal.
Tigersight smiled at him. Her heart screamed for her to tell him but the time wasn't right. Not yet anyway. She nodded calmly, "Everything is fine. It's been a busy day."
"That it has," Swiftpool agreed. Then his green eyes clouded with worry. His paws shuffled nervously before he tentatively meowed, "Tigersight…?"
His mate tilted her head, "What is it?"
"Has…Have you seen Dawnmist since leaf-bare ended?" the tom asked quietly.
That shocked Tigersight. What would Dawnmist want with Swiftpool? Slowly she shook her head. Worry was starting to gnaw at her stomach. She winced faintly as a stab of pain shot back. Those spikes of pain were getting more frequent. Not to mention much worse. Swiftpool looked towards camp nervously. It was as if he didn't want anyone to overhear him. Seeing no one, he leaned towards Tigersight.
"She came to me near the end of leaf-bare. There was another cat with her…a tom. They said I did well helping you during the sickness. They…they offered me one wish. Whatever I wanted they would grant. I gave them an answer but…." Swiftpool paused uncertainly.
Feeling a wave of relief flood through her, Tigersight licked his cheek, "But what?"
"I didn't understand why they were rewarding me when you were the one who listened," he finished.
A smile touched Tigersight's lips. Her eyes glanced towards the stars in a silent thank you. Then she looked at her worried and confused mate, "Why are you telling me this now?"
"I tried to forget about it. Didn't think anything would come of it. But you've been acting strange and I'm afraid something's wrong with you and it's all my fault. The guilt won't leave me alone," Swiftpool exclaimed in a whisper.
The she-cat was about to reply when she noticed Swallowtail approaching with fur raised. Quickly she whispered, "Meet me across the river tonight to talk about it more. Now, we've got trouble."
Swiftpool glanced right and spotted his mother. He gave Tigersight a small nod before rising to his full height. "Mother!" he called with a purr. Swallowtail relaxed long enough to nuzzle her son. Then she licked him between the ears. Swiftpool laughed gently. His mother was proud of him and his sisters, Leaftail and Silverfoot. Calmly she walked past him. Her eyes gained a dark tint as she approached Tigersight. The small warrior kept eating her mouse until the she-cat was right in front of her. Only then did she raise her eyes to look into that dark gaze.
Politely she meowed, "What can I do for you, Swallowtail?"
"Stay away from my son," Swallowtail hissed. Her fur started rising once more.
"Mother, I choose who I hang out with," Swiftpool replied curtly. Easily he shouldered his mother back from Tigersight. His gaze bore into her's as he continued, "Tigersight was the best mentor I could have. I respect her. What's more, I love her. Stop sticking your nose up in the air and pretend you're better than she is."
Tigersight froze as a look of fury filled Swallowtail's amber eyes. Softly she spoke, "You should be more respectful to your mother, Swiftpool."
"And you should stop rolling over and letting everyone belittle you," Swiftpool snapped back.
"She knows her place," Swallowtail growled to her son. "This she-cat has done nothing to earn your respect and love. Grow up and come join your family."
Now it Swiftpool's turn to become hostile. His claws unsheathed. Lips pulled back slightly in the beginnings of a snarl. That tan tail lashed back and forth. His mate watched him with shock. This was the most anger he had ever shown. Suddenly he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Without a word, he turned his back to Swallowtail and crouched beside his fish. The mother stared at her son with utter shock. Tigersight was just as stunned. The tom swallowed his mouthful and spoke calmly to his mate:
"I won't care for anyone who doesn't care for his or her Clanmates…all of them."
The night was young but strong. Moonlight filtered through the leaves. It danced on the rippling river. Sitting in the shadows was Tigersight. Across the river was Riverclan's island camp. She was patiently waiting for Swiftpool. Tears dripped down her cheeks. One landed on the three fresh scratches on her left shoulder. After her mate's simple declaration, Swallowtail had been hurt then angry. Her claws had raked deep gashes into her shoulder mere seconds later. Swiftpool's return before, claws sheathed, had been quick and hard. He sent his mother rolling several feet. Everyone who started paying attention at that moment saw Swallowtail picking herself up with Swiftpool standing protectively in front of Tigersight. Dapplefoot had looked at the wound and determined Tigersight didn't need any herbs.
The medicine snorted, "The cuts aren't that deep, Swiftpool. She'll be fine without herbs."
"What are you talking about!? She's been bleeding steadily for past three minutes!" the tom had cried with shock.
Dapplefoot glared at him, "Who's the medicine cat here? I am. So don't tell me how to do my job. Tigersight will be fine without herbs. Now leave before you wake Skychaser. She needs to rest."
As a spike of pain came from the wound, Tigersight wished Dapplefoot had given poppy seeds at the least. Quickly she ducked her head and licked the scratches. The pain subsided after three licks. Sighing, she looked up to see if Swiftpool was coming. Her mate was nowhere in sight. Her ears flattened. He was probably sound asleep. It had been a hard day. He was probably exhausted. Not that she blamed him in any way. All she wanted to do right now was sleep. But they had to talk when no one was listening in. This topic would stir up even more resentment and hatred. Tigersight didn't know how much more she could take of it. A bug flew near her ear. Casually she flicked it away.
But that allowed her to hear someone coming.
Spinning around, Tigersight unsheathed her claws. Was it an intruder? Who would be attacking Riverclan camp at this hour? Probably Thunderclan. She scented the air. No scent of any other Clan. Was it a rogue or loner that was lost? That could be. However, no unusual scents were in the air. The bushes shook as the cat approached. Whoever it was wasn't trying to hide it presence. Tigersight opened her mouth and scented the air again. Her fur dropped as those sharp claws sheathed. The scent was instantly recognizable.
True enough, Swiftpool came padding out into the open. Locked in his jaws were three, white river lilies. A purr rumbled from his throat. That tan tail, painted gray by the moonlight, rose with pride. Tigersight had to smile at him. He was certainly adorable. Signaling with her tail, the she-cat led the way into the forest. Her mate quietly fell in line behind her. Soon they reached the river that served as the border between Riverclan and Thunderclan. Calmly Tigersight sat down on a smooth stone and looked up at the stars. Swiftpool put the lilies at her paws before sitting next to her. His purring increased as his mate and former mentor leaned against him. Both cats were happy. Both were with the one who saw the other as an equal, as perfect and beautiful.
"What is it you wanted to talk about?" Swiftpool meowed after several minutes of watching the moon and stars.
The she-cat sighed as she pulled away. Her eyes turned to meet Swiftpool's green gaze. Softly she spoke, "Near the middle of leaf-bare, Dawnmist approached me with a tom. We were in a clearing surrounded by Riverclan ancestors. All of them were smiling at me. All of them were proud of me. Then the tom stepped forward and told me how happy he was to call me a Clanmate. The tom, Swiftpool, was Riverstar."
"Riverstar! As in the founded of Riverclan!" her mate cried in a whisper of awe.
She nodded, "Yes. He was warm and gentle, everything I ever wanted in a father. He told me how proud he was of me and that he was grateful for all we had done to save Riverclan. That smile on his face made me want to float. Then Riverstar told me he would grant me one wish, whatever I wanted."
"So they did reward you," Swiftpool meowed with a relieved sigh.
Tigersight smiled, "They did. And told them the only thing I wanted in this world was a family that loved me for me." She head-butted her mate's broad shoulder as she laughed, "I already had a mate. All I needed were kits of my own."
"Kits of your…" Swiftpool stiffened. Shocked rolled off of him in waves. Tigersight cocked her head at him. He leaned down and touched her nose with his. A smile was spreading over his face. Softly he whispered the words, "My love, that's what I asked for."
The she-cat stared into his green eyes with shock. Then she smiled too. Now everything made sense. "Swiftpool, Riverstar said he could only grant me one kit but I've felt two inside me. One kit per wish. We both wanted a family, wanted kits."
"Now we're going to have two!" he cried.
The joy in his eyes grew as Tigersight nodded. Calmly she placed a white paw on her belly. Swiftpool carefully reached over and put a paw on her stomach. Both felt one of the kits squirm within its mother. Two chuckles escaped the parents. Then Swiftpool pressed into her. This was perfect for him. He had his loving mate. Now two kits were on the way. Tigersight sighed and pressed deeper. Her heart twisted. How could she tell him the cost? All this happiness had a price to be paid.
How could she tell him that these kits would kill her?
