Tigerstar stood at the edge of the ShadowClan camp, watching as the warriors–his warriors–enjoyed an afternoon meal as they took a short break from their duties. As always, he felt the familiar ripple of triumph course through him as his eyes traveled across the clearing. At long last, he had finally achieved his dream and taken his rightful place as the head of a Clan.

It hadn't been an easy journey to the top by any means. ShadowClan, much like the other three Clans, had been adamant in rejecting him as their leader. Tigerstar suspected that Bluestar had exposed the truth of his attempt to murder her to the other leaders. In fairness to her, he would have done the same thing if he was in her place. He would have to keep that in mind if any of his warriors turned out to be traitors.

Regardless, Bluestar hadn't accounted for the sickness that would sweep through the ShadowClan camp. The illness had claimed the lives of many ShadowClan warriors, including their leader and deputy, Nightstar and Cinderfur. Weakened as they were, they were unable to defend themselves from an attack led by Tigerstar and Brokentail's old rogues. They had defeated the devastated Clan with ease, and Tigerstar had named himself their leader.

He hadn't been planning on going to the Moonstone to receive his nine lives–he had no intention of bowing before his ancestors, and part of him didn't think they would grant him his lives anyway–but Runningnose pointed out that the Clan might turn on him if he didn't at least appear to have StarClan's blessing. It was a fair point, so Tigerstar had reluctantly agreed to make the trek to Highstones. Fortunately, the journey was shorter than he remembered it being since his territory lay closer to Highstones now. He had received his lives and returned home, naming Darkstripe as his deputy as soon as he did so.

"Tigerstar," Russetfur meowed, walking up to him and dipping her head respectfully. "We've just finished the border patrols for today. There's no sign of trouble anywhere."

"Good," Tigerstar replied, nodding. "Take another patrol out and restock the fresh-kill pile. Bring Blackfoot, Jaggedtooth, and Oakpaw along with you."

Russetfur nodded and walked over to the other three cats, who were all sharing a meal near the warriors' den. Tigerstar watched as the ginger-tinged warrior meowed something to her Clanmates, who all nodded and stood up. The patrol walked over to the camp entrance, passing by Darkstripe as he entered with four squirrels and two rabbits dangling from his jaws.

Tigerstar suppressed an urge to roll his eyes. For the past three days, Darkstripe had been returning to the camp with double the amount of prey that anyone else in the Clan managed to catch. While he certainly wasn't going to complain about having extra fresh-kill, he wished that the dark gray tabby wouldn't make it so obvious that he was trying to please him. It wasn't a good look for a real warrior to seem like a sycophant.

I'll need to keep an eye on him, Tigerstar thought to himself. I don't want him getting any ideas. Darkstripe has already seen what the epitome of leadership looks like, and I have no doubt that he'll try to copy me. But he wouldn't be the right leader–for ShadowClan or anyone else. He's a good follower, but that's all he's good for.

He stalked over to the fresh-kill pile, where Darkstripe was depositing the last of his load. The ShadowClan deputy was staring at him, his eyes wide. This time, Tigerstar did roll his eyes; Darkstripe couldn't have looked more like a kit begging for attention if he tried. Without even acknowledging his deputy, he picked up a pigeon from the pile and carried it back towards his den.

"Tigerstar?" Darkstripe called out to him.

Fox dung, Tigerstar swore silently. "Yes, Darkstripe?"

"Is there anything else you want me to do? I can go hunting again if you'd like," the dark tabby offered. "Or I could check the borders again. You never know, maybe we've been invaded since the patrols came back."

"We haven't been invaded, Darkstripe, are you a fool?" Tigerstar snapped. "And you've been out hunting quite enough for today, and you didn't even bring back enough prey to show for it. I expect more than six pieces if you've been out all morning. Besides, I already sent Russetfur to take a hunting patrol. If you want to make yourself useful, then stop bothering me and let me eat my meal in peace."

"Y-yes, of course," Darkstripe stammered, taking a few paces back. "Whatever you want, Tigerstar. I'll just be on my way, then."

With that, he turned around and fled to the opposite side of the camp. Tigerstar snorted and picked up his pigeon, carrying it the rest of the way to his den. Once he was inside, he curled up in his nest and took a bite. It was tender and juicy, just as he'd always remembered from his time in ThunderClan.

I wonder how Bramblekit and Tawnykit are doing, the dark brown tabby thought. It must nearly be time for them to become apprentices. Shame they have to stay in ThunderClan with their mother, or else I could train both of them myself. They would be the strongest warriors in the entire forest.

Tigerstar shook his head to himself. He knew that his kits would receive fine training in ThunderClan; after all, he had spent most of his life in ThunderClan, and he was the greatest warrior the forest had ever seen. Any kits that shared his blood were bound to be just as great. As long as Bluestar didn't let that kittypet Fireheart mentor any of his children, everything would be just fine.

In the meantime, he had other things to worry about in his own Clan. Darkstripe seemed to be determined to irritate him, and Tigerstar couldn't deny that he was wary of his attempts to please him. He had known the younger warrior since he was a kit, and he wouldn't trust him as far as he could throw him. Darkstripe didn't have a loyal bone in his body, not to him or any other cat. If he was trying so hard to please him, the only explanation was that he intended to turn on him when he was least expecting it.

I'll have to pacify him, Tigerstar decided. I have to let him think that I approve of what he's doing. That should keep that fool happy enough to blind him to the fact that I've figured out his plan. But I need to make sure I don't go too overboard, or else he'll realize that something isn't right.

The stars had spoken. He, Tigerstar, was the rightful leader of ShadowClan, and Darkstripe was nothing more than a mere follower. The sooner he learned his place, the better for everyone involved.

Tigerstar, you're an asshole. But hey, at least you're good in Fire Rising.

Also yes, I decided to make Tigerstar completely paranoid about being betrayed because I thought it would be hilariously ironic.

Fair warning, the next chapter is going to be extremely gruesome and sad. Just thought I would let you know in advance.

Thanks for reading!

-TheShadowedWarrior