Illusion
It's easy to not see what a cat is hiding inside of them. It's easy to make an illusion; to be fooled into thinking he has a pure heart.
That's how it was with Tigerstar.
I, Bluestar, really believed in him. I never believed he would commit treachery. I am too forgiving.
I never really listened to Fireheart, even when he warned me. I just shrugged it off.
I trusted him too much.
Tigerstar was not the right cat for me—or for ThunderClan.
He tried to destroy me, and take over the forest. When I wouldn't give him what he wanted, he started to hate ThunderClan.
I didn't see any of this until it was too late.
The rogue attack…. I was forever scarred for life afterward. I had really believed in him, but he tried to kill me anyway.
"Bluestar," Tigerclaw yowled, rushing into my den. "There are rogues attacking the camp!"
"Well, then; go deal with it, then!" I demanded.
"Oh, no; I have something more to deal with, Bluestar," he purred menacingly. "You."
"What—me?!" I squeaked. "W-Wh-What do you mean, Tigerclaw?! Go deal with those rogues right now!"
"I mean that I'm going to kill you," he purred viciously. He leaped at me and pinned me down. I screeched.
It was at that moment that Fireheart came rushing in.
Oh, Fireheart; brave, sweet Fireheart; my apprentice, deputy, and successor.
He was destined to lead ThunderClan.
Not Tigerstar.
"I'll save you, Bluestar!" Fireheart yowled, leaping into battle with Tigerclaw. I retreated to the back corners of my den and stayed there, my heart now bearing permanent damage.
Fireheart and Tigerclaw became a rolling, screeching bundle of fur, each one trying to kill the other.
Eventually, Fireheart was able to beat Tigerclaw, and Fireheart grabbed Tigerclaw and put him in the middle of the clearing for everyone to see.
I came out into the entrance of my den and watched and listened as Fireheart listed all of Tigerclaw's traitor activities.
I couldn't believe it.
I had trusted this cat…. and he had betrayed me. Was there anything more to life?
Now, I know. Firestar was the cat destined to lead ThunderClan, after all…. he's saved ThunderClan time and time again.
He is my hero. And I have learned not to fall into an illusion again, like I did with Tigerstar.