Pinestar flopped on the ground and gave an exasperated sigh. "Of course he is. And let me guess, he doesn't know Pinestar is his father, right?"
"You left when he was a kit. He's forgotten." Bluestar meowed sympathetically. "He's mad at you for leaving. Why don't you talk to him, make him understand why you did. He was only a kit." Bluestar nudged him to his feet.
Pinestar knew deep down she was right. Tigerclaw had a right to be mad. But Pinestar was mad at Tigerclaw. Why couldn't he understand?
Tigerclaw had just returned from a hunting patrol. Willowpelt, Dustpaw, and Mousefur all followed behind him, their jaws filled with prey. Pinestar caught up with him at the fresh-kill pile, where he was choosing the vole he had caught.
"Tigerclaw, Bluestar would like me to talk to you. Is now a good time?" Pinestar knew Tigerclaw was a little sore, and he didn't want to anger him before they had even talked. But surprisingly, Tigerclaw bowed his head.
"Very well. Would you like to share this vole with me?" Pinestar nodded, and he followed Tigerclaw under the Highrock and sat down.
"Well Tigerclaw, as you know, I am from the kittypet world. Do you know who your father was?"
Tigerclaw shook his head. "My father left ThunderClan when I was a kit. He became a kittypet, like you. I never knew why. He was a great leader." Tigerclaw almost looked sad as he bent down to eat.
Pinestar took a breath. He only had one shot to get this right. "Yes. I know. Tigerclaw, you might say that I know your father very well."
Tigerclaw snapped his head up, now fully alert. "Really? My father is still alive? He must be about your age now. Tell me about him. What's he like? Can I see him? Pinestar!" Tigerclaw gave an excited squeal, which Pinestar thought was very out of character for him.
"Yes Tigerclaw. I can tell you all about your father. Meeting him, however, will have to wait. What do you want to know about him? You can ask me anything." Pinestar was relieved that Tigerclaw was so interested and not angry.
Tigerclaw looked sad again. "Why did Pinestar leave? Did I do something wrong? Did he not want me?"
Pinestar was in shock? Did he really make a kit feel that abandoned, that unloved, that it grew up with him? He was ashamed of himself. Why did he leave his kit and his mate when they needed him most?
"Tigerclaw, your father loved you more than you will ever know. He felt horrible for leaving you and Leopardfoot. It's a decision he'll regret for the rest of his life. And he hopes you're not mad at him, or feel abandoned."
Tigerclaw seemed to brighten a little by that answer. "I'm not mad. I guess I was, but knowing he's sorry for it makes me feel better." Pinestar felt uneasy with that answer. Did that mean Tigerclaw wanted him to suffer?
I must make sure he's really not angry. Then I can tell him I'm Pinestar.
"Your father wants to meet you very much. But he's afraid. He made me promise I wouldn't show you him until I'm positive you don't want revenge on him. He's suffered enough with his decision; don't make it worse for him."
Tigerclaw took a couple deep breaths. And another bite of food. And a couple more. He stared at the vole for a long time, as if it had all the answers and he was waiting for it to jump up and tell him. He finally looked Pinestar in the eyes.
"Fine. Take me to my father."