Disclaimer: I don't own warriors
Yay new chapter ^^
Chapter 21: Sunningrocks
Tigerclaw padded back to camp. It was dark. Dropping his prey onto the fresh-kill pile, he turned and walked to the Warrior's den.
Settling down, he yawned and closed his eyes.
• • •
Opening his eyes, he found himself in the Dark Forest. Wait, is this the Dark Forest?... Where is this place? Tigerclaw realized a shining silver light was glowing faintly in the distance. What is that? The Dark Forest would never have a bright glowing thing in the middle of these woods.
Curiosity washed over him. I can go check... If it's something that's a threat to this place I need to take it on. Quietly creeping to it, the light became brighter still until-
What?!
It seemed like he was on the border of StarClan and the Dark Forest. StarClan's trees were shining with stars, such a sickly sweet light that Tigerclaw fought the urge to look away and retreat back deeper into the Dark Forest. But it wasn't the sight of StarClan that made him stand stupefied in shock.
Thisteclaw was there with Snowfur.
Tigerclaw's mind quickly worked it's way into a conclusion. He's probably chasing her off. Former mate of Thisteclaw or not, she still isn't supposed to be in Dark Forest territory.
Creeping slowly closer, every muscle tensed in case he had to retreat into the shadows, it was horribly clear that Thistleclaw had no intention of scaring her off. Soon he hid behind the tree nearest to the pair, and he could hear their conversation.
"Snowfur you can come with me! To the Dark Forest! It's not bad here. Please... I'll train you."Thistleclaw meowed.
Snowfur shook her head, eyes wide. "I can't Thisteclaw! I've told you this countless times. Remember when I welcomed you to StarClan?"
Thisteclaw flattened his ears. "What about it?"
"You nearly shredded Shadowstar!"
"That was an accident, thought she was some intruder-"
Snowfur cut him off. "If you were good enough you could've stayed in StarClan. We would've been happy. But I can't go to the Dark Forest, your little... Friends," she spat, "wouldn't like that so much would they?"
Thistleclaw bowed his head in defeat. "I'm sorry Snowfur. I'll... I'll miss you. Please, when can we meet again?
Tigerclaw stood tensed, shocked. Again? Does that mean he's visited Snowfur before?!
Snowfur nuzzled him lovingly. "I'm sorry but I think this will be our last visit... I'll miss you, Thistleclaw." She turned and bounded away, stars sparkling from her paws.
Thistleclaw stared after her, then bowed his head. Tigerclaw could hear him sobbing.
He's crying! Tigerclaw thought, mouth gaping. All his life he had seen Thisteclaw as a very ferocious, strong, and a cat that would never show weakness. And now, of all the cats that could've been sobbing in front of him, was his own mentor.
A sudden sweet, flowing voice rang through the trees.
"Snow, like a star
Thistle, too far
Separated so soon,
Left each other under the moon.
Must the light leave dark,
When there is no more spark,
To find the way through love."
Thistleclaw let out a wild yowl as if he was being slashed by invisible claws.
Tigerclaw was shaking with disgust. It was such a stupid sappy song. How could Thistleclaw even cry like this? He whirled around and dashed away into the Dark Forest where the shadows welcomed him like an old friend.
• • •
Tigerclaw lifted his head. Snowfur's song was still ringing in his ears. He shook his head, as if he could shake the song from his memory. But Thistleclaw's behaviour was what had disturbed him the most. Can I even trust him?
He peered through the entrance of the den. Sandpaw and Dustpaw were chatting in the clearing. Oh right... Group apprentice training. Ravenpaw. He pushed himself to his paws and padded to the direction of the apprentice's den.
Lionheart was there nosing Graypaw to get up. Tigerclaw waited until he backed out, and stuck his head inside.
"Ravenpaw." The black apprentice didn't stir. "Ravenpaw!" He growled loudly. Ravenpaw's head shot up, eyes widened in fear.
"Get up. It's time for training." Ravenpaw nodded rapidly. Jumping to his paws, he quickly scurried out with Tigerclaw following him.
• • •
"Tuck your paws in more Sandpaw." Whitestorm advised. Sandpaw obeyed, and leaped, landing squarely in the pile of leaves.
"Ravenpaw, it's your turn." Lionheart motioned him to come. Ravenpaw hopped over and got into the hunter's crouch.
It doesn't even look like one. Tigerclaw snorted. Stepping forward, tail flicking in annoyance, he snapped, "Balance your weight more, chin up, stop swishing the leaves, put your paws closer together, and stop shaking!"
Ravenpaw squeaked and changed position that looked even worse. Graypaw groaned at his clanmate's mistake and Sandpaw and Dustpaw whispered and giggled. Redtail cuffed Dustpaw and Sandpaw's ears gently for laughing at him.
"Ravenpaw," Whitestorm meowed, while Lionheart and Redtail told the other apprentices to be respectful. "There's nothing to be afraid of. Just bring your paws here, don't move your tail so much..."
While Whitestorm comforted the apprentice, Tigerclaw thought about his trip to the Dark Forest. Should I even bring it up? Would it be better if I just pretended I didn't see him with Snowfur?
"Oof!" Ravenpaw's gasp brought Tigerclaw back to the present. He had landed on his chest, a tail-length away from he leaves he was aiming for. "Great thrush feathers, Ravenpaw." Tigerclaw spat. "You're hopeless!"
"Can we go now? I'm more tired than a dormouse after a run!" Graypaw joked, rolling onto his back and pretending to snore loudly. Sandpaw and Dustpaw just sniggered, and Ravenpaw was petrified under Tigerclaw's steely glare.
"Sure, Graypaw." Lionheart purred. "Come, it's been a long day."
They headed back to camp, and when Tigerclaw entered, Bluestar was jumping up onto the Highrock and calling a meeting.
The clan gathered near, and Tigerclaw quickly hurried over while the apprentice's and their mentors followed him more slowly.
"Runningwind's patrol saw a RiverClan patrol." Bluestar began. "They-"
"Were they on our territory?" Dustpaw called out, and then looked very embarrassed he had interrupted the clan leader.
"No," Bluestar replied. "But they told the patrol they were going to take back Sunningrocks, and expected us to meet them there. It was not a warning, it was displayed as a threat."
Hubbub broke out in the listening cats. Tigerclaw bristled. Those fat fish-eaters! "We're going to meet and fight them, right?" He meowed.
Bluestar nodded. At least she knows when it's time to battle! Tigerclaw flexed his claws. "If you're willing to, Tigerclaw, you will join Redtail on the battle patrol. Redtail, please choose more cats to go with you."
Redtail dipped his head. Turning around, he quickly told who would go on the patrol. "Lionheart, Darkstripe... Runningwind, Mousefur, and... Willowpelt. Plus Tigerclaw and myself."
Bluestar nodded approvingly and the meeting broke up. Tigerclaw hurried over to Redtail who was explaining battle tactics with the rest of the patrol.
• • •
Tigerclaw and the rest of the battle patrol quietly ran though the forest. It was dark, and silverpelt glittered above. Clouds flitted around the sky, blocking the moon every now and then.
Tigerclaw saw Sunningrocks looming ahead. Redtail flicked his tail to the left, then to the right. 'Spread out' was the message. Tigerclaw slinked to the right side of the rocks, hiding in some bushes.
He spotted the RiverClan warriors' eyes gleaming out at the other side of the rocks. Oakheart's russet fur was gleaming in the half-moon light, obviously leading the patrol.
Tigerclaw could feel both patrol's tension growing as they quickly sized up one another. Then suddenly, Redtail leapt into battle, and a heartbeat later Oakheart raced out to meet him. The rest of the warriors followed Redtail and Oakheart's lead and commotion broke out.
Tigerclaw bit a dark grey tom's ear and slashed his cheek. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Redtail swerving away from Oakheart to help Runningwind. Letting go of the RiverClan warrior he was attacking, he sprinted, claws outstretched, towards Oakheart.
Pinning him onto the ground, he dug his claws into his fur. Though he was enjoying the thrill of the fight, he wasn't going to let the RiverClan deputy get away unquestioned.
"Oakheart! How dare you hunt in our territory? Sunningrocks belong to ThunderClan!"
Oakheart just smiled. "After tonight Tigerclaw, it will just be another RiverClan hunting ground!"
Willowpelt shrieked. "Look out! More RiverClan warriors are coming!" Tigerclaw turned his head to see more RiverClan cats jumping out of the river and springing into battle. The ThunderClan cats yowled in surprise as more enemies attacked.
Turning back to Oakheart, he hissed, "You may swim like otters, but you and your warriors do not belong in the forest!" Sinking his teeth into the tom's flesh, Oakheart writhed, trying to free himself.
A scream sounded from behind Tigerclaw. Spinning around, he saw Mousefur struggling under a sleek RiverClan warrior, teeth gleaming in the moonlight. Making the most of Tigerclaw's distraction, Oakheart pushed himself away and raced away to help his clanmates.
Tigerclaw bounded toward Mousefur's attacker and flung the warrior off. "Quick, Mousefur run!" He managed to hiss before Mousefur's attacker flung himself toward him.
The enemy warrior's claws slashed his nose and the metallic scent of blood filled the air. Tigerclaw took down warrior after warrior, but his clanmates were still struggling.
He saw Redtail kick a warrior away and run towards him. "Tigerclaw!" Redtail doged another RiverClan warrior. "This is useless! There are too many RiverClan warriors!"
Tigerclaw could hardly believe his ears. What? We can still take them on! What a fool! "No Redtail! ThunderClan will never be beaten!" He flexed his claws. "This is our territory!" Doesn't he understand we need to fight to the death to protect land that is rightfully ours?!
"ThunderClan will honour your courage, Tigerclaw, but we cannot afford to lose anymore warriors." Redtail's eyes flickered to Mousefur, who was laying on the floor trying to catch her breath. "Bluestar would never expect her warriors to fight against these impossible odds. We will have another chance to avenge this defeat."
Are you kidding me? Tigerclaw opened his mouth to retort but Redtail leaped onto a tree branch and yowled. "ThunderClan, retreat!"
Every cat ceased their fighting, and looked up at the deputy. The RiverClan cats looked momentarily confused at their easy victory. Then the ThunderClan warriors raced back to camp, Mousefur limping heavily, and the RiverClan warriors stood proudly on the rocks, yowling in triumph.
Tigerclaw stared incredulously at the RiverClan cats. That could've, should've been us! We could've won! Stupid Redtail... If I were deputy... Tigerclaw stood a moment longer, before turning around and following his clanmates back to camp.
• • •
Spottedleaf fussily dabbed some marigold and horsetail onto his wounds, before bounding it in cobwebs. Tigerclaw found it extremely annoying to be fussed around like this, plus the herbs stung but he didn't speak of the pain.
Warriors shouldn't admit pain, or at least suffer it quietly. Mousefur had been moaning like a kit.
Sliding into his nest, he suddenly remembered Thistleclaw and Snowfur. What can I do about it? Maybe I shouldn't go to the Dark Forest tonight... Getting up again, he decided he just wouldn't sleep. What are you going to do, never sleep again? Asked a small voice sarcastically.
Ignoring the voice, he padded out of the den. Bluestar and Spottedleaf were on the highledge.
What are those two doing there? Tigerclaw thought suspiciously. Then he told himself they were probably discussing the battle. They were talking in hushed tones, and Tigerclaw wanted to go up to them but he held back.
Padding to Whitestorm, who was guarding the entrance, he meowed, "Whitestorm, I'll stand guard tonight."
Whitestorm shook his head firmly. "You just fought a battle today." He reminded him sternly. "You go back to your den and rest Tigerclaw."
Tigerclaw glared at him, tail flicking. Don't order me around! "I'm fine. I don't need my rest." Whitestorm rolled his eyes. "Go back and sleep or I'll tell Bluestar you're refusing to rest and get better."
Tigerclaw growled. "Fine." He whipped around and stalked off to the Warriors' den once more, feeling Whitestorm's sharp eyes follow him until he dissapeared into the den.
Laying down in his nest once more, he sighed. Thistleclaw. If I fall asleep I'll probably go to the Dark Forest. What if he thinks I don't trust him?
So what? Maybe I shouldn't trust him! Tigerclaw grabbed a pile of moss and began shredding it. If he's that close to Snowfur and StarClan I shouldn't trust him! He is a traitor to the Dark Forest! Who cares what he thinks? I'm an equal to him now, I'm not his apprentice anymore!
Bring it on Thistleclaw! Tigerclaw shut his eyes and pictured the gloomy dark woods where no stars shone and no moon glowed, and the eerie glowing moss...
• • •
Tigerclaw opened his eyes to see the familiar shadowy forest. Right in front of him was Thistleclaw.
"How was the battle against RiverClan?" Thistleclaw asked. Tigerclaw ignored the question and sprang to his paws. "How was your little visit yesterday?" He spat.
Thistleclaw's eyes flashed with shock but he quickly retaliated. "What do you mean, my 'little visit'?"
Tigerclaw glared at him. Thistleclaw bristled. "I have no idea what you mean. Explain!"
Tigerclaw lunged at him, claws out. Thistleclaw tried to doge but Tigerclaw pinned him.
"Release me!" Thistleclaw demanded, thrusting his hind paws into his stomach. Tigerclaw jumped off, only to feint right and twist left and catch a blow to Thistleclaw's face.
Thistleclaw tackled him, digging his claws into his fur and biting his neck. Tigerclaw flung him off and pinning him down once more, hissed murderously.
"I'll explain all right. I'm talking about your visit with your mate. Snowfur, on the border of the Dark Forest and StarClan. I heard you wailing like a kit at her stupid sweet song. Did the song comfort you?" He sneered. "Did the words make you feel like starlight?"
Thistleclaw's fear scent grew stronger. "You spied on me!"
"And you met with Snowfur more than once!"
"How did you know I would be there?!" Thistleclaw writhed, trying to free himself. Tigerclaw hesitated. He had just woken there, how would he prove it?
"I just woke up there!" Tigerclaw growled. Thistleclaw narrowed his eyes. "As if I believe that!"
"I did!"
"Prove it!"
"How can I?" Tigerclaw dug his claws into his flesh. Thistleclaw clawed at him.
"Oh you idiots! I'll prove this."
Tigerclaw and Thistleclaw looked up. "Who's there?" Tigerclaw hissed. Distracted, he released Thistleclaw. Thistleclaw got up, blood flying from his pelt.
A very faint silhouette of a cat came into view. "Show yourself!" Tigerclaw and Thistleclsw demanded angrily and the same time.
"Oh Tigerclaw and Thistleclaw. Behaving like kits. Don't worry I'll clear this up." Said the cat silkily.
The cat came closer so the two toms could see her. Tigerclaw could see right through her.
"Don't tell me you forgot about me Tigerclaw? I was there at your Shadow Blood ceremony."
Tigerclaw remembered faintly of a ghostly cat being there, but had no idea who it was. Thistleclaw had narrowed his eyes dangerously.
"Would you care to explain, Mapleshade?"
Another chapter done! I've kiiinda realized my chapters for Tigerstar's Hatred are short, so I'm going to try to do longer ones -_-