Tigerstar's Hatred

by Mossfeathersquishy999

Ah, Tigerstar. The most feared warrior of the clans. Murderer of cats, destroyer of clans, and a disaster maker. But even Tigerstar was a small, fluffy kit before, and it is very rare that a cat is born evil. How he rose from being a kit, to a monster that could've destroyed the forest, few cats know, but this is Tigerstar's story, and he deserves to have one like any other cat.

23. Chapter 22: Kittypet

Disclaimer: I don't own Warriors

Please check out my other fanfiction, Raining Feathers if you haven't already! Thank youuuu! :D

Chapter 22:Kittypet

Mapleshade's eyes glittered. "Oh I'll explain Thisltleclaw, don't be so impatient." She was evidently enjoying the suspense.

"I saw you and that stupid she-cat moons ago." Thistleclaw's pelt prickled. Tigerclaw listened with rapt attention.

"It was so disgusting seeing you two have your little conversation." Mapleshade's smirked. "'Oh Thistleclaw I love you but I really must get going. How about we meet next claw-moon?'" She mimicked Snowfur viciously. "'Yes, at claw-moon. I love you, see you then Snowfur.'" Mapleshade copied Thistleclaw.

Tigerclaw bristled. "He said those things?" Thistleclaw flinched uncomfortably. Mapleshade nodded. "So I wondered... Has anyone else seen this betrayal? Has anyone else seen these oh-so-sweet meetings?"

"I assumed no one else had seen these visits. So I made sure someone saw you and Snowfur together. I guided Tigerclaw during his unconscious dreaming, and brought him near enough to where you two were." Mapleshade finished with a sneer.

"You spied on me!" Thistleclaw spat, repeating what he said to Tigerclaw. "Oh yes I did, but that's nothing compared to you and that filth." Mapleshade replied smoothly.

Tigerclaw's tail whipped from side to side aggressively. "You betrayed the Dark Fo-" Thistleclaw turned on him. "Don't talk to your mentor like that!"

"I'm better than you." Tigerclaw retorted.

"Oh stop bickering you two." Mapleshade snapped.

"And you!" Thistleclaw rounded on her. "You have no right, you stupid old cat, to put your whiskers in my business. It's not like you are all perfect!"

Tigerclaw pricked his ears. "What do you mean?" He asked sharply. Mapleshade flicked her tail. "I have no idea-"

"Don't lie!" Thistleclaw snarled. "When you were alive, you ran off with a warrior of WindClan!"

Mapleshade bristled. "What?!"

"Some cat called Dappletusk or something, your kits drowned! You were outcasted by ThunderClan and WindClan you pathetic cat! You-"

Mapleshade laughed madly. Thistleclaw was unnerved by her lack of concern. "Pfft! Thistleclaw, so naive. Wonder where you heard that tale? First of all, it was a warrior from RiverClan, and his name was Appledusk, not Dappletusk you idiot! Yes my kits drowned, I tried so hard to save them. I was cast out twice! By ThunderClan and then by RiverClan. Appledusk took a new mate!"

Mapleshade lunged at Thistleclaw, eyes wild. Thistleclaw was so shocked that he didn't even struggle. Tigerclaw stood transfixed by the scene, mind whirling.

"That was when I vowed to turn every clan cat to dirt and make the warrior code useless! I earned my place here in the shadows. I would understand you being swayed by love," Mapleshade spat, "when you were alive. But doing this sappy love stuff when you are dead, in the Dark Forest where your loyalties should lie, is disgusting!"

Tigerclaw buried his claws into the soil. What is this place? Is this place just made up of lies under lies under lies?

"You prove your loyalty or I will make sure you die." Mapleshade hissed. Tigerclaw was momentarily confused. "What do you mean? He's already dead."

Mapleshade released Thistleclaw and looked at him, amused. "Ah, so young. You learn an important lesson today." She moved closer to him until they were nose to nose. "Even the dead fade away eventually. See me? I'm not as solid as this scum is." She flicked an ear to Thistleclaw behind her. Tigerclaw could see the grey tom through her faded fur.

"They usually fade away peacefully, and feel no pain... Unless some cat is there to finish them off first." She smiled, menace glowing in her eyes. "That's what's going to happen to our little friend here if he doesn't show his loyalty."

Mapleshade suddenly stiffened. "You're waking up. We will meet again Tigerclaw. I'll take Thistleclaw and have a longer chat with him."

Her voice faded away and Tigerclaw saw them growing fainter.

• • •

Tigerclaw took a mouse from the fresh-kill pile and began to eat. It had been a quarter moon since the confrontation in the Dark Forest.

Whenever he had woken in the Dark Forest, he would make sure to stay away from Mapleshade and Thistleclaw. Tigerclaw pondered over if they could be avoiding him too, as he thought they might've been able to find him if they wanted to see him.

"Tigerclaw."

Looking up from saw Bluestar padding towards him. "Yes?" He asked. Bluestar hesitated. "I... I saw a kittypet today."

Tigerclaw flicked his tail dismissively. "So? Do you want me to chase him off?" Bluestar's pelt prickled. "No, actually. I... I was wondering... If you could get Ravenpaw to chase him off?"

Are you mad? Tigerclaw thought, staring at her. Ravenpaw? He can't even handle battling a squirrel! "No, I don't think Ravenpaw is..." He paused wondering what would be the right word to say to Bluestar. I can't say 'weak' to her. "Qualified enough." Tigerclaw finished.

"Oh. Yes, of course." She said quietly. "I'll... I get Graypaw to chase him off th-" Tigerclaw interrupted. "Shouldn't one of the warriors or a... A stronger apprentice do this?"

Bluestar faced him. "I want to asses Graypaw on how he will deal with this intruder in a quarter moon's time." She replied smoothly." Tigerclaw nodded, and Bluestar walked away.

• • •

What does she want with that kittypet? She never asks a single apprentice just to chase out a kittypet. She usually just briefly asks the patrols to keep a look out.

Remembering the strange look in her eyes when she mentioned about the intruder, he suspiciously wondered if there was more she wasn't telling him. No matter, I've got better things to worry about.

I have to think of better plans if I want to be clan leader. It is time to make my move. A walk outside will clear my head, he decided. He padded out the entrance to the ThunderClan camp.

He sat down at Sunningrocks. It's our territory, whatever they say. I might as well make sure RiverClan knows that. He began renewing the scent markers and then laid down on the rocks, the sun warming his fur, making sure RiverClan would definitely smell his ThunderClan scent when they came.

An eagle shrieked. Looking into the distance,Tigerclaw saw two eagles battling each other. What are those eagle's doing?

He saw one of the eagle's strike out at the other, and it fell, wounded, probably to its death. The eagle that had killed it's opponent swooped down and disappeared from view, before reappearing again with a large rabbit in its talons.

Inspiration and realization seemed to shoot into his head. That eagle had killed the other to get what it wanted. That's it! I will kill Redtail, and who else can Bluestar choose as the next deputy but me? My path to power will be easy as flicking off leaf!

How in the name of Dark Forest am I going to do that?

• • •

"Bluestar!" Whitestorm dashed into the clearing, blood staining his white pelt red. "RiverClan cats! Taking more territory! Help!"

"What?! Now?" Bluestar skidded to a halt in front of Whitestorm. The warrior nodded frantically. "Redtail, Lionheart, Tigerclaw, Ravenpaw! Follow Whitestorm back!"

Ravenpaw?! Ravenpaw in this battle, is she mad?! But there was no time to confront his leader, Tigerclaw pushed Ravenpaw roughly ahead and dashed alongside the patrol.

This is the perfect chance for me to start on my plan, perfect! Tigerclaw's mind worked madly. Just kill Redtail, and make it seem like a RiverClan warrior did it!

"Oakheart!" Redtail's furious yowl brought Tigerclaw back to the present. "How dare you come steal more territory?"

"We smelled ThunderClan on Sunningrocks, on our territory!" Oakheart spat. Tigerclaw remembered when he sat there, looking at the eagles. Must've been my scent. He thought with satisfaction.

"If you don't respect borders, we'll just take more territory until you do!" Oakheart let out a battle cry and launched himself at Redtail. Redtail dodged and up sheathing his claws, the rest of the cats began fighting.

Tigerclaw twisted around do avoid Stonefur, and sprang at another RiverClan warrior with a dark grey pelt.

The warrior yowled and slashed at his ears. Tigerclaw kicked out at him, sending him flying. He hit the ground with a thud.

Wait a heartbeat! Stonefur! Bluestar's kit! That's what Thistleclaw was trying to do, kill him and Mistyfoot! And they killed Thistleclaw! Anger and a bitter sense for revenge burned inside of him. He spun around looking for Stonefur.

A bold RiverClan apprentice jumped in front of him, hissing. Evidently he had been warned of Tigerclaw, because her eyes suddenly widened in fear. Tigerclaw knocked her away with a hefty blow.

There! Redtail was cornering Stonefur, pushing him back against a high pile of rocks. Redtail slashed at his face whole Stonefur bit his leg.

Redtail and Stonefur! Two of the cats I want dead, perfect... He sprinted toward the two before Oakheart leaped in front of Stonefur, spitting furiously at Redtail.

"No ThunderClan warrior shall ever harm this warrior!" Oakheart screeched. Redtail flung a heavy blow across his cheek.

"Stonefur run!" Oakheart spat. Stonefur stood his ground. "Im not leaving you-" Oakheart knocked the blue-grey warrior aside. "Go!"

Redtail had waited long enough. He jumped, aiming towards Oakheart. Oakheart leaped back, forgetting about the large rocks behind him.

The ginger tom slammed into the stones, and all at once, the rocks that where balancing on top of one another, toppled down, rushing towards the RiverClan deputy.

Redtail's fur bushed out. He sprinted away, and Oakheart let out a piercing scream. There was a terrible crunch, and every cat stopped fighting. The turned to stare at the pile of rocks. Oakheart's tail was poking out amongst the rocks, and it was evident what had happened.

"Oakheart! No!" Stonefur yowled. The RiverClan warriors stood frozen.

"R-retreat!" Stonefur gasped out. "Retreat!" The enemy clan turned and dashed back into there own territory, jumping into the river and swimming frantically back. Stonefur remained, glaring at Redtail.

"The rocks may be yours for now, but don't get too comfortable! We'll come back for them." Stonefur spat. Staring agonizingly at the stones where Oakheart now lay beneath, he darted away and leapt with a splash into the river, swimming strongly towards his camp.

"Go." Tigerclaw growled to the ThunderClan cats. "Go back to camp. I'll help Redtail mark the territory. You too Ravenpaw! I barely saw you for the whole battle, where you even fighting?"

Ravenpaw shook fearfully, and sped off towards the camp with the rest of the patrol.

Tigerclaw stalked over to Redtail who was staring at the heap of boulders. "I didn't mean to kill him..." Redtail whispered. "I was the one who drove him into the stones..."

Tigerclaw unsheathed his claws. The time has come! "I don't think you did mean to kill him. You're too weak to even kill, what kind of deputy are you?"

Redtail looked up, shock clear in his eyes. "Tigerclaw, what are you talking about?"

"I should've been made deputy. But no, Bluestar, precious Bluestar chose you instead! It's my turn Redtail." Tigerclaw glared at him.

"What? Tigerclaw, what do you mean?"

Idiot! "Once you're dead, I'll tell you have been murdered by Oakheart, and that I took the RiverClan deputy's life while his was meowing in triumph."

Redtail's eyes widened in fear. "No, Tigerclaw, please, why? This is against the warrior co-"

"The warrior code! A soft hearted set of rules isn't an obstacle for me. It's just a small flea to brush out of my way." Tigerclaw snarled. "Say bye-bye, Redtail."

Tigerclaw leaped at him. Redtail, stunned with shock and fear, made no move to defend him self. Tigerclaw buried his claws into him, and bit deep into his throat. Blood gushed out. Redtail's claws sprang out, trying to push Tigerclaw off.

Redtail made a horrible, choking sound. "T-Tigerclaw..." He gurgled. "Please..." He gasped desperately. He was losing blood quickly. Redtail's grip on Tigerclaw's fur slackened.

Tigerclaw tightened his grip on the ThunderClan warrior's throat. Redtail let out a small cry, a final gasp of air, jerked once, and became still. Redtail's blood matted the fur around his face, and his claws were wet and scarlet.

A snapping twig made his head shoot up. If any cat sees this I'll need to kill them as well. Something jet-black flashed at the edge of his vision, but he assumed it was a blackbird. Good, no one's here...

He fixed his amber eyes onto Redtail's unmoving, bloody body. He carefully picked out Redtail's fur from in between his claws, and picking the former ThunderClan deputy up, padded back to camp.

• • •

When Tigerclaw pushed his way into the camp, he saw Spottedleaf, carrying Ravenpaw slowly to the medicine den. He probably fainted right after he came. Pfft, weakling.

Gasps of shock and yowls of "Redtail!" greeted him as he laid Redtail's limp body in the centre of the clearing. Bluestar especially looked petrified. Yes, how does it feel to have your precious little deputy dead Bluestar?

"How," Bluestar asked shakily, "did this happen, Tigerclaw?"

"He died with honour, struck down by Oakheart." Tigerclaw lied convincingly. "I couldn't save him, but I managed to take Oakheart's life while he was gloating over his victory. Redtail's death was not in vain, for I doubt we'll see RiverClan hunters in our territory again."

There was a silence, before cats began slowly padding forward and gently licking Redtail's fur. Tigerclaw caught phrases like, "he was a excellent warrior"; "You will rest peacefully in Silverpelt now"; and "StarClan is waiting for you."

StarClan! They did nothing to stop me killing Redtail the useless things. Tigerclaw crouched beside Redtail beside Bluestar. I must need her full trust in me if I am to be deputy.

"Redtail was an amazing warrior, strong and clever. He should not have died so soon, but he will now rest in StarClan." Tigerclaw meowed as softly as he could. Ugh, did I really just say that? Tigerclaw winced inwardly. It will be worth it, he reminded himself.

Bluestar nodded mutely, grief flooding off her in waves. Then she stood up slowly, and spoke in a thick voice. "Redtail was a brave warrior. his loyalty to ThunderClan could never be doubted. I always relied on his judgement,for it bore witness to the needs of the clan, and was never swayed by self-interest or pride."

Tigerclaw felt a small prick of guilt at the words 'self-interest' and 'pride', but told himself it was to make ThunderClan even stronger than before.

"He would've made a fine leader." Bluestar finished, voice cracking with grief. She buried her nose into his thick fur and the clan fell silent, padding away to give their leader some privacy.

Tigerclaw suddenly remembered about Ravenpaw. He will need to train harder the useless thing. He stood and trudged towards the medicine den, still acting like he was sorry Redtail had died.

Spottedleaf was tending to Ravenpaw's wounds. He had a deep scratch in his shoulder and was trembling. Tigerclaw narrowed his eyes in dislike. He probably got that because he couldn't defend himself.

His gaze turned to Spottedleaf. That's one pretty little she-cat. I'm not playing it soft even for her though. Tigerstar thought. "So, Spottedleaf. Can you save him? I've spent a lot of time training him up, and I don't want my efforts wasted on his fist battle."

Spottedleaf looked up, her gaze teasing. "Yes, a pity after all your valuable training, he dies in his first fight, eh?"

Tigerclaw nearly snarled at the medicine cat, all admiration of her gone. Are you mocking me? "Will he live?" He asked out loud.

"Of course. He just needs rest." Spottedleaf murmured. Tigerclaw snorted. If that's the case he should be fine! He should be up and about by now, how can he be so weak?

"Come on then! Get up!" Tigerclaw spat. Unsheathed his claws, he nudged the black apprentice rather roughly. Ravenpaw remained shaking and limp

To his his surprise, Spottedleaf put a gentle paw on his claw and moved it away. "Not so fast Tigerclaw! This apprentice needs to stay as still as possible until the cut has healed. Leave him alone."

Tigerclaw couldn't believe his ears. What right does she have to question me? He was about to demand some respect from the she-cat and knock some sense into her, when she looked up rather mischievously.

"Even you wouldn't dare argue with a medicine cat Tigerclaw." Spottedleaf put down some marigold pulp onto Ravenpaw's shoulder. Tigerclaw glared at her before softening his gaze and purred, even it sounded like he had thorns in his throat.

"I wouldn't dare argue with you, dear Spottedleaf." Turning away from the medicine den, he smelled an unfamiliar scent.

He looked and saw a new cat who looked around six moons old beside Greypaw, who were both staring at him. The strange cat had a flame coloured pelt, and bright green eyes.

What is that scent he carries?... Tigerclaw thought for a heartbeat when he suddenly recognized it. Kittypet scent!

"Who's that?" Tigerclaw growled. Greypaw flicked his tail. "He's the new ThunderClan apprentice."

Tigerclaw nearly gasped in shock. What?! This... Apprentice, is training here in ThunderClan? "He smells like a kittypet!" Tigerclaw snorted.

The apprentice puffed out his chest. "I was a house-cat, but I'm going to train to be a warrior!"

Tigerclaw couldn't believe it. What happened? How could Bluestar?... Wait. Bluestar.. He remembered when Bluestar had approached him and told him she had seen a kittypet nearby. Wow, is she serious?...

"Ah, yes. Now I remember. Bluestar mentioned that she had stumbled across some stray kittypet. So she's actually going to try you out is she?" Tigerclaw meowed.

The apprentice dipped his head respectfully. "That's right."

Tigerclaw smiled. This should be interesting. Hmph, clan cats and kittypets shouldn't mix. The image of his father, Pinestar flashed in his mind. He hadn't thought about his father in seasons. That pathetic old leader going off to be a kittypet...

"Then I will watch your progress with interest." He said smoothly, before padding off to Longtail and Darkstripe.

"Longtail," he hissed. "What's that kittypet's name?" Longtail growled and turned away. Darkstripe was the one who replied. "His name is Firepaw. The stupid thing beat Longtail in a fight!"

"What?" Tigerclaw spun to face the tabby warrior. He saw that Longtail's ear was freshly bandaged and had a tear in it which had not been there before he left to Sunningrocks. Longtail had poultices spread around him, and Tigerclaw smelled Firepaw's scent on him.

"You got beaten by a kittypet?" Tigerclaw sneered. "You really got to sharpen up Longtail, next thing you know you won't be able to fight a mouse." Darkstripe smirked.

Longtail whipped his tail back and forth, his claws unsheathing. He stood up abruptly and stalked back into the warriors den.

Darkstripe flicked his ear. "Firepaw won merely by luck and chance. Bluestar has taken a liking to him though." He told Tigerclaw, before going to the freshkill pile. Tigerclaw snorted. Firepaw is no concern of mine, he's just a stupid kittypet that thinks he will be a great kitty warrior.

The sun was setting as Tigerclaw sat down near the highledge. Bluestar stood there, and had called a clan meeting.

"A new deputy must be appointed," Bluestsr began. "But first, let us give thanks to StarCan for the life of a Redtail. Tonight he sits with his fellow warriors among the stars."

There was a silience and Tigerclaw wished she would hurry up. It's time for my reward of going through all that. He pricked his ears in anticipation.

"And now, I will name ThunderClan's new deputy." Bluestar lifted her head towards the sky. "I say these words before the body of Redtail, so that his spirit may hear, and approve, my choice."

Tigerclaw stared hungrily at Bluestar. This is it!

"Lionheart, will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."

No!

Wheeewww, following the books' timeline is hard. Had to re-read "Into the Wild" again. :P

Now you may have noticed a put a front cover for this! Yes, i drew it myself in like two days so it might look kinda weird.^^ It's supposed to be Tigerclaw feeling a little bit of regret for all the cats he has killed. :D

And is it just me, or is the killing of Redtail is kinda messed up?... When Oakheart was killed, did NO CAT see him be killed by the rock fall? Because once Tigerclaw told the clan his lie, they battle patrol of ThunderClan could've been like "NAW TIGERCLAW THAT AINT WHAT HAPPENED"

Sometimes I just don't get the books. Or maybe I'm just being stupid and a bunch of reviews are going to say "OMS (oh my StarClan) MOSS YOU ARE AN IDIOT. DONT U KNOW BLAH BLAH STUFF" Well, i would like a good explanation but meeeh.

Well that's life. -_-