What is wrong with me I put three chapter titles in a ROW that have "A new whatever" or "The new whatever" AGH MUST THINK OF BETTER TITLES
Chapter 28: A New Enemy
Tigerclaw blinked his eyes opened. The dawn light was filtering through the branches of the warriors den.
Pushing himself to his paws, he arched his back in a luxurious stretch and gaped his jaws wide in a yawn.
He stepped out, and spotted Bluestar. Maybe I can just convince her everything Fireheart has to say against me is because of something personal or something!
He quickly went up to her. Bluestar began washing her face as he came. "Can I help you Tigerclaw?"
"Not exactly. But, I just wanted to tell you..." Tigerclaw hesitated for a second. Fox dung! Why did I try and do this right now I didn't plan this out! Always plan first! Mousebrain!
"F-Fireheart doesn't exactly, you know, uh..." Tigerclaw groaned inwardly. Well this day is just starting out perfectly.
Bluestar was looking at him a little more oddly, and Tigerclaw knew he head to cover up his mistake fast.
"I've noticed around the time I've trained him, he doesn't seem to respect the senior warriors that much when you're not around. I'm not sure why, but he seems to hate me the most." Tigerclaw muttered in a rush.
Bluestar continued to look at him calmly. "Fireheart has certain disregards to you. I am aware of it. But I am sure you have no need to be too concerned about him."
"Of course. Thank you Bluestar." Tigerclaw dipped his head. Turning away from Bluestar, he began calling out cats to do the patrols.
Not the way how I wanted my talk with Bluestar to to but... I guess it will do.
• • •
The sun was sinking lower from the sky. Tigerclaw finished up his vole, and headed to the warriors den.
Sticking his head in, he saw Fireheart twitching his paws and mumbling in his sleep.
"Spotted..." Tigerclaw heard Fireheart say. "Fi... Clan..."
He has no right to call himself a warrior, or to sleep in this den! "Wake up Fireheart!"
The ginger warrior lifted his head, staring.
"You were mewing in your sleep." Tigerclaw informed him irritably. Fireheart scrambled to his paws, bits of moss clung to his pelt. "Y-Yes Tigerclaw!"
"You and Graystripe will join the evening patrol, Hurry up!" Tigerclaw retreated out of the den.
He headed to Bluestar's den. She was sitting in her nest, eating a squirrel. "Which cats should go to the gathering tomorrow?" He asked. The leader looked up, and thought for a moment.
"Our two new warriors deserve to go, that's for sure. You could choose the rest if you'd like, just no cats who are too injured."
Fireheart and Greystripe are comi-? Ugh fine. Tigerclaw waved his tail in understanding, but before he headed out Bluestar added. "Don't go telling who should go yet, It's time Swiftkit's been made an apprentice. I'll be giving him to Longtail to mentor, and he's been quite excited to get an apprentice, I don't want to hold it off even longer."
Tigerclaw nodded, and exited Bluestar's den. The blue-grey she-cat went out took and leaped up towards the Highrock.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, join beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"
Cats began gathering around, and out of the corner of his eye Tigerclaw saw Longtail trying to suppress his delight, tail lashing back and forth in his anticipation.
Bluestar began the ceremony once Swiftkit was finished being groomed by his parents. "From this day forward, until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice will be called Swiftpaw."
Longtail looked more excited than the new apprentice, though it was easy for Longtail to do so for Swiftpaw didn't look remotely happy.
Ungrateful apprentice, I just hope he won't be like Ravenpaw. Ravenpaw acted all scared during his ceremony too.
"Longtail, you were Darkstripe's apprentice." Bluestar went on. "He taught you well, and you have become a fierce and loyal warrior. I hope you will pass some of these qualities on to Swiftpaw."
The new apprentice and mentor touched noses, and cats began congratulating both.
"Have fun with Swiftpaw." Tigerclaw congratulated him. "Hope he won't turn out like my apprentice." He added in a low hiss. Longtail flicked his tail to show he heard him, but didn't seem too concerned.
Tigerclaw then went searching for the cats he needed to go to the gathering tomorrow night.
• • •
The full moon shone high in the sky, stars glittering. A cool breeze ruffled Tigerclaw's fur as he walked alongside Bluestar to Fourtrees.
Fireheart suddenly bounded up to Bluestar, flashing swift apprehensive look at Tigerclaw.
Pretending that the newest warrior that had went up to Bluestar didn't matter to him, he continued padding steadily forward, but listening closely.
"Bluestar, may I talk to you?" Fireheart meowed. Bluestar nodded. "Tigerclaw, take the lead."
Fox dung! I wanted to stay and listen! Tigerclaw thought in frustration. Knowing he couldn't dismiss a direct order, he nodded and walked ahead, leaving Bluestar and Fireheart behind.
"Where did Bluestar go?" Darkstripe muttered. Tigerclaw snorted, "at the back talking to Fireheart."
Probably about what Ravenpaw told him! Tigerclaw added silently with a rush of anxiety.
"What does the kittypet want with Bluestar?" Darkstripe growled. Tigerclaw shrugged, but inwardly thought, I have a pretty good idea though...
I really need to go see what they're talking about! Tigerclaw lowered his voice and whispered in Darkstripe's ear, "keep leading the clan until you reach the border. If any cat asks where Bluestar and I are, tell them Bluestar's with Fireheart and I've gone to tell them we will wait at the border."
Darkstripe nodded, not questioning him. Tigerclaw slipped past the throng of ThunderClan cats.
He saw the dark outlines of leader and warrior near the back. Tigerclaw crept soundlessly nearer.
"... Killed Redtail in the battle with RiverClan."
NO! I KNEW IT, RAVENPAW TOLD-
"A warrior would never kill another of his Clan! Even you should know that—you've lived with us long enough." Bluestar growled coldly.
Fireheart shrank back. Thank you Bluestar! Tigerclaw felt a wave of relief sweep over him. She doesn't believe him! The key to his future plans etched clear in his head.
I've done something so unbelievable that cats don't believe it! No cat will trust Fireheart, or any other cat who tells her! Better not let too many cats find out, quantity can sometimes overrule...
He had been so engrossed in his thoughts he had missed what they had said. Turning his attention back to them, he saw Bluestar speaking once more.
"We all know that Ravenpaw has a vivid imagination, he was badly injured in the battle, and he left before the fighting was over. Can you be sure he didn't fill in the parts he'd missed?" Bluestar murmured.
I'd better make my appearance. He stepped out, purposely rustling the undergrowth to signal his arrival. Fireheart and Bluestar's heads turned to look at him.
You better not tell Bluestar any more of news about me in the future kittypet. Tigerclaw passed a sharp look over Fireheart before addressing Bluestar, "We're waiting for you at the border."
"Tell them we'll be there in a moment." Bluestar answered. Tigerclaw nodded, and retreated.
He hadn't gone very far, just out of ear-shot, when he realized-
In a moment? What else is Fireheart telling her in that 'moment'? Tigerclaw headed quickly back, feeling quite foolish as he was just beginning to head back before turning round again.
"... A live coward." Came Bluestar meow. Still talking about how ridiculous Fireheart's story about Ravenpaw seeing me kill Redtail is eh? Good. Ravenpaw was a foolish coward Bluestar, you are absolutely right.
Backing away a little to pretend he hadn't come rushing silently back to them, he called to them once more. "Bluestar, Fireheart, we're going to be late!"
He heard bushes rustling and knew they had heard and were coming. Tigerclaw himself headed back to the front of the ThunderClan cats, where Darkstripe was leading them.
• • •
The gathering had started. Tigerclaw sat with Cinderfur and Leopardfur, the two other clan deputies. No sign of WindClan returning yet...
Finally sitting with the deputies, he felt a rush of pride and exhilaration. This is what power feels like! The only higher place is... Leader. But that will come in time...
Bluestar had been speaking, and before she ended her report, she acknowledged the two new warriors. "We also bring two newly named warriors- Fireheart and Greystripe."
There were mummers of congratulations through the crowd. Tigerclaw resisted standing up and hissing at them. He saw the two raise their heads higher, Fireheart and Greystripe's pelt glowed lightly in the moonlight.
A black tom stepped forward. Tigerclaw stared in surprise. Isn't he an elder? Is he leader now?!
"I, Nightpelt, have taken over the leadership of ShadowClan."
He is leader! "Our former leader, Brokenstar, broke the warrior code and we were forced to chase him out." Nightpelt continued.
So he isn't Nightstar yet? He hasn't received his nine lives? Hm...
"The spirits of our ancestors have spoken to Runningnose and chosen me as leader. I have not yet traveled to Mothermouth to receive StarClan's gift of nine lives, but I will make this journey tomorrow night while the moon is still full. After my vigil at the Moonstone, I shall be known as Nightstar."
Ah. So in a two days he will be Nighstar. If this pathetic old cat can become leader, so can I...
"Where is Brokenstar now?" Called Frostfur's voice, obviously worried about her kits being taken again.
"I think we can assume that he has left the forest, with the other banished warriors. He knows it would be dangerous for him to try to return." Nightpelt meowed.
Crookedstar spoke up, "let's hope Brokenstar has had the sense to leave the forest for good. His greed for territory threatened us all."
He's not just saying that... There' something more. Trying to hide what you want to say with a casual word Crookedstar?
Sure enough, territory and hunting rights was an topic then RiverClan leader was looking for. "While Brokenstar was ShadowClan's leader, I allowed him to hunt in our river. But now ShadowClan has a new leader, and this agreement can no longer stand. The prey in our river belongs to RiverClan alone."
Nightpelt glared at him. "ShadowClan has the same needs as it did under Brokenstar. We have many mouths to feed, Crookedstar. You made an agreement with the whole of ShadowClan!"
The two leaders bristled and hissed at each other. Tigerclaw felt the tension growing between the clan leaders.
Bluestar stepped between them. "ShadowClan has suffered many losses recently, with fewer mouths to feed, Nightpelt, do you really need RiverClan's fish?"
The ShadowClan and RiverClan leaders were ignoring her. Bluestar raised her voice.
"You have just driven out your leader and several of your strongest warriors! And Brokenstar went against the warrior code when he forced Crookedstar to agree to share the river."
Nightpelt's gaze shifted to Bluestar's cold blue eyes. "Remember you have not even received your nine lives from StarClan. Are you so confident you can make these demands?"
Yeah Nightpelt! You're pretty much not a true leader yet! Why StarClan chose you I have no idea... StarClan were always fluff-brained fools anyways.
Nightpelt finally looked away, still looking irritable.
"We all know ShadowClan has suffered much these past few moons," Bluestar murmured. "ThunderClan has agreed to leave you in peace until you have had time to recover. I'm sure that Crookedstar will agree to show you the same respect."
Crookedstar nodded reluctantly. "But only as long as ShadowClan is not scented in our territory." he growled.
"You won't scent us Crookedstar." Nightpelt reassured him rather stiffly. Relaxing a little, he added, "Bluestar was right- we don't need your fish. After all, we have the uplands to hunt in now that WindClan has left."
Crookedstar perked up as well, his broken jaw curving into a satisfied smile. "That's true. This will mean extra prey for all of us."
Oh yeah! Tigerclaw agreed silently. That's great! One less clan to deal with, weak WindClan running off just like their rabbit prey.
Bluestar, however, was far from being happy like the other leaders. On the contrary, she was shocked and her eyes blazed with a angry determination. "No! WindClan must return!"
The two toms turned their heads sharply to look at her. "If we share WindClan's hunting grounds, it will mean more food for all our kits!" Nightpelt reasoned.
"The forest needs four Clans, just as we have Fourtrees, and four seasons, StarClan has given us four Clans. We must find WindClan as soon as possible and bring them home."
There were yowls of agreement and protest among the cats. Tigerclaw restrained himself from yowling with the cats that were against Bluestar's view. Why? More territory, more prey, more chance to survive! If you can't even defend your territory that's your own fault!
"Your argument is weak, Bluestar. Do we really need four seasons? Wouldn't you rather go without leaf-bare, and the cold and hunger it brings?" Crookedstar spat.
"StarClan gave us leaf-bare to let the earth recover and prepare for newleaf. This forest, and the uplands, have supported four Clans for generations. It is not up to us to challenge StarClan." Bluestar insisted.
StarClan again! Always crawling to StarClan like kits! Tigerclaw watched as Leopardfur glared at Bluestar, obviously agreeing with her own leader.
"Why should we go hungry for the sake of a Clan that cannot even defend its territory?" the RiverClan deputy yowled. Exactly! This RiverClan cat has sense... No stop it you have to defend Bluestar, gain her trust!
"Bluestar is right! WindClan must return!" Tigerclaw rose to his paws, tail lashing. Leopardfur shot a angry look at him, and he met her gaze steadily.
The ThunderClan leader shot him a swift look, acknowledging his support. Good, good... Leopardfur broke eye contact with him, turning back to look at the leaders.
"Crookedstar, RiverClan's hunting grounds are known for their richness." Bluestar meowed. "You have the river and all the fish it contains. Why do you need extra prey?" Crookedstar's pelt prickled uncomfortably.
Oh? The other RiverClan cats were murmuring anxiously. Is their prey running short for once? Ha, now you will know what it's like to be hungry for once you fat cats?
"And Nightpelt," Bluestar addressed the ShadowClan leader, "it was Brokenstar who drove WindClan from their home. That is why ThunderClan helped you to chase him out."
And you didn't let me help Bluestar! But you let that kittypet come! Tigerclaw felt bitterness rise up inside with a twinge of jealousy as he was reminded of two days ago.
"Very well, Bluestar. We will allow WindClan to return." Nightpelt growled grudgingly after a moments silence. Crookedstar turned away, eyes flashing.
"Two of us have agreed, Crookedstar," The ThunderClan leader turned to him. "WindClan must be found and brought home. Until then, no Clan should hunt in their territory."
Bluestar leaped down, and the cats began to break into groups of their own clan, finding their clanmates.
Tigerclaw looked up at the Great Rock, and felt suspicion wash over him. Nightpelt and Crookedstar exchanged a look full of meaning. It was an almost cold determination, and agreement.
What are you two planning? Tigerclaw turned away, looking for Bluestar.
Fireheart, his ginger pelt standing out amongst the tabbies, tortoiseshells, and other patterns, was also looking at the two leaders.
Fireheart! Rage flashed through him, a loathing as he never felt before boiled up for the flame coloured warrior. Creeping out to Bluestar hoping to get her to trust you by giving her information about me... You little sneak... I'm keeping one eye on you, kittypet.
Please check out my other Fanficiton Raining Feathers!
Aadjfladjflasjfal I know this is a shorter and a more uneventful chapter then usual I'm sorry! I'll try to make up for this! ;^;
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