Tigerclaw rose from his crouch, the first rays of sun warming his pelt. He glanced at Bluestar's broken body. Pride burned in his chest.
He had saved ThunderClan.
He stepped past Whitestorm – the white tom still had his muzzle buried in Bluestar's pelt. Tigerclaw paused, laying his tail across the back of the grieving warrior. Bluestar had been his mother's sister.
After Snowfur's death, Bluestar – then Bluefur – had taken over raising Whitestorm. She had been a second mother to him.
This death was hard on his old friend, even so, this pride persisted. Bluestar had been a necessary sacrifice in the grander scheme of things. She had made ThunderClan weak. He could now begin his plans to make it stronger than it had ever been before.
Tigerclaw headed across the clearing, scanning his surroundings. His gaze landed on the nursery. The large tabby paused, considering a visit before deciding against it. The kits would still be there when he returned from Highstones.
Tawnykit and Bramblekit were what Goldenflower had named them. Even now, Tigerclaw knew they would make worthy warriors. That they would make worthy successors. They would be growing up in the greatest time in ThunderClan history – in Clan history! Tigerclaw's mind went to Bramblekit and his dark tabby coat, so much like his own. There was no denying Tigerstar was his father and he was certain his son would be just as great as he was.
As Tigerclaw continued, the Clan began to wake up around him. He spotted Darkstripe talking to Sandstorm, Mousefur, and Runningwind not far outside the warriors' den. Tigerclaw twitched his ear, Darkstripe was far from the perfect deputy but he would follow Tigerclaw's lead without question. He had close allies in Dustpelt and Longtail as well, but neither of them was as loyal nor as experienced as the dark gray tom.
The tabby's gaze shifted over to where Longtail was now – outside what had once been Brokentail's prison and was now Fireheart's. He watched as Dustpelt made his way over, exchanging a few quick words with Longtail before the pale warrior headed towards the warriors' den. It had been all too easy to get them to believe his story.
It was perfect when Fireheart burst into the leader's den. He was a cat that could easily take the blame and Tigerclaw had made sure of it. There was no reason to worry about the kittypet getting in the way of his plans anymore.
Now with Fireheart taking the blame and Graystripe gone, there was no need for concern.
Others had been allied with the kittypet but he could keep them in line. Tigerclaw's thoughts went to Cloudpaw.
Darkstripe should be able to shape the young tom into something. Tigerstar would make sure he was useful to the Clan, at the very least. And if the apprentice was not, he could be got rid of easily enough.
What had happened yesterday was the best thing Tigerclaw could have hoped for. Bluestar had been easier to subdue than he had expected her to be. Perhaps it was the shock of having her deputy, one of her most loyal warriors, attack her or simply that she was a weak old fool. He had also thought she had more than one life remaining. That discovery was a welcomed surprise.
Tigerclaw ducked into the medicine den. Yellowfang's rasp sounded, "–ckenfur better do what he's told! If he doesn't be sure to put that poultice on it. Tell him I'd like to have a word with him when I return." Cinderpaw nodded along as she sorted through some herbs laid out in front of her. The medicine cat pushed a bundle towards the gray apprentice, "Take these to Fireheart. He is not to leave his nest."
"What are those?" Yellowfang and Cinderpaw both looked over at the sound of Tigerclaw's voice. The tabby padded over, stopping next to the older she-cat. Her orange eyes narrowed.
"I would not have thought you'd have an interest in herbs," She growled. Tigerclaw ignored it, Yellowfang had always been testy. While he was not the biggest fan of hers, she was certainly a skilled and respected medicine cat. She had shown her loyalty to ThunderClan in the past. She was his medicine cat now and the old cat should be loyal if she knew what was best for her.
"I want to know what you intend to use up on that miscreant," Tigerclaw replied. There was a momentary pause, an unreadable look in Yellowfang's eyes. Would she dare refuse? She couldn't possibly think that he would allow such a blatant disregard of his order. The dark gray she-cat began to explain what everything was. She put her paw on one herb.
"This is for his eye; we might be able to save some of his vision yet."
"No." Yellowfang looked up at Tigerclaw as he spoke, surprise filling her gaze. "Let him go blind." The medicine cat's eyes narrowed.
"It is StarClan's will that I do what is required to help any cat," she began. "And I believe I might be able to save some of his vision –" Tigerclaw stuck his muzzle closer to the she-cat's broadened face.
"And as your leader, I am telling you to let him go blind. It is StarClan's will that you obey me, is it not?" His eyes narrowed, daring the dark gray medicine cat to defy him again. A tense moment passed between them before Yellowfang let out a grunt. She pushed the herb to the side. This surrender was good, Tigerclaw could turn her to his will yet.
"Are you going to blind his other eye?" Tigerclaw shifted his attention to Cinderpaw. Her curious blue gaze was on her leader. "Like Brokentail?"
"I am not." Tigerclaw had considered it for a short while but had concluded against it. He had not scratched the kittypet there on purpose, but this blinding could be used to his advantage. He wanted the kittypet to see how easily they had taken Tigerclaw's side. Even when his eye has healed, he would not be able to hunt. He would not be able to fight. He would be trapped, and if he were smart enough to realize this, there would be no escape attempts.
He could break Fireheart down to the point of not needing to blind his other eye. The kittypet had spirit, Tigerclaw had to credit him that much, but that could be taken care of.
Tigerclaw looked to Yellowfang, "Are you ready to go?"
"Of course." Yellowfang rose to her paws, heading to the den's entrance. Tigerclaw followed quickly after.
Once in the main clearing, he saw that Bluestar's body was gone. Tigerclaw spotted Brindleface and Frostfur talking quietly by the Highrock, both looked tense. The clearing was filled with a heaviness, as it often was after any warrior had died, but this one seemed heavier.
Tigerclaw recalled when Sunstar had died, struck down by a dog when Tigerclaw had been younger. There had been a heaviness in camp that day, but not to this level. Perhaps it was over Bluestar being murdered and the supposed perpetrator still being in camp.
Tigerclaw brushed it aside as he headed towards the tunnel out of camp, Bluestar was weak and in turn, she was turning ThunderClan weak. Her death had been necessary for making ThunderClan strong again. With Tigerclaw – with Tigerstar as their leader, they would become like the great TigerClan of old. It was the dawning of a new era in Clan history, the start of the greatest reign this forest would ever see.
It was silent as Tigerclaw and Yellowfang made their way through ThunderClan territory. The tom had taken the lead, he could feel Yellowfang's eyes boring into him. He ignored it. What did she know? She couldn't possibly believe the truth.
Could she?
Tigerclaw wavered at that thought for a moment. She, along with the rest of the Clan, had heard what Fireheart had said. He could not remember her exact reaction. The only thing that stood out had been Brokentail's death.
The former ShadowClan leader's death had been convenient, he did not need to go back on his promises. Not that he particularly minded that, it was simply the trouble the blind cat might have caused. Brokentail had secured his trust with the rogues and after that, his use was over.
Tigerclaw curled his lip back as a realization hit him; the rogues were another thing he would need to deal with when he returned.
After Brokentail's death, Yellowfang had gone about her medicine cat duties. Specifically, she had gone to Fireheart's den at the end. What had he told Yellowfang while she had been in there? Had he managed to convince her to his side? Tigerclaw's tail twitched; he would have to talk to Longtail about this later.
They left the forest behind, making their way down the slope into the hollow around Fourtrees. Tigerclaw quickened in his pace. He could hear the old she-cat keeping up behind him.
Tigerclaw and Yellowfang crossed the scent markers into WindClan territory, moving at a steady pace towards the opposite end of the territory and the Thunderpath. From there, it would be onto Highstones. Tigerclaw's ears pricked as he picked up fresh WindClan scent. He slowed in his step, looking around the open landscape for any sign of the small Clan cats.
A moment later he spotted a patrol approaching them. Tigerclaw stopped in his tracks, Yellowfang moving to his side. He recognized the dark shape of Deadfoot taking the lead as the patrol approached.
This encounter would be no issue, while there was still tension between WindClan and ThunderClan over Bluestar's decision to keep Brokentail alive, they would not stop Tigerclaw from going to Highstones. Especially with a medicine cat.
"Greetings, Tigerclaw." Deadfoot nodded to the dark tabby. Tigerclaw nodded back at the WindClan warrior, returning a greeting. "What brings you to our territory? Not bad news, I hope."
"The worst," Tigerclaw rumbled. "Bluestar has lost her last life."
A glimmer came to the WindClan deputy's eyes, "That is terrible indeed, WindClan sends its condolences." Tigerclaw dipped his head. "I imagine you are on your way to Highstones."
"We are."
"I won't keep you then," Deadfoot waved his tail, signaling his warriors to move aside. The new ThunderClan leader murmured his thanks. He took a step forward before pausing in his stride, looking back at the skinny black tom.
"We have just expelled a traitor from our Clan, I warn you not to shelter him. I believe he might be dangerous." Surprise lit up Deadfoot's yellow eyes before he could speak, Tigerclaw continued. "I will explain everything at the next Gathering." The deputy nodded as Tigerclaw turned away.
Once they were out of earshot of the patrol, Yellowfang spoke. "You intend on announcing what happened at the Gathering?"
Tigerclaw glanced at the older cat, "I do. We have a traitor that helped plan our leader's death. They must be warned."
"Why let Graystripe go then if Fireheart is being held? Why let him go if you believe him to be a danger?" There was an unreadable look in Yellowfang's eyes as she questioned.
"I believe Fireheart to be the orchestrator of what happened," Tigerclaw explained. "He is far more dangerous than Graystripe and having him on the loose may be too much of a risk. Graystripe may only be his follower but he may still cause some trouble."
Tigerclaw was unsure where the gray tom had gone. After RiverClan rejected him, there was no other place he could go. The border patrol had reported picking up his scent near Fourtrees, from there where Graystripe went did not matter. All that mattered was he stayed away. Indeed, the idiotic cat was not that much of a threat on his own. Without Fireheart, Graystripe was not going to cause any sort of trouble and with Fireheart contained he would not either.
Yellowfang did not respond, her silence putting Tigerclaw on edge. What was she thinking? Did she believe Tigerclaw or Fireheart? What would happen if Fireheart got her on his side? The medicine cat clearly still cared for the kittypet in one way or another. She had wanted to cure his blindness, that had to mean something. But what?
As the cats continued on their way, the sun made its journey across the sky. They left WindClan territory before crossing the Thunderpath with relative ease. They silently made their way to the jagged peaks of Mothermouth. Anticipation making Tigerclaw's paws tingle. He would officially be leader soon.
It would still be a while longer until the sun had set. Tigerclaw settled outside the gaping cave, Yellowfang waiting further back. The scene that had happened the last time Tigerclaw came here ran through his head as he thought about going down that tunnel again.
He would not run again. He was the next leader of ThunderClan, and he would get his nine lives from StarClan as he deserved. He could not run again.
Eventually, the moon rose. As it neared its peak, he rose steadily to his paws, looking at Yellowfang as she made her way to him. Yellowfang turned to him, her orange eyes as unreadable as ever. "It is time."
"Once we have entered Mothermouth, we must be silent. When the Moonstone glows, go up to it and crouch down. Press your nose against it and the ceremony will begin." The warrior nodded.
He followed the old she-cat into the tunnel, forcing his fur to remain flat as they moved silently through the darkness. Eventually, the tunnel opened into a larger space. Tigerclaw's eyes adjusted to the dim light which showed through the hole above their heads. He could see the dark shape of the Moonstone not far from them.
Yellowfang stopped shortly inside of the cave, settling before twitching an ear to Tigerclaw. The tabby approached slowly. He forced his nerves to remain calm, it would be happening soon.
The moon rose overhead, its light hue shining down through the hole in the cave ceiling. A moment later, the Moonstone burst into light. Its glow was almost blinding as it lit up the cave around them. The warrior squinted; a sense of panic overcame him but he forced it down. This is my destiny… I am going to be the best leader ThunderClan has ever had. The best the forest has ever seen!
Tigerclaw approached. He lowered himself into a crouch, touching his nose to the Moonstone. His eyes closed as the heaviness of sleep overcame him.
When Tigerclaw opened his eyes next, the scent of the forest came over him on a steady breeze. He rose slowly from the grass on which he lay, amber eyes looking at the trees which surrounded him. Bushes and brambles scattered the forest floor, this place was almost recognizable. He gasped, "This is… this is ThunderClan territory!"
"Not quite." Tigerclaw turned his head at the familiar purr. A cat stepped out from the brush in the forest. His eyes rounded at the sight of the other cat as it approached him, eyes trained on the ThunderClan tom. "This is our version of ThunderClan. Welcome, Tigerclaw."
"Leopardfoot." He nodded in greeting. What did she think of him? He had done what he needed to save ThunderClan, to make it the greatest Clan there would and had ever been. She had to have understood that. She was his mother, for StarClan's sake! They all had to.
"It is good to see you again, my son." The black warrior stopped in front of him. If she had any anger or resentment towards him over his actions, it did not show. StarClan must approve.
Pride lit up Tigerclaw's pelt at the thought. He had done good. They had to know he was doing this for the sake of his Clan.
Of course, this was the first cat to come forward and she was his mother. What would happen next? Where were the others? I need nine lives, not one.
"Are there more?" Tigerclaw asked. Leopardfoot flicked her tail around them. As she did, Tigerclaw saw more cats emerging from the forest, their pelt speckled with starlight like hers.
"We have been waiting a long time for you." They did approve! Leopardfoot stepped towards her son, raising her muzzle as Tigerclaw lowered his head. Her nose touched between his ears.
"With this life, I give you compassion." She murmured, "Try to understand what others feel. Let others guide your paws to understanding what is important, not only yourself." As she meowed an intense feeling overcame the brown tabby. Images flashed through Tigerclaw's mind. Images of cats wailing, joy-filled cats, cats in pain.
Tigerclaw staggered as the emotions hit him. He took a step back, steadying himself as the feeling disappeared as quickly as it had come. He looked back up into his mother's eyes a moment later. Leopardfoot meowed, "Be strong, my son. It takes more than courage to understand what other cats feel."
The sleek StarClan cat stepped away, turning without another word as she disappeared back into the forest. If I am Clan leader, and my word is law, then why should I have any concern for what others think? I must lead and theirs is to follow. The tabby stared after her until another cat caught his attention.
This one approached him slowly. He realized he could not recognize her. Surprise came over Tigerclaw as he looked down at this small pale gray cat. She moved in front of him, her head only coming up to his chest. Her fur hung loose on her bony frame. She looked up at Tigerclaw.
"My name is Whitetail; you would not know me. I walked this forest long before you were even a thought." She paused, "Would you have even noticed me, however?" Tigerclaw's ear twitched, had he met a cat like her in battle he would have tossed her aside as if it was nothing.
Whitetail continued, "I give you a life for understanding that size isn't anything. You should respect your enemy, no matter how they look." The gray she-cat touched her nose to his chest.
As she did, a feeling of calm came over Tigerclaw. He felt as though he had been drenched in water before the fur along his spine rose as he began to shiver. It was not only from the cold but from fear. What reason did he need to be afraid?
Whitetail stared at him for a long moment before she whispered, "Beware the small cats." She turned away from him, disappearing into the forest.
A little shape moved towards him a moment later, coming from the direction that Whitetail had disappeared. It was smaller than her. Its black and white fur was fluffed up, kit fluff perturbing from all over the small cat. The tom-kit trotted up in front of him, lifting his head to look up at Tigerclaw.
"I'm Badgerfang!" The kit squeaked. Tigerclaw snorted.
"Are you certain? You are certainly the smallest warrior I have ever seen!" A flash of anger came to the small kits' eyes.
"I died as Badgerpaw," the kit continued. "I died at four moons old when Brokenstar forced me and my littermates to fight. I fought bravely and gave my life for my Clan. For that, Flintfang gave me my warrior name."
"And what life do you have to give me?"
"Be patient." Badgerfang blinked up at Tigerclaw, "We will give you your lives as we wish to." The words, spoken with an air of wisdom beyond this kits age, almost chilled Tigerclaw. Badgerfang stepped closer to the large tabby, stretching his neck up to touch his chin with his black muzzle, barely grazing it. "I give you the life of training your young cats wisely. Teach them when they are old and strong enough to learn. Teach them to listen to those wiser than them and to learn the Clan's histories."
As Badgerfang came to a finish, a warmth filled Tigerclaw. He heard the chirping of kits, excited to start training and defend their Clan. He was reminded of his own eagerness all those seasons ago when he had been apprenticed to Thistleclaw. Tigerclaw curled his lip with amusement. Oh, I will train my young cats well, he vowed. His thoughts went to Tawnykit and Bramblekit, curled up by their mothers' side in the nursery. They will soon know that they belong to the greatest Clan in the forest and will know victory after victory!
The small black and white kit turned away from Tigerclaw, trotting back into the ferns from where he had come. Disappearing without so much as a hint that the small tom-kit had been there.
Another cat came forward after a few moments, fear made Tigerclaw's chest tighten. He pushed it away as the gray tom stopped in front of him. He had no reason to fear this cat, he was not a kit anymore and the other cat was dead.
Blue eyes scanned Tigerclaw for a moment before they narrowed as the speckled cat curled his lip. "Look at you," Goosefeather grunted, shaking his head. This was not the crazed look Tigerclaw was used to seeing in the old medicine cats' eyes, instead, there was a clarity he had never seen before. The speckled gray tom took a step closer to Tigerclaw, touching his nose to the tabby's forehead.
"With this life, I give you faith." Goosefeather meowed, "Trust your warrior ancestors. Let them guide you through your leadership."
Tigerclaw's coat lit up with starlight. A fierce feeling came over him as well as the warmth of a mother's belly. It almost sent him back to when he was a kit, curled up against his mother all those seasons ago. The feeling faded and he locked eyes with Goosefeather again.
The old ThunderClan medicine cat's gaze was piercing and that old fear Tigerclaw had for the gray tom returned for a split heartbeat. Goosefeather grunted before turning away, disappearing into the forest as all the others had done.
The next cat to step up was one Tigerclaw knew well, there was a calmness in the other large cat's green eyes. He nodded at Tigerclaw as he approached, the dark tabby returned it. "Lionheart."
"Tigerclaw." The large golden tom stopped in front of Tigerclaw. The former ThunderClan deputy gave the tabby no chance to speak before touching his nose to his forehead, "I give you the life of farsightedness, for understanding what the consequences of your actions might be, long before they ever happen. Look beyond and choose the path that you want your Clanmates to live."
This life was full of clarity and lightness, He felt dazed. All of his senses were on high alert as Lionheart pulled away. Tigerclaw stared after the deputy as Lionheart turned away, disappearing into the forest just as all the others had.
He turned at the sound of another cat approaching. Tigerclaw felt as though his heart had stopped beating at the sight of the red tom approaching. His fur rose and his claws extended as he looked into this cat's green eyes. He growled, "Pinestar."
Pinestar looked back at Tigerclaw, seemingly unphased by the other tom's reaction. He meowed, "That is how you knew me but that is not the name I had when I died."
"Because you," The words were caught in Tigerclaw's throat. He pushed down the emotions filling him, "You chose to become a kittypet." He spat the last word as if it were a curse.
"That is how I chose to spend my last life," Pinestar replied. "However, I walk with our ancestors tonight to give you the life of –"
"No."
There was a stark stillness that came over the forest at Tigerclaw's growl. A deafening silence filled the clearing. Pinestar looked surprised by his son's response. He rasped, "What do you mean, 'no'?"
"I will not accept a life from you." Tigerclaw took a step away from the red tom. Furious amber eyes darted from tree to tree. "Send another, I will not accept anything from him!" Everything he had achieved had been without this cat's help. He was not accepting it now.
No other cat appeared. Pinestar remained where he stood, his gaze was fixed onto Tigerclaw. "You must accept a life from me. These are the cats chosen to give you lives, no matter the order. No cat can change this."
"I refuse." Tigerclaw turned away from Pinestar, ignoring as the tom called after him. Five is more than enough lives! I have not died yet!
As he left, the dream around him began to fade into darkness. It quickly disappeared into nothing.
When Tigerclaw awoke, he still felt anger running through his veins. He opened his eyes, pulling away from the Moonstone as he let out a frustrated hiss.
"That was quick." Tigerclaw turned in the direction of the voice, recognizing Yellowfang's piercing gaze. The vow of silence they were supposed to keep was broken. She said, "Something went wrong. Did they not take kindly to what you did?" The medicine cat's eyes narrowed. "Are you even Tigerstar?"
She believes him! Alarm came over the tom, she believed what Fireheart had said. Tigerclaw let out a furious hiss, moving toward Yellowfang. He stuck his muzzle in her face, teeth bared and fur on end. The other cat did not respond to his threatening glower. She held his gaze steadily.
"Yes," Tigerclaw snarled. "Of course I am Tigerstar."
She gave him a disbelieving snort. Possibilities raced through the tabby's mind. He couldn't kill Yellowfang, it would be too suspicious. As well, the Thunderpath would be a too difficult challenge to drag her body across.
She was also their only medicine cat and while Cinderpaw knew some things and was learning, Yellowfang was skilled. Cinderpaw would never be as skilled without Yellowfang to teach her. The former ShadowClan cat was a valued member of the Clan and he could not afford to lose her right now. He needed to control her in some other way.
"Speak a word of this to anyone and I'll have Fireheart killed."
A flash of something came across Yellowfang's eyes in the dim light, too quick for him to identify. She was silent and her gaze was unwavering. Even so, Tigerclaw knew that had gotten through to her.
Tigerstar grunted before he jerked his head away, heading towards the entrance of the tunnel. He heard Yellowfang rise to follow.
Tigerstar forced his fur flat; this was fine. He was Tigerstar, the great leader of ThunderClan. Why would he need nine lives, anyway?
AN: just a general disclaimer: this scene was more influenced by the canon ceremony found in the ultimate guide
