Another chapter that I hope you all enjoy. Also to the person who keeps saying that they don't like Fire x Tiger I find it ridiculous that you keep on reading something you don't like. I think you're secretly a Tsundere and just have problems expressing your true feelings! It's okay to like Fire x Tiger!! This is a safe space!!!
Warning: description of birth written by someone who knows nothing about birth. So a ridiculous amount of blood I suppose.
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The patrol made their way back to the ThunderClan camp, sounds of hissing and fighting cats fading into the distance.
Tigerclaw glanced down at his mate for what felt like the millionth time. She glanced back up.
"What?" Fireheart whispered.
"Are you okay?" Tigerclaw whispered back. Fireheart looked taken aback by it, but she quickly replied.
"Yeah, just tired and crampy today, I suppose. Nothing unusual." She meowed. Tigerclaw nodded, accepting her answer, as they slowly descended down the ravine and through the gorse tunnel.
They returned to a near apprehensive encampment, it seemed everyone that they left behind had been on pins and nettles this entire time they've been gone. Heads turned their way as they stepped into the clearing and instantly they were surrounded by their Clanmate's and bombarded by questions from all sides.
Tigerclaw could see the way his followers were overwhelmed, taken off guard and unable to properly explain without speaking over each other. He felt it was now up to him to explain and perhaps even divert the attention.
Stood tall and spoke loud and clear to address the Clan, heads quickly turned to him to listen, "we have taken Brokentail to meet WindClan and ShadowClan and gave him over to be judged and tried. Both WindClan and ShadowClan had much to say to him and much of it was enlightening. Brokentail was properly punished for his crimes and will no longer be any threat to ThunderClan or any other Clan for that matter."
"But what about his rogues?" Tigerclaw tilted his head and nodded at Goldenflower's concern, but he knew for a fact that the rogues would no longer be a problem for them.
Although his Clanmate's have yet to learn this.
"We'll keep an eye out for them. But without Brokentail here to order them around, I believe they will no longer be a threat to ThunderClan." Tigerclaw reassured, getting hesitant nods.
"I would once again remind you all that without the exchange we would be at war, facing a united WindClan and ShadowClan, and would be risking our lives for a tyrant that never should have been here in the first place." Tigerclaw wanted to claw these words into their minds. The giant dark brown tabby warrior wanted them all to think about what they had avoided by going against their leader's orders. He wanted them to remember and think twice whenever Bluestar told them to do something. Tigerclaw wanted to install doubt and use it to his advantage.
"Every cat present before you has risked everything for the sake of this Clan, their dedication and loyalty goes far deeper than most could ever understand," Tigerclaw continued, "do not think any less of them. Instead, be thankful for having such dedicated warriors --" Tigerclaw's pale amber eyes raked across those that had followed his plan, but rested on the apprentice's. Cinderpaw, Brackenpaw, and Swiftpaw. They were not warriors, yet they had joined him as though they were one.
They were more than ready to become warriors.
"Many of whom deserve to be guerdon for such bravery and commitment." Tigerclaw meowed, his tail gesturing to the three apprentice's who seemed startled to be pointed out amongst the rest. "I believe that these three apprentice's have gone above and beyond the call of being a warrior. And I think it's time they should be officially seen as one."
Whether it was because they wanted a distraction or because they truly believed that the three apprentice's deserved to be warriors, there were murmurs of agreement that it was long overdue for a warrior ceremony.
It was then that Bluestar appeared from the surrounding cat's, pushing her way towards the front, her eyes trained solely on Tigerclaw, but before she could open her trap, he was already talking over whatever she planned on saying, "Bluestar, these three apprentice's warrior ceremony is long overdue." Tigerclaw said, without hesitation gaining the approval of his Clanmate's. "We can talk about other things later." Tigerclaw added much more silently, so only he and Bluestar could hear.
Bluestar sent him a sharp look, already seeing through Tigerclaw's brief attempt of putting off an unavoidable confrontation. Though Tigerclaw was wholeheartedly looking forward to the confrontation, it was just coming up with a speech to express himself that he needed time to put together.
Besides, the Clan was now in a more upbeat mood and the tension seemed to have died down at the anticipation of three new warriors. The apprentice certainly seemed more than starstruck at the mention of becoming warriors, their complete and utter glee practically radiating off them.
Tigerclaw's whiskers twitched as he watched them gaze in disbelief at one another. A stark contrast to the credence he himself felt when he realized that he was going to become a warrior. He had worked hard and knew he deserved his place amongst the other warriors. Though their reactions were still amusing to him and the sheer delight that shines in Fireheart's jade green eyes at the realization that her apprentices were going to be warriors gave him great satisfaction.
"Alright then." Bluestar stiffly agreed, her tail unceremoniously gesturing for each apprentice to come forward.
Tigerclaw watched in silence as Cinderpaw, Brackenpaw and Swiftpaw became Cinderpelt, Brackenfur and Swifttail. New warriors of ThunderClan. Tigerclaw watched with a warm feeling in his chest as Fireheart rushed forward to congratulate the two newly made warriors that she had spent so long and worked so hard for this moment to happen. Their success was also Fireheart's success as far as Tigerclaw was concerned.
The giant dark brown tabby warrior discreetly glanced around to see whether or not that the lazy dark gray sorry-excuse-of a warrior was around to see technically his apprentice become a warrior but surprise surprise found him missing.
Tigerclaw snorted in distian. Graystripe was an embarrassment as a mentor but luckily Brackenfur had at least someone there to take the credit for training and guiding Brackenfur through his apprenticeship. Graystripe was hardly missed.
Rising to his paws, planning on joining his mate and her former apprentices, when out of the corner of his eye he saw Bluestar approaching. Tigerclaw then sighed, steeling himself for the inevitable.
"Tigerclaw, a word" Bluestar gestured off to the side, indicating that she wanted Tigerclaw to follow. Interested, Tigerclaw followed without any complaints. They settled in the shadows of the Highrock. For a tense moment Bluestar just sat eyeing him, and Tigerclaw gazed back unflinchingly, not at all intimidated.
"What do you need me for, Bluestar?" Tigerclaw asked, blinking slowly.
Bluestar inhaled sharply, before shocking him, "I'm willing to overlook this and keep you on as my deputy, so long as this never happens again. Never go against my orders again."
Tigerclaw's whiskers twitched in surprise, haven't not expecting for Bluestar to go back on her threat but then again, Bluestar was always too softhearted even towards those that she very much shouldn't be.
In the past he might have graciously accepted the position back, might have seen this as a way to get back in her good graces and used it against her later but Tigerclaw found that he didn't much care for the position of deputy anymore. Especially if he needed to grovel and accept Bluestar's decisions as law.
"Thank you, Bluestar," for a moment Tigerclaw took amusement out of Bluestar relaxing, untensing as though she had resolved the issue, only to tense once more as Tigerclaw continued speaking, "however I must decline. Seeing as I cannot follow through with orders I do not agree with and will not push on the rest of my Clanmates."
Bluestar floundered for a moment. Sputtering out a garble of words that didn't make a complete sentence from how surprised she was by his rejection. Tigerclaw couldn't blame her. Tigerclaw would have been shocked at himself not even a moon ago if he saw himself now. Giving up being deputy, a key part of being leader, as he had planned to achieve for so long, spilling innocent blood to obtain and now giving it up on a whim.
It was completely against everything he was striving for and yet it felt oddly satisfying, as though he shed a heavy winter coat that was dragging him down.
"You can't do this!" Bluestar managed to get out. Outrage brightening her ice-blue eyes, piercing into Tigerclaw's thick pelt.
"I'm afraid that I just did." Tigerclaw boldly replied, not fearing ramification. "I have no trust in you after you nearly drove us into war with bothWindClan and ShadowClan. I find that one's own judgment is better than blindly following the words of a leader. N--" Tigerclaw was cut off as Fireheart let out a screech of pain, Tigerclaw whipped his head around to see his mate doubling over as pain seemed to have engulfed her, making her legs crumble beneath her as spams shot down her legs.
Goldenflower and Sandstorm were beside her, helping her stand and herding her towards the nursery. Spottedleaf was already behind them, carrying a packet of herbs and Tigerclaw brought up the rear of the group. He pushed himself through the narrowed entrance to the nursery, ignoring Spottedleaf's disapproving look as he came to stand at Fireheart's head. His nervous working big paws plucked at the edge of Fireheart's nest, as he licked her ear, and whispered lowly words of encouragement.
"They'll be strong little warriors," Tigerclaw meowed softly, stiffening as Fireheart shuddered with another contraction. "And they'll have your spirit and cunningness," He continued as she stopped shuddering for a moment.
"Here comes the first one," Spottedleaf mewed. "Sandstorm, when it arrives, nip the kitting sac with your teeth to release it."
Tigerclaw nearly gagged at the smell of iron in the air. Ironic seeing as any other time he didn't have a problem spilling blood. But this was Fireheart's blood and the spilling of her blood that was covering the inside of the nest was horrifying.
Sandstorm got into position as a small, wet bundle tumbled into the nest.
"A tom!" Sandstorm announced with a warm purr.
"Is it okay?" Tigerclaw demanded as he looked over Fireheart's head, whose eyes were screwed shut in pain.
"Quick, Sandstorm!" Spottedleaf instructed. "Lick him fiercely, Goldenflower, be ready for the next one." Spottedleaf murmured.
"H-how's our kit?" Fireheart wheezed out as more spasms of pain rippled along her flank. Making her screech in pain.
"He's strong," Tigerclaw breathed, the sight of his son, his first son, being placed down in the nest was astonishing. He was covered in blood, hardly half the size of one of Tigerclaw's paws and so vulnerable now that he's arrived in this world. Protectiveness like none he's ever felt before rose within him and Tigerclaw knew he would give up his life for his kits, it was an unquestionable certainty.
He was thrown out of his admiration by Spottedleaf, "Tigerclaw, give us some room. And ask Brindleface if she could bring a stick from my den." Spottedleaf instructed him as Goldenflower announced that another tom had entered this world.
Tigerclaw felt indignant as such a ludacris order. How in StarClan could he ever manage to leave Fireheart alone when she's most vulnerable? How could he protect her if he wasn't by her side? How could he protect his kits? He wanted and needed to be here beside Fireheart.
"I'm not leaving!" Tigerclaw protested, his pelt fur rising as he narrowed his eyes on Spottedleaf.
"Go this instant, you're taking up much needed room! Go now and do as I say!" Spottedleaf snapped as Sandstorm placed the other tom beside the first, only then to add a she-kit.
Tigerclaw looked almost ready to slash Spottedleaf open, but with one pleading look from Fireheart. Gave her a lick on the ear, and turned tail to begin calling for Brindleface.
Tigerclaw rushed the pale gray tabby she-cat that was foster mother to his nephew, feeling as if each second was being wasted when those involved with his mates kitting weren't focusing on Fireheart, he watched as Brindleface bounded into the nursery, carrying the stick. A stick he could easily have brought himself.
Tigerclaw stalked back and forth outside the nursery entrance. He felt so useless being unable to do anything for his mate. He could only stay outside and listen as she suffered through her kitting without him at her side. He should have pressed more, should have fought against leaving, but Fireheart had pleaded with him to leave. But that was more than likely for her own peace of mind and to prevent an argument between the old pair of friends.
Tigerclaw's claws scraped the ground, he felt frustration building up in the back of his throat. He wanted to hiss and rage and perhaps throw an unsightly kit like tantrum at being unable to be with his mate right there in the middle of camp. But instead he kept stalking back and forth, keeping himself moving because if he stopped then he would probably do something he might regret later. Already he could just hear the endless teasing that would come from Whitestorm and Spottedleaf, he might just have to kill them later.
Tigerclaw's head snapped up at the rustling of the thick bramble bush entrance, no sooner than Brindleface's head popping out of the gap was Tigerclaw descending upon her with questions about Fireheart. "How is she? Is it over? Can I come see her?" Tigerclaw was halfway inside the entrance when Brindleface blocked him off with her body.
"I know you want to see Fireheart right now. But she and the kids need Yellowfang even more." Brindleface meowed, upping the tension instead of de-escalating it.
"Why? Did something go wrong? Why does she need Yellowfang?!" Tigerclaw demanded, obediently stepping back but practically treading on Brindleface's tail as he followed her to the medicine cat's den, still seeking answers.
"Nothing is wrong. I'm going to see Yellowfang to fetch some borage leaves and a few poppy seeds for Fireheart." Brindleface assured, trying to shake him off but Tigerclaw was persistent and to high-strung at the moment and the only one with any news about Fireheart was Brindleface at the moment.
"Did she have the kits?" Tigerclaw asked as Brindleface called out for Yellowfang.
"I sure hope she has, let her deal with you so we don't have too." Yellowfang grumbled as she appeared with the needed supplies, shoving past Tigerclaw who hissed in irritation but still followed the ugly old fleabag that was essential to his mate right now.
He was still made to wait outside, much to his annoyance, as Yellowfang and Brindleface went back inside the nursery. Other than the cats needing to be in the nursery for Fireheart's kitting, his pale amber eyes narrowed on anyone that dared to even come close to the den. Not many came near the nursery so long as Tigerclaw was aggressively guarding it.
"Is everything alright?" Tigerclaw called from the entrance of the nursery, unable to help himself as he was impatient for news.
Tigerclaw perked up as Sandstorm, Goldenflower and Brindleface came out of the nursery. This has to be it, they wouldn't all come out if it wasn't over would they?
"Congratulations, Tigerclaw," Goldenflower began, nearly taking Tigerclaw's breath away as she told him the good news. "You're officially the father of two toms and five little she-cats."
Tigerclaw blinked once, then blinked again, trying to process what she had just told him. Seven, seven kits. He was officially the father to two toms and five she-cats.
"Wow." Tigerclaw heard from behind him. "I always knew that Tigerclaw was an overachiever but I wasn't expecting him to overachieve when it comes to having kits too."
If Tigerclaw wasn't so distracted by his own thoughts at how many kits, seven, he had helped give life too. Then he would have turned right around and cuffed the ears of whomever said that.
"Can I finally see them now?" Tigerclaw demanded, his heart yearning to see them more now than ever.
"Of course you can." Spottedleaf meowed as she came out and then stepped aside for him to enter. Tigerclaw didn't give them a chance to try and stop him.
As Spottedleaf exited, Tigerclaw was quick to take her place inside the den, his eyes roaming over each kit in turn, taking in every detail of his kits. Before giving out a throaty purr of delight, he nuzzled them each softly in turn, his eyes turning to lock on Fireheart. They each shared a love filled intense stare, both purring proudly over their mewing kits.
"They're all healthy, so there does not seem to be any problems," Yellowfang meowed, getting to her paws as something seemed to pop in her joints. "All she needs is some rest, which you better make sure she does." Yellowfang meowed warm words of congratulations, then she left.
"What do we plan on naming them?" Tigerclaw asked softly, his eyes never leaving his kits. They were so fragile, they reminded him of himself. One day they would grow to be strong and independent warriors, he could see that clearly in his mind as he gazed upon each of them. However they needed protection and someone to care for them until that day arrived. It was an overwhelming responsibility that he only realized could come with many consequences.
We'll know when the time comes, but let's wait till a bit later to name them." Fireheart said as she let out a big yawn, her tail curling around their daughters and sons.
"Well done," Tigerclaw whispered, while licking Fireheart between the ears, coming to settle down beside her. "I'm so proud of you."
"I love you, Tigerclaw." Fireheart murmured, curling up with her kits to sleep while Tigerclaw's tongue rasp along her flame colored fur.
Tigerclaw rested his head against Fireheart's flank, hardly putting pressure on her, just getting a good angle to observe his growing family. Each kit was perfect, Fireheart was perfect, everything about the situation was perfect and so far in life, everything was perfect.
"I love you too, Fireheart." Tigerclaw purred, closing his eyes and just taking a moment to soak in the moment.
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Fun Facts:
Most of this chapter was improvised, had plot points like Cinder and Bracken becoming warriors but threw in Swift because it's ridiculous that he was made an apprentice back in Fire and Ice but Cider and Bracken became warriors first.
Also that confrontation between Tiger and Blue was made up on the spot.
Wasn't expecting to make Tiger reject the offer of continuing to be deputy. Wasn't expecting to have Bluestar even offer it back. All improvised.
Fire going into labor has happened but this time in Tiger's point of view!!! Always wanted to do his point of view and now I found the opportunity!!!
Low-key dunking on Gray any chance we gets is the author and co-authors favorite pastime!
Next chapter is going to be wild!