Chapter 11: We're Like Minded

Right before we entered camp, Tigerclaw signaled me to pull me aside. I'd drawn his attention, just like I'd planned. Now alone with the burly warrior, it was time to start making my play, but I needed Tigerclaw to believe he was in a position of power. As long as I was not a direct threat, he would not attempt anything. It is just how that kind of cat works.

"You are a rather odd cat Smudgepaw. Somewhat like…" He stated slowly.

I completed his sentence. "Somewhat like you. Exactly! We both share something. Something other cats fear which makes us more logical and vicious. Cats like us can spot another at a forest away. We act like any other cat, but what gives us away is our eyes. We're special in a way the others could never comprehend. We think differently than any other cat. We aren't burdened by others' emotions and feelings which cloud their judgement. We're logical. The correct term for what we are is sociopaths. We have no sense of empathy to weaken our convictions."

I stated that small speech like I honestly believed it, but I wasn't a sociopath, at least not anymore. When I became Smudge, I received with it a slew of new emotions. It's why I care for Firepaw so much. Its why I'm so good at blackmailing. I have all the skills of a well-integrated sociopath, but I now also have all the tools sociopathy deprived me of. My new sense of empathy was a tool to better myself, but with whatever mental conditioning I had from before my rebirth, I suppressed it, only bringing it out on special occasions or when it might benefit me. Yes. I was selectively empathetic. Any cat outside my circle was just a tool or obstacle, but those within were real. They were cats, not objects, not tools. They were real. Above all, they were mine, and anything that threatens what is mine incurs my wrath.

Tigerclaw took some time to ponder my words before responding. He seemed to be considering my motives and what he'd need to do about me.

"What is it you desire Smudgepaw?" He asked tactically and carefully.

"I don't have plans for leadership if that is what you are asking. Instead, I'm very possessive. Firepaw is mine. He is my priority. Anything else is secondary, but I think we can come to some sort of agreement."

Tigerclaw slightly tilted his head making it clear he was asking me to continue.

"I think we can help each other. I want Firepaw protected and happy, and you want leadership. I'll have you know I'm a very skilled observer. If we can come to an agreement, I might already have a tip to put you one paw step closer to the deputy title."

Tigerclaw paused to visibly contemplate. I already knew his answer given how clear his ambitious nature was, but he was putting on a bit of a show trying to make it clear he was in control. It was like I could see the strings beginning to wrap his paws, and I held the controller eagerly awaiting my chance to draw the curtains and put on a show.

"I accept your proposition. If the information you give me proves useful, I'll ensure the safety of your precious Firepaw."

I let my twisted grin display across my face. Tigerclaw needed to know I was just as twisted as he was.

"Then it's a deal." I mewed darkly. "Time for me to pay my first bit of advice. Bluestar isn't unwilling to change deputies. Right now, she's waiting for her two favored to prove they are worthy of succeeding her." I mewed vaguely to draw out his intrigue.

"What do you mean? Speak plainly!"

"Where's the fun in that? I'll give you a hint. Don't you think Bluestar's choice in mentors recently is a little odd? I mean, she gave a very childish kit to a warrior who is far to lax. That kit would have better served under a cat like you, strict and no nonsense. Meanwhile you've been given an apprentice far too skittish to take well to your methods of training. Do you wonder why?"

I could almost see the gears turning in Tigerclaw's head. I could imagine a lightbulb appear above his head as he finally caught my drift.

"It's a test!"

"Exactly! Bluestar gave you and Lionheart a challenge. You must prove able to train a cat who won't learn well from your methods. She wants an adaptable cat to succeed her. The only reason Lionheart is deputy now over you is that he is winning."

"Winning!" Tigerclaw spat.

"Yes. He's winning. His apprentice likes him. Yours is afraid of you, and this is where I can truly help you. I can teach you to act. I can be your test subject to try your new teaching methods on and I'll give you feedback. Your success depends on how good and confident of a warrior you can make Ravenpaw."

Tigerclaw looked excited in a way only schemers can be. I'd given him a plan of action but let him believe he was leading the way. He knew not the purpose of the bridle and bit I encouraged him to bite, nor the reins I held waiting with malicious intent. He only believed I was a tool to bring him victory, just like I wanted him to believe.

"Fine. You'll be my test subject. You'll meet me after sundown every day, and we'll train. I expect punctuality. Hopefully you display more skill that you showed earlier today." He mewed commandingly.

I did not cower at his command. We were partners in this, so he needed a little proof that we were equals, so I decided to push his buttons a little with my response. It would also serve as his first lesson.

"You should choose your words more carefully Tigerclaw. If I were Ravenpaw, I'd have cowered. If you said something like, I expect punctuality, same as always, he'd be less skittish. There's also your comment on my skills. You could have made it a backhanded complement or done what is called a complement sandwich. With how easily frightened Ravenpaw is, you'll need to build him up a bit before giving him any negative remarks. Then you have to leave him higher than he started at. Given how much of a kit he is, it doesn't take much to build him up. It doesn't even have to be a good complement. Something like, your black pelt will serve you well once you master stalking, will improve his performance drastically. Let that be your lesson one."

I departed with my head held high as Tigerclaw growled after me. He didn't like being told what to do, but I was his current best bet to satisfy his ambition. I don't even think he'd be a bad leader as long as some cat more emotional than him was there to rein him in when he goes too far.