Chapter 82: A Lesson On Revenge
Even with my new deal with Tigerstar, I knew things would escalate soon. Tigerstar had already designated Bluestar as his opponent, so he'd do anything to bring her down. I wouldn't be surprised if he planned to kill me as well. I was a verified threat. Unfortunately, we couldn't act hastily. The ball was in his court. We'd just have to watch for what was to come.
It was only a day later that we saw the first impact of Tigerstar's new rule. I'd let Fireheart manage the patrols of the day, and Tigerstar led a preemptive strike. In the ensuing fight, Runningwind held the line while the rest of the patrol retreated to gather backup. A patrol Fireheart was a part of met the fleeing Mousefur and turned his patrol to reinforce the border. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, Runningwind was dead. Only skittish Shadowclan cat Whitethroat was on the scene. He attempted to flee over the border only to be struck dead by a car. To be honest, I doubt Whitethroat was the killer of Runningwind. Likely Whitethroat had spotted the body and had been checking it to see if Runningwind still lived only to be caught by the Thunderclan patrol.
After Whitethroat's death, a second wave of rogues struck. These were likely mercenaries brought in by Tigerstar. They reportedly had rogue scent instead of Shadowclan scent. Regardless, they came from Shadowclan territory. The point of the ambush was far from the edge of the forest, so Tigerstar definitely knew they were there. Fireheart's patrol was almost crushed as well until they were reinforced by a Riverclan patrol that happened to hear the scuffle. The rogues were driven off, but Fireheart reported that Tigerstar was there in the fight. The only casualty on our side was Runningwind. Still, one death was one more than I cared to give. I'd plan my revenge.
Ashpaw and Ravenfeather found me pacing outside the warriors den muttering to myself. I was mentally assessing methods of invading Shadowclan and evening the score. As I turned to make another pass, Ravenfeather stopped me.
"Smudgefoot. You seem to be worked up about something. How about you sit down a moment and tell me what it is. Sometimes it helps to speak out your problems even if the other cat can't solve them." Ravenfeather mewed reassuringly.
"I'm… angry? No. That isn't quite the word. Dutybound? That feels closer. Runningwind died due to Tigerstar. I don't have proof, but I just know it. Those rogues were too far into Shadowclan territory for Shadowclan to have not noticed. The fight was also loud enough that Riverclan heard it and reinforced us. No. If they were just rogues, Shadowclan would have caught them in a pincer between us. They were definitely cats Tigerstar controlled. There isn't a doubt in my mind. The real question is how do I pay them back? A life is an infinitely valuable thing. The only equivalent is another life, and even then, they aren't truly equal. So, what should I do? Should I plan a raid to even the score? Should I have someone assassinated, or do I let them know I am planning something and let the dread of my potential revenge eat them over time? Nothing I could do to Shadowclan would hurt Tigerstar as much as he just hurt me. He just doesn't care for his cats. I need to do something that'll show him he can't just attack us without consequences. It needs to be personal, but what? He cares for nothing but himself and power." I ranted, still pacing.
"Why don't we just attack him? He's the bad guy who's hurting you." Ashpaw queried.
"If it were only that simple. Sometimes I wish things could just be that easy, but we live in a complicated world where intricacy is the modus operandi. I'm not even sure if Shadowclan even knows what Tigerstar did, but killing him would bring harm to them. This is an important lesson for you Ashpaw. What do you think is the most important part about getting revenge?" I tested.
"Ensuring the target is punished?" He responded cautiously.
I shook my head. "No. It is how you go about it. There are important questions to ask that change how you should go about your revenge. Firstly, what did the target actually do? You must match what they have done to you. If they slight you, do not pull your claws. Another factor is who all would become involved. With Tigerstar, the answer is all of Shadowclan, making him a difficult target. You do not want the uninvolved caught in the crossfire. Thirdly is timing. Revenge is not something to give immediately. It is something slow and meticulous. Sometimes happenstance does it for us, otherwise known as karma. Finally, you can plan your method. It is the last part of seeking revenge, only after you've factored everything else in. That is where I am stuck. I cannot match Tigerstar without drawing in bystanders and starting a war. I do want revenge for Runningwind, but I just can't see how."
Ravenfeather pushed up against me, stopping my pacing. "I don't think you should seek revenge, but if you are positive it needs to happen, I recommend sitting on it."
"Sitting on it?" I questioned.
Ravenfeather nodded sagely. "Yes. Sit on that hatred for now. It'll do you no good while you have no means to execute it. You said there was nothing equivalent Tigerstar had now, but that doesn't mean it'll stay that way. Wait on it and protect what you can for now. As you said, acting hastily will only bring us trouble."
"You're right. There's nothing I can do for now except make sure it doesn't happen again. I'm going to increase patrol sizes and ensure that there's always a hunting patrol nearby in case reinforcements are needed. We should have never been outnumbered on our own territory." I agreed.
"Anyways, Darkstripe has the warriors assessments all set up. We came by to grab you for the combat assessment." Ravenfeather mewed, completely changing the subject.
"Looking forward to me being beat up by a bunch of apprentices?" I playfully asked.
"Well, you are way more cuddly when you are hurt. Maybe if you impress me we can do some 'private' training." Ravenfeather teased.
Ashpaw's face scrunched up in disgust. "Ick. I hope I get to be a warrior soon so I don't have to hear Ravenfeather's abysmal flirting again."
"Oh, come on. I thought I was subtle." Ravenfeather jokingly responded.
"Bout as subtle as a monster on the Thunderpath." Ashpaw muttered.
Ravenfeather squeaked in embarrassment at Ashpaw's response, so I had to throw in my own flirt to grief my apprentice. "That was pretty cute Ravenfeather. I can't wait to make you do it again later."
While Ravenfeather squeaked again, hunching in embarrassment, Ashpaw just trotted ahead after hissing back to us, "Gross!"