Ch.1 Squirrelflight'sdiscovery

(Squirrelflight's p.o.v)

Squirrelflight let out a yawn and stretched. No cat in Thunderclan was awake yet, and it seemed like a good idea to go early hunting. She slowly walked past Brambleclaw, quiet not to awake him and emerged out of the hollow; into the forest. The scent of squirrel immediately flooded in her nose, and she quickly ran after it and caught it, then caught sight of a rabbit, crouching low, she stalked over to it, it turned around startled, but before it hopped into a hole, Squirrelflight gave it a swift bite around its neck, and it went still. Triumphantly Squirrelflight padded back to the camp with her rabbit and squirrel and placed it in the fresh-kill pile. By then, cats were up, Firestar calling out the dawn patrols and Brambleclaw padded up to her. "Went morning hunting without me, eh?" he asked, looking a little crossed. Oh, great. She didn't think to wake him up?! "I'm sorry! I didn't know, i didn't -" Brambleclaw purred and rubbed her cheek against his. "Furball. I was way too sleepy to come hunting with you anyways." he yawned.

Squirrelflight sighed and padded away. Brambleclaw was great, but did she really want him? She knew Brambleclaw wanted her, and Squirrelflight knew that she liked Brambleclaw back - she really did, but there's something about this other cat in Thunderclan named Ashfur. He was always looking at her with jealousy whenever she was around Brambleclaw, so lately Squirrelflight went on hunting patrol with him and a few other cats and, well, he was really sweet, that's all! His dark blue eyes, they shined in the moonlight, and he was so gentle, so caring. "Oh, Starclan!" she whispered. "What would Brambleclaw think?" Squirrelflight was falling in love with Ashfur.

.
Ch.3 Brambleclaw'sdiscovery

(Brambleclaw's p.o.v)

What was- when- but Squirrelflight loved Brambleclaw! When- where did this- "Squirrelflight!"he yowled. Pain filled his eyes and he started running in a random direction that just seemed to be near Shadowclan borders. "Brambleclaw, come back!" Squirrelflight called after him, but Brambleclaw kept running, all the way till he was on Shadowclan border.He didn't realize until a Shadowclan warrior came over to him and growled in his face. "Still a kit, eh, Brambleclaw?" the cat growled, his voice low. His feelings of pain toward Squirrelfight instantly vanished and replaced with curiosity. "Who are you?"

Brambleclaw screeched against the wind. "Ah, that I cannot yet tell you, but I must give you advice. he growled. "Do not let love make you weak, but let it strengthen you." He finished. "Wh-what do you mean?" Brambleclaw asked? The cat snorted. "That Squirrelflight cat of yours, she doesn't want you, and you want her. Don't let her push you down, Brambleclaw, you must seek revenge." he snarled. Brambleclaw's eyes widened, full of curiosity. Wh-who are you? he repeated, yet again. "You don't know who I am? Brambleclaw, I am your father. I am Tigerstar. Brambleclaw blinked. I thought Tigerstar was dead? he thought, but when Brambleclaw looked up to speak to Tigerstar, the cat just suddenly, well, disappeared.

Ch.4 The Powerful Plan

(Brambleclaw's p.o.v)

A shiver went down Brambleclaw's spine. Who was this cat who claimed to be his father? He never even knew his father! How could he be so sure that this cat wasn't lying to him? Then the weird thing was, Tigerstar came back. "Soo... you're my father...." he stuttered. Tigerstar glared at him. "Yes, I am, and Brambleclaw? You are a strong cat. Don't let that stupid Squirrelflight knock you down. You MUST get revenge! You and me will take over the forest." An evil smirk lurked on his face; Brambleclaw's eyes widened. "What are you implying" I growled, my fur starting to prickle. I was about to scream and refuse, but suddenly the idea of revenge, power, and control seemed like something he could not refuse. "Yes" Brambleclaw growled. "I will give you training, you will get stronger and be the most powerful cat in the forest beside me." Tigerstar growled. "But Squirrelflight-" he started. "You must NOT care about Squirrelflight." he snarled. "She has not been faithful to you, she has bended your relationship with her; she MUST PAY for running of to some other stupid cat besides you." he said harsher, but a tiny bit of sympathy in his voice. Brambleclaw's heart hardened, and he suddenly felt like Squirrelflight has betrayed him, and that Tigerstar was right, he WILL get revenge. "Yes, Tigerstar." he growled. "I will get vengeance on Squirrelflight. She will learn that it was wrong to betray me." Hesnarled. Tigerstar smiled. "Thought so." he said, and bounded away into the mist of nothing.

Ch.5 Out hunting yet again

(Squirrelflight's p.o.v)

Squirrelflight purred at her victory in catching her big, juicy rabbit. "Great catch, Squirrelflight! Ashfur cheered her on. "It looks YUMMY!"he finished. Squirrelflight twitched her tail to show she heard him, her mouth was full of the rabbit. Squirrelflight looked down, thought swirling in her head like a whirlwind. Brambleclaw was upset with her, and she knew exactly why. He had most definitely overheard what she said about him, and it upset her in a weird way. She felt like she was a cup half full, yet also half empty. Yes, half of it was Ashfur who she loved dearly, but then there was Brambleclaw. I know I love him, I really do, and he....he- he seems to care for me, but not enough! Recently we lost Graystripe on the Great Journey and he was deputy. Firestar has confirmed that he believed that his friend was still alive. He wouldn't give up hope and waits for the day his dear friend returns although most of the clan doubts that he's still alive. When Firestar said those words, there was a hinting gleam of annoyance in Brambleclaw's eyes, and the next day we went on hunting patrol with a few other cats and all of a sudden he's a bossy fur-ball. He's sweet around me but I just haven't communicated with him lately, and I don't really want to be around someone who is willing to be bossy and mean just for deputy. I hope he changes soon - you know what? I will just talk to him and see why he's do determined to be deputy rather that to be with me. I walked back to the camp with the squirrel and mouse in my jaws and dropped it into the fresh-kill pile, realizing that my stomach was growling like a monster. I gobbled up a mouse and went to the warriors den.Tomorrow I'll talk to Brambleclaw, I thought. With that, I curled up in my nest and crashed off into deep sleep, the mouse dangling in mu paws uneaten.

Ch.6 The Talk that didn't go so well

(Squirrelflight's p.o.v.)

"Wake up, wake up, wake up!" Ashfur meowed loudly. I groaned and looked at him in annoyance, letting out a hiss. He widened his eyes with shock, jumping back in surprise. I stood immediately, opening my jaws to apologize, realizing that i probably hurt his feelings, but then there

was a glimmer of affection in his eyes that settled me. He gave me a mocking mixed with affectionate look. "Wow, my little Squirrelflight has gone from a Thunderclan cat to all of Lionclan, warding off her enemies!" he joked. i shoved him affectionately. "Ashfur, you know of all cats that I am not little." I paused, catching my breath. "But I totally loved the Lionclan part...I would love to be that strong!" I purred. He rested his tail on my shoulder, meeting my gaze. "Squirrelflight, that's not what I meant....." he meowed, trailing his voice. "What?" I asked him. "I just was trying to say....." his cheeks reddened, for some reason again lost in words. I gave him a conflicted look. "Ashfur, you know, you can tell me what you're gonna say. You know you trust me." I informed him. He hesitated, then breathed a sigh of what seemed like relief. "What I meant was that you're MY little Squirrelflight, nobody else's. I..... I feel that you..... you belong to me. That you are mmine." he stammered. Oh, my whiskers, Ashfur is so cute and innocent. I padded over to sit next to him, brushing my pelt against his, wrapping my tail around his body. I rested my head against his shoulder."No, Ashfur, you belong to me." Andfrom that moment on I knew I had left Brambleclaw behind-forever. This was the moment that Ashfur had been waiting for- to know that we weren't just friends, but future mates with future kits to come. I no longer needed Brambleclaw; I knew I was a cup full, not half, not a fourth, 100% full. This was the moment that I truly fell in love with Ashfur.

I was in the forest when I saw Brambleclaw just sitting on the forest floor. I padded over to Brambleclaw, ready to speak truth to him. When he first saw me, he hissed, making me jump back in surprise, my eyes widening. "What did I-" I drew a few more paw steps backward, but he just came forward, inches from my face, his fur bristling with anger, his amber eyes blazing with hatred. "Brambleclaw, I just want to talk to yyou...." I stammered. "Get out." he snarled. "Before I rip all your fur off, Squirrelflight." His claws slid out warningly. "You don't want me anyways, so get out." his voice shook with pain and anger, and I suddenly realized. He was in so much pain because of me, yet he tried to hide it with anger and distress."Brambleclaw, I'm sorry.... what are you doing here anyways-" he let out an yowl, loss of patience burning in his eyes. "GET. OUT!!!!!!!" his yowl rang through the whole forest, so loud that i bet Shadowclan, Riverclan, Windclan, and Thunderclan heard it. The pain his eyes was nothing i could comprehend, and i knew nothing I say would comfort him, let alone the words i was going to speak to him. Something in his voice scared me. Something in his voice made him sound like a monster. Something in his voice made my think i should turn tail and fleet. And guess what? I did.

Ch.7 'Sweet' Dreams

(Brambleclaw's p.o.v.)

Brambleclaw padded to his nest; it looked so warm and cozy, but the last think he wanted to do or felt like doing right now was sleeping. Brambleclaw felt as if his fur was bristling with fury and pain, but he knew too well that it lay perfectly still. He sighed. What did he do to Squirrelflight to deserve this? Tigerstar had told him to get vengeance on her. But what's the point if all you did was create more pain and make her her fear me? A voice creeped into his head. An etch of pain and guilt clawed his stomach walls on the inside. He just had to push Squirrelflight away, why? He thought, flustered. That's when a tail brushed his flank, making him swivel around. "I think you should go to bed." Sandstorm meowed quietly, not to wake the others. "I don't wanna go to sleep." Brambleclaw grumbled. Sandstorm narrowed her eyes. Ok, lemme rephrase that- go to sleep." She meowed sternly, commandingly, but then she saw the pain and look of loss in my eyes and her face immediately softened. "You miss having Squirrelflight by your side, don't you?" She meowed softly, a questioning look in her eyes. Brambleclaw bowed down, lowering his head, in agonizing pain, but then remembered what Squirrelflight did to him, how tender and loving she looked when she was in the depth of touching noses with Ashfur, and pain was replaced with growing anger, and a low growl erupted from his throat. "I hate Squirrelflight. She WILL PAY!!" he snarled, ignoring Sandstorm's widening eyes. With that, he curled up, and another growing snarl escaped his throat as he spotted Squirrelflight. She was sleeping next to Ashfur, curled up tightly, but he could see the uneasiness and pain- surprised look she had on her face as she looked up at him. He shot her an accusing glare, but satisfaction welled up in his throat as he realized that she was probably shocked and scared of his harsh, cruel words. "Stay away from me." Brambleclaw hissed, making Squirrelflight's eyes widen even more. And with that, Brambleclaw falls into sleep. Excitement bubbles through his fur when he realizes that he's in the dark forest. He is going to meet his father! He pads into the forest and looks for signs of Tigerstar, but and the funny thing was, he could scent him a lot of places but he was no where to be found. Suddenly he felt like he was being pinned to the floor in the scariest way and- "Always be alert, son! In battle, are you going to let your enemy jump on your back? No, because then you'd be defenseless!!" He hissed, slowly circling him. "Hi, father, ummm... yeah, ok, I'll remember that." Brambleclaw meowed. Tigerstar sighed. "You have a lot to learn, son, but all in good time before you take over the forest." Brambleclaw shifted his paws uneasily and looked up at Tigerstar. "So, why am I going to meet up with you here? I mean, what's the purpose?" he asked him. Tigerstar grinned. "We're going to train you." he growled excitedly. Tigerstar's claws unsheathed, making Brambleclaw's eyes widen. "With claws?" he asked. Tigerstar's eyes gleamed. "Yes, so let's get this party started right now, son." he yowled triumphantly.

Ch.8- Scratches, scratches, and more scratches (Brambleclaw's p.o.v.)

I awoke to pain making me convulse in my side. I was spooked. Th-that was r-real?? I really fought with Tigerstar?A dead cat? No, no..... impossible! I sniffed the scratches on my side, and dreadfully, I saw a long scratch on my side, and pretty deep, too. I had to go see Leafpool! What would I say, and what if she knows...... She's a medicine cat! What if she knows about my dreams! I shook my head in deny. She couldn't possibly know. It was just.... just so..... ridiculous! She won't know, I promised myself as I walked over to the medicine cat den. "Hello, Leafpool. Can you help me I have an injury." I meowed. She was organizing her stock of medicine supplies. "Yes, Brambleclaw. Good morning to you, too. What do you need?" she asked me, her back turned, still organizing. I breathed. So far, so good. If she didn't even see me, then that's even better, and then I won't have to worry! But then she turned around and gasped. al"You-you're bleeding! A lot! Brambleclaw, w-what happened??" She gasped. I... I think I was sleeping and rolled on a sharp thorn while sleeping." lied Brambleclaw. Leafpool rolled her eyes. "Silly cat." she muttered under her breath. Then her voice elevated. "Honestly, Brambleclaw, you're no better than a kit!" she scolded as she pressed on cobwebs to his scratch. She finished the deep scratch with a bit of marigold to ease the pain. "Thanks, Leafpool." Brambleclaw mumbled. All of a sudden- "All cats old enough to catch their prey join beneath the high ledge for a clan meeting." yowled Firestar. "Riverclan have stole Sunningrocks!! Again!! We WILL attack to retrieve what is ours! Cats who need rest before battle please go and do so. We will strike at moon high. Tonight. If we can't spot a passing patrol in their territory on moon high, then we will invade their camp.Get your rest, my cats." and with that, Firestar padded to his leader den for either planning or rest. I can finally get some peace and quiet. Thought Brambleclaw. He padded to the den restless. His meeting with Tigerstar has made him tired, but sleep would surely give him energy. He curled up in his cozy nest and fell into deep sleep, thank Starclan he wasn't in the dark forest this time. When he woke up, cats were already hustling and bustling around the camp. "Brambleclaw!" A cat called him. It was Brackenfur. Brambleclaw blinked tiredly. "What?" he scowled. "I'm still sleeping!" Brackenfur ruffled his fur. "Oooh, i'm so scared!" he said laughing. "Brambleclaw, get up. We are going to ambush Riverclan! Now, are you gonna stay and sleep and be a useless kit, or get up and fight?" he asked. Brambleclaw got up, all ready, sleepiness gone."I am gonna get up and fight!" He yowled excitedly, showing his teeth, feeling the thrill running through him. If Riverclan wanted to mess with us, then they probably want to see what we're made of! Thunderclan will win this attack, and he knew it.

Ch.9- Riverclan invasion (Squirrelflight's p.o.v.)

Everyone was gathering around high rock. They were about to invade Riverclan. Ashfur padded up to her, his fur rippling with thrill. "Ready to get them?" he asked meowing. I widened my gaze in astonishment. "Why would I not be?" i growled, holding myself from exploding with laughter. Ashfur's eyes got bigger. "Of course you're ready......" he meowed, shocked at my fake- rough tone. My pelt burned with embarrassment I couldn't conceal my harsh tone anymore. I burst into laughter. "Oh course I'm ready to get those mangy fish- breaths!!" I meowed laughing. Ashfur shook his head, his voice shaky with laughter. "You tricked me once...." he said, his head shaking. ".....But never again!!!" he yowled evilly and laughing. Squirrelflight purred. Ashfur was an awesome cat and the best mate Squirrelflight could ever imagine. She had no idea why she had ever wanted Brambleclaw. I mean, yes, he was a great cat, too, but too bossy and too in want of power. Plus....., well.... she was expecting kits, and pretty soon. Oh, no. she thought. She couldn't fight this! She was going to have kits any moment now! "Ashfur."I whispered. He glanced at me. "What?" he asked. "I.... I'm..... expecting kits." I whispered. As Ashfur's eyes widened, our thoughts were cut off when Firestar yowled for silence. "CATS OF THUNDERCLAN!" yowled Firestar. "I NEED ONE BATTLE PATROL, TWO CAMP GUARDS, AND A NURSERY GUARD FOR THE KITS AND MOTHERS....." Firestar meowed, hesitating. "BRAMBLECLAW, ASHFUR, RAINWHISKER, SANDSTORM, SQUIRRELFLIGHT, BRACKENFUR. YOU ARE THE BATTLE PATROL. LINE UP AT THE TUNNEL. "UMMM, SPIDERLEG, SORRELTAIL, GUARD THE CAMP, AND LASTLY LONGTAIL. GUARD THE NURSERY. YOU GUYS KNOW WHERE TO GO." He yowled, and dismissed his clan with the flick of his tail. Firestar bounded over to the battle patrol. "I will lead it." he commanded. Brambleclaw padded forward. "And I will be second in patrol, because I don't want anyone to get hurt."meowed Brambleclaw determinedly. Firestar gave him a curt nod, but narrowed his eyes. A ripple of satisfaction rippled through her fur. At least someone knew something was up with the new "I want to be deputy" kind of Brambleclaw. At least Squirrelflight wasn't the only one who knew how to open her eyes! She noticed how Ashfur lashed his tail in annoyance and anger, but kept silent. Ashfur caught her eye and let out a low snarl. "Brambleclaw thinks that he's already leader when he's never become deputy! That's the makings of an ambitious, dangerous cat." He whispered, snarling very quietly. I shook my head. "Well, let's get going with the battle patrol, shall we, Firestar?" he meowed, a little too impatient for a battle, his uneasy paws were shuffling. "Alright, cats, let's get this party started right now!" he growled. We walked through the undergrowth until we reached the river. Her heart sank. They would all have to cross this river to get to Riverclan territory, because no cat seemed to be around. She felt her kits squirming in her belly, and then a painful jab, making Squirrelflight knock to the floor. "Are you ok, Squirrelflight?!"asked Firestar. Ashfur shot her an concerned and nervous glance. "Er, yes, Firestar. I'm... uh, ok. Yes. I'm fine. Just stepped on a thorn." I gasped, licking my chest fur in embarrassment. I know Ashfur was concerned, but I hope nobody else knew or possibly guessed about the kits. Brambleclaw let out a low growl, making Ashfur nervous. Ashfur came over to me and whispered "Are you ok?". I gave him a not so- ok look, panting softly. "Ashfur....... I..... The kits, I I'm going to kit... Now. I.... I have to hide. In a hole. I will see ya later. I love you." I whispered. Ashfur just kept staring at me nervously. "Are you SURE that you'll be ok?" I rolled my eyes in annoyance. I hate protectiveness. "YES ASHFUR I WILL BE FINE, IT WAS JUST A THORN THAT I STEPPED ON A THORN!! I AM PURRFECTLY FINE!!!" I snarled at him, but he knew purrfectly well that I was acting so that we didn't seem suspicious of anything. He looked at me and rolled his eyes and purred quietly. "Now go hide in the nearest tunnel and kit." He whispered. "Firestar, I, I didn't r-really step on a th-thorn. I.... I am having Ashfur's kits." I wailed in misery. My father's eyes widened, but then there was a glimmer of pride. "Well, I need you to go back to the hollow, Squirrelflight, now." he meowed sternly. I just shook my head. "I will be fine kittening right here, dad." He gave me a nervous look, but I just stared back determinedly, and finally he gave me a curt nod. "Ok, Squirrelflight, just, please be careful. " I took one glance at Brambleclaw, surprised to see anger and hatred in his face, but pushed all feelings away and turned around swiftly to find a place and start kitting.

******

(Brambleclaw's p.o.v)

Brambleclaw wanted to screech so loud. Squirrelflight was having..... Ashfur's kits?? What?? he shook his head. I had to keep up with the battle patrol, he thought. this was his chance to impress Firestar. He had to become deputy, just had to. "We have to swim!" Firestar screeched. The cats jumped fearlessly into the water. Brambleclaw saw Rainwhisker's head slowly dissapearing under the water. I was no better but I put all my strength and went under him to keep him afloat. We reached the other side to Riverclan territory. Brambleclaw's fur spiked and blood flowed in his veins, he was so ready to rip fur with the satisfaction of killing. Woah, wait! What am I talking about? I thought. I shook my head. We padded through the wet land until we finally reached Riverclan's camp. Firestar bombarded into the camp with us following, as he screeched "Thunderclan attack!!!" I let out my loudest battle cry as I thrashed into the swarm of cats all around. My claws met Mistyfoot's scruff, knocking her over. She hissed, scratching her forelegs on my lower belly making me yowl in pain. I growled fiercely, angry for the pain she caused. "You'll pay for that!" I spat. Snarling, I raped furiously at her belly fur, working my way up her throat. I felt like a cat was guiding my gnashing teeth and venomous claws. A cat that was very, very familiar..... but Brambleclaw didn't have time to think right now. She screeched, trying to flee, but my claws kept a strong grip in her bloody fur as I bit open her throat, then scratched my claws into her throat and her blood drenched her fur. I got off of her and licked my lips at her dying sight. Her eyes widened and she looked at me, shocked as blood gurgled out of her throat. "A cat doesn't have to kill to win a battle Brambleclaw.... Just remember that when I go to Starclan...." she rasped as the light died out of her eyes. Stonefur came running over and yowled with a pained expression and exasperation at the sight. "You killed my sister!!! How could you?!?!" he yowled. Everyone in combat stopped and stared in Mistyfoot's direction. The silence was broken with Graypool's mourning. "You killed her! You killed my daughter!!!!! Noo!" Brambleclaw stepped back. "I...I'm sorry...." Brambleclaw mumbled. He didn't mean for this to happen, but it is already done, plus... why does it feel so... satisfying? I mean, that's what Riverclan gets for consistently stealing Sunningrocks, I mean, come on, they practically asked for it, didn't they? "Riverclan, you have seen what Thunderclan can do when you mess with us. I am sorry Brambleclaw broke the Warrior code, but this is the consequences...." Firestar stated. Leopardstar looked up at Firestar, furious. "Your little mangy forest Warrior just killed my deputy!" she snarled angrily. "Leopardstar launched herself at Brambleclaw ferociously, slamming her paws into his fur. As her claws dug into his pelt, he scratched her shoulder then he flipped her over and raked her belly fur, making Leopardstar gasp. She uses her hind legs to scratch Brambleclaw's , but he bit her neck hard, making her yowl in pain. Brambleclaw dug his teeth deeper into her neck and Leopardstar let out a wail followed by another yowl in pain, then she twitched once. Ottersplash of riverclan had a saddened expression. "She's losing a .life....." he rasped. Brambleclaw gasped. He.... he didn't know he was capable of killing off a leader's life!!! Firestar glared at Brambleclaw accusingly, but then turned tail to leave the camp. "We are done here. There is no need to steal Sunningrocks again." he growled, but there was pity in his voice. Probably for the damage that I did. I shrugged. We padded back to the camp. I sort of felt in a good mood, it felt powerful to kill a leader life. Then it hit him like a wave, knocking him off his paws. That cat guiding him was.... that was his father! That was Tigerstar! No wonder he felt as powerful as a tiger in battle. A tiger...... Tigerstar..... that was my father's personality, an evil, cold- blooded tiger killer and I was becoming among it. Brambleclaw's fur rippled as he turned to see Squirrelflight and Ashfur twining their tails at their farely new kits. An evil, cold- blooded tiger killer. Brambleclaw curved his claws in delight. Squirrelflight, I will get revenge on you for ditching me, and it will be sweet. And with that thought, Brambleclaw padded to the warriors den to take a rest, but he didn't get that far before Firestar came running in my direction. "I think you have some explaining to do, Brambleclaw?" he meowed, flicking his ears. Uh-oh.

Chapter 10- Explaining

( Brambleclaw's p.o.v. )

"Brambleclaw...." Meowed Firestar hesitantly. His emerald green gaze burned into Brambleclaws's pelt. "I... I think you have some explaining to do." he meowed finally. Brambleclaw gulped for three reasons- he felt satisfied when he killed Mistyfoot, but also guilty whenever someone glared at him for it, especially Squirrelflight. She seemed to totally have lost trust in him. Lastly, he can feel in his fur that Firestar didn't trust him anymore. Firestar could seduce his almost- deputy rank because of this. "I'm sorry, Firestar. I don't know what I was doing, I......"I had nothing else to say. A low growl arose from Firestar's throat. " 'Sorry' does NOT fix the fact that you broke the warrior code. You broke the warrior code big time, Brambleclaw." he hissed, but I could tell he was trying to stay calm despite his bristling fur. Firestar swallowed a pound of anger. "KILLING a leader's life?!" he hissed. There was dead silence. My eyes pleaded for him not to exile me. He seemed to understand, his face was thoughtful. I sighed. Firestar opened his jaws, like he was going to talk, then he closed his eyes, then fluttered them open. "Brambleclaw, I always thought of you as a honorable cat but.... you must be exiled. His voice held regret, making my stomach twist guiltily. He trusted me, and I failed him. He wants to see me become Thunderclan's leader, but he won't now, I failed him, I failed him.

***********

Chapter 11- The Tiger Within

(Squirrelflight's P.O.V)

"Let all cats old enough to catch their prey join me beneath the highrock for clan meeting!" Firestar yowled.

Cats from elders to warriors to apprentices rustled leaves on the floor, padding their way up to sit and ears perked for the clan meeting.

Squirrelflight was in glory with her new young two kits. One was a she-cat that looked just like her; a light brown tabby which she named Dreamkit. The other, a reddish- tan tom was named Blazekit. They were beautiful, pure beauty. They sucked on her huge supply of milk.

Squirrelflight couldn't get out of the nursery in which she moved just moved to, but she perked her ears to hear what her leader had to say.

"Cats of Thunderclan..... Brambleclaw must be banished from our territory."

To Squirrelflight's surprise, murmurs of protest spread through the camp like wildfire.

Firestar looked equally surprised as he watched his clan protest against leader words; after all clan leader's word is law.

Goldenflower, Brambleclaw's mother's protest was loudest.

"Yes, Firestar, he may have btoken the warrior code, but why exile him for helping us with another clan?" she meowed.

Firestar narrowed his eyes at her. "Well, if you have a better idea, say it, enlighten me." He meowed calmly.

"Well...." Goldenflower began nervously... "I know he broke the warrior code, but surely it would be good to have a strong fighter on Thunderclan's side than to banish him. Instead you could make him take care of the elders for a moon or so. clean out the bedding, out out ticks....."

Murmurs of agreement spread through the camp.

Firestar looked thoughtful like he never thought of that before.

Squirrelflight saw Brambleclaw sitting uneasily on the top of highrock as the debate went on.

Eventually Firestar gave Goldenflower a bod of approval. "You're right. That shall be a better punishment than to get rid of a strong cat. I can see he's loyal, but to the warrior code, he still has a lot to learn. Until he proves his loyalty, I don't think I can trust him." Firestar finished coldly, then with the flick of his blazing red tail, the clan was dismissed.

Squirrelflight saw the look of anger in Brambleclaw's eyes, but it wasn't as bad as the look that he gave her when she was caught with Ashfur.

Right now his eyes looked a lot like a cat she used to know.....

The most evil cat in the forest...

All of a sudden Squirrelflight figured it out, and with a gasp, she realized everything.

The reason he killed cats in the battle, the reason he was acting so evil to her, and the reason his eyes were glowering like a cold- hearted tiger was because the cat leading Brambleclaw was his father- and that cat was the one and only..........

Tigerstar.

Ch.12- What a day

( brambleclaw's p.o.v)

"Get to work" a cat snarled behind his ear.

I turned around, the muscles of my broad shoulders seducing the old cat Halftail, making the old piece of junk suddenly feel small.

"Just who do you think you're speaking to like that?" I retorted coldly, and he shivers.

How dare he? I show my teeth in aggression, and gave him a cold glare, lashing my tail.

His eyes widen in fear. That should show him, I thought.

"Firestar ordered me to command you to get to work."

"Orderedyou?" I snort. What a lie. Would Firestar do that?

The scrawny cat shook his head vigorously. "You need to clean the elder's ticks. I-Includ-ding m-mine." he meows, trying to crack a joke and lighten up mood, that's clearly not working.

"Firestar is a coward. If he has something to say, he should have said it to my face." I hiss.

Halftail's fur prickles. "Firestar is your leader, don't you dare talk to him like that!" he attempts to growl, but it comes in more like a croak. "Warriors like you need to learn to respect their leader."

Brambleclaw rolls his eyes at the ridiculous cat. "Mouse dung, ugh, fine here. Turn around. Allow me to tear the living ticks out of your back."

Halftail lowered himself to the floor, shaking, and in the most quiet voice whispered "you need mouse bile for that."

Ch.13- Making Amends

(Brambleclaw's p.o.v.)

That little fox dung.... I thought angrily as I pad to to medicine cat den. What makes him think he can just shove his face and tell me what I'm doing wrong? Anger engulfs me. AM I wrong?

I sighed.

"Brambleclaw." Leafpool whispered. "What brings you here? Don't you have punishment duties to fulfill?"

I raised my nose. "I need mouse bile to search for Halftail's ticks."

Leafpool scrambled clumsily into the medicine den, tripping over a few supplies and came back out with a cluster of mouse bile tucked neatly under her chin, sighing.

"Squirrelflight's new kits are so adorable, but they caused a mess. Now I have to clean it up. After I finish sorting out herbs, I feels like I spent moons doing it." She murmured.

What? Squirrelflight gave birth to her kits?

This has to be a joke. ... A dream...!

I wrinkled my nose. " How do you STAND that stuff?" I growled.

She shrugged, then yawned. " Y'get used to it."

Still growling in disgust, Brambleclaw picked up the mouse bile with his chin and carried it to elders den. Brambleclaw scanned the den in search for Halftail.

He couldn't find the old fart anywhere! Ugh, where was he? Grunting, he decided to just care for the other elders' ticks. He found Ferncloud curled up snoring. "Wake up." I mumbled a little rudely.

She woke up at once and hissed; I didn't flinch. Then she blinked and glared at me. "What was that for, you stupid furball? Oh...." she screwed up her nose then dipped her head in understanding. "Your here for my ticks. F-I-N-A-L-L-Y. I'm itchin like a log."

She turned around and plopped to the floor ungraciously. I searched her pelt back until I found a few clustered ticks. Quickly, I applied the bile to her fleas and they fell off.

"done." I mewed.

"good." she grunted. "finally some cat around here takes care of me. Like I said, I've been itchin like a frickin log."

I snarled under my breath. Was this what I would have to do for the whole moon of punishment? Ungrateful elders; all of them!

" have a good day" I muttered then I dragged myself to the warriors den. There I plopped and fell into sleep again.

"Bramblestar, you coward! Don't use your claws when tearing your enemy's neck out. Your teeth are much more effective...."

I woke up immediately, breathing fast. How does my father have that effect on me; how can he just bombard his dreams like that? It makes my fur stand on end.

But there's always a bright side.

Well, alteast he learned something new. It would be a great advantage in battle. Was it bad that Brambleclaw liked the idea of power? Or am I too ambitious for my own good?

My breath slowed, and my panting left me, closing up the previous thoughts.

I curled back up, not completely going to sleep, and tried to think about life. In general. The clans. I somehow felt angry for no apparent reason.

And then all of a sudden I felt this light tapping. I looked up to see Squirrelflight's flawless green eyes looking into mine, and my eyes soften by instinct.

She sees notices the look I'm giving her and stiffens. "uhm... Brambleclaw.... I.."

Before I think about rubbing my muzzle along her chest, I remember everything. It always hits me harder than the first and makes me angrier.
I feel my emotions fade; pink fuzzy hearts of live turn into grey lashing out thunderclouds as I remember her giving me up for that mange-pelt Ashfur.

"What" I demand, glaring at her.

"D-do you want to see m-my kits...?" she stuttered nervously then takes a deep breath. " I know you might n-not because... i mean I'm just wondering you know...."

Her fur shines so beautifully in the sun, I realized.

" Why would I want to meet the little versions of Ashfur?!" I hissed indignantly. She flinched with a greatly hurt look across her face as if I swiped her across the nose.

I should swipe her on the nose. I should give her a nick on the ear, or rip her pelt off.

"I...uhm.. Firestar told me to tell you to organize a patrol. I-I'm going." more quietly she whispered with pain clear cracking in her voice "I don't know what has happened to you, but you have changed. You're not the same Brambleclaw that I once loved... loved soo dearly." With sadness in her gaze, she padded back to the nursery to care for her kits.

Before I could say 'I loved her too and I always have' , she was gone.

I stared after her in awe, new pain plastered over me, my head throbbing. Mouse brain! I never knew Squirrelflight loved me! Sadness swelled in my heart for what I've lost.

But that part of my life was over, wasn't it? I would never get Squirrelflight again, right? She's Ashfur's mate, not mine. She has chosen a different path from mine. I have no hope with us. There is nothing left to lose anymore.

It's time to make amends. I am right to follow in my father's footsteps. I refuse to hesitate any longer. I will take over the forest.