Warriors: The Changed Clan #2: Danger Rising

Chapter Six

Tigerstar followed Hawkfrost to the Sandy Hollow, wondering why his son wanted him out of the camp. It had been a while since Tigerstar recalled being out of TigerClan's camp except from going to RiverClan. He was mad at how Leopardstar refused to accept his offer when she clearly needed help.

"So what is it?" Tigerstar questioned as he stood. Hawkfrost spun around, pointing his tail to bushes that were behind him.

"I saw a dead fox over there," he began. "I was going to tell you before but I was sent to RiverClan."

Tigerstar's eyes narrowed. "A dead fox?" he echoed. "I'm pretty sure a patrol would have reported this to me." He tasted the air, scenting nothing. "And I can't even smell a dead fox in our territory!"

"The scent was well mixed with TigerClan's," Hawkfrost told him. "If you just go over there, you'll see for yourself." Several heartbeats of silence filled up in the hollow before he proceeded. "Or are you scared of a dead fox?"

"Of course not," Tigerstar answered. "I doubt there is one over there. Like I said, a patrol would have reported it to me."

"But the Clan is scared of you and don't like going near you. I saw it with my own eyes, and I know there's a fox over there. Check it out if you don't believe me," Hawkfrost insisted.

Tigerstar was hesitant. He must be up to something, surely? he thought suspiciously as he stared at the dark warrior, who showed no expressions on his face. Hmm. . . "Fine, I'll go look." He barged past Hawkfrost, making him move slightly, and began heading towards the bush where the dead fox was lying.

He stopped in front of the bush, casting a glance back at Hawkfrost, who nodded for him to go through. Tigerstar looked back and began pushing through the leaves as they brushed against his pelt. He found himself surrounded by trees, bushes scattered around the area.

There was no sign of any dead foxes on the territory. Before he was about to turn, his ears pricked as he heard rustling. He remained silent, his amber gaze swirling about. There was only a silence. Nothing seemed to reveal itself to his eyes.

Honestly, Hawkfrost can't tell if there's a fox here or not. Before he could even move, pain shot through him as claws swiped across his side. Hawkfrost swerved in front of him, his claws unsheathed as fresh blood dripped from them, his icy-blue gaze menacing.

He lifted his claws into the air, and before Tigerstar had time to react, blood the scar on the bridge of his nose opened and went into his eyes, blurring his sight. He shook the blood off of him, letting out a hiss as fury took ahold of him.

As his sight was no longer blurred, Hawkfrost was no longer in front of him, and Nightwhisper and Jaggedtooth stood in front of him instead. Nightwhisper looked slightly nervous while Jaggedtooth was normal.

"Where's Hawkfrost?" he demanded. "I'll shred that traitor into mousedust!"

"You are such a fool, Tigerstar." Hawkfrost joined Jaggedtooth's side. "I think it's about time TigerClan has a new leader, don't you?"

"I have eight lives left," Tigerstar told Hawkfrost. "You can't kill me that easily."

Hawkfrost nodded. "Ah, but I can kill you and kill you again until you lose all your remaining lives, can't I?" A smirk went across his face. "Your reign is over. It is time for me to rule over TigerClan and then the whole forest. RiverClan and WindClan will then come to their senses. And I already have SkyClan under my paws."

"I'll kill you first!" Tigerstar snarled as he sprung forward. Hawkfrost stayed where he was as Nightwhisper and Jaggedtooth scrambled out of the way. The thirst for blood filled up in his eyes and Tigerstar felt claws lash at him, tearing through tufts of fur.