P1
Lightning flashed over head, and rain pelted the ground, churning the mud into a thick, oozing slush. Branches and leaves dripped and sagged under the force of the rain, waving wildly as a ferocious wind blew from the North, sending the rain in sheets. A lithe dappled shape slipped from the safety of a clump of reeds that bordered a foaming river. Its ears Deere flat, darkened by the falling water. . Muttering under their breath, the creature lunged into a sheltered hole at the base of a carefully balanced rock pile on the rivers shore.
The she-cat lay, shivering, the spotted pelt still trickling water onto the stone. A brief flash of lightning illuminated the cave, highlighting the pale pelt of the crouching cat. "Leopardfur?" The she-cat jerked her head up as a large, blue grey shape squeezed in beside her. Leopardfur scrambled backwards to allow more room to accommodate the toms broad body. It's pelt was slick against solid muscles, the belly mattered with mud.
"Stonefur?" Surprised, she stared at him, her whiskers twitching nervously. "What are you doing here?" Shrugging, her new companion glanced away, surveying the rain that lay just beyond the mouth of the cave.
"Stonefur, I havre to ask... You don't have a mate?"
The warrior whipped round to face the clan deputy, eyes blazing. Leopardfur recoiled from his fierce gaze. "Leopardfur, no! We can not be mates!" His voice was thick withangelr. "You are deputy, and will soon be clan leader. You've no time for a mate now, and would not be able to have kits. We both know Crookedstar is getting old."
Frowning, Leopardstar retorted; "But... I don't care about kits; I haven't the patience for them. I just want you."
Stonefur blinked. "I... Leopardfur," he murmured gently. "I like you very much as a friend. But not as a mate. We... I just... I have no desire for a mate.
"But Stonefur..."
"I said no, Leopardfur!" He spat, fur bristling. He turned and dashed from the tiny den.
P2
"I say these words before the body of Crookedstar, so that he may hear and approve my choice. Stonefur will be the new deputy of Riverclan." The clan cheered his name loudly to the darkening sky. Leaping into the clearing, she padded heavily towards the limp, brown body of her leader.
"I know why you choose me," a voice growled. She turned to see Stonefur. "Me being your deputy won't change anything. We will be working closely, but I will never feel that way about you." He turned and left her, tail lashing.
P3
"I take orders from you," spat Stonefur, his blue grey pelt clinging to his bony frame. Behind him, Featherpaw and Stormpaw cowered, trembling, as Blackfoot and Darkstripe paced around them hungrily, baring their yellowing teeth. Leopardstar paused. She could save him, save her clan. But to let the heart ache continue?
"Do as Tigerstar tells you." She closed her eyes, drowning out the replies and commands of Tigerstar.
"Kill him!" Leopardstar jerked her head up as Darkstripe flung himself at the crouching warrior.