Leafstar's heart pounded with fear and sorrow, but she knew what she had to do. She would save this clan, whatever it took! "Alright, calm down" She yowled over the clamoring, lashing her tail. "First, I need to appoint a deputy, or would you risk angering Starclan?"

"What did Starclan do for us?" This time, it was a tabby gray she-cat who spoke. "They treat us just as they treated the old Skyclan!"

More yowls.

"Even so, we need a deputy, or would you rather have this clan delve into chaos?" Just as it already has, She thought silently. But who would she pick for deputy? Someone who would not spill blood unless it was absolutely necessary but who would not break under the toms' influence. "By the powers of Starclan, I appoint the new deputy... I hope you approve of my decision, Birchleaf... Fernpetal!" The silver she-cat looked shocked to have been chosen for deputy.

"B-but, you can't!" She stammered, her beautiful blue eyes flickering from Trouteye to Mudtail and many other toms.

"Yes, I can!" Leafstar growled firmly. "And I think you would be a good candidate to lead Skyclan." Fernpetal shuffled her paws modestly.

"Well, alright then, as long as you have faith in me." She sounded nervous, and Leafstar couldn't blame her, especially after the incidents that had occurred today.

"Believe me, I do." Leafstar glared back at Moletooth as she said this. She had known all along that the tom had wanted to clinch the position of deputy and then leader all along, and she wouldn't be surprised at all if someone came up to her and said that he had killed Birchleaf. After a few moons, some of you will regret what you did to this clan...

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It's time. Finally, after days of waiting, watching Fernpetal to see if she was ready, Leafstar could escape the treachery, the bloodshed that had been haunting her for weeks! She just felt bad that she could not share her freedom with her friends and closest confidants. Creeping out of her den, she paused as a guard stalked past her, holding her breath and willing the tom to not notice her amber eyes glinting in the darkness, her tail twitching impatiently... And he did not. Shooting across the camp, she skidded to a halt at the dirt-place tunnel that wasn't usually guarded, and paused to make sure that no one had seen her. Then, she sprinted out into the glorious night, the darkness that was her sanctuary. I'm free. And she ran.

- Hey guys! Embersky here! If you want longer chapters, request on comments page:)