Debate
Chapter 6
Ripplepaw licked at her wound from the ThunderClan warrior, cleaning it for Stormpaw. It was still sore from the battle with the fox but it was healing greatly after one night. Stormpaw grabbed the thin white cobwebs and wrapped them gently around Ripplepaw's shoulder wound. She then unwrapped the paw, which was then cleaned with wet moss and redressed. Her paw was still as sore as it could be but it was better than not having a paw.
"Thanks." She mewed to Stormpaw, whose side was also covered with cobwebs. Her wounds were deeper than Ripplepaw's but it wasn't a contest. Ripplepaw stepped around, seeing Lightningpaw resting in a makeshift den and Nightpaw eating a sparrow. She wanted to hunt but her shoulder needed rest, so she sat down beside Nightpaw.
"Kinda weird that you're leading..." Ripplepaw mewed. Nightpaw was shocked by the statement. Ripplepaw wanted to snicker at her confusion but held herself from doing so. Nightpaw had been naturally leading without objection, so it would make sense for her to feel confused.
"Why?" She asked, dumbfounded. Her head was sideways and she stared at Ripplepaw in confusion.
"Well, I'm older. I've had more experience as a warrior apprentice." Ripplepaw stated, explaining herself. It was plain and logical that the eldest would lead and she was the eldest. There were times where cats from a different clan could help, like if they were battling in the dark or in foliage but they were support, not leaders.
"My father is leader of ShadowClan. It makes sense that I lead, despite my lack of experience." She mewed pretentiously. Ripplepaw disliked it when cats used the leader to promote themselves. Of course she used her mother but her mother was not leader or deputy; she was just a fantastic warrior by her own means. She rolled her eyes.
"He did kick you out for a reason." Ripplepaw mewed, inconsiderate of Nightpaw's feelings. Nightpaw hissed, obviously angry. Lightningpaw approached the two, her fur a little messy from sleeping.
"Hey guys!" She mewed, flicking her tail around Her head wound was healing properly, the cut being cleaned when she was unconscious. She still promoted that she looked like a warrior with her scratch, saying it made her look what kittypets described the clan cats, eating on bones, fur in a mess, and scars all around. Ripplepaw admitted that it did help her look more like a fierce apprentice.
"Hi Lightningpaw. How did you sleep?" Nightpaw asked anger, slipping out of her voice. Ripplepaw lashed her tail. She was taught to not hold in her emotions, for it would only cause her trouble.
"Good. Thanks, Nightpaw! And you, Ripplepaw?" Lightningpaw mewed. Ripplepaw couldn't simply drop the subject with Ripplepaw, but she had to answer Lightningpaw.
"Fine. Say; who do you think would be better as leader, me or Nightpaw?" She lured, Lightningpaw caught deep in thought. Ripplepaw had forced her to take a side, making her validate her point and thus Nightpaw would either submit or recruit Stormpaw.
"I would think you, Ripplepaw." She finally mewed and Nightpaw stood up, going over to Stormpaw. Ripplepaw grinned wide as she watched Nightpaw speak to her. Now she would have to convince Stormpaw, more so a WindClan cat, the most indecisive clan.
"Do you think the me or Ripplepaw would make a better leader for this group?" Nightpaw asked Stormpaw. Stormpaw shifted on her paws. Ripplepaw examined her face, searching for and answer early but none was released.
"I...I don't know. I really don't know either of you that well." She honestly mewed. Nightpaw huffed, preparing to make a speech.
"I am the daughter of Crowstar. I have lived by the side of a leader and I'm sure I know more about leadership than the three of you combined. My father even took after his father, who was deputy. My entire bloodline runs with leadership, unlike the rest of you." Nightpaw hissed. Ripplepaw felt her persuasion wrap around her but shook it off.
"What if there's a battle and you don't know what to do?" Ripplepaw questioned Nightpaw. She had the most experience and she didn't want anyone to think that Nightpaw was leader. She was the most qualified to handle this situation, therefore she was meant to be leader.
"A leader doesn't decide who their deputy is by just their knowledge of being a warrior the longest. They want someone who shows the qualities of a leader, not just an elder." Nightpaw pointed out. Lightningpaw nodded in agreement and Stormpaw was silent.
"I mean, do you think my father was an idiot when he chose Pineneedle as deputy?" Nightpaw asked. Ripplepaw spiked up her fur. Of course she didn't mean it but Nightpaw had twisted her words to seem like that. What could she say?
"What if you get us killed?" Ripplepaw mewed, searching her mind for a smarter answer that she could ask her. Nightpaw blinked in confusion. Ripplepaw almost began to purr when Nightpaw stepped forward and spoke.
"You don't think I know that your lives are at stake when I'm leader? I know that, Ripplepaw, trust me, I do. Besides, why would StarClan send us on a mission just to kill us?" Nightpaw replied expertly. Did ShadowClan have some sort of debate practice that they did?
"Just because you're "Daddy's little girl" doesn't mean that you're special." Ripplepaw mewed, her ears flattened. Nightpaw laughed loudly.
"You're right, Silverfang's daughter. I mean, that doesn't give you a little bit of specialness now does it?" Nightpaw mewed, staring right down at Rippleppaw. Ripplepaw felt heat rise up in her ears, her point making sense. She was a hypocrite and Nightpaw had called her out on it, without even letting Ripplepaw explain the difference of Silverfang and Crowstar.
"Oh, she got you there!" Lightningpaw called out. Stormpaw smiled and Ripplepaw knew she had lost this battle. She was angry and she had to take it out on anyone.
"Shut-up, you stupid kit!" Ripplepaw hissed at Lightningpaw, soon realizing her mistake. Lightningpaw stepped back , obviously hurt by her words. Ripplepaw's breath quickened and she ran off, not caring for Stormpaw's cries to come back. Nightpaw tracked her steps but she didn't care as she went further away from the border and become more lost.
