Chapter 28

(There are like, three forms of punishment in the clans.)

"May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here NOW!" Lightningstar roared.

Cats began to come out, but she could tell from their fearful eyes they knew she was angry.

"Rainfall!" She hissed when everyone was out. "You went against Starclan by suggesting we not come here. You also questioned Wingshadow's leading abilities and my own."

"I never questioned you!" Rainfall protested.

Despite being mad at her, Lightningstar had to admire her bravery. She doubted anyone else would've been able to say anything, based off their current expressions.

Lightningstar raised an eyebrow. "Oh you didn't? I chose my deputy. You said you didn't think she was a good choice. I wanted to come here, you didn't think we should." Her voice steadily grew more hiss in it. "Clearly, you do not think I know what's best for my own clan. What about the rest of you?!" She turned to address the rest of the clan. "Anyone else think myself or Wingshadow is unfit for leadership!?"

No one said anything, though there were a few head shakes. Zipfoot had a pained expression on his face. Lightningstar suspected he wanted to side with Rainfall since they were siblings, but she let it go. "Good." She said. She turned back to Rainfall. "Banishing you seems a little excessive. However, you are banned to stay in camp, and you will be on apprentice duties for two moons. I'm sure Sorrowpaw and Lizardpaw will appreciate the help."

Lightningstar started to walk away. "H-how long am I stuck in camp?" Rainfall asked.

Lightningstar turned back and looked at her, her expression scarily vacant. "I'll tell you when you can leave." Then she walked away.


Moonstar sat facing the wall. She didn't have to turn around to know who the cat that had just padded into her new den was. "Yes Blueblaze?"

"Moonstar, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I sided with Fallenstar. I know you didn't want to get in a fight."

He sounded like he really meant, in fact he probably did. Moonstar couldn't turn around and see his expression. "I know." She said soflty.

Without looking at him, or saying another word, she walked out of her den. "May all cats old enough to catch their own prey come forward!" she waited for the cats to walk out. "I promised Fade he would get a warrior name when we got here. Well," she flicked her tail. "We're here. Fade, do you promise to defend this clan even with your life?"

"Yes!" Fade shouted proudly.

Moonstar gave a genuine smile. It felt good to do. "Then by the power of Starclan I give you your new name. You will be Fadetail."

Fadetail smiled. "Thank you Moonstar."

Moonstar nodded. Then she saw a few cats starting to leave. "Wait!" she called. "I'm not done yet." The cats came back over and looked at her curiously. "I, I am revoking Blueblaze as deputy."

Eclipsepelt gave a surprised look and Smokepaw demanded, "What?"

"No!" Blueblaze hissed. "You can't do that!"

Moonstar still didn't look at him, though maybe for a different reason. "Starclan gave me the privilege to choose a deputy. I'd assume they'd also give me the ability to remove that deputy."

"But. . ." Blueblaze tried to continue, but he didn't have anything to say.

"Who's going to be deputy now?" Fadetail asked.

"Dragonflame." Moonstar replied.

"What?" Smokepaw repeated.

Dragonflame's eyes grew wide with surprise. "M-me?"

Moonstar gave her a weak smile. "I can think of no one who has proven their loyalty better."

Dragonflame and Eclipsepelt looked at each other with pride. "Thank you Moonstar. I will do my best to serve as deputy."

Moonstar nodded. "And I'm sure you will succeed."

Then she turned around and walked back towards her den. She dared to snatch a look at Blueblaze before doing so. He didn't look like he could believe this was happening. Then he turned around and walked away in defeat.

It's for the best. Moonstar told herself. You didn't even know Blueblaze when you made him deputy. Now you know enough about your cats to make the right decision.

(I'm sorry this story is going to be really short. And the next one possibly even more so.)