Chapter 19

The world was silent except for the natural noises. I heard Brownclaw walk away. The plan was in motion. Almost everything would be fine soon.

The future of SunClan was being decided in those quiet moments. I just had to wait. Tomorrow I'll be back in NightClan with my friends. Peace would be achieved. All that had to happen was one death, a well deserved murder.

"All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!" Brownclaw yowled.

Cats grumbled as they were forced to wake up. I heard a few questions about what Brownclaw was doing. Only a few cats knew.

"Lightstar is dead," Brownclaw announced. It was followed by gasps. "I will be going to Moon Stone to receive my nine lives."

"Who will watch the kittypet while your gone?" Grasstail asked.

"No one," Brownclaw answered. "This pointless war just to heal Lightstar's pride is over. She did things no honorable leader, no good cat, would do. The first thing I will do as leader is fix that."

"There's one thing I have to do before I leave. I say this before StarClan so they may hear and approve of my choice. Snakeheart will be my new deputy."

"I'd be honored to serve my clan as deputy," the she-cat responded.

"We'll be on our way," Brownclaw said.

After he and Violetnose left, the clan was hesitant to go back to sleep. Their leader had just died. Some were relieved while others were disappointed. They definitely seemed wide awake. Slowly they all started heading back to their den.

I couldn't sleep. I was excited to be finally going back. I couldn't deny I was nervous about how bad the damage was and how it would affect me. I knew some of it was irreversible.

I dozed off only to be awakened by yelling. "Whitefoot! Snakeheart! Wake up! It's Molepaw!" Brownclaw—no, Brownstar—yowled.

I walked out to feel the beginnings of sunlight on my pelt. I smelled blood. What had happened? I could hear cats running to Violetnose's den. I went over to see—well, hear—what was going on.

"What happened, Molepaw?" Whitefoot asked. I heard a faint moan.

"I'm sorry. I don't think there's anything I can do," Violetnose apologized.

"I understand. I just wish I knew what fox-heart did this so I can shred them," Whitefoot said.

"You were a great apprentice and could've been such a great warrior," Snakeheart told Molepaw.

"I remember how proud you were of him when I was at my first Gathering," I commented.

"There's one thing I can do before he dies," Brownstar said. "I call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand your noble code, and I commend him to you as warrior in turn. Molepaw from this day forward you will be known as Moleshine. We'll be missing a great young warrior."

"Thank you," Moleshine whispered.

Everything was silent for a moment. His shallow breaths ceased. Moleshine was dead.

"I love you, my son," Whitefoot murmured.

"Snakeheart, I know you're probably hurting, but could you take a patrol to the NightClan border and request a meeting with Wingstar at sunhigh?" Brownstar asked his deputy. "Tell her she can bring anyone she desires. I'll go alone."

"Of course. It's as good as done." The she-cat walked past me and left.

"I'll leave you to grieve," Brownstar told Whitefoot and left. I followed after him.

What had killed Moleshine? I can't pretend I don't have my suspicions, but there was no solid evidence. That is, until I heard Grasstail.

"I can't believe that tom is my flesh and blood. He's so weak. Even the kittypet puts up enough a fight to survive."

I had a strong desire to go confront that tom. That was probably a bad idea though.

"Dark forest, you're so annoying!" Murderscar exclaimed. "You're just trying to get revenge after your mate dumped you because you're an arrogant, fox-hearted flea-pelt."

"Come on, Murderscar. You're on our side," Coldclaw said.

"You guys are acting like a couple of childish mouse-brains. Murder isn't a bragging right. It's a serious business, it's the taking of lives! You guys are just doing for a little fun and to attract some she-cat. You both are ridiculous." I heard Murderscar sigh and walk away. I had a lot of questions about that she-cat.

Author Note: What is this? Is this character development? Murderscar is amazing, fight me. Except I'm weak boi and can't fight... Anyway, oof Moleshine. The dude did not deserve to die and did not deserve to die and his dad sucks. At least Lightstar is finally out of the way unless... Ah, never mind what I just said. I still haven't written anymore. Oof, I need to do that. Procrastination! Please review my story guys though, seriously it makes my day. Peace out guys!

- Everly W.