Mistyclaw

"I specifically chose each of you because you possess qualities that will assist me in my quest…"

When I woke up from the dream about Leopardscar, I gasped, as if I was breathing again for the first time in a while. The Dark Forest had been suffocating, and that Leopardscar didn't make me feel any better. His words still rang in my ears.

Alderfoot snorted behind me. I jumped and turned around, but he just rolled over, still asleep.

StarClan knows what would happen to every other cat in Leopardscar's conquest. Judging by their violent nature, it was safe to say that nothing good could come of those who refused to go along with these changes. Gulp. Everyone I knew was loyal to the Warrior Code. Some would even die to protect it. So would I, of course, but since I'm still alive, I should do everything within my power to keep the peace.

And not only that, Leopardscar wanted me in charge of ThunderClan. Imagine that, me, in charge! I don't have that kind of responsibility, or any leadership qualities whatsoever. He said he selected me out of all the cats in ThunderClan for a reason, but I can't imagine what it was.

I had other things to worry about. Morningstar's lungs were slowly weakening and failing to inflate from time to time. Badgerbranch even warned the Clan about her possible loss of a life. Many cats had tried to ask her how many lives she had left, but no one could worm it out of her, not even Badgerbranch. For all we know, she could be on her last life.

Not only that, Morningstar was about to retire from the deputy position just as the leader before her, Dapplestar, died of greencough. She was old then, but now, she's really, really old. No wonder her lungs were failing.

Trying not to wake Alderfoot, I got up slowly and stretched. As soon as I emerged from the den, the dawn patrol came back. Most of them looked at the ground sadly. Vineflower leaped onto the Highrock. "We encountered a ShadowClan patrol on our side of the Thunderpath. We managed to push them back into their territory, but they… caught us off guard, and… killed Rabbittail."

No. Not now. We couldn't lose the deputy. Not when Moringstar was so weak.

The clearing filled with the sounds of gasps of disbelief and yowls of mourning. He was a loyal and dedicated warrior. Every cat in the Clan had so much respect for Rabbittail.

Hollywing gasped right behind me. "Someone has to tell Morningstar now!" We rushed into the medicine den, but it appeared Badgerbranch had already told her.

"I must name another d-deputy before I d-die." I looked at Badgerbranch in shock as she took one shaky breath after another. He looked away.

Hollywing, Morningstar's sister, was on the verge of breaking down. "You can't die. You must have more lives left. Right?"

Morningstar closed her eyes. "No. This is my last one."

Hollywing cried out in disbelief. "No!"

"I say these words b-before the eyes of StarClan and hope-" She took a deep, shuddering breath. "And h-hope they approve of my ch-choice. A-A-" Another breath. "A-A-Alderfoot is ThunderClan's new d-deputy."

Without thinking, I sprinted to the warrior's den and shook Alderfoot. "Come on, come on, wake up!"

He woke with a start. "Great StarClan, Mistyclaw, what's going on?"

"Morningstar's dying. I don't have time to explain. We have to hurry."

Alderfoot sensed the panic in my voice. Wordlessly, he quickly made his way out of the den and sat down at Morningstar's side.

"Alderfoot. I'm g-glad you're h-here. I have named y-you my new deputy in h-hopes you will l-lead ThunderClan well." She took another breath, and then Morningstar was no more.

As Hollywing buried her face in her sister's fur, Alderfoot stared blankly in shock at the events. "Morningstar… made me deputy before she died?"

"It would appear that way," Badgerbranch replied. "But now you'll take the position of leader."

"I don't know if I can do this. This is too much to take in at once." Alderfoot stumbled backwards.

Badgerbranch helped him stand up straight. "Well, you don't have a choice. And don't worry, this is a special circumstance. You'll have plenty of support from the Clan. Now, go on, they deserve to know." Alderfoot turned to leave, but Badgerbranch stopped him again. "I also recommend that you think about your choice of deputy."

Alderfoot gulped, gave me one last glance, and left the den. He leaped onto the Highrock and yowled, "May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather under the Highrock for a Clan meeting!"

Cats looked at him curiously as they gathered. "A few moments ago, Morningstar passed on after naming me her deputy because of Rabbittail's death, so I guess I'm your leader now."

A few cats looked at the ground sadly, but some just gave him more quizzical looks. Lizardcloud even yelled, "And why should we believe she chose you?"

"In addition to Alderfoot," Badgerbranch announced behind us, "there were three other witnesses. Myself, Hollywing, and Mistyclaw. What more proof do you need?"

"Not very reliable proof," Lizardcloud muttered.

Ignoring Lizardcloud, Alderfoot continued. "I will travel to the Moonstone tonight because that is more important. My deputy will take my place at the Gathering."

But who was his deputy? We leaned forward, anxious to hear who he had selected. Sunfoot even made a big show of standing up and heading to the Highrock to take her place.

But Sunfoot wasn't his choice. "ThunderClan's deputy is Mistyclaw. Can you come up here?"

What? Me? I shook slightly as I hesitantly made my way over. As I passed Sunfoot, she whispered, "What a waste. Now you're in my way."

With all the drama with Morningstar, I forgot about Leopardscar. Of course, Sunfoot was never intended to take over, but now that I thought about it, Alderfoot was in my way. If I did what Leopardscar asked, Alderfoot would have to…

"You can decide who'll go to the Gathering," Alderfoot told me. "I'll begin travelling to the Moonstone as soon as Badgerbranch is ready."

I could feel the pressure. "The cats coming to the Gathering tonight will be Sneezeheart, Runningfur, Slatefang, Vineflower, Buzzpaw, Spottedpelt, Briarleaf, and Violetpaw." Sunfoot glared at me murderously. "And Sunfoot. Everyone else will stay and guard the camp."

"Sounds good." Alderfoot turned to face me. "Good luck." Quietly, he added, "I trust you. You're going to do an amazing job."

Mistyclaw

We were the last to arrive at the Gathering, and very late. As I leaped onto the Great Rock, ignoring the judgemental stares of the other Clans, I saw that some of the leaders had hints of sorrow in their eyes, as if they knew something bad had happened in ThunderClan. Applestar, the oldest leader, shrugged.

"SkyClan is strong. We have no new warriors or apprentices since the last time we convened, but we mourn the loss of one of our strongest warriors. Grayfrost will be missed, but we still stand strong."

Branchstar of RiverClan was next. "We have two new apprentices joining us tonight, Leafpaw and Deerpaw!"

"Leafpaw! Deerpaw! Leafpaw! Deerpaw!" The crowd of cats cheered.

"We also have a new warrior," Branchstar continued, "Cherrypaw has become Cherrystem!"

"Cherrystem! Cherrystem!"

The leader of ShadowClan followed, meowing, "Life in ShadowClan has been uneventful for the most part, but we have had a few border skirmishes. And one small battle."

I remembered Rabbittail's death and let out a low growl, just loud enough to be heard. I wasn't the only one, and soon enough the anger from both ThunderClan and RiverClan sounded throughout the clearing. Sandstar and his Clan made no response except to plaster smirks on their muzzles like they didn't have a care in the world.

In an attempt to prevent a fight from breaking out, Briarstar began her report. "WindClan has been experiencing changes that better our Clan. Olivebranch, our deputy, has retired to the nursery, expecting a litter of kits. Streamripple has temporarily taken her place, fulfilling the deputy role until Olivebranch's kits are six moons old."

Already Leopardscar's chosen cats were moving up the ranks. First me, and now Streamripple. I bet he was really pleased.

All eyes settled on me. It was ThunderClan's turn. Gulp. "Um, I regret to inform you…" I looked around, and I found my mother in the audience. Hollywing gave me a nod, showing her support. "To inform you that Rabbittail has died. As Morningstar took her final breaths, she named Alderfoot her deputy, and-"

"And you're here because?" a SkyClan apprentice yelled. Applestar shot him a look, but I could tell she was also judgmentally curious.

Annoyed, I replied, "These events occurred only this morning. Because it's imperative that Alderfoot receive his nine lives as soon as possible, he decided to forgo the Gathering to travel to the Moonstone. As ThunderClan's new deputy, it's my job to represent ThunderClan tonight. Anyway, my apprentice Slatepaw has received his warrior name and become Slatefang."

The other Clans awkwardly and halfheartedly cheered Slatefang's name. I looked down at him from the Highrock, and I could see the disappointment in his eyes that they weren't giving him more encouragement.

After they finished, Applestar announced. "And so ends another Gathering. Until we see each other next time." With a nod of respect to the other leaders and me, she led SkyClan back to their camp.

Everyone else stayed for a moment longer to mingle and gossip, but soon enough they dissipated.

On the journey back, Sunfoot approached me from behind while I was replaying the night's events in my head. "I just wanted to let you know that even though you're the deputy of ThunderClan now, I'm going to take over soon enough. Keep in mind, Leopardscar wants me to lead, and you're only here to help me."

"And just how are you going to get me out of my position? Alderfoot chose me, not you."

"I'm glad you asked," Sunfoot meowed, a smirk forming. "I have a plan to kick you out of ThunderClan, but keep you around for your visions. By the way, have you had any yet? You have to tell me as soon as you get them."

"I have not," I lied. It's not like she'd care that I'd sustain a serious injury. Not one bit.

Sunfoot rolled her eyes. "Anyway, then I plan to secure Alderfoot's favor in your place, and I'll become his deputy, and when he least suspects it, I'll kill him and pretend like he was killed by badgers or something. Brilliant plan, am I right? Leopardscar gave me the idea, and I came up with all the finishing touches."

"I don't plan on helping you, Sunfoot. And I'd be careful with Leopardscar. I highly doubt he's going to do everything he says he will." Seething, I stormed off, leaving her behind to comprehend my words.

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