Volepaw's P.O.V

The tan she-cat apprentice padded over to Ivysong sitting by the camp entrance. Volepaw purred and the warrior did so too.

"Hello Ivysong. How are you?" Volepaw asked.

The other she-cat nodded.

"I'm good, I'm just waiting for Runningbird to come back with the hunting patrol so I can join her next one," Ivysong answered.

As the apprentice nodded, she scented Smokestep coming closer to them. Volepaw turned her head to find Runningbird enter the camp with Smokestep, Hollowpool and Meadowsong following behind her with fresh-kill in their jaws.

The deputy put the rabbit she caught on the fresh-kill pile, then returned to the entrance. She greeted Ivysong with a nod, then flicked her tail and Smokestep came back over.

"You ready to go?" Runningbird asked, and Ivysong nodded.

Volepaw watched as the cats left the camp, then padded away to go find Crouchpaw.

She spotted the gray she-cat by the leader's den, talking to Swallowstar. Volepaw backed up, afraid of disturbing them.

She turned and was about to go into the apprentice den when a weak yowl sounded.

The she-cat turned to the elders den and found a black she-cat with a white underbelly, chest fur and green eyes. "Hello Tallfrost, how are you feeling today?"

The elder yawned and blinked weakly, trying to keep her eyes open.

"I'm well, young Volepaw. How are you? I heard Smokestep is giving you a hard time."

"Well... yeah, but it's okay. I'm doing good, thanks for asking. Do you want me to get you something?" she asked the old medicine cat.

Tallfrost nodded. "Yes, can you get me some mouse bile for my ticks please?" she asked politely. "There's one I can't get out of my skin."

Volepaw nodded his head then padded away to the medicine den to see Sunbird and Rabbitpaw in their nests.

"Sunbird?" she asked, getting the attention of the deputy's father. The dark brown tom got up and went to her.

"Yes Volepaw, what my I help you with?"

"Tallfrost has got a tick that seems to like her," she chuckled, pointing toward the elders den with her tail.

"So, mouse bile I presume? I'll get it," the medicine cat retreated into his den then moments later came back out.

"Looks like I'm all out, I'm terribly sorry Volepaw-" Sunbird was cut off. "May I help?" the apprentice beamed excitedly.

Sunbird thought for a few seconds then dipped his head. "I don't see why not." He looked at Volepaw before continuing. "I need mouse bile, borage leaves, burnet to help Doveflower, and dandelion leaves."

"Got it Sunbird,"

He padded past her and Volepaw followed, leaving the camp and ran towards ThunderClan's territory.

...

Yowls filled the air and Volepaw recognized Hollowpool's voice.

"Not Runningbird!" she said.

Sunbird and Volepaw glanced at each other, then raced into the camp. She saw the entire Clan was gathered around the highrock and Sunbird stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widened in shock.

Volepaw looked too and saw what had the Clan so upset. Runningbird was lying on the ground, covered in a bit of blood and not moving. Volepaw could see Hollowpool, Antfire, Jumpingpelt, Ivysong, Adderbird, Graybird and Crouchpaw huddled around their fallen companion.

The all had tears running down their faces, but not as bad as Jumpingpelt. He sobbed over the deputy's body, licking her brown fur in sorrow.

"How did this happen, Smokestep?" Swallowstar asked her warrior.

The gray tom stepped forward and meowed, "we were passing by SolarClan's border line when Harestream and Creekstorm attacked. I managed to send them running, but Runningbird was badly injured and was having a coughing fit, before her lungs gave out and succumbed."

"I see," the white she-cat nodded then jumped down and stood by her fallen friend. "You were the best deputy and friend I could ask for. I don't know what I'm going to do without you Runningbird..."

Sunbird ran to his daughter and immediately checked her breathing, tears threatening to spill.

Smokestep looked at the medicine cat with a 'I don't care,' or 'seriously?' look. "She's dead, birdbrain. Let her go."

Jumpingpelt hissed at Smokestep, his claws out and teeth bared. Smokestep gave a flick of his tail.

"I guess I have to appoint a new deputy..." Volepaw glanced at Swallowstar who jumped back on the highrock. "I say these words before the body of Runningbird, so that her spirit may hear and approve of my choice. Smokestep, will be the new deputy of WindClan."