Clampaw sighed as she walked back to the camp from the gathering. The entire clan was silent. Even her sister, pearlpaw who was usually very talkative, didn't say a word. A cloud of gloominess hung over the Riverclan cats. Clampaw looked ahead at the two warriors carrying their limp clan leader. Smallstar was very old and very frail. The entire clan knew that Smallstar didn't have much life left to live. Her last life had finally gone. She served her clan well. But now it was time for her to rest.
Clampaw looked back down at her paws, refusing to meet any other cat's eyes. The cats soon reached the camp. Most of the others who had stayed behind were already asleep. Two warriors sat outside the warrior's den. A light ginger she-cat with blue eyes named Rainsprinkle. And a dark calico she-cat with blue eyes named Fishtail. The she-cats' welcoming smiles soon twisted in horror when they saw their leader being laid in the middle of the camp. Both bounded over.
"Oh Starclan no!" Fishtail cried loudly. "Is she..."
Lakebreeze nodded, his serious blue eyes full of sadness. "She served her time as leader long enough. It was her time."
The others began pushing out of there dens, awoken from Fishtail's cry. A meow of horror came from the nursery. A dark gray she-cat with blue eyes rushed over to Smallstar, her kits forgotten in the nursery. Clampaw remembered watched her mother bury her muzzle in Smallstar's pelt. Rockfur was Smallstar's eldest daughter and the only of her litter still alive.
Rockfur gazed up at Lakebreeze. Her old eyes filling becoming milky. "I told her she shouldn't go. I told her she should have retired."
The entire camp filled with mournful cries and meows that night. Every cat would mourn over her death. He the youngest and smallest kit in the entire clan mourned her death. All the cats knew Smallstar's trip to starclan was long overdue and would soon be needed. But none thought it would be on the one night of peace and friendship. All the cats, even anti-socials like Clampaw and Hallowtail, loved the gathering. over the moons Riverclan had grown into a social and friendly clan. Each night after the gathering the cats walked home and went to sleep happily. But not tonight. Clampaw was unsure in any gathering would ever been the same.
Early the next morning Lakebreeze, or Lakestar as of the previous night, jumped on the willow tree. "Let all cats old enough to swim gather here for a clan meeting." he called.
Glitterpaw, a calico she-cat with bright amber eyes yawned and stretched. Beside her the other apprentices began to stir.
"Ugh. It's too early in the morning for a meeting." pearlpaw complained, nudging her sister awake. Hollypaw, an excitable black and ginger she-cat with hazel eyes, jumped up and gasped. "Remember! Smallstar is dead! Lakestar must be appointing a new deputy! Come on!" She disappeared outside, sounding way to cheerful. Glitterpaw rolled her eyes. "Does that mouse-brain ever listen to what she's saying?" She sighed and stood up then followed Hollypaw outside. The others soon joined them.
Everyone was in the clearing. Even a few kits were peaking there noses out of the nursery. Lakestar stood tall. His figure silhouetted against the morning sun. "My fellow clanmates!" Lakestar's words rose above the excited yet fearful murmurs of the other cats. "Last night our former leader, Smallstar's, reign unfortunately ended. But despite the fact that many of us are still mourning a new deputy must be chosen immediantly."
Glitterpaw looked around at all the warriors, wondering who would take over as deputy. Her question was soon answered as lakestar continued. "After thinking it over all night I have reached a decision. I would like Lightfang to be my deputy." Lakestar turned to smile thoughtfully at a dark brown tabby tom with surprised hazel eyes.
Lightfang dipped his head and walked toward the willow tree. He jumped up beside Lakestar, grooming himself briefly. Lakestar layed his gray tail across Lightfang's shoulders. Lightfang responded by licking his leader's shoulder. The two then turned to address the clan. Soon, Lightfang's name rang through the camp. Every cat began to shout his name.
Hollypaw and pearlpaw jumped up in the air as they said it.
Once the chanting died down, Lightfur jumped down from the willow tree and reinserted himself into the Riverclan cats. Lakestar continued. "There is one more ceremony. My apprentice, Coralpaw, has finished her training. Very early this morning me and Jadeclaw gave Coralpaw her final assignment. And we believe she is very to receive her warrior name and new status.
Coralpaw, a calico she-cat with bright blue eyes, shifted next to Glimmerpaw. Hollypaw and Pearlpaw turned to look at their fellow apprentice. The two could barely contain their excitement. Coralpaw stepped forward, her paws shaking. She jumped up beside Lakestar and smiled at him.
"Coralpaw, you have finished your training as an apprentice. You are an expert hunter and fighter. From this day forward you will be know as Coralshine. may Starclan protect you."
Yowls of congratulations rose from the cats once again. This time shouting Coralshine's name. That day was full of happiness. Even Clampaw joined in on the festivities. Glimmerpaw glanced around at all the cats around her. She was amazed by how well every cat was handling the death of their leader. Even Smallstar's family looked a little happy. The gathering had broken Riverclan. They would have to rebuild from all the shock. But for now, it was time for a little fun.
The festivities lasted until sunset. When an earsplitting shriek came from beyond the camp walls.
haha cliffhangers. Okay, real quick I'm gonna clear something up. A few people said that the names of some of these cats didn't make sense. Like "Jade, bear ect." But remember this is in the very distant future. They have learned words and other things from loners and rogues passing through. Hope that adds a little sense to this since their are going to be a few other more advanced things in this.
Don't forget to review.