Chapter 18

Wow...I think these chapters are getting quite short...XD I'm sorry! I dunno why!

RiverClan stared at Sapphirestar. It felt like a dream; like none of it was real. Sapphirestar had been the leader of RiverClan for so long; and now suddenly, she was retiring?

"R…retiring…?" Dreamfur stuttered. Slowly, everyone's attention turned to the deputy.

Sapphirestar smiled at him. "Yes, Dreamfur. I am resigning as leader of RiverClan and joining the elders. Therefore," she raised her voice, "you, as my deputy, are to become the leader of RiverClan! The ceremony will be held tomorrow. For now, everybody get some rest."

Bubblewing padded over to Sapphirestar. "You're…retiring?" she mewed.

Sapphirestar purred. "It makes me happy to see that I was so important in all of your lives. But I don't want you all to be sad. Bubblewing, I expect a lot from you. I know you'll do great things in your lifetime."

Bubblewing's heart warmed at the older cat's praise. It almost made her embarrassed. "Thank you, Sapphirestar," she meowed, dipping her head in respect before going back to the warrior's den.

As she lay in wait of sleep, Bubblewing thought about what Sapphirestar had said. It made her very happy, but there was something nagging at the back of her mind about it.

Finally, just as she was drifting off, she realized her doubt.

Does she only have so much faith in me because I'm Riverstar's reincarnation?

Every cat was especially well groomed the next morning, ready to say farewell to their leader. Soon enough, they had all gathered around Stone Mound some way or another, and sat in expectancy.

Sapphirestar hobbled up onto the rock, a big lump on her leg. She chuckled. "I see there is no need to summon you. And so, I would like to start our ceremony with the appointment of young Ribbonpaw's new mentor. As we all know, Grassfur went to StarClan last night. Ribbonpaw, please step up here."

Shaking slightly, the apprentice did as she said.

"Your new mentor shall be Bubblewing," Sapphirestar declared.

Bubblewing blinked. Ribbonpaw's mentor…? She jumped onto Stone Mound and touched noses with her new apprentice. His eyes were sad, yet they glimmered with happiness that Bubblewing was his new mentor. She couldn't help but smile widely. She felt honoured.

After the pair had climbed down from Stone Mound, Sapphirestar continued.

"And now, I would like to officially announce my retirement as your leader. I am now to be called Sapphirestone." She beckoned for Dreamfur to join her. "And I would now like to pronounce Dreamfur as the leader of RiverClan. Welcome, Dreamstar!"

Sapphirestone stepped out of the way as the rest of the cats chanted their new leader's name. He still looked freshly shocked.

When the chanting died down, Dreamstar gulped before making his first announcement. "Thank you all very much…I'm very honoured to have this role…and I'd like to appoint my new deputy." His eyes bore into Bubblewing, who sat with Ribbonpaw. Her ears twitched. "I shall appoint Bubblewing to be my deputy."

Her eyes widened. She was genuinely surprised. He had been so adamant all those moons ago when he had declared that if she didn't stop seeing Coyotefur, then he wouldn't make her his deputy. But now…

Again, Bubblewing went up to Stone Mound. RiverClan cheered her name.

She bowed. "Thank you. I will do my best to serve as your deputy."

After the ceremony ended and the cats dispersed, Bubblewing pulled Dreamstar aside.

"I thought you were blackmailing me with that position," she hissed, forgetting that he was the leader now.

"I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. You are a very talented cat. I guess…that was a bit of a bluff. I really wasn't going too, but when the time came that I had to choose…I chose you," he told her, smiling bitter sweetly.

"Dreamstar…"

Ribbonpaw ran into Bubblewing's side. She grunted before whipping around to whack the apprentice on the head.

"You little brat!"

"I'm so glad you're my new mentor, Bubblewing!" he exclaimed. "We're gonna have so much fun together! Wait until you see my impressive moves!"

Bubblewing stuck her tongue out at him. "Whatever. Come and see me tomorrow morning and we'll start your training. I promise I'll go easy on your weak and trembling self," she teased.

"Bubblewing!" Sapphirestone called out to her. Immediately, the warrior dashed over to the elder.

"Yes, Sapphirestone?"

"Even though I'm retired now, I'd like to arrange a meeting with the other three leaders. I want you, Dreamstar, and Doubletooth to go to the Clans and request that they meet with me. Take Ribbonpaw, too," she explained. "Tell them to meet me at the outskirts of the forest so I may show them what the Twolegs are doing."

"Yes, Sapphirestone," Bubblewing meowed.

The old cat laughed. "I'm sorry, giving orders as if I'm still leader. Please, call over Dreamstar so I can tell him of my plan."

"Yes." Bubblewing dipped her head before bounding off to fetch Dreamstar.

The excitement in her rose as she thought about her mission. Maybe now she could see Coyotefur if they were going to WindClan? Her heart skipped a beat just thinking about him, and she giggled happily.

I hope you liked it! :D:D Thanks to Tanuokami for beta-ing!