Bark's last moments by WyldClaw

Plot: this is a very short one-shot fic based off of Bravelands: Broken Pride by Erin Hunter. Major spoilers for those who have haven't read the book. I made up Dewdrop and Breeze. Thoughts are in italics

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Bark Crownleaf sighed as she shuffled along to a clearing with the aide of a young Goodleaf baboon named Dewdrop . "Thank you kindly young one. My bones aren't what they used to be." She told the young baboons.

Dewdrop nodded respectfully. " It's my honor great Crownleaf." Dewdrop told her. The yellow male baboon was a shy Goodleaf who was very thoughtful and helpful. He had been very interested in medicine and helping the Goodleaves when he had been a Deeproot. Bark knew that he had no stomach or heart for fight and she wasn't surprised when he asked to become a Goodleaf under Breeze Goodleaf's tutelage. "Breeze says ... she says that after the hyena attack we have to be extra careful even in quiet clearings."

Bark nodded and smiled. "Breeze Goodleaf is a wise baboon. She knows that i like to sort out my thoughts after troubling councils in quiet clearings with Starleaf. "

Dewdrop nodded. "But Starleaf is worried about young Mud." He pointed out.

"Yes and I wouldn't want to disturb her. I have no doubt that he will pull through. He's a strong one, "

"He sure is. " Dewdrop agreed. They continued walking; the warm sunlight streaming through the forest's canopy leaves dappling their pelts. They soon arrived at the secluded spot: a grassy clearing far enough from the hubbub and chatter of the main camp. A few flat boulders and fallen branches littered the sunlight-warmed spot, a big puddle of mud

The Brightorest Troop leader smiled as she took in the quiet clearing. "Thank you kindly young Dewdrop Goodleaf, this is a perfect spot - I can make my way back to the camp " The young baboon bowed respectfully and left the clearing

The old baboon leader of the Brightorest Troop was troubled. She sat on a boulder and sighed what am I going to do about my troop's troubles? Not only did the Crownleaf have to think of her troop's future but also of what to do about the young Cub of the Stars, Fearless. As much as she adored the young lion-he was a wonderful protector and so courageous for one so young- she knew his permanent place was not with the baboons. With baboons like Grub, Nut and Mango doubting him she could understand his wines to complete The Three Feats and become a true member of Brightorest Troop. She had spoken the truth when she said that he was too much of a lion.

A slight breeze alerted her to something moving quietly in the bushes behind her. "It's probably just a bird or a Deeproot looking for food." She said to herself but then she heard the footsteps getting closer to her.

She turned around just as a baboon with a long scar over his nose came out. It was her trusted High Council member Stinger Highleaf. But she noticed a wicked looking smile on his face and his right arm clutching something small. He lunged at her. " Your time as Crownleaf is over Bark!"

"She was shocked- even more shocked when he got closer and raised the arm into the air then opened it and she saw a sharpened stone glinting in the sunlight. "By the Great Spirits Stinger!" She took a few steps back but stumbled onto the ground. She couldn't move as she was in total surprised

"You've become weak Bark Crownleaf! Now it's my turn!"

She knew as he came right next to her and brought down the stone that she was done for. May the Great Spirits watch over Brightorest Troop and young Fearless.