SkyClan's New Deputy

Limping to the base of Tallbranch, Tinystar sat down with a wince and watched as his clan milled about. It had been a few sunrises after Mistyrain's death and Mintwhisker… he didn't even know what to think about that whole situation. Tinystar had lost his loved and valued family members in the span of a single moon, and the little legged tom didn't know how to deal with such emotions. Amberdawn had disappeared into the shadows, Mistyrain's life had been taken from her just as the two of them made up and were closer than ever, and... all he wanted was a break from such issues. Sadness, anger, confusion... it was all too much for him to handle, especially when he also had to deal with the problems that his injuries from the monster had caused. One of the issues being that he wasn't able to climb, much less climb up to his perch on Tallbranch. So, he sat down bellow, wishing that he hadn't gotten up from his nest, for the aches and pains were almost unbearable.

"Let all cats old en-" he began, but his speech was interrupted with a fit of coughs. Taking a deep breath, he started over. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather bellow Tallbranch for a clan meeting," Tinystar rasped, closing his eyes for a brief moment. He wanted nothing more than to lay down in the comfort of his nest, but he had a job to do, no matter how much he wished it wasn't SkyClan's current reality. It was hard, not being completely depressed and saying or doing nothing, and staying in solitude in the darkness of his den, especially when he'd promised to be a better leader, for his clan's sake. But great Silverpelt, how was he supposed to be a better leader when he couldn't even keep his medicine cats by his side and protect his own deputy? Was it all just a coincidence or was he really at fault? Maybe this was all punishment for his sins? Not knowing drove him crazy and unfortunately for him, only StarClan knew, and he doubted they would give him a clear-cut answer if he asked.

Sagelight emerged from the medicine cat's den and took a seat in front of Tinystar, uncharacteristically quiet. He still bore fresh scars from the latest meeting, his mind still whirling from everything that had occurred lately. It made his head hurt. That, and he had no idea what he was doing. He had no training. The only herbs he knew were poppy seeds, he had seen Mintwhisker give them to cats when they were in pain. He could recognize them by their smell.

There were other scents he recognized in the herb storage but he didn't know what the herbs did or what they were. Sagelight gritted his teeth angrily just thinking about it. There was that and the fact that he was now the only right-paw tom to a cat he didn't particularly like, and boy did Tinystar need help right now. The whole Clan needed it. They had lost too much too quickly.

He wrapped his tail around his paws, frowning. Hopefully whoever Tinystar chose would be a good fit for the Clan. And won't leave so soon.

Lightfang had been so hopeful that the trial and the quiet moments beside Moonlit Creek would at least be the beginning of the end—but life in SkyClan as of late had been tragedy after tragedy. Had it ever truly been peaceful? It seemed as if they’d all been running from one thing or another since they’d come down from the mountains with dogs and the Sharptooth in pursuit, yet death and destruction always caught up with them somehow.

The absence of Mintwhisker had come as more of a relief than anything. After what Amberdawn had revealed, Lightfang couldn’t help but measure that against the kindness he had experienced firstpaw, the things he’d come to believe medicine cats stood for. Only the stars knew the exact circumstances behind Sedgestrike’s death; Lightfang was content to leave it that way. It was the second loss that hit harder. Mistyrain was gone. Whatever bond they’d had as mentor and apprentice had faded in the days since Lightfang’s ceremony. He hadn’t been able to look her in the eye since before Delta’s trial; they almost certainly hadn’t spoken. Still, part of him remembered her lessons from when she’d been healthy enough to train him, and he had mourned her like everyone else, wondering to the last what she had thought of the mountain cats. Now he would never know. Perhaps that was for the best; he doubted he would have liked the answer.

Finding a spot at the back of the crowd, Lightfang seated himself. He had a guess for what this meeting was about; the full moon was approaching, and Tinystar probably didn’t want to leave the spot below the Great Rock empty. In the wake of Mistyrain’s death and his own wariness around his Clanmates, it was hard to get excited about the possibility of a new deputy. Still, he angled his gaze toward the empty Tallbranch. A meeting was a meeting, and he needed to know who would be chosen as Tinystar's right paw.

Foxpaw padded from the apprentice den at the sound of Tinystar's call, slowly raising his head to stare at his leader. It felt almost impossible to think of what had happened so quickly, his heart sinking at the thought of Mistyrain. He never knew her well - Flowerpaw had always offered the chance of him perhaps joining them training but he always pushed it away, worried they would discover his fear of heights but also always figuring the opportunity could be something taken before he became a warrior. But now it was too late...

He shook his head as he joined the rest of his Clan, surprised to see that Tinystar wasn't on the branch but instead was on the ground - looking absolutely downtrodden and defeated as he waited for the Clan to gather, seeming smaller than ever as he stood in front of his Clan. Things were hard for Foxpaw, to be sure but he couldn't imagine the weight now on Tinystar's shoulders. The burden would be hard enough for any leader...And now it was on his tiny, tiny frame. The soft joke in his head caused the shadow of a smile to work its away across his muzzle as he sat down, sparing a glance at the gathered warriors - wondering who would be named deputy. Could it be Spottedleap? The thought was there and sounded pretty great...But he couldn't help to wonder that if his mentor became deputy, would that mean he would somehow see his mentor even less then he already did.

safe. The red warrior joined the pale warrior at the back of the crowd. Even with having Stormpaw as an apprentice, she was not holding her breath about being named Deputy. It was everything she had ever wanted in life and yet, the possibility seemed further and further away to ever happening. Narrowing her eyes, she twitched her tail. Her ears were pricked and alert, constantly aware of her surroundings. Maybe this wasn't a Deputy ceremony and a trial on her. Burningsun wondered if anyone would speak out in her defense and let Tinystar murder her like they let him kill Sparrowpaw.

The latest business in SkyClan had been disturbing, to say the least. Mintwhisker's exodus from the clan had shaken Spottedleap like a leaf in a thunderstorm. He'd known the medicine cat for longer than some warriors had been alive, and she was something of a mother figure to him... No, not a mother figure. She was hardly maternal, not to him and not to anyone else. Spottedleap had a real mother, anyway, and he loved her very much. Well, Mintwhisker was something of a foundation for him and SkyClan, always present and desiring only what was best for the clan... except for when she left them to train another clan's apprentice for moons on end and only appearing again to stir up trouble before being chased out. Perhaps Spottedleap didn't know how he really felt about Mintwhisker after all this time. It seemed like now he would never know. Regardless, the she-cat had cajoled his brother into becoming her apprentice and then abandoned him as easily as Amberdawn had abandoned the rest of them, and it struck a bitter cord in Spottedleap's chest. Why wasn't SkyClan good enough? There were obvious problems in the clan, but why weren't they worth trying to solve? Hadn't their fellow clan cats meant something to them? Did either of the she-cats even give a single thought to the spotted tom when they turned their backs?

Spottedleap flexed his claws against the ground, not quite digging into the dust but scratching against it now and then. Was he being selfish? Surely he was allowed to be hurt from this kind of betrayal. Maybe he was making this too personal. These questions were troublesome, but he couldn't afford to be distracted now. A new issue arose, just as world-shattering as the others. Mistyrain's death. She was his deputy since birth, a good example of a loyal warrior with a cool head. SkyClan needed more cool heads and Spottedleap recognized that he wouldn't be able to provide that for them. The purpose of the meeting was obvious, but he was not excited in the face of such a heavy loss. Watching his leader limp to the Tallbranch and not even attempt to climb it was a bit defeating. His gaze wandered, looking everywhere around camp except at any of his classmates. He didn't want them to see the sadness in his eyes.

Flowerpaw was distraught to say the least. The knew of her mentor... She didn't want to think about it.. First she watched Tinystar die and now her mentor and deputy were gone? The white apprentice couldn't take it. She had spent the last few days staying in the apprentices' den, avoiding her clan mates. The only cat she found comfort in were Foxpaw and Sagelight. Even if she didn't talk to the newly named Medicine Cat much ever since the trial she found comfort in the older tom.

At the sound of Tinystar calling a meeting, the small apprentice pushed herself up from her nest in the den. She peered out at the gathered cats before moving to join them. Her tail dragging on the ground behind her. She just wanted to curl up in her nest again. She glanced towards Foxpaw before walking over and sitting next to Sagelight. Her fur brushing against his. She hoped he didn't mind. She needed the comfort, and she was sure he needed some comfort as well.

Waiting for his clan gathered around him, most looking towards him with sorrowful gazes, the short white and grey tom took a deep breath. 'StarClan, give me strength,' he thought to himself silently, knowing that times would be rough in these upcoming moons, seeing that SkyClan had gone through so many unfortunate changes in leadership lately, whether they liked it or not.

Staying silent for a few more moments as he waited for the chatter among clanmates to die down, he decided to continue the gathering. "As you all are aware, Mistyrain is dead. Her life was taken by a Monster and now, she runs among our ancestors in the stars," he began, his raspy voice filled with sorrow as he remembered all of the cats that had been lost during his lifetime, with her's just adding to the count. "But even so, Mistyrain would want us to stay strong and keep moving forward. So, today, I will be announcing the new Deputy of SkyClan," Tinystar mewed, his sunken, light blue gaze scanning the crowd. He knew who he was going to choose. Luckily for him, it had been an obvious choice and he had no doubt that his clanmates would agree with such a decision.

"I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors and the leaders be me may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of SkyClan will be Spottedleap," the little legged leader finished, as he met the spotted warrior's gaze through the crowd and gave a curt nod. He'd proven himself to be a loyal and valuable warrior to SkyClan, and he trusted that he was the right cat to stand by his side to help lead his clan.

Foxpaw's attention snapped back to Tinystar as the leader started to talk. He listened on bated breath, waiting for the name to be said...But he had to say although he had thought about it, he was still taken aback when his mentor's name was uttered for the entire Clan to hear. He spun to glance at where he had spotted Spottedleap in the crowd, rearing on his back legs to get a slightly better view as his voice joined the rest of his Clan in cheering his name. "Spottedleap! Spottedleap!"

There was one thing that bothered Foxpaw thought. He barely knew where his mentor was half the time and now Spottedleap had to worry about patrols and ceremonies and...He would never get to go out on another patrol with Spottedleap again, would he? He was pretty sure he was almost ready to become a warrior but it still kinda sucked.

"Spottedleap! Spottedleap!" Basilkit did not quite understand that the promotion of a new deputy was a terrible thing. Between the cheering of her clanmates, and as she followed along with Foxpaw's yowl, it seemed this was a time for celebrating the ranking of Spottedleap. In her youth, she had not interacted with Mistyrain much. She knew the names of their leadership though: Tinystar, who was her grandfather, and Mintwhisker and Sagelight. Mistyrain had been there too. But, it seemed like something was wrong now, that she was gone. There was a flicker of a frown as she mulled over the concept that things were not entirely right, there was a dark change that had occurred. This was her first encounter with the concept of death. And it was not particularly enjoyable. Her yowling ceased and she peered up at Foxpaw. The tail-less tom's expression wore many emotions. Perhaps they could play after this, perhaps that would help shake the strange feeling that had settle in her chest.

Sagelight flinched a little at the touch of another cat but quickly relaxed once he noticed it was Flowerpaw. She had comforted him after the trial and he found her company calming. He didn't look at her but he touched her back with his tail to acknowledge that she was there. The medicine cat apprentice bowed his head solemnly at Tinystar's words, the image of Mistyrain's broken body still fresh in his mind. A small shudder ran through his spine at the thought. Her death was untimely and tragic, but a new deputy must be chosen.

"The new deputy of SkyClan will be Spottedleap."

Sagelight shot up like his tail was on fire, eyes wide as a blossoming grin spead across his face. His own brother, a deputy! He whirled around wildly, looking around for his brother's familiar pelt. Once he picked him out of the crowd, he bounded over and headbutted Spottedleap's shoulder in congratulations, purring loudly. "Congrats, Spottedleap! I know you'll do great! Mom will be so proud of you!" His worries momentarily forgotten, he sat down next to his spotted kin and joined the Clan in chanting the deputy's name.

Burningsun settled beside him, gently pulling him out of his thoughts and back into SkyClan’s camp. He could feel the tension emanating from her. Something about the events that had unfolded at Moonlit Creek had left him…maybe not emboldened, but certainly comfortable around her in a way he hadn’t been before, more willing to reach out. Thus, he nudged her with his shoulder, a quiet reminder of his presence.

The first words out of Tinystar’s mouth proved Lightfang’s guess to be correct. It was part of the code, after all; even in the midst of grief, that position needed to be filled for the good of the Clan. All too soon, it was time for the leader to reveal his choice: Spottedleap. Moons ago, Lightfang might have been comforted by having part of his family in SkyClan’s upper ranks, or else proud of Spottedleap for catching Tinystar’s attention. In truth, however, it was blood alone that made them half-brothers. They were too different to be family.

Pressing closer to Burningsun, the pale tabby softly joined the Clan in chanting Spottedleap’s name. He had little doubt Spottedleap would be good for SkyClan as a whole, but for the cats who mattered… Lightfang would have to keep one ear open.

A soft growl left Flowerpaw's mouth. She didn't like how easily replaced Mistyrain was. She knew that a deputy must be chosen but it didn't sit right with her. How could they be so cruel? She knew that Sagelight was happy for his brother, and she was glad the tom was happy but she couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal she felt. With her tone flat she joined in the chanting. "Spottedleap, Spottedleap."

Spottedleap's attention was drawn back to the white leader at the front of the crowd when he began speaking again, voice shattered and sorrowful. The loss of the leader's half-sister had clearly been a heavy toll. He briefly wondered if his own half-brothers would have been so torn up if he'd been killed by a monster, then brushed aside the pointless thought and bowed his head in respect of Mistyrain. It seemed inappropriate to show too much excitement, but honestly he was more interested in SkyClan's new deputy than he would like to admit. He had a feeling the clan dynamics would change greatly no matter who Tinystar picked.

His name rang across the camp. He'd been hoping, even expecting to hear it, but the reality that he had just been named the deputy didn't quite hit until the cats around him began chanting his name - their acceptance of his new position. Was he ready for the responsibility? He wasn't sure. Spottedleap would just have to pick up the role of apprentice again and learn from Tinystar what was expected from him. "Thank you, Tinystar. I'll always be at your side." Figuratively, of course. The white tom didn't need a flea to pester him. The new deputy's acceptance speech was short and hopefully powerful enough to not need an explanation.

Sagelight's sudden movement by medicine cat den caught Spottedleap's attention. Somewhere else, Foxpaw popped his head over the crowd. Some cats were clearly less excited, but the spotted tom was just glad to have support from someone. He stepped forward to meet his brother's affectionate gesture, rubbing his cheek against Sagelight's with a purr. "Looks like we'll be figuring this responsibility stuff together, huh?" He meowed, grateful for the relatively smooth reception. At least no one was yowling against him... yet.

Burningsun's eyes narrowed and her jaw clenched. Of course, Spottedleap was chosen. Why she was even remotely surprised that the tom was chosen, it even surprised her. Maybe some small part of her had hoped that Tinystar had changed. However with choosing his most blatantly loyal, mindless follower as Deputy, it was clear he had chosen to continue on being an utter and complete tyrant of SkyClan. Her head tilted slightly to Lightfang. It was clear - to her - he was thinking similarly to her. Raising her voice, she half-heartedly called out Spottedleap. But in reality, Burningsun was planning the next few moons. The choices she had been mulling on now were clear.

She stopped calling suddenly. What was the point?