A Leave from Duty [c]

Maplewhisker was in pain.  She had assisted Olivestar and Morningdove out of the WindClan camp, sneaking under the dark of night to escape the watchful gazes of the Asylum cats.  Her leader's mission was to find the root of the Asylum, potentially finding a way to release their grip on the Clans.  Once they had gotten out though, and said their goodbyes, Maplewhisker found it would not be so easy getting back in.  Dawn was slowly breaking, the sun peeking it's face over the horizon.  She was nearly all the way back into the warriors den when they spotted her.  Claws flew before they recognized her and directed her to the medicine cat den.

Maplewhisker was in pain both physically and emotionally.  She knew that her physical injuries would eventually heal, and yet she had done the only thing she felt she could have in her situation.  Stepping down as deputy has been a hard decision, but it seemed like the only option in the condition she was in.  And yet, Maplewhisker felt crushed inside.  Olivestar had trusted her with the Clan, and she had failed.  She knew the Clan would come to a good decision as to the new leader.  Hoping to one day fulfill her vow to Olivestar, she would heal, and keep trying to be the best WindClan warrior she could be.