ShadowClan Deputy 2021

Flintstar peered at his paws as he sat just beyond the entrance of his den, running his choice for deputy through his mind. He had countless sunrises to think through his options until he had only one cat whose name kept coming to his mind as he thought about it. It seemed like the right choice, he had given himself far more time than he should have had to thought about it...But he had also been certain that his two previous choices was correct as well. He sighed, knowing that he had put this off long enough. He pushed himself to his paws, leaping up onto the Jaggedrock, taking in a deep breath.

"ShadowClan! Gather in the shadow of the Jaggedrock!"

Oh Thornstar, he hoped he was finally making the right choice in deputy.

Murkystrike's head rose from where she was curled up, taking a quick rest before her next patrol. Blinking the drowsiness out of her eyes, she uncurled and stretched, watching to make sure she didn't trip any of her Clanmates as she did so. Rising to her paws and giving her pelt a quick shake, she trotted over towards the edge of the gathering crowd and ran a quick paw over her ears. Was this another apprentice ceremony, or warrior ceremony? Looking forward to whatever news Flintstar would have, for it seemed all of the recent meetings have been things to celebrate and rejoice, Murkystrike settled in to wait.

Mistyfalcon twitched an ear at Flintstar's call, padding closer to the jaggedrock and settling next to Murkystrike near the edge of the gathered crowd.

A ceremony, probably, though warrior or apprentice was anyone's guess. Sooner or later he'd have to name a deputy, and Mistyfalcon was willing to bet that the former was the case. As to who, well, there weren't that many options from what Mistyfalcon could see. It might've been selfish, but he hoped that he wasn't a serious consideration, if only so that his presence at gatherings wasn't mandatory. Batglow or Murkystrike would be a better choice, he thought.

Frigidpaw had been trying to chat with some of the older warriors and get them to share some stories and secrets with him. However, most of them seemed to be a bit too busy lately, which proved to be a bit frustrating. When you no longer had the cute factor of being a kit nor had achieved the respect that came with being a warrior, things seemed to get harder when trying to get what you wanted.

His ears perked up when Flintstar’s voice echoed across camp as he called for a meeting. Now, being his apprentice came with some added benefits, which included the ability to know when an apprentice or warrior ceremony might take place, because of the cat that approached him and the sudden need for private discussions. However, as far as he knew no queen or medicine cat had approached him to discuss a kit becoming an apprentice, nor a warrior to let him know their apprentice was ready, so this had to be something else…

As the crowd formed under the Jaggedrock, he was quick to take one of the good spots, curious and wanting to know what was going on. Could it be that he had finally chosen a deputy? Only one way to find out.

Batglow perked up from his prey at Flintstar's call. A small huff of annoyance leaving him since he was going to have to leave his meal behind for a moment to focus on this meeting, but it wasn't as a big deal as he was making it out to be. He knew that his leader didn't call for anything unless it was really important. The black tom tucked his prey in a safe spot for the moment before padding over to Murkystrike, and Mistyfalcon's side. He gave the two a bright smile before turning his attention to the leader fully.

At long last, it was time to choose a deputy. As far as she could tell, the Clan seemed to be running fairly smoothly without one, but it was a part of the Code. Besides, Flintstar needed to have a back-up in case anything ever happened to him, StarClan forbid. Galepaw picked her way through the crowd, finding a seat near Frigidpaw to listen.

Flintstar scanned over the gathering crowd as he once again ran the name through his head but, like before...He was content with his choice. "ShadowClan, I have called you all here because it is time for me to appoint a deputy," he meowed, curling his tail around his paws. "I have thought hard about this choice and in the end, I believe I have found a suitable cat to serve ShadowClan at my side. A cat who has proven themselves caring and willing to go the extra paw to help those - in training or emotional needs. I say this before all of you and our ancestors, so that they may approve of my choice...

"The new deputy of ShadowClan is Murkystrike."

Mistyfalcon swiftly joined her, and she greeted him with a lick to his shoulder. Batglow came next, with a smile that Murkystrike returned as he settled nearby. Turning her face back up towards Flintstar as he revealed the purpose of the meeting, Murkystrike twined her tail with Mistyfalcon's. A new deputy! She was excited to hear who Flintstar had chosen, bracing herself to congratulate one of her clanmates... But then she heard her name. She blinked once, twice, staring up at Flintstar in surprise. Her? Turning her shocked expression to Mistyfalcon, she unwound her tail from his as she stood, turning her gaze back up to Flintstar. A smile was forming on her face as the shock dissipated. Lowering her head respectfully, when it rose she stood tall. "I promise to serve and protect ShadowClan to the best of my abilities, Flintstar. Thank you." She was still surprised that she had been chosen over Mistyfalcon, or Batglow, but she was overjoyed at the opportunity that Flintstar had given her. She would be the best deputy she could possibly be, for Flintstar, Batglow, Moonshine, Rosethorn, all of the clan.... And especially Mistyfalcon and Night.