ShadowClan Deputy November 2021

"Received lives?" Flamepaw echoed, a tad louder than he had intended. Incredulous, he looked around at the other cats, blinking. Was that true? That wasn't possible...Cats couldn't have more than one life. That has to be a metaphor or something, he thought, his pelt prickling uncomfortably. Murkystar (great, he had just been getting used to Murkystrike, now she went and changed her name) continued, prattling on about a "deputy". The second-in-command...

His mentor, Frostgaze, was named the new deputy and, despite himself, he felt a swell of pride in his chest. Of course his mentor would be chosen. ...Even if he had nothing to do with it. Other cats shifted to congratulate the white tom, so Flamepaw rose to his feet to do the same. Pushing through the throng, he approached his mentor, offering him a curt nod of approval. "Congrats. I'm sure you'll lead ShadowClan well." He smiled then, a flash of white teeth, a smirking grin that almost came off as...condescending.

Mistlebright had honestly been expecting an apprentice ceremony, given that Murkystrike was the one calling the clan together. She joined the group regardless, hoping soon she would get an apprentice of her own. She hadn't been a warrior for very long, but the idea of helping another cat not be so scared definitely made her excited. However, she quickly picked up that there was indeed something unusual happening. Soon her, as well as most of the clan's, suspicions were confirmed as the deputy (now leader, as she announced) began to speak.

Murkystar. Personally, the warrior had always loved the idea of having a name that ended in -star, but was never interested in the thought of becoming a leader. With it came little free time, and everyone constantly wanting to know where you were and what you were doing.

Now the deputy needed to be name, and Mistlebright found she wasn't completely surprised when it was Frostgaze who received the position. Her former mentor was a good warrior, but then again, she thought the same about most of the clan. At least he wasn't too harsh like Burningwing, or too talkative like Loudnose. She padded towards the tom, waiting as everyone else congratulated him first, before stepping forward and saying, "I hope you teach the clan as well as you taught me, and if that is so, we will be fearless."

As soon as Frostgaze's name was called Basilpaw knew that Murkystar had made the best choice.  Jumping to her paws, Basilpaw trotted forward with a smile after the white-furred tom had made his little speech and nuzzled his shoulder, purring excitedly.  "Congratulations Frostgaze, you'll make an amazing deputy!"  Though they hadn't spoken much in recent times, Basilpaw had always considered her former denmate a friend, and the thought of getting to work with him more often in clan matters made her happy.  However, try as she might her amber eyes were dimming, and with a final congratulatory purr, the medicine cat took her leave to sit by her den.  She knew that one more ceremony would be in order, but she could watch that one from the sidelines.  Both her mind and body were calling for sleep.

So it wasn't an apprentice ceremony— but rather appointing a new deputy.

Duskpaw have just realized it. Murkystri— No, Murkystar has become the new leader. The apprentice held his breath, then finally, the new deputy's name was called out. Frostgaze was now ShadowClan's official new deputy. He beamed, continuing the ongoing cheers coming from the other cats. "Congrats, Frostgaze! You'll do well!" He cheered. As strange as it was, inside of him wished that his mentor would've had a chance. He seemed experienced, though Duskpaw didn't dare to protest Murkystar's decision. If she had chosen the warrior as the deputy, he wouldn't deny it. She must've thought hard, after all. As soon as the thought left his mind, the energetic and lively spark in his eyes gleamed once again as he made his way up to the new deputy. A few other cats have also gathered over, and he joined in. The tom grinned brightly, and an encouraging purr escaped out from his throat.