Deputy Bells for Skyclan

Crowstar jumped up onto the Tall Branch, and looked around for a moment. He knew Nettletail died in the gathering, while she was dark forest it was a great loss to Skyclan for she was a great warrior, but now he had to choose a new deputy. One that followed starclan. "Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather here for a clan meeting!" He called weakly. He was still very weak from the battle but he figured it would pass with time. He already had his wounds dressed, so hopefully all he needed now was to eat and rest for a bit.

Moonlight walked towards the Tall Branch, her body still aching even after her wounds had been treated and patched up. However her head and tail were still high with pride, the battle hadn’t left physical scars on the young warrior, but she wouldn’t need them to remember it and the heroic acts of the many cats that had died to drive the Dark Forest away. However, she would remember those who fought with them as well, cats that were far too corrupted to realize the terrible choices they had done…like Nettletail.

She wasn’t going to lie, she would miss her even if her choices carried her to the grave before her time. After all, who was her to judge Nettletail, when she had fought at the Dark Forest side for quite a long time as well?

Pineeye stepped away from the fresh-kill pile at Crowstar's call. He could grab a piece afterwards. The warrior settled below the branch, with an idea of what this ceremony was about. He knew he wasn't going to be chosen; he didn't want to be. He was just glad that now, everything was peaceful. Hopefully for a while.

Vixenheart had been sitting outside of the warriors' den, daydreaming, when she heard the call. Her ginger ears lifted and she blinked, snapping herself out of her thoughts. She glanced towards the Tall Branch, seeing her Clanmates gathering together. The ginger and white warrior rose from her spot and quickly headed over and sat down beside Moonlight, wrapping her tail around her paws and lifting her amber gaze to stare up at Crowstar.
She silently pondered over what his meeting would be about. Were there any kits ready to be apprentices? Any apprentices ready to be warriors? Or maybe it was an elder ceremony, but none of her denmates seemed old enough to become an elder yet. She shrugged dissmisively and waited for Crowstar to make the announcement.

Fawnsplash padded into camp from hunting just as Crowstar called for them to gather so she dropped her squirrel off at the fresh kill pile before joining the others under tall branch. Her whole body ached as she made her way over and she felt like her wounds would reopen with every step, but she was proud of the reason they had behind them. StarClan was back and everyone wasn't so on edge anymore. She sat down and wrapped her bicolor tail around herself nearly before resting her pale Amber gaze on Crowstar.

Poppysong exited her nest and shook the moss from her fur. She knew what today was, and she prayed that Crowstar would make the right decision. Nettletail was a strong cat, but her thoughts were never in the right place. Pebblethorn was her dear sister and she trusted her to lead her clan, but she was nowhere to be found.

Taking a seat beneath her leader, she rested down with everyone else and let out a small sigh. They had gone through too many deputies in such a short time. Hopefully the next one would live long enough to earn their own name as leader.

"As you all know Nettletail died in the battle so that means the time has come to pick SkyClan's next deputy." Crowstar said simply, gazing out towards his clan. His voice still very weak, but he did his best to present his message to the clan. "I say these words before the spirits of our ancestors so that they may hear and approve my choice. Vixenheart will be the new deputy of SkyClan." He knew Vixenheart was a good warrior. She was young and still had a good many moons ahead of her. There was also the fact she she was loyal to Starclan through the whole thing, and even went into exile. Her being in the deputy spot would appease the returning cats, and hopefully keep him from straying off his path back to Starclan, along with Poppysong and Snowstorm keep him on track too. All of the sudden a searing pain shot through the leader, and he started coughing. Blood coming into his mouth, but he swallowed it again. They didn't need to know he was suffering at a time like this.

Oh, a deputy ceremony. Vixenheart was obviously curious to find out who the next deputy of SkyClan would be, but she had doubts about it being her. There were plenty of other warriors that were older than her, and more experienced. Yet, out of respect, she gave her full attention to Crowstar. She was calm and relaxed as she continued to listen, but what came next almost made her flip out. Her own name had been announced, and she was SkyClan's next deputy...
At first, she blinked a few times to make sure she still wasn't daydreaming, then she stopped. Of course, this was real. She nodded, slowly, saying nothing as her name began to be chanted by her Clanmates.

No, she hadn't at all expected this, not even in the least. Yet, she was ready for this. She was completely ready to see what challenges lay ahead in her life with this new title. She flicked her tail, a small smile growing on her muzzle.
I'm ready. She thought.

Antdrop dug his claws into the earth and bared his teeth. Couldn't his father see that he was worthy of being something great? The black tom couldn't believe that he chose Vixenheart, and although he wanted to let out a yowl of anger, he kept quiet. He should've joined the dark forest, Crowstar would never realize his true potential, so why bother pleasing him? The only reason he stayed by his father's side was to prove his worth, although in the end, his "loyalty" to the leader was for nothing. Even Tinypaw, a weird, peppy little cat seemed to be gaining more trust and attention than him. So what in StarClan's name am I doing wrong? Looking down to his little brother, whom followed him to the gathering, the black tom stood up and padded towards the warrior's den.

~~~

The white tom let out a sigh watching Antdrop walked away in bitterness. Does he always have flees in his fur? Forgetting about his brother, who always seemed to darken the mood, his padded over to Vixenheart with a big smile. Besides, this was her day to shine, and the least they could do was congratulate the newly appointed deputy.

Moonlight smiled and looked at Vixenheart, starting to chant her name as soon as it was mentioned by Crowstar. Her eyes soon landed on Antdrop, noticing his anger just by looking at his eyes. Wasn’t he happy for Vixenheart? Why? She tilted her head, wondering if she should talk to him and try to help him or if she should just let him spend some time on his own.