Lights out:

OOC: Takes place before the new deputy's ceremony~

IC: Swiftstep had been feeling rather odd the past few days. He had a loss of appetite and sometimes, it was hard to breathe. Drinking water usually helped make him feel better. He didn't know what it was but he just shrugged it off some minor sickness.

Today, Swiftstep's day had played out as usual. He did most of his duties around the camp, assigned patrols, and helped a few apprentices train. Currently, he was out on his daily solo hunt. It usually started at around the early afternoon. This time, however, things would take a turn for the worst.

"...three. Three catches in a few minutes. That's not bad but I can definitely do better." Swiftstep poked the three prey he had by his paws as he looked around for any more critters to catch. He scanned with intense eyes for a few moments. He eventually spotted a rabbit looking around and minding its own business. The deputy let out a chuckle as he began to slowly stalk towards the creature, making sure not to spook it.

Once he got as close as he could without alerting it, he dropped down into the hunter's crouch and eased even closer. As he readied his haunches to leap, he felt a cough begin to rise out of his chest. 'Not now!' he hissed in his mind as he attempted to keep it down. Unfortunately, he let it loose and the rabbit rushed away. "Darn..." Swiftstep grumbled as he got up.

Before he could even start taking a step, he erupted into a rough coughing fit. He swayed and stumbled as it grew stronger, eventually losing his footing and ending up on his side. He scratched at the ground as his throat started to tighten and he began to suffocate. Oh Starclan! He couldn't breathe!

His vision darkened as he desperately tried to take in some air. He wasn't quite able to and his eyes slowly drifted closed. The last thing he could hear was the distant sound of paw steps.