Bluestar's Choice

Chapter Six

Bluefur walked side by side with Thrushpelt and Thistleclaw, with Sunstar leading the way to Fourtrees. She shivered as Thistleclaw spoke harshly, "The other Clans wouldn't be so glad to hear now that we've lost our weak deputy."

Bluefur glared at him, despite her heart slowing as if Thistleclaw was the most dangerous rogue in the forest. "Tawnyspots wasn't a weak deputy." she protested, angrily. "You can't speak that way of your clanmates."

She expected Thistleclaw to lash at her, claws unsheathed, as he normally did for trespassers, but Bluefur realized he wouldn't do that to her, since she was his Clanmate, no matter the urge.

His shoulders relaxed. "I meant they won't be happy that our ill deputy is gone, and a healthy cat has taken over the role." he mewed coolly. Healthy? Is that supposed to be a compliment?

"Whatever." Bluefur mumbled, as Thistleclaw stalked ahead. Thrushpelt shot her a sympathetic look, inching closer to her to whisper in her ear. "You knew what Thistleclaw was saying," he nudged her. "You shouldn't purposely pick fights with Thistleclaw– or any of your Clanmates."

She huffed. "I know that." She angrily walked away, tail up high to show her fury. They finally reached Fourtrees, and the other Clans were already there.

"Finally." she heard Cedarstar mutter, and Heatherstar shot him a side-ways glance. "Welcome." she mewed politely.

Sunstar dipped her head in response, as she leaped on top of the Great Rock, delicately touching the rock as if he was trying to see if it was solid or not.

The leaders made their reports. When it was Sunstar's turn, he announced Bluefur's new litter of kits, while thanking ShadowClan for keeping them safe, which Cedarstar had taken lightly. "You're welcome." he had said. "But ThunderClan needs to learn how to keep their own kits in the camp." he added loudly, with mischievous eyes. Sunstar glared at him, troubled.

"We are sad to announce that Tawnyspots– our deputy, has died from illness. The new deputy is Bluefur." Sunstar meowed, looking grim, staring at Bluefur pleadingly.

What, Bluefur thought. What is he telling me? Bluefur suddenly realized that she had to sit next to the other deputies. So she padded to them quickly. RiverClan's deputy– Timberfur gave her a sharp glare, though the rest of the deputies had looked rather friendly and interested. Crookedstar made his report after Sunstar.

The gathering was extended for a few more minutes before it was dismissed.

Bluefur quickly headed for the direction of her Clan, when she halted at the sight of Oakheart next to her. "What?" she whispered, her heart-beating, and she nervously glanced around her surroundings. "You've found the kits, right?"

"Of course!" she snapped. "Didn't you hear what Sunstar reported?" Oakheart looked hurt, but instantly his mood changed. "I was wondering..."

Bluefur interrupted, "Hurry up, we don't have all moon!" Oakheart shifted his paws uneasily. "I was wondering..." he began again. Bluefur listened intently, somewhat gaining interest. "Nevermind..." Oakheart quickly mewed, casting a glance back at Crookedstar.

"Wait–" Bluefur mewed before Oakheart could leave. "Tell me." she urged. "It's not important." he assured, turning back to his Clan. "Tell me!" She found herself racing after Oakheart. She felt her Clan's eyes on her, but she couldn't stop now.

He stared at her blankly. "I was going to say... that I've been thinking of... maybe–" he stammered. "Speak up!" she snapped, and she realized her Clan was leaving because of how her ears twitched. "I thought I could leave my Clan to join... my kits!" he blurted quickly. "But I've changed my mind." Bluefur was about to protest, but her dismay disallowed her to say anything. Oakheart hurried away before Bluefur could capture her dismay and seal it, long enough for her to make up the words.