Oakheart's Promise - A Warriors AU

Chapter 27

Oakheart walked with Crookedjaw as they made their way back to the camp. Together, they dragged Shellheart's mangled body. The dog's jaws had left the body with several bleeding gashes. His eyes were dark and clouded, and his pelt was cold.

Keeping his head down, Oakheart refused to look at Crookedjaw. If he had just let me prove myself, Shellheart would be alive. However, he knew better than to solely accuse his brother. It's my fault, too. I should have been more focused.

While the two brothers led the group, Hailstar and Ottersplash followed. They had both escaped the scuffle with minimal injuries. Ottersplash had a chunk of fur torn out of her tail, and Hailstar had gained a nick in his ear. Their other wounds were small and would be easily patched up by Brambleberry and Mudfur.

The clouds above began to part, taking the darkness of the territory away with them. Now, the light of the sun reflected off of the thin layer of snow. It glowed and sparkled beneath the warriors' paws. However, the sun would soon disappear over the horizon.

As Oakheart followed Crookedjaw over a small ridge, he began to wonder if Mapleshade knew Shellheart would die. If she did, she should have told me! I could have stopped it. A pang of guilt seared through the tom, causing him to momentarily stumble forward.

Crookedjaw stared ahead in silence. What could he be thinking? Was he upset with Oakheart, or was he lost in anger over his own actions? It was impossible to tell from his cold gaze.

Finally, as the sun fell lower in the sky, the patrol arrived at the RiverClan camp. Oakheart hauled his father into the clearing, the tom's body just as heavy as the guilt that hung over the reddish warrior.

Looks of dismay were plastered across the faces of Oakheart's Clanmates. Kits tumbled excitedly out of the nursery only to see the horrid state of the Clan's deputy. Mudfur and Brambleberry left the medicine den, eyes wide with grief.

In the shocked silence of the camp, only a quiet voice spoke. "What happened?" The voice belonged to Brambleberry, who was staring intently at Shellheart's body.

Suddenly, Oakheart lurched forward, crying, "The dog killed him!"

Crookedjaw dashed forward, crouching beside the torn body and resting his head on the cold ground of the clearing. Oakheart joined him, lying beside his brother. He could still barely look at the tabby. If we had just worked together, we could have saved our father! He laid still, grieving for what felt like a moon.

After a long while of cats mourning for Shellheart, quiet murmurs began to surge through the clearing. Cats whispered to their friends, and Oakheart overheard their discussions about the next deputy. With a jolt, he remembered Mapleshade's words. You must prove that you are a better choice for deputy.

Have I proven myself? Oakheart's mind was ringing with the question. Would he finally be the deputy of RiverClan after so long of being told it was his destiny?

"He must choose a deputy before moonhigh," Oakheart heard Beetlenose whisper behind him. "He doesn't have much time left to decide."

A shadow began to form near where Oakheart rested. As he glanced up, he saw Hailstar's outline on the boulder in the clearing. The sun set behind him, and sparse, pale gray clouds drifted past the light. Glancing around the clearing, he raised his voice, "As you all know, it is time for a new deputy to be appointed."

Despite the tragedy of Shellheart's death, Oakheart waited with anticipation. Who will he choose? He was sure Mapleshade would be proud of him becoming the deputy.

"Crookedjaw, please step forward."

All of Oakheart's hope sunk like a stone in the river as Crookedjaw rose to his paws and stepped closer to the leader. I was meant to be deputy! Did Mapleshade lie to me?

"Crookedjaw, do you promise to protect this Clan with your life and to serve as leader after me?"

Oakheart felt as if a stone was crushing him. He pictured Mapleshade, disappointed, beside Hailstar.

"Yes, Hailstar." Crookedjaw grinned. "I will protect my Clan, even if I must sacrifice my own life."

Shaking his head, Oakheart bared his teeth. As the rest of the Clan celebrated, he slinked away. Trotting towards the warriors' den, he slipped inside and laid down. Let's see what my destiny is now, Mapleshade!