Warriors: A New Light (Book 1)

~Chapter Eight ~

Greycloud

Cats gathered around before moonhigh the next day, their mood still set alert from the attack but hints of wariness edging in. 

The elders had finished burying Scarface, a name who would hopefully never be forgotten in Greycloud or her clanmates. What's happened has happened, and nothing can change that.

She felt so uncomfortable, like without him, nothing was okay. He hadn't been a super close friend, but they had done several patrols together, so they were considered friends if nothing. But still, it hurt. It hurt really bad.

"Cats of the clan." Stormstar called. His eyes looked slightly shaken still from his life loss not too long ago, although his voice was strong. And slightly raspy. "We have two things to look forward to tonight. First off, I've had enough time to think carefully about our next deputy while still respectfully keeping vigil for Scarface." He paused, bowing his head. Others did the same, closing their eyes for a brief moment of time before refocusing their vision on the powerful tom.  

Greycloud took a deep breath in and out, deciding last minute to sit beside her brother and his family. It had to be Nightfall. He was a very popular cat of the clans. But when she looked over at him, he didn't look smug or excited, as if he thought he would be. He just sat there, his eyes glistening and tail wrapped around his apprentice's legs.

"I say these words before the body of Scarface, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of LightningClan shall be Greycloud!"

Her heart pounded, disbelief clouding her gaze. The cheering around her seemed inaudible. Her nieces voice suddenly brought her back to focus.

"Congratulations!" Spiritkit said, her eyes still haunted from the battle but her voice cheery.

And then Berryfrost came over. They shared a moment. A very, very sad moment. Greycloud's throat seemed to tighten, as she choked back a sob. I promise...

- Flashback -

"Woah, our territory is so big!"  Berrypaw gaped, her eyes wide and excited as Greycloud chuckled beside her, enjoying every moment of her new apprentice's excitement. She just seemed to enjoy the littlest things.

"It certainly is." Scarface, who had come with them, said. 

"Come on, Berrypaw, pick your head up." She smiled, leading her to the shoreline of the lake.

"You know, you'd be a great deputy. You really know how to give your voice that authority" Berrypaw joked, sending shivers down Greycloud's spine. She couldn't even begin to imagine inheriting that rank within the clan.

She shook her head, her ear twitching nervously. Berrypaw had a thing for speaking her mind.

"She isn't wrong." Scarface said, nudging her shoulder with his. "If it weren't me, it'd be you or Nightfall."  He grinned, his eyes teasing but his voice genuine. Though they never spent much time together as kits, them two always spoke to each other about the deputy role. She couldn't think of ever being in his place now. He was much better suited for it.

She couldn't deny, though, that she was probably one of those that Stormstar had considered. 

"Yeah, right." She said, huffing. But she couldn't subdue the smile that came across her furry face. Scarface loved his job and always wanted to be deputy (not in an arrogant way), so it made her guilty to think she could've been chosen instead.

"I hope I grow old enough to see you be deputy."  Berrypaw said, her voice wowed.

"When I'm leader, you're going to be my deputy. I promise." Scarface said. 

I promise......

- Flashback ended -

You're watching me from StarClan.

She took one last deep breath, striding toward where Stormstar stood. She dipped her head low, bringing as much respect into her voice as she could possibly muster.

"I promise, from on the memory of Scarface and the fate of our clans, I will do whatever it takes to give my clan the proper care it needs in my newly given role as a deputy. I am honoured, I thank you, Stormstar." She said, hoping her tone didn't wave when she mentioned Scarface's name.

He nodded, gesturing to the spot beside him. The spot that Scarface sat in.

"And on to our last subject. we have three apprentices here who fought ever so bravely in the battle against the intruding CloudClan. You've been apprenticed for quite some time, and your mentors have told me you passed your assessments long before." Stormstar said, and the crowd below went avid. 

"Foxpaw, Lionpaw and Eaglepaw. Step forward."

Smiling warmly, Greycloud looked in the direction of Spiritkit. She looked so proud of her best friend, watching every little move that Eaglepaw made.

Stormstar stalked forward, announcing them warriors one by one. Their mentors looked at them from behind, their eyes fond and proud.

"By the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Lionpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Lionwhisker, Foxpaw as Foxfang and Eaglepaw and Eaglefeather. StarClan honours your virtues, and we welcome you as  full warriors of LightningClan." He said proudly, resting his head on theirs each in turn, while they licked his shoulder.

The cats cheered, calling out their names. When the voices died down, Stormstar cleared his throat. "You will hold a silent vigil tonight until the peak of dawn tomorrow."

And with that the cats cleared away, Greycloud hopping down from her place and rubbing muzzles with tiny little Spiritkit.

"I'm so happy you're deputy, you deserve it." She smiled softly, shaking her head.

"I appreciate it." She admitted it, getting flustered. At least I can keep a better eye on you when you become an apprentice, now.

And with that, she set off to start patrols. And never, ever forget what Scarface did for them.

"It isn't healthy to be thinking of you twenty four seven, it's making me depressed." Her breath shudders. I'm only doing this for you.

A/N: Don't forget to comment and vote, and even follow if you'd like. It really makes my day <3 

Okay. I'm becoming Erin Hunter 2.0 with the amount of characters I have, so tell me, should I start killing off some LightningClan cats?