Shadowstripe's Treachery

Chapter 19

Shadowstripe woke up out of breath, his eyes wide with fear. Does he really mean it?! Will I really find my destiny, whether I'm the fire or the ash, today? He got up, taking in a sharp breath. I've been waiting for this my whole life... but what if I'm not ready? How is the prophecy going to be fulfilled if Larkstar's the leader and I'm just a- he gasped. "What if Larkstar is the raging fire?!"

Snowfall opened one eye, "Huh?"

Shadowstripe looked down, "What? Oh.. sorry. It was just a dream. You can go back to sleep."

She yawned and nodded, "Okay, goodnight Shadowstripe."

He sighed, still sitting up stiffly. He was too anxious to go back to sleep after the dream he had, so he curled his tail around his paws and stared off into space. Maybe she won't come back... an idea formed in his head, maybe she died on the way to the Moonstone, and since there is no deputy, I could take over and save the clan! That would be perfect! That way I would definitely not be the ashes in the prophecy. He let out a sigh of relief and settled down once more, finally able to fall asleep.

***

"She's back!"

"Oh look, Larkstar is back!"

"I'm so happy she's safe."

"Shadowstripe, wake up!"

His eyes shot open at the sound of his and his sister's names. Snowfall was standing over him, looking more excited than normal. He narrowed his eyes, "What?"

"Uh your sister, the new leader, is back home!" She squeaked.

"What?! Why?!" He meowed in a dissapointed tone, but then immediately changed it. "I mean... yay." He said half heartedly.

"Aren't you happy that your sister is back home safely?" She mewed in confusion.

No way! He sighed, "Yeah, sure." He was about to curl up again when Snowfall nudged him.

"Shadowstripe, she's choosing the deputy now, you know." She reminded him, making him immediately jump to his paws.

"The deputy! I have to be there!" He meowed excitedly, running out of the warriors den.

"That's more like it!" She purred, running after him, "Wait for me!"

Cats were rushing out of their dens, talking enthusiastically to each other. Shadowstripe squeezed through the crowd, grabbing him a spot at the front so it would be easier to accept his role as deputy. Snowfall somehow managed to get through the crowd and she sat down next to him.

"I wonder who will be deputy." Snowfall mused with a twinkle in her eyes.

Shadowstripe smiled, "I think I know who it will be."

Snowfall tilted her head to the side, "Really? Who do you think?"

Before he could answer, Larkstar had silenced the cats. She cleared her throat and took in a deep breath, "I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of IceClan is..." she looked at Shadowstripe and smiled. He puffed out his chest with pride, fully prepared to fulfill his destiny. "The new deputy of IceClan is Snowfall."

Shadowstripe stood up to touch noses with Larkstar, when he suddenly he stopped, every muscle in his body stiffened. "What?!" He snarled louder than he meant to.

Everyone gasped, and Snowfall and Larkstar froze. Snowfall looked back at Shadowstripe, her jaws wide open. Larkstar narrowed her eyes, "Do you have a problem with this, Shadowstripe?"