Warriors: Drizzlestar's Change

Chapter 13

"Keep your tail tucked in."
Drizzlefrost was training Pricklepaw, circling her carefully to make sure her stance was right.
Pricklepaw stood on her hind legs and batted out with her front paws, her tail tucked between her legs. She stumbled a little, then fell on the ground.
"I need my tail for balance! Why do I have to do this again?" Pricklepaw moaned, getting back on her paws.
"It makes it so that your opponent can't get your tail." Drizzlefrost replied. "Try again, until you can balance."
Pricklepaw sighed before trying again.

By the time they got back to camp, it was almost nightfall. Pricklepaw picked up a sparrow from the fresh kill pile and joined her denmates. Drizzlefrost spotted Leapfrost with Blackstorm and Duskheart, walking over to join them.
Leapfrost greeted her with a lick behind the ear as she lyed down beside him.
Blackstorm looked at Drizzlefrost. "We were just talking about Oaklight's decision."
"Decision?" Drizzlefrost looked at the cats around her with confusion. "What decision?"
Leapfrost glanced at Blackstorm. "You weren't here but... Oaklight's going to be joining the elders soon, along with Onetail and Bateye."
Drizzlefrost's eyes widened. "But that means... that means I'll have to be leader! What if I'm not ready? What if I won't be as great as Oaklight?!"
Leapfrost pressed his muzzle to her shoulder. "Of course you're ready. Oaklight chose you for a reason. He knows what you're capable of."
"Exactly." Duskheart mewed.
Blackstorm nodded. "And besides, he didn't say he would be going now. He said soon."
Drizzlefrost felt a little better. "Thanks."
Blackstorm suddenly looked worried. "Drizzlefrost, can we talk? In private?"
Drizzlefrost nodded. "Of course." She looked at Leapfrost and Duskheart. "Excuse us for a moment."
Drizzlefrost led Blackstorm out of camp. She stopped near a tree not to far from camp.
Drizzlefrost looked at her friend with worry. "Is something wrong?"
Blackstorm shrugged. "Yes and no. I'm... expecting kits."
Drizzlefrost's eyes widened. "That's great! Are they... Redstrike's?"
Blackstorm nodded. "But I'm going to say they're Bloodfire's."
Drizzlefrost shifted her paws. "What if someone else finds out? Don't you think Bloodfire will be heart broken?"
Blackstorm lifted up her muzzle. "If Bloodfire truly loves me, he would understand. But I'll still say they're his just in case."
Drizzlefrost sighed. "Oh Blackstorm, what have you done?"

Drizzlefrost entered Oaklight's den, meowing to warn him she was here. Oaklight lifted his head up from his nest and smiled.
"Drizzlefrost." He croaked. "I suppose you heard about my decision?"
Drizzlefrost nodded, lying down beside him. "Why did you choose me? I don't think I'm ready." She whispered.
"Because I know you will be a great leader, and StarClan thinks so too." Oaklight replied. "You're mother said so."
Drizzlefrost's eyes brightened. "Really?"
"Yes." Oaklight assured her. "Graywind knew you had greatness inside you, so she told me to appoint you as deputy. Though I would have done it anyways."
"But why not Jaggedclaw?" Drizzlefrost asked.
"Jaggedclaw's a good warrior, but her ambition drives her too far. I want FireClan to be led by a peaceful leader, not a blood thirsty one." Oaklight answered lightly.
Drizzlefrost looked away. "How much longer do I have?"
"Tomorrow you will receive your nine lives." Oaklight rasped. "Be strong, Drizzlefrost. You will make FireClan rise."