Super Edition - Fernstar's Betrayal

Chapter 9

Fernwish was gathering moss with her new apprentice, Rowanpaw. Rowanpaw, Copperpaw, and Shadepaw were all named apprentices that morning. Swanheart was mentoring Copperpaw, and Shadepaw was being mentored by Jaysong. Fernwish was overjoyed when her best friend would be mentoring her daughter. Fernwish and Rowanpaw returned to camp with bundles of moss. "Now, I want you to change the bedding in the elder's den, then you can rest," Fernwish instructed. Rowanpaw nodded and dashed towards the elder's den.

At sunhigh, Marshepelt and Fernwish were in the swamps together. They both scented the same vole and crouched down to catch it. When they both leaped for it, they crashed into each other, and the vole scurried away. Marshepelt and Fernwish's noses ended up touching. Both of the warrior's pelts turned hot. Fernwish paused, then licked her mate's muzzle. "Aww, Fernwish." Marshepelt purred and returned the affection.

After a while, the two trotted back to camp, only to hear grief-struck yowls. "What's going on?" Fernwish's ears perked up.

"It sounds a lot like Mudstar." The fur along Marshpelt's spine rose. "Something might be wrong!" She hissed, before picking up speed. Fernwish lagged behind her, and they both burst into camp. Leopardheart was lying in the clearing with glassy, lifeless eyes. Her body was still and cold. Mudstar was sobbing over his mate's body, as Hazelleap murmured something in his ear. The clan was gathered around, sobbing and whimpering. Mudstar finally gathered the strength to leap onto the Damp Rock.

"We have lost our amazing deputy, Leopardheart, to greencough." The brown leader whimpered. "We will hold a vigil for her, but I must pick a new deputy." Mudstar sighed. "Fernwish," He sniffled. "Leopardheart always took a liking in your strength. And you make my daughter happy. So I want you to become my deputy." There were a few yowls of protest, but Fernwish nodded anyways, accepting the role.

"Then it's settled. Fernwish shall be SwampClan's deputy."

"Fernwish! Fernwish! Fernwish!" The clan chanted. Mudstar leaped down and curled around Leopardheart's body.

* * * *
It's been three long, harsh moons. The clan lost Littlenose to old age. One day, Stonestripe and Fernwish were sharing tongues in the swamps.
"So. Fess up. I know you're expecting kits." Fernwish mewed firmly. Stonestripe's eats shot up. She has been getting plumper.

"How did you know?" The silver she-cat hissed.

"I can smell it on you." The black deputy hissed. "They're Coyoteclaw's, aren't they?"

"Fine, they are." Stonestripe huffed. "Listen, tonight I'm joining ValleyClan." She added. Fernwish's heart was torn apart by those words. "I'm in love with Coyoteclaw."

"No!" Fernwish snarled, standing. "I won't allow you to leave! Not to that flea-pelt!"

"Well too bad!" Stonestripe wailed. "I love you Fernwish. But I love Coyoteclaw too. And I know you're going to tell Mudstar now, so I might as well leave now!" Stonestripe dashed away.

Fernwish didn't bother chasing after her. Stonestripe had made her choice. Fernwish was torn apart. She just lost her sister. The one thing she had since kithood. The one cat that always supported her no matter what. Gone. Gone forever.