Almost three moons has passed since Stonestripe left SwampClan. At the gathering, it was announced that Stonestripe had two kits, Fernkit and Pebblekit. Stonestripe's kitting was complicated, and so she died from blood loss. Fernwish was torn apart. SwampClan would be getting new kits soon as well. Salttail was in the nursery, expecting Jaysong's kits. Mudstar contracted a unique form of greencough from Leopardheart, where symptoms are barely noticeable until it's too late. The brown leader died rather suddenly.
Hazelleap and Fernwish padded out of camp. Fernwish shivered at the thought of returning to the Moon Hollow. She knew she had to get her nine lives, but she didn't want anything to do with StarClan. "Hazelleap," Fernwish mewed. "I'm not so sure about getting my nine lives."
"Not so sure?" Hazelleap echoed. "Fernwish, I know you'll make an amazing leader. No need to doubt yourself."
"No, I'm not doubting myself," The black she-cat added. "I don't want to get my lives. I don't need StarClan's extra power to be a noble and true leader." Fernwish felt Hazelleap's gaze burn into her pelt. "Even if I'm a leader, I'm just as important as every other cat in the clan. Why should I be the only one with nine lives?"
"I guess no cat can force you to get your nine lives." Hazelleap sighed. "But the clan might doubt you if they know you don't have nine lives." The medicine cat said. "I guess we could just sleep in the Moon Hollow until sunrise, and just tell the clan you got your lives."
"I don't want to lie to my clan. I'll still take the name Fernstar, but I want to lead without nine lives."
"Alright, Fernstar," Hazelleap responded with a smile before they turned around to trot back into camp.
The two cats trotted back to camp. Fernstar carefully trotted on to the Damp Rock and yowled for a clan meeting. "I have chosen not to receive my nine lives," Her announcement was met with murmurs of shock, some were disapproving. "I will still take the name Fernstar, out of respect for tradition," She managed to keep her voice steady.
"Fernstar! Fernstar!" Most of the clan cheered.
"Jaysong, you've always been loyal and kind, so I want you to be my deputy." The blind leader announced.
"It would be an honor." The new deputy dipped his head.
Marshpelt and Fernstar were curled up in their new nest in the leader's den. Fernstar started to drift off until a new scent filled her nose. It was the strongest SwampClan scent she's ever smelled.
"No!" An unfamiliar voice spoke. "I warned Flintberry and Mudstar about you! Do you really want the clan to be led by blindness?" She growled.
"Who are you?" Fernstar hissed.
"I am Swampstar. I create SwampClan. And I will not let my clan be led by a blind cat!" Swampstar leaped out at Fernstar. The black leader quickly dodged. Swampstar landed on the ground with a thump. The black leader unsheathes her claws and jumped onto Swampstar. Swampstar rolled, squishing Fernstar. She swiftly bit on the blind cat's scruff. Fernstar felt a chunk of fur being torn.
"How are you supposed to lead with only one life?" Swampstar sunk her claws into Fernstar's chest, causing blood to pool around them. Fernstar struggled, rage filling her. She was still pinned down.
"I believe in you, Fernstar." Stonestripe's voice rang in her head. Hearing her sister's voice made her heart fill with hope. Fernstar raked Swampstar's belly and sunk her claws into her chest. Swampstar stumbled back, her ears pinned to her head. Fernstar then scraped the former leader's flank. She nipped at her paws and yank her tail, causing her to collapse.
"How? You're blind!" Swampstar hissed.
"I can still hear a smell, mouse-brain!" Fernstar then pinned Swampstar down.
"You... managed to pin me down?" Swampstar mewed. "You really are stronger than I thought." The large she-cat huffed. "Go on. What are you waiting for? Perform the killing bite on me!"
Fernstar hesitated. "No." She crawled off of Swampstar. "I shall spare you, as a true warrior would."
"T-thank you, Fernstar. I trust you will lead the clan well." Swampstar's voice and scent then faded.
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Super Edition - Fernstar's Betrayal
FanficFernwish is determined to become the greatest warrior she can be, but she is cursed with blindness, which gets in the way of many of her warrior duties. Fernwish's parents pressure her to become a medicine cat, which adds to her stress. Her sister...
