Shadows in the Night

Chapter Six

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“Featherstar! No!” How can this be happening, so soon after Whitefur and Spiderfall’s deaths?

Nightclaw winced as she saw the elderly she-cat’s breathing grew more and more shallow. She looked helplessly at Leaffur, who just shook her head. 

“There’s nothing we can do now; she’s been suffering from greencough for two sunrises, and joining StarClan will reunite her with Whitefur.”

The black she-cat stared at the medicine cat, shocked. “But i’m not ready to be leader! I’ve only been deputy for a half-moon! There has to be someone else to take my place! Perhaps Leopard-”

“No, Nightclaw.” Frecklepaw’s quiet mew silenced her. “I’ve only been part of this clan for a few moons, but a blind rabbit could tell that you’d make a good leader. Honor Featherstar’s choice, and lead LightningClan.”

“I’ve always believed in you,” Featherstar rasped, her blue eyes glazing over. “Don’t fail me now.”

There must be something I can do! Nightclaw watched on, helpless. Frecklepaw pressed her muzzle into Featherstar’s flank, and then sat up, her eyes filled with sadness.

“She’s gone.”

Nightclaw suppressed the urge to wail like a kit who had lost her mother.

“You better go tell the clan,” Leaffur urged, nudging Nightclaw out onto the highrock. Nightclaw shook her head, then took a few deep breaths.

My clan needs me now.

“I’m always here for you, Nightclaw,” Webfoot meowed to her before turning away.

“All cats that are old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the highrock for a clan meeting. Featherstar is dead,” Nightclaw announced, watching as a wave of sadness passed through the assembled cats. 

“She was a great leader,” Frostpelt stepped up and mewed.

“She invited us to join the clan,” Emberpaw added.

“We’ll never forget her.”

“Featherstar was my mentor, i’ll always remember what I learned from her,” Duskpaw meowed. 

“Featherstar died? Can I see her?” Wolfkit squealed, bouncing out of the nursery. Mosspelt, who was sitting with Owlfang near Leaf’s den, immediately got up and herded the tiny gray tom closer to her. Thrushkit peeped out from where he was tucked behind his mother.

“I bet she looks ugly!” The brown kit squeaked.

“Hush!” Mosspelt hissed, flashing an apologetic glance to Nightclaw. She let out a mrrow of amusement. 

“Nightstar! Nightstar!” Poppykit mewed.

“I can’t be called that yet until I receive my nine lives from StarClan. We leave tonight, if that’s alright with you, Leaffur.” The old she-cat dipped her head. 

“The first thing I need to do as leader is appoint a deputy. Owlfang will be the new deputy of LightningClan.” The brown tom’s eyes shone with pride as he padded up to Nightclaw. 

It was a good choice. Owlfang is the most senior warrior, and he is respected by everyone. 

“Thank you. I promise to do my best,” he meowed, accepting his new role in the clan.” 

“My father is the clan deputy!” Wolfkit boasted.

“Nightclaw! Owlfang! Nightclaw! Owlfang!”