The Sign from StarClan

Markstar closed his eyes, listening to the rhythmic breathing of Strongspirit beside him. 5 new cats had come in the last moon. Burst, Flash and Singe. They seemed mysterious, and drawn away from the clan. Ebonywing, who had come gravely injured. She was getting better now, but seemed receded from clan life. Then, Grin. His mind drifted. Grin had seemed so different... Markstar shook his head, and fell asleep.


Markstar awoke if a dark clearing.Then, he saw it. The LakeClan camp appeared in the distance, and somehow, he was able to see everything. He saw the clan, but something seemed different. It seemed... chaotic. He looked around for himself, but didn't see him. What had happened to make the clan so out of order? But then, Markstar saw him. It came as a shock, to see him, running around the clan, trying to calm them. Why was he doing this? Shouldn't his deputy, Silentsong, be calming everyone? Markstar's eyes stayed glued on him, and he suddenly realized what had happened. He took a step back, shaking his head, knowing what he must do. He continued to watch him as the clan slowly calmed down, before he woke up, sunlight streaming into the den.

Markstar looked around, and padded out of his den. He looked around for the cat, his eyes catching sight of the white fur. He bounded over to him, and whispered.

"Grin. We need to talk."

Grin looked startled but followed.

::---::

Markstar leaped onto the Lake Rock, and called the clan together.

"This ceremony may come as a shock, but I feel I must do it, as StarClan have never been wrong to me before."

Markstar nodded, and began.

"I say these words before StarClan, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice! The new deputy of LakeClan is Grin!"

Yowls of shock and anger rang out. 

"Grin has been here only for a few sunrises!

Why would you make a total stranger deputy!?

How do you know you can trust him?!

What would lead you to this decision?!

Grin isn't fit to be deputy!"

Markstar growled.

"SILENCE!"

The clan fell silent at once, though fur still bristled. All eyes were staring at Grin, who sat straight, not being penetrated by the clan's harsh words.

"You will accept him as your deputy, or LEAVE! I received a sign from StarClan. Do you doubt StarClan? Or only me? I thought my clan trusted my judgment better then this. I know I'm young, but becoming leader has made me have to act older. I lost my youth! If you don't like me being leader, then don't blame me, blame Dreamstar!"

Dreamstar's name sent a horrible hush over every cat. They all stared at Markstar, their eyes wide. Dreamstar's name was rarely mentioned, not because she was hated, but because every cat missed her. Her death at been a terrible blow to the clan. It had made them weaker, and they still were weak. A barrier had seemed to rise around the cats. The clan had seemed, almost parted.

Markstar shook with anger and sadness. He leaped off of the Lake Rock, padding out of the camp. The clan didn't even look at him go, but all winced when they heard him yowling. The clan moved away from each other, shooting cold glances at every one they passed. This lash of anger had separated them even more. 

Markstar's yowls went on for the rest of the day. The clan didn't dare venture out of the camp, in fright of running into Markstar. They were hungry, yes, but there terror won over. Grin sat uncomfortably in the camp. He was part of the reason this rift in the clan had appeared. So, he decided to watch the clan. He watched as Strongspirit paced nervously when Markstar had not yet come back as the moon rose. He layed down beside the Lake Rock, knowing it would be torture going into the Warrior's Den.

::---::

Burst growled. How dare he interfere! How could Flash and Singe not even recognize Grin!? Burst shook his head, continuing to watch Grin.