Fall of the Panther || Chapter 3

Instructions

Pantherstar climbed onto the huge boulder in the middle of camp. The half-moon shone above, casting a soft light into the camp clearing. The wind and forest were quiet, as if holding their breath for the leader’s announcement. Pantherstar cleared her throat painfully and spoke: “Cats of CraneClan, gather here for a Clan meeting!” She watched as all the cats surrounded the landmark. By the looks on their faces, they all knew full well what this meeting was for. Pantherstar sighed remorsefully. It hadn’t even been a moon since the founding of the Clan, and she was already having to make this announcement. “Cats of CraneClan, we are gathered here today to witness the burial of the late deputy, Mistlefern. CraneClan honors her bravery and dedication. We will never forget her.” She spoke grimly, each word hurting her throat more than the last. She looked around at each of the cats, feeling their faces reflect her own. Pantherstar took a deep breath, trying to loosen her tight throat. “But first, I have chosen a new deputy.” She let the suspense linger for a moment before attempting a smile. “Shimmersnow, step forward.” Pantherstar watched the silver cat’s eyes widen. Shimmersnow slowly made her way to the great boulder and climbed on, nearly slipping off in her daze. “Pantherstar, I-I don’t understand. Why me?” She asked. Pantherstar opened her mouth to respond and then shut it again. Why had she picked Shimmersnow? It seemed like an odd choice when there was Brownflash as well. The black-furred warrior was, after all, the one who had brought Mistlefern’s body back and had gone on twice as many patrols as Shimmersnow. “It is the will of StarClan.” Pantherstar lied, then quickly added, “And also because you will be receiving an apprentice. Chasingkit, step forward.” Pantherstar said. She flicked her tail, trying to calm her racing heart. Picking Shimmersnow was the wrong decision, and yet she had done it anyway. She just hoped that no cat had seen her quick flash of doubt and still believed her. Chasingkit’s eyes shone excitedly as she scrabbled onto the smooth stone. “Really? I get to be an apprentice?! But it's still a few days until I'm six moons o–” “Hush, Chasingkit. Do not question your leader!” Shimmersnow interrupted. To Pantherstar’s relief, Chasingkit obeyed, if reluctantly. Shimmersnow breathed and looked into Pantherstar’s eyes. The leader gritted her teeth, seeing that Shimmersnow knew full well why she was chosen. If the other cats found out, she would lose all of their trust. Pantherstar slightly moved her head, and Shimmersnow nodded, understanding dawning on her. Pantherstar turned to the rest of the Clan, speaking in a steady voice. “It's time for Chasingkit to become an apprentice. Chasingkit, from this day until you receive your warrior name, you will be called Chasingpaw. Starclan, I ask you to guide this new apprentice. Set her paws on the path she must follow to become a warrior.” Pantherstar turned back to Shimmersnow, inhaling deeply. “Shimmersnow. You will be the mentor of Chasingpaw. I hope you will pass on all that you know to your new apprentice. May StarClan guide you.” Her words were firm, and Shimmersnow stepped forward to touch noses with Chasingpaw. The apprentice was beaming and accidentally rushed forward too quickly, causing Shimmersnow to utter an “ow!” A “sorry!” quickly followed. The Clan cheered, the tension from earlier not forgotten, but temporarily lifted. With a heavy sigh, Pantherstar ordered Chasingpaw and Shimmersnow off the rock and stood in the center. “It is time for Mistlefern’s vigil.”