Oxspright  tensed, he heard a slight rustle in the nearby grass. Was it the killer or a vole? He stuck his muzzle in the air, to get a firmer grip on the scent. Definitely not a vole! He turned her head around to call to Sugarblossom and Strawberrycloud. The council members had decided to take a walk and discuss the situation, when Oxspright thought he had smelt prey and separated,  "Strawberrycloud, Sugarblossom! Come here for a second, there's an unfamiliar-"

         A feline jumped out of the nearby bushes and swiped a clean blow at Oxspright's neck, digging their claws deeper. The council member gave a choking sound, before he gave his final breaths. The killer bounded back into the bushes as if nothing happened.

         Sugarblossom and Strawberrycloud found their fellow member's body in shock as they carried it back to camp.

~•~•~•~•~

         "The new council member will be Breezewhisper." The chief's gaze was glazed with tears, Oxspright had been serving as a council member for many many moons. "I hope Oxspright agrees with this choice." The clan cheered Breezewhisper's name, but grief still lingered. Dragonflywish lashed his tail for silence. "With the killer still among us, and leaf-bare approaching, every-cat please stay cautious!" Whoever this killer was, were smart, and Dragonflywish knew his words would be in vain.

         Oh right! Trainees! A small smile crept onto his face as he announced once more, "There are two felines among our clan who are now at the skill level to advance in rankings." Heatherpaw and Fennelpaw knowingly stepped forward. A pang of sadness hit Dragonflywish again. Twistpaw and Chamomilepaw should be here. The two had died to a raccoon attack, so young. 

         "Your ceremony has been long postponed. Though Ripple-eye and Sproutheart aren't here for this day, I know they are very proud of you." Though they aren't in Blooming Tribe, I know they're proud. "Fennelpaw, you have gone through great loss, both your parents, brother, and mentor are dead, but you have not let that bring you down. From this day on, you will now be a guard known as Fenneloak for your resilience and determination." The chief waited for the congratulating to die down before moving to Heatherpaw's ceremony. "Heatherpaw, even with the loss of your father, siblings, and mentor, you have grown to be an amazing cat. From now on, you will now be a a hunter known as Heatherwind for your fast pace and strong spirit." Dragonflywish smiled warmly at the molly as her name was chanted. 

         Maybe there is hope after all. After all, Mistlekit, Sagekit, and Butterflykit were to become trainees next moon as well.