Shadekit POV

I raced out of the thorn tunnel, allowing the screeches of battle to fade away. Fawnkit ran alongside me, struggling to keep up. I would normally slow down to accommodate her slower speed, but that was not an option at the moment. I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting Bumblestar to have noticed and come after me. There was nothing around us, nothing but the massive oaks on our sides.

I wouldn't admit it to Fawnkit but I had no idea where I was going. I was just following the scent trail of Dewstripe, hoping that it would lead to the ShadowClan border, or any border, for that matter. Perhaps WindClan might be safer, considering that ShadowClan was attacking the ThunderClan camp at the moment.

I was sprinting through the forest at full speed, which was probably not the best idea since I was not used to navigating through the forest. I suddenly tripped over a root and tumbled down a slope. I was brought to a halt when I smacked into a tree. I lay on the ground, dazed. Fawnkit chased after me. She helped me to my paws and I whispered, "Thank you."

I found myself at the mouth of an opening to a small tunnel. It looked like it would be perfect to hide in. What luck! It stank like the dirtplace, but it would do. Fawnkit's eyes lit up when she spotted the tunnel and together, we walked inside.

A large, shadowy shape sat inside the den, hunched over a piece of prey. It looked up and locked eyes with us. In the dim lighting, I could make out a bright red, bushy coat with white markings on its chest. It had a long, pointed snout, and when it bared its teeth at us, I noticed sharp, massive fangs. I had never seen a creature like this before, but had heard the elders' stories.

I turned to Fawnkit. "That must be a..."

"Fox!" we said in unison.

We scurried out of the entrance to the den. The fox barked excitedly and followed in pursuit. I tried to speed up, but the fox was gaining on us. Fawnkit was falling behind as well. I gritted my teeth, knowing I couldn't leave her to die, and turned to face the fox.

"Shadekit, what are you doing?" Fawnkit shrieked.

I unsheathed my claws and summoned my courage. "Fawnkit, just run, please! Don't look back!"

"I won't leave you!" she wailed.

"There's no time! Just go!" I stared at the fox, knowing my life was about to end.

A red blur came out of nowhere and intercepted the fox. It was Foxleap, the ThunderClan deputy! Bumblestar must've sent him to kill us! But why had he stopped the fox? The fox could've done his job for him!

I should've fled, but somehow, I was paralyzed, rooted to the spot. Fawnkit scampered over to me and nudged me to try to snap me out of it, but I stood frozen and watched the ThunderClan deputy battle the fox.

The fox shook Foxleap off. Foxleap tumbled to the ground, but quickly scrambled back to his feet. He darted in and dealt a blow to the fox's side, then retreated out of range of its teeth. He hurried in again and managed to swipe his claws across the fox's throat before it could attack. The fox collapsed to the ground, convulsing a few times before falling still.

Foxleap stared at its lifeless body for a moment, then looked at me. He gave me a small nod and began to walk away from us, back in the direction we had come from, the direction of the ThunderClan camp.

Why had he saved us? I was speechless for a few heartbeats, then found my voice.

"Wait!" I yelled.

Foxleap stopped and turned around. "Yes?"

"W-why did you save us?" I stammered. "You w...I mean, I thought you were loyal to Bumblestar!"

"I am loyal to Bumblestar," Foxleap murmured.

I blinked in confusion. "Then why didn't you let it kill us? Why would you help us?"

Foxleap hesitated briefly, then sighed. "Because I'm your father."

I nearly choked. Foxleap, the ThunderClan deputy, Bumblestar's servant, who hated Blossomfall, was my father?! Plus, he was already the father of Cherrystripe's kits! This must have been a joke, or a really weird dream.

"By the way, you'll find the ShadowClan border if you follow the trail to your right." With that, Foxleap vanished into the distance.

A/N: I bet nobody saw that coming! Who would've thought Foxleap would help the good guys! Hope you enjoyed as always, and thanks for all of the votes and comments I've been receiving! You guys are the best!