Shadepaw POV

Ashstar shot a look of animosity at Rowanstar, then wordlessly gestured for her cats to leave. The WindClan patrol exited from the camp behind Bumblestar.

With many different thoughts and emotions rushing through my mind, I stared at Foxleap's body, which was lying on the ground near the ShadowClan camp entrance. The fur on his throat was stained bright red, and his head was resting at an awkward angle in a pool of his own blood. His amber eyes were still half-open, but looked dull and empty.

I had been horrified when Foxleap had revealed to me that he was my father. Foxleap was a cat that I had considered to be purely evil and power-hungry. He had been the second-in-command for the most sinister cat to ever live by the lake, and his ambitiousness had surpassed perhaps even that of Bumblestar. I did not want to have any relation to a cat such as him. I had always imagined my father being a valiant warrior who had perhaps been struck down bravely opposing Bumblestar, or had perished defending his Clan in battle. I had always wanted a hero as a father, someone who I could look up to and who would serve as a role model.

Instead, my father had turned out to be Bumblestar's servant, who desired power and status over following the warrior code and obeying the will of StarClan. He had aided Bumblestar in abducting innocent ShadowClan cats when Bumblestar had devised the plan to kill Ratscar and Graypaw in front of an audience of ThunderClan cats. He had protected Bumblestar from adversaries, and had advised him on how to proceed with his evil schemes. He had brought the patrol to the ShadowClan camp to wipe out my new Clan when even Bumblestar had recognized that a temporary period of peace was necessary.

And yet, I couldn't forget the way that he had attacked the fox to protect me, and then had allowed me to escape. I couldn't erase the image from my mind of the way he had looked at me when he admitted his relation to me. Perhaps I had imagined it, but I could've sworn that I had seen a trace of love in his eyes.

I could not help but to ponder whether or not Foxleap had truly cared about me, and if things could've ended differently. Under different circumstances, would I have had a close relationship with him? If he had not been promoted to the deputy position, would his behavior have been different? I had so many questions that were centered around him. Why had my mother never spoken about him? Why had he never been there to watch me and my brother grow up, and to teach us the ways of a warrior? If he had actually wanted me to escape and find a safe home, why had he chosen to attempt to advance Bumblestar's goals of domination of the entire forest rather than leaving my sanctuary in peace?

Someone nudged me on my right shoulder. "Shadepaw, are you okay?"

I shook my head to clear it, and then glanced to my right. It was Tawnypelt, my mentor, who was looking at me with concern in her green eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine," I said, trying to sound convincing.

Tawnypelt gave me a skeptical look. "Are you sure about that? Whatever it is, you can tell me, Shadepaw. What's wrong?"

I took a deep breath. Every cat around the lake was better off for Foxleap's death. He was nothing but an evil cat who had finally gotten what he deserved. It shouldn't have mattered to me. There was no reason for me to care about him.

"Nothing is wrong," I replied. "Nothing at all."

Bumblestar POV

The sun was just beginning to dip beneath the horizon as I arrived back at the ThunderClan camp. A pale, orange glow illuminated the camp as I emerged into the stone hollow through the thorn tunnel. The sky was tinged with a few different shades of pink as well as purple, and a few wisps of silvery clouds drifted across the colorful backdrop. I noticed that Nightpaw was sitting outside the warriors den, looking as if he had been waiting for my return. I padded over to greet the black-furred apprentice.

"Welcome back, Bumblestar!" Nightpaw said cheerfully. "I've been waiting for you."

I chuckled at the young tom's enthusiasm. He was developing into an excellent servant. I could not wait for him to be old enough to become a warrior. "Thank you, Nightpaw. There are many more lessons still to learn tomorrow in training. However, since you and Redpaw did not get to finish your skirmish today, I've decided to allow both of you to go to the Gathering."

Nightpaw's eyes widened. "Really? Thank you so much, Bumblestar! Oh, and by the way, is it true what I heard, that Foxleap is dead?"

I nodded. "Yes, it is."

"Who are you appointing as the new deputy?" Nightpaw asked.

"Nobody. I do not need a deputy for now," I answered. "But eventually, I intend to select you as my deputy. I believe that you can carry on my legacy."

Nightpaw's eyes glowed with excitement. "What an honor that would be! I really am flattered, Bumblestar! I'll serve you, no matter what!"

"I know you will," I replied.

A/N: Two quick updates! I hope that you guys have enjoyed! :)