WindClan’s New Deputy

Goldenfang returned Ashfall’s reply with a purr, then pulled her focus onto Dayspring. The longer this meeting went on, the less things seemed normal, but she couldn’t place a claw on it. Her awkward opening was less than reassuring, but the golden she-cat understood how weird things had been lately. The ripple of shock that went through the Clan after Dayspring’s next words didn’t miss Goldenfang, and she gasped quietly. Lilacstar was stepping down? Because of that rat-filled SkyClan? This was a turn of events that she hadn’t seen coming. She wondered briefly if Lilacstar was doing the right thing by stepping down. ‘But we won the fight, didn’t we?’ That line of thought trailed off quickly. It was the leader’s—er, former leader’s choice, and whether it was right or wrong didn’t change anything.

Dayspring would be a good leader, probably. She, like a lot of WindClan warriors, was young and full of potential. And she was nice. That had to count for something. That had to be a lot better than SkyClan’s deputy; what did he even have? ‘Alright, he’s big. And ugly. And rude and really gross. I guess it’s his job to be intimidating. Is that what he’ll do as leader? Fart on cats who don’t agree with him and break legs when that doesn’t work? What a freak.’ Goldenfang’s briefly wandering mind was pulled back into the announcements when Dayspring started saying Official Sounding Words that would lead up to the naming of the new deputy. Her gaze slid sideways through the crowd. Swiftspirit! That was her bet. She was smart and reliable and always worked hard, even with her recent injuries.

But Swiftspirit’s pretty name never left Dayspring’s mouth. Instead, her name was called, and Goldenfang’s eyes snapped back to the dep—former deputy as though Dayspring was speaking unrecognizable words. She stared blankly for a heartbeat. Had she heard right? And then Dayspring was talking directly to her, and a nervous yet elated smile curled her mouth. “I will! I mean, I do—ah, yes. Thank you. I’ll work hard!” She meowed with some hesitation. A magnificent speech it was not. Her words had been earnest, though.

Muddyleap’s cheering brought pleasant, fuzzy feelings to her chest. His and Ashfall’s kind words made her feel happy that her Clanmates approved of her appointment. “Thank you!” She meowed breathlessly. It was true, then; they did like her. Her efforts weren’t for nothing. She scanned the gathered cats to find Silverlight. He seemed happy, too. That was good. She wanted him to be happy.

Pulled from the task he was working on, Sunpaw gathered with the rest of the Clan around Dayspring with a concerned look woven into his features. She looked very nervous, and it was soon very clear why. Lilacstar had stepped down as leader, which made Dayspring the new leader. Sunpaw crouched low in the dirt, large ears lowered as he thought. He really hoped Lilacstar was okay...Or...Lilac--...? He noted with a frown that he wasn't sure what her former name was. Before he had a chance to ask around, Dayspring announced the new deputy.

...Goldenfang!

The gangly apprentice sprang to his paws, heart leaping into his throat. His mentor, the deputy! "G-Goldenfang! Goldenfang!" he chanted alongside Muddyleap, his eyes bright. When she was free, he trotted over to greet her, butting her shoulder with his head affectionately. "Congrats, Goldenfang! I'm very proud of ya... I-I know you'll do a great job!"