This idea came to me while I was feeding the chickens. This is the story of Barley.

Abyss- Barley's old name

I made up the Clan leader and deputy's name.

Abyss raised his head, blinking sleep out of his eyes. He looked over at Boulder, who was hunched over a scrawny rat, chewing on its brittle bones. He looked over at the sight of Abyss waking, "Scourge wants to talk with you," he grunted, his claws raking the ground.

"About what?" Abyss squinted through the dusty light.

"D'you think he told me?" Boulder snarled, whirling around and aiming a swipe at Abyss. "Just get on with it." He growled and settled himself deeper into the Twoleg-trash.

Lurid raised her head, blinking in the watery light. "Will you two shut up," her lips pulled back. "Can't a cat get any sleep around here?" The she-cat flicked her raven tail at Abyss, "Scourge is waiting." Her tone was mocking, she was Bone's mate.

Abyss looked down at her swollen belly with disdain and stood, grunting with the effort.

"Let him in." Scourge's voice was hollow as he commanded Bone, his collar shining as sunlight hit it.

"Sir," Abyss dipped his head, his sheathed paws scrabbling on the ground. "Why have I been called?"

Scourge sighed, his voice creaking like splintering ice, "I need a spy." Abyss' ears pricked with interest. "I need a cat to go into the forest; I want to know what they offer." Abyss' eyes grew wide. Go into the forest! He would have to catch his food.

"Yes, sir," Abyss knew as well as any cat that there were four clans in the forest. He didn't know their names, but he would like to check them out. "When do I go?"

"Now!" Scourge hissed, "report to me in one moon."

Abyss flicked water off of his paws, letting out a long hiss of indignation. He looked back, he had been traveling for more that three sunsets and he still hadn't found these wild cats. He looked back, his ears pricked. What was that? Shrugging he kept walking.

"Stop where you are!" Snarled a voice.

Abyss whirled around, his black-and-white fur fluffed out, his teeth bared. But the cat in front of him seemed small, her amber eyes large. She relaxed. "You're just a loner. Come on, I'd better report this to Longstar." She nodded, as if she found the idea thrilling.

She sniffed him, wrinkling her nose in disgust, "you smell like crowfood! But it's stale." She sheathed her claws, "follow me."

Abyss had no choice, he trotted after the small she-cat. Her blue-gray fur rippled with muscles as she lept, and Abyss looked on, impressed. "My name is Abyss," he offered.

The she-cat looked back, her eyes dancing. "Abyss?" She grunted, "my name is Bluepaw. I've been an apprentice for nearly four moons now. My mentor is Wheatear. She's the best cat in ThunderClan, she's not deputy . . . that would be Brighteye."

Bluepaw looked back, "you don't belong to a Clan, do you?"

"No," Abyss wasn't fond of the talking this young cat could do.

After a little while they came to a gaping gorse tunnel, "Patchpelt's on guard." She commented, passing the cat, who gave a curious nod. "Longstar! I've brought you someone!" She yowled.

A large tom walked out of a den, Abyss almost shrank away in fear. This was a large silver tom with blue eyes and black flecks. His claws were sharp, his muscles bunching powerfully. "Who's this?" His tone gave nothing away.

"His name is Abyss, he's a loner I'd guess. He looks strong," she prompted.

"Please go Bluepaw, I'll take care of this; Whitepaw and Lionpaw are going on a hunting patrol with Halftail. Why don't you join them?" Bluepaw gave a squeak, giving a hasty 'bye to Abyss.

"Follow me," Longstar signaled with a flick of his tail.

Abyss followed, and after Longstar had settled himself in a mossy bed he looked up. "Our Clan is small, and leaf-bare is coming. I've been watching you for the last three sunsets. You are a skilled hunter, how would you like to join ThunderClan?"

Bum Bum Buuum! lol. We'll see what happens, I know it's slow. I need at least 2 reviews.