Not much to say about this… I tried looking around the fanfictions here, but could only find humanized lemons, and the forty-million 'Warriors in High School.' It's only from Rusty's point of view, so the prologue is out. This is the remake of Chapter One. I'm thinking about sprinkling some OCs here and there, but probably not. Rated T for Rusty's foul mouth. Rusty here is fourteen and a half, Graypaw just turned thirteen, and Bluestar and Lionheart… Well they're adults, so who really cares?

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. All Warriors books, references, places, etc. belong to the makers of Erin Hunter. (And Harper Colins?)

(Insert cat picture here.)

Holy shit, it's dark. Okay, I was panicking just a little bit, but there was something out there, and I just had to check it out. Long story short, I think I'm lost. Here I am in the middle of the woods that border my little neighborhood looking for the rumored cannibals that terrorize all of my friends from even walking near the trees. The most important thing on my mind right now isn't even that my insides could be eaten by this time tomorrow. Nope. I'm thinking about food like any normal teenager would.

Slowly, I shuffled my feet through the undergrowth looking for a nice place to stop. I could faintly hear the scuffling of what I hoped was just a really, really large mouse. My shoulder jerked to nudge my loosely hanging backpack back into place. One of the straps had snagged on a branch just hour earlier, and now it hung awkwardly against my back.

"Mom's going to kill me," I whined to the woods. I realize now how stupid it was of me to forget my phone; I could really use a flashlight app around now. Blindly, I waved my arms around in search of a tree to lean against. Sure enough, after a few seconds of flapping my arms around my wrist found a nice big one with a loud thwack! I let out a groan before throwing my pack to where I assumed the tree was. Carefully I squatted to the forest floor where I blindly felt around in my backpack for the sandwich I packed before leaving.

"Aha!" I ground out after hearing the sweet sound of seal wrap between my fingertips. Hastily, I began to tear at the packaged sandwich, my mouth already watering.

Suddenly a large snap echoed through the trees.

Cursing, I threw my sandwich down, and began to blindly run through the trees. Fear pulsed through me with every loud, echoing step I took. Something is after you, my mind repeatedly screamed at me, something is after you! I began to pump my arms faster while I ran in hopes of outrunning whatever was pursuing me. The crunching behind me was beginning to speed up, happening more often than my own frantic steps.

Louder snaps rang through my ears, yet they were becoming familiar. Almost as if—

My eyes snapped open as the sound of my sister, Princess, feeding her cat finally registered; and tore me from my dream. The hard, dry pellets she feeds that poor cat created loud clashing noises heard all around our house as they clinked against the metal bowl. Either way, the dumb thing ate the food.

Princess and I live with our father, Jake. Our mother ran off a while ago after finding out that dad was having an affair with one of our neighbors, Quince. I think that Quince lady ran off too. My dad probably got her pregnant or whatever. You see, we live in a bad place, in a bad time, in a bad world. I've accepted it though. Sort of.

I slowly leaned forward out of my chair, and lifted a hand to run through my short, flame-colored hair. It took me a while to grasp what I was dreaming about, but even then I only barely understood it. Defeated, I released a huff and collapsed back onto my back; deciding to savor the memories of my dreams. My worn out, cotton shirt was plastered to my back with sweat.

"Third time this month, Rusty." I noted to myself while counting on my fingers. My hand fell back to the blankets for a moment before coming up to rest behind my head. Every time I had that damn dream, I would loose that sandwich.

Suddenly a growl rumbled from my stomach. My body obviously angry I deprived it from the sandwich of my dreams.

I threw back my blankets—probably sending them to the floor—to roll out of bed. Dad was probably at his 'work,' and Princess was probably canoodling with her boyfriend somewhere, but I gingerly made my way down the stairs in case either of them were in the living room. You see, I don't get along with anybody lately. I hate this bland, soft life of luxuries and technologies unlike my family. There's more out there, and I know it.

Moonlight made its way through a few slits in the blinds of a window in the living room. Only barely lighting the bare room. I hastily made my way to the kitchen, my socks causing me to skid into the wall a few times.

While searching through the fridge I could only find packaged meals, and protein shakes. Gross. I forced myself to choke down three pieces of stale bread; wishing it tasted like my dream sandwich. Reluctantly, I swallowed it all before turning on my heels to face the back door. After a few moments, I decided to venture into my backyard in hopes that the manmade nature here would remind me of the adrenaline filled energy that coursed through me in my dream.

The synthetic products only sickened me, and caused me to feel nauseous and disgusted with this place. My lips tugged into an irritated grimace. Only fools would know that this doesn't compare to the real world. The forested world. I didn't have that much of a clue what it was like either, but I knew it had to be better than this lax life of nothing.

After a while of glaring at the fake plants and turf grass, I went to lean against one of our chained fence posts designed to keep pets in, and wild animals out. Of course, you can't see the woods due to a tall barrier covering the backs of all the houses. It's almost as if our local government fears the rumored cannibals too. From the post I could clearly see the large dewdrops resting on top of each plastic strand of grass, and feel the damp air tickling my nose. My small yard was lit with the pale light of the moon, but I wondered if shadows were draped over the forest; hiding all its inhabitants from outsiders like me.

The sound of my father coming home tore me from my thoughts. I could hear him cursing loudly as he clambered into the kitchen. I could bet all my possessions he was drunk, and didn't even work that day. I could even hear him muttering my name, then rumbling for me to fetch him something.

In the woods, I wouldn't have to deal with him, I grimly thought while casting my green gaze towards the house. My father had turned on all the lights looking for me, and even managed to wake the neighbors. Though he soon grew impatient looking for me, and clambered back into the kitchen. I snorted out of pity. My father was all muscle and no brains, even when he was sober.

Suddenly the hairs on the nape of my neck prickled. Followed by the thin hairs along my arms. Was something moving out there? I couldn't see anything, but I had this peculiar feeling like something was there. Maybe the same something that terrorized my dreams. I stared at the wall ahead, wishing I could see past it. I then placed my hands on top of the fence, ignoring the pricks of pain in my palms. If I straightened my arms, and lifted, I could just barely see the tops of the trees. It seemed to promise me something, but even more so tempt me to venture into the forest.

"I'm going to do it." I muttered out the declaration, and walked over to the chair on the porch. I lifted the aluminum chair easily, and carried it to where the fence and wall met, and carefully set it back down; attempting not to make a noise.

"What are you doing Rusty?" Came a familiar voice behind me.

I looked up to see a boy around my age slowly walking towards the fence, his bare feet stirring the turf, and creating scuffing noises.

"Hello, Smudge," I replied before adjusting the chair so it wouldn't wobble.

"You're not going to scale the wall, are you?" Smudge's amber eyes widened, as if the thought were absurd.

"I just want to take a look," I promised while shuffling my feet uncomfortably.

"You'd never get me to go there. It's dangerous!" Smudge's brow now furrowed with displeasure. "Henry said he went into the woods once." He looked over his shoulder to where Henry lived a few houses down.

Bullshit. "That fat old man has never been into the woods!" I protested with a scoff. "I doubt he hasn't even left his house since he lost his job. All he ever does now is sleep, and waste food."

"No, really. He said he caught a squirrel, and kept it as a pet for a while!" Smudge continued to insist.

"Well, if he even did, then it was probably before he got laid off. Now he just complains about everything."

"Well, anyway," Smudge went on to ignore me, "Henry told me there are all sorts of dangerous creatures out there. Like giant men who eat children and live rabbits for breakfast, or sharpen their teeth on bones!"

"I'm only going for a look around," I insisted. "I won't even stay for that long."

"Well, don't say I didn't warn you," Smudge grumbled, and turned to stalk back to his porch.

"Smudge?" I called to him, though hushed out of fear of other people.

He simply turned to look at me, head cocked, and dark hair flopped over.

"Keep this between us." I said, although I'm not sure if he understood.

Quickly, I stood on the chair, and then tried to step onto the fence. I stifled a yelp as the thin barbs prodded my feet, and tried to put my toes on the flat parts of metal instead. If I reached up, I could firmly get a grip on the top of the white wall. It's concrete was smooth, but firm, and only a few inches thick. Thankfully, I come from a long line of construction workers, so lifting myself was easy. Soon I was carefully straddling the wall, and trying to find a way down.

I eventually gathered up enough courage to swing my other leg over. Now all I had to do was jump. It was only around eight, but still it unnerved me.

"There are worse things in the forest." I encouraged before sucking in a breath, and pushing off with my hands. My bare feet skidded against the wall my entire trip down until the impact of the hard earth caused me to land on my face. I took a few minutes to catch my breath and wipe the leaves and dirt off my body.

"Phew," I said to the trees, a smile tugging at my mouth. I did it. I was in the forest, and everything felt so right. Feeling in the moment I started to creep around the trees, and gradually travel deeper into the forest.

Suddenly the movement of a small creature caused my eye as it scurried under some brambles. I'm not sure what made me do it, but I instantly crouched down. I balanced on ten toes and five fingers while my remaining hand searched for something to throw with. I refused to take my eyes off the creature. My free hand glided over the soft dirt until I finally felt a small stone. Slowly, I crept forward.

I could now see the thin frame of the creature. Its small paws holding a nut in their desperate grasp while their mouth hopelessly suckled on the hard shell. It was a mouse.

I moved my weigh from between my feet, preparing to send the stone flying. I held my breath in case a sudden sharp intake of breath would startle the mouse. Excitement was now rippling through me, making my heart pound. This was far better than loosing a sandwich in the dark. At least in this hour I had the moonlight to guide me. Slowly, I exhaled, and jiggled the rock around in my palm. Then a sudden noise of cracking twigs and crunching leaves made me jump. I threw the rock at the source instead of at the mouse that was now scampering away into the thickest tangle of the bramble bush.

I stood very still while my green eyes scanned the trees frantically. For a moment, I thought I saw a flash of red and white, but it disappeared as quickly as I thought I saw it. I admit, I was scared out of my mind, and for a moment I thought a cannibal was going to eat me. My vision felt sharper from fear and adrenaline as I struggled forward into the woods.

Then another noise echoed through the trees.

It came from behind me somewhere, but sounded distant and muted. My head pivoted back and forth in attempts to see any other creatures, but nothing. The noises far away continued for a while. Footsteps? I wondered, but kept my eyes fixed to where I thought I saw the red flash. It was only when the faint rustling behind me became a loud and fast-approaching crunch that I realized I was in serous danger.

The thing hit me like an explosion and tossed me into a clump of nettles. I twisted and balled my hands into fists. While twisting and trying to land a blow on my attacker, I yelled out an aggressive stream of colorful insults. Whatever was on me had an iron grip on my back, and was too stubborn to let go. After I felt something sharp dig into my neck I really became irritated, and started writhing around even more, but continued to fail to free myself. For a moment I froze; paralyzed by fear.

Somehow this caused my attacker to falter, and loosen its grip on me. Rolling over, I pinned the attacker between the ground and my back, causing it to release a wheeze as my attacker lost their breath. Thrashing my arms around, I managed to free myself, and even jab my attacker with my elbows once or twice. Without thinking, I instinctively started sprinting towards the wall that would have protected me from attacks like that.

Behind me, a rush of footsteps told me that my attacker was giving chase. Even thought the pain from the blows I received throbbed, I decided I would rather turn and fight than be jumped on yet again.

I skidded to a stop, and turned to face my pursuer as boldly as I could.

It was another boy, with long shaggy gray hair, strong arms, and a broad face. The boy rolled his broad shoulders once, as if showing of briefly before running into me at full speed, and jostled me backwards. The impact knocked the breath out of me, and I continued to stagger. Quickly, I found my footing and straightened my back to stand taller than the other boy. I raised my clenched fists, and rocked back and forth of the balls of my feet; ready to continue. But my attacker simply took a step back, and crossed his arms, all signs of aggression gone.

I felt oddly disappointed. Every muscle in my body was tense, ready for another fight.

"Hi there!" the gray haired boy chirped. "You put up quite a fight for a softlifer!"

I still continued to bounce on my toes, debating whether to attack anyways. Though, I dropped my fists after remembering the boy's grip, and relaxed to the point where I stood flatfooted. "And I'll fight you again if I have to." I growled out.

"I'm Graypaw, by the way," the boy went on to ignore my threat. "I'm training to be a ThunderClan warrior."

I remained quiet. I considered walking away from this obviously mental ill person. I didn't even understand what this Graywhatever was rambling on about, but I sensed that any major threat in the conversation had passed on. I hid my confusion by picking at my nails.

"What's a softlifer like you doing out in the woods? Don't you have that barrier? Don't you know it's dangerous?" asked Graypaw.

"I think I can handle myself if you're the worst thing these woods have to offer." I huffed, hoping he wouldn't pick up on my bluff.

Graypaw looked at me for a moment, his strange yellow eyes narrowing. "Oh, I'm far from the most dangerous. If I were even half a warrior, I'd have given an intruder like you some real wounds to think about."

I felt a twinge of fear wash over me as the hairs along my neck prickled. But what on earth did he mean by intruder?

"Anyway," mumbled Graypaw, pausing to nip at a hangnail on his thumb. "I didn't think it was worth hurting you. You're obviously not from any of the other Clans."

"Other Clans?" I echoed, confused.

Graypaw rolled his eyes as if suddenly impatient with me. "You've had to have heard of the four Clans that hunt around here! I'm a member of ThunderClan. The other Clans are always trying to steal out prey, especially ShadowClan. They're so fierce they would have beaten you dead, no questions asked."

Graypaw paused to glare in a random direction, his jaw working a bit before spitting on the ground in front of me. "They come to take prey that is rightfully ours. It's the job of ThunderClan warriors to keep them out of our territory. When I've finished my training, I'll be so dangerous. I'll have the other Clans quivering in my wake. They won't dare come near us then!"

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, thinking he was one of the forest dwellers Smudge had warned me about. Living rough in the woods, hunting and fighting each other for every last meal. Yes I didn't feel scared. In fact, I kind of admired that confident boy. "So you're not a warrior yet?" I inquired.

"Why? Did you think I was?" Graypaw straightened a little, and cracked a proud-looking grin. "I won't be a real warrior for seasons. I have to get through training first. Kids have to be thirteen cycles old before they even begin training. Tonight is my first night as an apprentice."

"Why don't you just register in the city, and buy a nice house? You're lives could be easier," I suggested. "There's plenty of people who would even pay you if you're not a registered citizen, and—"

"Just stop right there, because I have no idea what you're talking about," Graypaw interrupted. "Besides, I would never become a softlifer, not if the forest ran out of food. There's only boring stuff out there waiting beyond that barrier. What else could have driven you here?"

Something shuffled behind Graypaw, and he instantly slouched rather than tense up like I did.

Graypaw muttered something about animal feces before a voice sounded behind him.

"What's going on here."

I turned to see a woman emerge from the bushes in a majestic manner. Her skirts made of hide trailing after her slightly. She had an aura of superiority. The lady looked old enough to be my mother, but not much over that. She had strange blue-gray hair braided behind her that shone in the moonlight. The only scar I could see from where I was snaked from across her collarbone down though a beaded vest covered her torso.

"Bluestar!" Beside me, Graypaw cringed as if the woman scared him. Graypaw faltered once more when a man emerged from the brush behind the lady.

Similar to Graypaw, this man had a bare chest save multiple crisscrossing bands of leather that created a 'V' like pattern in the center of his chest. He also wore simple pale hide pants that were cut off inches away from his angles, revealing his large, bare feet. The man had curled, long golden hair that glinted in the light.

"You shouldn't go near the white barrier, Graypaw," the man snapped, his green eyes narrowed.

"I know, Lionheart, I'm sorry," Graypaw looked down at his nervously shuffling feet. I looked down at my bare feet as well out of fear.

"Who is this?" Asked the woman.

I flinched, and assumed she was talking about me. I opened my mouth to speak, but Graypaw beat me to speaking.

"He's no threat," he assured. "He's not from another Clan, just a softlifer who decided to jump over the white barrier."

I stifled a snort, but all the same snapped my head to glare at Graypaw. I think Bluestar saw me because she shot a suspicious glance towards me.

"This is Bluestar; she's the leader of my Clan." Graypaw whispered to me under his breath. "And Lionheart. He's my mentor."

"Thank you for the introduction, Graypaw," The man—Lionheart said coolly.

Bluestar's gaze still lingered on me. "You fight well for a softlifer," she said.

Graypaw and I exchanged confused glances. How could she know?

"We have been watching you both." Bluestar went on, as if reading our thoughts. "We wondered how you would deal with an intruder, Graypaw. You attacked him bravely."

I could practically feel the pride radiating off of Graypaw at Bluestar's praise.

"You reacted well to the attack, softlife. Graypaw is stronger than you, but you used your wits to defend yourself. You also turned to face him when he chased you. I've not seen a softlifer do that before."

I opened my mouth to murmur thanks, but no words came out because I was so taken aback by such unexpected praise. Her next words surprised me further.

"You've dared to walk along the trees; something softlifers don't ever dare to do. You even seem to have a natural hunting ability. Sharp eyes. That mouse could've been yours if you had not hesitated so long.

"R-really?" I stammered.

Lionheart spoke then. His deep voice rumbled respectively but insistency laced his tone. "Bluestar, this is a softlife. He should not be stirring the prey in ThunderClan territory. What if that mouse was a deer? Send the scrap to his parents at once!"

I became irritated at Lionheart's dismissive words. "Send me home?" I ground out impatiently. Bluestar's words had made me fill with pride. She had noticed me; she had been impressed by me. "I only came to look around. I'm sure you would survive if I managed to hit that mouse."

Bluestar had turned her head to acknowledge Lionheart's words. Now her head snapped back to me. Her blue eyes glinting with anger. "There is never enough to go around," she spat. "If you didn't live such a soft, overfed life, you would know that!"

Confused, I took a step back so that my back was pressed against the tree. A horrified look on Graypaw's face was enough to tell me I had spoken too freely. Lionheart and Bluestar took a few steps towards me. I looked into Bluestar's threatening stare and my pride dissolved. These weren't my lenient neighbors I was dealing with—they were mean, hungry people who were probably going finish off what Graypaw had started.