CHAPTER THREE

It was early morning when Breeze was woken up by needle-sharp claws. She let out a cry of shock when she realized that she had been pried from her nest. Panic gripped at her heart as she struggled to fight back, but her attacker was quick and easily subdued her.

"Where is my son?" A heavily built paw was placed around Breeze's neck. Finally she opened her eyes and saw a beautiful looking golden tabby she-cat glaring down at her. "Where is my son?" She repeated the question when Breeze didn't answer.

"He was here just last night!" Breeze choked out.

"Well he sure as stars isn't here right now," the golden tabby snapped.

"Mom!" Almost at once the paw was lifted from Breeze's neck. Relief washed over her when she recognized Brazen's mew. She looked towards the edge of the clearing to see him standing there, tail lifted in shock when he saw his mother. "You're okay!" He wasted no time in bounding towards the golden tabby.

"Brazen, thank the stars you are safe," the golden tabby breathed after rubbing noses with him.

"It's only thanks to this cat I'm alive," Brazen admitted after ducking his head in embarrassment.

Now it was the golden tabby's turn to look embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she murmured. "I didn't realize that you had helped my son."

"It's okay," Breeze replied with a shrug. "I would have done the same thing if I had kits of my own."

She was sure that she would have done the same thing. She had never thought of having kits. It seemed so distant, especially since she was just a loner. Any chances at meeting a tom that might actually stay with her were slim.

"My name is Myth by the way," the golden tabby meowed. "I really am sorry that I attacked you. After the rogues chased me I was afraid my son had been captured by them."

"It's okay, really," Breeze purred. "I'm just glad we were able to find you."

Myth looked more than relieved to be reunited with her son. Breeze felt her heart soar with hope when she realized that these cats might be willing to be part of a Clan. Despite Tangleclaw's fear she knew that these cats were capable of fighting. And if she told them his stories than maybe they would be willing to join.

"You're more than welcome to stay here for now," Breeze suddenly added when the two cats started to leave. "It will be safer than living in Twolegplace."

"Mom, can we stay? This place is so big!" Brazen's eyes were bright with excitement as he bounced beside his mother. Myth gave him an odd look before glancing back at Breeze. Heartbeats of an awkward silence seemed to fill the air.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to stay for a few nights," Myth sighed after realizing that this was what Brazen wanted.

Breeze smirked in amusement when she realized that Brazen was more at home here than ever. He was bounding from one spot in the clearing to the other. Breeze stiffened when she thought of Tangleclaw the moment Myth had made her decision.

Where is he? she wondered.

A sudden knot filled her stomach as Breeze picked up a familiar scent. She took a few tentative steps before realizing why she felt this way.

It didn't take Breeze long to realize that Tangleclaw wasn't moving. He was curled up in a makeshift nest of moss and leaves that he had made last night. Breeze bowed her head when she realized that he was dead.

"Tangleclaw... you've joined StarClan," she whispered.

"By the way, I never did get your name," Myth meowed once Brazen was settled in. The golden tabby flinched when she saw what Breeze was staring at. "Oh my stars, who is that?"

"His name was... is Tangleclaw," Breeze corrected herself.

"Such a strange name... but I feel like I've heard it somewhere," Myth mewed.

"My name is Breeze, by the way," Breeze murmured when she looked back at Myth. "I was following Tangleclaw after my nest got raided by the rogues. They're probably the same rogues that were chasing you."

She paused before taking a deep breath. As quickly as she could she told Myth what Tangleclaw had told her. Myth's eyes widened in disbelief when Breeze told her about the Clan. Than doubt clouded Myth's eyes when Breeze was finished speaking.

"Living in a group of cats sounds dangerous," she muttered crossly. "Wouldn't it just attract even larger threats?"

It took Breeze a few heartbeats to realize that Myth was right. As much as she hated to admit it, the rogues that lived in Twolegplace would see a Clan as a threat. She didn't know much about fighting, much less defending such a large group. She might be able to defend her territory, but not when it was against a large number of rogues.

"I suppose you have a point," she sighed in defeat.

What Tangleclaw had told her sent thrills of hope through her though. She couldn't forget the look of pride in his eyes when he told her about the warrior code. Or the Clan that lived by it. She wasn't going to forget his dream.

Breeze took in a deep breath as Myth and Brazen built a makeshift nest. Silently she hoped and prayed that Myth would change her mind. But doubt would likely take over if she thought of agreeing with Breeze's plan.

I'm sorry Tangleclaw, she thought as she curled up in a pile of leaves. But it looks like the Clan was never meant to be.


AN: I know these chapters are shorter than usual, but they will get longer, I promise! And thanks to Cookies and Cream for reviewing :) Next update will likely be tonight since Agents of SHIELD will be starting tomorrow. I won't be updating much with Iron Man 3 coming out as well :P