Rusty's paws pulled him onward to boundless wilderness. Amazing adventures await! The rumors of vicious bloodthirsty cats don't scare him. Rusty wants to discover what's beyond the lively looming trees. His old home may have been comfy but it's an overly dreary lifestyle. What are the discoveries laying just beyond that familiar horizon?
So the apricot-colored tom journeyed into unexplored woodland.
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Spring gusts carry mouth-watering scents of mice, squirrel, rabbit, and vole. Can he catch one? Claws dig into earth, he crouches low, and listens to prey rustling through a pile of leaves. Rusty's tail twitches in anticipation.
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A mouse leaps out from its foraging. It abruptly turned and Rusty slid past. A bramble bush crunching had startled the mouse. Between bristly gaps Rusty sees a cat struggling. "Are you okay?"
"Um s-stay away!"
"But," Rusty fearfully gawked at the cat. It looked bad. "You're trapped in that bramble bush."
"I don't need anybody's help!" When he tried to escape the thorns entrenched in his fur and entangled him further. "Ow. I can –ow. I can handle this myself, okay? Unlike you, I'm a brave cat, a fearless apprentice!"
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Rusty chuckled. He admired the cat's independent nature. He'd probably say the same. "I'll help you get free."
"I don't need –ow. Help from a kittypet."
Kittypet? Rusty carefully avoided thorns, grabbed the cat's scruff, and pulled him free.
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"Are you a forest cat?"
"Yeah!" He smiled. "I'm Whitekit! I'm going to be an apprentice soon!"
Whitekit? Apprentice? What strange names and titles.
The kit hissed. He looked at his leg. Thorns are fixed and crimson blobs drip from them.
"That looks bad. You should get home and see a vet."
"A vet?" Whitekit glared at Rusty. "I can't! My Clan has been attacked by foxes. So I'm going to chase the foxes out and save everyone."
"Foxes?"
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He's seen them. Vicious beasts. No way could a kit fight one. Foxes are strong and frightening.
"I've tracked one's scent here."
Branches cracked. A fox materialized from a cluster of foliage. Teeth gleam like stars in night sky. It must've smelled blood.
Whitekit can't put weight on his leg. They couldn't run.
Fur bristling, Rusty hissed at the fox and shielded Whitekit.
The fox lunged at Rusty. Jaws snapped a whisker's length from Rusty's leg. Claws scratch its muzzle. Recoiling, it barked and swiped paws at Rusty who evaded. He sunk his teeth into its shoulder. The fox stumbled and tried to shake Rusty off.
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Pain branched by Rusty's ear. Blood dripped down from a ghastly wound. The fox latched onto Rusty's throat and thrashed its opponent around. It's scrawny and disheveled, probably having a hard time searching for food. He knew its jaws were inescapable, so Rusty went limp. His ploy worked. The fox dropped him. Fear surged power to his limbs. He frantically jumped up and clawed the fox's sides.
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Startled, the fox fled. Rusty shook dizziness away. He rubbed his head with a paw and hardly noticed other cats enter the clearing.
"Whitekit! You're safe!"
"What happened?"
"This cat –he fought a fox!" Whitekit cheered.
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Tornear observed the cat in awe. Rusty's ear is gone. Long scars run across the cat's orange pelt. Yet he's still miraculously standing!
"Huh, really?"
Onewhisker's eyes contain sparkling admiration. Hardly can one cat alone fight off such a shocking beast! "Impressive for a kittypet."
"W-Who're you?"
"Let's save introductions for later." Tornear mewed. "You're both injured. We must get you to our medicine cat, Barkface."
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Exquisite hillocks descend into a meadow. Prismatic flowers and herbs ornament lively waving grass blades. Above, a blue sky is dappled by fluffy white clouds.
Rusty is stunned. The view is nothing like he's ever seen before! Injuries slightly forgotten he swings his head around to see everything.
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"Where are we?"
"WindClan."
A warlike-looking tom with a scowl ran up to them. "You've returned." He eyed Rusty untrustingly. "And brought a stranger?"
"Rusty here saved Whitekit from a fox."
"Did he?"
"Mudclaw, please. We urgently must get them to the medicine den-"
"Okay." Begrudgingly he sat and let them pass. Whitekit told him where the fox had run off. Still warily watching Rusty he meowed, "I'll gather some warriors and search for it. Don't let this stranger wander, understand?"
"Yes of course," Onewhisker stifled a chuckle at his austere friend. "WindClan is well protected. One kittypet can't do any harm."
"Right." Mudclaw sniffed, as if he didn't believe him. "I'll tell Deadfoot and Tallstar about the good news."
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Curious gazes land on Rusty. He tried to ignore them. He followed a limping Whitekit to a tiny hill that lead to a cave. An old cat sprinted around attending to some elderly or sick visitors. Bitter herbs, stinky moss, and fresh straw dawdle stagnant in the air.
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Abruptly the medicine cat faced them. He smiled. "You've found him, thank StarClan! Oh! There's another?"
Tornear, Onewhisker, and Whitekit retell the story and introduce themselves. Barkface gathers herbs and cobwebs, nodding as he listened. He quickly healed their wounds. "That's very brave. Not many will leap into danger to rescue another."
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Rusty thanked Barkface and bashfully treasured their compliments. These cats aren't like any of the rumors he's heard.
"Don't mind Mudclaw." The medicine cat laughed. "He's aggressive but defends WindClan dependably. Mudclaw is a loyal warrior."
"All those old enough to catch their own prey meet at the rocks for a Clan meeting!"
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Onewhisker nudged Rusty. "Follow me. Our leader is going to speak." A gathering had assembled at the center of the clearing.
Two cats sat elegantly on a stack of flat stones. Both carry shining aptitude and authority.
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Amusement gleams in the dark grey cat's eyes. "WindClan has a stranger in our midst. Step to the front."
Rusty, startled, jumped in shock before walking past the others. He bowed respectfully.
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The sleek, tall, wisely leader waved his tail in greeting. "Tornear and Mudclaw have told me of your heroic action, Rusty. I'm Tallstar. Leader of WindClan. This," he nodded to the cat next to him. "Is my deputy Deadfoot. We thank you for rescuing Whitekit. Foxes are dangerous enemies."
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Deadfoot's whiskers twitched thoughtfully. "Our warriors were searching for apprentices and kits that had left camp. Not many…kittypets wander into the forest. Why did you?"
"I like exploring." Rusty meowed. "The kittypet life as you call it isn't for me."
Hushed whispers cloud air. A cat snorted. "A kittypet turning wild? That's unheard of."
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"Well." Tallstar smiled. Rusty reminds him of a cherished friend from long ago. Could Rusty possibly be kin? He looks almost identical and has the same adventurous quality. "If you so wish you may stay here. Be a WindClan cat."
"You've shown splendid courage and values." Deadfoot agreed.
Rusty blinked bewilderedly. "Really?"
"There's a lot to learn but I think Rusty will make an amazing warrior!" Onewhisker cheered.
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The WindClan deputy silenced the clamorous crowd with a roar.
"If you do accept a life here you can't return to being a kittypet. A Clan needs every member present to survive."
"We count of each other through season and battle." Deadfoot explained.
"I understand."
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Rusty had had dreams for a while. Ones where he leaps into sprightly unexplored territory. He felt a tug at his paws and heart to find this place. Is WindClan the destination? Maybe he's supposed to find a home in the forest?
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Smiling, the enuthusatic tom told Tallstar he'd like to become a warrior. Onewhisker, heartened by cheerfulness, almost barreled over his friend. "Awesome! But you won't need the kittypet collar anymore." Wielding his claws he sliced the blue collar. It snapped and fell apart.
"You'll be given an apprentice name from StarClan first and then appointed a mentor." Tornear said.
Tallstar leapt from his stone perch and gazed at brilliant sky. "Rusty. From now on you'll be known as Firepaw." The leader's nose rested on Firepaw's forehead ceremonially. "I appoint Deadfoot as your mentor. May StarClan light your path!"
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A swell of cheering sweeps the gathering. Cats chant Firepaw's new name. Firepaw vowed to do his best for WindClan. Onewhisker put his tail on his newfound friend's shoulder. "Congratulations! Let's train together sometime!"
"C'mon Firepaw," Deadfoot waved his tail. "Mudclaw and I will give you a tour of WindClan. Oh, and inform you about the warrior code and the other Clans."
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The tour happened at breakneck speed. Deadfoot was encouraging, even as Firepaw had a hard time understanding Clan lingo. Mudclaw explains the warrior code passionately.
"Sometimes war happens or battles over territory and food."
"That's why you must always be on your guard! Defend your Clanmates just as they will defend you." Mudclaw meowed.
"But nowadays our interactions have been peaceful. Oh. There are some ThunderClan apprentices!"
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A big, muscular white cat laughed. "Is that Deadfoot? How've you been?"
"Strong as ever. Is hunting going well?"
"Yes. It's as bountiful as StarClan's prey."
Scoffing, Mudclaw continued his patrol, leaving his Clanmates to "unnecessary conversations".
Firepaw exchanged introductions with ThunderClan cats.
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"Wow so you're a new apprentice? I'm Ravenpaw."
"I'm Greypaw. And he's Whitestorm."
Firepaw smiled. These two were very polite and welcoming! It seemed that ThunderClan and WindClan are close allies. "It's wonderful to meet you. Let's do our best to be the strongest warriors!"
"Right! That means we gotta train more than Dustpaw or Sandpaw! Are you listening Ravenpaw?"
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"H-Huh? Yes."
Ravenpaw is very kind. But Firepaw noticed how nervous he is. The apprentice also seemed distracted. Melancholy gleamed in his eyes.
"I hope to see you guys at a Gathering!"
"Us too." Ravenpaw meowed.
"Yeah! We can share battle moves!"
Departing, the cats returned to camp.
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Apprentice tasks were exciting but also tiring! He hardly had time to reflect about his new life. Hunting fresh-kill, training, camp repairs, and learning about the four Clans is a lot!
But the most amazing event had been the Gathering.
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He'd finally met the other leaders, deputies, and other apprentices. Fireheart had never seen so many cats in one place. Searching for Greypaw and Ravenpaw he talked with them as leaders reported on Clan news.
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"Unfortunately, we have lost two wonderful warriors. Redtail and Lionheart." Bluestar's disconsolate voice rang throughout the forest. "We mourn their loss. They were truly incredible warriors. After a few dawns I've decided to appoint Tigerclaw as deputy."
Firepaw was yanked from the ThunderClan leader's story by a trembling Ravenpaw.
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"Are you okay Ravenpaw?"
The apprentice's stare mimicked the moon's cosmic size. Ravenpaw shook frightfully and didn't answer. Firepaw followed his gaze to find Tigerclaw.
Greypaw placed his tail on Ravenpaw's shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. Then he whispered to Firepaw, "He thinks Redtail and Lionheart were murdered. Ravenpaw is sweet but always jumpy. Longtail and Whitestorm found them. Spottedleaf said there were no cat scents."
"Then what happened?"
"Spottedleaf is still trying to figure it out."
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Firepaw asked around about it, leaving Ravenpaw's fears out of any questions. Longtail and Whitestorm were absent from the Gathering. Nobody really knew what had happened. Redtail had been found by RiverClan and Lionheart by ShadowClan. Tigerclaw, Ravenpaw, Brindleface, Darkstripe and Longtail had been on patrols both days when their Clanmates had been found. Firepaw returned to his friends, hardly listening to the other leaders speak. None of it made sense. What really happened?
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"Firepaw! Firepaw!"
He shook his head. A half-eaten rabbit lies by his paws.
Onewhisker impatiently paced around. "Let's go on a patrol. The fresh-kill pile is getting low too."
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Soundless pawsteps approach a squirrel. Usually they stay in ThunderClan territory. But food is food so Firepaw didn't think much of it.
He pounced.
The frantic beast escaped his claws. The apprentice ran after the squirrel. It headed towards the river. By two hillocks and some fallen brittle trees. He forgets the squirrel when he smells a bitter scent. Blood. Fresh. Strong. Firepaw tracked a trickle of it. Drops turned into long winding rivulets. Then into a pool. Climbing over a den of fallen trees, Firepaw broke weak branches.
He recognized the cat. It's Ravenpaw!
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"What happened?!"
Ravenpaw lay in a large pool of his blood. Long ugly scars blemished his sides. One ran down his eye to his neck.
"Firepaw?" Ravenpaw wheezed. He weakly raised his head. The cat's eyes blinked doubtfully, as if Firepaw was just an illusion.
"I'll get help!" Sprinting from the sharp netting of twigs Firepaw shouted, asking for Onewhisker and Tornear's help.
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"Ravenpaw would've been with StarClan if you had called me any later." Barkface hung his head desolately. Bandages of cobweb and herbs adorn Ravenpaw's scrawny form. "I did all I could for now."
Onewhisker's nose curled. "There's no mistaking it. A cat did this."
"Are you sure?!" Firepaw asked.
Onewhisker shot his friend a confused glare. "I've been a warrior for a few moons. No fox, badger, or dog did this."
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Ravenpaw stirred. His breaths are shallow and difficult. "T-Tigerclaw killed them. I…saw it."
"Unbelievable!" Onewhisker exclaimed. "Everyone says how respectable Tigerclaw is."
"Let him speak." Barkface ordered. "He might have some important information about the sinister chaos that has been going on in the forest."
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"I'm Tigerclaw's apprentice. I saw him kill Redtail. Darkstripe helped him. I…I tried to tell anyone. Greypaw. Bluestar. Spottedleaf. No one would listen."
Barkface pressed his nose into Ravenpaw's fur. "Rest young one. Eat these poppy seeds. You're safe now. When you recover I want you to retell events, okay?"
"If what he says is true," Firepaw looked at Onewhisker. "ThunderClan is in danger."
"All the Clans will be in danger."
"I must look after Ravenpaw. Can you two please tell Tallstar or Deadfoot? I'll have to ask StarClan about any prophecies…"
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"What if they don't believe it?" Firepaw asked. They stood just outside Tallstar's den. "Why would a respected warrior like Tigerclaw do those things? What is his goal?"
Onewhisker gave him a supportive shove. "Some cats abandon the warrior code and care only for their selfish ambitions. But Tallstar and Deadfoot must at least consider it. And if they don't well, you got me."
Firepaw's eyes shine gratefully. "Thanks, Onewhisker."
His friend snorted but grinned. "Of course! We gotta defend the warrior code, right? Any cats that kill their own Clanmates are worse than any rogue."
Firepaw took a deep breath. Then, he and Onewhisker entered to talk with Deadfoot and Tallstar.