The sunlight beamed down on a rock mountain. A small stoat sniffed, full of hope, in the air. I saw it, there. My first prey, if I caught it, which was very little chance.

I looked back desperately. Tigerclaw signaled for me to go for the kill.

I rocked on my haunches, then I leaped. It was under my paws. It struggled and I killed it with a swift bite.

I turned, proud, at my accomplishment.

Tigerclaw came up to me. He looked proud. His ambers eyes gleamed with pride at his new apprentice.

He said, "Well done." I think I said something, but I don't know what. I think it was "thanks".

I shrugged, taking the prey up in my jaws. We carried it to our badger set home on the edge of WindClan territory.

Tigerclaw looked worried as he mouthed, "Clan..." I trembled. Whatever his message was, it wasn't very good.

He glanced at a shadow. I understood. ShadowClan. What about them?

I signaled for him to continue. He finished. He said, "Join." He pointed to himself.

I felt tears running down my face.

I shook my head. This relationship was already starting! He was my mentor, my best friend, my new father! He couldn't leave me...Not yet...

Tigerclaw put his tail on my shoulder. I brushed it off. I cried, "How could you!" I think he heard me clearly. He stood up, looking sad but angry.

"Please." He motioned.

I cried more, shaking my head.

"Don't!"

Tigerclaw bowed his head. I was furious but horrified. How could he leave me-? The scrap of white fur that he had rescued!

I turned away, crying more. He padded out of the badger home, licking my ear when he went out. I was left there, alone.

I never saw him for a while. I taught myself to hunt. I needed to fight.

At a Gathering one night, I saw him, on a large rock in the middle of four large trees. He was with Firestar, Tallstar, and Leopardstar.

I shook my head, padding away.

He had left me for a Clan. I was warrior age now, 20 moons. I was full grown and I had my own defense and attacking moves to use. I made them up but I tricked a dog with some of my fighting moves last dawn.

A pack of dogs came, tearing through the woods. Many cat bodies were by Sunning Rocks at moon-rise last night.

I woke up, looking around. I needed to kill, was the first thought that came into my head.

I need to kill. I'm a rouge, now.