Disclaimer: This work's premise was loosely based on a "Rewrite the Stars" AU MAP call which has since been taken down. Please note that only the basic idea was used. If you are the MAP's original creator and you want this fanfiction taken down, please review or PM me and I will take it down.

Silver moonlight shone onto the camp, turning Squirrelkit's fur pale as she crept out of the gorse that protected the nursery. Her mother and sister were fast asleep now, but she simply couldn't sleep. She had been practicing her hunting with Whitepaw and was going to catch something. Her parents would be so surprised! Intent on finding the well-hidden prey and avoiding the new blooms which threatened to trip her and tickle her nose, she didn't notice a shadow watching from a tree.

Her ears pricked as she went further from the ravine in pursuit of imaginary prey, the shadow nimbly keeping up as she strode across darkened grasses. Finally, she stopped at a clearing near Sunningrocks. She could smell mouse amongst the leaves of a holly thicket and she tensed, trying to remember all the things she'd been taught. She lowered her haunches, held her tail down -

And was caught. She squealed, looking at the face of her attacker, but in the half-light she could only make out a collar studded with teeth. She squirmed, attempting to break free. She had heard the tales of the vicious BloodClan that threatened to tear apart the Clans, and it looked likely that she was going to be the one getting torn apart now. She was only two moons – she was too young to die! The stranger paused for a second before hissing.

"Yes, you'll do. Kin of the defeater and of Scourge himself. Feel honoured, kit. You will ascend to greatness."

She had no idea what that meant. All Squirrelkit wanted was to get back to her parents, her sister, her Clan! Oh, StarClan, I promise if you let me go I'll never ever run off again! I'll be the most obedient kit in the nursery, the best apprentice, the best warrior!

But the stars merely shimmered, cold and far away, as Squirrelkit struggled, dread welling in her as she was picked up by the stranger and carried away from her home.

They arrived in an alleyway filled with the stench of rotting refuse and filth. On top of a large green rock, a cat perched, regally awaiting their arrival. His fur was long, yet well-kept, while a similar collar to the assailant's was draped around his neck.

"You have done well, Blade. You shall be rewarded for this deed."

"Thank you, Ice." Blade told the leader, bowing and placing Squirrelkit on the ground. Ice jumped off his platform, taking Squirrelkit by the scruff of her neck when she tried to escape. A pair of bulky cats paced the entrance, looking jealously on as Blade retreated like StarClan themselves had blessed him. Ice rethroned himself and set her down on the stinking rock.

"So, you're the daughter of the cat who killed Scourge?" The cat asked.

She didn't reply, inching back.

"Don't disrespect me, do you hear me? Answer me now, truthfully. Are you the daughter of Scourge's killer?"

"Y-yes..." She was trembling. She was going to die alone in this Twolegs' corridor, all because she'd gone for a nighttime hunt!

"Finally, you're honest. What is your name?"

"Squirrelkit."

Ice spat. "Squirrelkit is no name for a warrior of BloodClan. From now on you shall be Slash."

She nodded. She liked her name as it was, but she was wary of being killed.

"I'm glad you understand me. Eat and rest in this alley. We start your training tomorrow."

"What will I eat?"

"Your meal is right in here." He prodded the large rock with his forepaw.

"But that's crowfood!"

"Aw, little forest cat's too good for food! You will eat this and you will be grateful that you actually get something!"

She scrambled into an opening in the top of a rock, finding a piece of meat that was rank with twolegs' scent. She gnawed on the bone, hoping to get more, when Ice called her up and placed her in a shadowy corner.

"Guard her." he told one of the cats, who swiftly moved over to her. She lay down and tried to pretend for a moment that she was in the ThunderClan nursery with Leafkit and Sandstorm again.

It didn't work.