Chapter Two

Greypaw dipped his head, a sign of respect, as a large grey and silver tabby tom bounded out of the under growth. A slightly bigger golden tabby tom followed him.

"You shouldn't be this close to Twolegplace, Greypaw!" The golden tabby hissed.

"I know. Mouse-brained idiot. Sorry, Lionheart." Greypaw meowed.

"Who are you?" The big grey and silver tabby asked, gazing at Mango and Tiny.

"J-just some ki-kittypets." Tiny stammered. Mango purred comfortingly and pressed into him, wrapping her tail around him. This encounter had to bring back unpleasant memories.

"You aren't scared of us," The grey and silver tabby meowed thoughtfully, "you're scared of a past experience.

Tiny looked at the two large toms closer and visibly relaxed. "Yeah."

They grey and silver tabby smiled. "I'm Thistlestar, leader of ThunderClan."

"And I'm Lionheart, warrior of ThunderClan and Greypaw's mentor. Meaning, I'm training him to be a warrior." The golden tom rumbled.

"I'm Mango, and this is my brother, Tiny." Mango dipped her head. Tiny repeated the gesture.

Thistlestar looked at both of them. "You fight well for kittypets." He rumbled. "We've been watching you." He added at the three younger cats shared a glance of confusion. "You handled the intruders well, Greypaw. You attacked with bravery, but next time, don't count the tiniest cat out."

Greypaw looked stunned at his leader's open praise. "Y-yes, Thistlestar!" He stammered.

"Sit up, all of you." Thistlestar commanded.

All three instantly sat up.

"Mango, you reacted to Greypaw's attack quickly, distracting him from your brother. You put your life on the line for him. Tiny, when Mango told you to run, you didn't leave her, instead circling back to knock Greypaw off balance so she could escape. That there is a loyalty I've never seen in any kittypet before. Another thing I'd never seen in a kittypet before was the bravery to turn and meet your attacker head on. Then again, most kittypet's flee the second they see us, so you two are definitely different." Thistlestar's eyes shown with a hidden meaning.

Tiny and Mango, so stunned by the praise, just barely managed to nod their thanks.

If that surprised them, the next words made them freeze in shock.

"You have natural hunting abilities—sharp eyes, quick wit, and the teamwork necessary for some catches. You have caught the mouse had you moved a bit sooner. I've often seen you two gazing into the woods, and I've wondered for a long while how you would act out here."

Mango stared at the leader in surprise, while Tiny nudged her, eyes wide in shock.

This is happening. I'm not dreaming. Mango thought.

"Thistlestar, they are kittypets! They shouldn't be in our territory, let alone hunting!" Lionheart hissed. "Send them home!"

"But we've only come for a mouse or tw—" Tiny chocked as Mango stuffed her tail into his mouth.

Thistlestar snapped his head around and took in Tiny's horrified expression. His eyes softened. "You are two unusual kittypets." The big grey and silver tom swapped a look with Lionheart. The latter nodded and Thistlestar turned back. "Maybe you would like to live your dream and join ThunderClan. Perhaps get all those questions brimming in your heads answered."

"I—what?" Mango spluttered.

"But they don't have warrior blood!" Greypaw blurted.

"If a warrior can become a kittypet—if a leader can become a kittypet—I don't see why a kittypet can't become a warrior." Thistlestar meowed.

Greypaw fell silent. Mango and Tiny glanced at each other, the air crackling with unspoken words.

I'm not leaving you.

"Ah, the sibling bond." Thistlestar purred. "One of the best things in the world."

"Oh yes." Lionheart's face broke into a sly grin. "I seem to remember a certain someone's littermates who missed many a Gathering because they stayed with said someone."

"You remember that?" Thistlestar complained.

Lionheart just rumble-chuckled.

"I-I don't know." Tiny stammered.

Mango nodded in agreement.

"You're rather quiet." Thistlestar commented to Mango.

"You have to unlock her friendship before she says much." Tiny explained with a sly grin.

"Oi! Tiny!" Mango complained, grinning.

"Come, Thistlestar." Lionheart meowed, smiling. "We must get ready for the moonhigh patrol. Darkstripe will wonder what's happened to us if we stay here much longer."

"Wait!" Mango meowed. "Can we think about your offer?" Tiny nodded his small head.

"Lionheart will be here tomorrow at sunhigh. Tell him then." Thistlestar rumbled.

And with that, the three Clan cats vanished into the woods.