Badgermask trod through the dry forest with a light heart. She hadn't seen another cat in several days. Maybe, just maybe, I won't have to kill anyone...or be killed. She mused. Her nightmares had been sparse and she had found a comfy, earthy den to stay in. Things had finally turned tide for the better.

The bare trees rattled mournfully, but she ignored them. Stopping momentarily, she scanned the desolate landscape for any sign of prey. Her stomach growled, reminding her of the clawing hunger in her empty belly.

Jerky movement to the left caught her eye. A disheveled, scrawny raven was perched on the lower branch of a nearby tree. She stooped low, so that her belly fur was brushing the cracked ground. It was difficult to hide herself in the bare environment. Hugging the ground, she crept forward. Paw by paw, she slunk around the cold tree trunks while occasional breezes stirred the dead leaves on the ground. Her eyes fixed on the bird, she advanced further. She was only a few fox-lengths away now, and she could practically taste it.

Suddenly, the bird's head swiveled in the opposite direction and it took off, sounding a harsh call of alarm. Someone or something besides Badgermask had startled it into fleeing. Confused, Badgermask stood up, cursing under her breath. But, she froze as another cat stalked into view. Hiding all too late, she heard the cat call out, "I know you're there. Might as well come out and make it easier for me."

Badgermask drew in a sharp breath. She recognized that voice. Gathering up her courage, she stepped out from behind the tree, looking fixedly at the cat before her. As she had thought, Cloudfur, and older warrior of Riverclan stood a few fox-lengths away. Cloudfur was stern, but, she wasn't a murderer...was she? Badgermask didn't know Cloudfur very well, so she kept her guard up.

Cloudfur's expression remained impassive, as she looked Badgermask up and down.
"Didn't expect to run into you..." She shrugged, turning to look over her shoulder as she called out. "Finch! I found Badgermask!" Finch? Badgermask knew that name too. Finch was a younger, shifty tom from Riverclan. He had only just been made a warrior. Badgermask definitely didn't trust him.

Finch capered nonchalantly out of the barren woods, stopping next to the she-cat, who was noticeably taller than him. His eyes landed on Badgermask, and he smirked, making her feel uncomfortable. The unpleasant notion occurred to her that she was outnumbered. If they fought, there was no chance of her winning. She would simply have to run for it. Mouse dung. There goes my luck.

"Badgermask, long time no see." Finch's voice was smooth.
"Yeah..." She answered awkwardly, mentally calculating her escape route. Finch and Cloudfur exchanged significant looks, as if they were making an unspoken decision. This time it was Cloudfur who spoke.

"Badgermask, you're a fairly skilled warrior," Was that supposed to be a compliment? "Finch and I have formed a temporary alliance. We'd like to extend an invitation to you." Finch piped up in a disgustingly cheery voice,
"It's fine if you don't want to. I don't mind a little bloodshed." He licked his lips as he said this, clawing hungrily at the ground.

Badgermask definitely didn't trust these cats now, but, what choice did she have? She knew that Cloudfur was strong and intellegent, and Finch was fast and precise. They were an unbeatable team. It was smart move in teaming up. When it comes down to it, I wonder which of them will overpower the other? She thought. With an inward groan, she stepped a little closer.
"Sure. I'll join your little gang." Cloudfur remained like stone, but Finch broke into a smile.

Author's Note:

Thank you for your support, everyone. I apologize for not posting more frequently, but I honestly have no idea when I will finish this. If you've got any comments, suggestions, or anything of the like, please let me know.

Thanks!