Cloudclan One-shot

( Smokepaw's Pov)

I stumbled to my paws shakily, staring down at the fall that could have killed me. My body ached from colliding with this ledge that saved my life, but other than that, I was fine.

"Smokepaw!" I heard a voice screech my name.

I opened my jaws to yowl back a reply but dust drifted down my throat, causing a raspy cough instead. My ears perked as someone meowed,"I'm sorry. He's gone."

No, wait! I'm right here, don't leave me!

My tail drooped as I heard the slow shuffling of paws moving away from the cliff edge. A deep sadness then fury settled into my mind.

"They left me," I growled."They didn't even try to see if I made it."

I gazed up at the sky, hate burning in my heart, before it flickered and extinguished. They couldn't have known. They didn't mean it. And even if they had known I was still alive, how would they reach me? No. This is for me to do now. I glanced around, searching for a way up the rock wall.

After what seemed like moons, I spotted a chip in the stone, perfect for a paw hold. I grabbed it, grunting as I pulled myself up. My breaths came in ragged rasps as I scaled the treacherous wall, praying to Starclan I wouldn't fall. Finally, a glimmer of light appeared at the top, and I flopped down on the ground in exhaustion once I was safely on the top of the cliff.

I heaved myself I my paws, stumbling away from the drop."I must...find them."

But I knew just by scenting the air that their scent was stale. It had been since at least sunhigh. I glanced at the rapidly sinking ball of flame in the sky. It was nearly sunset now. I quickly found a rocky overhang and clambered under it to rest for the night.

My eyes blinked open against the harsh, cold light. I crouched, twisting my head to groom my fur. Once I was prepared and set, I ducked out of my temporary shelter, raising my head against the wind to take in my surroundings.

Weren't they going to the Tribe..?

I paused thoughtfully before nodding determinedly. I would fond the Tribe of Rushing Water. If the Clans are not there, I may join the cats of the mountain. I set off, following the now super stale scent of Clan cats. By sunhigh, I had come to the end of the trail. My ears perked up at the sound of water pounding against stone.

My paws carried me forward excitedly, and just as I went to round the bend to enter the cave behind the waterfall, a cat leaped out of the shadows. He bared his teeth in a snarl.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

I dipped my head."Greetings. My name is Smokepaw. I was traveling with the Clans but fell down the cliff. They don't know I'm still alive," I replied steadily, tone smooth.

The tom's eyes still glittered with suspicion but his mud-smeared hackles lowered along his spine."I am Crag where Eagles Nest. Do you seek the Clan cats?"

"Of course."

The tom shook his head."They are long gone. They stopped to rest here yesterday and left today to finish out their journey. I'm sorry," Crag mewed regretfully.

I shrugged."I figured that. It's why I didn't get my hopes up."

Crag waved his tail."Come. I'm sure Stoneteller would let you join, if not then at least stay awhile."

I followed him into the shadowy cave, gazing around in awe. Tunnels led off into darkness and into Starclan knows what, while a cave in the side of the wall provided a place for a nursery. A brown tabby sat near a small pile of stones, licking a paw rhythmically.

His eyes flicked up to see is as we approached."What's this?"

"Stoneteller, this is Smokepaw. He-"

Stoneteller cut him off with a flick of his tail, understanding wisdom in his blue orbs."I had a message about this cat. The Tribe of Endless Hunting had informed me of what happened, and I am more than willing to let him join."

My paws shuffled in barely contained anticipation as he called a Tribe meeting."I have received a sign about this cat, and he shall now become a member. Smokepaw, you shall go into training as a cave guard with your new name, Smoke that Drifts on Wind."

As the cats cheered my new name, I knew I was where I truly belonged.