This chapter was written by Icy of the Wind.
Snow's POV
I peek through the hole curiously, wondering what is there. As my curiosity and anxiety increases, so does the musty smell of mildew and crow-food.
"AAGGH!" I leap back as a rat crawls out, hissing, baring its orange fangs.
"Momma, Papa..." I cry as I run back home.
"What is it, honey?" My mother, Frost, turns as I walk into our little den in the Ratplace.
"The rats again..." I whimper, pressing my nose into my mother's fur.
"The rats?" My father, Shrub, unsheathes his claws and looks angrily at the entrance of our den. "I need to slaughter them...Frost, just give me a chance, just this once..."
"I won't have it!" Frost argues sharply. "I can't have a war between us and the rats!" She looks down at me. "Sweetie, just don't go near the rats again, okay?"
I nod sadly and walk off.
I shiver and take a deep breath. Making sure I am out of sight, I plunge into the icy cold river.
I drag my paws out of the river hours later, when it is close to moonhigh. My mother stands disapprovingly at the entrance to our den.
I hang my head as she stares down at me with disappointment in her eyes.
"Dear..." My eyes travel down to my paws, not wanting to meet my mother's eyes.
"Why did you go to the river?" she asks.
"...to...wash...scent..." I mumble.
"Snow." She lifts my head with one paw. Her gaze shows that she doesn't want to mess around.
"I wanted to wash off my rogue scent," I blurt. Her eyes show complete shock and hurt. "I don't like being here, Mama! I want to explore...be free...just like the Clan cats!"
Frost sighs. "I knew this day would come. But oh well. I guess...when you turn six moons old, I will take you to DarkClan."