Chapter 2: I can stay?

I was surprised at how many cats came out of the dens around the hollow. Slowly, I picked out the objects that were easily was standing on what must have been the Highledge. A small cave led to a dark den, which must have been the medicine den. A large bush was at one end of the hollow. The warrior's den. The newfound fur on my spine tingled as the mscular cats moved from the den to the area below the Highledge. I struggled for names, but in the end I could only identify Sorreltail, the only tortoiseshell in Thunderclan, and Brightheart.

"Brambleclaw, who is this cat?" Firestar didn't seem angry, just curious. I relished the knowledge I held in my mind then, knowing that Firestar would ask questions first, and fight later. In that moment, with my extensive knowledge of the Warrior's universe, I felt like God. Or, Starclan?

"What's your name, stranger?" I looked up as Brambleclaw spoke to me, and I suddenly felt hot. Before I knew what I was doing, I blurted out, "Jaggedscar!" Idiot, I thought. Now they'll all think I'm a Clan cat!

Firestar was obviously surprised. He beckoned Brambleclaw over for a minute, and the hollow burst to life with voices. And they were all about me.

"Silence!" Firestar shouted. He looked at me with deep interest. "So, you come from a Clan, then?"

I felt hot again. "That is not for all ears." Suddenly, I had an idea. Skyclan! I could come from the lost Clan Firestar helpeld so many moons ago.

Firestar nodded. "Very well. Why are you here?"

"That is also a private matter." I knew that Firestar, and only Firestar could hear me. "I can discuss it only with you." I could see the confusion in Firestar's eyes. He beckoned me over, and then turned. "The meeting is over." As the cats below the Highledge disperssed, I leaped up to Firestar's den. He looked at me.

"Now, where are you from?"

My throat felt dry. "Skyclan."

Firestar's eyes stretched wide. "Skyclan? How is Leafstar?"

I chose my words carefully. "Good. She misses you. And Sharpclaw is a good deputy."

Firestar nodded. "Now, why are you here? are you on a mission?"

I hesitated. What could I say? That I abandoned Skyclan? "I... umm... Well, I had an issue..."

"Go on," Firestar said, interested now.

"Well, there was a... a flood! Yeah, and everyone was terrified. Some of the cats were missing, so Leafstar told me to find them. Then I got lost..." I trailed off, as if I were miserable about being away from my Clan.

Firestar looked sympathetic. "You should stay here. As long as you like. After all, you are a Clanborn warrior, and no one should have an issue with that. I shall anounce it to the Clan."

I was now excited. I was going to be a part of Thunderclan! to hunt and fight for them was something beyond my wildest dreams. I barely heard Firestar speaking until he said, "Jaggedscar, is it your wish to join Thunderclan as a warrior?"

My throat went dry, and I felt lightheaded as I said, "Yes."

"Then you are now, once again, a warrior. You will sit vigil tonight." I felt like I was floating as the Clan called my name. "Jaggedscar, Jaggedscar!" I knew that it would be hard to stay up after the events of this day, but I knew that it would all be worth it.