Rusty couldn't suppress his mix of happiness and niggling anxiety as he slid over the fence back into his backyard.
They had offered to let him join their school!
He couldn't believe his luck.
Princess was in the living room with Nutmeg and Jake, talking rapidly.
Rusty cleared his throat and everyone turned to him.
"I went into the forest."
Princess gaped along with Nutmeg.
"And they invited me to join their school."
Princess's face was lit up. "Oh but that's your dream, Rusty! You should definitely go!"
"But what about the company?" Nutmeg fretted.
"I'm sure they'll teach me some things that will help with it." Rusty tried to convince them without admitting he wanted to have nothing to do with the company when he grew older.
Jake looked thoughtful. "I knew a friend who went there. Talltail, I believe, was his name. I haven't seen him in a long time. I could ask him to keep an eye on you."
Rusty looked at them with a hopeful expression. "So I can go?"
".................Alright, Rusty. You can go."
***
Rusty looked up at the sky. He was supposed to meet Lionheart in the afternoon, but he'd gotten ready early, and was wearing a school uniform, although he hadn't seen Greypaw wear one.
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His best friend, Smudge, walked over, his eyes wide.
"Rusty! Where are you going?"
"I got invited to Warrior Cats High." Rusty explained.
"Don't tell me you're accepting their offer!" Smudge shook his head as if the idea were the most ridiculous thing ever.
"Of course I am! You know I've always wanted to go there, to a real school."
"But we'll never see each other again," Smudge sighed sorrowfully. "At least can we have one more morning together?"
"Of course we can!"
***
Rusty stood beneath the shades of the trees, wearing his metal claws and school uniform. He'd expected Lionheart to be here by no-
Lionheart cleared his throat as he stepped out of the bushes. "You're going to need a lot of training," Lionheart rumbled, "Even a new-born kit could tell I'm here. Can you sense if I'm alone?"
"...Bluestar and Greypaw aren't with you."
Lionheart nodded to the bushes and a warrior stepped out. He had white hair and was looking at Rusty.
"This is Whitestorm." Lionheart introduced.
"Hi! I'm-" Rusty began.
"There will be time for introductions later. For now, we must be going to camp."
Rusty watched them both plunge straight into the bushes, then after a moment of hesitation, chased after them.
