"Under the Ruins." Warrior Cats Custom Clan.

Chapter One

The sky above Strayclan's home was perpetually shrouded in a gloomy haze. An overgrown, abandoned town served as their territory, with crumbling buildings and twisted vines wrapping around every corner. The ancient structures groaned under the weight of time, their shadows long and foreboding. The town, once bustling with two-leg activity, had long since succumbed to nature, leaving behind crumbling buildings and twisted vines that snaked through the ruins. A terrible earthquake had destroyed the town several moons ago, and the cats left behind by their two-legs thrived in the ruins, building a clan and establishing a birthplace. This was where Berrypaw called home, though the word felt like a stretch sometimes. The town was more of a decaying shelter than a sanctuary, and the cats of Strayclan were a reflection of their surroundings—thin, weary, but still holding on.

Berrypaw sat at the edge of what used to be a grand entrance to a building, now just a ruined archway with broken stone steps leading down into a dusty courtyard. She watched as her mentor, Mousetail, padded back and forth, her eyes clouded with worry as always. The tortoiseshell warrior's tail flicked nervously as she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Berrypaw, you need to stay alert today," Mousetail cautioned, her gentle tone laced with unease. "The patrols have noticed strange scents near the outskirts. We can't afford to be careless."

Berrypaw nodded, though her mind was elsewhere. Her other mentor, Firepaws, was stretching in the distance, her sleek tortoiseshell tabby pelt gleaming in the weak sunlight. Firepaws was everything Berrypaw wanted to be—swift, attentive, and admired by the other warriors. The young apprentice's heart fluttered as she watched her, trying to focus on Mousetail's instructions but finding it difficult.

"I know you're listening, right?" Mousetail's worried gaze caught Berrypaw's drifting eyes, and she sighed softly. "Firepaws is impressive, isn't she? But remember, there's more to being a warrior than speed and strength. You need to be smart, too. And attentive." She adds sharply, flicking her tail.

Berrypaw's ears twitched. "I am listening," she replied softly, though her voice lacked conviction. She wanted to impress both of her mentors, but especially Firepaws. There was something about her sharp focus and effortless grace that made Berrypaw want to do better, to push herself harder.

As if sensing the apprentice's thoughts, Mousetail's eyes softened. "Don't worry too much, Berrypaw. You'll find your way."

A yowl from across the courtyard interrupted their conversation. Rustedfoot, the deputy, was organizing a patrol near one of the collapsed concrete slabs. His robust form stood out against the faded town, his tan tabby fur rippling as he barked orders to the other warriors.

"Redback, Paleface, Stoneclaw, you're with me! Bordering the outskirts. We need to investigate some strange scents." Rustedfoot's voice was sharp, and commanding, a stark contrast to their leader Ratstar's droopy demeanor. Though Ratstar held the title of leader, it was Rustedfoot who kept Strayclan moving, ensuring that patrols were done, the prey was hunted, and the clan was safe.

Berrypaw's father, Redback, nodded to the deputy, his calm, yellow tabby fur almost blending with the dull stone around them. Paleface and Stoneclaw flanked him, their expressions serious as they prepared to leave. Berrypaw felt a pang of worry as she watched them go. Even though they were experienced warriors, the territory outside their crumbling home was dangerous, and every patrol was at risk.

A shadow fell across Berrypaw, and she looked up to see Firepaws standing beside her. The young warrior's amber eyes gleamed with anticipation, her tail swishing with excitement. "Firepaws!" She chirps, grinning.

"Ready for training, Berrypaw?" Firepaws asked, her voice brimming with energy. "We've got a lot to cover today, and I want to see you at your best."

Berrypaw's heart skipped a beat as Firepaws spoke, and she nodded quickly.