Wild Born

Chapter 4 - Four Trees

          Goldenstar began to walk out of camp, a trail of cats following behind her. The Gathering, Thunderheart reminded herself, following them. "Bye, Thunderheart! Tell me everything when you get back, okay?" Foxkit shouted. "Absolutely!" Thunderheart replied.

Thunderheart. Thunderheart. Thunderheart.

The young gray warrior repeated her new name over and over in her head. It was perfect.

The Clan soon arrived at The Gathering Place, Four Trees. "Whoa!" She breathed, stunned by the scenery. Thunderheart's mentor had brought her here before to explore but the cascade of moonlight shining down from StarClan beautified the forest in ways unimaginable. Thunderheart walked along with her Clan, but she eventually strayed off, wandering among the trees.

The creature hit her like an explosion, and Thunderpaw was thrown sideways into a clump of nettles. Twisting and yowling, she managed to get herself free. "Hey! What was that for?"

"Sorry!" The creature said. "I just wasn't looking where I was going. Neither were you, by the way,"

Thunderheart glared at the creature. It was a young, handsome tom with a pelt the color of fire and green eyes. His scent was of FireClan, but there was something warm and trusting about him. He wasn't a typical, cold, FireClan warrior, and Thunderheart could sense it.

"I'm Windpool. And you are..."

"Thunderheart. Thunderheart of LightningClan, daughter of Goldenstar."

"Wow. Impressive," Windpool said. "If you couldn't tell already, I'm a FireClan warrior." Thunderheart nodded. "Would you like to sit with me?" He asked coolly. "Sure." Thunderheart replied. As they walked to find a good place to sit, Thunderheart became lost in her thoughts again, gazing up at the big black sky. The stars shone brightly, tiny specks of light in the distance...before she realized it she was flying again, toppling to the ground. Windpool laughed hysterically. "Again, Thunderheart? You sure are clumsy!"

Frustrated, she shook it off, coming face-to-face with a silver-pelted she-cat. Alike Thunderheart she had crystal blue eyes, but her pelt was a few shades lighter than the LightningClan warrior's. She seemed like she had a kind disposition, the edges of her mouth turned up in a smile. It changed from a smile to a snarl instantly when she saw the FireClan warrior beside her. "Hi . . . I'm Silverscar--if you know what's best for you, just walk away slowly. HE's right next to you." She whispered to Thunderheart. "What? HE? That's just Windpool. We were just getting acquainted." Thunderheart whispered back.

"Taking the dangerous path, I see. Don't do it Thunderheart. He's dangerous--not to mention a jerk."

"What do you mean, Silverscar? I just met him and he seems fine."

"He's bad news, Thunderheart. I wouldn't even look at him if I were you," Silverscar added. "Hello? Silverscar? Uh...I'm right here, you know!" Windpool mentioned. Silverscar just hardened her gaze, staring dead at Windpool. "Hello, Windpool," She spat. "Fancy seeing you here...rogue." Windpool rolled his eyes. "Just...stay away from Thunderheart, Windpool," Silverscar said. Thunderheart sighed. "But he seems so nice..."

            "Suit yourself," Silverscar said, walking away. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Nervously chuckling, Thunderheart found herself alone with Windpool. Her blue eyes locked with his, the colors of emeralds which glimmered in the blue moonlight. "That girl can sure hold a grudge."

"What happened between you two?"

"Nothing. I think she overreacted. She was one of the reasons I left in the first place,"

"What do you mean--left? So she was right--you were a rogue?"

"I just needed some time away from FireClan, that's all. I'm a loyal FireClan warrior, and Silverscar knows that."

"So why is she angry with you?"

"I was the one who gave her that scar,"