Warrior Cats #1: The Battle of Thorns

Chapter Five

Sky looked over at her father as they waited for Lion and SilverShadow to get back from their hunt. Birdclaw's tail swayed nervously from side to side.

"It's Lion's first hunt, I hope he doesn't get discouraged." He meowed. Sky nodded but stayed silent. She was focused on a squirrel nearby. If only she could catch it as well as her father.

Birdclaw looked over at Sky and smiled. Quietly, he padded over to her. "Sky, is everything ok?" He asked. "If you want, I can start teaching you how to hunt."

"Well, I guess that would help... It's just, I was wondering what clan life is like." Birdclaw growled and shook his head. "It's not something you'd want, Sky. Let's just leave it at that."

•. •. •. •. •. • •. •.

Lion smiled as he picked up his thrush, looking over at his mother happily. "This isn't so hard!" He mewed, his voice brimming with pride.

SilverShadow flicked her tail towards the path they had taken before. "Good job, Lion. Let's get back to camp and show your father."

Lion would have liked to have hunted more with her, but he knew SilverShadow was getting tired.

"You head on back, I need to check something out." He mewed. SilverShadow nodded and turned to leave. "Be careful!" She called and disappeared behind the bush.

With excitement booming through his veins, Lion scented the air. His first hunt by himself had to be a good one, maybe a rabbit or another bird. Sure enough, a rabbit was sniffing some berries nearby.

Silently, Lion crouched a few inches away from it. In short, rapid movements, he pounced. His claws caught the rabbit's leg and almost caught him when a cat burst into the small clearing.

A beautiful silver she-cat with a long slender tail was growling at him. Lion stood and forgot about the rabbit, his ears perked intently. "What's going on?!" He meowed excitedly. The she-cat hissed. She looked rather young, possibly Lion's age.

"Listen, I don't want any trouble." Lion meowed. The she-cat straightened up and smiled. "You don't have a choice, Rogue. I can do whatever I want with you." She said, lying her tail across her paws happily. "I've decided to spare your life. I'll show you to Stonestar and he'll decide the rest."

Lion's eyes widened. "You're a clan cat?!" He asked, his voice high with excitement. The she-cat nodded dismissively.

"Not much a better title than that of a rogue at the moment, though. I'm still an apprentice, but after a few moons..." She trailed off. "Why am I telling you this?! Just stand and get your lazy paws moving, I can't wait to show you to the clan!"

•. •. •. •. •. •. •. • •. •.

Lion followed the she-cat happily taking in the whole scene. "So, will I be able to join your clan? I'd sure like to be a clan cat..."

"If anything, Stonestar will be more than happy to let you go with a minor cut. He's not a soft cat, you know. Whatever bird brain dares to hunt on our territory won't be let go with ease."

Lion's tail drooped. "So, uh... What's your name?" The she-cat looked back at him and grinned. "Leafpaw." She replied. "And what would yours be?"

Lion looked up slightly and grinned back. "Lion. Maybe someday I could be Lionpaw..."

Leafpaw looked forwards again and laughed. "If you want, I could ask Stonestar if you could join." Lion Flicked his tail from side to side dismissively. Leafpaw was a nice cat, but that didn't mean she could go against her promises. Lion was born with the innocence of all kits, but Birdclaw had taught him not to trust anyone at first glance.

After a few minutes of walking, Leafpaw and Lion neared the entrance to camp. Leafpaw bounced with excitement as she entered, Lion at

her heels. Immediately cats started glaring at Lion. Some hissed, while others hid. Lion flinched when one cat tried to snap at his flank.

Leafpaw noticed this but stayed silent. Lion decide it would be best if he stayed close.

The leader's den was a large tree with a huge hole in it's center. Stonestar was lying in his bed of moss when Leafpaw entered. Lion entered shortly after, his head lowered slightly.

"Leafpaw, who's this you've brought with you?!" He growled, standing quickly. Leafpaw looked over at Lion and grinned.

"I caught him hunting on our territory, Stonestar..." She began. "He wants to join Streamclan."

Stonestar raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded. "Hmmm..." His voice lowered in thought. "Tell me, what is his name?"

"His name is Lion." Leafpaw replied.

Stonestar stretched his legs and sighed. " Alright, he can stay with us for one and a half moons. If he proves good, we'll let him stay."