Warriors: Exploration

Chapter 2: Wildstrike's Path

Sparrowmist enters the hut. A common hangout for the Clanpatrol apprentices. Sparrowmist greets her friends. She goes up to the waiter.

"Hey hi! I'd like any kind of drinks you got. Milk, water, and something strong," Sparrowmist said.

"Have you tried the spice mix?" The waiter asked.

"That too then. Thanks," Sparrowmist said.

"That's a lot of drinks for one cat," Wildstrike said.

"And a shot of amber hinted milk please," Sparrowmist said.

"Make that two, shots on me," Wildstrike said.

"Her shot is on her. Thanks but no thanks," Sparrowmist said.

"Do you at least want to know my name before you completely reject me?" Wildstrike asked.

"I'm fine without it," Sparrowmist replied.

"You are fine without it. It's Wild, Wildstrike. If you don't tell me your name, I'm gonna have to make one up," Wildstirke said. She hesitated before answering.

"Mist," she said.

"Mist, no way? That was the name I was going to make up for you. Mist what?" Wildstrike asked.

"Just Mist," she said.

"They don't have last names where you come from?" Wildstrike asked.

"Mist is my last name," Sparrowmist said.

"Well then, they don't have first names where you come from?" Wildstrike asked. She turned to face away from him. He got up and went closer to her.

"So you are a patrol apprentice, your studying...what's your focus?" Wildstrike asked.

"Anilinguistics. You have no idea what that means," Sparrowmist said.

"The study of animal languages, morphology, phonology, syntax. It means you've got a talented tongue," Wildstrike said.

"I'm impressed. For a moment there, I thought you were just a dumb hick who only has sex with farm animals," Sparrowmist said.

"Well not only," Wildstrike said. Sparrowmist laughed. A strong looking cat approached them both.

"He isn't bothering you, is he?" he asked.

"Oh, beyond belief. But it's nothing I can't handle," Sparrowmist said and laughed.

"You could handle me if that's an invitation," Wildstrike said.

"Hey! You better mind your manners," he said.

"Oh, relax cupcake, it was a joke," Wildstrike said playfully nudging him.

"Hey, farmboy, maybe you can't count, but there are four of us and one of you," he said as his friends approached.

"Well, some more guys and then it'll be an even fight," Wildstrike said.

A fight breaks out. Wildstrike is beat to a pulp easily.

"Stop it! Stop it, all of you! Enough! Guys, he's had enough!" Sparrowmist yelled.

A big whistling sound is heard.

"Outside. All of you. Now! "Icestar yelled.

"Yes, sir," most of the clan apprentices filled out the hut.

"You all right, son?" Icestar asked.

"You can whistle really loud, you know that?" Wildstrike asked.

Later that evening...

"You know, I couldn't believe it when the waiter told me who you are," Icestar said.

"Who am I, Icestar? " Wildstrike asked.

"Your father's son," he replied. Wildstrike scoffed.

"For my dissertation, I was assigned the Kelvin Patrol. Something I admired about your dad, he didn't believe in no-win scenarios," Icestar said.

"Sure learned his lesson," Wildstrike said.

"Well, it depends on how you define winning. You're here, aren't ya? " Icestar asked.

"Thanks," Wildstrike said.

"You know, that instinct to leap without looking, that was his nature too, and in my opinion, it's something Clanpatrol's lost," Icestar said.

"Why are you talking to me, man? " Wildstrike asked.

"'Cause I looked up your file while you were drooling on the floor. Your aptitude tests are off the charts, so what is it? You like being the only genius-level repeat offender in the clan territories?" Icestar asked.

"Maybe I love it," Wildstrike said.

"Look, so your dad dies. You can settle for less than an ordinary life. Or do you feel like you were meant for something better? Something special? Enlist in Clanpatrol," Icestar said.

"Enli--" Wildstrike laughs,"You guys must be way down in your recruiting quota for the month."

"If you're half the man your father was Wild, Clanpatrol could use you. You could be an officer in four years. You could have your own patrol in eight. You understand what the Clanpartol is, don't you? It's important. It's a peacekeeping and humanitarian armada," Icestar explained.

"We did?" Wildstrike asked.

"I'm done. Riverside. The patrol for new recruits leaves tomorrow oh-eight-hundred. You know, your father was a leader of a patrol for twelve minutes. He saved eight hundred lives, including your mother's. And yours. I dare you to do better," Icestar said leaving.

The next morning, WIldstrike runs toward the river. He sees Icestar.

"Four years? I'll do it in three," Wildstrike says entering the crowd for patrol. Icestar smiled.

"At ease, gentlemen," Wildstrike said as he walked pass Cupcake and his friends from the previous night. He finds a spot to sit. Across from him he sees Sparrowmist.

"I never did get that first name," Wildstrike said.

"You need a medicine cat," said one of the patrol combat officers.

"I told you cats, I don't need a medicine cat. I am a medicine cat," Brambledust said.

"Please take a seat somewhere, or I'll make you sit down," she begged.

"Fine," he said sitting next to Wildstrike.

"Thank you," she said in relief and walked off.

"I may throw up on you," Brambledust said.

"This patrol is safe," Wildstrike said.

"Don't pander to me, kid. One attack, disease, poison. You wouldn't be saying that if your eyeballs were bleeding. These forests are dangerous," Brambledust said.

"Well, I hate to break this to you, but Clanpatrols operates in forests," Wildstrike said.

"Yeah, well, got nowhere else to go. The ex-mate took the whole damn clan in the divorce. All I've got left is my bones," Brambledust said.

"Wildstrike," he said.

"Bramble, Brambledust," he replied.