Chapter 2: The New Clan
"Quit your nonsense!" a voice commanded. The voice was gentle, yet the tone in it was frightening to the paws.
Starlight looked up to identify who the speaker was - who she regarded as a black and brown tomcat.
However, the tomcat wasn't looking at Starlight, but rather, his gaze was directed on the ginger she-cat.
"Back down," the tomcat commanded.
The ginger she-cat let out a meow in annoyance, but backed down.
The tom-cat then directed his gaze to Starlight. Starlight thought, "What beautiful black eyes he has! However, I must not fool around!"
His black eyes clashed with her blue eyes, both challenging for the other one to look away first. All that was heard was the rustle of the wind.
The tomcat chuckled in amusement, "Hello."
Starlight looked at the tomcat questioningly, "Hello?"
"I apologize for the group's hostility," the tomcat said, genuine remorse in his facial expression.
Starlight kept her mouth shut, not replying.
"Anyways," the tomcat interrupted the silence, "Carrying on what Sandpaw said, you can either join our clan or you can never hunt in these woods again."
Starlight involuntarily gasped, "Why?"
"For a reason," the tomcat replied.
Starlight thought about it - actually thought about it. She wasn't sure if she wanted to leave her friends back at home.
The impatient tom-cat spoke, "You have till dawn to decide. We will come back to this area for your response later."
The group of cats let out a handful of meows and trotted deeper into the woods.
Starlight got off the earthen floor and licked her paw. "What a decision I have to make!" she mumbled quietly to herself.
As Starlight pondered about the offer, she slowly made her way back home.
"Oh my! Starlight, where have you been? I came back home and looked all over the house for you. I couldn't find you, and I was so worried," Rusty cried out.
"I-" Starlight began to speak, but thought... Should I tell Rusty about what just happened to me? I can trust Rusty to not tell anyone else, right? Also, I need to get this off my chest, I'm quite petrified.
Reluctantly, Starlight narrated her encounter with the other cats to Rusty, Rusty's face changing from worrisome to shock and back to worrisome.
"WHAT!" Rusty exclaimed. "Well, the story is certain a rollercoaster. A-are you going to accept it?"
After a moment of contemplation, Starlight gently nodded her head. Starlight's wild side was beyond excited for an adventure. She was tired of being a house-cat, and lazying around everyday.
Rusty sighed, "All right... if that is what you really want, but don't forget to visit us once in a while."
Starlight gently rubbed her head on Rusty's as she was glad he understood.
Starlight tried sleeping. Her mind was buzzing, thinking if joining the clan was really the best thing to do. She would definitely miss her friends. What if she never sees them again?
Eventually, when dawn was approaching, she awoke. She purred as she stretched her paws, surprised when Rusty appeared right in front of her, already awake.
"I thought I would say bye for the last time," Rusty muttered, sadness prominent in his expression as he knew she would properly not come as often as he hoped for.
Starlight gave a small smile and replied cheekily, "What do you mean 'last time'? I'll come back and visit! You can count on it."
Both friends let out a sad laugh and said their goodbyes.
As Starlight walked to the rendezvous point, she couldn't help but second-guess herself.
Eventually, she made it to the area, surprised to see that the cats were already there, deep in conversation.
Starlight let out a shaky breath and raised her head in confidence.
She sauntered to the black and brown tomcat.
Sensing Starlight's presence, the tomcat regarded her existence. "So, what is your response?"
Starlight softly replied, "I accept your offer and will join your clan."
The cats surrounding her let out meows of delight. The tom-cat gave a small smile and nodded.
The cats started engaging in conversation, shooting glances at Starlight. Yet, no one had the nerve to say hi. Weird.
Starlight followed the cats, struggling to keep up at first since they walked pretty fast.
Starlight looked back for a minute, able to see her house at the hilltop. Her heart quenched.
"Hurry up," a voice rung in her head.
Starlight immediately snapped her head away and ran to keep up with the cats. It's okay, Starlight thought to herself, I'll come back. I promised after all.
Eventually, the cats slowed down and there were more meows. What's happening? Starlight looked up and saw-
"It's beautiful, isn't it? Well... welcome to Thunder Clan!"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone