That's What Friends Are For (Songfic)

This is a songfic to Taylor Swift's song, "Mean." Written by Hawky. Song belomngs to Taylor Swift.





























''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">You. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">With your words like knives and swords ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">and weapons that you use against me. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw pelted through the undergrowth, fear bubbling in his chest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">He was running away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">From his Clan, his friends, his life.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">You. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Have knocked me off my feet again, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">got me feelin' like I'm nothin'. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">A dark tabby shape followed him, shadows swivelled around his paws. He was an evil cat, and hatred burned in his yellow eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"Leave me alone, Tigerclaw!" Ravenpaw called back to him, still running.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Evil whispers answered him, and the evil cat still followed him. Rain poured down, making the darkness that followed him even scarier than it already was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">You. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">With your voice like nails on a chalkboard, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">calling me out when I'm wounded. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"You will pay for what you have done!" Tigerclaw's deep voice made Ravenpaw's ears ache. His muscles burned, and he slipped and fell in a patch of mud.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw and his followers of darkness were closing in on the apprentice. Ravenpaw wanted to get up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">To run away like a coward.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">He knew he would never be able to beat this cat and his followers. He had told Firepaw about the murderer Tigerclaw was. He had murdered Redtail in cold blood, hoping to become deputy, but Bluestar had replaced him with Lionheart.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">You. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Pickin' on the weaker man. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"I could have been the deputy!" he roared, lifting his paw to swipe the tiny tom.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">As the fearsome tom lunged for his throat, claws extended, a flame-colored flash bowled the huge tom over. The darkness around him scattered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">You can take me down, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">with just one single blow. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">But you don't know, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">what you don't know. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"Firepaw!" he screeched in relief, then he saw a gray splash of fur at the ginger toms side, "Graypaw!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw leaped to his paws, new energy rushing through him. He fluffed out his fur to make himself look twice his size. He bared his teeth, hissing at Tigerclaw, while his friends took their places beside him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw looked up in alarm, a fresh wound on his shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Someday, I'll be, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Living in a big ol' city, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">and all you're, ever going to be is mean. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"You diseased maniac!" Firepaw spat, "Why would anycat want to make you deputy?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">A growl rumbled in Graypaw's throat, "You murderer!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw joined, "You liar!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Then all three chorused, "Betrayer!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Someday, I'll be, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Big enough do you can't hit me. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw let out a snarl and thrashed out at Ravenpaw. He quickly dodged the blow, and Graypaw leaped, slashing a wound down Tigerclaw's flank.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">The huge tom yowled in pain, then lunged for Firepaw's throat. Firepaw braced himself, squinting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"No!" Graypaw lunged for Tigerclaw's scruff, and pulled him back. Ravenpaw heard the sickening tear of skin between teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">And all you're, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">ever going to be is mean. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Why you gotta be so mean? ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw ripped free of the apprentice's grasp, blood trickling down his neck. He let out a fearsome bellow, "I would have led the Clan better than Bluestar!" he turned his gaze to Ravenpaw, "If it weren't for you!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"I just want to protect the Clan from you treacherous mistakes!" Ravenpaw countered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw let out a sarcastic laugh, "My treacherous mistakes?" he leaped at Ravenpaw, pinning him down in the mud, "This is your fault!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">You. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">With your switchin' sides, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">and your wildfire lies, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">and your humiliation. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Firepaw and Graypaw leaped at Tigerclaw, clawing fur from his sides. "We aren't disloyal like you, Tigerclaw!" Graypaw yowled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw turned on Graypaw and swiped his muzzle, sending the apprentice reeling. He fell to his side, blood trickling from his nose.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"No!" Firepaw raced to his friend's side.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">You. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Have pointed out my flaws again, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">as if I don't already see them. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw jumped on top of Tigerclaw, digging in his claws to hold on. Tigerclaw bucked and hopped, trying to know the black cat off his back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Graypaw was rushed into a bramble patch, Firepaw at his side. Furious, Firepaw lunged for Tigerclaw's throat. The huge tom dodged easily, grabbing Firepaw's tail in his jaws. The ginger apprentice yowled in pain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw was thrown off the huge warrior's back, slamming into a tree trunk. Dizziness swirled in his mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">I walk with my head down, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tryin' to block you out ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">'cause I'll never impress you. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">I just wanna feel okay again. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Graypaw bounded out the brambles, dried blood crusted around his nostril. His nostrils flared and a deep hiss came from his jaws. He bowled into the huge tom, sending his reeling into a puddle. Graypaw thrashed and scored blows on Tigerclaw, blood pulsing from a wound in his side.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"You can't beat us!" Firepaw joined in the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">I bet you got pushed around, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">somebody made you cold. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">But the cycle ends right now, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"Why not, puny apprentice?" Tigerclaw taunted, exhaustion edging his mew.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw stood, his fur fluffed out and his back in a high arch. He let out a hiss, "Because friendship is more important than power."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">He attacked Tigerclaw, thrashing and raking his claws through Tigerclaw's fur.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">'Cause you can't lead me down that road, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">and you don't know, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">what you don't know. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">The three friends moved as one, matching blow for blow. Tigerclaw ripped free of their claws and fled into the forest, yowling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Then, he stopped, turned, and hissed, "You better watch your tail, Ravenpaw, because I'll still be around," then continued running.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"We did it!" Graypaw meowed triumphantly "We beat Tigerclaw!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Someday, I'll be, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">living in a bog ol' city. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">And all you're, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">ever gonna be is mean. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Why you gotta be so mean? ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">A rustling in the shadows set Firepaw off guard. He whirled around to see Darkstripe by Tigerclaw's side.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"I'm not so defeat-able now, am I?" Tigerclaw taunted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">The three apprentices huddled together; fur fluffed out, eyes narrowed, and backs arched high. Thunder crackled in the sky, making the rain pour faster. It seemed that StarClan were weeping.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">I can see you years from now in a bar, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">talkin' over a football game, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">With that same big loud opinion but, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">nobody's listening. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Darkstripe lunged for Graypaw, grasping the apprentice's scruff. Graypaw struggled, clawing at the warrior's chest. Blood trickled from the bite in his scruff, he was getting weaker and weaker. ..

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw bowled Darkstripe over, clawing at his throat. Pawfuls of fur were coming out, one by one. ..

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw leaped into battle, grabbing his former apprentice and throwing him against another tree. Ravenpaw lay there, stunned.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Now, Firepaw was alone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Washed up and ranting ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">about the same old bitter things. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw watched as his friend went up against the two warriors. Ravenpaw was sure he would lose, that they would fail, but he got to his shaky paws. Fearlessness pulsed through his veins, while fear still gripped his belly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Would he fail?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw cleared his mind, "Hey, Tigerclaw!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">The huge dark tabby tom whipped around.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Drunk and grumblin' all about how I can't sing. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">But all you are is mean. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">All you are is mean, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"I thought I was finished with you!" Tigerclaw growled, lunging for the tiny cat. Ravenpaw's plan was going to work! He dodged to one side, making the huge tom crash into the tree. Headfirst.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw lay in the roots of the tree, stunned, while the rain turned into a drizzle. The three apprentices seized Darkstripe, sending him reeling into the forest. they chased him towards Sunningrocks,  Then, with a splash, he was swept away into the river.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">And a liar, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"Liar!" Graystripe called after him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">And pathetic, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Firepaw joined in, "Pathetic!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">And alone in life, and mean, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">and mean, and mean, and mean. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">The three raced back to the bloodstained clearing with tufts of mixed fur between their paws. Ravenpaw kept shaking his forepaws clear of the furry stuff, because he didn't want to lick it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Or get a hairball.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">They studied Tigerclaw, who looked helpless and small. His eyes were flickering, and he let out a groan of defeat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">But someday, I'll be, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">living in a big ol' city, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">and all you're, ever going to be is mean, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">yeah. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Tigerclaw slowly staggered to his paws, blood trickling out of one ear. He stared at the apprentices, horror struck, then raced away into the forest, admitting defeat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"Coward!" Ravenpaw called after him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"Yeah!" Graypaw called.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Someday, I'll be, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">big enough so you can't hit me. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">And all you're ever going to be is mean. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Why you gotta be so mean? ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">The three friends huddled together, licking each other's wounds.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">"Thaks for saving me," Ravenpaw mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">"You're welcome," Graypaw meowed, flicking his tail on his friend's nose playfully, "That's what friends are for."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"So, about what I said, about leaving ThunderClan," Firepaw began.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"Yeah?" Ravenpaw answered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Firepaw continued hesitantly, "Do you still want to live with Barley? After we defeated Tigerclaw?"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Someday, I'll be, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">living in a big ol' city (Why you gotta be so mean?) ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">And all you're ever going to be 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">is mean. (Why you gotta be so mean?) ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw shook his head, "No. Not if Tigerclaw is still in the forest. He can always come back for me."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Firepaw looked crestfallen, "Oh. Well, be sure to come visit."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Graypaw added, "And we'll visit you."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">Ravenpaw brushed his tail against their flanks, "I'll miss you guys," he meowed. Then he padded away to Fourtrees. He left his old life, and now, he would start a new one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">New friends, new places, and new skills to learn. He felt a starry pelt brush his, and looked to see gius mother, Robinwing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"">"StarClan will always be on your side," she mewed. Then, melted into the shadows.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Someday, I'll be, ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">big enough so you can't hit me (Why you gotta be so mean?) ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">And all you're ever gonna be is mean. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">Why you gotta be so mean? ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">''<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"">The End. ''