Storm's Journey

Chapter 1:
Storm rubbed her muzzle with her paw. The cuts on her cheek stung but were shallow. She glared at the fox, rage bubbling in her belly. That was my prey! The dog-like creature turned and bounded away, taking with it a large vole. Surviving as a rogue at all was hard, but it was nearly impossible during leaf-bare. Hunger had clawed at her stomach for days, and Storm couldn't remember the last time she'd had a full belly.

She shook herself, shivering. No point in being angry about lost prey, she told herself. I'll just have to catch more. Glancing at her pelt, she suddenly realized how filthy she was. Her brown, mottled tortoiseshell pelt was thin and covered in dust. Once thick and glossy, it now seemed to be draped over her body. Might as well clean up, she thought to herself. But she knew she couldn't groom herself, or she'd get sick. She'd have to head down towards the stream. With a sigh, she padded away from the fox-scented trees towards the grassy plain.

She forced herself into the cold water, telling herself over and over again, This is how rogues stay clean. They didn't have the company of Clan cats. But Storm knew she didn't need a leader. She didn't need to be bossed around. At least, that's what her mother had told her.

"Hey!" A yowl jerked her back to the present. Lifting her head, she saw three cats across from her, on the other side of the stream. "Our stream isn't for kittypets!" called the smallest, a ginger cat. An older cat cuffed her ears. "Come over here and say that!" Storm hissed, arching her back threateningly. The cat who seemed to be the leader stepped into the water. "We don't tolerate rogues or loners on our land," he growled. His black pelt rippled uneasily as Storm unsheathed her claws. Hungry as she was, she had never forgotten the fighting skills she'd been taught. "Why should I listen to you?" Storm snapped back. His green eyes flashed with anger, and he raised a paw.