It had been a week since Ruby had arrived in RiverClan, and the days were a whirlwind of new experiences and tentative connections. The camp buzzed with activity, each clan member going about their routines, some casting curious glances her way. She had also encountered the other clans: ThunderClan, WindClan, and ShadowClan. Each one had their own unique culture, and while they were kind, there was an underlying wariness, as if they were unsure of how to react to her presence.

Ruby spent her days getting to know RiverClan, observing their customs and interactions. She was fascinated by the way they moved with grace and confidence, their sleek fur glistening under the sun as they navigated the water. The warriors taught her how to fish, showing her the best spots along the riverbank and how to catch the slippery fish that darted beneath the surface.

Despite the kindness she received from the RiverClan cats, there were moments when she felt the weight of their scrutiny. Some of the older warriors watched her with narrowed eyes, their expressions unreadable. Ruby understood their hesitation; after all, she was a dragon among cats, and her size alone could be intimidating.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Ruby sat by the water's edge, reflecting on her journey. She spotted Crookedkit and Willowkit playing nearby, their laughter echoing through the camp. The sight brought a smile to her face, and she felt grateful for the bond she was forming with them.

"Ruby!" Willowkit called, bounding over with her white fur glowing in the twilight. "Come play with us!"

Crookedkit followed closely behind, his crooked jaw giving him an endearing, determined look. "Yeah! We're pretending to be warriors! You can be our leader!" he said, puffing out his chest with pride.

Ruby chuckled, feeling a warmth in her heart. "Alright, warriors! What's our mission?" she asked, her voice booming but playful.

Willowkit's eyes sparkled with excitement. "We have to protect the camp from invading mice!"

"And we have to catch them before they steal our fish!" Crookedkit added, his tone serious despite the silliness of their game.

"Then let's go!" Ruby declared, standing tall and spreading her wings dramatically. "Together, we are unstoppable!"

The three of them raced around the camp, their imaginations transforming the area into a battlefield. Ruby dove and swooped around the makeshift camp, her size dwarfing the kits, but she was careful to avoid using her claws or wings in a way that could hurt them. Instead, she engaged in their game, letting out playful roars and making exaggerated movements that had them shrieking with laughter.

As the game continued, Ruby caught glimpses of the other clan members watching them. Some warriors exchanged glances, their expressions softening as they witnessed the joy and camaraderie between the dragon and the kits. Ruby felt a flicker of hope—perhaps she could find a way to bridge the gap between her world and theirs.

Later that night, as they settled down after their adventure, Crookedkit curled up beside Ruby, his little body nestled against her warm scales. Willowkit snuggled close on Ruby's other side, and the three of them formed a cozy heap.

"Ruby, do you think you'll stay with us forever?" Willowkit asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ruby looked down at the two kits, her heart swelling with affection. "I hope so," she replied honestly. "You both mean a lot to me, and I love being here with you."

As they drifted off to sleep, Ruby couldn't shake the feeling that, despite the challenges she faced, she was beginning to carve a place for herself in RiverClan. And with Crookedkit and Willowkit by her side, she felt a sense of belonging that she hadn't experienced in a long time.

The night wrapped around them, quiet and peaceful, as stars twinkled overhead, and Ruby dreamed of the adventures that lay ahead in this new home.

The sun had barely risen when Rainflower strode over to where Ruby and the kits were nestled together. Her sleek fur glistened in the soft morning light, but her expression was serious as she approached. With a quick flick of her tail, she called out, "Crookedkit, your mother wants you!"

Crookedkit jolted awake, his eyes wide with surprise. "What? I'm not an apprentice yet!" he protested, the remnants of sleep still clinging to his voice. He shifted uneasily, glancing at Ruby as if seeking reassurance.

Ruby smiled gently, leaning closer to him. "You're still important, Crookedkit. Even before becoming an apprentice, you're part of your clan. It's a big deal when your mother calls for you."

Crookedkit sighed, torn between the excitement of their play and the responsibility of his mother's summons. "But I was having so much fun," he whined, his tail drooping slightly.

Rainflower's gaze softened a bit, though she maintained her authoritative tone. "It's important to listen, Crookedkit. I need to talk to you about something. Please come with me."

Reluctantly, Crookedkit hopped to his feet, casting a last wistful glance at Ruby and Willowkit. "I'll be right back!" he called out as he followed Rainflower, his small body trailing behind her.

Willowkit watched her brother go, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Do you think something's wrong?" she asked Ruby, her blue eyes wide.

Ruby shook her head, trying to reassure her. "I'm sure it's nothing serious. Maybe she just wants to discuss something important for his future as a warrior."

Willowkit nodded, though she still looked worried. "I hope he doesn't get in trouble."

As they waited, Ruby tried to distract Willowkit with stories of her own adventures back in her homeland, where dragons soared high above mountains and lush valleys. "You wouldn't believe how many different types of dragons there are! Some breathe fire, while others can control water," Ruby explained animatedly, hoping to ease Willowkit's nerves.

Willowkit listened intently, her worries momentarily forgotten. "Can you show me how to breathe fire?" she asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Before Ruby could answer, Crookedkit returned, his small frame a bit hunched as he approached. "What did your mother want?" Ruby asked, concerned about his demeanor.

Crookedkit took a deep breath, his tone serious now. "She said that I need to start learning more about being a warrior. I'm going to have to train soon, and she wants me to meet with the other apprentices."

"See? That's exciting!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice filled with encouragement. "You're one step closer to becoming a great warrior, just like you've always wanted."

Crookedkit looked uncertain, his crooked jaw giving him a pensive expression. "But what if I'm not good enough? What if I can't keep up?"

Ruby leaned down, meeting his gaze. "You are more than enough, Crookedkit. You've already shown courage and strength just by being yourself. Plus, you have me and Willowkit to support you. We'll always be cheering you on!"

Willowkit chimed in, her enthusiasm returning. "Yeah! You're going to be the best warrior ever! And when you do, you can teach me all the cool moves!"

Crookedkit's eyes brightened a little at their encouragement. "Really? You think so?"

"Absolutely!" Ruby affirmed. "You'll make a fantastic warrior. Just remember, it's okay to be nervous. Everyone has to start somewhere."

As the three of them stood together, Crookedkit seemed to grow a bit taller, a spark of determination igniting within him. "Okay, I'll try my best!" he declared, his voice stronger now.

"Now let's get some mossball practice in before you go!" Willowkit suggested, bouncing on her paws. "We can't let you get rusty!"

Ruby laughed, feeling the weight of the moment lift. "That's the spirit! Let's show everyone how fierce we can be!"

Together, they raced back to the mossy area, their laughter echoing across the camp as the sun climbed higher in the sky. In that moment, Ruby realized that no matter the challenges that lay ahead, she had found a family in RiverClan—one that would stand by her side through thick and thin.

-

Soon enough, Crookedkit had become an apprentice, and Ruby couldn't have been prouder of her little friend. She watched from the sidelines as he trained with Oakpaw, his mentor, practicing his hunting skills and learning the ways of the warrior. His crooked jaw, which had once made him feel different, now felt like a badge of honor—a testament to his resilience and determination.

However, today was different. Ruby found herself spending time with Crookedkit's parents, Shellheart and Rainflower. The two cats were sitting beside a bush, their bodies tense and their tails stiff. Rainflower's fur bristled slightly, a sign of her unease, while Shellheart remained vigilant, watching the surroundings with keen eyes.

Rainflower had never been particularly warm or friendly, even after Ruby had promised to help care for Crookedkit and Oakpaw when she had taken them under her wing. There was an unspoken tension between them, a lingering doubt that Ruby felt whenever she was near Crookedkit's mother. Rainflower seemed protective of her son, and despite Ruby's best efforts to prove her worth, she sensed that Rainflower was still wary of her presence.

"Ruby," Shellheart said, breaking the silence with a low, calm voice. "Thank you for looking out for Crookedkit. It means a lot to us." His deep blue eyes were warm, offering her a glimpse of appreciation that Rainflower's sharp gaze lacked.

"I'm just glad to see him happy," Ruby replied, trying to keep the conversation light. "He's been training hard. I know he'll make a great warrior one day."

Rainflower flicked her tail, her expression remaining unreadable. "Let's hope so," she replied, her voice tinged with skepticism. "He needs to learn discipline. It's not enough to simply want to be a warrior."

Ruby sensed the underlying message in her words—an implication that Crookedkit might not be good enough, despite the progress he had made. It stung more than she cared to admit, but she couldn't let it show. "He's learning," Ruby said firmly. "He has so much potential. He just needs the right support."

At this, Rainflower narrowed her eyes slightly. "Support is one thing, but he needs to be careful. The world isn't kind to those who are different."

Shellheart sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his demeanor. "Rainflower, he's doing well. He's strong, and he has friends who care about him. Ruby has been a good influence."

Rainflower turned her head away, her fur bristling as she licked her paw, seemingly unfazed by Shellheart's defense. "We'll see," she muttered under her breath, but Ruby caught the flicker of doubt in her eyes.

Feeling the tension in the air, Ruby decided to redirect the conversation. "Have you two been watching Crookedkit train with Oakpaw? I think they make a great team."

Shellheart nodded, his expression softening. "Yes, they work well together. Crookedkit has really improved in the last few days. I just hope he can prove himself during the next gathering."

"Gathering?" Ruby asked, her ears perking up. She had heard of these clan gatherings but had yet to experience one herself.

Rainflower finally turned to Ruby, her expression softening slightly as she explained, "It's a meeting of all four clans under the full moon. They share news, but it can be tense. I want Crookedkit to show he belongs."

Ruby understood now—the pressure that Rainflower felt for her son to succeed weighed heavily on her, and it was evident that her protective instincts ran deep. "I'm sure he'll make you proud," Ruby said, hoping to ease Rainflower's worries. "He has friends and a supportive clan behind him."

Shellheart nodded in agreement. "And he has you, Ruby. That matters more than you know."

As the conversation continued, Ruby tried to break through Rainflower's tough exterior, hoping to show her that she meant no harm. Despite the challenges, she was determined to prove herself as a valued part of their family and community. With every passing day, she felt a little closer to Crookedkit and a little more accepted in RiverClan.

And perhaps, just perhaps, Rainflower would come to see her as an ally rather than a threat. The sun shone brightly overhead, illuminating their surroundings, and for the first time, Ruby felt a flicker of hope that she could carve out a place for herself in this new life.