Five years later...

Chapter One
Ruby

Five years had passed since Ruby had left the shores of her childhood, yet the ache of loss never truly faded. The Innerlands had become her sanctuary, a vibrant world filled with lush forests, winding rivers, and a cacophony of life. Yet even among the splendor, she often found herself wandering to the quiet shores, searching for solace in the rhythm of the waves.

As she sniffed around the shoreline, the salty breeze tangled with her scales, stirring memories both painful and sweet. The ocean glistened under the sun, waves lapping gently at the rocky outcrops, a stark contrast to the chaos that had consumed her life in the wake of her mother's death. Here, in this serene landscape, Ruby often felt close to Seraphina, as if the wind whispered her name with every gust.

"Come on, Ruby, focus!" she chided herself, shaking her head to dispel the memories that threatened to pull her under. She had promised herself she would not be consumed by grief. Five years was a long time to grieve; it was time to find her purpose.

She stretched her wings, taking a moment to bask in the sun, feeling the warmth seep into her scales. But the memories were relentless. She remembered her uncle Daemon's fierce determination as he vowed to avenge Seraphina's death. The image of him soaring into the horizon, leaving behind the painful past, flashed through her mind. She knew he was still out there, hunting for Seasmoke, still haunted by the loss.

With a determined huff, Ruby turned her attention back to the tide pools, their surfaces shimmering with life. She watched small creatures dart beneath the water, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the dark thoughts that lingered in her mind. She had spent countless hours here, learning to hunt, to survive, and to connect with the world around her.

But now, as she watched the water swirl, she felt a restlessness stirring within her—a desire to reclaim her life, to rise from the shadows of her past. The Innerlands had given her strength, but the world beyond the shores still beckoned.

"What if I could find him?" she murmured to herself, her heart racing at the thought. What if she could uncover the truth of her mother's death and confront the dragon responsible? The idea ignited a fire in her belly, mixing with the longing that had simmered beneath her surface for too long.

With newfound resolve, Ruby flared her wings, feeling the wind catch her as she prepared to take flight. The Innerlands had shaped her, but she knew it was time to venture beyond, to embrace the unknown that awaited her. The shadows of vengeance were still looming, and it was time for her to step into the light.

As Ruby prepared to take flight, a sudden scent drifted on the breeze, wrapping around her like a familiar whisper. It was the sharp, musky aroma of cat—distinct and unmistakable. She had come to recognize it well over the past five years of living in the Innerlands.

She paused, her heart quickening with curiosity. This scent was different, tinged with a fishy undertone that could only belong to RiverClan, one of the four clans that thrived along the river's edge near the ocean. The RiverClan cats were known for their prowess in the water, skilled at fishing and navigating the currents, and Ruby had always admired their grace from a distance.

"Maybe they're back," she murmured, her excitement bubbling to the surface. Ruby had encountered RiverClan on a few occasions, exchanging glances and gestures of goodwill. Their kind demeanor had left a lasting impression on her, and she had often wondered about the stories they told and the adventures they experienced.

With a flick of her tail, Ruby shifted into a more alert stance, the wind carrying the scent toward her as she took a few cautious steps closer to the riverbank. She peered through the foliage, her eyes scanning the water for any signs of movement. As she focused, she spotted several sleek, agile figures gliding effortlessly through the shallows, their sleek fur glistening under the sunlight.

"Look at them go," she breathed, captivated by the sight of the RiverClan cats. They darted among the water lilies, their paws barely making a sound as they stalked their aquatic prey. It was a dance of fluidity and grace, one that Ruby found enchanting. She had often wished she could join them, to feel the thrill of the hunt and the camaraderie that seemed to radiate from their group.

Suddenly, one of the cats lifted its head, amber eyes locking onto Ruby's. Startled, Ruby froze, unsure if she should reveal herself or remain hidden. But to her surprise, the cat—an elegant tabby with striking stripes—stayed perfectly still, simply observing her with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"Hey!" called another cat, a bolder black-and-white figure who padded closer. "You there! You're not from around here, are you?"

Ruby felt a rush of excitement at being noticed. "No, I'm not!" she called back, stepping from her hiding place, her wings folded neatly against her sides. "I'm Ruby. I've seen you from afar but never up close."

The tabby narrowed its eyes, tilting its head slightly. "Ruby? I've heard tales of a dragon that roams the Innerlands. Is that you?"

"Yup, that's me!" Ruby said, pride swelling in her chest. "I've lived here for a while now. It's beautiful, but I'm always curious about the clans and the river."

The black-and-white cat stepped forward, a grin breaking across its face. "I'm Finch, and this is Moss. We're from RiverClan. We'd be happy to show you around if you'd like. There's so much to see, especially with the fish running right now!"

Ruby's heart raced at the invitation. She had always been curious about the RiverClan cats and their way of life, and now here was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. "I'd love that!" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. "Show me your world!"

Finch and Moss exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with mischief. "Follow us, then!" Finch called, darting toward the water, and Ruby followed close behind, feeling a spark of joy ignite within her.

As they ventured along the riverbank, Ruby felt the shadows of her past start to lift, replaced by the thrill of new friendships and the promise of adventure. She was ready to explore this vibrant world, one fish at a time.

Ruby followed Finch and Moss, they soon reached the RiverClan camp, nestled amidst tall reeds and vibrant greenery. The atmosphere buzzed with life—cats darting around, their fur shimmering in the sunlight as they carried out their daily activities. Ruby, though considerably larger than the RiverClan cats, felt a sense of belonging here, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the clan.

As they walked through the camp, Ruby couldn't help but notice how nimble and agile the cats were, their movements graceful and swift, honed by years of navigating the water and hunting in the reeds. She marveled at their strength and elegance, wishing she could be as quick on her feet.

Then, her gaze fell on a small figure nestled near the entrance to the nursery. It was a kit, alone and looking rather forlorn. Ruby's heart ached as she noticed the little one's crooked jaw, a clear sign of some past injury. He seemed lost in thought, staring at the ground, and she felt an overwhelming urge to reach out to him.

Leaning down, Ruby whispered to Finch, who was watching the kit with a knowing expression. "Who's that?" she asked, tilting her head toward the small creature.

Finch twitched her whiskers, her tone gentle. "That's Crookedkit. He broke his jaw last moon during a training session with some of the older apprentices. He's been feeling down ever since; it's hard for him to play with the other kits."

Ruby's heart sank at the thought of the little one feeling left out. She felt a surge of compassion and instinctively knew she wanted to help lift his spirits. "Is he going to be okay?" she asked softly, concern etched in her voice.

Finch nodded, her expression softening. "He will be, but it's been tough for him. He just needs a little encouragement."

Without thinking twice, Ruby approached Crookedkit slowly, careful not to startle him. "Hey there," she said softly, lowering her head to his level. "What's got you looking so glum?"

Crookedkit glanced up at her, his big, round eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and surprise. "I can't play like the others," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't catch fish or climb trees. I'm... broken."

Ruby felt a pang in her chest at his words. "You're not broken," she replied, her voice firm yet gentle. "You're just a little different, and that's okay. I've met so many incredible creatures who are unique in their own ways." She smiled, hoping to convey her sincerity. "I'm a dragon, and I can't fit in everywhere either, but that doesn't mean I'm any less special."

Crookedkit blinked at her, his expression shifting from sorrow to curiosity. "You're a dragon? That's so cool!" His eyes sparkled with wonder, momentarily forgetting his sadness.

Ruby chuckled softly, encouraged by his interest. "Yeah, it's pretty neat! Want to hear about the time I chased a whole flock of fish into the air?" She leaned in closer, her voice playful as she began to weave a tale of her adventures, feeling Crookedkit's spirits lift with each word.

Finch watched with a warm smile, her heart swelling at the sight of Ruby connecting with the little kit. "You have a way with him," she remarked softly, glancing at Moss, who nodded in agreement. "Maybe you could help him find new ways to play and explore!"

Ruby's heart swelled with determination. "I'd love to! Let's show him that being different can still be fun." She turned back to Crookedkit, who was now listening intently, a hint of a smile beginning to emerge on his face.

With renewed energy, Ruby began to share more of her stories, her laughter ringing out like music, wrapping around the little kit like a warm embrace. As she spoke, she could see the joy flickering back into Crookedkit's eyes, and it filled her with hope—hope that maybe, just maybe, they could all find their place in the world, no matter how different they might be.