"Stay back!" hisses Sparrowkit, "I'm an apprentice! I know how to fight real good!"

The smaller cat, Wolf, gives Sparrowkit a sceptical look. "I thought they only let cats six moons or older be apprentices. You look smaller than me and I'm only four moons."

Shadow, the larger cat, lets out a mraow of laughter. "Guess they'll let anyone be an apprentice these days," she chuckled. She moves closer and Sparrowkit creeps back like a cornered mouse.

"L-leave him alone!" you yowl, stepping protectively in front of Sparrowkit. You hope the two older cats don't notice the tremor of fear in your voice. "Or... or else!"

"Or else what?" asks Wolf, although they sound more confused than scornful.

"Or else nothing! It's nothing but an empty threat," snaps Shadow. "You kits have a lot of explaining to do." Shadow moves closer again, her tail flicking back and forth like a hunter stalking their prey. Sparrowkit's fur stands on end.

"Back off, Shadow," commanded Wolf. "Unless you want my father to know how you just spoke to me." Shadow grumbles, but slowly withdraws. Her eyes remain fixed on you the entire time. "Sorry about her. I promise we're not all that quick to pounce."

"It's okay," you say, careful to avoid eye contact with Shadow. "But who are you? Are you from another clan?"

"Too many questions," growls Shadow.

"Yeah, Y/Nkit, let's just get out of here," hisses Sparrowkit under his breath.

Wolf rolls their eyes and flicks their tail at Shadow derisively. Then they turn back to you, smiling slightly. "I'm Wolf, and that sourpuss over there is Shadow. And no, we're not from your silly clans."

Sparrowheart's eyes widened even further. "You're rogues?!" he squeaked.

Wolf chuckled. "Is that what you ferals call city cats? If so, then I guess we are."

"The city?" you ask, confused. Did Wolf mean twolegplace?

"Wolf, we need to go. Now!" hissed Shadow. "I smell more ferals coming this way!"

Wolf sighed. "Aw, and just when I was getting used to this place." They flash you a smile that shows just a bit too much of their fangs. "Don't worry though. I'll be back."

The two rogues disappear into the brush as Brumestar and Maplestrike burst into the clearing. "Son, what are you doing here?" asked Maplestrike. His shocked expression quickly faded, giving way to a frightful scowl. "You know you're not supposed to leave camp!"

"I-I'm sorry Dad," sobbed Sparrowheart. "B-but the rogues..."

"Rogues? Now don't you think you can-" Maplestrike started before Brumestar cut him off with a flick of her tail.

"The kit is telling the truth. I scent rogues nearby. Maplestrike, I want you to follow these rogues. Meanwhile, I'll return these mischievous kits to the nursery where they belong," commanded Brumestar. Maplestrike bowed his head, and followed the rogues into the foliage. Brumestar turned towards you and Sparrowheart, her tail lashing and an aggravated look in her eyes. "Now, are either of you kits hurt?"

"No Brumestar," you say hurriedly, "but those aren't just any ordinary rogues. They called themselves 'city cats.' What's a city?"

Brumestar's eyes widen. "Could it be The Circle?" she whispers to herself.

"What's The Circle?" you ask, moving close to Brumestar. Why won't cats just tell me what's going on, you think.

"None of your concern," growls Brumestar. "You two, come back with me. Your mothers will want to hear of your misbehaviour I think." Without another word, Brumestar starts to head back to camp, still muttering to herself.

"I'm sorry, Y/Nkit. I never meant to get you in trouble. If I had gone out alone, I don't know if I'd come back. So...thank you," mews Sparrowheart, trudging dejectedly behind you. "Still, at least this proves we aren't moushearts..." You barely hear his words, too occupied with your own thoughts. Who were those mysterious cats? What is The Circle? And worst of all, will Brindleclaw ever let you out of the den after this?

Gain One Relationship Point with Wolf. End of Chapter. Go to Chapter 2.

A/N: I'm sorry it's taken me nearly a year for me to continue with this story. I tried to write too much at once, and it gave me serious writer's block and anxiety. Now that I'm feeling better, I think it's more realistic for me to write a page every weekday, instead of expecting myself to finish a chapter all at once. I hope this is okay with all of you, thank you so much for your patience. The next chapter of this story should drop Wednesday. Don't forget to upvote and reply if you're happy this story is back.