"I can't believe it..." Sammy rasped. He was at an utter loss for words. Here he was, in the presence of warrior cats. The kitten looked at each individual, taking note of everyone. If the descriptions Duchess had given him were correct, he assumed that these were MinnowClan cats, with their sleek fur and slender build. Strangely though, the big red tabby seemed different from his companions due to his size. But regardless Sammy knew he was a warrior cat too.

"I sense you have questions, little one. It is good to see curiosity in the eyes of the younger generations," the gray and ginger tom remarked with a gentle swish of his tail. He sat down and gazed upon the young kitten before him. At a loss for words at the moment, Sammy studied the elder before him. He was definitely the oldest one here, with wrinkles under his eyes and a graying muzzle. But there was an aura of nobility and honor around him. Flicking one ear, the elder meowed softly, "Speak your mind little one."

"You guys are MinnowClan cats..." Sammy rasped, finding his tongue. He mentally kicked himself for sounding so stupid but he couldn't help it. These were the cats from his grandmother's stories, he was sure of it! They had to be! Based on the looks on the other cats' faces, Sammy had a feeling he was right. But their suspicious glances made him feel sick to his stomach.

"How does a kittypet know about us?" Wetpaw asked, looking up at the gray tom standing beside him. Pushing the kitten behind him protectively, the older cat bared his teeth. "I sense this trespasser is a spy too. We need to get him off our territory," he growled, his ears pinned. The large red tabby looked over at the gray tom and murmured, "Calm yourself Sootbreeze. We're not looking for a fight against a kitten."

"Especially one who shows promise," the elder remarked thoughtfully. Bringing his attention back to the feline sitting before him, Sammy could've sworn he saw something flash in the elder's eyes. Did he perhaps know something? He was shaken out of his thoughts when the old tom asked softly, "What is your name, little one?" Gulping nervously, the kitten bowed his head as he mumbled, "I'm Sammy..."

"Sammy..." the gray and ginger tom repeated slowly. With a gentle flick of his ear, he rumbled, "Woodfeather and I shall escort you back home Sammy. Sootbreeze, please take Wetpaw and Duskpaw back to camp." Sighing heavily, the gray tom named Sootbreeze gave a brisk nod and muttered, "Yes Pikestar." Without another word, the adult led the other two kittens away. The gray tom kit, Wetpaw apparently, trotted along with a skip in his step. The golden and white she kit, presumably Duskpaw, followed slowly behind, glancing over her shoulder at one point to watch Sammy. The kitten's whiskers twitched when he locked eyes with her.

"Come along Sammy," the large red tabby meowed. Looking around, Sammy realized he was being left behind. Getting up to his feet, the golden and white kitten scrambled to follow. Letting out a purr of amusement, the elder commented, "You seem to be at your element out here Sammy. I know Wetpaw and Duskpaw are about your age but I've never seen a young kittypet boldly take on two warrior apprentices on their own."

"Pikestar, he shouldn't be out here in the first place. He should consider himself lucky that our patrol found him before something else did," the red tabby murmured. There was a hint of concern in his voice. Slightly irritated by that, Sammy declared, "I'm not helpless! I can fight!" Smiling softly, the elder Pikestar replied, "So we've noticed. Haven't we Woodfeather?" Shrugging his shoulders, the tabby mumbled, "I don't know, I guess?"

"Hey, I can smell home up ahead. We're almost there," Sammy announced. He could smell the familiar scent that came with the small urban community he and his sister Amaya called home. Picking up speed, it was the kitten who led the warriors the rest of the way. Soon he could see his fence. "We're here!" he squeaked, getting ready to jump up. However, he couldn't jump.

"You are hesitating Sammy. Why?" Pikestar asked, stepping closer to the kitten. Taking a seat, Sammy shuffled his paws nervously as he answered, "I don't know. This is my home but... I feel like there's more for me than life in a house." He stared at the ground, not looking up at either warrior. How would they understand? Just then he felt a tail slip under his chin before his head rose. He found himself facing the red tabby Woodfeather.

"You do have a point Sammy, there could very well be more for you in the future. It's up to you to decide your fate," Woodfeather spoke wisely. His ears perked forward, Sammy could feel something burning inside of him. Something he could only describe as motivation. The kitten glanced over at Pikestar, who had been watching in silence. The elder was in deep thought and it somehow involved the young kittypet. At last he met Sammy's gaze.

"Young Sammy," Pikestar meowed, "How would you like to join MinnowClan?"