Howdy! Since when have I ever stuck to one story? This au has been floating around for a while and I finally sat down and plotted the whole thing out and wrote up a prologue. It'll probably have a shorter update frequency than my PO3 rewrite, but I couldn't help myself with this one! There's some significant changes to the family tree to better suit this AU, so close families are listed in the allegiances below.

"Hello!"

Tiny blinked up at the huge forest cats, awed by their size and clear strength. Even the smallest of them, a dark tabby tom, still towered above him. He lifted his tail and smiled, trying to appear friendly. Maybe they'll be nicer than Socks and Ruby.

The largest of them leaned forward, a growl rumbling in his throat. "What are you doing here? This is ThunderClan territory!"

ThunderClan? Tiny blinked, confused. Before he could reply, the blue-furred molly glanced at her companion.

"Thistleclaw, he's only a kit. He's no threat." Her voice was almost pleading.

Threat? Tiny wondered. I'm just looking around!

"An intruder is an intruder, Bluefur!" Thistleclaw snapped. "You've always been too soft on them." He turned to the smaller tom. "Here, let's put it to my apprentice. What do you think, Tigerpaw? How should we handle this?"

Tigerpaw looked from the big tom towards Tiny. His eyes were dark with malice. "I think the kittypet should be taught a lesson," he growled. "One it'll remember."

Tiny stiffened. What?

Bluefur's eyes widened. "Now, hold on, there's no need for this—"

"Shut up!" Thistleclaw snarled. "Do it!"

Tigerpaw exploded forward. Tiny cried out in surprise as the big tom swatted at him and sent him flying with a single blow. Tiny crashed into the earth with a thud, and all the wind went out of him.

Someone help me! He thought, panic gripping him. He swiped desperately for Tigerpaw's face, but he missed. Tigerpaw snarled and struck him again. His cruel claws tore through Tiny's shoulder. Tiny screeched in agony and hot pain seared through him. Tigerpaw slashed at his flank, and this time, one of Tiny's flailing paws hit—and his claws sliced right through Tigerpaw's nose.

Tigerpaw recoiled as blood spurted from his nose. He drew a paw over it, then scowled furiously. "Oh, you'll regret that!" he snarled.

"Show it your teeth, Tigerpaw," Thistleclaw urged.

Tiny bared his own teeth at Tigerpaw, trying to hide his own fear. Tigerpaw yowled and darted forward again. He sank his teeth into Tiny's shoulder and lifted him clear off his paws, then threw him.

Tiny crashed to the earth again. He was throbbing with pain, and he gritted his teeth. Get up! You have to get up! He forced himself to stand.

Tigerpaw made as though to lunge forward. Bluefur darted between them and knocked the large tom back. "Enough, Tigerpaw!" she ordered.

Tigerpaw's eyes blazed with fury. "I'm defending our territory!"

"From a kit!" Bluefur hissed, her tail lashing with rage. "ThunderClan warriors do not kill to win their battles, and they certainly do not mercilessly attack kits!" The fur along her spine was raised as she drew herself up. "If I ever see you do anything like that again—" she tossed a pointed glance in Thistleclaw's direction, as though making sure he knew he was included in the coming threat— "I'll report you to Sunstar!"

"What about the intruder?" Thistleclaw demanded.

Tiny shrank back, ears pressed against his head. He stiffened again as Bluefur turned to face him. The anger in her face melted away she smiled down at him. "He acted very bravely against an attack," she meowed. "He should be rewarded."

"Rewarded?" Thistleclaw snarled.

"Yes," Bluefur meowed. "Kit, do you have a home? Someplace to go?"

Tiny frowned. He wasn't sure how to answer. If he went home, his owners might throw him in the river for being unwanted. I can't go home. His gaze slid towards Tigerpaw. But what's Bluefur going to do? "No," he finally murmured. "I can't go to the town again."

Bluefur flicked her tail. "I'm bringing him to Sunstar," she decided.

"You're doing what?" Thistleclaw stepped forward, teeth bared. "Don't tell me you're seriously going to bring this mouse into our Clan!"

"I am," Bluefur replied. She leaned towards Tiny. "I won't hurt you, kit. We have cats in ThunderClan that can take care of you." She bent down and picked him up by the scruff.

"Hey!" Tiny protested. "Put me down!" His legs flailed uselessly.

"Shush," Bluefur muttered around his fur. "You're safe now."

Tiny struggled for a few more moments, before he went limp. He was tired after the fight with Tigerpaw, and though he had no idea where Bluefur planned to take him, it seemed he had no choice.

Tiny stood at the base of the massive stone, staring up at the golden tom perched atop it. He was surrounded by the 'ThunderClan' cats. Instead of feeling excitement and curiosity, he only felt afraid. Featherwhisker, who called himself a medicine cat, had tended to Tiny's cuts—but what did this 'Sunstar' have to say about his presence?

Sunstar gazed down at him, expression unreadable. "Bluefur, Thistleclaw, and Tigerpaw found this kittypet kit on the edge of our territory," he began. His gaze shifted towards Thistleclaw, and the tip of his fluffy tail twitched. "Apparently the reports of kittypet intrusion were… over-exaggerated."

Thistleclaw bristled. He was still clearly outraged by Bluefur's decision to bring Tiny to the camp. "An intruder is an intruder!" he declared.

A dark tabby seemed to agree with him. "Why was he brought here?" the tom hissed. "Send the kittypet away!"

A long-furred molly narrowed her eyes. "Why in StarClan's name was a kit attacked?" she wondered aloud. "He's not even Whitekit's size!"

Tigerpaw glowered from his place beside Thistleclaw. His burning gaze refused to move from Tiny. The small tom trembled and looked back towards Sunstar.

"I wonder the same," Sunstar growled. "We are honorable warriors. Kits should never be harmed. I question just how much I can trust certain cats around our nursery if this is how the presence of a kit is handled."

Thistleclaw's eyes widened. "What are you saying?" he demanded.

Sunstar lifted his chin. "For the following moon, Tigerpaw and Thistleclaw are barred from the nursery. In the meantime, I expect Thistleclaw to refresh himself and his apprentice on the meaning of the warrior code. You can both begin by tending to the elders."

"What?" Thistleclaw's voice was practically a roar. "I have a son!"

Sunstar narrowed his eyes. "And you may see him if and when Robinwing allows him out of the nursery," he growled. "But for the time being, you have proved that you cannot be trusted around kits. I will reconsider in a moon."

Voices rose among the gathered cats as they muttered their thoughts on Sunstar's decree. Though Tiny couldn't pick out any particular voices, there seemed to be disagreement between cats. His head swam with confusion. He had never been around so many cats before, and he had no idea what would happen to him next.

"Kit," Sunstar meowed. "How many moons are you?"

"Wh-what?" Tiny stuttered.

"How old are you?" Sunstar asked. His gaze had warmed, and Tiny felt himself relax.

"Um…" Tiny shuffled his paws. "Six… six moons."

"Very well." Sunstar flicked his tail. "I will accept this kit into ThunderClan. His kittypet life and name are no more."

My… my name? Tiny's eyes widened.

"Six moons!" scoffed a molly. "He's hardly bigger than a rat!"

"Must be the runt of the litter," muttered a ragged-looking tom.

"I can't believe Sunstar would let him in!"

"A kittypet, of all things!"

"I'd wager he's hardly older than two moons."

I'm not lying! Tiny bristled furiously. Memories of Ruby and Socks leering at him flashed in his mind. I'm not a liar!

Sunstar looked down at him. "Until you finish your training and receive your warrior name, you shall be known as Starlingpaw. Seeing as Bluefur wished to bring you into this Clan, she will mentor you."

Tiny's eyes widened. Starlingpaw? But I don't want a new name! His heart was pounding and his mind swirling. I don't understand all of this!

"You can't be serious!" Thistleclaw hissed. "He's a kittypet!"

"I am serious," Sunstar hissed. "ThunderClan needs more warriors. This cat may be small, but he will learn to be a warrior like all of us."

"Starlingpaw," Bluefur softly called. She padded towards him. "Touch your nose to mine," she murmured.

Tiny—Starlingpaw, now—lifted his nose uncertainly. "I don't understand what's happening," he whispered.

"I know," Bluefur replied. Her voice was almost apologetic. "Trust me, Starlingpaw. You'll be safe now. Tigerpaw and Thistleclaw won't hurt you anymore."

Starlingpaw stared at Tigerpaw. The huge apprentice was still glaring at him. The scratch Tinypaw had given him had left a fresh scar across the bridge of his muzzle. Tigerpaw curled his lip and spat at the ground before he turned away.

"Okay," Starlingpaw replied, though he hardly believed her.

"Starlingpaw!" one cat called.

"Starlingpaw! Starlingpaw!"

Only a few cats half-heartedly cheered for him. Most simply turned away to mutter their complaints.

Starlingpaw was too tired to care anymore. He looked up at Bluefur. I guess I can trust her, he told himself. But what about the rest of these cats? They don't want me here… and I don't even know if I want to be here. Where else would I go, though? His tail drooped. I really don't have a choice, do I?

Bluefur nudged him. "The apprentice's den is over there—" she meowed, with a flick of her tail towards the den. "You can go rest there. Your training will begin tomorrow."

Starlingpaw nodded numbly. The day's events had drained him, and even though he had no true idea where he was or what would happen to him, he knew one thing—he needed to sleep. He slowly padded towards the den and slipped inside. It was empty.

Starlingpaw found himself a spot in the corner of the den. He circled around a few times before he flopped down and made a half-hearted attempt to groom his messy pelt.

After some time passed, Tigerpaw entered the den. Starlingpaw quickly shut his eyes and pretended to be asleep.

"Pfft," Tigerpaw hissed. "Already asleep. Typical kittypet fleabag." There was a thump as Tigerpaw fell down into his nest.

Starlingpaw opened one eye half-way and stared at Tigerpaw. The big tom had his back turned to him and was cleaning one of his massive paws meticulously.

As Starlingpaw stared at him, his fear melted away. Something else burned in his chest. Rage. Claws of fury gripped his heart. He would have killed me if Bluefur didn't stop him. He clung to the burning feeling of his anger as though it would keep him safe. He would have killed me! He's horrible. So is that Thistleclaw. And all these stupid ThunderClan cats!

Starlingpaw narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth. They think they can control me by training me. They think it'll make everything right by letting me stay here. His claws slid out and sank into the soft earth of the den. They're wrong. I'll stay here, and I'll do their training. But one day, I'll be the best warrior there is… and then, I'll show them all.

ThunderClan

Leader: Bluestar—thick-furred, muscular blue-gray molly with blue eyes and a scar between her shoulders. [SISTER: Snowfur. NEPHEW: Whitestorm.]

Deputy: Redtail—long-haired tortoiseshell tom with predominantly ginger markers, green eyes, and a thick tail. * [MOTHER: Dappletail. FATHER: Smallear. SISTER: Spottedleaf. DAUGHTER: Sandpaw.]

-Apprentice, Dustpaw

Medicine Cat: Spottedleaf—pretty tortoiseshell molly with long, thick fur and green eyes. [MOTHER: Dappletail. BROTHER: Redtail. NIECE: Sandpaw.]

Warriors:

Rosetail—large, thick-furred ginger molly with green eyes. * [BROTHER: Thistleclaw. NEPHEW: Whitestorm. MATE: Speckletail.]

-Apprentice, Ravenpaw

Lionheart—large, thick-furred golden tom with amber eyes. [FATHER: Sunstar. SISTER: Goldenflower. NEPHEW: Swiftkit.]

-Apprentice, Graypaw

Tigerclaw—massive, dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes and unusually long claws. [MOTHER: Leopardfoot. UNCLE: Patchpelt. COUSIN: Longtail.]

-Apprentice, Sandpaw

Starlingclaw—small black tom with short, sleek fur, white paws, and blue eyes. Former kittypet. [FATHER: Jake. MOTHER: Quince. HALF-BROTHER: Firepaw.]

-Apprentice, Firepaw

Whitestorm—long-haired, handsome white tom with green eyes and tufted ears. * [MOTHER: Snowfur. FATHER: Thistleclaw. AUNTS: Bluefur, Rosetail.]

Darkstripe—sleek black-and-gray tabby tom with yellow eyes and a thick tail. [MOTHER: Hollypelt.]

Willowpelt—muscular, pale gray molly with blue eyes. [FATHER: Stonepelt. SISTER: Brindleface. SON: Graypaw.]

Mousefur—small, dark brown tabby molly with amber eyes. * [MOTHER: One-eye. FATHER: Halftail. BROTHER: Runningwind.]

Runningwind—long-legged, pale brown tabby tom with green eyes. [MOTHER: One-eye. FATHER: Halftail. SISTER: Mousefur.]

Longtail—pale tom with black tabby stripes and yellow eyes. [FATHER: Patchpelt. AUNT: Leopardfoot. COUSIN: Tigerclaw.]

Apprentices:

Dustpaw—lithe, dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes. [MOTHER: Robinwing. BROTHER: Ravenpaw.]

Ravenpaw—small, sleek black tom with a white chest and green eyes. [See Dustpaw.]

Sandpaw—large, pale ginger tabby molly with green eyes. [FATHER: Redtail. AUNT: Spottedleaf. GRANDPARENTS: Dappletail, Smallear.]

Graypaw—bulky gray tom with thick tabby markings and yellow eyes. [MOTHER: Willowpelt. AUNT: Brindleface.]

Firepaw—handsome, flame-colored ginger tom with green eyes. Former kittypet.

Queens:

Frostfur—sleek white molly with dark blue eyes. (Mother of Brackenkit, Cinderkit, Brightkit, and Thornkit.)

Goldenflower—large, thick-furred golden tabby molly with green eyes. (Mother of Swiftkit.) [FATHER: Sunstar. BROTHER: Lionheart.]

Brindleface—pretty gray spotted tabby molly with green eyes. [FATHER: Stonepelt. SISTER: Willowpelt. NEPHEW: Graypaw.]

Speckletail—pale ginger spotted tabby molly with amber eyes. [MATE: Rosetail.]

Kits:

Brackenkit—golden-brown tabby tom with amber eyes. (Two moons.)

Cinderkit—dark gray molly with blue eyes. (Two moons.)

Brightkit—white molly with ginger tabby patches and green eyes. (Two moons.)

Thornkit—dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes. (Two moons.)

Swiftkit—black-and-white tom with blue eyes. (One moon.)

Elders:

One-eye—pale gray molly with one blue eye, mostly blind and deaf. [MATE: Halftail. CHILDREN: Runningwind, Mousefur.]

Halftail—huge, dark brown tabby tom with green eyes and half his tail missing. [See One-eye.]

Smallear—pale gray tom with very small ears and blue eyes. [MATE: Dappletail. CHILDREN: Redtail, Spottedleaf. GRANDCHILDREN: Sandpaw.]

Patchpelt—black-and-white tom with yellow eyes. * [SISTER: Leopardfoot. SON: Longtail. NEPHEW: Tigerclaw.]

Dappletail—pretty tortoiseshell molly with green eyes. [See Smallear.]

As always, this story will contain many LGBT characters. Please refrain from leaving negative comments about this - if you disagree with my choice to include LGBT characters, I would appreciate if you kept that to yourself. An asterisk in the allegiances indicates a trans cat (Redtail, Rosetail, Mousefur, Whitestorm, and Patchpelt).

If you have any questions on families or mentors/apprentices, feel free to ask!

I have finals next week so I may or may not be able to post another chapter depending on how long they take. If not, I have winter break at the end of next week, so I'll have more time for writing soon!