Chapter Text
Rusty was just a kit when he was given to his twolegs, who where teens at the time. At first everything was great! Rusty got his name, he got lovely twolegs who loved him and spoiled him with toys and treats. Things changed when his twolegs started going away for long periods of time.
Every time they came back they would spoil Rusty with affection and apologies. But soon they started coming back less and less, until eventually they never returned. The twoleg Rusty was left with never really liked Rusty, she used to just ignore him when he first joined their household.
But when her kids left, she couldn't just get rid of him or they would get upset with her. She did the bare minimum when they left for college in hopes that when they graduate they would take him. However the unimaginable happened…
The funeral was a quick endeavor. A once bright house filled with life, suddenly felt so cold. That damn cat was starring at her again. He won't stop. Just Stop. Stop it. Stop. STOP.
…
Rusty was curled up against the fence, he wanted so badly to jump up and look over at the forest. But his leg hurt, he wasn't able to land evenly this time when she threw him. Rusty sighed as his leg continued to ache. He just hoped the pain wont last long. Eventually he was able to ignore the pain and fall into restless sleep.
It was very dark. Rusty could sense something was near. The young tomcat’s eyes opened wide as he scanned the dense undergrowth. This place was unfamiliar, but the strange scents drew him onward, deeper into the shadows.
His stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger. He opened his jaws slightly to let the warm smells of the forest (the forest? how am I here?) reach the scent glands on the roof of his mouth. Musty odors of leaf mold mingled with the tempting aroma of a small furry creature. Suddenly a flash of gray raced past him.
Rusty stopped still, listening. It was hiding in the leaves less than two tail-lengths away. Rusty knew it was a mouse (why did he know that?) he could feel the rapid pulsing of a tiny heart deep within his ear fur.
He swallowed, stifling his rumbling stomach. Soon his hunger would be satisfied (could it?). Slowly he lowered his body into position, crouching for the attack. He was downwind of the mouse. He knew it was not aware of him. With one final check on his prey’s position, Rusty pushed back hard on his haunches and sprang, kicking up leaves on the forest floor as he rose.
Darkness swallowed him once more as his claws extended towards the mouse.
Rusty woke up to his stomach growling at him. He sighed looking at the door to her den, knowing it won't open for some time.
Rusty stumbled onto his feet, careful with his leg that was hurting. He looked at the door one more time before he positioned himself to leap up the fence (what if I miss?). Taking a deep breathe Rusty took the leap, stumbling slightly with his landing. Thankfully his nap seem to have help his leg so the jump wasn't to painful.
The sun's light peaked over the forest, Rusty smiled. He felt at peace here, looking over the forest feeling the light hit is pelt (Never warmed him. Why can't he feel it's warmth?) as the forest seemed to become alive once more for the new day.
Ears twitched as he heard movement not far from him. Rusty turned to see Smudge leaving his den. Smudge was his neighbor but they never talked (no one does, not with him at least). Smudge seems to be going to Henry's again. Rusty looked back at the forest once again.
What if Pine was lying? (He wouldn't do that! right?) What if there were no clans, no cats with nine lives, or cats in the stars watching over them? Does it even matter?
It's not like Rusty would be welcomed (is he ever?).
But if there are no clans, does that mean it would be safe to go out into the forest? (Is it ever safe?) Rusty felt his paw start to move forward as if pulled by the forest. Maybe I can follow my dream self's path, catch a mouse. Maybe then my stomach will be filled (for once).
Before he could second guess himself, Rusty jumped forward ignoring his hurt paw and walked out to the forest edge.