[justify] Snap's life was not generally full of excitement. She had been born a kittypet, which, you know, wasn't even all that bad. The fawn and white six-moon-old didn't think it was that bad, either. In fact, she wasn't the kind of cat that just went out adventuring because she felt like it and "Screw the authorities." In fact, the apprentice-aged feline enjoyed staying home. Indoors, as her mother always said, was the only place safe from the disgusting demons out here. Especially the flying, unnaturally-colored creatures that resided out here. Her stories scared her - not like she would ever admit that to her siblings, as being the oldest in the litter meant you better be the best or else you're worthless, but those words weren't the most positive. Fangs, horns, strange lizard skins on tigers. The outside world was a terrifying, mutated place, full of monsters only fit to live underneath a bed.
Like most stories, this entire event was not due to her relentless curiosity. It was a dare, and nothing more.
"Betcha won't go out in the clan land!" her younger, brown-colored brother snickered, waving his tail around rapidly.
"Betcha I will!" she snapped in response. When she had been named, her mother must have been predicting the future, because snapping was certainly something that young Snap did quite often.
"Won't!"
"Will!"
"Won't!"
"Wi-" Snap was cut off by her mother, a feline with a pelt almost identical to her brother's.
"Quit your bickering!" Poppy spat, glaring at two of her kittens with a stare as fierce as fire itself. "Sammy, your sister won't be going out into the wild - not for one minute, not for a billion. You should know better than to make such a cruel dare! I already scolded you once for trying to sneak out at night last week." She sighed, shaking her head in disapproval. They weren't half as obedient as they had been when they were a mere moon old. Back then, they would hiss and spit at the thought of going outside. Nowadays, things were different.
Directing her gaze towards her eldest, Poppy's tail twitched in anger. "And you! I thought that you would have known by now to always set a good example for your little brothers." Snap was the only girl out of a litter of four, having three young, unruly little fellows. Not like it affected her much. After all, being your mother's pride and joy is a good trade-off for sisters.
This, however, upset Sammy.
"Don't call me little! I'm not even a day younger than her, and you treat me like I'm a flea!" he squeaked, jumping up and down. "I want to see the outside world! You can't prevent us from it! Remember Telly from next door? She left, and I heard news that she was doing perfectly fine! You can't keep lying to us!"
"Telly hasn't been seen in months," she remarked, finding it exceedingly difficult not to bare her teeth at the chocolate-colored tomcat.
"You can't be sure!"
This was just too much for Poppy. "Stop talking back!" she yowled. "You better hope you don't end up just like poor old Telly!"
Finally realizing what a mistake he was making, Sammy's tail lowered as he slowly trotted away. If he had learned anything in his two seasons of life, it was to never upset Mom.
The following night, Snap couldn't help but think about what her brother had said. Lies? Her mother would never lie! She always told them how much she loved them, and how they could trust her every word. It seemed crazy to say such a false accusation! But, then again, it was hard not to agree with them. Was Telly really okay out there? She had been older when she left, which had been when they weren't even two moons old. Maybe she could sneak a peek, just to talk with her. If she was quick enough, then Poppy would never even notice.
Like a blur of sandy-colored something, the feline zoomed away, praying that they were all asleep. She would never hear the end of it if her mother found out. Snap would be grounded for life! Oh dear lord, please be merciful was all that was racing through her mind. Now, the fawn-and-white she-cat was not normally very religious. But if she had any time to start, right now would be it.
The window was open, the curtains in front of it blowing around gently in the breeze. Boy oh boy, did she feel adventurous! Her heart thumping, Snap licked her lips, taking a leap of faith up to the sill. She took a look behind her. Luckily, no one stirred.
Well, she made it all the way to the window. But, as she looked downwards, the young cat suddenly realized that this journey may end up meaning life or death. Spotting a large branch somewhat close to her, she pounced away, closing her eyes as she neared it. Clinging onto it, Snap opened up her emerald green eyes, breathing heavily and glancing down. She made it. She made it, and she wasn't even dead, nor injured! It was all childsplay from here, wasn't it?
Climbing down the tree, she looked up at the moon, hovering in the sky straight above her. There were still a good six hours left until they would wake up, if not more. That was plenty of time. Although Snap had no clue whether or not Telly had gone to the clan nearest, she wasn't really concerned with her right now. Her first steps on the grass were wondrous. No matter what, Snap didn't want to stop just today. She would stay long enough to get a nice feel. Maybe months. Maybe years. The life of a wildcat wasn't just risky - it was also soothing. She felt at home.
After about an hour of venturing in zigzags all around, she finally crossed the border into WindClan territory. And then she waited. What was the proper etiquette? Should she ask for someone to come? Just stay quiet, maybe? Wait outside of the territory? Or go further in? Oh, so many questions, so little answers!
Just then, she remembered something. Oh no - Poppy would be worried sick about her. She may even end up coming all the way out here if she found her scent trail. Living dangerous wasn't as much fun when your mother was getting ready to rat you out and then never let you see the light of day again.
Bad idea number one in Snap's life : Leaving home without prior notice.
