Graypaw is shocked at the suggestion, but then realizes that Rusty has never eaten a mouse, and he thinks that Rusty would not understand why being a warrior is so important to him. Rusty is confused as to why Graypaw would want to live in the forest, and suggests that he becomes a kittypet. He uses words that are unfamiliar to Rusty, such as 'intruder' and 'Clan'. Graypaw and Rusty then have a conversation, in which Graypaw tells Rusty about his Clan, ThunderClan. He introduces himself, naming himself Graypaw. The creature then stops, and Rusty realizes it is a cat. He then gets ambushed by another animal, and Rusty decides that he would rather fight than run away. He sees a mouse and starts to hunt it, but becomes distracted by a strange animal's tail in front of him.

Rusty ignores his friend's advice and heads into the forest. Smudge says that Henry told him that wildcats live in the forest, and that they eat bones. Smudge then goes on to tell Rusty about another of their kittypet friends, Henry, who is said to have gone into the woods. Rusty says that he is just going for a look, but Smudge tells him it's dangerous. Smudge, one of Rusty's kittypet friends then calls out to Rusty, telling him not to go into the woods. He sits atop one of the fence posts, ignoring his owners calling him inside instead he looks out into the forest, wondering what is out there. Rusty then gets up, eats some of the bland food and makes his dirt in the garden. He recalls the dream as he lies in his bed it is the third time the dream has reoccurred. He then awakes from his dream of hunting, realizing the sound was his food being poured into his bowl. He finally has it in his claws, but a loud noise startles him, allowing the mouse to escape.

He sees a mouse, crouches and jumps, but misses. Chapter description Rusty scents prey, ready to hunt it.

Warriors 1 into the wild book