Warrior Cats: The Four Clans

Your writing is amazing! My eyes are wet. :,o

Lulz, MOAR! >:D

Remember

"Hurry up on that ice cream, already. Thalia hissed. I stuck out my bottom lip. Luke rolled his eyes towards Thalia and made a spiral with his finger around her ear. I giggled, taking a few more licks of my ice cream.

I hate Central Park, Thalia grumbled, scuffing her boot against the floor moodily, Too much open space. Too many people. Were easy targets. Anyone here could be a monster. She eyed the dishevelled man sat on the bench opposite distastefully and he shuffled away.

Luke sighed. Lighten up, Thal. Were on vacation. Were supposed to be happy.

Im happy! I assured him, showing him my ice cream. Its chocolate chip.

Thalia stuck out her jaw, but she kept quiet. We stood in silence next to a lamppost whilst the world passed us by. People were doing normal stuff; walking dogs, riding bikes, rollerblading, but our eyes darted to any movement, just in case. I occupied myself by eating more of my ice cream, enjoying how it felt when I stuck my tongue right into the choc chip centre. It went all over my chin.

Im going to scout, Thalia announced, wiping her hand on her jacket boredly. Luke, watch the monkey. Be ready to go in about fifteen minutes, okay?

Luke saluted. Yes, oh wise one. I grinned and he winked back at me. Thalia walked off into the hordes of people coming up the intertwining pathways. I finished off the last of my ice cream and rocked backwards and forwards on my heels.

Go on, Luke said, crouching down, Go find a friend for a few minutes. The gods know we could do with something remotely exciting happening.

I nodded obediently, and began to walk away, looking out for potential friends. A few girls were plaiting each others hair and dressing little Barbie dolls. I shuddered. A few boys were pretending to fight with lightsabers on the grass, but they were younger than me. There was another girl reading a book, and I was about to approach her when someone caught my eye.

There was a boy of about my age sat leant against a tree. He looked Greek or Spanish or something similar. He had black unruly hair and deep green eyes. He was slim and around my height. In his hands were two action figures; one was a Power Ranger, all red and plastic and modern. The other was a medieval warrior with a word and shield, and he looked a little more worn than the other. The boy was pretending they were fighting in a duel, and he made little sound effects as he clashed them together. I watched, entranced.

Whats your name? I asked. He jumped and looked up, frowning a little.

Percy.

I took a step towards him. My names Annabeth. Im seven years and one month and eight days old. How old are you?

The boy blinked. Six.

I nodded and smiled, dropping down to my knees beside him. He watched me warily, like I was about to steal his toys.

Can I play?

He nodded, and then held out both of his hands. Which one do you want? he asked, looking up expectantly. His green eyes met mine and I blushed.

I shrugged, my dirty cardigan falling off my shoulders a little. Dont mind. Which ones your favourite?

Percy thought about it, looking from one toy to the next before deciding.

This one. He held up the knight. I like his sword.

I nodded, and my eyes fell on the Power Ranger. Can I be him, then? I asked.

He nodded again and passed the toy to me. I held it gingerly, not wanting to damage him. I didnt have any toys of my own Id left them all behind. The figure had a long laser beam which he held in one hand, and wore armour and a shiny helmet. I ran my fingers down him gingerly.

The boy watched me. Dont you know how to play?

I shook my head. I dont have any toys.

You dont have any toys?

No, I said glumly. I twisted the toy in my fingers and made him charge towards Percys toy. Percy made his toys sword parry it and push him back. I pretended my guy screamed and made him fall down, but soon jump back up again. I made little shooting noises at Percys toys head (which was odd, seen as the Power Ranger had no gun) and he made the knight dodge the invisible bullets about the place.

I heard a woman laugh on a nearby bench. I saw Percy turn and look longingly at her, and then turn back, looking reproachful.

Whos that? I asked. Percy kept his eyes on his lap.

My mom. He mumbled. I peered at the woman again. She was pretty, with wavy brown hair and gentle eyes. She was sat on a bench with a balding guy with a t-shirt and sweats and a thick jawline.

I turned back to Percy. Whos she with?

Percy blushed, his eyes turning down to the ground. He mumbled something inaudible.

What?

He tried to look up, decided it was too hard and looked back down at the grass again. Her boyfriend. He said distractedly.

Oh.

Percys fist had clenched around his toy. I went quiet, not really knowing what to say. I wanted to make him feel better, but I didnt know how. When Thalia wanted to make you feel better, shed tell some sexist joke. Luke would wink or roll his eyes at me, but I couldnt wink. I ended up looking like my step mom when her contact lenses got lost somewhere on her eye ball.

Annabeth! I heard Thalia call from behind me. Come on! Were leaving!

Percy looked up. His eyes widened as he saw Thalia but then again, most peoples did. I heard Luke calling my name too. I reluctantly set the toy down on the floor.

Who are they? Percy asked, peering at them.

My friends. Thalia and Luke.

I saw him mouth the word friends under his breath. I watched him a little longer, then smiled and stood up, the Power Ranger at my feet. Percy paused and stood too, picking up the Power Ranger as he did so. He held it out to me.

I furrowed my eyebrows. What are you doing?

Giving it to you, Percy said simply. Everyone should have a toy.

I blinked. But thats yours.

He raised it higher. Now its yours.

He placed it in my hand. I looked in wonder from the figurine to Percy, and then smiled at him. For the first time, he smiled back. I leaned forwards and hugged him tightly. I let go, turned and skipped off towards Thalia and Luke, who were stood by a gate.

Who was that? Thalia asked, peering at Percy. Her eyes were narrowed like they did when we saw a monster.

Just a friend, I shrugged, and I showed her the Power Ranger. He gave me this.

Thalia observed it cynically. Yeah. Uh, cool. Now come on, monster were leaving. She turned and walked through the gate.

Luke winked at me again, and bent down to take a look at the figurine. I showed him its little weapon and shiny plastic armour.

Its a nice little toy youve got there, kiddo, he smiled. I looked back at Percy, who was looking at his mom. He turned back and saw me, and his eyes met mine. He slowly raised his hand and waved hesitantly. I waved back and followed Luke out of the park, looking back at Percy until he was no longer in view.

I liked him, I said bluntly, taking Lukes hand. He knew how to fight with the sword.

Luke grinned. Well, lets hope he doesnt ever have to use a real one, he said as we crossed the street, I envy him. A lifetime without monsters chasing him

Mmm. I said in agreement, and I looked up at Luke anxiously. I hope I see him again.

Im sure you will, kiddo, he said simply. Im sure you will.

The first true story!....................