VI. the clans

In a thinner part of the rainforest lies a mystical and very well-known river. The Amazon River. However, Great River Clan has chosen to make this their territory. They reside in a camp not far from the river, but far enough so if it floods, they're safe. The forest isn't as thick here, so sunlight does penetrate. Nearest the river, the earth is soft and marshy. The trees are very far apart near the river, so the grass is very long. Some trees manage to stretch out over the river, however. The cats of Great River Clan need to be very careful around these dangerous waters. Predators lurk within the shadows of the river. Slow-moving, patient. Crocodiles. They'll snap a fishing cat faster than you can say mousedung. The camp itself is in a clearing in the forest, and the dens are small burrows and cave covered with large leaves.

Great River Clan's typical prey would be fish. Lots and lots of fish. They're excellent at fishing, and know exactly which ones to snag. Land food, however, does last longer without smelling up the whole camp. So, in time of need, they hunt for easy prey such as mice, squirrels, moles, and water voles. If they're lucky, and I mean lucky, they can hunt for small otters - usually babies.

From the other Clans' perspectives, Great River Clan are seen as loyal and sweet. It's true, too. Most of them are very nice and willing to help anyone, so long as they get something in return. They have extremely powerful limbs for swimming in the Amazon River and swift front paws for snatching fish as quickly as they can. Negatively, some may find them as greedy and aloof. They can be too flexible, like water.

Great Air Clan live in a very different place than the other Clans. Moons ago, Twolegs were allowed in the rainforest. They would cut down trees for their own selfish greed and destroy this beautiful forest. The trees can never grow back. It's impossible for the forest floor to regrow, let alone the understory. There's too much sunlight. However, in a very large clearing of the Amazon Rainforest is where this Clan lives. Heather, feverfew, and very tall grass has grown in place of the rainforest. Very tall - about two feet (0.6 meters). The cats live within stone barriers. No one knows how they got there. They do an excellent job of wind-proofing the camp, though. Their dens are burrows in the ground covered with the tall grass.

Unlike the other Clans, Great Air Clan feasts mainly on rabbits and hares. They run wildly through their open fields to catch the elusive rodents. It can be difficult within the tall grass, so they've used it to their advantage. They sneak. Along with rabbits and hares, they hunt for mice, moles, small birds, and if they're lucky, eagles. The raptors are difficult to take down alone, but are an easy catch to a patrol of three or four cats.

Great Air Clan's disposition towards others is happy. They are known to be kind-hearted and loving, but still defensive of who they are. They are the closest to MoonClan due to the fact they live so openly where they can actually see the night sky. The other Clans - especially Great Fire Clan - see them as weak, but it's not true. They may not be as strong as the other Clans, but when it comes to speed and agility, they're unbeatable.

At the beginning of the clans, only the previously mentioned three were chosen by MoonClan. A brave she-cat with russet-colored fur spoke up, asking what the other cats who didn't fit the category of climbers, runners, or swimmers would do. One ancestor, a tiger-tom, responded to allow her to make the clans four by gathering her followers and settling them into the territory that suffers and annual fire. She agreed in anger, and took delicate care of her clan. Their territory was much better than she imagined when he had said annual fire. Due to the fertilizing ash, the forest and meadow flourished during the time of no flames. A beautiful cavern was made their home, and it was simply perfect. This russet-colored she-cat hardly cared about the other clans since they hardly cared about her clan. Great Fire Clan was born.

Because of their flourishing forest and meadow, Great Fire Clan actually has a good deal of prey. Their prey is similar to a mix of Great Jungle Clan's and Great Air Clans. Only one small stream runs through their territory, and it's not big enough to hold prey-worthy fish. They typically eat birds, mice, moles, voles, rats, the occasional rabbit, and larger prey which has the courage to grace their land.

To others, Great Fire Clanners are mean. Mean, fierce, and cold. The complete opposite of the hottest flames. They're snappish, irritable, and fierce. Definitely fierce. They're strong and independent, and very protective. They're usually the ones to start a battle, and they don't like losing. Their ferociousness gives them a powerful reputation. And they love it. Although the other Clans don't really like them so much, they still hold a great deal of respect for Great Fire Clan and their legend of the beginning.

MoonClan, the cats of the sky. They are the ancestors to the five Great Clans, and they are said to live in the stars and the moon. Greatly respected, MoonClan is looked to for guidance, answers, and help. Medicine cats have a strong connection with them, and every half moon, they share tongues with MoonClan. These ancestors will also visit cats in their sleep to speak of a prophecy every once in a while or when the time calls.