Crowmuzzle and Lambthroat launch a nighttime attack on a Cloudchasers warrior named Budtail, who is guarding a pit where prisoners are kept. Crowmuzzle distracts Budtail with a pathetic performance, allowing Lambthroat to ambush him. They work together to overpower the larger warrior, with Lambthroat eventually killing him by tearing his throat open. After disposing of the body, Lambthroat leans into the pit and pulls out a blinded, emaciated cat — Bearpaw, who had been imprisoned there. Lambthroat solemnly welcomes him home.
Gourdy (formerly Hollowpaw) is a disabled kittypet living with Twolegs — he has only three paws, no tail, and limited use of his left eye and ear, supposedly injuries from a Thunderpath accident. He ventures into his yard at night and encounters two neighborhood kittypets: Fuzzball and Daisy. They pity him and discuss his disabilities, which deeply humiliates Gourdy.
Later, while trying to dig under the fence, Gourdy is approached by a mysterious cat from the other side. The stranger mocks his digging attempts and reveals they were once part of the wild group. Gourdy desperately asks if they know Treepaw — someone he was once with. The stranger tells him the group has moved to a barn beyond the lake due to Twoleg encroachment, and that he should hurry if he wants to find them. Gourdy, despite his disability, manages to climb the fence for the first time with sheer determination.
When he reaches the other side, the stranger is gone. Gourdy is confronted by Bob, another neighbor cat who seems guilty about something. Bob confirms the barn's location and pleads with him not to go, but Gourdy ignores him and heads toward the woods, determined to find Treepaw.