Shellstep started as a kit in a small clan with only a couple of members. Her parents loved and cherished her, caring for her until she was of apprentice age. However, her clan was disbanded abruptly whenever a large group of savage rogues ambushed the clan, killing just about everyone in the camp except for then Shellpaw, who hid in the back of the warriors den. Her parents were both out of camp at the time, and she still has no clue where they are to this day; or if they are even still alive. She often wonders about her parents, but for her personally, it isn't a burden not knowing if they're still alive. 

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Shellpaw kept her apprentice name, despite becoming a loner. She wandered for many moons, well over sixty moons in fact.  It wasn't until she was walking along one day and found a kit stranded in the river that she found her true calling as a clan cat. After saving this kit, she was offered a position in their clan. She started as a warrior in the clan, but whenever Silentclan's contract system began to boom in popularity, Shellpaw, now named Shellstep, was promoted to the rank of Sanctuary Holder, taking the Sanctuary beneath the highway bridge in the Two-Leg city several miles east of Silentclan's forest.