Post by Whitediamond on Aug 9, 2008 23:00:39 GMT -5
ForestClan
Leader: Whitestar~Beautiful white she-cat with blue eyes
Apprentice: Icepaw
Deputy: Bluefeather~Blue-gray she-cat
Medicine cat: Rosepetal~ Russet she-cat
Apprentice: Flamepaw~ Bright ginger she-cat
Warriors:
Thunderpelt~ Dark gray, almost black tom; amber eyes
Apprentice: Poppypaw
Jayfeather~ Blue-gray tom with bright blue eyes
Apprentice: Skypaw
Spotburst~ Cream tom with splotches of brown and gray eyes
Apprentice: Angelpaw
Starflame~ Golden she-cat
Joyheart~ White she-cat
Apprentice: Littlepaw
Rustlewind~ Brown tom
Oceanfur~ Blue-gray tom
Woodpelt~ Light brown tom
Apprentice: Shortpaw
Mistfur~ Light gray she-cat
Wildheart~ Gray she-cat with streaks of brown
Apprentice: Brownpaw
Rockclaw~ Dark gray tom with light gray spots
Apprentice: Whisperpaw
Yellowtail~ Tan she-cat
Owlfeather~ Brown tom with tan and black spots
Midnightsky~ Black tom
Eaglefeather~ Black and gray tom
Frigidmist~ Steel blue tom
Apprentices:
Angelpaw~ Cream and white she-cat
Skypaw~ Blue-gray tom
Shortpaw~ White tom
Littlepaw~ White she-cat
Icepaw~ Pure white she-cat
Brownpaw~ Dark brown tom
Poppypaw~ Light brown tortoiseshell she-cat
Whisperpaw~ Very light gray she-cat
Queens:
Tigerheart~ Ginger she-cat with darker stripes (mother of Thunderpelt's kits: Stormkit, Silverkit and Graykit)
Dapplewind~ Tortoiseshell she-cat with light blue eyes (mother of Spotburst's kits: Sunkit, Rainbowkit and Jaykit)
Berylfur~ Golden she-cat (mother of Cinderkit)
Leafwind~ Tortoiseshell she-cat
Kits:
Stormkit~ Light gray tom with darker rings around his tail and dark gray paw; blue eyes
Silverkit~ Light gray she-cat
Graykit~ Dark gray tom
Sunkit~ Gold-brown tom
Rainbowkit~ Multi-coloured she-cat
Jaykit~ Gray tom with blue eyes
Cinderkit~ Smokey gray she-cat with brilliant blue eyes
Ashkit~ Light gray she-cat
Dewkit~ Smokey gray she-cat
Vinekit~ Cream and brown tom
Foxkit~ Russet tom
Elders:
Dogfang~ Brown tom
Raptorclaw~ Gray and brown tom
Honeyleaf~ Golden-brown she-cat
Rushfur~ Tan tom
NightClan
Leader: Firestar~ Flame coloured tom
Deputy: Whitestorm~ Large white tom with blue eyes
Medicine Cat: Cinderpelt~ Fluffy gray she-cat
Apprentice: Bushpaw
Warriors:
Lionfur~ Golden tom
Apprentice: Mintpaw
Lightheart~ Golden and cream she-cat
Goldenfur~ Golden she-cat
Apprentice: Streampaw
Swordwind~ Black tom
Firestorm~ Ginger tom
Ravenfeather~ Black she-cat
Cheetahpelt~ Golden she-cat with ginger specks
BreezeClan
Leader: Owlstar~ Brown tom
Deputy: Whirlingwind~ Black tom with white specks
Medicine Cat~ Heatherfur~ Tan she-cat
Warriors:
Whitefeather~ White she-cat
Apprentice: Quietpaw
Gingerheart~ Russet she-cat
Swiftclaw~ Black and white tom
Grasspelt~ White and brown tom
Shadowflare~ Pure black tom
Apprentice: Shadepaw
LightClan
Leader: Leafstar~ Brown and cream tabby she-cat
Deputy: Lionspirit~ Golden tom
Medicine Cat~ Cunningheart~ White and brown she-cat
Warriors:
Lilyflower~ Cream she-cat
Stoneclaw~ Light gray tom
Apprentice: Redpaw
Marshfur~ Brown tom
Waterheart~ Blue-gray she-cat
Apprentice: Cloudpaw
Loudclaw~ Brown and white she-cat
Sparrowflight~ Cream tom
Apprentice: Quickpaw
Thundercloud~ Dark gray tom
Prologue
My name is Rainbowkit. I live in ForestClan in a very large forest surrounded by beautiful mountains - and other Clans. From the moment I was born, and I could think, feel and move by myself, I knew that my brothers and I were special. I knew we would be great warriors one day.
My mother is Dapplewind and my father is Spotburst. He is a loyal warrior of ForestClan while my mother is a full-time queen. I have two brothers: Sunkit and Jaykit. Sunkit is three moons older than us, so I feel so much closer to Jaykit. There are other kits in the nursery besides us, but they're all older than us because Jaykit and I are the newest. We met Silverkit and Stormkit, and I immediately took to Silverkit because she is like me in many ways. Just between you and me, but I think Stormkit is too uptight and cautious. Silverkit and I like to have tons of fun, but he can't loosen up as easily. Does that make a good warrior?
When I could first pounce on a piece of moss, I wanted to be a warrior. I would bombard my mother with unending questions about it - I mean, she was a warrior once. She keeps telling me to enjoy kithood while it lasts, but being a plain old kit is so boring! I want to go and explore the forest or defend our borders. I bet I'd be great at it. but kits aren't allowed out of camp without supervision, and Mother isn't about to give in to Jaykit and I.
I told you before that I thought that my siblings and I were special. Well, I think for one that I am special because of my unusual fur colour. Instead of being one solid colour or two, I have many different shades of colour in my fur. Sunkit is special because he is the leader of the kits. Everyone always listens to him. And Jaykit is special because he is very brave, and I know that he will be a great warrior.
I also believe that Silverkit is special. I know that she will be a medicine cat when she gets older because she can't take her eyes off of Rosepetal and Flamepaw as they go around camp collecting assortments of herbs and treating cats. I feel kind of sad and kind of happy. Sad because we won't be able to be warriors together and happy because she gets to be special and have a very important position in the Clan.
This is a story of my life, and the life of a few other cats that are either in my Clan now or are yet to come. Listen closely because this story might change your opinion about our Clans and about the way we live. There is heart-break, death, betrayal and battle. Hold on tight, and listen as I bring you through my life with my brother, Jaykit.
Chapter 1
It is a quiet day in camp which is not unusual even with a Clan the size of ours. There a few warriors in camp, and some apprentices suntanning near their den. Whitestar, our leader, and her deputy, Bluefeather, are sharing tongues with Thunderpelt and Wildheart beneath the High Tree. The sun is still rising, so only the early-risers are up.
I should be asleep.
My brother, Jaykit is sleeping next to me, his back rising and falling rhythmically as he dreams. I am wrapped in my mother's paws as she too wanders StarClan's hunting grounds. Sunkit is sleeping with his friend, Graykit. He never sleeps with us anymore. It's like he's grown out of the family. I never get to see Father either.
"Rainbowkit? Are you awake already?"
I look over to see my best friend, Silverkit waking to stare at me with her sky blue gaze. She flicks one ear, then leans over to lick her chest fur that is ruffled from sleep.
"Yes. I suppose I am," I reply, winking at her.
She purrs. "Don't let the queens catch us. They believe kits should," here, she imitated her mother, Tigerheart's, voice, "have a well rested night."
I laugh - or purr - quietly, musing. "Well then I never do."
Silverkit sighs, then yawns. "Well, now that I'm up, I'm hungry. When's the dawn hunting patrol coming back?"
I shrug, then get to my paws, careful not to wake Jaykit. "Soon. I time them sometimes. They're never late."
In a few moments, my prediction is deemed correct. Owlfeather, Frigidmist, Woodpelt and his apprentice, Shortpaw race into camp, each carrying two pieces of prey. "That's eight pieces of fresh-kill," I mutter to myself, doing the math. "C'mon, Silverkit. There's plenty. We'll bring back a mouse and have a game with it!"
"I'm too hungry for games," yawns Silverkit. "Eat first, then play. We'll need more than one piece of prey to fill everyone's belly."
I look around. "True." We have a very large Clan. The good thing about it is that we have more warriors, more strength. The downside - more bellies to feed. Then again, we have more warriors to carry it out!
"Rainbowkit, Silverkit? Up already? Yeesh, you two never sleep in." Jaykit blinks from behind us, and his jaws gape in a huge yawn.
"When you're a warrior, you'll never get to sleep in!" I tease, prodding him playfully with my forepaw.
"Well, I'll be used to it at least," he mutters, licking his disturbed chest fur. "Anyways, I'm hungry. The dawn hunting patrol should be back-"
"They are!" I squeal excitedly. "Jaykit, Silverkit, c'mon!" I race out of the nursery without even stopping to think. I can hear my mother yawn behind me as she is disturbed from her dreams, and call after me, but I don't respond. The tempting scent of fresh-kill is overpowering. I dive into the pile in sheer jubilation at the great morning's find.
"Rainbowkit, what are you doing in there?" I groan at the sound of Stormkit's voice, and poke my head out of the pile. There he is, rings and all. Whenever I see Stormkit, my eyes are immediately drawn to his tail and the dark rings around it, and his front left forepaw which is much darker than the rest of his body. I think he will be either Stormfoot or Stormtail.
"Hey, Stormkit," I mew, my mouth full as I drag a mouse from the pile. "Don't look so sober. Come and have some fun!"
He frowns as if he doesn't know the meaning of 'fun', then his face lightens up, and his tail raises. "Sure."
I stare at him. "What?"
He jabs me quickly in the side, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "What? I'm not allowed to have fun? Come on, Rainbowpaw. Grab another mouse, and hurry back. Everyone is waiting to have a game!"
I still am not ready to believe that this is not the solemn, quiet Stormkit. "What? Is it the end of the world?" There is a hint of mock in my voice.
Stormkit scuffs the ground with his forepaw. "It's just... I don't like being the odd one out, I guess. Kits aren't allowed to be serious."
"'Course not," I say, my eyes alight with friendliness. "C'mon, Stormkit, don't tell me you have to be like that all the time. Have fun while you can! Soon you'll be cleaning out the elder's den!"
His face scrunches up at the prospect. "Well, now that you mention THAT. Let's go!" He turns and runs back toward the nursery, his tail streaming out behind him so that the darker areas blur.
"Rainbowkit!" my mother scolds when I skid to a halt in the nursery, my mouth full of mouse. "You know better than that."
"Sorry," I mumble, dropping my load. Stormkit is already playing with the other kits, batting the mouse into the air. He is surprisingly really good! The others are staring at him like they've seen a StarClan ghost.
"Come on everybody!" I shriek, pulling away from my mother's scolding gaze. "We can all have our moments. Stormkit, pass here!" He tosses the mouse in my direction, and with an amazing leap, I catch it and swing it away from Jaykit as he attempts to wrestle it from me.
Silverkit darts by me, her paws outstretched, and I pass the mouse to her. She continues down the length of the nursery dodging Cinderkit and Graykit as they leap for her. Sunkit suddenly collides with her, knocking her clean off her paws, and scooping up the mouse for himself, trotting away triumphantly. I glower. He always wins.
"Sunkit! Give it here!" mewls Ashkit in annoyance, padding up to him, and trying to take the mouse from his jaws. She's always been the most rebellious against him. Everyone else treats him like Clan leader.
"Ashkit, I won it and it is rightfully mine," Sunkit corrects her, and she falls away, scowling.
"Actually, Stormkit and I retrieved it from the fresh-kill pile," I tell him proudly. He always acts so superior - like he's better than anyone else. I know I said he was special, but he can be so annoying!
"Don't worry, little sister, you get the fourth bite," mews Sunkit, giving me a charming glance. I guess I get most respect around here because he's my brother. The kits all respect him, and they give me credit too. "But Stormkit has to wait until last."
"That's not fair!" I argue, giving Stormkit a glance. The gray tom ducks his head away, hiding from me.
"He's the newest player, therefor the last deserving eater." Without further explanation for this outrageous decision, he beckons forward Graykit, Dewkit and Vinekit. They are all the outgoing leaders along with Sunkit. I know who will get last bite along with Stormkit. The laid-back and snappy Foxkit. He always does. And as for Stormkit...he's lucky to even get a bite most of the time.
I pad over to Stormkit in the meantime, and give him an encouraging lick. "It won't always be like this," I reassure him. "Soon, Sunkit will realize that you are one of our most valuable players."
Stormkit looks up, determination flaring in his blue eyes. Then, he drops his gaze again. "I don't want to be part of their gang, Rainbowkit. I can't believe Sunkit is your brother. He's so...unkind and you are so warmhearted."
I blush at the compliment, but I realize he is not done. "I won't be taken in by his bullying. I'm going to hunt some prey for myself."
I stare at him. "Are you crazy? We aren't allowed out of camp without a queen or warrior watching us!"
"That's why I'm going to sneak out."
"You can't!"
He straightens up, and looks me in the eyes. "I have to prove myself. Will you come with me, Rainbowkit?"
I stare at him. At the blueness of his eyes, and the way his tail twitches in distress.
And I know I can't refuse.
"Of course I'll go with you, Stormkit," I mew, prodding him with my paw.
He lightens up immediately. "Really? Great!" With that, he turns and starts to pad away.
"W-wait," I cry, bounding after him. "You're not seriously planning on leaving now are you?"
"What, you think I'll go hungry, Rainbowkit?" There's an unfamiliar gleam of excitement in Stormkit's eyes.
"Who are you?" I ask, half suspiciously and half mockingly.
He sighs in resignation. "I'm still me."
"I'll have to take your word then."
He grins suddenly, pokes me in the side, and takes off, disappearing out of the nursery entrance, his tail streaming along behind him.
"W-wait!" I call, still not sure whether I want to follow through with this. "Wait for me!"
"I'm not going to wait up!" he calls back, his paws pounding as he plunges into camp. "You're going to have to catch me!"
I race after him, realizing that he's covering our exit by playing a game. Most of the warriors pay no notice, but as we dash out of camp, I see that Icepaw is staring at us with her wide, shocking blue eyes.
Outside camp, Stormkit starts to slow down to a casual trot. Once I've caught up, he stops altogether and sits down. The serious look comes back into his features. "Well, where do you think we should hunt first?"
Leader: Whitestar~Beautiful white she-cat with blue eyes
Apprentice: Icepaw
Deputy: Bluefeather~Blue-gray she-cat
Medicine cat: Rosepetal~ Russet she-cat
Apprentice: Flamepaw~ Bright ginger she-cat
Warriors:
Thunderpelt~ Dark gray, almost black tom; amber eyes
Apprentice: Poppypaw
Jayfeather~ Blue-gray tom with bright blue eyes
Apprentice: Skypaw
Spotburst~ Cream tom with splotches of brown and gray eyes
Apprentice: Angelpaw
Starflame~ Golden she-cat
Joyheart~ White she-cat
Apprentice: Littlepaw
Rustlewind~ Brown tom
Oceanfur~ Blue-gray tom
Woodpelt~ Light brown tom
Apprentice: Shortpaw
Mistfur~ Light gray she-cat
Wildheart~ Gray she-cat with streaks of brown
Apprentice: Brownpaw
Rockclaw~ Dark gray tom with light gray spots
Apprentice: Whisperpaw
Yellowtail~ Tan she-cat
Owlfeather~ Brown tom with tan and black spots
Midnightsky~ Black tom
Eaglefeather~ Black and gray tom
Frigidmist~ Steel blue tom
Apprentices:
Angelpaw~ Cream and white she-cat
Skypaw~ Blue-gray tom
Shortpaw~ White tom
Littlepaw~ White she-cat
Icepaw~ Pure white she-cat
Brownpaw~ Dark brown tom
Poppypaw~ Light brown tortoiseshell she-cat
Whisperpaw~ Very light gray she-cat
Queens:
Tigerheart~ Ginger she-cat with darker stripes (mother of Thunderpelt's kits: Stormkit, Silverkit and Graykit)
Dapplewind~ Tortoiseshell she-cat with light blue eyes (mother of Spotburst's kits: Sunkit, Rainbowkit and Jaykit)
Berylfur~ Golden she-cat (mother of Cinderkit)
Leafwind~ Tortoiseshell she-cat
Kits:
Stormkit~ Light gray tom with darker rings around his tail and dark gray paw; blue eyes
Silverkit~ Light gray she-cat
Graykit~ Dark gray tom
Sunkit~ Gold-brown tom
Rainbowkit~ Multi-coloured she-cat
Jaykit~ Gray tom with blue eyes
Cinderkit~ Smokey gray she-cat with brilliant blue eyes
Ashkit~ Light gray she-cat
Dewkit~ Smokey gray she-cat
Vinekit~ Cream and brown tom
Foxkit~ Russet tom
Elders:
Dogfang~ Brown tom
Raptorclaw~ Gray and brown tom
Honeyleaf~ Golden-brown she-cat
Rushfur~ Tan tom
NightClan
Leader: Firestar~ Flame coloured tom
Deputy: Whitestorm~ Large white tom with blue eyes
Medicine Cat: Cinderpelt~ Fluffy gray she-cat
Apprentice: Bushpaw
Warriors:
Lionfur~ Golden tom
Apprentice: Mintpaw
Lightheart~ Golden and cream she-cat
Goldenfur~ Golden she-cat
Apprentice: Streampaw
Swordwind~ Black tom
Firestorm~ Ginger tom
Ravenfeather~ Black she-cat
Cheetahpelt~ Golden she-cat with ginger specks
BreezeClan
Leader: Owlstar~ Brown tom
Deputy: Whirlingwind~ Black tom with white specks
Medicine Cat~ Heatherfur~ Tan she-cat
Warriors:
Whitefeather~ White she-cat
Apprentice: Quietpaw
Gingerheart~ Russet she-cat
Swiftclaw~ Black and white tom
Grasspelt~ White and brown tom
Shadowflare~ Pure black tom
Apprentice: Shadepaw
LightClan
Leader: Leafstar~ Brown and cream tabby she-cat
Deputy: Lionspirit~ Golden tom
Medicine Cat~ Cunningheart~ White and brown she-cat
Warriors:
Lilyflower~ Cream she-cat
Stoneclaw~ Light gray tom
Apprentice: Redpaw
Marshfur~ Brown tom
Waterheart~ Blue-gray she-cat
Apprentice: Cloudpaw
Loudclaw~ Brown and white she-cat
Sparrowflight~ Cream tom
Apprentice: Quickpaw
Thundercloud~ Dark gray tom
Prologue
My name is Rainbowkit. I live in ForestClan in a very large forest surrounded by beautiful mountains - and other Clans. From the moment I was born, and I could think, feel and move by myself, I knew that my brothers and I were special. I knew we would be great warriors one day.
My mother is Dapplewind and my father is Spotburst. He is a loyal warrior of ForestClan while my mother is a full-time queen. I have two brothers: Sunkit and Jaykit. Sunkit is three moons older than us, so I feel so much closer to Jaykit. There are other kits in the nursery besides us, but they're all older than us because Jaykit and I are the newest. We met Silverkit and Stormkit, and I immediately took to Silverkit because she is like me in many ways. Just between you and me, but I think Stormkit is too uptight and cautious. Silverkit and I like to have tons of fun, but he can't loosen up as easily. Does that make a good warrior?
When I could first pounce on a piece of moss, I wanted to be a warrior. I would bombard my mother with unending questions about it - I mean, she was a warrior once. She keeps telling me to enjoy kithood while it lasts, but being a plain old kit is so boring! I want to go and explore the forest or defend our borders. I bet I'd be great at it. but kits aren't allowed out of camp without supervision, and Mother isn't about to give in to Jaykit and I.
I told you before that I thought that my siblings and I were special. Well, I think for one that I am special because of my unusual fur colour. Instead of being one solid colour or two, I have many different shades of colour in my fur. Sunkit is special because he is the leader of the kits. Everyone always listens to him. And Jaykit is special because he is very brave, and I know that he will be a great warrior.
I also believe that Silverkit is special. I know that she will be a medicine cat when she gets older because she can't take her eyes off of Rosepetal and Flamepaw as they go around camp collecting assortments of herbs and treating cats. I feel kind of sad and kind of happy. Sad because we won't be able to be warriors together and happy because she gets to be special and have a very important position in the Clan.
This is a story of my life, and the life of a few other cats that are either in my Clan now or are yet to come. Listen closely because this story might change your opinion about our Clans and about the way we live. There is heart-break, death, betrayal and battle. Hold on tight, and listen as I bring you through my life with my brother, Jaykit.
Chapter 1
It is a quiet day in camp which is not unusual even with a Clan the size of ours. There a few warriors in camp, and some apprentices suntanning near their den. Whitestar, our leader, and her deputy, Bluefeather, are sharing tongues with Thunderpelt and Wildheart beneath the High Tree. The sun is still rising, so only the early-risers are up.
I should be asleep.
My brother, Jaykit is sleeping next to me, his back rising and falling rhythmically as he dreams. I am wrapped in my mother's paws as she too wanders StarClan's hunting grounds. Sunkit is sleeping with his friend, Graykit. He never sleeps with us anymore. It's like he's grown out of the family. I never get to see Father either.
"Rainbowkit? Are you awake already?"
I look over to see my best friend, Silverkit waking to stare at me with her sky blue gaze. She flicks one ear, then leans over to lick her chest fur that is ruffled from sleep.
"Yes. I suppose I am," I reply, winking at her.
She purrs. "Don't let the queens catch us. They believe kits should," here, she imitated her mother, Tigerheart's, voice, "have a well rested night."
I laugh - or purr - quietly, musing. "Well then I never do."
Silverkit sighs, then yawns. "Well, now that I'm up, I'm hungry. When's the dawn hunting patrol coming back?"
I shrug, then get to my paws, careful not to wake Jaykit. "Soon. I time them sometimes. They're never late."
In a few moments, my prediction is deemed correct. Owlfeather, Frigidmist, Woodpelt and his apprentice, Shortpaw race into camp, each carrying two pieces of prey. "That's eight pieces of fresh-kill," I mutter to myself, doing the math. "C'mon, Silverkit. There's plenty. We'll bring back a mouse and have a game with it!"
"I'm too hungry for games," yawns Silverkit. "Eat first, then play. We'll need more than one piece of prey to fill everyone's belly."
I look around. "True." We have a very large Clan. The good thing about it is that we have more warriors, more strength. The downside - more bellies to feed. Then again, we have more warriors to carry it out!
"Rainbowkit, Silverkit? Up already? Yeesh, you two never sleep in." Jaykit blinks from behind us, and his jaws gape in a huge yawn.
"When you're a warrior, you'll never get to sleep in!" I tease, prodding him playfully with my forepaw.
"Well, I'll be used to it at least," he mutters, licking his disturbed chest fur. "Anyways, I'm hungry. The dawn hunting patrol should be back-"
"They are!" I squeal excitedly. "Jaykit, Silverkit, c'mon!" I race out of the nursery without even stopping to think. I can hear my mother yawn behind me as she is disturbed from her dreams, and call after me, but I don't respond. The tempting scent of fresh-kill is overpowering. I dive into the pile in sheer jubilation at the great morning's find.
"Rainbowkit, what are you doing in there?" I groan at the sound of Stormkit's voice, and poke my head out of the pile. There he is, rings and all. Whenever I see Stormkit, my eyes are immediately drawn to his tail and the dark rings around it, and his front left forepaw which is much darker than the rest of his body. I think he will be either Stormfoot or Stormtail.
"Hey, Stormkit," I mew, my mouth full as I drag a mouse from the pile. "Don't look so sober. Come and have some fun!"
He frowns as if he doesn't know the meaning of 'fun', then his face lightens up, and his tail raises. "Sure."
I stare at him. "What?"
He jabs me quickly in the side, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "What? I'm not allowed to have fun? Come on, Rainbowpaw. Grab another mouse, and hurry back. Everyone is waiting to have a game!"
I still am not ready to believe that this is not the solemn, quiet Stormkit. "What? Is it the end of the world?" There is a hint of mock in my voice.
Stormkit scuffs the ground with his forepaw. "It's just... I don't like being the odd one out, I guess. Kits aren't allowed to be serious."
"'Course not," I say, my eyes alight with friendliness. "C'mon, Stormkit, don't tell me you have to be like that all the time. Have fun while you can! Soon you'll be cleaning out the elder's den!"
His face scrunches up at the prospect. "Well, now that you mention THAT. Let's go!" He turns and runs back toward the nursery, his tail streaming out behind him so that the darker areas blur.
"Rainbowkit!" my mother scolds when I skid to a halt in the nursery, my mouth full of mouse. "You know better than that."
"Sorry," I mumble, dropping my load. Stormkit is already playing with the other kits, batting the mouse into the air. He is surprisingly really good! The others are staring at him like they've seen a StarClan ghost.
"Come on everybody!" I shriek, pulling away from my mother's scolding gaze. "We can all have our moments. Stormkit, pass here!" He tosses the mouse in my direction, and with an amazing leap, I catch it and swing it away from Jaykit as he attempts to wrestle it from me.
Silverkit darts by me, her paws outstretched, and I pass the mouse to her. She continues down the length of the nursery dodging Cinderkit and Graykit as they leap for her. Sunkit suddenly collides with her, knocking her clean off her paws, and scooping up the mouse for himself, trotting away triumphantly. I glower. He always wins.
"Sunkit! Give it here!" mewls Ashkit in annoyance, padding up to him, and trying to take the mouse from his jaws. She's always been the most rebellious against him. Everyone else treats him like Clan leader.
"Ashkit, I won it and it is rightfully mine," Sunkit corrects her, and she falls away, scowling.
"Actually, Stormkit and I retrieved it from the fresh-kill pile," I tell him proudly. He always acts so superior - like he's better than anyone else. I know I said he was special, but he can be so annoying!
"Don't worry, little sister, you get the fourth bite," mews Sunkit, giving me a charming glance. I guess I get most respect around here because he's my brother. The kits all respect him, and they give me credit too. "But Stormkit has to wait until last."
"That's not fair!" I argue, giving Stormkit a glance. The gray tom ducks his head away, hiding from me.
"He's the newest player, therefor the last deserving eater." Without further explanation for this outrageous decision, he beckons forward Graykit, Dewkit and Vinekit. They are all the outgoing leaders along with Sunkit. I know who will get last bite along with Stormkit. The laid-back and snappy Foxkit. He always does. And as for Stormkit...he's lucky to even get a bite most of the time.
I pad over to Stormkit in the meantime, and give him an encouraging lick. "It won't always be like this," I reassure him. "Soon, Sunkit will realize that you are one of our most valuable players."
Stormkit looks up, determination flaring in his blue eyes. Then, he drops his gaze again. "I don't want to be part of their gang, Rainbowkit. I can't believe Sunkit is your brother. He's so...unkind and you are so warmhearted."
I blush at the compliment, but I realize he is not done. "I won't be taken in by his bullying. I'm going to hunt some prey for myself."
I stare at him. "Are you crazy? We aren't allowed out of camp without a queen or warrior watching us!"
"That's why I'm going to sneak out."
"You can't!"
He straightens up, and looks me in the eyes. "I have to prove myself. Will you come with me, Rainbowkit?"
I stare at him. At the blueness of his eyes, and the way his tail twitches in distress.
And I know I can't refuse.
"Of course I'll go with you, Stormkit," I mew, prodding him with my paw.
He lightens up immediately. "Really? Great!" With that, he turns and starts to pad away.
"W-wait," I cry, bounding after him. "You're not seriously planning on leaving now are you?"
"What, you think I'll go hungry, Rainbowkit?" There's an unfamiliar gleam of excitement in Stormkit's eyes.
"Who are you?" I ask, half suspiciously and half mockingly.
He sighs in resignation. "I'm still me."
"I'll have to take your word then."
He grins suddenly, pokes me in the side, and takes off, disappearing out of the nursery entrance, his tail streaming along behind him.
"W-wait!" I call, still not sure whether I want to follow through with this. "Wait for me!"
"I'm not going to wait up!" he calls back, his paws pounding as he plunges into camp. "You're going to have to catch me!"
I race after him, realizing that he's covering our exit by playing a game. Most of the warriors pay no notice, but as we dash out of camp, I see that Icepaw is staring at us with her wide, shocking blue eyes.
Outside camp, Stormkit starts to slow down to a casual trot. Once I've caught up, he stops altogether and sits down. The serious look comes back into his features. "Well, where do you think we should hunt first?"
