[Phoenix]

They said that New-Leaf had begun, and that they could tell by the way the trees had started turning green and the temperature had risen over the past few days. He could see the new green, and he had noticed the subtle difference in temperature because the wind was no longer bitter enough to chill him to the bone. Apart from those two observations, however, nothing seemed to have change. Older cats talked about prey returning come New-Leaf; New-Leaf had begun, and he had yet to see a giant increase in the amount of prey the hunting patrols brought home. There was still a blanket of snow on the ground, and there had been ever since he first set foot out of the nursery. He had often wondered how odd it feel to not have a layer of the white substance between his paws and the ground, though he assumed he would experience the sensation eventually.

His small head swiveled as his yellow eyes traveled around camp, surveying the scene before him from his spot just inside the nursery. He wasn't quite sure where Wildkit and Wavekit had disappeared to, though if he knew his siblings, he was sure that they were off either fighting or causing trouble somewhere. That was just as well with him, since it meant that there would be more eyes on them instead of himself. Cats tended to forget that he existed, a welcome fact that he attributed to both his quiet nature and small size, and he was ubothered by it. He had found that sitting in the company of his own thoughts was a past time just as enjoyable - or perhaps even more so - as entertaining another feline.

Content in the silence of the nursery, Wormkit stretched, appreciating the tranquility while it lasted. A cloud drifted in front of the sun, casting the camp in shadow and making the kit glance up, surprised at the sudden change in lighting. It was odd how clouds did that, but he had never given it much thought as he preferred to focus his attention more on things that touched the ground. Lowering his yellow gaze, he yawned, resting his head on his paws as he lazily flicked the tip of his tail behind him.

[/blockquote]

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N K I T

Just outside the limits of the nursery, a marbled tom experimented with his hunter's crouch, pretending that a nearby pile of snow that was only slightly higher off the ground than the rest was a target he could use for practice. He flashed a devilish grin, narrowing his pale green eyes in intent focus as he wriggled small haunches to-and-fro in preparation to strike.
Now, he was not in any way, shape or form excluded from vision. However, it wasn't like he was practicing on a real target that could take recognition of his presence and possibly escape. For now, Crimsonkit saw no reason to attempt blending his red, black-spotted body from the view of his 'prey', if you will. Besides, it was just snow.

Releasing a surge of energy from crouched limbs, the tom-kit successfully landed atop the pile of white snow, satisfaction lacing his expression as he vigorously dug into its surface. The rush that accompanied a successful landing and strike was mesmerizing for the young TreeClan cat, though for now, he simply shrugged off the temptation to try once more. For, his sights were now drawing into the depths of the nursery where a familiar face lay in observation of his surroundings. Wormkit.

Crimsonkit straightened his posture, frowning at the the fellow kit – though he was still at a decent enough distance to allow this change in expression to go unnoticed. Wormkit wasn't adventurous like the rest of the kits; Crimsonkit not once found himself witnessing Wormkit partake in some genuine mischief that a kit was able to commonly get away with if able to put on the correct facade. Instead, he seemed content remaining secluded inside the nursery where not a soul seemed bothered to disturb his peace and quiet.
Or at least, wasn't bothered to disturb his peace and quiet before Crimsonkit caught sight of him.

“Don't you get bored sitting in the nursery all day?” Crimsonkit inquired, bordering a tone of agitation. There was no reason for the marbled tom-kit to become hostile, that was just simply how he tended to address his fellow kits. The red feline cast an expectant gaze upon Wormkit, as if awaiting his response to prove Crimsonkit false for making an accusation such as this.

Did he really never want to forget about the 'rules' and have some fun for a change?

[Phoenix]

Yellow eyes found the small spotted shape of his den mate, Crimsonkit, and watched as the other kit pounced on a pile of snow, no doubt practicing his hunting crouch. Though he knew he was in no place to be judging the other kit's stance, since he knew nothing more about hunting than Crimsonkit, Wormkit thought that the other tom showed promise. He had landed on the snow bank, hadn't he? But a little advice never hurt anyone. Perhaps he could enlist an apprentice - or maybe even a warrior! - to show them his or her hunting crouch. He thought that Crimsonkit would like that. Everyone would. Yes, he would go do that.

The striped tom had just climbed to his paws, excitement coursing through his veins at the thought of how the other kits' eyes would light up, when the source of his whole idea showed up. He was not overly taken aback by the rudeness in Crimsonkit's voice, having come to expect it from the other tom; after seeing him address the other kits with equal bluntness, Wormkit had learned to not take it personally. Every cat, he had noticed, behaved a certain way and couldn't help it. Maybe the other kit was just naturally rude. In any case, there was nothing he could do about it but weather the storm, and the latter was something at which he had become particularly skilled.

"Hi Crimsonkit," He murmured a response, voice soft and quiet in comparison. As he made a habit of speaking unless spoken to, his tone was gentle, almost weak, whenever words left his mouth. It was not often that he was noticed. "The nursery can get a little boring sometimes, I guess, but it's also a nice place to think." He paused for a moment, eyes never leaving the other kit's face, before continuing, "I saw your pounce, just now. It's really good." Wormkit flicked his tail lightly by his hind paws, directing the conversation away from himself out of habit. He was never one to hog the spotlight all to himself, not when there were so many other cats who would rather have it shine on them, and he was willing to oblige them. "I think you'll be a good hunter."

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N K I T

"The nursery can get a little boring sometimes, I guess, but it's also a nice place to think."

Crimsonkit narrowed his light green eyes, partially baffled that Wormkit even considered taking the time to think. Thinking could be saved for when they were warriors and had duties to tend to. For the time being, they were just kits. They didn't have responsibilities, nor was Crimsonkit looking forward to having them. In the entire blunt truth, he was going to savor every last moment he had of zero responsibilities. Crimsonkit couldn't help but be confused as to why Wormkit was in such a rush toward maturity.

“I saw your pounce, just now. It's really good.” […] “I think you'll be a good hunter.” At this comment, Crimsonkit wrinkled up his nose in clear distaste. He didn't require Wormkit to compliment his skills. If anything, he thought that the striped kit should be more focused on his own; sharpening them. Momentarily, Crimsonkit's mind wandered toward the fact that Wormkit had been observing him. The spotted tom-kit had never been fond of being watched without permission. And, he especially didn't need a fellow kit telling him that he would be a good hunter in the future. How could Wormkit be certain of that? He lacked knowledge outside of the nursery just as much as the rest of them did. “It's not like snow can move. It wasn't difficult for that pounce to be good.” the red tom-kit retorted, his words intended to be as harsh as they had sounded.

In truth, Crimsonkit was proud that another kit had taken the time to observe and believe it to be good. He didn't necessarily care whether or not his fellow TreeClan cats held him to a high standard. All that mattered was that his skills were sharp and proper, as they had been from what Wormkit had been able to examine. But, that didn't lessen the fact that the target was unable to be mobile. His pounce may have been good, but one could only tell whether or not it was good or bad if his target had been able to sense him and flee.

“Besides, shouldn't you be worried about your own skills instead of observing the skills of others? One of these days you'll be an apprentice too, you know. The nursery can't be a permanent location.” The tom-kit's tail flicked hastily, as if everything he said was common sense and Wormkit so happened to be oblivious. Light green eyes averted sideways, sparing a glance outside before returning to the facial features of his fellow kit. “In fact, why don't we test your skills now? Show me a pounce.”

Without awaiting his response, Crimsonkit rose from his seated stance and began his quick trot toward the outside limits. Although, he was equally as swift to remember Wormkit was, well, Wormkit. He had never witnessed the striped kit being inclined to venture outdoors and test his abilities. He certainly wasn't about to be now. Halting abruptly, Crimsonkit turned his head over small shoulder blades to fixate his icy stare upon Wormkit. “One of these days, you'll have to face the world. No use remaining indoors where all you can do is think.” Finishing his sentence with a clear reference to one of Wormkit's earlier statements, he flashed a mischievous grin before continuing on his path outside.

[Phoenix]

Hurt flickered across his features, shining in his yellow eyes, at the harsh response he had received, and he found himself at a rare loss for words. How was he supposed to respond to that? He knew that snow couldn't move, but that did not mean that Crimsonkit's pounce had not been good. Pouncing on something alive might have been more of a challenge, but for the given circumstances, he had thought that the other kit had done well. And more importantly, why did the other kit seem to take offense to what he had thought was just a nice compliment? He thought that others enjoyed having their abilities acknowledged, but was there something more? Perhaps it was only worth it when a cat of a higher rank than oneself acknowledged a particular skill? But that couldn't be just it. None of his siblings seemed particularly bothered when he complimented them, though perhaps he had never picked up on it before. Shoving away the slight worry that had begun to pool in his gut at the thought of causing distress, however unintentially, to another cat, he swallowed, searching for something to say to fill the silence that had fallen. Maybe he should trie to counter whatever irritation his compliment seemed to have sparked in the tom. It had not been his intention to start a fight, verbal or physical.

But Crimsonkit saved him, continuing on moments later in a rush of words. Wormkit listened intently, ears flicking as he considered his words. Admittedly, he had not given his own hunting and fighting abilities much thought, for he preferred to contemplate other things. Those two subjects, with which the other kits seemed to be captivated, had never interested him as much as the thought of helping other cats, and after some initial curiousity, he had dismissed it as an odd quirk about himself. Every cat had a couple, and perhaps this was just his. Still, he did not think that he was completely ignorant of what one should look like, as he had seen apprentices showing off to their den mates before. Granted, they were still learning, but they were the best he had, since warriors did not tend to make a habit of pouncing around camp. That's what kits did.

"Just watching can teach you a lot of things," He responded, eyes flicking from Crimsonkit's face to glance out at the camp. But the other kit did have a good point. Perhaps it would do him well to consider life as an apprentice more often. In any event, there was no reason for him to turn down the request, and he turned his face to look back at his companion. "Alright," the striped kit agreed, "But I don't think it'll be as good as yours." Almost immediately after the words had left his mouth, he was left behind by Crimsonkit, watching as the other cat stood and trotted quickly from the nursery. Padding at a slower pace, he followed the tom out of the shelter of the nursery.

It had been a long time since he had attempted his own hunting crouch and subsequent pounce, and he could feel his muscles complaining as he lowered himself in a rather shaky attempt. He felt odd with his legs folded up in such a way, but perhaps it was because his balance was off? Shifting a paw slightly in a test, he found that his weight was more even across his paws, and emboldened by this new discovery, he took a few steps forward. How could warriors manage to do this and catch something for all their efforts? Renewed respect bubbled up in him for the grown cats of his clan, right as his eyes locked on a small pebble, resting innocently on the thin layer of snow. Setting his sights on the small rock, he bunched up his muscles and sprang, uncoiling with paws outstretched. It wasn't the most coordinated or beautiful landing, but he managed to plant his paws on either side of the pebble. A small grin touched the corners of his lips at his success, and nudging his 'prey' with one paw, he turned to look around for Crimsonkit, having lost track of his companion in his concentration and wondering what the other tom had thought of his pounce.

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N K I T

Crimsonkit was pleased to see Wormkit take initiative. Perhaps, there was some traces of fun in the striped tom-kit, no matter how small it may be. Settling himself a fair distance, he followed Wormkit's gaze to the pebble – suspecting it to be the fellow feline's target. Gaze averting back toward Wormkit, he watched as he struggled to find the most comfortable position while in a hunter's crouch. A small grin tugged at the corner of his red jaw, though it wasn't necessarily because he enjoyed to witness the hardships of others, more so that he simply found it amusing to watch a cat so utterly lost in an environment that was likely abnormal to them. Of course, he was hoping that Wormkit would be successful. That way, there would be one less thing Crimsonkit would have to consider unusual about him. His behavior was overly mature, considering his age. The red, black spotted TreeClan kit was quite impressed with himself for just getting Wormkit to step outside and test his hunting skills.

And then, Wormkit pounced. Crimsonkit wasn't necessarily surprised that Wormkit had been successful, just, it had occurred far sooner than he thought it would have. Momentarily, anger fluttered about in his stomach. It was ominous for a cat that rarely stepped outdoors to be successful on their first try. Especially since Crimsonkit – a far more adventurous kit with an itch for mischief – practiced far more often and every once in a while, found himself having to correct flaws. For a moment, Crimsonkit contemplated whether or not he underestimated the striped tom-kit before him. He didn't see himself stopping in the near future, however. After all, Crimsonkit had to make sure that he was the best. That way, when apprenticeship came around, the others would be unable to compare to his superb abilities. He was often recognized for talking down upon those of fellow ranking. If they were able to show him up, it seemed almost unnatural that he continue being able to treat them as if they were farther down a line of hierarchy.

Wormkit glanced up at him after a few extra seconds, his yellow eyes indicating that he was awaiting Crimsonkit's input. The spotted tom-kit blinked light green eyes, momentarily searching his mindset for the words he desired to use. “For a cat that rarely sees the light of day outside of the nursery... not bad.” That would do: a perfect mixture of insult and compliment.

Crimsonkit strode forward, allowing his gaze to avert to the pebble that had been trapped between Wormkit's paws. He kicked it lightly with the front of his reddish brown paw, a quiet snort of distaste directed toward the inanimate object. If it hadn't been for that pebble, Crimsonkit may have still been seeing Wormkit as nothing more than a feline taking up space and being a mouth to feed. Maybe there was a flip side to this that Crimsonkit hadn't been considering, though. He had actually listened to Crimsonkit when it came to venturing outside of the nursery. Maybe, he would listen again?

“Hey, Wormkit,” Crimsonkit pivoted to face the striped tom-kit, flashing him a look that was almost devilish. “What do you say we get out of camp for a while?” Gesturing to the outer limits of camp with a light movement of his head, he waited for his response with an eager flash glistening in his light green eyes. If Crimsonkit could get him out of camp, and could get him to experiment in a less safe, cautious side of things... maybe, there was a chance he could mold him into something useful. Maybe that was just a cruel trail of thought. Crimsonkit had never been the type to store up his most exhilarating ideas, though. He preferred to test them and discover on his own whether or not they could be beneficial to him in the future.

[Phoenix]

Flicking his ears as he pondered Crimsonkit's response, he tried to decide whether it was more of a biting insult or a grudging compliment. The words were curiously ambiguous in meaning, and he found himself wondering how the other kit could weave his words into a sentence like that with so much ease. It wasn't as if he had any desire to insult the cats around him - in fact, he wanted to do the opposite - but the ability to manipulate words was one that would no doubt become helpful later on in life. For a cat who talked little, he did not think that he was being horribly optimistic when he believed that he was not a complete failure at it, but he just as easily admitted that he could use some work on eloquence and diplomacy. To some cats, that ability seemed to come naturally, and to others, it seemed to not take root at all. Crimsonkit seemed to be of the former group than the latter, and he thought it safe to believe that he was somewhere in the middle. Abruptly, as the other kit kicked the pebble sitting between his paws, Wormkit decided that he would assume that the comment was a compliment. It would do no good to beat himself up over something that might not even exist.

Yellow eyes, which had trailed off to follow the path of the small stone as it skittered away from them, snapped back to his clan mate at the sound of his name. The first thought that struck him was that he did not like that look that had crossed Crimsonkit's face. While it was not dark, he could have sworn that he saw a mischevious glint in those green eyes, and after recalling what he knew about his fellow kit, he found it safe to assume that he would not appreciate the events that would follow. Where he preferred to shelter in the comforting familiarity of the nursery, Crimsonkit had an adventurous streak within him that he believed would one day land the other cat in trouble. Having never felt the burning desire to explore uncharted territories, he had a hard time trying to understand the motivation behind some of the other kit's actions, and as a result, he was forced to be content with the knowledge that that was the way Crimsonkit was, rather than the understanding he would much rather have.

As it turned out, his suspicions were not unfounded, and the spotted kit's newest suggestion did nothing but instigate an internal conflict. Personally, though it was irrelevent to the matter, he had no desire to move any farther from the nursery than he already had and forsake the familiar camp in favor of venturing into the unknown territory. But Crimsonkit obviously wanted to go and wanted his company in the endeavor, if only as a partner in crime. Had he not just been reflecting on said kit's daredevil side? Since the other cats were too busy to pay attention to the two kits playing, this would be the perfect chance for Crimsonkit to act on his desire. If it made the other kit happy, who was he to argue and prevent it from happening? Yet it still felt wrong, enough so that even thinking of complying with the other kit's suggestion made him want to curl up in shame. There were other cats in TreeClan beside Crimsonkit, and even if said cat was the one with whom he was interacting, that did not place him above any of the others in importance. Wavekit and Wildkit might have followed their denmate out without a second thought, but Wormkit could think of a myriad of older cats who would suffer for that decision. Not physically, probably, but emotionally. He did not want to take part in something that would cause a reaction like that, especially if he did so while fully conscious of the consequences of his actions.

"I don't know, Crimsonkit," He started quietly, glancing away from the green-eyed feline in front of him. As his eyes strayed over to the fresh-kill pile in the center of camp, he was suddenly very conscious of his small size. Unbidden, he found himself thinking that two kits would make very easy prey for the larger predators he knew were out there. He shuddered at the thought of how everyone would feel if they found out that the two of them had been eaten. "It-- It sounds like it might be fun," He spoke slowly, gaze returning to the small pebble resting in a patch of sunlight not far away. It wasn't a complete lie, he reasoned with himself, as discovering something new would undoubtedly be fun. He just had no desire to partake in activities like that. "But I don't think that's a very good idea." Yellow eyes turned to look earnestly at his companion. "It's just-- What if we were found missing?" Can you imagine how that would make everyone else feel? How much anxiety and worry it would cause? He did not speak the last part out loud. He did not think Crimsonkit could.

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N K I T & G R A Y O W L

"It's just-- What if we were found missing?"

The red-and-black spotted tom-kit found his green eyes rolling instinctively at Wormkit's comment, momentarily having a surge of annoyance rippling down the length of his spine at the thought of dealing with the striped feline's constant filter of situations that ended up resulting in a catastrophe of negative events. His suffix did say kit, right? Once again, Wormkit had successfully baffled Crimsonkit with his lack of adventurous adrenaline. To signal to the fellow TreeClan cat that Crimsonkit was in fact irritated, he offered up a snort of disapproval at his words.

“Who cares. How are us kits supposed to enjoy ourselves when the warriors don't allow us any freedom? It's mouse-brained to think they can keep us caged until we're six moons old, 'ya know?” His rant began with some direct insults applied to their clan warriors. Crimsonkit – although he respected their positions – despised being treated like the kit he was. All he often found himself desiring was a loosen of that leash tied so tightly around the clan youth. And here Wormkit was wanting nothing to do with the idea of departing from camp for a little while. For a moment, Crimsonkit found himself despising Wormkit in equal amounts. It was painful to be in the presence of someone who didn't understand nor appreciate his trail of thought. “Whatever. I guess I understand if you're not interested. Fun doesn't suit everyone's fancy.” With an ignorant flick of his small tail, Crimsonkit withdrew a flaming stare of pale green pigmentation away from the striped kit before him. Clearly, it was the young tom's uncontrolled anger flaring in disgust at Wormkit's decline. Regardless, he still found himself unwilling to meet the tom-kit's yellow gaze quite yet. Too kind, too fearful, too weak. They weren't the nicest terms a feline could use to describe a den-mate. However, Crimsonkit's head wasn't filled with thoughts entirely pleasant.

Icy pigmentation of a deep amber flamed with a disguised ire; as if able to relate to the disgust currently visible upon the facial expression of young Crimsonkit. A charcoal furred figure lurked at the edges of camp in a concealment of overhead shadow, blinking his yellow eyes with a machine's hollowness in the direction of the duo of TreeClan kits currently conversing just beyond the nursery. His tail tip twitched in amusement, a deceitful smirk lacing across his lethal jaw as the average-sized tom-cat straightened his stance, striding across the camp with a ghost's elegance; a devil's deadly purpose hidden within each onward progressing step.

“Kits aren't allowed to wander astray from the nursery, as I feel obligated to assume the pair of you are aware of. Yes?” A gray head tilted sideways, narrowing his dark gold eyes as they flickered between the two kit faces. The intensity in his stone-cold gaze was electrifying, piercing as if two lightning bolts were jolting from his eye sockets to paralyze both youthful felines currently a few mouse-lengths ahead. It was the perfect portrayal of genuine disappointment that an ordinary warrior would exhibit; seemingly acting as if he had detected each word spoken in Crimsonkit's plan for departure – as he secretly had, what with his acute sense of hearing tuned into the two kit's with interest. After Grayowl was satisfied that he had perhaps bestowed an element of shocked fear within the pair of kits... he at last uttered a deep, eerie chuckle.

“Then again, I've never been the type to genuinely be concerned with a kit's portrayal of resistance toward the common rule.” Grayowl's tail tip flicked with a sharp notion, flashing a toothy grin at each individual TreeClan kit. “The forest is nothing to fear. It's only a matter of time before you're expected to face it.” With this particular statement, Grayowl found his chilling stare lingering on the striped kitten commonly referred to as Wormkit, recognizing him for being the one that exhibited concern toward leaving camp. “Of course, there is no danger when you have the proper, trustworthy guide.” Out of the two, Crimsonkit seemed most able to be molded into a dark-standing figure. Wormkit would take some convincing, for his personality didn't currently reveal any elements of darkness that could favour the deadly realm of treachery, later on, evolving into the wondrous world of blood-red sadism. Regardless, it was worth a shot, for both kits. “Shall we?”

As Grayowl pivoted with a single, almost ghostly twist of his lithe frame, it was Crimsonkit that immediately straightened with a newly unlocked fondness of the creepy tom-cat. Finally, someone that understood what he was made to do. Even if he was a little bit scary.[\blockquote][/font]

[Phoenix]

With a feeling of resignation seeping through him, he realized that he had not expected any other reaction from the kit. That should make him glad, right? It meant that he understood Crimsonkit well enough to predict how he would react to various situations, which in turn made it easier for him to make the other kit happy. That was an accomplishment in itself. But why wasn't he? Part of him wished that the spotted cat would realize that rules were not put in place to be broken, but rather to keep themselves and the emotions of others safe. It saddened him, he realized, to see a cat so willing to toss away the feelings of other cats in order to fulfill his own whims. And so willing to insult the older members of his clan who knew far more than either of them.

His yellow eyes had begun studying his paws somewhere in the middle of the green-eyed kit's rant, ears folding back slightly against his head at the sheer hatred he thought he heard in those words. He did not understand how Crimsonkit could work himself up over what he thought was a valid concern, one that the other kit obviously did not consider enough. Regardless, there was nothing he could do but weather the resulting storm, and drawing lazy circles in the snow with his paw, he did just that. There are other ways to have fun that don't include breaking the rules and sneaking out of camp, He countered in his head, not speaking the words aloud for fear of furthering Crimsonkit's irritation. The other kit was not as much intimidating when he was angry as he was hurtful, and though Wormkit tried to distance himself from the insults, it was, at times, easier said than done.

And then Crimsonkit was finished, ending with a rather snide comment. Unconsciously holding his breath, the striped feline waited for his companion to leave, ears straining to catch the first hint of departing paw steps. He heard paw steps, but a sideways glance told him that the spotted cat had no left yet. Yellow eyes turned in the direction of the steps - which he realized belatedly were far to heavy to be those of a kit - and it did not take him long to find the gray figure who was practically looming over them. He swallowed, eyes locking on the intense golden gaze that seemed to see right through him. It was disconcerting, and it made him uncomfortable. Shifting his paws, he nodded in response to the question, murmuring a quiet, "Yes, sir," and casting a glance at the other kit to see how he was handling the retribution.

But at the warrior's next words, his head shot upward as if a fire had just been ignited beneath it. What? Wide eyes sought the gray tom, taking note of the grin as part of the foundation of his world crumbled beneath him. He barely noted the golden gaze locking on his startled form, fur no doubt fluffed up slightly in surprise. Warriors were the cats who made and enforced the rules. They were the reliable, trustworthy grown-ups whom he could trust to keep him safe. Wasn't that what he had been told his whole life? And now this warrior was basically urging them to leave camp with him. He didn't know what to think.

Part of him wanted to protest. Leaving camp went against everything he'd been taught by cats whose names he actually knew. Would anyone know they were gone? The effect on the other cats would still be the same, if they found him and Crimsonkit missing. Even if being with the scary, gray warrior would lessen whatever punishment they saw fit to give, everyone else would worry about them until they came back or were found. He still did not want to be the cause of that. But the other part of him wanted to listen to the warrior, to obey and do as he said. It would make the gray tom happy, wouldn't it? His own resulting discomfort was irrelevent. A glance to the side confirmed his suspicions that Crimsonkit would not let such an opportunity go to waste. Kneading the ground nervously with his paws, he glanced around camp again, tail flicking anxiously. Maybe they really weren't going to leave camp. Maybe the warrior was just making a joke - albeit a rather cruel one, but a joke all the same.

Two words was all it took to crush this desperate, hopeful theory. Dismayed yellow eyes turned just in time to see the gray warrior departing smoothly, as if he was completely unaware of the inner turmoil he had just instigated in the striped kit. It didn't seem as though he was being given a choice, and he was not one to disobey the commands of older cats. Besides, he reasoned with himself, trying to shove away his hesitation, He's a warrior. It's not like he'll put us in any danger. It's his job to protect us, after all. A little, short peak outside camp couldn't hurt. In a rush of steps, he caught up with the warrior, walking with noticeably less grace than the gray cat. "Wait a second," He implored, eyes finding the intimidating features of the older feline. "They-- They know we're going right? And how far will we go?" Short. Fast. Back in a flash.

[Fawn]

LIONSTAR

---

"Imagine my surprise, Grayowl, to hear a well respected warrior such as yourself coaxing two kits out into the forest."

A smooth authoritative rumble interrupted the attempted excursion, the impressive muscular golden tom approaching with a subtle shake of his mane, heavy golden paws silent despite their size. The golden eyes of TreeClan's leader were reserved if not a little suspicious, the tom obviously finding this situation a bit odd, though open to a very good explanation.
"But I'm sure that's not the case," he mewed a sort of feigned friendliness, likely staying upbeat for the sake of the two kits - which he was quick to identify as Wormkit and Crimsonkit - the little tabby making his tail-tip twitch just slightly. Wormkit. Crimsonkit was a rather...strong-minded young tom, and would have likely leaped at the first opportunity to leave the nursery behind, but Wormkit...what had Grayowl said to get him out here?

Something about his parents?

Though a storm cloud of consternation threatened to build within the Clan leader's mind, Lionstar cast it aside. What would Grayowl know of the trio's parents? Then again, that tom always had a habit of knowing things he probably souldn't...

Golden plume swaying, Lionstar stepped between the kits and Grayowl, smiling at them with an uncle's fondness. "Though I normally do not allow kits to leave the camp before their 6th moon," began the warrior in a steady voice, a note of playful secrecy added as an undertone "However, if Grayowl would like to accompany us, would you two be interested in a brief trip to the Sparkling Brook?"

Under normal circumstances, Lionstar would have made the two toms march right on back to the nursery and would have had a stern word or two to say to Grayowl - however, Daringheart's words about him needing to have more fun had wafted to the forefront of his mind. He was looking at TreeClan's next generation, two future warriors - or maybe a future medicine cat apprentice? If Wormkit found that a warrior's lifestyle wasn't quite for him, rather than make them feel unhappy about not being old enough to leave camp, perhaps he could turn this into a teaching moment?

More or less hijacking whatever it was Grayowl had planned to do with them out there, Lionstar glanced to the ominous figure he had addressed upon first interrupting, patiently awaiting what sort of commentary - or lack thereof - he could expect from Grayowl. Though there was only a 5 moon age gap between them, Lionstar's memories of Grayowl as an apprentice had not been that particularly extensive, he'd always been more interested in Grayowl's sister, Willowfur, of whom Lionstar could recall with fond sadness as being his first crush. Still, now was not the time for sentimentality, it was an opportunity to let a pair of Clan kits stretch their legs and lessen that almost unbearable unfairness they were surely feeling while they were still almost apprentices.

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N K I T & G R A Y O W L

Although the dim, charcoal body of Grayowl was the first to abruptly halt his forwardly motion upon recognition of Lionstar's arrival, he was not the first to face the golden tom-cat. It was, in fact, none other than a tiny ball of red-and-black-spotted fur that fixated a gaze upon TreeClan's leader; the hostility within his pale green stare being not at all well-disguised when compared to that of Grayowl's. It wasn't Crimsonkit's place to make a remark. Not when the one clearly being addressed by Lionstar was Grayowl. Keeping the flaming fire on the tip of his tongue clenched between firm jaws, he instead cast an expectant gaze upon Grayowl. Lionstar didn't seem pleased about Grayowl leading them out of camp. For a moment, Crimsonkit wondered why. Although, surely, Grayowl would be able to talk his way out of whatever suspicions seemed to be lacing the leader's golden gaze. Or maybe, that was merely his fondness toward the creepy tom-cat snowballing into something greater each second he allowed his eyes to linger upon him.

Grayowl whirled around with a phantom's grace, his hind limbs buckling beneath his weight to accustom toward a seated position in a matter of a few split seconds; as if he had been expecting Lionstar's arrival from the very minute he decided to drag the two kits out of camp – now being shielded by the large form of TreeClan's leader as Grayowl at last fixated his dark gold eyes upon the long-furred tom. The leader's words were hardly noted, being acknowledged with the slightest, curt dip of his head. A smirk curled the corner of his gray lip upward, peeling off of his front teeth to portray his amusement toward Lionstar's statement. “Allow your surprise to at last locate slumber, Lionstar. It's never too early a moon for someone, quite like myself, to take recognition of the apprentice-like qualities exhibited by TreeClan's youth. Forgive my desire to nourish.” His tail-tip curved upward gingerly, dark gray ears pulling forward as he, at last, allowed his golden stare to withdraw and instead, be directed toward the kits.

As Lionstar addressed Crimsonkit and Wormkit, the red, black-spotted kit flicked an ear dismissively. He was not attempting to disrespect the leader, but instead, wind his way out from behind the golden tom so Grayowl could be in his view. Although Crimsonkit didn't fully understand half of Grayowl's vocabulary, he was still somehow intrigued by his response. His tone was so sharp; flawless. As if no thought had to be put into whatever spotlight that was shined upon him. Crimsonkit – at last finding a new position that allowed his head to peak around the corner of Lionstar's front leg – flashed Grayowl a mesmerized glance, tail tip twitching with exhilarating excitement toward the slender bodied tom. “Will you please come with us, Grayowl?”

Crimsonkit gave no thought toward the lethal stare Grayowl allowed to pierce the back of Lionstar's head as he was turned toward Wormkit and himself. Instead, focusing the entirety of his attention upon assuring Grayowl was involved in his first expedition out of camp. Having the opportunity to venture astray from the nursery with the leader alone was an unusual, electrifying thought. However, Crimsonkit couldn't imagine his distaste if Grayowl somehow talked his way around this three-party trip now evolving into four.

Grayowl's gaze averted downward, absorbing the pale green pigmentation of Crimsonkit's hopeful eyes and drowning them within a pool of his own dark gold hue. The fondness portrayed by the almost-apprentice was unsettling, but a remarkable sign. If Crimsonkit was able to find himself captivated, imagine how many others Grayowl could do the same for. He wouldn't allow Crimsonkit's affection to weaken, but instead would encourage it by continuing to allow the young tom-kit to feed off his sadistic light. The smallest smile toward the red, black spotted tom-kit highlighted Grayowl's expression, fading in an instant upon returning to the facial features of Lionstar. “A delight, it would be, to include my presence upon this visit to the Sparkling Brook. Your invitation is valued.” A facade of appreciation was only one of Grayowl's masked specialties.

With the ominous flick of his tail, Grayowl stood and pivoted without waiting for the rest to gather themselves for this accompaniment. Crimsonkit, shuffling anxiously in his position, at last reminded himself of Wormkit's presence – not at all fazed by the striped kit's lack of enthusiasm. “This is amazing! Lionstar and Grayowl are taking us out of camp! Can you believe it?” As if all of Crimsonkit's former knowledge about Wormkit's persona had up and vanished, he flicked Wormkit's side with his thinly furred tail before darting off in Grayowl's direction with an unusual eagerness sported in his step.

[Phoenix]

The voice he had expected to answer his questions - that was, if the warrior had even decided to pause in their rapid strides toward the looming trees to offer a response - was far from the smooth, authoritative one that reached his ears hardly a few moments later. Breaking stride, he fought to keep from whipping around in utter surprise the instant he heard the fourth cat speak, instead slowing his movements half-way through the turn, resulting in a somewhat awkward scramble to save what dignity he could in front of the TreeClan leader. Though his mind had identified the voice's owner, yellow eyes widened all the same when they lit upon the large golden tom, something like awe shining in their depths. As expected from a cat whose realm consisted only of the nursery and surrounding camp, he had seen Lionstar around numerous times, but that had always been from a distance. The regal, somewhat mystical creature was always held in high regard by the grown up cats around him, and Wormkit, who had unconsciously done the same, found himself at a complete loss for words now that the leader had approached them.

It was just as well, for the TreeClan tom appeared to be addressing his warrior more than the two stray kits lingering by their paws. Admittedly intimidated by both toms, he lowered his gaze to his paws, eyes pausing to cast a glance at his fellow kit on the way down. Where he had the sudden desire to sink into the ground, out of sight and mind, Crimsonkit seemed to have no similar reserves. Instead the spotted tom was giving their renowned leader a stare similar to the one that had been directed on himself barely moments before, though perhaps there was not as much disgust in it as there was hostility. Resisting the urge to flick his gaze back up to Lionstar to see whether the older tom had even noticed the younger cat's less-than-friendly attitude toward him, he mimicked the gray warrior's movements, sitting down as Lionstar stepped between them and his warrior.

He would be lying if he said that he minded the living barrier between him and the gray tom, though he would never say those words aloud. The thick-furred feline was the leader and therefore even more trustworthy than the other tom, who despite not having done anything remotely threatening - except leading us out of camp - made Wormkit's skin crawl. But Lionstar was there now, and he found himself relaxing in the golden tom's presense, trusting him to counter the gray warrior's response to the apprentice-like qualities that only one of them had shown. Surely the leader wouldn't encourage breaking the rules like his warrior.

Which was why the betrayal bit so deeply into him at Lionstar's proposal. Struck speechless and shaken even more in his faith of the older cats of his clan, Wormkit could only look up at the warm golden eyes peering down at them as he tried find some way explain the leader's question. Despite his frantic searching, he could find nothing that would excuse the suggestion that they break the rules. The silence on his part stretched on, and attempting to compose himself, he looked away from the leader, clicking shut the jaw that he did not know had fallen slightly open. Yellow-green eyes lit upon a nearby rock, and ears flicked as they registered Crimsonkit's question and the nearly adoring tone in which the words had been spoken. He found himself holding his breath, even as the sting of Lionstar's question seeped through his bones, waiting for the warrior's answer - Grayowl, he was apparently called.

Of course it was no surprise that the creepy tom - Grayowl - obliged the other kit and accepted Lionstar's valued invitation. Swallowing, he forced his gaze to retreat from the rock, dragging his attention reluctantly back to the three toms who were all so eager to break the singlemost rule that had been ingrained so deeply into him. Part of him was disgusted at himself for letting his own worries override those of the cats around him. He should have been happy for Crimsonkit instead of trying to figure out the motivation of two cats whom he would probably never understand. Ears flicked at he turned to the other kit at the sound of his excited voice, forcing a smile on his face as he buried his own reluctance. "It's great," He found himself agreeing, hoping his voice didn't sound as hollow as he felt. "Wavekit and Wildkit will be so jealous when we tell them." Never mind the fact that he did not talk much to his siblings, who prefered the lively company of each other to the laid-back attitude of their little brother. That seemed to be enough for Crimsonkit. A moment later the kit was gone, bounding after Grayowl with a new spring in his step.

Hesitating slightly, he watched the other kit leave before pushing himself to his paws and attempting to produce a joy similar to what must have been coursing through Crimsonkit's veins. He was happy. He was excited. He was getting to leave camp. Finally. Quickening his pace to catch up with the departing figures, he hoped that Lionstar would take it as a sign of excitement. Mostly he did not want to be alone with the golden tom who's unwitting betrayal had cut so deep.

[Fawn]

LIONSTAR & ONYXKIT

---

“Allow your surprise to at last locate slumber, Lionstar. It's never too early a moon for someone, quite like myself, to take recognition of the apprentice-like qualities exhibited by TreeClan's youth. Forgive my desire to nourish.”

You speak with all the eloquence of a silver-tongued fox, Grayowl. Observed Lionstar, but he kept his thoughts to himself, trying to rid himself of the lingering feeling of mistrust that had hit him like a wave upon stepping into Grayowl's presence. Finding Crimsonkit's enthusiasm as a good indicator that he'd made the right decision - they'd be safe, after all, as the distance to the camp stream was short, and both he and another warrior would be with the two kits the entire time, Lionstar could at least trust in his own abilities - but Wormkit's hesitation told him otherwise. Having caught the hollowness of the kitten's tone, and Lionstar felt a stone of unease slide into his belly.

Had he done the wrong thing, by suggesting they break the rules and head out of camp? While Crimsonkit and Grayowl darted forward, Lionstar followed in Wormkit's wake, careful not to tread upon or completely outpace the little tom with his much larger paws and strides. "Hang back a moment, Wormkit." He mewed quietly, nodding up to Grayowl to continue on to the camp stream while he shared a quick word with the runt of the Wild, Wave and Worm Litter. "If you don't feel comfortable leaving the camp, Wormkit, you don't have to go. I won't force you, I'd much rather you be happy than going along with us because we've all agreed to it."

Even as the masculine feline spoke, a black shape darted out of the undergrowth and tackled the kit with the red-painted coat, Onyxkit chewing on Crimsonkit's ears with a zealous growl. "And where do you think you're going without me, nettlenose?" She let out an aggressive sort of purr, her shadow markings glittering in the sunlight at the entrance of the TreeClan camp, her attention then snagged by the ominous looking gray tom ghosting nearby.
"Who are you?" She mewed with blunt curiosity, obsidian ears pricking forward, momentarily distracted from mauling her own brother. Onyxkit had, truthfully, been hiding out by the Clan entrance, having no intention to step outside of it's borders - not when she was too busy entertaining herself with the cross-looking faces on the warriors that exited their den. She may have slipped four or five thorns into a few random nests... and had concealed herself nearby to watch the discord unfold.
Ha! What a riot, the crankier looking the better!

[Insidious]

C R I M S O N K I T & G R A Y O W L

In the single moment Grayowl took to check over his shoulders, he had caught a glimpse of Lionstar's nod to continue forward, the leader falling back momentarily as if important matters had to be discussed with Wormkit. It was quite humorous, actually – Lionstar thought he had to signal Grayowl's continuing. As if he would have lingered behind in wait anyway. His concern wasn't the least bit genuine, if even able to be referred to as concern at all. Lionstar's motives were of no interest to Grayowl. He was nothing but an obstacle between TreeClan's climb to success, if he so happened to desire keeping his kind heart so.

Crimsonkit hadn't even noticed Lionstar and Wormkit's momentary fall-back. His pale green eyes were completely tuned in to Grayowl, this being precisely how the unexpected arrival of Onyxkit was just that... unexpected. Due to being caught off guard, the black she-kit's tackle caused the tom-kit to tumble to the ground ungracefully. As Onyxkit nibbled on his ear, Crimsonkit hissed – rather violently – swatting his paws vigorously in an attempt of kicking his sibling off of him. ”I was going to the Sparkling Brook, and looking forward to it, too. So, do me a favour and get off.”

Of course, Lionstar was the last feline in the forest that would cause Grayowl to put his task to a halt in favour of silent wait. Crimsonkit, however, was one in particular he needed to gain trust from, being quite positive he had already gained the required amount. It was because of Grayowl's deep longing to create a sadistic army, (a place specially reserved for Crimsonkit) that he pivoted, seating himself in a single, fluent movement from where he could observe the brawl between brother-and-sister with a dull, golden stare.

“Who are you?” It wasn't until Onyxkit had addressed the tom-cat that he took recognition of her presence. Truthfully, he had hardly noted her arrival in the first place. Now, however, his paralytic gaze had befallen her; emitting a sharp hollowness that expressed his lack of interest to be holding a conversation with her. “Grayowl,” the gray warrior began, allowing his limbs to unfold into a standing position from where he approached the tiny black kit, performing a tight circle around both her and Crimsonkit in full, depth analysis. “And you are Onyxkit; sibling to Crimsonkit.” As unusual at it may have seemed for the warrior to already know the she-kit's name – what with the complete lack of interest he exhibited for her – it was entirely normal, by his standards. There wasn't one feline in his clan that had a face that remained unnamed in his mind.

Blinking cold, dark amber eyes into the depths of Onyxkit's own, he flashed the black kitten an ominous smirk. He wasn't trying to portray himself as the creepy tom that locked his gaze with a petrifying intensity. Although, he wouldn't be entirely displeased if he so happened to cause even the slightest jolt of fear to crawl down the she-kit's spine. He lived to bestow an element of fear; bending and twisting it to his will.

Crimsonkit froze; dazed by the ghostly movements of Grayowl. It was as if at any moment, he expected the dark gray warrior to fascinate him even farther than he already had. So cool – it was the only thought he could manage to create when thinking of Grayowl. He turned to Onyxkit, as if expecting her to be equally as struck by awe. Honestly, the red, black spotted kitten had absolutely no idea that Grayowl only saw one true, shining quality within him. From his limited knowledge, he simply thought that Grayowl genuinely liked his company. If only he was able to recognize the menacing gleam that flashed in Grayowl's gold eyes upon meeting that warrior's blood thirsty stare. He was captivated, therefore, oblivious.

[Phoenix]

Wormkit

He very nearly cringed the moment Lionstar's soft voice reached his ears, hesitating in his stride before grudgingly ceasing his movement. Though he was not so rude as to let his paws drag along the ground as he turned - this was Lionstar, after all, and the position of leader demanded respect - he did not think that he had managed to completely hide his reluctance at speaking one-on-one with the older tom. The more pressing matter, however, was not as much the talk itself but the reason behind it. Perhaps Lionstar had seen his distaste of the idea...? He sincerely hoped not. He did not want the leader feeling guilty for something that he had done unknowingly. Despite his high rank, the tom could not control random circumstances any more than the kit could. It was not his fault that Wormkit was slightly odd in the fact that he actually wanted to stay in camp and follow the rules. As expected, Lionstar's words addressed the very topic that he had wanted to avoid. Ears flicking, he took a moment to consider his response. In almost an instant, he had decided where he would go in terms of staying with the small group or abandoning them to their illegal trip in favor of taking shelter in the nursery. There was only one right answer to that question. Green-yellow eyes glanced toward the departing figures and noted the addition of a small, black figure: Onyxkit, he mused, recognizing the mischevious she-cat after a moment of thought. Even with his reluctance at leaving camp, he found himself wishing that he was still walking along with that group of three rather than having this awkward conversation with Lionstar. He was stalling, of course. He recognized the practice as this gaze travelled from Onyxkit slowly back to Lionstar, barely glancing up at those golden eyes before finding his paws again, yet he did nothing to stop it. "Thank you, Lionstar," The kit finally spoke up after spending a few more moments collecting himself. His voice was soft and kit-like, though he found himself wondering if any of the other kits spoke like he did - suprisingly maturely for his age, according to various older cats. It was doubtful, as he seemed to be the only one with enough patience to lay there and simply watch, as opposed to attracting attention and being disruptive. "I understand and appreciate the thought, but I do want to leave camp." He pretended like he wasn't lying through his teeth to the leader, like he was speaking earnestly and had the normal desire to leave camp like any other kit. It wasn't Lionstar's fault that he was weird. The leader shouldn't feel guilty for indulging what would be - and was - the impatient request of normal kits. He was simply trying to be nice. "Otherwise I'd stay behind, wouldn't I?" Acting more like the kit he was, the striped tom flashed the leader a quick smile, hoping that it did not look too forced. Pointedly, he glanced back in the direction of Grayowl - a slight shiver travelled down his spine - and the two kits, tail tip twitching as he itched to join them and escape Lionstar's searching gaze. "Maybe we should catch up to them," He commented politely, hoping that he wasn't laying it on too thick. But a kit would usually not worry about that, so he thought that it was excusable. "I don't want Crimsonkit - and now Onyxkit, too, maybe? - to get there before me!"