[Deleted]

Stepping out of the shadow of the den, the kit shakes her short fur and steps into the blinding light. Her eyes take a while to adjust and she stands there for a few seconds. When the black cat can finally see, she surveys the camp with great interest. Kits are playing, warriors are coming coming back with fresh kill, while the elders sun themselves. The dark fur on Shadowkit's back made her hotter than some of the other cats. Yet this kit does not mind to much, and she starts to run.

The sun beats down on the moist ground, and the ebony kit runs around in the camp, seeming to have no end to her energy. Soon she stops to chase her short tail, with no success. Then Shadowkit flops down onto the ground, defeated. She starts to head back to the shade of the nusery, where her fur won't make her as warm. She starts running back to the nursery when she steps on something that feels an awful lot like a tail. Cringing, Shadowkit turns around and is ready to apologize to the cat she had stepped on.

[Phoenix]

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brighteyes! rainclan.warrior.18 moons credits: Good Life - OneRepublic // Cat: here

[CS=2] when you're happy like a fool One would think that green-leaf was approaching, not leaf-bare, with the unusually warm weather they had gotten that day. It was a little hot for her, actually, what with her long, thick fur. But Brighteyes wouldn't complain. She preferred the warm, sun-filled days of the warmer seasons to the frigid, overcast days of leaf-bare and late leaf-fall. The warrior would enjoy what warmth still lingered, as it was dwindling by the day. It was a rather depressing thought, but Brighteyes would not have done anything to stop it had she could. Leaf-bare was another season that they could experience, and like with the others, find the better qualities of the season and try to focus on those. No matter how few there were... Brighteyes chided herself as she groomed her left leg. She was lucky that she could experience life. Graykit hadn't been able to, after all. Life was delicate and it wasn't fair, that much she had learned at an early age. She should enjoy it while she still could. The repetitive motion coupled with the sun on her back began to lull the she-cat into a sort of stupor. Really, the warrior should be a good role model to the kits whose gazes she could feel on her. Brighteyes barely noticed when she gave up grooming her leg and just rested her head on her paws. She should get up. Go hunt... Go patrol... Do something to help the clan prepare for the approaching leaf-bare, even if the weather made it easier for her to fool herself into thinking that it would not come. But she didn't really want to. But she should... A patter of footsteps drew closer, light and quick. Like a little cat was running toward her. Probably to tell her to get up and get to work. Half-asleep, her mind saw a little kit, with the face of Deadstar. It was a disturbing sight. Brighteyes had barely comprehended what her blue eyes had seen before something painful happened to her tail. The warrior whipped around, startled-- She jolted awake, eyes wide and blinking for a moment. Light colored head turned back to look at her tail, and sure enough, there was a black kit there. It took the she-cat a moment, since the only name that came to mind was Deadstar, but she eventually recalled the kit's name. "Shadowkit?" Brighteyes's tone was more questioning and not in the least bit annoyed, and her eyes softened as she watched the sheepish, obviously anxious cat. let it take you over Words: 441 Notes: -- this could really be a good life

[Deleted]

Shadowkit saw the cat she had stepped on was Brighteyes. Embarrassed the kit looked down at her paws. Just recently she had pounced on the white warrior, now she had run over her tail. The kit expected some harsh words, but none came. Confused Shadowkit sat there for a few seconds, then she remembered her manners and rushed to apologize.

"I am SO sorry Brighteyes! I was not paying enough attention to the ground in front of me. I am seriously sorry. I can't believe I didn't see you! Sometimes I get caught up in my thoughts I just-- I am really sorry!" Shadowkit squeaked out the last part after realizing she was babbling.

Shadowkit pawed the ground nervously waiting for response from Brighteyes, hoping she would be kind like the last time she made a mistake. Yet she steeled herself for the worst. Looking around Shadowkit saw no one was paying attention to her mistake. Letting out a sigh of relief she looked back towards Brighteyes in anticipation of the she-cats words.

[Phoenix]

[atrb=border,0,true]

brighteyes! rainclan.warrior.18 moons credits: Good Life - OneRepublic // Cat: here

[CS=2] when you're happy like a fool Apologies spilled out of Shadowkit's mouth, almost tumbling over each other in their haste and eagerness to escape. The she-cat waved them all away. It was no bother, really, and it served her right for dozing off. Shadowkit was small and young; she barely had any meat on her bones, and fur was not extremely heavy. However, the little she-cat's babbling amused Brighteyes, reminding her vividly of her own days as a kit. "Don't worry about it, Shadowkit," She spoke softly, an underlying purr lacing her words. When it came to kits, the she-cat had infinite patience, since she had always wanted some of her own. "You seemed like you were in a rush. Where to?" Briefly, the warrior considered sitting up to address the younger cat, but Brighteyes dismissed the thought. Not only would that cause her to tower over the tiny black figure, but she was perfectly comfortable with the way she was settled. Her inability to remain still for a large amount of time would force her to change positions soon anyway. let it take you over Words: m'lazy Notes: -- this could really be a good life

[Deleted]

Relief filled Shadowkit when Brighteyes accepted her apology. Her mood swung like a pendulum and she was very excited and happy. The small kit's tail started to twitch and she almost lost focus to chase her tail. Brighteyes surprised the kit again by continuing the conversation. Shadowkit looked wonderingly at Brighteyes.

Then she rushed to respond, "I am doing great! I was just running around camp, but I got too hot. So now I am going back to the nursery to play with my brother. Do you have any brothers Brighteyes? I love my brother Bravekit, although sometimes he can be annoying. I sometimes wished I had a sister. Do you have any sisters Brighteyes?"

Shadowkit stopped talking and looked up at Brighteyes. The black kit was entranced by the blue of the she-cats eyes. Shadowkit eyes blink and the trance is broken. The kit pays extra attention to Brighteyes when the she-cat opens her mouth to speak.

[Phoenix]

[atrb=border,0,true]

brighteyes! rainclan.warrior.18 moons credits: Good Life - OneRepublic // Cat: here

[CS=2] when you're happy like a fool Brighteyes had been nodding along as Shadowkit spoke but found herself hesitating when the little she-cat posed her first question. What they said about time was true, that it healed the hurt, she noticed with interest. It was no longer painful to think of Graykit, but the grief still lingered some. "Did I have any brothers or sisters?" Mostly, thinking of him filled her with a sense of want. She had seen the way he had turned to their mother for comfort, particularly in the later days. It was comfort that she could never provide, and she regretted it. "No, no sisters. But I did have a brother." Blue eyes, which had started to stare unseeingly through the little kit, snapped back to reality. She had spent enough time in her memories; it was time to get back and tell the story. Tail flicking, Brighteyes nodded slightly a few times as she considered how to explain death to a kit. It was something she had never considered before, as she had never had to. "Yes," The she-cat decided after a moment, "I had a little brother. His name was Graykit. When we were small, younger than you are, Graykit and I got very sick. I recovered, but my brother had heard all of the wonderful stories about it and joined StarClan." Throughout her story, she kept her voice light and her words simple. She didn't want to scare Shadowkit, but the she-cat had no sense of what it would take to do that. "I had a brother when I was little-- I still do, I suppose, it's just that he's in StarClan and I'm in RainClan." She smiled warmly at Shadowkit, flicking her tail at the kit, aiming to bop her on the nose. "That is why, you, my little Shadowkit, should enjoy every moment of life you have. It's a wonderful thing, and you're very lucky that you can experience it," Brighteyes's voice grew fonder. "And I wouldn't worry about Bravekit. Brothers can be like that. They can annoy you all day long, but somewhere, deep down, they still love you." let it take you over Words: 378 Notes: -- this could really be a good life

[Deleted]

Shadowkit listened to Brighteyes, and watched as the cat looked into the distance. Did I say something I shouldn't have, thought Shadowkit. She listened as Brighteyes explained what happened to her brother. The black cat felt sympathy for the white cat. Shadowkit realized, I don't know what I would do without my brother. I love him so much!

Overcome by a wave of sadness she said to Brighteyes, "I am very sorry... I don't know what to say." Shadowkit went on, "I guess you are right. I love my brother! Do you miss him? I would. I can't even imagine losing Bravekit, although I probably would never tell him that." Shadowkit stared off into space as she contemplated what she would do if she lost her brother. She looked back at Brighteyes and wondered how she kept smiling. 

Realizing that this was probably a sad subject Shadowkit decided to change the subject. "Did you like being an apprentice? When did you become a warrior? I am anxious to become an apprentice."

[Phoenix]

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brighteyes! rainclan.warrior.18 moons credits: Good Life - OneRepublic // Cat: here

[CS=2] when you're happy like a fool Waves of sympathy and sadness emanated from the small form beside her, and worry flashed across the warrior's consciousness. Had she made a mistake by telling Shadowkit her story? Brighteyes had thought that the kit would be able to handle the it, regardless how sad it had been. What if she'd been wrong? The warrior hadn't wanted to inadvertently scar Shadowkit, but her goal had not been to ruin the little kit's day either. She prepared herself for comforting a bawling kit, or if the tears weren't going to happen, at least watching a black figure run away from her. Finally, the kit opened her mouth to speak, and Brighteyes could have sworn that her breath caught in her throat. Oh StarClan, what have I done? However Shadowkit's words soothed her nerves almost instantly and filled her with fondness. The smile, which had frozen on her face, defrosted and warmed up again, becoming genuine once more. "Thank you, Shadowkit," She purred softly, tail flicking. "But I wouldn't worry about me anymore. Graykit died ages ago, when I was younger than you are! I'm all grown up now, and I've gotten used to him not being there." Brighteyes crouched down to the kit's level, lowering her voice and whispering conspiratorially, "I'm old now. But shhh, don't tell anyone I said that." She paused then added, "Keep my secret and I promise not to tell Bravekit what you said." Winking, she rose back to her former position, sitting with her tail curled around her paws. Honestly, she had no intentions of telling Shadowkit's brother what she thought of him, regardless of who the young feline told. Settling back on her haunches, the warrior contemplated the next question. Did she like being an apprentice? Well, She realized a moment later, There isn't much to consider. Of course I did. "Yes," Brighteyes answered a moment later, very firmly. "I loved being an apprentice, and I think you'll love it too. It's so much fun finally leaving camp and learning all sorts of new things. What are you looking forward to the most, Shadowkit?" let it take you over Words: m'lazy Notes: -- this could really be a good life

[Deleted]

The happiness radiating from Brighteyes made the kit delighted. She was glad she had not made the older cat too sad. Smiling at the fact that Brighteyes had agreed to keep her love for Bravekit to herself, trust settled into the kit's mind. The playfulness of Brighteyes made Shadowkit more comfortable, and without noticing it she started to purr. As soon as she realized she stopped, a bit embarrassed. 

Hearing that Brighteyes had a good apprentice experience made her want to become one even more. Shadowkit wondered what it would be like to leave camp the first time, and what it would be like to finally get to see the borders. Tail flicking back in forth she almost missed the question the Brighteyes asked. What am I looking forward to most? The hunting? No..., thought Shadowkit.

"I am looking forward to seeing the river, and other parts of the territory. I also am excited to learn who my mentor is. Oh! And to finally get out of the nursery!" Shadowkit remembered something and said, "I wanted to ask a warrior what it was like the first time they caught prey. Is it sad to have killed something? Or is it a different emotion?"

[Phoenix]

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brighteyes! rainclan.warrior.18 moons credits: Good Life - OneRepublic // Cat: here

[CS=2] when you're happy like a fool Brighteyes grinned. It sounded as though Shadowkit was eager to learn and experience anything and everything about being an apprentice. The warrior only hoped that Deadstar gave the ebony feline an appropriate mentor, one who would not work all of the eagerness and life out of the kit. She still had a long ways to go before becoming as weary and dry as an elder. Grasswind and Snowstream, however, were pretty mellow and tolerant as far as elders went. They provided pleasant company, and Brighteyes had always gotten the feeling that Snowstream enjoyed telling her stories, talking enough for both her and the mute tom with whom she shared the den. She licked a paw, running it over her ears to refocus her thoughts. What was catching prey like? The she-cat had never really given it much thought; to her, prey was prey. It was food and fed the clan, allowing them to survive through the harshness of leaf-bare. However, she did remember the first prey she had caught. Every apprentice and warrior did; it was a large milestone in their life, a huge step closer to becoming a warrior. "Well," Brighteyes began hesitantly. "I suppose it's a little sad, yes. But you have to think of prey as prey. StarClan made them what they are so they can feed us and help us live. It's our job to catch them." She paused, then added, "You can be thankful that they gave up their life to feed us, however. That's important." Clear blue eyes studied the small figure before her. "Looking forward to hunting, Shadowkit?" The warrior questioned curiously. "I bet you'll be one of the best hunters, what with all these questions you're asking. You'll get the technique and everything down in no time. Shadowstar, RainClan's leader and the best hunter of us all. How does that sound?" let it take you over Words: 328 Notes: -- this could really be a good life

[Deleted]

The small kit takes in the information as best she can, thinking to store this wisdom and maybe repeat it some time. If I said that to Bravekit maybe he would think I'm really smart! thought the young cat. Or maybe when I'm older, Or I could try to impress my mentor with these thoughts. Shadowkit tries to imagine what it would be like to be the best hunter in the clan. Thinking this the kit realized how much prey she would have to get in order to be the best. 

Realizing she needed to answer the older cat she said,"The best hunter in the clan! That would be amazing! Do you really think I could do something like that Brighteyes? I can't even imagine catching more than the other do, considering they catch so much. I am looking forward to hunting , because then I am helping the clan by bringing back lots of prey. I bet you are a great hunter Brighteyes! You could probably catch more than Deadstar is you tried really hard!"

[Phoenix]

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brighteyes! rainclan.warrior.18 moons credits: Good Life - OneRepublic // Cat: here

[CS=2] when you're happy like a fool Eyes bright with playfulness, Brighteyes gave Shadowkit a mock offended look, letting out a little tut as she shook her head at the young feline. "You doubt my word, Shadowkit?" She asked, narrowing her eyes slightly as she put on her best angry face. "My word? How dare you! Kits these days, I tell you! No respect for their seniors!" Snapping free of her little act, the she-cat replaced her frown with another warm smile, encouraging and proud. "Of course I think so. You have the build and quickness for a very successful hunter," Brighteyes explained her reasoning. "You like to chase your tail, don't you? I've seen you playing around camp a few times. That's great practice for trying to catch fish." At the black she-cat's praise, she let out a soft laugh, not intended to be mean in any way. Shadowkit's innocence, like the innocence of any kit, completely won over her heart. This was the life that Graykit would have lived had his heart not given out. Their family would have been close-knit and talking with Goldenheart would have been a source of genuine enjoyment, rather than the somewhat strained conversations Brighteyes carried out with her mother. Strained on her end, at least, and it saddened the gentle-hearted she-cat to think that her relationship with her mother was not as good as it might have been. But what's done is done. It's in the past, and you can't do anything about it. "Hunting is very important to the clan. Master that, and you will become even more valuable to RainClan," Brighteyes instructed quietly. "You'll be a great help to the clan, Shadowkit, once you've finished your training." The she-cat paused, flicking her tail before adding as an afterthought, "I think we'll have to see about me hunting better than Deadstar. You might be overestimating my abilities just a little bit." let it take you over Words: 350 Notes: -- this could really be a good life

[Deleted]

The harsh voice caught the kit off guard and she blinked in confusion. An uneasy smile danced on  her face, but she tried to keep smiling. The innocent kit did not understand that the older cat was joking. But then Shadowkit heard the joking tone in the warriors voice, and she let a smile cross her face once again. Shadowkit was embarrassed by the praise she was getting from this accomplished warrior, and just when she was getting used to the most recent praise, she pilled on some more. Shadowkit smiled brightly, blushing slightly.

She stared off into space as she thought about what it would be like to go hunting with whoever her mentor was. She imagined looking into the river and spotting a swift moving fish. Then dipping her paw into the cool water and flipping out the fish. Smiling at the thought she snapped her attention back to Brighteyes in time to hear her saying that she did not think she was better than Deadstar.

Shadowkit said cheerily, "Maybe... But I still think you are a better hunter! Who did you learn from? I hope I get an awesome mentor who teaches me how to fish. Thank you for the compliments, I appreciate such a great warrior like you complimenting me. Someday I might be able to surpass you!"

[Phoenix]

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brighteyes! rainclan.warrior.18 moons credits: Good Life - OneRepublic // Cat: here

[CS=2] when you're happy like a fool "Cinderfoot was my mentor," Brighteyes beamed at Shadowkit as memories began to come forward after so much time in the back of her mind. Cinderfoot's patient advice as she coached her young apprentice through the first steps of hunting. The pride in the gray warrior's blue eyes when her apprentice caught her first piece of prey and the warm purr that had laced her praise. Two forms, side by side, in the early moons of Brighteyes's apprenticeship; the larger one told the tragic story of her sister's death. It was that story that had cemented their bond, the shared understanding of the effect that the death of a family member had and the feelings that came with it. The six moons of her own apprenticeship had passed in a blur of delight and fondness, hard work and pride. And it ended with Cinderfoot's blue eyes filled with pride and a mutual bond that would last forever. That was how it should be. A purr left Brighteyes's throat, filled with apprecaition for the pleasant memories. She wanted Shadowkit, and every other kit, to have the same experience as she did. "You'll get the perfect mentor, I am sure," The warrior meowed, eyes bright as she looked down at her companion. "Deadstar has always been very good at picking out the right mentor for apprentices. I wouldn't worry over it, Shadowkit; RainClan is full of amazing warriors, and there's definitely one who's the right mentor for you. Probably more than one." Her tail flicked around, aiming to poke the kit on the nose as she smiled. "And you'll definitely surpass me in skill. I wouldn't worry about that either. But for now, can you show me what you have so far?" She lowered her voice, "Maybe I can give you a head start!" let it take you over Words: 323 Notes: -- this could really be a good life

[Deleted]

Seeing the happy smile that passed across Brighteyes face delighted the kit. The she-cats smile was contagious and soon Shadowkit was beaming up at Brighteyes. She saw the she-cat loose focus and seem to be remembering her past, training with Cinderfoot. From what Shadowkit heard Cinderfoot was a great warrior. Shadowkit hoped that she would get a great mentor too. Then she could be an amazing warrior, and help her clan. Brighteyes snapped out of her flashback and started to reassure the kit. Shadowkit was happy that she had such a great warrior to talk to. 

Brighteyes then asked if she wanted to show her what she had learned so far. Delighted the young kit said, "Yes! I think you will be impressed by my amazing skills. I learned this from watching the apprentices practice! Can you correct me if I am doing it wrong?" Not even waiting for the answer she sprung into action. She did not even know what she was doing wrong when she showed off her hunting stance. Since Shadowkit really did not know what she was doing, she just looked ridiculous. The small kit did not know how funny she looked, and actually thought that her crouch was very good. She leapt at a leaf, landing with a thumping noise. Shadowkit looked expectantly at Brighteyes, wondering what the she-cat thought of the leaf-hunting.