((One Moon Time Skip))

The early morning Leafbare air was crisp and chilly as Moonstar padded out from his den, breath making frosty designs in front of him as he scaled the surface of Highledge. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a clan meeting!"

Despite the cold the silver tabby's blue eyes sparkled merrily down on his clan as they gathered around the rock outcropping, giving them all a moment to settle down before launching into the events of the morning. "We gather here this morning to celebrate two apprentices as they complete their training to become Thunderclan warriors. Darkpaw, Gorsepaw, and Sparkpaw, step forward."

The leader gazed down at the she-cat and toms, voice ringing out through the clearing as he began the ancient ritual. "I, Moonstar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these three apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Darkpaw, Sparkpaw, and Gorsepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do!"

"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior names. Darkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Darkleaf. Starclan honors your heart and your loyalty and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan."

"Gorsepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Gorsefang. Starclan honors your pride and your wit and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan."

"Sparkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Sparktail. StarClan honors your kindness and your determination and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."

Jumping down from his perch on the Highledge, Moonstar padded forward, resting his muzzle first on Darkleaf's head and then Gorsefang's. "I'm proud of you, Darkleaf," He purred to his former apprentice, smiling. "You've done very, very well. You're going to make an excellent warrior."

As he continued on to rest his muzzle on Gorsefang's head, he mewed in a jokingly stern tone, "And you, young tom- see to it that you stay out of trouble." Finally he mewed warmly to Sparktail, "Welcome to being a warrior, Sparktail. You deserve this."

Taking a step back, the leader led the clan's cheers, calling out proudly, "Darkleaf! Gorsefang! Sparktail!"

Raising his head, Gorsefang looked over at the black she-cat, grinning. "Looks like we finally made it, eh?" With a wink he joined the clan's cheers, feeling almost giddy with excitement.

Once the shouts had died down, Moonstar climbed once again to the top of Highledge, smiling as he continued on with the ceremonies. "While Darkleaf and Gorsefang have finished their journey as apprentices, four of our kits are ready to leave the nursery and begin to train in the ways of a warrior. Pebblekit, Streamkit, Rushkit, and Dustkit, step forward."

"From this day on, until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice will be called Pebblepaw. Cloudheart, the clan honors your audacity and your boldness - may you pass down all you know to your apprentice."

"From this day on, until she has earned her warrior name, this apprentice will be called Streampaw. Blazetail, your unfailing courage and loyalty has served your clan well in these past moons, and we trust you will teach your apprentice to the best of your ability."

"From this day on, until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice will be called Rushpaw. Cherryfoot, your perseverance and your optimism are important assets to Thunderclan. May you pass down all you know to your apprentice."

"From this day on, until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice will be called Dustpaw. Goldencloud, the determination in which you tackle the tasks set in front of you is an admirable trait that Dustpaw will be able to learn well from."

Smiling encouragingly at the new mentors and apprentices as they ventured out to met one another, Moonstar purred, "Congratulations,” before chanting, “Dustpaw! Rushpaw! Pebblepaw! Streampaw!”

(( :roll: ))

Darkleaf licked her leader's shoulder, her green eyes brimming with emotion. "Thank you so much, Moonstar," she mewed.

She stood beside Gorsefang as their clanmates became apprentices. Staring at him out of the corner of her eye, she mewed, "We did make it..."

All they had to do was perform their vigil together, and then Darkleaf would finally feel like a warrior of ThunderClan.

Foxkit bounded over to Gorsefang and squeaked. "Yo, Gorsefang!" He reared up on his hind legs, claws outstretched in a heroic but adorable pose. "I hope you`ll be my mentor when I`m an apprentice!"

Gorsefang's brilliant robin blue eyes focused on the ginger kit as he spoke, grinning broadly as he ruffled the fur on Foxkit's head. "I don't know, Foxkit," He mewed in a jokingly foreboding tone, whacking the kit gently on the nose. "I'd be one harsh mentor- I'm not sure you could handle me."

"More like you couldn't handle him," Darkblossom mewed dryly, appearing beside the newly named warriors. Smiling at Darkleaf and Sparktail she nodded her congratulations before whacking Gorsefang with her tail just hard enough to leave a sting. "I still think Moonstar named you too early."

Gorsefang glared at the unperturbed medicine cat, meowing indignantly, "Aren't medicine cats supposed to be a source of comfort and encouragement for their clans?" To which the black and white she-cat snorted, waving her tail behind her in airy disdain as she shot back, "Who's been telling you that nonsense?"

Leaving a sputtering Gorsefang behind as she turned to head towards the nursery, the medicine cat paused for a moment to give him a grudging smile over her shoulder. "Congratulations."

With a faint rustle of snow-laden branches as she slipped into the slightly quieter interior of the nursery, Darkblossom flopped down onto her stomach with a faint Oof!, stretching her paws out in front of her in a leisurely stretch. Licking a paw and dragging it over her ears to clean them, she mewed casually, "How's it going, Robinheart?"

The ginger and white tom growled and batted him away from his head. "Back off! That takes 2 hours in the morning!"

----

Foxkit eyes glistened with determination. "I can take on you!" He clung onto his back with claws sheathed. The tiny kit slipped off eyes wide when he saw Darkblossom. Sliding off his back in a daze, he murmured, almost too quiet to hear: "I`m just not sure if I can handle her,"

Robinheart, who was resting in the nursery leizurely grooming her fur while listening to the ceremony outside, looked up as Darkblossom entered the nursery. As the medicine cat stretched, she was tempted to do the same, being inside the nursery all day without much do to was leaving her a bit tired, but she enjoyed talking to the other queens and playing with their kits. But now it looks like there are four less...

"Just fine," Robinheart purred, her jaws stetching in a yawn, "How about you? I bet you've had your paws full lately, huh? With leaf-bare and Brightwhisker's kits and all."

Darkblossom let out a good-natured groan, wriggling back up into a sitting position. "The kits and queens are the easy part," She complained to her friend, tail flicking back and forth behind her as she spoke. "It's these crazy warriors that give me a run for my freshkill. I swear every time they step out of camp they come back with some sort of injury. At this point I should just wrap them all in cobwebs and be done with it."

Walking over and pressing her paw experimentally to Robinheart's swollen belly, Darkblossom whistled aloud, remarking, "You're about ready to pop, my dear she-cat. Looks like you'll be a mother any day now. You ready?"

--

As Foxkit mumbled under his breath with wide-eyes, Gorsefang laid a brotherly tail on the kit's tiny shoulder, replying solemnly, "With good reason, my furry friend. With good reason."

Bending down to look Foxkit in the eye, he gave the tom an evil grin, whispering confidentially, "I hear that Darkblossom takes disobedient kits and eats them like prey from the freshkill pile. She especially likes ginger kits."

Foxkit gulped but showed no fear. "But I`m white AND ginger!" He glanced at Darkblossom nervously. He could have sworn the black and white she-cat had red eyes. Blinking, he turned back to the tabby tom. "Anyway, can you teach me any fighting moves, Gorsefang?"

Robinheart purred softly, smiling. "Yeah, I bet they do. You know I won't ty to give you too much trouble, I've already given you enough," she mewed jokingly. As Darblossom came up and pressed her paw gently to her belly, the dark queen thought about her remark.

She had only started to really consider the thought of her kits a moon ago, when Brightwhisker had joined she and the other queens in the nursery, but now she was sure she was ready for them, being more exited and anxious than ever. The thought of them coming along any day only added to that feeling. "Oh yes, I'm ready," she meowed, eyes lighting up, "I can't wait to see my kits!"

---

Jaykit milled around lazily outside of the medicine cat den, watching the ceremony quietly from her little corner of camp. She cheered for her brother and former denmates with the others, but she couldn't help but feel a bit of jealousy. None that she would bother to express, though. The she-kit's brght green eyes scanned the clearing, watching Foxkit, one of her new denates, play with Gorsefang, and out of the corner of her eye watch Darkblossom enter the nursery. I wonder where she is going, she thought curiously, wondering if she should follow or stay out to congradulate her brother.

Well, I can always see him later..

Jaykit hesitated only for a moment before slipping through the entrance to the nursery, catching a bit of Darkblossom's conversation with Robinheart.

"-you'll be a mother any day now. You ready?"

"Oh yes, I'm ready. I can't wait to see my kits!"

She cast glances at both of them, wondering if Robinheart were really that close to having her kits. Well by the looks of it, I guess so, she thought, pondering that in her mind a moment before deciding to join into their conversation. "Hello Darkblossom! Robinheart!" The she-kit mewed cheerfully, moving from the entrance to join them, "How are you guys today?"

"Good, good," The medicine cat purred at her friend's enthusiasm, adding on wryly, "It's not you being ready I should be worried about, it's that dratted Moonstar."

As she spoke, she became aware of the sound of light paws entering the den, and her ears flicked back as Jaykit's voice drifted into hearing range. "Hello, Darkblossom! Robinheart! How are you guys today?"

Turned her head just a tad with her sightless eyes fixed on the wall of the nursery, Darkblossom smiled as she raised an eyebrow at the kit. "Hello, Little Leaf. I must say, it's odd to find you in the place you're supposed to be."

--

Two blue eyes peeped out from the shadows of the nursery, fixing themselves on Jaykit's black pelt. Oh, I've so got her this time... Creeping forward cautiously, the little white she-kit grinned to herself, careful not to make a sound as she inched forward. Closer... closer... now!

Launching herself forward with a yowl Flamekit lauched towards Jaykit, aiming to smash into the older cat's side.

There's no escape for you this time, Jaykit!

(( Now introducing Thunderclan's newest headache- Flamekit! ))

Darkleaf gave Gorsefang a swat on the ear when she heard his joke. "Cut that out! You'll scare the poor scrap, if your face hasn't done that already." But the newly-named warrior stifled a purr at Foxkit's reaction.

She heard a high and reedy voice from behind her mewl, "I'm not afraid of Darkblossom! I'm not afraid of badgers either!" Then a small weight fell on her tail. Darkleaf turned and spotted Mistkit wrestling her black tail to the ground.

The black she-cat purred and lifted the she-kit by the scruff. "Well, the last time I checked, my tail wasn't a badger." Once she put the gray tabby back on the ground, she mewed a bit more seriously, "Badgers are no laughing matter, Mistkit. See this scar on my chest? I got that last moon saving this mousebrain from one." Darkleaf gently bumped Gorsefang's hind leg with her own.

Mistkit stared up at them, her eyes wide with amazement. "Wow! Darkleaf, will you and Gorsefang show me how to fight badgers?!"

"Hey! My face makes this 'poor scrap' 's day, thank you very much," Gorsefang replied, adopting a mock injured tone. As she continued on, however, the tabby tom couldn't help but agree. "That she did. But, just between you and me," At this point the new warrior leaned down so his head was level with Mistkit's as he whispered loud enough for Darkleaf to hear, "I did a pretty awesome job scaring the badger away. Honestly, it didn't stand a chance."

Straightening up, Gorsefang looked at the kit with amusement as she asked to be taught how to fight badgers, using his tail to push Foxkit over to his sister. "Well, Foxkit did already ask to be shown some fighting techniques. Maybe if we all gang up on her that big meanie Darkleaf will agree." Giving his fellow warrior one of his infuriating smirks he whined, "Pllleeeaaaseee, Darkleaf?"

"Pleeeaaaassse?" Foxkit chimed in. He turned to Mistkit. "Would you be scared of her if she ripped out every one of your organs and ate them for supper?" He snickered, looking a bit like Gorsefang. " Hey, you. Darkleaf, is it?" The gingerand white tom stormed up to the black she-cat. "Look buddy, if you dare call me a 'poor scrap' again, you're going to have to face my wrath. And it's NOT fun, right Gorsefang?" The look in the kit's eyes, the deviousness, pushed the warrior to play along.

((Got Moony's permission!))

"Ah, so now I'm a meanie, am I?" Darkleaf narrowed her eyes at the two kits and her clanmate, now seeing how alike they all were. Still, Gorsefang's jovial manner reminded her to keep the humor in her life, even though there was no reason to.

I may be an orphan, but Gorsefang always makes me laugh...But I'd never let him know. His head's already too big.

But as for his and Foxkit's little comments...Well, she couldn't just let it go. Grinning back at him, Darkleaf mewed, "Alright, then...I'll teach you how to fight badgers..."

Keeping her claws sheathed, Darkleaf bared her fangs at Foxkit before leaping onto Gorsefang, making him topple to the ground. Her green eyes smirked down at the tom, and her nose brushed his.

"Ha. I've killed you." She turned her teasing eyes to Foxkit and meowed, "Still think you can take me on, poor little scrap?"

Mistkit purred loudly, turning to her littermate and crouched low on the ground. "Come on, Foxkit! You be the badger and I'll be Darkleaf!"

"Nah. We're the badgers and we're going to eat her up!" Foxkit lunged at her leg and clung on, nipping her ankles. "Mistkit! Let's get her!" He climbed up her shoulder and clung on with his tiny hooked claws.

Gorsefang looked at Foxkit in amusement as he appealed for his help, mewing, "Oh, yeah. It's so ferocious it'll singe the fur on your pelt, Darkleaf."

"Alright, then... I'll teach you how to fight badgers..."

Gorsefang didn't see Darkleaf coming until he was on his back, pinned to the ground with her (thankfully sheathed) paws as his breath left him with a muffled oof! Slightly disoriented he blinked up at her, a smile forming on his face until he was taken aback by the feather light feeling of their noses brushing. At that slight contact his mind froze, nerves tingling as his widening blue eyes met her dancing green ones.

Whoa.

"Ha. I've killed you." Swallowing hard to get himself back on track the tabby tom laughed, hoping it didn't sound nervous as he meowed with a smirk, "I'm afraid it's going to take more then that to stop me from talking." Gesturing to Foxkit, who had somehow managed to perch haphazardly on the she-cat's shoulder, he bared his teeth playfully as he continued, "Look! My badger kin have already come to avenge me."

Darkleaf toppled off of Gorsefang when Foxkit and Mistkit leapt on her. Laughing with mirth, the black she-cat attempted to shake the kits off. "Enough! Brightwhisker and Darkblossom will screech our pelts off if you get hurt."

Mistkit released the she-cat's hind leg and mewed to her littermate, "I'm hungry! Foxkit, let's go see if Brightwhisker'll feed us!"

(( Still recovering from a laughing attack... XDD ))

Robinheart purred as she heard Jaykit's cheery voice enter the nursery, turning to fix her eyes on the black she-kit. "Hello, Jaykit," she mewed in greeting, purring softly, "and you?" The back she-kit grinned, "Very well!" She tried to keep up her usual good attitude, despite what she was actually feeling.

Turning towards Darkblossom, Jaykit mewed with a michestivous glint in her eyes, "Yeah, well y'know, I'm getting better at it." She was about to add to that remark, when she felt something quite heavy plow into her side with a yowl, making her release something that sounded like a squeak.

What in StarClan-

Quickly, Jaykit rolled over to escape her attacker, getting to her paws in an instant. "Who is- Flamekit? Is that you?"

Darkblossom frowned mentally as she noted something seemed off with Jaykit, but she was denied the option of commenting on it as a white ball of fluff came out of nowhere, bowling the poor she-cat over.

"Who is- Flamekit, is that you?"

Sure enough the white kitten was strutting around Jaypaw in circles, blue eyes sparkling in triumph as she crowed, "Oh, I got you! I soo got you, Jaykit! You didn't even see it coming!" Her high-pitched chatter filled the room as she fell forward to rest low to the ground on her forepaws, wiggling tail held high in the air as she gloated, "I'm a phantom! I'm a little white ball of stealth! I'm- aaiee!"

Darkblossom, who had ghosted over to the she-kit's side mid-boast, withdrew her paw from where it had been to gently tap the white cat, cocking on eyebrow. "Unsteady on your paws, apparently," Finishing Flamekit's sentence for her, the medicine cat prodded her back up into a sitting position, asking, "Where did your brother and sister go, Flamekit?"

"Off to watch the apprentice and warrior ceremonies," The kitten replied, pouting at her apparent defeat. "But then Foxkit went over to talk to Gorsefang and Mistkit to Darkleaf, and I saw Jaykit come back here, so I followed her. And I caught her off-guard and knocked her off her paws!" The she-cat couldn't help but send a triumphant glance over at her friend, tiny paws kneading the ground.

Darkblossom adressed Robinheart and Jaykit with amusement, purring, "From what I hear this little kit has her father's looks, but I think we can all agree she doesn't have his personality."

--

As Darkleaf began to laugh as she was attacked by the kits Gorsefang smiled to himself, watching the three cats. It's nice when she laughs. As soon as the thought entered his mind the tabby grinned ruefully. Not that I'd ever admit it, of course!

Reaching out and grasping Foxkit's scruff, the warrior lifted up the wriggling kit as he muttered, "Off you go," through the tom's ginger fur, setting him down closer to the nursery. "We'll show you some more fighting moves later, alright? You'd better get back before your mom gets worried." Giving Foxkit one more friendly whack with his tail, he nudged him back towards the den.

"I'm hungry! Foxkit, let's go see if Brightwhisker'll feed us!" Stomach rumbling almost immediately after the she-kit had stopped speaking Gorsefang meowed gravely to Darkleaf, "The wise kit speaks. I'm famished!" As he turned towards the freshkill pile he looked back at the black she-cat with a jaunty grin, asking, "Care to join me, Darkleaf the mighty badger slayer?"

Her whiskers twitching, Darkleaf stood up and padded next to Gorsefang. "I'd enjoy that. So long as you don't eat up all the prey yourself. And if you do, then YOU'LL have to hunt all by yourself."

She batted her eyes teasingly as she looked at him. "Then I'd have to go and protect you."

Mistkit, meanwhile, slipped into the nursery and found her mother conversing with Darkblossom, who was keeping her paws on Jaykit and Flamekit.

"Brightwhisker," mewed the gray she-kit. "I wanna go hunt a badger too! Darkleaf and Gorsefang told us about the time they fought one! I can kill it! I know I can!"

Jaykit purred, deciding to accept defeat since it would make the she-kit happy. "You did get me, Flamekit," Jaykit mewed, sitting back down and wrapping her tail around her paws, "But I bet you couldn't do it again!" She gently swatted the white kit's ear playfully, grinning at her friend.

As Darkblossom made her remark on Flamekit's personality, Jaykit couldn't help but chuckle to herself, "Yes, I think you are right." Robinheart also nodded, purring softly, "She sure is one-of-a-kind in her litter."

--

Brightwhisker, meanwhile, who had been lingering nearby listening, looked up from grooming as Mistkit entered the nursery, speaking of fighting badgers. "Mistkit! I was about to come looking for you and your brother! What is this about badgers?" she asked, only a sliver of alarm showing in her amber eyes, "Darkleaf? Gorsefang? Oh dear StarClan, what story have they told you this time?"

Flamekit smiled at Robinheart, blue eyes wide as she took in the queen's swollen belly. "Am I going to have some more kits to play with soon?" She asked, voice eager. As Mistkit came into the den speaking of badgers and fighting Flamekit looked over at her sister, small jaw dropping.

"They fought a badger!? Whoa! So cool! Did they show you how!? Did they teach you anything!? Can you teach me anything that they taught you!? That's so awesome!" Darkblossom shared an exasperated glance with Brightwhisker, mumbling under her breath, "Remind me to not let that crazy tom anywhere near this place..." Sightless eyes meeting the queen's she added, "Good luck with this lot, Brightwhisker. I get the feeling that they're going to cause quite the stir around here."

As those words left her mouth a familiar head stuck itself into the nursery, surprised at what he saw. "There seem to be a lot more cats in here then usual," Moonstar remarked mildly, padding quietly into the den with a mouse dangling from his jaws. "Good morning, everyone."

Setting the mouse in front of Robinheart he smiled at her, purring, "For you." His blue eyes held warm affection as he continued, "How are you feeling?"

--

Gorsefang fluttered his eyes back at her, teetering unsteadily on his paws in an attempt to look helpless as he pitched his voice high to squeak, "Oh, my ferocious, shining warrior!" Regaining his balance he shot her a goofy grin before sweeping the freshkill pile over with his blue gaze, picking out a tasty looking sparrow.

As he dragged the bird out from amongst the rest of the prey, the tabby couldn't but reflect on the fact that he felt good- great, in fact. Their light-hearted banter had put him in a relaxed but energetic mood as he settled in to eat, contentedly swallowing a bite of his breakfast. Today's shaping up to be a pretty good day, eh?

Eyes following Mistkit and Foxkit into the nursery, Gorsefang meowed conversationally, "Robinheart should be having her kits any time now. Remember when Darkblossom caught us when we were listening in outside her den on the day Robinheart found out about her kits?" He couldn't quite suppress a smirk at the memory, looking over at Darkleaf. "She was not pleased."

"Oh, mighty Moonstar!" Foxkit rolled over onto his back and giggled.

Robinheart purred gently as Flamekit asked about her kits, twitching her whiskers in amusement. "Hopefully, yes." As the kits spoke about fighting badgers, the black queen couldn't help but chuckle quietly to herself. So much confidence! I know that they have never really seen one, let alone me ever really seeing one! But I see the damage they can cause.

As Moonstar entered the nursery, her green eyes lit up. "Hello, Moonstar," she purred, and as he set the mouse down infront of her, she gave his cheek a gentle lick. "Thank you, and very well. I'm entertained," she mewed, flicking her tail towards the kits, "It is more busy today that usual, but I don't mind, it's very amusing."

Darkleaf took a finch for herself, purring as she remembered. "You always were a troublemaker...But I think that role may have gone on to these kits." She let her gaze wander over to the nursery, where Moonstar had already gone to visit Robinheart.

"Soon, Robinheart's kits will be born. I hope it goes well." She could still remember the traumatic event that was Brightwhisker's kitting, along with Sweetkit's death.

Mistkit, meanwhile, mewed to the leader, "Moonstar, when are you gonna make us apprentices? I wanna learn how to fight WindClan, ShadowClan, RiverClan, and all those meanie foxes and badgers!"



((Hmm...Whatever shall I do with you, Mistkit...?))

(( Have her become MISTKIT - BADGER SLAYER ? :roll: ))

Moonstar raised his eyebrows as Foxkit giggled, replying, “Mighty? I could get used to that.” Looking back over at Robinheart with a smile he purred in agreement before his attention was directed to Mistkit.

“Don’t be so anxious to fight the other clans, Mistkit. It may not seem like it to you now, but peace is a valuable thing.” He didn’t dwell on the subject long, though, not wanting to damper the kits spirits. “But if you’re really so interested in learned how to fight foxes and badgers, you can start off by fighting this one.” As he spoke he twisted to reach behind him and grab Flamekit, who had been batting at his tail, and threw her gently towards her sister. The white she-kit landed on her paws, already ready to begin as she faced her kin.

“Rawr! I’m a badger coming to eat you, Mistkit!” Barreling forward Flamekit let out her best gravelly badger roar (which sounded more like a high-pitched squeak then anything else but served the purpose nonetheless).

Being an apprentice must be so exciting! I’ll have to get Darkleaf and Gorsefang to tell me the story about the badger soon!

--

“We haven’t even been warriors for a full sun-high yet and you already sound like an elder,” Gorsefang teased as Darkleaf spoke, but as she mentioned Robinheart’s impending kitting he became slightly more serious. He, too, remembered what had happened the night Brightwhisker had given birth to her kits.

“She’s a strong cat- she’ll get through it, no problem,” He replied at last with almost uncharacteristic optimism, not allowing himself to think about the alternative.

Robinheart watched the kits with a grin, her tail twitching from time to time in amusement at their antics. She also noticed the way Moonstar acted around them, how gentle he was. He will be a good father, I know. The dark queen allowed herself a gentle purr at that, continuing to watch as Flamekit challened Mistkit. Brightwhisker, meanwhile, sat nearby watching her kits play-fight with a soft smile. They sure are a mischievous bunch of kits!

Jaykit sat beside Darkblossom, watching the younger kits bring the nursery to life once again. "They've been a pawful from the start, haven't they?" she remarked quietly, whiskers twitching.

Mistkit giggled as she batted at the air between her and Flamekit. "I'm the mighty Mistkit, and I'll defend Brightwhisker and Robinheart from the evil badger!" She bared her milk teeth at her littermate, wagging her tail.

"Elder? Me? Then that would make you an elder as well." Darkleaf's whiskers twitched and she gazed at the den where all retired warriors would rest. "I don't think I'm ready for that yet. I still have a lot of life left in me. So do you, Gorsefang." She meant it honestly.

After all, he had changed in her eyes. She had always thought him to be a nuisance and utterly full of himself. But in their experiences together, Darkleaf could see that he was a kind cat, and he always alleviated a tense situation.


(( :zglomp!: There's something sweet and almost kind...But he was mean and he was coarse and unrefiiined...But now he's dear and so unsure...I don't know why I didn't see it there befoooorrreee...))

“No kidding,” Darkblossom muttered as Jaykit mused, ear twitching in amiable exasperation. “They’re one of the rowdiest bunches I’ve ever dealt with, but at least they’re enjoying themselves.” Lowering her voice so only Jaykit could hear, the medicine cat mewed casually, “You seem slightly downtrodden today.”

--

“Not if I win, you won’t!” Flamekit crowed at Mistkit’s challenge, leaping forward to bat her paws around her sister’s ears. Looking over at her brother and friend, the white kit called out, “Come play, Jaykit and Foxkit!”

--

Gorseleaf looked over at her in surprise, slightly taken aback, but as usual her earnest honesty brought a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Glancing over at her, his smile grew a little bigger. A lot of life left, indeed.

There was no denying the fact that he enjoyed spending time around the green-eyed she-cat. He felt looser around her, more relaxed, more... real. He didn’t feel like he had to prove himself at every turn, and when he made a joke he knew that she’d joke back, even if it was a bad one. Without him realizing it until it had happened (and much to his younger self's surprise), she had become a friend that he cared for a lot.

If I were to ever say that out loud everyone around us would probably fall over dead in surprise... Mentally giving himself a rueful grin, the tabby simply nodded, replying with unusual contentment, “Definitely.”

((She glanced this way, I thought I saw... and when we touched she didn’t shudder at my paw... no, this can’t be... I’ll just ignore... but then, she’s never looked at me that way before... :wub: ))

Jaykit looked over at Darkblossom in supprise, caught off guard by her question. Am I-? How'd she know? "I-I'm okay," she stammered, trying to regain her composure, "Just a little t-" Jaykit was about to go on when Flamekit saved her, asking her to come join in their playing. The small black she-cat cast a glance over towards her friends, hesitating a moment. She would have gone to play with them, but she wanted to make sure Darkblossom knew that she was really okay. "No thanks," she mewed towards Flamekit before turning back towards Darkblossom, her voice now stable, "and I'm fine, really."


(( Jaykit: :scared: What? Nothing is wrong! Yeah, I'm fine, really. .__. XDD ))

"Well, duh!" The strong ginger tom leaped, aiming for Flamekit. Foxkit hissed playfully ad batted her head with his paws. "Take that, you evil badger!" He nipped her ear gently.

"Oh, you are sooo gonna get it!"Flamekit turned around with a hiss, playfully batting back at Foxkit's tail. Leaping forward to try and take him to the ground, she teased, "Me and my badger friends are going to get you!"

--

"Ah-ha." Darkblossom replied, glancing at her out if the corners of her sightless eyes but making no further comment. Instead she got to her paws, stretching for a moment before looking over at Robinheart.

"So, any headaches, bellyaches, pains, blah, blah, blah?" She asked, ear twitching as the kits mrrowed and yowled in their playing. "That is, ones that I can cure with herbs. Those three don't count."

Foxkit squealed and smacked her face with his clumsy paw. "Oops!" He snickered and crouched, fur bristling.

Jaykit looked up at Darkblossom uncertiantly, but she figured the subject was dropped for the moment as the medicine cat began to ask Robinheart some questions. It's not a big deal, I can handle it. I mean, I should be happy for Rushki- paw, right? Content with that thought, Jaykit managed to smile slightly before looking over at Robinheart.

Robinheart looked up at Darkblossom, considering for a moment what she had said. Well, now that you mention it... All day something had seemed a bit off to the black queen, something that she couldn't name, although she didn't mention it to anyone. The feeling began to show early that morning, but she didn't pay much mind to it. Now that it was said, she realised that the odd feeling had grown stronger, and at times, almost painful. "Well, actually," she mewed, trying to find a way to put it into words, "Just a little bit ago I've been having these pains, in my stomach, on and off. I can't really explain it."

(( My first post as an admin!!! :D It's not that great, but I figure it will get them moving in the right direction? XDD ))
:WOOT:

(( An excellent post, new-Admin Kitty! :glomp!: ))

Darkblossom wasn't sure if she was imagining the twitch in her left eye or if it was real as she stared at Robinheart for a long, long time. "When, exactly, were you planning on tell me that?"

Turning to sweep Foxkit, Flamekit, and Mistkit out of the nursery the medicine cat mewed, "Alright kitties, time to go play outside. You can come back in when you have new victims to torment with your badger games." Flamekit's mouth fell open in shock at the black and white cat's words, practically hopping on the spot in excitement.

"More playmates?! Foxkit, Mistkit, we've got to make up some extra-good games to impress them! Quick, let's go!" Dashing pell-mell out of the den, the little white kit disappeared from view, high-pitched voice still squeaking away as she left. Darkblossom grinned to herself before turning back to Robinheart, ready for business.

"Brightwhisker, you can either stay in here or leave, it's up to you and Robinheart. As for you, Moonstar..." Smile turning sinister the medicine cat batted her eyelids at him, continuing, "I'm sure Robinheart would find you to be a great source of comfort, if you can handle it."

Pointedly ignoring his friend's shameless chuckles, Moonstar swallowed hard, mewing, "I'll stay." Nuzzling his cheek to his mate's with a smile he purred, "I'll be right here the whole time."

Turning to head out of the den, Darkblossom tossed over her shoulder, “I’m going to go grab some herbs- I’ll be right back.” Fixing everyone in the den with her blind gaze she added forcefully, “If anything starts to happen do not- I repeat do not – start to freak out and run around in a panic. I will be right back. So help me, if you can’t keep a clear head then go play with the kits.” I've had enough exciting deliveries for a life-time.

(( :heheh: ))

Mistkit bounded after her littermates, meowing loudly, "I wanna be Mistfur! The best fighter in the Clan!" She bared her teeth at them, wanting to strike fear into their hearts.

"Mistfur? My, Moonstar works quickly." Darkleaf was padding towards them and gently nosed Mistkit. "What's this about? I thought you were with your mother."

The gray tabby she-kit mewed in response, "Robinheart said she had some pain, then Darkblossom pushed us all out. She said 'you can come back in when you have new victims to torment with your badger games,'" she stated in her best mimic of the medicine cat's voice.

The black she-cat's eyes widened in surprise, and she turned to Gorsefang, meowing in excitement, "Did you hear that? Robinheart must be having her kits!"

(( Me while reading Darkblossom's reaction: ... *facepalm* XDD ))

Robinheart's eyes widened in supprise, looking at Darkblossom for a moment, dumbfounded. The kits are coming.. Now? She looked over at Moonstar, taking comfort from what he had said, a mixture of exitement and anxiety in her eyes. She thought back to only a little while ago when she had said she was ready to see her kits, thinking, Well I didn't know that it would be so soon!

In the meantime, Jaykit was the only kit left in the nursery, the rest being shooed outside to play. Brightwhisker had slipped out after her kits, deciding she wanted to keep an eye on them while they played. The small black she-cat watched Darkblossom leave, suddenly feeling a slight urge to follow well up inside of her. It wasn't long until she gave into it, silently following the medicine cat out.

"Darkblossom, wait! I want to help!"

(( Darkblossom: You crazy queens are giving me a twitch! :ew: ))

Darkblossom stopped mid-step, one paw outside the nursery as she directed her eyes in Jaykit's direction. "You want to help, eh...?" I COULD send her to get the herbs instead so I could stay here with Moonstar the pansy and Robinheart to make sure nothing is wrong... but how can I describe them effectively so she'll get the right ones...?

Finally, fixing the willing kit with her blind stare with the tiniest hint of a grin she mewed, "Let's see what you've got, then."

"I need borage leaves, thyme, and water mint. Borage leaves have a sort of tangy, watery scent, while thyme has a slightly heavier smell to it. Water mint should smell particularily minty- you'll find it in the far corner of my den. Get going and don't stop to smell the catnip!

--

"Good impression," Gorsefang commented wryly to Mistkit before looking up, blue eyes meeting Darkleaf's green. "Sounds like it. I wonder what will be harder to survive- actually giving birth or Darkblossom's nervous energy."

But despite his carefree tone, the tom couldn't deny the fact that the image of Sweetkit, body curled up helplessly against the cold that claimed her life, was still fresh in his mind.

(( I'm sorry, but I just couldn't resist the catnip joke. XDDD ))

(( Who gives you more trouble now, Darkblossom? >D ))

Jaykit looked at Darkblossom exitedly, thrilled to be able to help out. She didn't exactly know why, but she just felt like she had to, like she wanted to. The small black she-cat looked up at the medicine cat intently, listening to her describe the herbs. Borage leaves, thyme, water mint... Got it! Jaykit nodded, already on her paws and making her way out of the nursery, calling over her shoulder, "Okay, I'll be right back!"

As quickly as her paws would allow, Jaykit made her way across camp, stopping for nothing until she had made it into the medicine cat den. She repeated the names of the herbs in her head many times, not wanting to forget them, beginning to search through the herbs carefully for the right ones. One scent stood out particularly to her in one of the first piles, and she searched her mind for which one it was, although there was no need. Thyme. She quickly picked up the herb without thinking twice, moving onto the next of the piles.

It wasn't long until she scented the borage leaves, once again the name coming swiftly in her mind. Now, the last one.... Her green eyes were drawn to the corner of Darkblossom's den, the scent of the herb coming to her from where she stood. Water mint, there it is! Quickly, Jaykit rushed over and collected the last of the herbs before heading out of the den, making sure she had forgotten nothing. Borage leaves, thyme, and water mint. They are all here!

Making her way across camp and back into the nursery, Jaykit managed to keep a hold of all of the herbs, setting them down neatly infront of Darkblossom. "Borage, thyme, watermint, all here," she mewed, her eyes holding a hint of pride, "I'm sure I have the right ones!"

(( Jaykit did her best to stay away from the catnip! xD ))

Darkblossom had barely had time to instruct Robinheart to lie down in her nest before Jaykit returned with the requested herbs, setting them down beside the blind medicine cat. Eyes narrowed slightly as she nosed through the leafy plants, she was unable to find any fault in the young she-cat's selection as she looked up at the black kit, muttering, "That was awfully quick."

But her musings would have to wait until later. Thanking Jaykit and gesturing for the kit to make herself comfortable in case she would need her help later on, she turned to face Robinheart.

"As you probably know, this isn't going to be a pleasant experience for either of us. Ideally you won't hate me by the end of it, but if calling me various names makes you feel better during the process, by all means, go for it." Grinning at her friend encouragingly, Darkblossom padded over to her side and settled in to wait.

"When you feel a convulsion- and trust me, you'll know when- push as hard as you can."