SteppeClan/2

Patchwhisker chuckled. "Of course he's loud, he's the leader! He's gotta be able to talk to everyone." Meanwhile, at the call of Ospreypaw, Argent froze. --Argent & Patchwhisker

Ospreypaw squinted. “Come out.” The tom called once more before deciding to move. He strode around until some certain shadow caught his eye. If they weren’t gonna come out, he’d make them. Rogues were always a tick to the clan’s pelts. - Ospreypaw

Squirrelkit raised a brow. “I bet I can be louder than him! I could play games with him, and then become leader too!” Squirrelkit smiled with her wild eyes full of imagination. - Squirrelkit

Blazepaw followed Littlewhisker out of the camp, to start her training. - Blazepaw

Goldenpaw woke up, and looked around. *Oh no! Did I miss training?* she thought. She got up and rushed out of the den. - Goldenpaw

Cypresswillow yawned walking out of the den *The golden sun again* Cypress purred,she turned to see Goldenpaw rushing out of her den "I remember when i was a apprentice..the old days" Cypress purred to herself softly- Cypresswillow

"Maybe, little one." Spiderkit smirked, then prepared to pounce on her father's tail, wiggling her haunches. The black and white tom was too interested in a brief rub with his mate to notice his daughter, then looked entirely unfazed by her landing on his tailtip. Outside of camp, Argent forced herself to step forward and out of the shadows. "I-I'm sorry, I-I was just looking for the Clan that lives around here -" --Patchwhisker, Spiderkit, Argent

Ospreypaw wrinkled his nose. “Heh, you want no business with them missy, nasty cats they are.” He reasoned. “I don’t think Foxstar would want some spotted cat around either, he doesn’t like em because of his long lost dead buddy Thrushstar Either. Not that you’d know anything about that though..... Why the clans?” - Ospreypaw

Squirrelkit huffed. “When I’m bigger!” She scrunched up her face. “Can we meet him?” She then pleaded her father. - Squirrelkit

"Sure. He is your uncle, afterall; he's your mother's littermate." Patchwhisker pulled his tail out from Spiderkit's claws. "You can come too, Spiderkit. Foxstar, your nieces want to see you!" The red tabby tom perked up at the sound of his brother-in-paw, but shook his head. "I think he's a little busy at the moment, but I'm sure he'll be by soon." --Patchwhisker, Spiderkit, Foxstar

Argent huffed. "I think he'll be fine with me, there's nothing wrong with a pretty bengal like me." She flicked her tail. "As for why I want to come to the Clans... well, my father was a Clan cat. I never knew more than what my mother told me, but both are long gone. I don't remember the former very much." --Argent

Mousepelt was sitting down looked around the camp *One day my kits will be Apprentices* Mousepelt told herself this everytime she didin't have anything to do,Just so she could think about who her kits would get and how they would get trained- Mousepelt

Ospreypaw scoffed. “Tell that to him, you look just like Thrushstar, but whatever. You were born in SteppeClan specifically?” He asked. Wile in camp, Squirrelkit wondered why his name was ‘Fox’star? “WHy is he named that?” - Osprey & Squirrel

Smokestep settled at the edge of camp, deciding that it was time to eat a scrawny field mouse for lunch. She neatly wrapped her seal tail around her body, shifting to get comfortable before dining in silence. -- Smokestep

Littlewhisker led Blazepaw out to a small meadow, then turned around. "Today I guess I'll teach you an easy move," She told Blazepaw. "It's called the Frontal Paw Blow." -- Little

"Cypresswillow" Waspclaw said walking up next to her "Yes,Waspclaw" Cypress purred "I'm just wondering if..They..are doing fine" Waspclaw said a little hesitant and look to his paws "Im sure they are" Cypress purred- Cypress and Waspclaw

(hey everyone, just letting you all know that there's going to be some upgrades in order before foxstar takes cats to the gathering; you can apply for that here!) "Your uncle chose that because he wanted something that sounded Clan-like, for one thing," Gingerfrost chuckled. "He didn't like 'Fire' all that much, nor 'Russet' or 'Sun,' and he thought 'Flare' didn't fit either. So he went with Fox... but he was once called Rufus to me." Spiderkit twitched an ear at her mother's words, then watched as Foxstar headed back towards his den to clear his head for a moment. "Looks like he's got something on his mind... maybe some apprentices will be warriors soon." --Gingerfrost, Spiderkit, Foxstar

"...My father was. I wasn't. I could smell you all, though." --Argent

Ospreypaw raised a brow, clearly unfazed, “mhm...” he rolled his eyes. “Alright, fine, you’re gonna have to face Foxstar’s judgement then.” Ospreypaw knew this was gonna hurt his reputation, a lot, but if this she-cat was rightfully SteppeClan, he guessed even Foxstar couldn’t argue with that. “C’mon, I’ll show you to camp.” He sighed. Ospreypaw

Silentjaguar padded to the prey pile, which seemed to dawdle along with the SteppeClan warriors so it seemed, where was the clan she heard stories about? Ruling over outsiders, having lots of prey? Where was the strong leader? Foxstar was most certainly not getting things done, they needed to go out and take water, after all, most dominant survives. So she padded out of camp, towards the central border with MoonClan and CliffClan. - Silentjaguar

"What's it look like?" Blazepaw meowed. - Blazepaw

As soon as she reached the wedge, Silentjaguar crossed over to where the river met the gathering place, in which she knelt down and started to lap from the LakeClan waters. To her satisfaction, she ended up parched, though it wasn’t a surprise what she found, or.... who found her. “Hey! Get off LakeClan territory SteppeClanner!” A black And white she-cat then dashed down the glade and lunged into her, causing her to get off balance, Silentjaguar had no time for this! She tore her teeth into this she-cat’s ear, nicking it, she pushed off with her hind legs before being clawed under the eye, she hissed and staggered back as this Cat had bitten her tail, Silentjaguar narrowed her eyes, swiping across the other's eyes, turning and dashing off before the cat could see again. - Silentjaguar

(posting this again, **if you would like your cat to receive an upgrade before the gathering, please apply here!** otherwise this will have to wait until afterward. thanks guys c:) With Argent being lead in, Foxstar's ears raised. *She's a silver bengal... she looks like... oh, StarClan, please don't say that's his daughter.* The red tabby swallowed nervously, then called, "Who're you, loner?" --Foxstar & Argent

Ospreypaw took one step before them. “Some rogue claiming that her father is of SteppeClan formerly.” He answered. Looking back at her with mischief in his eyes. He wondered... who would have died at the time a kitten was born... unless... - Ospreypaw

"What you do is you raise your front paw, claws sheathed, and bring it down on your opponents head." Littlewhisker swiped at an imaginary enemy, then turned to Blazepaw. "Do you understand?" -- Little

"So, like this?" Blazepaw mimicked what Littlewhisker did, slowly. - Blazepaw

"Mm... well, we've had a few cats come and go during our time, so maybe." The tabby leader flicked his tail. "...I guess you're allowed in, how much do you know about this Clan?"

"My mother told me stories about the Clan," Argent replied, finally shoving her anxiety behind her. "What should I do now?"

"Well, I have a special thing for Ospreypaw..." The leader flicked his gaze over to the apprentice standing next to her. "Show this rogue -"

"Argent."

"-Argent around while we're at the Gathering, and then when we get back." He raised his voice to call for his Clanmates. "Spotpaw, Smokestep, Silentjaguar, Patchwhisker, Dustpaw, Larchtail, Littlewhisker, Redwhisker, Silverdawn! We're departing for the Gathering soon!" *Please don't say that Argent's his daughter.* --Foxstar & Argent

Mousepelt Twitched her ear at the sound of Foxstar's announcement "I Hope they finally find out what to do about the water problem" Mousepelt said to herself but,But outloud,She looked and saw the rouge "*Rouges,Huh"- Mousepelt*

Littlewhisker nodded. Suddenly, she heard Foxstar's voice calling out faintly. *Hmm, the cats must be going to the Gathering.* She turned to her apprentice. "We'll have to continue this another time, we should go back." -- Little

"Okay!" Blazepaw meowed. - Blazepaw (SC)

Ospreypaw hissed. Well its obvious he should’ve seen that coming from the long shot, he sent Argent a glance of annoyance. “Ugh, fine. What do you know already about the clans anyway.” He grumbled. Glancing to his paws. - Ospreypaw

Spotpaw's blue eyes grew rounder than normal, and he cast a nervous glance in the direction of his mentor, who hadn't been invited along. He'd never been everywhere without her guidance...what if he got lost? What if another apprentice from another clan started picking on him? - Spotpaw

Smokestep was in another world. Oh sweet StarClan- Foxstar knew her name! -- Smokestep

"Whatever my mother told me, which was basically the structure, and StarClan, and all that..." Argent perked up as Foxstar gathered his Clanmates together. *I guess this makes me a Clan cat now? Should I take a name for myself?* Shaking her head, she followed behind the rest of the Clan. (**Continued in Gatherings**) --Foxstar & Argent

Ospreypaw looked to the cats. “We’ll talk at the gathering, just follow without word, or the other clans might get snarky.” He muttered before he flicked his tail and padded after the group. - Ospreypaw

(During the Gathering...) As the best hunter in the clan, Thistlekit knew he needed to stand guard around camp. Being two moons and a half old, he wasn’t a great defender, though he had been praised earlier for catching a beetle, in which he had been proud of it. He grinned as he stood from the nursery, his mouth in some handsome grin as he flicked his tail, standing tall through his broad shoulders. The tom had exquisitely stared though the darkened camp. “Lets see.....” He mumbled. Where was adventure lurking tonight? Of course, around his dinner time. He was hungry for danger. He scoffed. - **Thistlekit**

"Thistlekit,are you being the defender are clan needs?" Mousepelt purred sneaking next to him,Mousepelt was proud that her son wanted to be a strong warrior yet was scared but she didn't know why- Mousepelt

Thistlekit nodded. “Of course! I’m gonna be the strongest warrior of SteppeClan, Thrushstar will be scared of me!” He looked to his mother. “Why doesn’t dad take time to see us?” He asked with a frown, surely Redwhisker, the deputy, would be joyous to see his kits? Especially his strongest son? No disregards to Emberkit though.... He perked back up. “Maybe he‘s scared because I’m so strong!” He grinned once more. - Thistlekit

Mousepelt smiled "You are the strongest warrior and i'm sure you father has stuff to do,and he will be worried you could take him down because your so strong" Mousepelt purred *"Thistlekit,your so precious,im just worried you get into danger"* mouseplet said to herself- Mousepelt

Thistlekit flicked his tail. He was so ready to become a warrior, he could already taste the fresh-kill he would eventually catch. “How come Gingerfrost’s kits don’t wanna play anyway? Maybe I’m just so good i go unchallenged!” He then looked to his wother back to his original question. - Thistlekit

"Hmm I don't really know sorry Thistlekit" Mousepelt purred "I'm sure they have their reasons" -Mousepelt

Thistlekit shrugged. “Can I go see the elders? I wanna hear more battle stories!” He brought his enthusiasm back up as he smiled. “Can you come listen too? Waspclaw tells the best stories!” - Thistlekit

Mousepelt smiled "Sure dear,Lead the way" -Mousepelt

Thistlekit grinned. “Yay!” He didnt even think before dashing across camp. peeking into the elders den. he slipped in and looked around, were they asleep? He wondered as he turned to see if Mousepelt followed. - Thistle

Mousepelt caught up to Thistle and smiled. Waspclaw was sitting next to Cypresswillow who was cleaning her fur "Hello Dears" Cypresswillow purred to the visitors Waspclaw looked to them- mousepelt,Waspclaw and Cypress

Quickly, Thistlekit whipped around to face the elders. “HI!” He meowed happily, “can I hear one of your stories? What about the one where Waspclaw totally bet up that MoonClan cat! Ooo- Or the one where you won a border battle!” Thistlekit lowered to a crouch and tasseled with a leaf. - Thistlekit

Waspclaw laughed "Sure,i have just the story" Waspclaw purred "It's a story about how i Saved Cypress from a group of rogues" Waspclaw said proudly- Waspclaw

Thistlekit raised a brow. “But I don’t like that mushy romance stuff! I want battles! Wins!” Thistlekit pouted. - Thistlekit

"ha~ Your in luck then he says saved but he almost took me out to" Cypress purred Waspclaw laughed "This was when i met cypress but we didn't meet again after this until moons later" Waspclaw meowed he then said "I mean you could hear the story about how i defeated some dogs" - Waspclaw

“Oooo! Dogs are easy right?” Thistlekit wasn't the cheesy romantic tom, he yearned for battle, claws, teeth, blood? Did that make him a bad cat? - Thistle

"Small little dogs are easy but big giant dogs like these ones are the dangers" Waspclaw said jumping up "they were a pack of them the smalls dogs just got scared and ran but the pack leader was fierce and was ready to kill me but i looked him in the eyes and bolted away,Then i did a sneak attack catching hi by surprise"- Waspclaw

”Did you kill it!” Thistlekit leaned closer. He was aware that there were weird animals always on SteppeClan territory. Like dogs, weird fluffy white hooded ones, it was weird. - Thistle

"You darn right i did only the brave ones stuck around but they met the same fate,Thoes dogs never learn" Waspclaw nodded-Waspclaw

”hah!” Thistlekit swooped his paw.

"I bet someday you could take on a horde of dogs" Waspclaw said ,He may have been old but he was still advenchorus, *"Thats what im worried about,"* Mousepelt said to herself- Waspclaw And Mousepelt

Swamp-paw sighed as she laid her head down and closed her eyes. -Swamp-paw

(SC's already at the gathering, including Redwhisker) --Stork

(Oh, Sorry. I’m gonna change it.) -Moon

Copperkit laid in the moon light just next to the nursery "*Mother Usually tells me it's time for bed at this time...."* Copperkit remined herself before looking around for the sight of her mother,Copper got up her soft fluffy tail brushing against the ground before she could move a sound of a twig snapping sent Copperkit running, "*I bet she's in the elders den..Mom will protect me from this monster"*  Copperkit planned before ducking into the elders den were she saw Thistlekit and Mousepelt, She ducked behind Mousepelt's leg and said to Thistlekit "There's a monster outside"- Copper

"A monster?" Mousepelt asked pushing her daughter out from behind her paw "T-There's something outside! its chasing me!" Copperkit cried, Mousepelt perked her ears *"Is this monster a cat? if so why would it hurt Copper?"* Mousepelt asked herself- Mousepelt And Copper

"I Could clearly take this monster!" Waspclaw announced Cypress rolled her eyes "There's nothing better then visual learnning,Cmon Thistle" Waspclaw continued before walking outside,Copper followed after Wasp- Waspclaw.

“Heh, I bet I can take them! Just like Waspclaw and the dogs!” He pushed after Waspclaw with a smile. - Thistlekit

Copperkit got outside and said "Just next to the nursery" Waspclaw went over there, Copperkit stayed behind Waspclaw, Just then a twig snapped, Copperkit jumped and tried looking to see what-or who it was, Waspclaw growled "Is there anyone there?!"- Waspclaw and Copperkit

Thistile kit stay close to Waspclaw, he was brave, maybe foolish to dash before the elder and fluff his chest out. “Pussy cats.” He grinned. - Thistle

"Careful Thistle..' Waspclaw warned, Waspclaw looked into the darkness, then spotting a pair of Yellow eyes, they then dashed to the side, Waspclaw hissed- Waspclaw

Thistlekit turned around. “Why? They’re too scared to come out.” He shrugged. ”Why should I be scared?” - Thistlekit

"I'm not *Scared!"* A annoyed voice hissed, Stepping out of the shadows, Firestorm looked to the kits and the elder, "I'm just out on a late night stroll" He purred- Firestorm

Thistlekit leaped back and shrieked, then pushing off the ground and shoving himself into the red Tom, “It’s a fox!” He exclaimed. - Thistlekit

"Ack!" Firestorm exclaimed at the sudden attack of the kit, Copperkit shrieked and ran back to the elder's den were Mouseplet was, Waspclaw stepped forward to grab Thistle before someone ran over and picked Thistle up himself and put him next to Waspclaw, "I-Im sorry about my brother, he's not a fox just a cat.." The cat speaking was a fluffy grey cat- Waspclaw

Thistlekit narrowed his eyes. “What’s wrong with you? You scared Copperkit!” He growled to Firestorm, he was too blinded by protectiveness for his sibling to realize what was happening. - Thistlekit

Firestorm hissed, and would have said something before Bearfur stepped in front of Him "Firestorm's just a little grumpy, im sorry im sure Fire is as well" Bearfur said trying to inlited the situation, he looked to Waspclaw who just was sitting there- Bearfur

Copperkit ran into the elder's den were Mousepelt was talking to Cypresswillow, "Mother! F-fox!" she cried snuggling up against her mother, Mousepelt flicked her ears and stood up then running outside-Copperkit close behind, to see Waspclaw,Thistlekit,Firestorm and Bearfur, two of witch she had only seen a few times- Mousepelt and Copper

Thistlekit narrowed his eyes. “A little? Pfft more like a thousand times a jerk! You scared my sister! Now you’re gonna apologize or else!” He hissed to Firestorm in specific. scaring his siblings was no game to him, he was serious about his kin, even his mother, she seemed lost without their father around. Redwhisker wasnt the welcoming type. If he was, he always ignored his kits and mate. - Thistle

Bearfur nudged his brother, "Fine...Im sorry-" He said, not wanting to fight with a kit, especially lose,Copperkit and Mousepelt arrived again mousepelt sighed 'Cmon,kits time for bed-" She purred before walking to the nursery, copper followed, Mousepelt nodded her head to Bearfur before walking off, Waspclaw then glared at Firestorm then walking off and saying "Go with your mother,Thistle"- Firestorm, and Bearfur

Thistlekit sent a glare to the red tom’s way. With no more words he turned and trotted to his sister’s side. “Are you alright?” He asked. - Thistle

Copperkit nodded "Y-yes, Thank you for-doing that, i always knew you were brave" Copper smiled to her brother as she followed her mother- Copper

Thistlekit grinned, fluffing out his chest. “I would’ve shoved a thousand foxes to protect my family.” He declared. And when the entered the nursery he peaked to his other sleeping siblings, he decided to sleep on the outer rim of the four, just in case he heard someone approach and wakes in an instant. - Thistlekit

Mousepelt smiled at her sons bravery,Mousepelt laid down next to her sleeping kits and closed her eyes still awake,Copper laid down next to her other to siblings and smiled to Mousepelt before closing her eyes to sleep, Firestorm looked to Bearfur who was giving him a look of disappointment "Fire, you should be more-kind?" Bearfur suggested Firestorm rolled his eyes, *"I still can't believe i let a kit get the better of me.."* Fire thought not paying attention to his brother-Firestorm,Mousepelt And Copper

Thistlekit curled around Copperkit, she was the smallest of them, and seemed still a little spooked, either cold or scared, he just wanted to lay by her side. He did admit her was tired, so he instantly went out cold. - Thistlekit

Foxstar quietly returned with the rest of his Clan, then gazed up at the clouds covering the moon. *I'll take care of warriors and apprentices tomorrow.* Gingerfrost perked up at his return, watching him come in to briefly visit with his nieces. "Hey, Gingerfrost... sorry if I seem troubled, the Gathering presented me with some, ah, unexpected information." She nodded, just as Spiderkit came up and sniffed him. The tortoiseshell kitten circled around him, then met his gaze with a stern one of her own. "You smell like other cats!" she called loudly, and he chuckled before licking her head. She scrambled under his lick and let out a low, playful growl. "You're gonna get it, Uncle!" --Foxstar, Spiderkit & Gingerfrost

Within the crowd, Argent's silver bengal pelt appeared, smelling faintly of Lionpaw Volkhard, but the scent didn't linger. Satisfied, she blinked before heading to settle over at the edge of the warrior's den, yawning. *I had such a good night visiting that handsome tom.* --Argent

Waspclaw was sitting around the camp and looked to the returning cats, Mousepelt perked her ears as she heard the cats return from the gathering, she got up from laying next to her kits and went outside the nursery to look for Redwhisker-Mousepelt and Waspclaw

Squirrelkit narrowed her eyes. “IS this Foxstar!? He’s so big! He smells different than anyone else around here!” Squirrelkit exclaimed. Giving her uncle a sniff. “Where’s dad?” She mewed happily. She didn’t see him quite yet. - Squirrelkit

"Right here!" Patchwhisker shoved his head in beside Foxstar, nudging the larger tom away. "Sorry, I've got a lot on my mind... can you do me a favor, Foxstar, and watch over my daughters for a few moments? I need to speak with Gingerfrost in private about... that." The queen's eyes widened, and anxiety loomed in her gaze. "It's gonna be okay," he reassured her quietly, then she nodded and stood before she exited to speak with him. --Gingerfrost & Patchwhisker

Foxstar watched the pair head off before he nodded to his tabby niece. "I am. You look a little like me, little one." Excitedly, Spiderkit pawed at his tail, and he chuckled before she pounced. "Easy back there..." --Spiderkit & Foxstar

Argent curled herself up before she settled off to sleep, dreams full of Lionpaw - er, Volkhard? --Argent

Squirrelkit always thought she looked more like her mother, she spun in circles trying to see herself. “I do?” She ended up getting dizzy before ruffling her pelt. “Where’s dad and momma going?” She asked. Realizing they seemed gone. - Squirrelkit

"They've got something to talk about. One day, when you'll go to the Gathering, maybe you'll experience something like that! Something that makes you really special." Obviously Foxstar didn't want to tell them what was going on; he knew it would terrify his nieces, and he would hate to worry them. Spiderkit finally managed to distract his thoughts as she tackled his tail, and he nudged her forward. The tortoiseshell kit huffed before she asked, "When can we go to a Gathering??" --Spiderkit & Foxstar

Having dragged his mate off alone, Patchwhisker began quietly, "Something strange happened at the Gathering. CliffClan's medicine cat collapsed and gave us a prophecy... which, uh, happened to include m-me." --Patchwhisker & Gingerfrost

“Special? How Special?” Squirrelkit gave in to her curiosity. Why was Foxstar so big? How come she looked like him? What did he mean? Why was SPiderkit so loud!? - Squirrelkit

Mousepelt spotted Redwhisker and went to him "How was the gathering?" she asked "Thistlekit asked about you-"-Mousepelt

"How special?" Foxstar scoffed. "I don't know... maybe special enough to take over SteppeClan one day?" --Foxstar

"I'm supposed to go on this journey, and it should give us clarity, but... someone's going to die. StarClan - StarClan said so," Patchwhisker stammered, beginning to shiver. --Patchwhisker

Squirrelkit’s eyes widened and glimmered with wonder. “Take over, like lead SteppeClan?” She looked up to him. “Like, actually be the leader everyone knows? Make decisions? Talk to StarClan?” She then frowned... “What is you die?” - Squirrelkit

"What if I die?" the tabby leader echoed. "Well, someone's gonna have to take over for me, right? Just like I took over from the last leader. Maybe it'll be you?" A thought prodded his mind, reminding him... *I've got some kits and apprentices to upgrade. Not you all, though, not yet.* Spiderkit listened intently, then asked, "Who'll take over for you if it's not Squirrelkit?" --Foxstar & Spiderkit

"...You're worried it might be you," the ginger queen gathered from his stance. "Patchy, I understand, but you're brave. I know you can do it, even though it will take you away from your daughters." Her mate's ears perked, and he relaxed, nodding his thanks. --Patchwhisker & Gingerfrost

Squirrelkit squealed. “Dad and Mom will be there! Spiderkit, you can be the deputy!” Squirrelkit teased. She wonder what it was like to be Foxstar, it was probably fun to be leader. Though she wouldn’t know. She was much more concerned in where her parents went off to, her mother hasn’t been far from her before. “How did you be leader?” She asked. - Squirrelkit

The tortie kitten grinned at her sister's proclamation of deputy, then listened as Foxstar cleared his throat. "How'd I become leader? The short version is that I was the old leader's deputy." His voice almost quivered, but he held strong as he said the bengal's name. "Thrushstar was actually the founder of this Clan, and appointed me as deputy. However... he was killed on a patrol with me and your parents near the CliffClan border, crushed under a boulder during an unexpected rockfall. So I took over." *Let's see... Ospreypaw, Swamppaw, Cottonpaw... and Greykit and Lynxkit too.* --Spiderkit & Foxstar

“Really? I bet he was a great leader like you!” Squirrelkit mewed. “What did he do?” SHe then asked. She wanted to hear about what other leaders did, she liked stories. - Squirrelkit

"Well, he actually formed the Clan... but that's a story I'll have to tell you more about later, because I have some important duties to take care of as leader." Foxstar didn't want to get into Thrushstar's legacy; it packed him with nerves, and he did have other things to do. *Like make some upgrades.* Spiderkit followed behind him as he exited, just as her parents returned from their talk. Patchwhisker almost stopped the tortie kit from following her uncle, then stopped himself, instead taking Gingerfrost back to the nursery. --Foxstar, Spiderkit, Patchwhisker, Gingerfrost

Squirrelkit looked to her mother. “IS daddy alright?” She mewed curiously. “Did you know who Thrushstar was? Was he cool? Will I get to lead the clan like Foxstar?” She asked. - Squirrelkit

"He's okay," the ginger queen replied. "He just had something to tell me. As for Thrushstar... yes, I knew who he was. His coolness kind of depends on how you saw him. Maybe one day you'll end up leading, Squirrelkit." She flicked her tail over to Spiderkit, who still trotted behind Foxstar. "Are you going to follow your sister?" --Gingerfrost

The tabby leader cleared his throat, then murmured to Spiderkit, "You want to watch something cool?" She nodded excitedly, and he cast a glance over at Squirrelkit for a moment. --Foxstar & Spiderkit

Squirrelkit looked to her mother and then to her uncle, “Yeah!” She sprinted after the two, tripping over her tail partly, she paused next to her sister. looking around camp she gasped. “This is home!?” She saw so many cats, so many scents, more dens! Pretty flowers, weeds, stones, the world was so big! - Squirrelkit

"This is home, to us anyway." Clearing his throat for real this time, Foxstar's voice rung loudly through camp. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a Clan meeting!" *This is for apprentice and warriors... and possibly addressing the Gathering.* --Foxstar

Under his paws, Spiderkit flinched at the louder tone to his voice, but nonetheless watched in awe. "Whoa... there's so many cats!" --Spiderkit

Argent, by the warriors' den, lifted her head groggily, rolling her eyes in disgust as she saw cats gathering. *But we just had a Gathering, why do we need to do it again?* Sighing, the silver bengal stood and stretched, padding over to join. --Argent

From the nursery, Patchwhisker and Gingerfrost watched, the former stepping forward and into the crowd to await any response about the Gathering. --Patchwhisker & Gingerfrost

Mousepelt walked to the nursery to quickly check on her kits before sitting at the edge of the crowd *Let's see what happend at the gathering,Foxstar will say-probably-*Mousepelt

Squirrelkit quickly dashed after her uncle and sat at his paws, watching the gazes of the clan, so many, if she was to lead, how would she remember all of these names!? She watched in awe, more drawn to the design of her home and the cats pelt’s than what her uncle had to say. Wile Thistlekit yawned with annoyance, stretching after his mother, he realized this was a clan meeting and sat by her, he wasnt old enough to catch his own prey, but he knew attention wouldn’t be drawn to him. - Squirrelkit & Thistlekit

The apprentices on the other paw had gathered outside the den, Ospreypaw shown no interest in this meeting, what was there to say anyways. Wile Cottonpaw sent him a confused look. “What happened at the gathering?” She meowed. Ospreypaw, clearly annoyed, shook his pelt and set up. “Nothing important.” He muttered. Gesturing for her to listen wile he decided to get back to the ground and watch ants skidded across the padded dirt floor. - Ospreypaw & Cottonpaw

"Hello,Thistlekit" Mousepelt purred to her son, Bearfur looked to the gathered cats from the edge of camp he looked back to Firestorm, "It's a meeting cmon" Bearfur purred to his brother before the to walked to th crowed ans sat down-Mousepelt, & Bearfur

Thistlekit yawned once more before ruffling his fur. “what’s he gonna say?” He meowed as he finished ruffling himself and sitting up. - Thistlekit

Mousepelt looked to Foxstar then back to Thistlekit, "I don't know-Maybe about the gathering? Or maybe some apprentices are going to be warriors or Kits become apprentices" Mousepelt guessd-Mousepelt

"Cats of SteppeClan, we've gathered here to honor a few new faces among our ranks." The leader's gaze caught three familiar apprentices: Swamppaw, Ospreypaw, and Cottonpaw, as well as a pair of kits, Greykit and Lynxkit. "Swamppaw, Ospreypaw, Cottonpaw, step forward, please." He watched them do so in silence, acknowledging their completed training. "I, Foxstar, leader of SteppeClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warriors in their turn. Ospreypaw, Swamppaw, Cottonpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to 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. From this moment forward, you shall be known as Ospreyswoop, Swampmist, and Cottonfur. StarClan honors your courage and vocation, and we welcome you as full warriors of SteppeClan." He cleared his throat, then continued, "Greykit, Lynxkit, step forward."

"Greykit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Greypaw. Your mentor will be Silverdawn. I hope she will pass down all she knows on to you." Redirecting his words, he met the medicine cat's eyes. "Silverdawn, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have been a loyal medicine cat to SteppeClan, and you have shown yourself to be reliable and dependable in the face of danger. You will be the mentor of Greypaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to him." *Now, onto Lynxkit...*

"Lnyxkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Lynxpaw. Your mentor will be Larchtail. I hope he will pass down all he knows on to you." *And to Larchtail... these ceremonies take forever.* "Larchtail, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have shown excellent dedication to our Clan, and you have shown yourself to be loyal and reliable. You will be the mentor of Lynxpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her."

He listened onto the name calling in silence, then took a deep breath and whispered to his nieces, "That's how you do a ceremony." --Foxstar

Copperkit was woken by the clan calling the names of some cats, She stood up and walked outside the nursery and spotted Thistlekit and Mousepelt, she trotted over to them and smiled-Copperkit

Spotpaw breathed a small sigh of relief. It was great to know that Cottonfur would no longer be in the apprentice's den to bully him around, meaning he'd have at least a tiny amount of freedom and reassurance from now on. However, he jumped out of his fur when he felt a cat lightly touch him. He glanced up to find his mentor, and forced himself to relax. "How was the gathering?" Breezechaser asked him softly. -- Spotpaw & Breezechaser

Greypaw smiled his possibly biggest smile. Finally, he was an apprentice! Lynxpaw smiled a bit as well with similar thoughts. The littermates forgot their differences momentarily and sat down by each other, congratulating each other. --Greypaw and Lynxpaw

Larchtail flicked an ear in surprised as he was named Lynxpaw's mentor. The warrior, pleasantly surprised, stood up and went to meet his new apprentice. -Larchtail

Thistlekit smiled. “Hey sis! They became warriors! Greykit and Lynxkit became apprentices!” He meowed happily, hw wondered how it felt in the moment. Cottonfur sure knew this might be the best moment of her life! A warrior at last!? No more bossy Sundash! No more mentor! And no more babies! It was perfect, Ospreyswoop rolled his eyes. Though Cottonfur thought she saw a hint of relief in the toms eyes before having Sundash pad out to her and clear his thought, “Erm, a warrior at last huh?” He meowed. Cottonpaw narrowed her eyes at him, he hesitated before she pushed her face into his fur. She was a warrior now, she was gonna be the best, she was gonna carryover on her mother’s legacy. “Golden sun would be proud.” Sundash meowed as he lowered to return her nuzzle. “You must set vigil tonight, even if dawn will come quickly, its smart to be silent in the morning.” He then received an eye roll, as usual. “Can I pick my nest now?” - Cottonfur & Thistlekit

"Heya Thistlekit, I can't wait till were apprentices, I bet dad would be really proud of us!" Copperkit purred, Mousepelt looked to her kits and smiled *I'm sure Redwhisker would be proud,Look at my kits, Copperkit,Emberkit,Thistlekit and Foxkit-One day they'll be warriors...* Mousepelt smiled-Mousepelt & Copperkit

Cottonfur, oc course, chose one of the nests that was closer to the entrance where she would be able to get the first taste of sunlight and be up early, of course, along with being the first to be ready for patrols. She was so excited! Too excited? Possibly, though she did seem confused when Sundash chuckled at her nesting spot, she thought if was great, and therefor it was great! Though she seemed embarrassed when she saw her mentor bound off somewhere, what was she supposed to do now? Right, no one to boss her around... Anything? She decided to go and set her watch at the entrance of camp.

Thistlekit yawned. “Dad might be.” He shrugged. “Why would be only need to impress dad when we have the whole can to impress? I bet I’ll be leader one day!” He grinned. Though something caught his eye, were those... other kits...? At Foxstar’s paws? What were they doing!? “Who are they?” He mumbled. - Cottonfur & Thistlekit

"ooo I don't know, I have seen them in the nursery but i haven't really met them" Copperkit meowed,"Should we meet them, Officially?" Copperkit asked-Copperkit

Finally having finished the ceremony, Foxstar took a long breath before he called, "There is one more thing I have to discuss: news from the Gathering." He caught Patchwhisker's gaze at a distance. "StarClan provided us some clarity on a solution to our water problem. However... that means sending away two of our own, and one may not return, based on the troubling prophecy we received." A troubled look entered his eyes. "Patchwhisker and Silverdawn were selected under StarClan's moonlight to represent our efforts. I trust that they will prepare adequately for their journey, so that they may return safely." *For everyone's sake.* --Foxstar

Argent, from the ground, rolled her eyes. *You're taking forever.* She'd already heard all of this... --Argent

Thistlekit shrugged. Looking up to his mother. “Can we?” He meowed unenthusiastically. He was more alerted by his rivals, for some reason Foxstar had let them at his paws.... Thistlekit could admit his jealousy outwardly if he had a bad reputation.

At the moment Squirrelkit paused and looked up to her uncle. “W-what?” Did he just say? Patchwhisker was going somewhere!? She looked questioingly to her father. Was this what he told Gingerfrost? - Squirrelkit &Thistlekit

Copperkit looked up to Mousepelt "Pleaseee" She begged not realising what Foxstar said, "Fine,Ok,Don't cause trouble" Mousepelt purred-Mousepelt & Copperkit

Thistlekit yawned as he followed his sister on the way out of the nursery. He gulped as he saw way bigger cats than he was, it was a bit nerve racking to not be the biggest in all the cats he’s seen (Which are the other kits), He kept his head low but sent the foxy ginger tomcat that scared his sister a glare before carrying on his path behind her.

“What are we gonna do without a Medicine cat!?” Ospreyswoop blurted to Foxstar from his place. “Who is going to take over for her? Greypaw is merely a kit still.” He added with a snarl. - Ospreyswoop & thistlekit

Firestorm noticed the glare from the Kit as he and his sister seemed to be going somewhere "*Shouldn't there mother be watching them? Or at least Waspclaw?"* Firestorm asked himself, Copperkit looked around at all the bigger cats, she was scared and amazed that these are her Clanmates and who she will know best-Firestorm & Copperkit

Thistlekit yawned as he passed the other warriors, slipping under their paws. He could taste his first kill already, he should be an apprentice now! He muttered as they arrived under the meeting place, Thistlekit stood his ground though seemed more curious than intimidated. - Thistlekit

Copperkit got to Thistlekit and smiled to him,she then looked at the sky and back to the crowd of warriors and apprentices, then she caught sight of Redwhisker,Her father, Part of her wanted to go up to him and leave Thistlekit hear-but she wanted to stay with her brother more "I can imagine the day we become apprentice i bet it will be great" Copperkit half whispered to Thistlekit-Copperkit

“You’ll be great.” Thistlekit managed to nuzzle his sister before realizing what he just heard, “StarClan sent a prophecy?” Then looking up to the alarmed kittens, why were they alarmed again? - Thistlekit

"You'll do great to- Wait what?!?" Copperkit said alarmed, she then looked to were Thistlekit was looking and noticed the kits "...What do you think is wrong? Is it something we can help with?" Copperkit asked Thistle-Copperkit

Squirrelkit shivered, would her father never come back!? What did Foxstar mean? Before she could give in to her fear, she glanced down to the stare of some tomkit, she gulped before climbing down to their level. “Hello?” She mewed - Squirrelkit

Copperkit gently pushed passed Thistlekit to the Shekit, "Hello! I'm Copperkit and that's my Brother Thistlekit, we were just coming to meet you guys!" Copperkit purred-Copperkit

Squirrelkit ruffled her bushy pelt. “I’m squirrelkit!” She meowed playfully. Copperkit seemed nice, she then looked to Thistlekit, the Tom grinned before starting. “Why were you at Foxstar’s paws during the meeting?” He meowed. “My mom is his sister, I’m one of his nieces.” Squirrelkit mewed. Now Thistlekit understood, it was obvious the kin of the leader would best be chosen for the next candidate for leader, he ruffled his fur. “I see. I’m thistlekit.” He meowed. - Thistlekit & Squirrelkit

"Thats cool!" Copperkit purred "Are dad is Redwhisker the deputy and are mom is Mousepelt!" Copperkit purred, "Also, May i ask why you seemed so upset when Foxstar was talking about the gathering?" Copperkit asked,she hadn't heard what was going on being she was more focused on other things-Copperkit

Squirrelkit wanted anything else than to get back to.... that... “Oh... He said StarClan has some Prophecy, and.... two from our clan have to go, but, one wont come back from this or something.... he said my dad’s in it.” Squirrelkit sobbed. “I don’t want him to be though, I want him to stay here.... - Squirrelkit

Copperkit put her eyes down, She felt bad for bringing it up, "I'm Sure Starclan will realize how much he means to you all and will have him come back" Copperkit tried comforting Squirrelkit, "He need to do this for the clan,But i understand how much it hurts and what it feels like to think he'll never come back or want to see you again..." Copperkit stopped talking as she relized she was talking about..Someone else- Copperkit

Squirrelkit looked confused to Copperkit, this must be a reference to her father. “I’m sorry.” She meowed. Flicking her tail. Looking to where Thistlekit had decided to sit and seem like sone sort of body guard. She sighed. “I wonder why.” She mewed. - Squirrelkit

Copperkit spaced out for a second *That's the only time i have said something like that..But dad still loves us...He is just busy-Clan deputy stuff* Copperkit looked back to Squirrel "I bet one day everything will be perfect, were all warriors, no one we know has to go on a dangerous journy.." *We could be a happy family..* Copperkit looked down-Copperkit

This cat was interesting, it seemed what she said was what Squirrelkit hadn’t known shed been dreaming of, or at least seen in her fake reality. “You really love your father.” She smiled. She could see how much she cared. - Squirrelkit

Copperkit nodded to Squirrelkit words, "Sometimes i'm not sure if Redwhisker sees that,He's always busy" Copperkit shook her fur, "But, Were not hear to talk about me"-Copperkit

Squirrelkit flicked her fluffy tail. “What do you wanna know?” She meowed. Though now what lingered in her mind what’s what Foxstar mentioned about her leading the clan? How could she? Weren’t other cats after that position? - Squirrelkit

"Well..I came to ask to be friend" Copperkit turned to Thistlekit "I don't know abou Thistlekit, he just came with me when i suggested it" Copperkit purred-Copperkit

Squirrelkit smiled. “Sure! I can be your friend! I think we both could get to great placed with each other!” Squirrelkit admitted, even if Copperkit was older than her, she seemed interested in befriending the she-cat, she and Squirrelkit were more alike then they knew, Squirrelkit guessed. “I guess it’s weird having some high ranked family member, huh?” - Squirrelkit

Copperkit smiled when Squirrelkit said they could be friends, "Eh, For me not so much, Redwhisker's always busy-Mousepelt only really says that, But i'm sure is Redwhisker ever takes the Leader position that will change i'll probably be a warrior and he'll pay more attention to me" Copperkit blinked and found herself back sitting down because for a second she could see what she just said-in relity, "But Foxstar seems glad to hang out with you guys, i don't really have that bond with my uncle-Ashtail" -Copperkit

Squirrelkit grinned and fluffed out her chest fur. “He said i could lead SteppeCla one day! Just like him!” She meowed cleverly. She had too many questions, as usual, as to leadership, and Thrushstar for that matter. And this, tugged on Thistlekit’s attention, she become leader? What could she do? He was the one who protected his sister from that foxy Tom. To which he glanced around for, then turning back he yawned, getting back to examining the first beneath him and pawing at it. *We’ll see.* - Squirrelkit & Thistlekit

"I bet you'll be a great leader someday!" Copperkit purred, Bearfur flicked his ear as he felt a cold tension as he sat next to Firestorm, Bearfur does like his brother but can't help but feel weird with him, when they were younger Bearfur would usually hang out with his sister, and he still can't get out of the habit of waking up in a comfy bed-or wherever i wanted to sleep on the precious night, and walk to a kitchen and just eat his food, *Am i really ment for clan life? i was the one who chose this but..-*Bearfur & Copperkit

Squirrelkit chuckled. “I’m gonna have Spiderkit as my deputyyyy!” She declared. - Squirrelkit

"I'm sure you guys will do great!" Copperkit meowed to Squirrelkit-Copperkit

"StarClan chose Silverdawn to represent us, Ospreyswoop," the tabby leader reassured. "Although it's unclear when Patchwhisker and Silverdawn will return, we will have to trust that Greypaw will learn as much as he can before she leaves." Anxiety lingered in his gaze, but he shook it off after a moment, reassuring himself. *They'll be fine. It's not going to be one of them... and even if it was...* His throat soured at the thought. *No. Don't think about that.* --Foxstar

Spiderkit trotted off, unbothered by the scary prophecy, and skipped down to join her sister. "Yeah! II'm gonna be deputy!!" --Spiderkit

Copper smiled to the new kit, "So i'm guessing your Spiderkit?" Copperkit asked before looking to Thistle and back-Copperkit

Ravenpaw merely listened to Foxstar with concern, sitting with his long, sleek tail over his paws. He hoped Silverdawn and Patchwhisker would make it safely back from their journey, Being so young, Ravenpaw hadn't really paid attention to any prophecy, but it sounded eerie. *I'll have to pay closer attention if there's another prophecy,* they told themself. Ravenpaw's head started to churn out a million possibilities of what the prophecy might be, trying to remember. But eventually, he had to shake his head, jolting him back to reality - he hadn't realised he'd been staring blankly into the distance. --Ravenpaw

Thistlekit scoffed. “Right, have you ever faced a fox?” The Tom grinned and bragged. He did, even if it was his classmate, he looked like a fox. Squirrelkit cocked her head, narrowing her eyes, “And you have?” Thistlekit grinned. “Sure have. I protected my sister.” He meowed with pride. - Thistlekit

Copperkit nodded to Thistlekit's statement, She knew he was talking about the Red cat from earlier but she decided to give him this because he did protect her-Copperkit

"You mean our uncle?" Spiderkit wondered aloud, cocking her head. "Our uncle isn't scary! Actual foxes are scary, he isn't." She twitched an ear at the sounds of the Clan disbanding, then glanced over her shoulder at him. "See?? Uncle isn't scary at all!" --Spiderkit

Now exhausted from the meeting, Foxstar flicked his tail and entered into his den in order to get some rest. *Someone else can answer my calls for a bit.* --Foxstar

Copperkit laughed a bit "No Silly, not Foxstar!" *It was Firestorm-* Copper told herself-Copperkit

Greypaw felt angry and scared. Where was his mentor going? He just became an apprentice! He silently wanted to growl at the big cat who said that he was a kit. *But I really*was *a kit a moment ago...*-Greypaw

Tigerkit padded slowly toward her siblings. She had heard something about dad leaving and maybe not coming back... Is daddy going to be okay? She was about to say, but when she saw Spiderkit and Squirrelkit playing happily, she decided not to bother them. "Hey! What'cha doing?" she asked. -Tigerkit

Squirrelkit looked to her sister, ”You’re finally awake!” She purred, “Someone needs to keep this fur all in check.” She looked to her sister, then back to where Thistlekit seemed unfazed. “No, It was Firestorm, he totally attacked us and I went straight at him, claws an’ all!” He meowed with a grin, making Squirrelkit widen her eyes. “Really!!” - Squirrelkit & Thistlekit

Ravenpaw watched his mentor retreat into the leader den, flicking his ears and blinking absently. Awkwardly, they headed for the apprentice den, deciding to follow their mentor's lead and get some rest. Disappearing into the den, he found his nest and sat down in it, giving himself a good grooming. --Ravenpaw

Cottonfur yawned as she watched Foxstar leave, ”Boring.” She muttered. Looking around, she caught the silver sleek bengal pelt of the newbie, “ooooo” Finally! Something exciting! SHe padded up to the new she-cat. “Hello newbie! I’m Cottonp—fur!” She meowed. “did you find that meeting to be boring!?” She whispered quickly, hoping to be scolded. - cottonfur

"i wish i coulda seen you Thistlekit" Copper purred "I may i ran away when i thought he was a fox" Copperkit admited-Copperkit

Thistlekit fluffed his fur. “No need, it would’ve gotten messy.” He joked. - Thistlekit

"You so brave Thistlekit!" Copperkit mewed amazed at her brothers bravery "I bet soon you will be the best apprentice in Steppeclan!"-Copperkit

Thistlekit smiled to his sister, He always thought he was an awesome brother. Though he did like the notion of being popular among the apprentices, he was no coward, or baby, he had growing ambitions. Squirrelkit looked to her sister. Thistlekit was so cool! *I hope to be one of his friends!* She thought as she made a playful look to her sister. - Squirrelkit

Tigerkit smiled playfully at Squirrelkit. Emberkit, from outside the nursery where he was laying in the sun, trotted up to them. "How's it going?" he asked. Tigerkit squeaked, "Oh, just some playing. Hey, why don't we all play mossball?" Emberkit shrugged. "Or better yet," he said, "we could all play clans! I call being the leader!" Tigerkit snorted. "You always seem to get the leader. Be a warrior for once!" Emberkit rolled his eyes. -Tigerkit & Emberkit

Greypaw felt himself being tugged. He turned over and saw Lynxpaw, who was looking at the big warrior, probably because of the mean glance he gave. "Not now," Lynxpaw hissed. "Go do something. Just not that," Greypaw sighed and walked away. -Greypaw

“I’ll be the leader” Thistlekit mewed. “I think I’m the best fit, Emberkit, you can be my deputy. Squirrelkit can be the MoonClan leader.” He looked to the she-kit, who was clearly taken back. “What!? MoonClan’s stinky! Why can’t I be LakeClan leader? At least they’re nice and they like us!” She objected. Thistlekit rolled his eyes. “Sure, whatever.” Then Squirrelkit looked to Spiderkit. “Spiderkit can be my deputy!” She meowed happily. - Squirrelkit & Thistlekit

Copperkit went to her friends "I want to be CliffClan deputy!" CopperKit mewed "i mean unless any of you want to" CopperKt sighed-Copperkit

"Duh, of course I'll be deputy!" *Though LakeClan leader is tempting. I wonder if I'll take over for Uncle one day.* "Isn't CliffClan's deputy... Soarsomething?" --Spiderkit

Squirrelkit shrugged. “I dunno, isn’t ‘Soar’ a last name? Soarkit would be silly!” She chuckled. Thistlekit rolled his eyes/ - Squirrelkit

Copperkit laughed, "I heard someone say it was Nettlesoar!- i think" Copperkit thought for a momment "Could i be a SteppeClan warrior?"-Copperkit

”Of course!” Thistlekit burst. He needed his sister by his side. She was everything to him. - Thistlekit

"yay!" Copperkit mewed, "I'll be the best warrior i can be" she got into a hunting stance but fell to her side imidetly after, "Ack!"-Copperkit

from afar, Cottonfur burst in a laugh before joining the kits. “You call that a crouch? Watch this” She lowered quickly, brushing the ground with her tail and twitching her whiskers, not making a sound. - Cottonfur

"Wow!" Copperkit said amazed before tried copping Cottenfur but stumbled a little then successfully doing it "Am i doing it?" Copperkit then rolled onto her back and laughed-Copperkit

Cottonfur raised her chin with a jokers grin. “You kits are far too small to hold a pose so big.” She announced as she looked confused to where Thistlekit stared at her with unblinking eyes. He was.... odd. He then flicked his tail before getting to his paws. - Cottonfur

"Thistlekit!" Copperkit got up and walked to her brother "You should try it! your brave and strong and probably could do it"-Copperkit

“Of course I can! Do it again!” He meowed to Cottonfur, determination covered the suspicion in his eyes. When cottonfur demonstrated, he kept an eye on her and copied the pose, not exactly the same though, it seemed the Tom was a bit higher than usual. “Surprisingly, that’s close enough.” Cottonfur mewed. - Thistlekit