first steps [open]

At three moons old, Slatesong was tired of spending all her time fussing over burningkit. As Burningkit began to rise, a grumble escaped Slatesong’s mouth. “Burningkit, Burningkit,” she cooed gently as the tom awoke. Large blue saucers stared up at the queen curiosity peppered on the young kit’s face, Slatesong smiled gently. ”good morning,” she meowed quietly Why don’t you explore today, hm? it is a nice day out, and you could make some friends. wouldn’t that be nice, Burningkit? Besides i’m tired, have fun without me for once.” Burningkit’s ears perked up excitedly, he’d left the nursery only once or twice before to see his father or to explore with his mother, but never on his own - it seemed like a big responsibility Slatesong was entrusting to him. ”Really?” he meowed. Slatesong nodded with a yawn, and curled inwards eager to resume her sleep.

Not needing to be told twice, Burningkit jumped over his mother, tumbling over as he did so, and bumbled into camp on paws much too large for him. Despite the growing clouds, the sun shone through and the morning was warm. The grass in camp was damp from the dew, and the camp seemed to be waking up gradually becoming busier and busier. Burningkit puffed out his chest, he couldn’t wait to be an apprentice so he could take part in the hustle before his eyes. Above him, a leaf so similar in colour to the ginger of his fur drifted down, and full of morning energy and eager to play, Burningkit pounced on it.

pausing his assault on the leaf, Burningkit’s gaze turned towards the approaching warrior. He considered the other cat carefully, rising from his crouched position, and making himself look a little more dignified. Burningkit watched as Forestbreeze knocked one of the dancing leaves off course, causing it to flutter onto his head. The younger tom let out a loud giggle. The warrior introduced himself, and Burningkit’s grin widened, he was talking to a real warrior! He willed his voice to sound as strong as he could muster “I’m Burningkit.” he meowed matter of factly.

Several seconds went by, and the leaf atop Forestbreeze’s head kept drawing more and more attention to itself. Burningkit’s rear wiggled, he wanted nothing more than to knock the leaf off the other cat’s head. But he shouldn’t, it’d be rude, but it would be so fun. Burningkit struggled with his internal fight glancing between Forestbreeze, and the leaf. Suddenly, Burningkit sprang forward, kicking the leaf from Forestbreeze’s head and pinning it to the ground. Ha! he exclaimed triumphantly.

He looked backup at Forestbreeze as the warrior began to speak, immediately embarrassed by actions, but it was soon replaced with pride as Forestbreeze complimented his pelt. “Thanks! he meowed, puffing his chest out “I get it from my father. He’s a warrior, probably the best in ShadowClan. I’m gonna be just like him.