Watch Your Tongue[C]

Gold is in our blood

Being the most sound-minded of his litter, it was only natural that he would check up on his siblings every now and then. Most of them could use one-- or a few-- reminders of their dignity, during daily tasks and events. Some of them, namely Falconkit and Foxkit, his... fun-loving, siblings, acted as if they had no grace and no respect for their father's name. Leopardkit couldn't imagine the shame Tigerstar must feel watching his children so carefreely destroying his pride. And thus, a few gentle reminders were due. The target of his inspection today was none other than Moosekit, his darling little sister. She, unlike their brothers, seemed a little less aware of her self, but bore no ill will. Regardless, there was something they'd have to work on today.

"Moosekit, could you come here for a moment?" Leopardkit called out to his sister, ears flicking as the only acknowledgement of the other kits' protest that he would drag away one of the group. Perhaps if they had spent less time on chasing balls of dried moss, this wouldn't be a problem. "Moosekit, what do you want to be when you grow up?" The best way to broach the subject, to him, was a gentle prompt to test where his sister was in her mind. Maybe, if she was set on being a Medicine Cat or Deputy, he could channel some motivation for her to really act the part.

Gold is in our blood

Moosekit's answer took him by surprise, and suddenly his own answer sounded much sillier. He felt his ears heat up with embarrassment as his sister asked for his opinion. Normally, he'd jump at the chance to declare his dream to be someone worthy of Father's name, but given Moosekit's own choice, it felt only fair to return it. "I want to be someone who you-- and the rest of WindClan-- can be proud of," He answered, tasting the words on his tongue. Yes, that was what he wanted, of course. Someone worthy of Tigerstar's blood, worthy of LeopardClan's name, and worthy of WindClan's glory. And someone worthy of his family's pride. He'd work hard to be that kind of cat.

"Also..." Leopardkit added in a softer voice, unsure if he should say what was on his mind. Eventually, he decided to go along with it, and told his sister, "You're already someone special to me."

Gold is in our blood

That was nice to hear, but it wasn't enough. He had to be perfect, and only then would the pride his family had for him mean anything. He'd be the best warrior, and none of them would ever go hungry, nor would any Clan dare disturb their peace. He'd drive all the other Clans out if he had to. Maybe then, Father would be truly proud of him. Moosekit could be proud of him then. Once he had saved them all.

He held no shame for admitting his love for his siblings. "I said," Leopardpaw purred, leaning forward to nuzzle his sister's cheek, "That you're already someone special to me."