Start 'em Early | Kit Training, open

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    Smolderingpaw

    10 Moons + TAGS


    Pants would escape past him as he tried catching his breath again after having ran laps through the tunnels that laced throughout Darkclan's camp, he double checked that they were just the tunnels that went through camp and temporarily blocked off any that went elsewhere, after the training he'd get rid of the barrier. He swiped the dirt and grit from his face as best he could before sitting himself outside the nursery, that wasn't the only course of challenge he had set out for any kittens that wanted to join. Looking around camp there were a few obstacles out in the clearing; a 'bramble' crawl (it was really just twigs that resembled brambles but he'd call them brambles for fun), circles of moss had been set up as places for the kits to jump from on to another before they'd make their way to the stepping stone around the moss stone (he'd be waiting in the water just in case anything happened), then they'd mount the moss stone and attempt to scale down it (there was an insane amount of moss piled all around the area that the kits would be climbing for safety measures), after that there was the tunnels they'd have to navigate with their senses since it was pitch black but it would just loop back into camp (he made sure of that). It was a lot of work to set up, he had woken up just before the crack of dawn to get it all ready and then he double checked it all, going as far as to fall from the moss rock himself and onto the moss just to make sure it would cushion a fall, which it did but he was winded but he couldn't really think of a way to fix that.


    "Kits of Darkclan! Who's ready for a training session?" The Siamese would call out, the tip of his tail twitching with excitement for them. He'd have his eyes, er.. eye, upon anyone that joined.. No one was going to get hurt in this training under his watch- It'll be fun!



    Text "Speech."

    code by xredxpepperx

    NETTLEKIT

    the stinging silence

    The brown tabby padded towards Smolderingpaw at the call, tilting his head in curiosity. Well, that sounded quite fun. Smolder wasn't the type of cat to get mad at him if he did something wrong, and maybe he would get Lilykit to attend. Perhaps she would see that she will be better at being a warrior than she thought. A bit of confidence couldn't hurt her. He remembered the play-fights and games they used to play with Blossomkit and mom back when they were small, even smaller than now. He would have to wait another moon for his apprenticeship to start anyways, and he was already getting impatient.


    Wondering what sort of training it would be, he would step relatively close to the apprentice and smile, waiting for other kits to join in. The kit was fairly tall for his age, but not very big. His muscles carried his father's fighting heritage though, so he was surely a bit stronger than he thought. With a bit of luck he maybe could do quite well. And agility, hopefully he had that somewhere in him too. He was half kittypet, so maybe he'd end up as a failure anyways.


    // lmao Blossom and Nettle think they're half kittypets because of their Dad but they're actually 100% twoleg pets blood so this might be fun

    The large sentry was just there to watch as he was on edge simply from hearing the words kits and training within the same sentence. It would always put him on edge simply because of his father whom had forced kits into training and though it was not sometime similar as to this. He still remembered the consequences of that action because he had been a part of it. He had been with the kits that his father had forced to train but this had been outside of camp, this had been on Warrior's Peak. Where he had forced kits before their time to fight and to practice fighting. Trying to get them to learn skills before their time and it had caused the deaths of so many of his friends who had slipped off those rocks. There heads colliding with the sharp protruding earth and he would never forget it. His father merely said accidents happened and they were too weak anyway, tried to bury them and cover the incident but he had been caught, justice had been done and he had been marked and exiled. But it was a scene forever imprinted upon his mind and so when he heard his apprentice he couldn't help the laying flat of his own ears as he stepped forward just to spectate this event.

    *:･ﾟ✦ BLOSSOMKIT

    —— my clarity | tags *:･ﾟ✦

    Blossomkit trotted over, halting a short distance away from the weird obstacle course which had been set up. The molly narrowed her eyes sceptically - they rested upon Smolderingpaw. How bored is he, setting all of this up? Is it even safe?


    Smolderingpaw... looking at the young tom for a few more moments, she realised she recognised him. He had been one of the cats who had found her when she had first shown up in DarkClan's territory, and from what Blossomkit remembered, she hadn't been especially pleasant towards him.


    The kit had a lot of pride, and she hated admitting when she was wrong, but she did feel a harsh pang of guilt in her stomach as she looked at the apprentice. He had been trying to help her, and she had instinctively lashed out at him. She still felt as though her actions had been very justified considering the situation, but still...


    After a few moments of hesitation, the slender molly continued to trot over, mewing a greeting to Nettlekit as she reached his side, "Hi, Nettlekit!" she gave him a smile. Every time she saw her brother, she found herself in a deeper state of shock that she was actually here with him. DarkClan was nonsense to her but whenever she was with Nettlekit, things generally made a little more sense. Her thoughts became clearer and her heart lighter - Nettlekit just made her feel as though anything was possible. He had survived the rogue attack, and even though he had been seriously injured, he was still fighting, and was still being brave. She admired him - Blossomkit doubted that she would have handled things even half as well had she been in Nettlekit's position.


    The kit then focused on Smolderingpaw. "Smolderingpaw, I wanted to apologise. I was really rude to you when we first met and I just wanted to say thank you for trying to help me - and also thank you for not eating me," the white she cat let out a soft laugh. "This obstacle course looks super weird, but if Nettlekit's up for it, I might as well give it a try too." Truthfully, Blossomkit was pretty scared of the obstacle course, but she was determined to not let her fear show. No matter how much she doubted DarkClan and their lifestyle, she was determined to become a great DarkClan warrior - she was determined to prove to Nettlekit in particular that she could settle in, that she could be just as happy living as a DarkClanner as he was.


    //hahah true


    "Speech."

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    Training? With other kits? That sounded dangerous. Lilykit wasn't fond of the idea. She wasn't good at hunting or fighting. The other kits had been sparring or play hunting since they were old enough to play games. They were all somewhat experienced. She usually just sat around and watched them, too scared to approach them and too scared to play. Would they make fun of her lack of aim or her weak attacks? Would they ask why she was so scared of everything and why she didn't talk? She wasn't ready for the judgment. Usually, she was a fly on the wall, never really noticed by others and yet always there. If she made herself known, she would open herself up to other people's opinions.


    At first, she wanted to just watch and see what Smolderingpaw was going to teach the. While she trusted him and she knew that he was a good teacher, she was still unsure about everyone else. It wasn't until she saw Nettlekit walk over when she decided to join them. Maybe she could train with Nettlekit. With her two friends there, she felt safer than before. And besides, she did tell Smolderingpaw she would try harder to be braver. Not wanting to let him down, Lilykit slowly padded over to join Nettlekit. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as she thought.



    ("Speech", Thoughts)

    Smolderingpaw

    10 Moons + TAGS


    First to approach him was Nettlekit, a curious look in his amber eyes and a smile upon his maw. "I'm glad to see that you want to join in, you'll know what to do in case anyone needs patching up." The Siamese would joke lightly with the young tom, he didn't plan on letting anyone get hurt though. A hunkering white figure would place itself in the peripheral of the apprentice to which he'd turn his head to look and see his mentor taking a seat to watch- What was that look on his face though? His good feelings wavered for a moment, he knew Alpinefrost had never been one on showing emotions but.. Being the white tom's apprentice he had learned to pick up a few things. Did he not approve? If so, why didn't he say anything? Smolderingpaw would swallow a nervous lump in his throat before offering a sheepish smile to the warrior.


    A young femme voice drew his attention back to the task he had assembled, his working eye upon the white she-kit, Blossomkit. He'd chuckle at the mention of eating her, it was good to see that she could joke about that now. "It's water under the cavern," The grey detailed tom would simply state, "It's good to see you doing better and being reunited with your brother." He'd then glance at said brother and give him a light nudge. "You might want to consider preparing some herbs just in case she comes after me again." He'd stage whisper to the tabby while looking at the she-kit before giving a laugh.


    Soon enough he caught sight of another young molly approach, his gaze turning towards her and he felt a blossomed bit of pride for her as she made the steps to come over and try training. "Seems like we're all here then." The apprentice would announce before standing up onto his paws, then he'd slowly make his way towards the 'bramble' crawl just a few pawsteps away. "You'll each go through these obstacles one at a time, you can only move on once all of you have finished it. There's some training that you can do to better yourselves but.. We're a clan, a family." There was a happy glint in his steely blues as he looked at the kittens. "We have each others' back." His eyes would flicker over towards his mention briefly and felt a twist in his gut, he'd hate to do anything to displease him.. He looked up to the tom. The grey detailed tom would focus back on the three kittens, trying not to be so bothered and focus. "There's quite a few obstacles set up. First we have the 'bramble' crawl where you will crawl below the branches without touching them." His head would then tip to gesture over to the next course, "Then you'll practice hopping from one moss ball to another before you try out on the stepping stones. I'll be in the water once you all get there just in case." He'd add the last bit for reassurance then Smolderingpaw would turn his eyes to the moss stone. "Once you make it over and walk up the moss stone, you'll scale down the front of it- there's thick piles of moss all around so you won't get hurt if you fall." It wasn't that high but it could be intimating to the smaller bodies here. The Siamese would then nod his head towards the tunnel, "Lastly, you'll make your way though the tunnels. There's only one path so you don't need to worry about getting lost, the other paths are blocked off and the one path loops back out behind the medicine cat den." His optics would settle back upon the three and he'd smile lightly to them all, "I have faith that you all can complete this course, I have even moreso with the fact that you all have each other." He'd tilt his head to the side slightly before considering maybe this was too much for them.. He'd glance away briefly. "You all aren't required to participate so if you want to back out, you can."



    Text "Speech."

    code by xredxpepperx

    NETTLEKIT

    the stinging silence

    Nettlekit smiled as the warm white pelt brushed his side. Blossomkit was there, great! It always made him happy to know she was right by his side. And at least they could do this together. They would need to be physically able id the rogue came back afterall, and after the while thing about Spiderpaw happened he felt even less comfortable. That was why he was thankful to Smolderingpaw setting the course inside. He definitely would make sure they were safe. Of course Nettlekit trusted the apprentice. He was family.


    It surprised him a bit that Blossomkit mentioned him as the reason for her to join the course. Honestly, he has expected her to be the one to initiate this, just like she always made up games for them to play. Well, maybe she was a little bit more shunned after the attack... everyone much have some sort of trauma or consequence from that sort of thing. And he didn’t blame her for it.


    He wished she didn’t still feel uncomfortable about the clan though. It also took him a few weeks to accustom, but... Blossomkit voiced it more, and just for that reason it seemed more... justified. Real. Long-term. He was trying to find the right words... to say in his brain. Difficult? Important? Well, the way she said it always made it seem important... not like she talked about it, but it was always there, her quick tongue being a window to her thoughts. That was how it worked with normal cats didn’t it?


    Whatever, his mind ought to go to long tangents from time to time. Less daydreaming and more... talking to himself. Without actually talking. He was quite glad though that his sister sorted it out with Smolderingpaw. One step at a time, small steps. But in the right direction anyways.


    He noticed the warrior scanning them, ears flat against the skull. For a moment he zoned out. It scared him just a bit. Why was he looking at them... at all? He didn’t like being tested when a warrior was present. Someone who knew how to name all of the mistakes they made... it was not even Briarheart who somehow soothed him when he looked at her.


    He glanced around at his sister and Lily who recently joined. Her soft, long fur made him feel like he was less likely to bristle, which would be nice considering they would ask what was wrong and that would be a very awkward position to be in for the mute kitten. She seemed quite hesitant, and as long as he knew she didn’t seem to say anything. Hopefully she would start talking a bit more. It felt kind of weird that she could talk and didn’t. Not her fault, just... he wished her to have it better and easier than he did. Well, at least she could choose when she wanted to talk. Make her few words have weight.


    Patching up? Well, she sure hoped not. Maybe he would like to try it out on real cats, but he would rather none of his friends got hurt. Smolderingpaw was probably joking. Just trying to justify Nettlekit being there and giving him an encouraging mission, just in case... hopefully.


    The three kits might’ve been all that they had considering how old they would be. There were some kits that didn’t speak or even walk yet. But the trio would definitely be out of the nursery just in a few moons, and Nettlekit didn’t know if he felt happy or excited or scared or just... sad. At least this would show him how prepared he was, right? Or at least train them all a bit... to prepare them. It was a better feeling looking into the future knowing that he would be able to handle all he had to learn.


    He could feel Smolderingpaw nudge him which quickly blew away all of his doubts. He smiled and squinted his eyes, not chuckling since his throat would not agree. Purring and growling was alright, but there must’ve been something wrong in his neck area. He already got used to knowing it probably couldn’t be fixed... well, at least happiness translated well. At least he gave a short purr at the joke, trying to focus on what the apprentice was saying.


    It was very interesting indeed, and Smolderingpaw seemed to be very interested in it too, even excited. He must’ve worked on it hard, it seemed like a hard thing to make. Together they were stronger, and maybe Blossomkit would feel more like clan was really family. He did feel like family with all of the cats present... well, maybe it would take him a bit to warm up to the big white one. Man, he gave him chills.


    The bramble crawl seemed quite right for the kits, they were quite small and hopefully he was swift enough to do it right. It seemed easy looking at it, so why wouldn’t it be as simple? Just slide under, they were cats for StarClan’s sake, the could be as thin as a piece of paper when they would go under the fences to go out into the forest for a walk with Mom. He was pretty confident in that one.


    He wasn’t a frog perhaps, but the two next courses focused on jumping also seemed quite simple. If he had enough time, he would do them right. Just to make sure he wouldn’t slip, because unlike Storkpaw from what he’s heard, he never really tried to swim. He wasn’t a fish either.


    The moss stone sure seemed like the most interesting thing to him. He often wondered how it would feel to jump up and speak to everyone- well, of course that would ever happen, but if her survived the first few courses he probably could at least partially experience the feeling of being on top of the camp.


    He hoped they could do the tunnels all together. He would sure feel safer- and enjoy it more- if the kits could talk, well, be together awhile going through the tunnels. As if they were alone, on an adventure. Nettlekit might’ve been weird in some ways, but he definitely liked the sound of adventure, of safe adventure, or at least unsafe but with cats he trusted. Being alone still scared him, especially if he ever was to go out of camp.


    He glanced back at the two mollies with a wide smile, eyes sparkling with excitement. Yes, they would have each other. He hoped they wouldn’t back out, because he would love to share the experience. If it went right, it would probably would be the biggest fun he’s had since he’s been born. And the most fun he had since back with Mom and Blossom, playing in the back yard and goofing around with their twolegs. Blossom’s neck was still circled with the diamond necklace. Maybe it would protect them.


    //oof i’m sorry Nettle’s scared of Alpine xD

    he totally didn’t expect being a group leader but it seems he got himself a gang. of three members, but enough for a short trip amirite

    what if Blossom’s necklace gets stuck in the brambles oh no O.O

    well this was a long reply lmao

    ☾ Lets' Go Home

    An obsidian figure would seem to appear like magic beside the large form that was Alpinefrost. The equally stoic she-cat would blink in curiosity as she listened to Smolderingpaw explain the tasks the kittens were expected to complete. Her usual ghost of a smile would melt onto her maw as she relaxed beside Alpinefrost and wrapped her tail around herself, "This course must have taken a considerable amount of work, Smolderingpaw. I'm impressed." She would nod to the apprentice and then give the kittens an encouraging ear twitch before they began.



    ❝ dear fellow traveler, underneath the moon ❞

    ✧ Butting in, the feline would meow, "Hey Smolderingpaw, thanks for not eating me, too!" She flicked an ear as she approached, adding, "Actually, maybe you should. That way I won't have to worry about my Trials!" Oh gosh, what a dark joke. Was that how important the upcoming test was to her?


    As the kits began, she couldn't help but comment, "You know, I would do this with them if my behind wasn't so ... erm, curvaceous." She gave her tail a toss, shaking it once in a circle, just for the gag. She was too old to play a little game like this, she would probably tear the bramble apart and make a mess of the place. Not that she was outstandingly tall, but she definitely wasn't short, that was for sure.


    Her golden optics gleamed in glee as Nettlekit went off. Whichever part he was at now, she couldn't really tell or hear as everything too far from her face was just a blurry glob. Still, she exclaimed, "Good job, Mouse!" Yes, she still didn't know his name.

           

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    She got this. Right? No. She didn't. There were too many dangers and too many risks. What if she died? What is Nettlekit or Blossomkit died? Although the obstacle course was more than kit friendly, Lilykit was panicking. The bravery that she was feeling previously was zapped out of her. She stood there frozen as she listened to Smolderingpaw describe the course. Her eyes looked at the different stages and immediate went wide. She definitely could not do this. Lilykit formulated an extensive list of possible injuries. She could get scratched by a branch, fall into the water and drown, fall and hit her head, slip and fall and injure herself, fall and miss the moss and hurt herself, or get lost in the tunnels forever despite them being easy to follow. Or all of those could happen. Or something else entirely could happen And besides, everyone would be counting on her to finish. Smolderingpaw said that they could only move on once everyone was done. That included her. She knew she would be slow and would just make a mockery of herself.


    But he was right, they were a family. If she didn't try, she should just be dead weight to the clan. And plus, Nettlekit looked excited to do it so it might be fun. Besides, Smolderingpaw was nice enough to set this up and map out a course. She might as well thank him by doing said course. Although he did say they could opt out now if they want to, Lilykit was going to do it. She tried her best to swallow the fears as she glanced at Smolderingpaw, nodding to tell him she would do it. She smiling at Nightblaze, grateful that someone else was here to keep her safe on top of Smolderingpaw and Alpinefrost but also nervous for her to see her fail. Staring at the course, she heard Storkpaw yelling out a name. Mousekit was it? Oh right, Nettlekit. She smiled a little. It was quite a funny hearing Storkpaw mess their names up every other day.



    ("Speech", Thoughts)