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Description

Featherkit and Blazekit are both wrestling in the nursery while Brambleleaf and Spottedpelt both watch over them. Spottedpelt is washing herself, her beautiful dappled coat shimmering in the sunlight at the edge of the nursery cave, while Brambleleaf is keeping an eye on her only kit, Swankit. Swankit is a moon younger than Blazekit and Featherkit. Both kits tried to encourage the white kit to play with them, but Swankit always holds herself back, too shy to talk to them. Blazekit wondered if Swankit didn't like them much because he and his sister were both rogues. A twinge of sadness swept through the orange kit. It's not fair. Nobody is giving me or my sister a chance, just because we have rogue blood.

Blazekit broke off from Featherkit, who looked at her brother in confusion. He stared at Swankit with his large, blue eyes, and padded in a corner of the cave, washing his paws in the darkness. Featherkit tilted her head, looking confused, but he didn't want to talk to his sister.

Brambleleaf looked up from her kit to Blazekit. "Swankit isn't judging you, little one," the queen tried to comfort him. "She's just really shy. She's been like this since she was born." That was true. Ever since Swankit had been born, she didn't really want to talk to the other kits much, except when she was with her mother, Brambleleaf.

"Yeah, right," Blazekit flattened her ears. "She probably hates me as much as the others do. Just because I'm a rogue." He saw his sister flinch.

Swankit curled up deeper into her mother's brown fur, while Brambleleaf nuzzled her without answering him. Blazekit's fur bristled with jealousy. At least Swankit has a mother that cares about her. I know Brambleleaf and Spottedpelt are faking it, because we're not their real kits. They're just forced to take care of us until we become 'paws.

"Am I allowed to come in?" A deep voice murmured. Foxstar's head was poked into the nursery, and Featherkit let out a squeak of joy. She padded over to their Clan leader, nuzzling him. Ever since his real parents had left, Foxstar was practically like a father to the rogue kits, using the little time he has during the day to see the two kits. Foxstar purred and lapped at Featherkit's head, then padded into the nursery.

"Hmm, I'm not sure," Brambleleaf teased. "I think the Clan leader has a lot of work to do, doesn't he?" She stood up and nuzzled Foxstar. "How are you doing, Foxstar?"

"The Clan is fine," Foxstar murmured. "Everyone is at peace." The orange tom nuzzled Brambleleaf back. "We were just beginning to eat together as a Clan. Does anyone want to join?"

Spottedpelt arched her back and stretched her toes, yawning. "I'd love to join," she murmured, heading out of the nursery. Brambleleaf hesitated. "I don't want to leave Swankit by herself.."

"We can take care of her!" Featherkit hopped next to Swankit, who crouched down in silence. "She won't be alone if she's with us." Featherkit purred at Swankit, though, as usual, the white kit didn't say anything. Blazekit snorted at her silence.

"If you're sure.. I'm just going to get something to eat and stretch my legs," Brambleleaf murmured. "I won't be too long, alright, my kits?" She nuzzled Swankit, who nuzzled her mother back, then to Featherkit and Blazekit. "You're loved, little one," Brambleleaf whispered to Blazekit. "Don't let any mean cats make you think the opposite. I know you're not my real kit, but I love you and Featherkit, all the same." The brown tabby stretched her legs and began to pad out of the nursery with Spottedpelt.

Foxstar blinked at Blazekit. "What Brambleleaf says is true," he mewed to Blazekit, nuzzling the little tom. "You are loved in the Clan. And if you ever need to talk to anyone, you can talk to me. I will always be there for you, Blazekit."

"Me too?" Featherkit squeaked, padding over to the Clan leader.

Foxstar chuckled. "Yes, Featherkit, you too." He nuzzled the pale kit and then headed out of the nursery. "Take care of Swankit."

Blazekit and Featherkit both weren't hungry. They ate some prey earlier, so Blazekit continued to wash his paws. Swankit remained silent as Featherkit was telling her all about the herbs Leaftail had told her earlier the other day. The tom sighed. I know Foxstar and Brambleleaf mean well, but sometimes it feels like some cats here in the Clan hates me just because I'm a rogue.

After a few minutes of silence, Swankit padded over to Featherkit, and Blazekit wondered if the white kit felt encouraged by his sister's kindness to go and play with her. Featherkit let out a squeak of happiness as she realized that Swankit was trying to build up the courage to play with the two rogue-kits.

But Mousepaw and Strikepaw both entered the den, their jaws full of moss. Blazekit whipped around and flattened his ears. Oh, great! It's those bullies again. I'd rather do my own bedding than let them mess with mine. I bet they'd put a thorn in it on purpose!

Mousepaw dropped his pile of moss and sneered at Blazekit. "Look, it's the stray," he sneered. "What are you doing here with a Clan kit? Go outside where you belong, stray-kit!" Mousepaw pushed Blazekit, who let out a snarl. "Don't touch me!"

Strikepaw growled and padded over to Featherkit and Swankit. Swankit shrank back, looking very confused and scared, while Featherkit let out a hiss of annoyance. She padded towards Strikepaw, who was two times bigger than her. Blazekit gulped. Strikepaw always intimidated him. Be careful, Featherkit!

"You're such a pathetic mouse-brain," Strikepaw teased, showing his teeth. "Swankit, why are you wasting your time with these two rogue-kits? You're a real Clan cat, unlike these two. You should stay away from them, unless you want to catch their rogue blood disease!"

Swankit remained silent, looking down at her paws. Featherkit spat, "There's nothing wrong with having rogue blood! It's not our fault our parents were rogues."

Blazekit took a step forward. "Why are you always bullying us, Strikepaw?" It was a genuine question. "We haven't done anything to you. You always pick on us for no reason!"

"The reason doesn't matter," Strikepaw snarled. "And anyway, it's time we taught you two a lesson." The tabby unsheathed his claws. "One you'll remember."

Blazekit and Featherkit froze. What was he going to do?

Mousepaw unsheathed his own claws, and both toms lunged. Blazekit and Featherkit both squeak in terror. Swankit's eyes were wide in absolute horror, and crouched at the back of the den, shivering in fear. Blazekit and Featherkit dodged Mousepaw's claws, but Strikepaw grabbed Blazekit by the scruff. Blazekit let out a snarl, "Put me down, you bully!"

Strikepaw purred with amusement and looked at Mousepaw, who flattened his ears and padded toward the orange tom. "Don't worry, we won't hurt you too much," he purred. "Not enough for the queens to see, but enough to prick and feel the pain."

Blazekit struggled from the tom's teeth, and he let out a squeak. But Strikepaw held his grip on tight. Featherkit stared in terror. "Leave my brother alone!"

Mousepaw scraped his claw down Blazekit's leg, and he winced. It wasn't enough to open up a wound, more like a scrape, but it still hurt. He let out a his of pain as Mousepaw continued to scratch the orange tom. Featherkit couldn't take this anymore and tackled Strikepaw, who was caught off guard. Blazekit had been released from the tom's grip and he turned around, unsheathing his claws and letting out a snarl. Blazekit leaped at the tom, with fury in his eyes.

"Blazekit, no!" Featherkit squeaked in horror.

Blazekit barely heard her cry. He slashed at Strikepaw's cheek, drawing blood. It was enough to show a visible scratch, and he couldn't help but purr with satisfaction. A permanent scar should be enough to show this bully how it's really done. Blazekit bared his teeth, but Strikepaw easily knocked the kit off.

"You'll pay for this, rogue!" Strikepaw snarled, ears flattened in anger. Mousepaw let out a snarl and padded next to Strikepaw by his side. Blazekit stood next to Featherkit, protectively. I won't let them hurt us!

A few moments later, a loud squeak of horror was heard from the entrance. "What is going on here?" Brambleleaf squeaked, heading into the nursery. She passed the two 'paws, knocking them down, and headed over to Swankit, licking her face. "She's frozen in fear! What happened?!"

Spottedpelt's eyes were wide, and Foxstar entered the nursery, his green eyes wide with shock. "What in the name of StarClan happened while we were gone? We leave for a few minutes, only to come back with blood in the nursery!"

"Blood?" Foxstar sniffed the air. He narrowed his eyes toward the two 'paws. "What happened here?" The leader's voice was cold. Strikepaw stood up, his fur bristled with anger. Blazekit gave his bully a smug look. "That stupid rogue attacked me!" Blazekit snarled in anger. "I am not a rogue!"

"That's enough!" Foxstar snapped at Blazekit, then looked back at Strikepaw. "Strikepaw, what happened? Why do you have blood on your cheek, and why is Swankit frozen in fear? What in the world happened?"

"Blazekit attacked Strikepaw." Mousepaw stood on his paws and stared at the kit. Blazekit's legs felt like jelly. Only because Strikepaw attacked us! He couldn't believe that Mousepaw was acting as if he had started it first. "We were trying to clean the bedding, and-"

"That's a lie," Foxstar's voice was cold. "I want the truth, Mousepaw. What really happened?"

Mousepaw flinched, and Blazekit couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. Serves you right!

Mousepaw took a deep breath. "Fine. We attacked Blazekit first, and that's why there's a scratch on Strikepaw's cheek." He stared at Strikepaw, who glared at his paws. "We were teasing him and Blazekit got angry and attacked us. I don't know why Swankit is frozen in fear. I guess she got shocked by our attack."

Foxstar's fur bristled, and Blazekit could tell that the Clan leader was trying to remain calm.

"How could you do this?" Brambleleaf screeched, protecting her kit with her tail. "You frightened my kit! You could have really hurt Blazekit and Featherkit!"

"Brambleleaf, calm down," Foxstar ordered. He turned to Mousepaw and Strikepaw. "Get out of here at once, and don't think you're going to get away with this. You'll be punished for attacking kits. Mousepaw," he hissed, while the young tom was crouched down in anger and fear, "I want you and your mentor in my den. Strikepaw, you too. Now."

Mousepaw and Strikepaw flattened their ears, and both glared at Blazekit as if they blamed him for their punishment. Blazekit didn't care. He was just glad that they were finally getting what they deserved. He was about to go wash his wounds when Foxstar stopped him. "Blazekit."

Blazekit stopped. He turned to the Clan leader.

"I am disappointed in you. You let your anger get the best of yourself, and attacked Strikepaw." Foxstar began. Blazekit's jaws dropped. "But that's not fair! He attacked me first! You'd have defended yourself too if-"

"You should have asked for a grown cat, like me or Brambleleaf for help when they came in here," Foxstar narrowed his eyes. "I understand that you were provoked into a fight, but you should not have given in. That act alone just gave Strikepaw and Mousepaw more of a reason to hurt you."

Blazekit hung his head. He was right. He probably just gave these two annoying 'paws a better reason to hate him. But then he stood up. Well, I don't care! I'm sure that if a rogue attacked Foxstar, he would've done the same thing. I know I didn't handle this right, but at least I tried to stand up for myself and my sister.

"Are we in trouble?" Featherkit asked, looking scared. Foxstar sighed and nuzzled her. "No, you are not," he murmured. "Next time, try to ask for one of the queens to solve this instead of solving it on your own. You or Swankit should have asked for Spottedpelt or Brambleleaf to step in and help."

"Yes, that would have been a much more peaceful solution," Brambleleaf looked up from her kit, who seemed calmer now. Blazekit snorted and glared at Swankit. She could have helped us. Swankit could have went out to grab one of the queens, but she held back in fear. I was hurt because she didn't help. A growl rose in his throat, and Swankit looked at him. He was sure he saw guilt in her eyes, but he turned his head away, not wanting to talk to her.

"Don't worry," Foxstar licked Blazekit. "You're not in trouble. Just try to act like the bigger one in the future, alright? Don't let them get to you, Blazekit. And I'll take care of them as soon as I leave the nursery." The Clan leader stared at everyone for a moment, then turned to leave. Blazekit stared after him, feeling hollow. It feels like the bullying will never stop, even if Foxstar does punish them. He knew that the rivalry between him, Strikepaw and Mousepaw wasn't over. But he felt more disappointed that Swankit didn't do anything to help support them while he was unable to defend himself against Strikepaw.

Description

Featherkit and Blazekit are both wrestling in the nursery while Brambleleaf and Spottedpelt both watch over them. Spottedpelt is washing herself, her beautiful dappled coat shimmering in the sunlight at the edge of the nursery cave, while Brambleleaf is keeping an eye on her only kit, Swankit. Swankit is a moon younger than Blazekit and Featherkit. Both kits tried to encourage the white kit to play with them, but Swankit always holds herself back, too shy to talk to them. Blazekit wondered if Swankit didn't like them much because he and his sister were both rogues. A twinge of sadness swept through the orange kit. It's not fair. Nobody is giving me or my sister a chance, just because we have rogue blood.

Blazekit broke off from Featherkit, who looked at her brother in confusion. He stared at Swankit with his large, blue eyes, and padded in a corner of the cave, washing his paws in the darkness. Featherkit tilted her head, looking confused, but he didn't want to talk to his sister.

Brambleleaf looked up from her kit to Blazekit. "Swankit isn't judging you, little one," the queen tried to comfort him. "She's just really shy. She's been like this since she was born." That was true. Ever since Swankit had been born, she didn't really want to talk to the other kits much, except when she was with her mother, Brambleleaf.

"Yeah, right," Blazekit flattened her ears. "She probably hates me as much as the others do. Just because I'm a rogue." He saw his sister flinch.

Swankit curled up deeper into her mother's brown fur, while Brambleleaf nuzzled her without answering him. Blazekit's fur bristled with jealousy. At least Swankit has a mother that cares about her. I know Brambleleaf and Spottedpelt are faking it, because we're not their real kits. They're just forced to take care of us until we become 'paws.

"Am I allowed to come in?" A deep voice murmured. Foxstar's head was poked into the nursery, and Featherkit let out a squeak of joy. She padded over to their Clan leader, nuzzling him. Ever since his real parents had left, Foxstar was practically like a father to the rogue kits, using the little time he has during the day to see the two kits. Foxstar purred and lapped at Featherkit's head, then padded into the nursery.

"Hmm, I'm not sure," Brambleleaf teased. "I think the Clan leader has a lot of work to do, doesn't he?" She stood up and nuzzled Foxstar. "How are you doing, Foxstar?"

"The Clan is fine," Foxstar murmured. "Everyone is at peace." The orange tom nuzzled Brambleleaf back. "We were just beginning to eat together as a Clan. Does anyone want to join?"

Spottedpelt arched her back and stretched her toes, yawning. "I'd love to join," she murmured, heading out of the nursery. Brambleleaf hesitated. "I don't want to leave Swankit by herself.."

"We can take care of her!" Featherkit hopped next to Swankit, who crouched down in silence. "She won't be alone if she's with us." Featherkit purred at Swankit, though, as usual, the white kit didn't say anything. Blazekit snorted at her silence.

"If you're sure.. I'm just going to get something to eat and stretch my legs," Brambleleaf murmured. "I won't be too long, alright, my kits?" She nuzzled Swankit, who nuzzled her mother back, then to Featherkit and Blazekit. "You're loved, little one," Brambleleaf whispered to Blazekit. "Don't let any mean cats make you think the opposite. I know you're not my real kit, but I love you and Featherkit, all the same." The brown tabby stretched her legs and began to pad out of the nursery with Spottedpelt.

Foxstar blinked at Blazekit. "What Brambleleaf says is true," he mewed to Blazekit, nuzzling the little tom. "You are loved in the Clan. And if you ever need to talk to anyone, you can talk to me. I will always be there for you, Blazekit."

"Me too?" Featherkit squeaked, padding over to the Clan leader.

Foxstar chuckled. "Yes, Featherkit, you too." He nuzzled the pale kit and then headed out of the nursery. "Take care of Swankit."

Blazekit and Featherkit both weren't hungry. They ate some prey earlier, so Blazekit continued to wash his paws. Swankit remained silent as Featherkit was telling her all about the herbs Leaftail had told her earlier the other day. The tom sighed. I know Foxstar and Brambleleaf mean well, but sometimes it feels like some cats here in the Clan hates me just because I'm a rogue.

After a few minutes of silence, Swankit padded over to Featherkit, and Blazekit wondered if the white kit felt encouraged by his sister's kindness to go and play with her. Featherkit let out a squeak of happiness as she realized that Swankit was trying to build up the courage to play with the two rogue-kits.

But Mousepaw and Strikepaw both entered the den, their jaws full of moss. Blazekit whipped around and flattened his ears. Oh, great! It's those bullies again. I'd rather do my own bedding than let them mess with mine. I bet they'd put a thorn in it on purpose!

Mousepaw dropped his pile of moss and sneered at Blazekit. "Look, it's the stray," he sneered. "What are you doing here with a Clan kit? Go outside where you belong, stray-kit!" Mousepaw pushed Blazekit, who let out a snarl. "Don't touch me!"

Strikepaw growled and padded over to Featherkit and Swankit. Swankit shrank back, looking very confused and scared, while Featherkit let out a hiss of annoyance. She padded towards Strikepaw, who was two times bigger than her. Blazekit gulped. Strikepaw always intimidated him. Be careful, Featherkit!

"You're such a pathetic mouse-brain," Strikepaw teased, showing his teeth. "Swankit, why are you wasting your time with these two rogue-kits? You're a real Clan cat, unlike these two. You should stay away from them, unless you want to catch their rogue blood disease!"

Swankit remained silent, looking down at her paws. Featherkit spat, "There's nothing wrong with having rogue blood! It's not our fault our parents were rogues."

Blazekit took a step forward. "Why are you always bullying us, Strikepaw?" It was a genuine question. "We haven't done anything to you. You always pick on us for no reason!"

"The reason doesn't matter," Strikepaw snarled. "And anyway, it's time we taught you two a lesson." The tabby unsheathed his claws. "One you'll remember."

Blazekit and Featherkit froze. What was he going to do?

Mousepaw unsheathed his own claws, and both toms lunged. Blazekit and Featherkit both squeak in terror. Swankit's eyes were wide in absolute horror, and crouched at the back of the den, shivering in fear. Blazekit and Featherkit dodged Mousepaw's claws, but Strikepaw grabbed Blazekit by the scruff. Blazekit let out a snarl, "Put me down, you bully!"

Strikepaw purred with amusement and looked at Mousepaw, who flattened his ears and padded toward the orange tom. "Don't worry, we won't hurt you too much," he purred. "Not enough for the queens to see, but enough to prick and feel the pain."

Blazekit struggled from the tom's teeth, and he let out a squeak. But Strikepaw held his grip on tight. Featherkit stared in terror. "Leave my brother alone!"

Mousepaw scraped his claw down Blazekit's leg, and he winced. It wasn't enough to open up a wound, more like a scrape, but it still hurt. He let out a his of pain as Mousepaw continued to scratch the orange tom. Featherkit couldn't take this anymore and tackled Strikepaw, who was caught off guard. Blazekit had been released from the tom's grip and he turned around, unsheathing his claws and letting out a snarl. Blazekit leaped at the tom, with fury in his eyes.

"Blazekit, no!" Featherkit squeaked in horror.

Blazekit barely heard her cry. He slashed at Strikepaw's cheek, drawing blood. It was enough to show a visible scratch, and he couldn't help but purr with satisfaction. A permanent scar should be enough to show this bully how it's really done. Blazekit bared his teeth, but Strikepaw easily knocked the kit off.

"You'll pay for this, rogue!" Strikepaw snarled, ears flattened in anger. Mousepaw let out a snarl and padded next to Strikepaw by his side. Blazekit stood next to Featherkit, protectively. I won't let them hurt us!

A few moments later, a loud squeak of horror was heard from the entrance. "What is going on here?" Brambleleaf squeaked, heading into the nursery. She passed the two 'paws, knocking them down, and headed over to Swankit, licking her face. "She's frozen in fear! What happened?!"

Spottedpelt's eyes were wide, and Foxstar entered the nursery, his green eyes wide with shock. "What in the name of StarClan happened while we were gone? We leave for a few minutes, only to come back with blood in the nursery!"

"Blood?" Foxstar sniffed the air. He narrowed his eyes toward the two 'paws. "What happened here?" The leader's voice was cold. Strikepaw stood up, his fur bristled with anger. Blazekit gave his bully a smug look. "That stupid rogue attacked me!" Blazekit snarled in anger. "I am not a rogue!"

"That's enough!" Foxstar snapped at Blazekit, then looked back at Strikepaw. "Strikepaw, what happened? Why do you have blood on your cheek, and why is Swankit frozen in fear? What in the world happened?"

"Blazekit attacked Strikepaw." Mousepaw stood on his paws and stared at the kit. Blazekit's legs felt like jelly. Only because Strikepaw attacked us! He couldn't believe that Mousepaw was acting as if he had started it first. "We were trying to clean the bedding, and-"

"That's a lie," Foxstar's voice was cold. "I want the truth, Mousepaw. What really happened?"

Mousepaw flinched, and Blazekit couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. Serves you right!

Mousepaw took a deep breath. "Fine. We attacked Blazekit first, and that's why there's a scratch on Strikepaw's cheek." He stared at Strikepaw, who glared at his paws. "We were teasing him and Blazekit got angry and attacked us. I don't know why Swankit is frozen in fear. I guess she got shocked by our attack."

Foxstar's fur bristled, and Blazekit could tell that the Clan leader was trying to remain calm.

"How could you do this?" Brambleleaf screeched, protecting her kit with her tail. "You frightened my kit! You could have really hurt Blazekit and Featherkit!"

"Brambleleaf, calm down," Foxstar ordered. He turned to Mousepaw and Strikepaw. "Get out of here at once, and don't think you're going to get away with this. You'll be punished for attacking kits. Mousepaw," he hissed, while the young tom was crouched down in anger and fear, "I want you and your mentor in my den. Strikepaw, you too. Now."

Mousepaw and Strikepaw flattened their ears, and both glared at Blazekit as if they blamed him for their punishment. Blazekit didn't care. He was just glad that they were finally getting what they deserved. He was about to go wash his wounds when Foxstar stopped him. "Blazekit."

Blazekit stopped. He turned to the Clan leader.

"I am disappointed in you. You let your anger get the best of yourself, and attacked Strikepaw." Foxstar began. Blazekit's jaws dropped. "But that's not fair! He attacked me first! You'd have defended yourself too if-"

"You should have asked for a grown cat, like me or Brambleleaf for help when they came in here," Foxstar narrowed his eyes. "I understand that you were provoked into a fight, but you should not have given in. That act alone just gave Strikepaw and Mousepaw more of a reason to hurt you."

Blazekit hung his head. He was right. He probably just gave these two annoying 'paws a better reason to hate him. But then he stood up. Well, I don't care! I'm sure that if a rogue attacked Foxstar, he would've done the same thing. I know I didn't handle this right, but at least I tried to stand up for myself and my sister.

"Are we in trouble?" Featherkit asked, looking scared. Foxstar sighed and nuzzled her. "No, you are not," he murmured. "Next time, try to ask for one of the queens to solve this instead of solving it on your own. You or Swankit should have asked for Spottedpelt or Brambleleaf to step in and help."

"Yes, that would have been a much more peaceful solution," Brambleleaf looked up from her kit, who seemed calmer now. Blazekit snorted and glared at Swankit. She could have helped us. Swankit could have went out to grab one of the queens, but she held back in fear. I was hurt because she didn't help. A growl rose in his throat, and Swankit looked at him. He was sure he saw guilt in her eyes, but he turned his head away, not wanting to talk to her.

"Don't worry," Foxstar licked Blazekit. "You're not in trouble. Just try to act like the bigger one in the future, alright? Don't let them get to you, Blazekit. And I'll take care of them as soon as I leave the nursery." The Clan leader stared at everyone for a moment, then turned to leave. Blazekit stared after him, feeling hollow. It feels like the bullying will never stop, even if Foxstar does punish them. He knew that the rivalry between him, Strikepaw and Mousepaw wasn't over. But he felt more disappointed that Swankit didn't do anything to help support them while he was unable to defend himself against Strikepaw.