Batkit wriggled out of the nursery, the sunshine making him blink. This was his first time out of the nursery. And I'm out here all by myself! Berrykit and Cherrykit squeezed next to him, their eyes wide. Well, maybe not by myself... He thought with amusement. Berrykit was a few moons older than Batkit, yet he had stayed in the nursery for most of his kithood. Partially due to Snakekit's bullying. Snakekit is so mean!
"Woah! I didn't know there were so many cats in the camp!" Cherrykit's mew was full of surprise.
"The fresh-kill pile looks so big!" Berrykit squeaked. "Do you think a squirrel will fall off and crush me?" His whiskers quivered, as though he were actually scared.
"That would be hilarious! The hunter becoming the hunted." Batkit giggled. "I wanna go explore!"
"Okay!" Berrykit stood up, racing with Batkit across the camp.
"Wait for me!" Cherrykit squealed, following her brother. Batkit was in the lead, his tail fluffed up with excitement. This is so cool! I'm like a warrior, walking around camp and making sure everyone's okay. He was so wrapped up in his excitement that he didn't see his father, Mudwave, emerging from the warrior's den.
"Watch where you put your paws." Mudwave scolded. Batkit looked up at his father. He shared the same tortoiseshell and brown fur, yet he and Batkit had never formed a strong bond. Still, he didn't want to seem like a silly young kit.
"I'm sorry!" Batkit apologized, his eyes wide. Mudwave was much bigger and stronger than Batkit. I hope he doesn't try to swat me away like an annoying fly! Mudwave snorted, trotting over to talk to Spiderfang about patrols. Batkit looked around. Berrykit was being teased by Snakekit again, and Cherrykit was mewing excitedly with Iciclekit. He was alone. He followed his father, his head high.
"Mudwave." Honeybranch motioned with her head towards Batkit. "Looks like you've got yourself a little mouse friend."
"I'm not a mouse!" Batkit protested. "I'm a warrior."
"Oh, are you?" Honeybranch mewed gently, her voice like the call of a songbird. Batkit looked up at her, not wanting to be fooled by her kind personality.
"Yes!"
Widowpaw and Foxpaw snickered, their voices less calming than Honeybranch's was, while Mushroompaw gazed at him sympathetically. Batkit scowled. "We need to go." Mudwave pushed Batkit away. Batkit frowned. I want to go on patrol with him!
"Of course. We'll go along the Seaclan border. There seems to be more and more Seaclan scent around there." Honeybranch led the large group of cats out of camp. Batkit watched them leave. One day, I will go on patrol with Mudwave. Then, we'll become best friends, and do cool father-son activities together! Like... erm... fishing! Batkit didn't notice Berrykit pouncing on his tail.
"Ow!" Batkit squeaked, although it didn't hurt.
"I'm sorry!" Berrykit's eyes grew wide with fear.
"I'm fine, don't worry!" Batkit assured him. Berrykit let out a sigh of relief.
"Wanna play clan leaders with Eggkit and me?"
"Eggkit and I." Morningsun padded over and gave Berrykit a wet lick, to which he wiped off his head with a small "gross!". "And it will have to wait. Berrykit, you're almost an apprentice. Therefore, it should be time to talk to you about your father."
"My father!" He echoed, his eyes wide. Batkit immediately began to follow Berrykit, but Morningsun pushed him away.
"This is for Berrykit's ears only." She mewed gently. "Why don't you go play with Mudwave?"
