Antlers and Feathers {warriors fan-story}

Chapter 2

Elkkit padded out into the bright sunlight, blinking against the sudden warmth that bathed the camp. For the first time, he felt a flicker of excitement stir in his chest as he gazed around the bustling clearing, eager to find someone who would want to play.

Elkkit's paws itched with anticipation as he scanned the camp. His gaze quickly landed on Mouseface. The brown pointed warrior at a little distance away, nervously grooming his fur and glancing around as if checking for danger. The sight made Elkkit's heart swell with affection. His father's cautious demeanor was comforting, but Elkkit wondered what it would be like if he was less timid.

Bounding over to the warrior made Mouseface flinch a little, but seeing Elkkit, the warrior was immediately put to ease and smiled warmly at him "Morning Elkkit" he purred. Elkkit's face lit up and a smile beamed across his face, flicking his tail up in a cheery greeting "Papa! Can we play?" Elkkit's voice was hopeful as he bounced on his paws in excitement, Mouseface was leading or attending patrols most of the time, Elkkit never got to play with him! This could be so fun!

Mouseface widened his eyes to get a better look at Elkkit, his somewhat cautious ad meek expression shifting to one of warmth and delight as he spotted his kin. At the mention of play, Mouseface flicked an ear, and when he replied, he sounded rather hesitant but also rather cheerful and willing.

"Play? Well... I suppose a little game wouldn't hurt" His voiced wavered slightly, casting a sidewards glance at Falconsnap, who had picked up a mouse and stalked away back into the nursery. But he shook away the worry and glanced back at Elkkit with an encouraging expressions as he met Elkkit's eager gaze

Elkkit's mind raced for something he would be able to do with with warrior, but then when and idea struck him, his ears perked out and he fluffed out his chest with confidence. "I bet I can catch you! I'm the best hunter in the nursery!" he called out, trying not to remember the fact he wasn't quick enough to catch the bug within the nursery walls.

His body crouched low, his eyes glinting with determination, ready to prove his speed to his father. Mouseface's gaze softened and he let out a gentle purr a soft smile pulling at the lips of his short muzzle "Alright then, Elkkit. Just remember, it's all in good fun"

Mouseface then bounded up to his paws and bounced around, allowing Elkkit to chase him while keeping an eye on the kit and his surroundings, it was as if his instincts ever vigilant. 

Elkkit's laughter bubbled up as he dashed after Mouseface as fast as his tiny white paws could carry him, the thrill of the chase filling him with energy. Mouseface, while pretending to run away, made sure Elkkit could keep up, a small smile curling his lips as he watched how happy Elkkit was while chasing after him.

Eventually, Mouseface slowed his speed, allowing Elkkit to leap at his tail, pinning it down to the ground with his paws. "Got you, Papa!" He called out, his eyes sparkling with triumph. Mouseface plopped down onto the ground and lowered his chin letting out a dramatic huff. "Oh no, you've bested me, mighty warrior!"

The warrior then dropped to his side in mock defeat and Elkkit let out a loud giggle, waddling over to Mouseface and pressing his nose against the lanky tom's muzzle. Though as Elkkit was about to speak again, he noticed his littermates, Fawnkit and Weaselkit, leaving the nursery. Two ginger point kits in tow.

The smaller kits had eyes, bright with curiosity and the darker ginger tom's eyes filled with a hint of mischief. Basilkit, the lighter of the two, mostly known for being a rather polite yet soft-spoken kit, was the first to greet Elkkit. "Hello Elkkit, What are you doing?" before Elkkit could answer Basilkit's question, Weaselkit bounded in beside her "Are you playing? Can we join?" he asked with excitement in his eyes.