Warrior cats - The approaching storm : Dusk rising

ch.8

The sun hung high in the sky, casting warm rays over the ShellClan camp. Duskkit, Hawkkit, Moonkit, and Flarekit tumbled about, their playful antics echoing through the clearing. They were in the midst of a lively game, pretending to be fierce warriors defending their territory from imaginary invaders.

Suddenly, Falconstar strode into the camp, his eyes narrowing as he watched the kits roll and chase each other. The sharpness in his gaze cut through the lighthearted atmosphere.

"Look at you trashes," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Playing like a bunch of foolish prey. How useless you all are, especially this, Duskkit." His gaze cut through Duskkit's heart, why did he have to be so rotten at him?

Duskkit's heart sank, and the laughter of his friends faded. "We're just having fun, Falconstar!" Hawkkit called out, trying to maintain his spirit. "Kits need to play!"

"Play?" Falconstar scoffed, his tone harsh. "You think this nonsense prepares you for anything? Kits are useless! You're wasting your time while warriors are preparing for battle. If you want to be warriors, you need to act like it. Stop pretending and start training!"

Hawkkit stepped forward, his fur bristling. "We may be kits, but we're not useless! We're learning how to be brave, just like you!"

"Brave?" Falconstar retorted, his voice cutting like a claw. "Bravery isn't about running around and pretending to fight. It's about facing real danger, something you wouldn't understand. You're just playing at being warriors while the rest of us bear the weight of real responsibility."

Moonkit, her eyes wide with indignation, added, "We'll grow up to be strong! You were a kit once, too. Did you think you could skip playtime?"

Flarekit joined in, her voice steady. "Yeah! You can't expect us to be warriors overnight. Everyone has to start somewhere!"

Falconstar's expression hardened. "You think this is a game? The world outside these borders is filled with threats. You'll learn the hard way that play doesn't prepare you for what's to come. You're lucky to be here at all. I should have buried you with Firewing." He rolled his eyes.

Duskkit felt a surge of anger and sadness but also a pang of fear, he felt like a sharp edge had cut through him, he didn't dare retort thinking of the threat he made during his confrontation. Moonkit flared eyes glaring, "We're not trying to undermine you, Falconstar! We just want to enjoy being kits. We'll train when the time comes!" She protested.

"Enjoyment won't save you when danger strikes," Falconstar barked. "You'll see. You think you're ready for the world? You're not even ready for a simple patrol, let alone a real fight. Get your heads out of the cotton candy and sweet mothers!"

The harshness of his words stung, and Duskkit felt a wave of frustration wash over him. His friends looked equally hurt, but they stood firm beside him, united in their defense.

"We may be kits, but we're not weak!" Hawkkit shouted back, surprising even Duskkitwith the strength of his voice. "We'll prove you wrong!"

Falconstar stared at them, his expression unreadable. For a moment, the tension hung thick in the air. Then he turned sharply to Duskkit, his claw unsheathed. He shrank backwards, head dropping. "Bow to me!" Falconstar growled, his eyes unreadable. Duskkit obeyed.

He glanced at his friends, "follow him, from now on you will obey to me!" The kit took a pace backwards, eyes flashing "no!" They yowled. He raised his claw, eyes flaring, he was going to do a killing blow when the medicine cat, Frostleap leaped forward, "what do you think you're doing?" He meowed sharply.

As Duskkit bowed, he felt the weight of Falconstar's words and his authority, but he also felt the fire of his friends beside him. They were ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to grow stronger together or...... will Duskkit lead them to death?