"Welcome to the Elder's den, kits. First time out of the den? Let me tell you a story.."

"Oh, please, no. Not another one of your stories, Blossommist!" Groaned a tabby tom. The elder merely twitched an ear, glancing back at her denmate.

"Oh, you want to tell one? Go ahead, Thorn-in-paw."

The tom laughed. "You know that's not my name. Although I can't do worse than you at storytelling, I'm afraid I'd rather nap in the sun. Why don't you ask Littleflower?"

From the shadows of the den, a tiny black she-cat emerged, her fur turning reddish-brown in the sunlight.

"I'd love to." She purred softly, the kits staring open mouthed at her.

As the Thornfang left the den, Blossommist settled down with a grunt.

"Go ahead." He stared at her, waiting for her to begin.

"Alright. Let's begin at the beginning. It was my apprentice ceremony." Littleflower became fully engrossed in the story, and spared no detail.

"There wasn't a single cloud in the sky. My sister Stormkit and I padded up at the beckoning of our leade-"

"Ashstar, right?" One of the kits asked, curious it's in her amber gaze.

"No, mousebrain! Ashstar hasn't been leader for that long!" Her brother protested, cuffing her over the head with sheathed claws. Rosekit bared her teeth, her hackles raising angrily.

"Shhh, settle down. I won't tell the story if you keep interrupting!" Littleflower reprimanded, her gentle tone full of amusement. The kits, successfully chastised, ducked their heads and sat back down.

"Okay, I'll continue. Cloudstar, our old leader, was staring down at us with warmth in his gaze as he apprenticed us. I got this grouchy old cat, Toadleap, for a mentor."

Even as she insulted him, fondness shown in her gaze.

"He showed me the territory, with Stormpaw and her mentor trailing behind us. We went so far! I got to see Four-trees, and so much more. On our way back, we were so busy planning tomorrow's training, we forgot to check our surroundings. Suddenly, we heard a rustle in the bushes. As our mentors got in a defensive position, a red muzzle popped out of the undergrowth, snarling. It drooled as it advanced on us. Our mentors realized that they couldn't fight it and protect us at the same time.

'Run!' They shouted, shoving us away. I pulled my sister to her paws, and we ran as fast as we could. She was right behind me, or so I thought. I looked back, and she was running straight for the fox, which had badly injured her mentor. 'No!' I shouted, ramming into her side as she charged. She collapsed to the ground beside me, and I started dragging her away by the scruff, fighting for each pawstep.

'Run, you mouse-brain!' I snarled, pushing her towards camp. 'Go get help!' As she ran, I risked a glance behind me. That mange-pelted fox had Toadstep cornered, and I ran at the fox. Exactly as my sister had done, I suppose. While he was distracted, I leapt onto the fox's head and started raking my claws down his muzzle. I let out all my fury, until the fox was running away, blinded, tail tucked between his legs. That was when the rescue patrol arrived, my sister at the front, staring at me in horror. Suddenly, the world started spinning. The last thing I remember was collapsing in a pool of my own blood."

Littleflower finished dramatically. The tom-kit's mouth was agape, and he sneaked out, "Oh, no! Did you die?"

"Look who's mouse-brained now, Emberkit." The she-cat smirked, batting his ears.

"No, I didn't die, thanks to Silverdapple, our loyal medicine cat. Now, go back to you mother, I'll tell you the rest tomorrow."

"But I want to hear it now!" Wailed Emberkit, his sister nodding in agreement.

"And I want to be young and fit again, but that's not going to happen." Blossommist purred, ushering them out of the den.

"Kits." She groaned, her eyes sparkling with affection. Littleflower nodded, receding back into her nest in the shadowy corner of the den.

I'm trying to work on my detail skills, so I'm going to be posting shorts like this occasionally…. - Might continue this story, I'm starting to like Rosekit… Please feel free to leave constructive criticism. Honesty, please. Also, please keep in mind that there is a different between constructive criticism and saying, 'You suck at this, you can't be an author because you suck, so find a different hobby.' Just bear that in mind, folks. (; I adore all my loyal readers, and welcome to any newcomers!

~Dawny