xx.//That Time Again

[Brambles]

The crips winter air stung the throat of a jet black tom that separated himself from the shadows of his den. The Clan leader glanced around the camp, pale green optisc glittering with the coming announcement. It pained the tom, though, to know that only the four kits's father, Stormwing, would be there to see them become apprentices. Stormwing's mate, Lilacaroma, had died giving birth to the kits. It had taken a toll on the black tom's son, but he was strong. Dragonstar lept to the largest part of the High Branch, where leaders before him had called the meetings of the Clan. The red patch of fur upon Dragonstar's chest rippled as the toms' gruff voice rang out, 'Let all those old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the High Branch for a Clan meeting!'

Stormwing lifted his head from gray paws, staring blankly at his father, who stood upon the High Branch calling for the Clan. The tom sighed heavly and heaved himself to his paws, glancing back at his four kits. Tailkit was already on her paws, redish-black fur sticking out in all different places from sleep.

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[rem<EMBER me]

Fogbreeze's ears swiveled towards Dragonstar as he called the clan over to the High Branch. The dark gray tom stretched slowly before pushing himself to his paws and padding over to watch the ceremonies take place. He sat down right in front of the High Branch and looked around. He could see Stormwing's four kits as they awaited their apprentice ceremonies. The time had flown since he had helped Stormwing carry the kits back to camp after they were born. It seemed like they had grown so fast. Just like my own kits. He thought. They seem to get bigger every time I look at them.

Thunderfoot emerged from the warrior's den, his eyes half closed with sleep. He looked around the clearing, his maw spread in a yawn. Then he padded over to sit beside Fogbreeze, his green eyes searching the camp for Twilightstrike. I wonder where she is? He thought.

Shadowkit nudged Tailkit gently, a smile on his face. "This is going to be so great!" He meowed, his voice cracking from his excitement. His green eyes were gleaming happily as he thought of finally being an apprentice.

Mistkit padded out of the nursery too, sitting down not too far from it. She looked over at her father, Fogbreeze, sitting beneath the High Branch. Her gray eyes were expressionless, just like his always were.