Growing

[Thistle]

The gray tabby tom watched with interest as the kits of the Nursery began sizing eachother up again. His green eyes reflected in amusement how much of their time was spent thinking about taking down the "competition" for the best places in the hierarchy. Battlekit himself was thinking about it. He was almost postitive that he would become the leader, but a little voice in the back of his mind reminded him, you would be certain to be leader if you made a team with Stealthkit. Battlekit shook his head angrily at this thought. The most recent argument between the brothers was still coolling over, and Battlekit was not about to ask for Stealthkit's help when they weren't talking to eachother. Of course, he feud would only last until tomorrow, and then they would start plotting to overthrow Calmkit's uncertain position as Nursery leader. Battlekit was sure that if either he or Stealthkit beame leader, Calmkit would become Deputy or Trusted warrior of sorts. They would give her a high position just to ensure her loyalty, since Battlekit was certain that Calmkit would remain loyal to any cat who acted as though they would treat her with respect.

Battlekit then looked to his competition for Deputy if Stealthkit became leader. The most likely cats that would ever present a challenge would be Wrathkit, Furykit, and Calmkit. The white and ginger kits would never pose an even remote amount of threat to his and his brother's tak over of the Nursery. Wrathkit could easily be taken over; he was more of a follower, and Calmkit would happily settle for Deputy, but Furykit? The young tom didn't know much about her, other than the fact that he could see she was always plotting in her mind. She might pose a threat, and might not.

Battlekit now chuckled as he watched Jaguarstripe's kits being plucked out of their nest and made to sit still while she groomed them. Talonswipe/Falconswoop (?) didn't bother with grooming her sons much anymore. They pretty much took care of themselves at this point, though she insisted on it sometimes. Battlekit gave his pelt a smug little wash, though the way he performed it would only look smug to a kit. To a full grown cat it would look as he always looked; emotionless. Battlekit turned his thoughts back to the kit hierarchy, thinking hard of who he would take on first. If he wanted the position of leader right away, he would go for Calmkit, and then simply turn away any attempts to overthrow him. With Steaalthkit by his side they were unbeatable, as long as they didn't get into another fight along the way. Just in case they did, Battlekit could always promise Calmkit a high position.

---

The little, depressed bundle of bright ginger fur that made up the lone kit of Harefoot and Snakestrike's shivered under the gaze of the younger kits of Jaguartripe. She lifted her head a little wearily and then let it fall to her paws again. She looked like a TimberClanner, she felt like a TimberClanner, and she would have been great if she was a TimberClanner. She looked around out of the corner of her eyes, and, seeing her mother nearby, scooted a bit closer to her to be shielded from the gazes of hatred coming from Furykit and Wrathkit.

[Scorchstar]

Hookclaw entered the den with freshkill hanging from her jaws. Tossing a piece to Mistcloud, then one to Jaguarstripe she sat down with a much littler piece for herself. The kits had been fed what little morsels they could earlier. Once she had gulped down her two bites Hookclaw padded over to Jaguarstripe as she groomed her kits. " Jaguarstripe, I do believe it is time we give our kits the talk. All the kits the talk, besides Mistcloud's litter. Would you do the honors?" Knowing that Jaguarstripe wouldn't take a moment of extra time before spitting out the rules of the Nursery Hierarchy and beginning the games Hookclaw had to gather up her litter. Roughly she picked up Clawkit, Lonekit, and Frostkit. Setting all three of them in front of Jaguarstripe she turned and headed over to the rest. Emberkit, Battlekit, and Stealthkit were next to be placed. "Would you like me to brief the current leader while you give the rest the talk?" Hookclaw wouldn't touch Jaguarstripe's kits as she was here and it would be a dishonor to handle the kits of the deputy or any queen that was present for that matter.

Calmkit watched calmly, for lack of a more original word, as the kits were gathered up. She remembered her talk, just a moon or so ago. It would be interesting to see this mass talk with the deputy herself giving it, she had just gotten it from her mother. Probably just another disadvantage of not being one of the plan kits. She hated that they were treated like gods when they hadn't done a thing yet to prove that. These kithood memories would end up pushing Calmkit even harder than she was already planning on working to become a respected warrior, she'd prove that she was just as good if not better of a ScarClanner than these kits.

Strikekit closed his eyes and silently purred, because he had realized that no sound would come out, as his mother's rough tongue rolled over his fur. He was certainly one of those odd kits that couldn't help but adore any attention they ever recieved from their mother. Maybe it was because he knew that the Clan would eventually realize that he lacked an important area of skill, but he hoped that his mother would stand up for him. As Mistcloud spoke with his mother he moved up and sat next to Frostkit, looking to his mother.

Frostkit nearly jumped out of his fur as Hookclaw picked him up. Once he was set down he looked around, wondering what exactly was happening and why he and all the kits were being moved. He figured that he'd find out soon enough, it couldn't be bad since he wasn't the only one here. Were they finally getting the talk? His claws unsheathed a bit, he wanted to show these kits that he was more than they let him be. He would rise, or fall, but he would challenge and fight no matter the outcome.

[This is probably short but I'm being lazy and don't want to talk about each kit <<]

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[.:{Crag}:.]

Jaguarstripe finished grooming her last kit, and looked up to find Hookclaw tossing her a piece of fresh kill. Nodding her thanks, the deputy bent her head and took a small bite. It was a simple, thin mouse. She had always felt guilty about eating during Leafbare, especially in this state where she had no way to hunt and help feed the clan. After all, why should she get to eat so often when all she did was sit around the Nursery all day? Jaguarstripe ignored her silently growling stomach and ate only half the mouse, pushing the remainder to Harefoot. This would save another piece of prey that could be spent on an Elder or the Medicine Cat. The small she-cat's ears perked when Hookclaw began to speak. Ah, the time had come at last! "Yes, inform Calmkit of her knew competition." She meowed evenly. Jaguarstripe sat up and glanced at her litter, flicking her tail for them to line up (in straight lines) next to their den mates. This was done for stern talks, like when the litter got into trouble, and would be done again before the litters first trip outside of the Nursery. Even the order was predetermined: Wrathkit, Strikekit, Thunderkit, Furykit, then finally Warkit. Thunderkit was purposely set in the middle, so it was harder for him to misbehave. He would be right in front of his mother's nose.

Jaguarstripe waited until the kits were all gathered. Then, dark brown eyes hard as stone, she began to speak,

"All of you who stand before me were brought on this Earth for a purpose, as you know." The deputy scanned the kits before her, "You are the future of ScarClan, and, unlike the other clans, we start getting ready for Clan life right here in the Nursery." Jaguarstripe held her head high, proud that her kits were finally ready for such an important step in their lives. Emberkit and Frostkit... Well... they would be dealt with accordingly by her litter. Most likely the lowly warriors, if the leader would allow them to grasp such a high position. "You have all been anticipating this for a long time. It is time to start the competition for the Nursery Hierarchy." A pause for dramatic effect followed, Jaguarstripe's facade still emotionless, "Everyone will be your rival until the clan is set up. You may not decline a challenge, and bloodshed must be kept to a minimum. This is a very important step in your lives. Gaining a high position here in the Nursery will help Scorchstar decide your mentors." She scanned the 'crowd' once again, as if searching for weaknesses herself, "This is not something to blow off as not important. It will help you prepare for your lives in ScarClan."

The deputy noticed Harefoot look up, obviously worried for her daughter. Jaguarstripe almost shuddered from the amount of emotion she was showing. "In order to overtake someone's position, you must beat them in a fight. To do this you must pin them down, and although this does not have to be done in front of another, just remember how important honesty is. It is more honorable to go down and admit it than try to hide that you have lost." Dark brown eyes stared blankly at Thunderkit. She wasn't trying to hide the fact that this is exactly what he expected him to do, "And don't forget, the leader's word is law. The competition will start immediately." Having finished the speech, Jaguarstripe watched intently to see how the kits would handle the situation.

---

Furykit had seen this coming. Keeping her emotions cool, she padded silently over to her spot between Thunderkit and Warkit, trying not to slouch as she watched Calmkit size them up. Soon, that she-cat would be under her paws; she didn't care about their age difference. Adrenaline already pulsing through her veins, Furykit attempted to appear calm and collected. She was still struggling to keep her emotions in check, being a kit. Claws unsheathed, she stole a glance at Wrathkit. He stared straight ahead at Jaguarstripe, not even a twitch in his whiskers. How could he not be excited about this?! Immediately the she-cat began to plan her way to power. Obviously, her first target would have to be Calmkit. But, then again... everyone would be wanting to go for her. So, it would be smarter to catch someone else by surprise. Facade stone-like, Furykit stared straight ahead and planned who to overthrow first. It would probably be a good idea to get on Wrathkit's side. If she could prove to him that she would keep Thunderkit in line, he would make a great deputy.

Clawkit seemed smart, but he did he have the mind set to be a deputy? Or his brother, Lonekit? Stealthkit didn't seem to be ready to unsheathe his claws right away, but then again that could be a good quality in a deputy. Actually, it would be a very good quality in a deputy. If Furykit had to choose someone now, he would be her choice. There was still the matter of who to attack first, though. She had already eliminated Calmkit, because everyone would be going after her. No, Furykit was smarter than that. She wasn't about to jump into battle like a mousebrained fool.

----

Wrathkit took his place at the left side of the line. He was calm on the outside and inside about this whole process, because he felt it would only be to his advantage not to be jumpy. The whole while his mother was talking, he was calmly pondering how to go about everything. Calmkit would be someone's first instinct not to attack(unless you actually thought you would be the only one going for her). But that is exactly why Wrathkit was considering attempting to overthrow her first. No one would go after her, because everyone thought everyone else would go after her. The eldest of Jaguarstripe's litter noticed Furykit's glance over to him. An alliance with her would be ideal, but he would certainly have to think it through first. It was every cat for himself here.

---

Warkit stared blankly ahead, wondering vaguely if he should team up with Thunderkit. They had potential together, with Warkit's speed and Thunderkit's strength. Dark brown eyes stayed on his mother, watching her lips move and listening to every word she said. This was important, because his mentor; the cat that would shape him for warriorhood, would be determined by this Nursery Hierarchy. Of course Warkit already knew this, but it was nerve racking to think about. What if he ended up at the bottom of the litter? The tom shuddered slightly.

Would he end up being mentored by... Lynxtail...?

[Thistle]

Battlekit's spirit soared with happiness. Finally! They were finally going to be told about the hierarchy. Not that it was too hard to understand; most kits already knew about it anyway. The tabby tom's green eyes were impossible to read, though if one looked closely they would see that there was a tiny flicker of anticipation deep in his pupils. His claws worked silently and motionlessly at the moss beneath his paws, and he turned his head slightly in each direction to see better his foes out of the corners of his eyes. Calmkit was going to be easy to overcome, and then he would get her on his side, and his brother would be easy to suade in another day; their feuds lasted very short, and when they had a common goal it was easier to work together.

But Battlekit was not going to go about this the ordinary way. Oh, no, he had a plan. This sly tom would let the other kits take care of the others like Calmkit, and he would act like he only wanted to be deputy. Then, when they had their backs turned, he would overthrow them as easily as it was to overcome that lousy apprentice. By the time he was finished with this Nursery, every cat in the Clan would be wanting him for their apprentice! He was definitelty a better candidate than some -cough-Thunder War-cough- and was the strongest kit in the Nursery. The Clan would be his for the taking, as long as he played his cards right!

Battlekit could almost imagine what he would tell his brother and Furykit the next day. Stealthkit, he would begin, I have the start of a plan that only needs your help to become a reality! Yes, that would do quite nicely. Then, Furykit. You know, Furykit, I always thought that you would be the best for position of Nursery Leader. Do you mind if I support you for now? Perfect! He and Stealthkit could then come up with a plan later to "stab her in the back" so to speak,.

Emberkit sat in a small ball by Jaguarstripe, careful not to make contact with any of the other kits. But she looked around, taking in all there was to see, though not looking as though she was thinking of challenging anyone. Emberkit's one useful gift was the fact that she could instantly figure out anny of the other kits emotions, having watched them for so long. She could feel the worries of Warkit as he thought of Lynxtail, the calmness of Wrathkit as he wondered how he should go about this, and the anticipation that was coming off of Battlekit's pelt like the smell of decaying leaves would reach the nose of a medicine cat. But when she looked at the gray tom, the ginger kit could not see anything in his face past the glassy looking eyes.

[Scorchstar]

Hookclaw nodded to Jaguarstripe as she was given the ok to speak with Calmkit. It was kind of odd that she was about to speak with the halfsister of her own kits, her precious Clawkit, Lonekit, and Frostkit. She probably wasn't as quick to judge her own son as badly as the rest of the Nursery and Clan was, after all he was her son and would always be so. She couldn't help but have motherly faith in the little guy. Who knew, maybe he would come to surprise everyone. Afterall, she had, hadn't she? No one could doubt her skill and she was treated with the respect of a Senior Warrior and had gained the right a long time ago. Though it would obviously be harder for a pure white cat than it had been for her. She had at least a touch of another color.

Coming to sit in front of Calmkit she dipped her head slightly. It was customary for the queens of the Nursery to respect the Nursery Hierarchy. If they didn't some of the kits were bound to not take it seriously, even if it really did affect their standing in later life. "Well Calmkit, you already know about the Hierarchy, after all you have been a part of it for the last two moons. Now you must prepare yourself, no longer will you only have your brother as competition. Now you must deal with the likes of every other kit in the Nursery. So I am here to reiterate to you the fact that you cannot decline a challenge and warn you that your spot is the toughest of all. Every single kit in this Nursery, in some way wants your spot, so one of them will be the brave on to step up to you first. Good luck, Calmkit." Bowing once more she completed her own speech in perfect unison with Jaguarstripe, now it was only a matter of time before the currently plotting kits put their plans into action.

Calmkit kept her gaze on Hookclaw as she approached, and didn't make a sound as she listened to what Hookclaw had to say. She took a moment to marvel at the fact that the two Queens finished their speeches in perfect unison. Someday she would be able to cause this same awe and wonderment as she felt to younger cats. In order to do this she must secure a position and make sure that it was a good one, that was all she cared about in this whol Hierarchy thing. She didn't need the best, just enough to get her a great mentor so she could get out and gain actually ranking and respect. Now all she needed to do was secure a deputy position with whomever wished to overtake her.

Lonekit listened silently as his aunt gave them the details of the Hierarchy. He as much as the next guy wanted to earn a good position. Though it would be a while before he even considered challenging anyone. He need to observe before he rashly stepped into a fight, that was his stand point. Besides the fact that he often didn't interact much to begin with. He was just as his mother decided to name him, Lone in everything that he did. He was determined to succeed however, no matte what issues life threw to him. he would make a proper warrior out of himself yet.

Strikekit sat straight backed and silent in his place in line as he listened carefully to his mother's words. Every rule and regulation locked safely into his memory. He was ready to fight, he was ready to prove his worth. He was ready to step passed the disadvantage to life that he had been given. Once Jaguarstripe had finished speaking he got ready to go over to challenge Calmkit immediately. As he turned on his heel in a military like fashion he stopped halfway to his destination. How was he expected to challenge? He turned his head a bit, ears down ever so slightly however much he wished they wouldn't lower. Turning once more he trudged back to his mother and lay down, placing his head on his paws. He had been defeated before he even reached his opponent. Hopefully his mother wouldn't ask him questions about it, he obviously wouldn't be able to answer.

Frostkit listened eagerly as Jaguarstripe began to give the details of how the Hierarchy worked and what the important things to know about it were. This would help in the future, but for nwow he would have to make due with this being his way to prove himself. he was much more than fighting, but if this was all he had he would make it work. That was who he was, an improvising kit. Once her speech came to a close he turned towards calmkit, rubbing his paw over his ear quickly to make his direction not relevant. They would all laugh if they knew what he was planning. He would've been the first to attack Calmkit, if it hadn't been for the fact that everyone was probably planning to attack the first to overwhelm Calmkit.

Thunderkit slouched over a bit in his spot, Strikekit and Furykit both ramming into either side so he straightened. This was the usual way things went, he smiled slyly as jaguarstripe gave them the freedom to finally join in the Hierarchy rush. He wasn't afraid to show his emotions as everyone else in the Clan was, no he was constantly pushing the envelope to see how far he could get with everyone. A moment before his mother finished speaking Thunderkit turned around and trotted over to Calmkit. " Let's get this show on the road." A smirk was placed on his face and he didn't make an effort to show her the proper respect.

Calmkit leaped off of her rock and stood in a challenging position in front of Thunderkit. She should've figured that the annoying hairball would be the first. It was in his nature to jump right into things without thinking. So she would meet his challenge with open paws. She'd have pleasure in winning this challenge, she wouldn't want to lose this one. "Your challenge has been accepted."

Thunderkit made the first move, he'd rather take a direct approach any day over sitting their planning. So it was only natural that as Calmkit accepted the challenge that he was the first to attack. She dodged his first move, a smirk crossed his face again and his paw swung right into her new location. He may have been fast-paced and rash but he was no idiot. As she stopped to try and recover Thunderkit slid under her and pushed up sending her flying in a confused heap to one side. She stood shakily and let out a hiss, now it was her turn to let fury and rashness overtake her. Right as Thunderkit had expected. he may not have looked very clever, more the guy you woulod expect to never have a plan, but more than not he used that as his advantage in a plan.

He easily side-stepped the landing of her rash move, swiping his paw, claws slightly unsheathed, he hit her head. She jumped swiftly to the other side than what he had expected, barreling into him he was surprised at her ferocity. Ripping at his ear Thunderkit let out a snarl as he knocked her around. Once he gained the top position it was all over, no matter how she struggled Thunderkit's pure strength was enough to keep her down. Thank you, mother. It was her constant punishments that helped this along.

Calmkit lay defeated under Thunderkit's weight and strength, together seemingly unbeatable. She had put up a decent fight, but that meant nothing to her as she had lost. To the hugest piece of foxdung in the den. Her eyes narrowed and she stood up slowly and padded away as the spar came to an end. Her reign had ended much more quickly than she thought and not at all by the cat she had expected.

Thunderkit let her up once she quit struggling, they all knew he had won. Once there was nothing for your opponent to do that pretty much ended the spar. No cat needed to be told those instinctive rules. With a short sniff he padded over to the leader's rock and jumped up. Flicking his tail for Warkit to come over, he waited unusually patiently for the cat he was about to make Deputy. It wouldn't be much of a surprise to anyone, it was a smart choice though.

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[.:{Crag}:.]

Jaguarstripe watched with interest at her offspring's reactions to the speech. Right away the she-cat saw Strikekit start toward Calmkit. She lifted her head and watched, tail waiving back and forth, before her son turned on his heel and returned back to her. Jaguarstripe blinked. That was rather... strange. Did he get nervous and turn back? The deputy wondered what could be wrong enough to stop him from challenging. She didn't have much time to think, though, because Thunderkit was now heading for the Nursery leader. The ego maniac challenged Calmkit, and the two began to spar. Facade stone like, Jaguarstripe watched, tail waving back and forth calmly. Her wishes of Thunderkit's loss were not apparent on her outside appearance. Her eyes stayed as they were as he overpowered the smaller Calmkit, taking the position of the Nursery leader. The tom padded over to announce his deputy, Warkit.

Jaguarstripe couldn't help but feel proud that her son was the first to challenge. Although she would have preferred a different son, Thunderkit was still part of her litter. The litter that would be the utmost pride of ScarClan; like she and her brothers were. The deputy looked down to see Strikekit still next to her. Jaguarstripe looked down at him for a few moments, wondering what was wrong with him.

"Strikekit, why are you not participating?" The she-cat asked while scanning the rest of the Nursery. She was sure he was plotting, but then again, why would he walk halfway to Calmkit then abruptly turn back?

--

After seeing Calmkit be defeated, Wrathkit only wanted to overthrow his brother that much more. He narrowed his eyes as the over confident tom took his place as leader, flicking his tail for Warkit to join him. Well, that wasn't surprising. Everyone knew the two brothers had always been close, and he was a decent choice of deputy. The combination of speed and strength would surely make them a great team, and Warkit's loyalty to Thunderkit would only make him that much harder to beat. Wrathkit lashed his tail in anger, the one emotion that ScarClanners were allowed to show. He flexed his claws but kept himself calm, not wanting to tip off Thunderkit just yet. No, Wrathkit was no fool, he wouldn't attack now. That would be exactly what his brother was expecting. Instead, Wrathkit sat, wrapping his tail calmly around his paws, and watched Warkit pad up and sit next to Thunderkit.

--

Furykit had to use all of her willpower not to leap out and claw at Thunderkit. What an annoying furball, and now he was leader. She narrowed her eyes and glared at him, not caring if he noticed or if she would get attacked or something because of it. She was sure no one in the den wanted him at the top of the Nursery, so he hopefully wouldn't be leader for long. Furykit wasn't in the mindset to challenge today, she knew. At a young age the she-cat had learned never to attack out of anger; your decisions are much too rash. No, she was no fool, she would wait for the right time. When he was least expecting it. Furykit suspected that was Wrathkit's plan as well. Even with his irritation toward the tom, he was never rash about anything.

At least she wasn't at the bottom, and never would be. Furykit stole a quick glance at Frostkit again. He and Emberkit would automatically be at the bottom of the Hierarchy; so no one would bother challenging them. She almost purred at the thought of Thunderkit being beaten by one of these undesirables. It would humiliate him, and Jaguarstripe would be furious. Her litter was to be at the peak of the Hierarchy, that was the plan. Furykit sat just a little bit taller, being careful not to slouch, and let her eyes turn to stone again. Practice makes perfect, and perfect is ScarClan.

--

Ragekit watched as Calmkit was overthrown. He felt a pang of sympathy for her, forgetting once again to hide the emotion from his bright green eyes. The tom had never fully grasped the concept of ScarClan's ways. Instead he was always the one to get in trouble for letting his tail droop when sad, or tremble when frightened. Ragekit's staring at the ground habit had only gotten worse; he felt that if no one could see his eyes they wouldn't be able to see the emotions he was feeling. So eye contact was frequently avoided, much to his mother's distaste. The tom concentrated on his paws like usual, insecurity simply sitting in a haze around him. Ragekit would probably challenge someone easier, but would never truly be the best of the best.

[Thistle]

Battlekit watched with interest as Strikekit made for Calmkit. To the tom's surprise, he turned back halfway there and returned to his seat beside his mother. Perhaps he was nervous? No, Strikekit didn't seem like the kind to get cold feet. Planning something different? Could be, but to Battlekit the most likely thing seemed to be that something was not quite right with Strikekit. But he didn't dwell on it much, and instead turned his attention to the mousebrained fool who ended up being the one to challenge first. To the surprise of Battekit, and probably everyone else as well, Thunderkit overthrew Clamkit. This was unexpected to Battlekit, though what happened next wasn't.Warkit was obviously the only cat Thunderkit trusted enough for a deputy. The next thing the tabby kit noticed was the wave of anger that Wrathkit showed through a lash of the tail. That young tom must really hate his brother to not be proud of him.

Battlekit turned his attention away from the others, turning to his brother. The dark brown tabby tom was watching with interest as well. Battlekit suddenly got the feeling of following Stealthkit instead of leading. It was a weird thing about his brother, he had such a feeling of leadership about himthat you couldn't help but want to follow his comman.

Stealthkit felt the leaf green eyes of Battlekit on his pelt and turned to meet his gaze. His bright green eyes were set of well by the dark brown pelt, and he was quite the handsome kit. The black stripes on his pelt were barely noticeable in the dim light of the Nursery, and his strength was apparent in his muscles. His anger at Battlekit had quite faded by now, as he was too excited about the hierarchy to think about hating his brother's guts. He could tell that they both wanted the power of Nursery leader, and he stood and flicked his tail for his brother to follow him back to their nest at the other side of the Nursery. Battlekit obediantly followed, as Stealthkit knew he would. Battlekit was always intimidated by the charisma that Stealthkit had.

Stealthkit settled himself down in the moss and waited for his gray tabby brother to sit beside him. Battlekit did so and waited for Stealthkit to begin speaking. "Battlekit," he began, "I know we both want power. And we make a perfect team when we're not fighting. I believe it's time for us to put aside the differences we think we have and concentrate on defeating Thunderkit and Warkit, though I thnk they might actually be beaten before tomorrow. In any case, I can't think of a better cat to help and to help me than you."

Battlekit nodded slowly. "I have been feeling the same way. With my strength and your brains, we could easily take over. I was thinking we should wait and see who's leader and deputy tomorrow, though, before we start. It would be easy to take out Thunderkit and Warkit, but if they are taken out before tomorrow, then we should see who it is that takes over." Stealthkit nodded for him to continue. "We should show support for Wrathkit and Furykit," Battlekit went on, lowering his voice to make sure no one heard him. "Then when they least expect it, we could simply 'stab them in the back' so to speak." Stealthkit nodded in agreement.

"It's settled then."

[Scorchstar]

Strikekit closed his molten gaze, trying to wish away with all his might this thing that kept him from being all that he knew he could be. Now he looked like some coward that was unable to follow through with what he was going to do. It killed him inside when he missed out on things just because he wasn't able to speak up, that he was being held back by some punishment of StarClan when he had never done anything to deserve it. Were his parents at some fault? Was he being punished for some crime that had been committed long, long ago? His tail slashed in silent anger, that was the only thing that it could ever be. Silent. That was all he was, his biggest flaw would become the thing that everyone associated him with. Oh you mean that mute kit? Have the mute apprentice do it. He'll be perfect, they won't hear him coming at all, silence is in his blood. He opened his eyes halfway and laid his head down on his paws. It hurt him inside to no end. He could never tell anyone that it did though.

Strikekit watched Thunderkit as he quickly overpowered Calmkit and took his place on top of the ledge as the new leader of the Nursery. He turned his head to the side and closed his eyes again, trying to hide the jealousy that he could for once feel radiating off of his eyes. that should have been him, that was all he could think of as Warkit made his way to Thunderkit's side. Utterly defeated before he had even begun, that was a feeling he wished upon no one. He was proud of his brother, he didn't even care that every other cat in the Nursery, save Warkit, had wanted to fail.

His thoughts were interrupted as Jaguarstripe spoke to him. Looking to her he opened his mouth, but closed it a second later and dejectedly stared at his paws as he shrugged his shoulders. She would figure it out soon enough, whether she did it in front of the entire Nursery or did it in a more casual way was yet to be seen. He didn't really care for getting embarrassed by her speaking up about it in front of everyone after just failing to challenge Calmkit. That would be terrible and he probably would be more prone to feeling awkward in the future if she did so.

Calmkit suppressed a sigh as she trotted over to Ragekit, "You going to try anything? I'm sure if you did you could make it to trusted warrior or senior warrior or whatever it's called. I'm just going to wait for someone to approach me about being their deputy, hopefully someone does. I really, really want a good mentor." Calmkit stopped for a moment to catch her breath, no one else should be able to hear her, except for Ragekit. It was obvious that this entire thing was exciting for her, this is what she had waited for since she could first walk. Looking to Ragekit with no emotion she waited for him to give an answer or enter the conversation with her.

Lonekit slunk around a corner as he blended with the shadows, this was his greatest skill to offer. No one could doubt that he had more skill than anyone with blending into the surroundings, in fact he had tested it out more than once to listen in on conversations. Curiosity was used to his advantage, if he saw something that looked interesting he would carefully and patiently sneak up and learn. Knowledge was the greatest weapon he could ever hope for in this lifetime. So as he saw Stealthkit lead Battlekit over to their nest, he slunk secretly along in the shadows to listen to what they had to say.

His ears twitched with interest as he made himself invisible in the shadows. So the two brothers were planning a takeover, a little bit of backstabbing and a whole lot of power. Smirking his quick mind began to work, and soon a pretty good plan was beginning to form. He would never let onto it and as he stepped tall and proud from the shadows he walked between the two. "Well, this plan of yours sounds interesting enough, mind if I offer I assistance?" Laying down between the two he crossed his paws and looked betwen the two, not a fleck of emotion showing. This was going to be fun.

Thunderkit waited patiently for his favorite brother, the one brother that was fuming mad about his rise to power as Wrathkit was. "Warkit, I name you my deputy." That was simple enough and as he patted the seat next to him with a paw he waited for Warkit to joinhim before he began to talk.They needed to prepare for the next attack and try to pick out who they believed would be the next to try and overthrow their rule. Together speed and strength united they would be pretty close to unstoppable. The simple fact of rule however, was that there was always planning and whomever did the better job would come out on top. So he would surprise everyone and not overconfidently not worry about a thing. "We have some work to do."

Frostkit was not happy at all to see that overconfident prick, Thunderkit, become the next leader. He would wait, patiently wait to overthrow someone. He needed a plan, he also needed to assess the weaknesses of each of the teams. Obviously the Nursery would split into teams and he wouldn't be surprised at all if at one time the entire Nursery ended up in a mock battle trying to take over the entire Hierarchy. He would be at the bottom unless he proved them all that he was just as good as them, he needed their respect. No one wanted an unproved white kit on their side, he needed to show them all that he wasn't useless as they all assumed. He would show them that he was worth the Nursery that he shared with them, he was no TimberClanner.

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[.:{Crag}:.]

Jaguarstripe looked down at her son, hiding the confusion trying to push itself into her gaze. She had always assumed Strikekit was simply shy, but not talking to her was beyond shy... it was... The deputy jerked her head upward, hurting her neck in the process. She desperately searched through her memory. It couldn't be true... not her kit! Jaguarstripe closed her eyes. Please, StarClan, let him ramble on about his long, complicated plan... But nothing came. The queen wanted to yowl with grief. She couldn't have given birth to a.. a mute tom! How was this even possible? His mother had been in the prime of health, his father the leader of ScarClan! How, StarClan, how? Jaguarstripe still hadn't moved, but was staring at her kit, eyes knowing. Never had she heard Strikekit speak, not once. He had always been obedient. She hadn't thought much of it...

"Strikekit... Please speak to me." The deputy knew nothing would come, but she desperately wanted to be wrong. She wanted her kit to laugh at her, tell her that she was being funny. Feeling emotion leak into her eyes, Jaguarstripe quickly closed them and allowed the feeling to go no further. Even at a time like this, she would never let herself sink to that level.

--

"You going to try anything? I'm sure if you did you could make it to trusted warrior or senior warrior or whatever it's called. I'm just going to wait for someone to approach me about being their deputy, hopefully someone does. I really, really want a good mentor."

Ragekit tilted his head. For once, he felt like the calm, collected one. Suppressing a purr of amusement, he stared at his rambling sister, never having seen her so excited. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Probably try and just get on the good side of whoever is leader." To most, this would seem like a foolish plan, but if you thought about it, it really was not. Keeping each leader on your good side and being loyal to them would almost guarantee a respected warrior position without having to do much. "And Calmkit, I never thought I'd have to say this, but calm down." Ragekit purred, keeping his voice low so his mother, or worse, Jaguarstripe, heard him making a joke. It wasn't so much the joke that would get him in trouble, but the clear purr that he had just made. He looked over his shoulder for a moment, just to be sure.

--

Warkit held his head high, happily accepting the position of deputy to Thunderkit. He wouldn't try to overthrow him, of course. They were a team, and would stay that way. After all, his brother would support him as leader... wouldn't he? Warkit shook the thought away and took his place next to Thunderkit, eyes stone like and ready to keep his position. Unsheathing his claws, Warkit challenged anyone who wanted to overthrow him or his leader.


[[Super super super super pathetic x.x But I am muse-less when it comes to posting right now, and this was forced upon me. *glares at Scorch*]]

[Thistle]

"Well, this plan of yours sounds interesting enough, mind if I offer I assistance?"

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As soon as Battlekit heard the appearance of Lonekit, he had sprung to his paws, while Stealthkit had calmly placed the tip of his tail on his brother's tabby shoulder and listened to what Lonekit had to say. Exchanging glances with Battlekit, the tabby kit had sat back down and the brother's began regarding Lonekit closely. They didn't know much about him, other than he had a miserable fate to be related to the white dung and the schmuck with a white tail. But there was nothing wrong with Lonekit. They could almost read eachother's minds as Stealthkit nodded. "Alright then."

Battlekit narrowed his eyes at the newcomer. He couldn't be sure if Lonekit would betray them or not. And he didn't like the feeling of having a kit as their colleague when they barely knew anything about him. It was risky. But the only way they could ever be sure was if they agreed to let him join them. Battlekit knew that the more cats they had on their side, the easier it would be to stay in the lead. His paws were itching to attack Thunderkit rght then and there, but he would wait until Stealthkit decided the time was right.

Stealthkit could tell how uneasy Battlekit was feeling about Lonekit, and he didn't blame him, but somehow he didn't feel as though Lonekit was one for betrayal. At least, not so early in the game. The fun was only just beginning, and Lonekit wouldn't change his status with the brother's yet, he was sure of this. Right now, he wanted to concentrate on getting the support of Calmkit and Ragekit, and then perhaps Wrathkit. Maybe Strikekit and Furykit if he could, but somehow he didn't feel as though Furykit would support anyone; she would just want to be the leader. Then, Stealthkit would concentrate on taking down Thunderkit, pushing him down to the bottom. That would probably ensure Wrathkit's support.

Over in a corner of the den, Emberkit was coughing again. She knew she would be at the bottom automatically, and there would be no hope of changing that. And no one would seek her support since she had nothing to offer in return. No, Emberkit would just be content to sit in her mother's nest and watch for the next few moons, even if it meant she might end up with Lynxtail as a mentor. There was no warrior who would want her, and Scorchstar would never give her to a skilled warrior. Emberkit had already accepted her fate.

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