However, they didn't have many avaliable playmates.
Briarstar and Perchspot's kits were too little to play with, and they were the only ones in the nursery.
Oh well, they thought, they'd just have to find a warrior to play with.
Rosesong was usually their favorite...
Luckily for them, they caught Rosesong coming back from patrol, carrying a squirrel from his mouth.
Mousekit (they/he)
Rosesong! Rosesong!Rosesong (he/him)
Woah, woah, hey. What's up, Mousekit?The older warriors gave Rosesong a glance as the kit jumped all over him, but he ignored it, his fur hot with a flash of embarrassment.
He quickly dropped his prey on the food pile, nearly tripping as Mousekit ran under his legs.
Mousekit (he/him)
Can you teach me how to hunt today?Mousekit stared up at him with huge, hopeful eyes.
Actually, I kind of wanted to... Rosesong glanced at the older warriors, who exchanged a sympathetic glance with him.
He'd wanted to eat with them today, but he supposed it had to wait now.
Rosesong (he/him)
Okay. I can teach you lots of things. Like, for example, the hunting crouch...Rosesong moved into position, tucking his paws and tail in perfectly, wiggling his haunches slightly as he prepared to pounce on a nearby leaf.
Mousekit (they/he)
I already know about that!Mousekit wailed dramatically.
Mousekit (they/he)
I want you to take me out to hunt!Rosesong shook his head.
Rosesong (he/him)
No. Absolutely not.Mousekit was too young, they could put themself in danger.
Mousekit pouted, then ran off to the side of the clearing of the camp.
Rosesong followed more slowly, wanting to make sure they were alright.
Mousekit flattened their ears, hunched over and keeping their tail close and stiff.
The two sat in tense silence for a while.
Finally, Mousekit spoke.
Mousekit (they/he)
Do you think... I'll ever grow up? Will I ever get to be a warrior?Rosesong froze. It was a question he didn't know the answer to.
Rosesong (he/him)
M-Maybe! You know, I've seen cats around here change in a lot of ways, so I wouldn't completely lose hope...It was true.
The cats around him had changed.
He was convinced some even grew a bit physically, but he couldn't confirm it.
Cats not growing up once they reach StarClan was a rule he knew, but maybe things were different here...
He wrapped his tail around the kit comfortingly.
Rosesong (he/him)
No matter what, I won't lose hope, okay? You'll become a warrior.Mousekit nodded quietly, a small purr escaping them.
As Rosesong gazed at them, he thought, maybe they already had grown a bit.