First Place (Is the Only Place) [Verse 1] Goldenpaw: Dearest Diary, I’m writing to say, I’ve had a most spectacular training day! Except for one shadow, one gloom-ridden blot, Who’s currently ruining my favorite spot. Darkpaw: (Muttering) It’s a public clearing, you golden-furred brat. Go find a sunbeam and stay in just that. Goldenpaw: (Gasping, to the other apprentices) Did you hear her? The tone? The audacity? She lacks even basic Clan-mate capacity! I’m practicing pounces, I’m hitting the mark, While she’s over there... being shady and dark. Darkpaw: I’m trying to hunt, but it’s hard to stay quiet, When your ego is causing a one-man-cat riot. You’re shiny, you’re loud, and you’re constantly "first," But your hunting technique is objectively worst! Goldenpaw: Worst? I’m the Golden Standard! The top of the class! Darkpaw: You’re a glorified dust-bunny stuck in the grass. [Chorus] Apprentices: She’s the sun in the morning! She’s the star in the sky! She’s the one who can pounce and the one who can fly! She’s faster than rabbits, she’s stronger than oaks, She’s clearly the best of us ordinary folks! Oh, it’s Golden! It’s Glorious! See how she glows? She’s better than you from her ears to her toes! Goldenpaw: It’s not that I’m bragging, it’s just that I’m great! Why settle for "good" or a "runner-up" fate? You can keep your "silver" and your "participation" prize, I’m here for the glory and the look in your eyes! Because First Place is the only place—don’t you agree? The top of the mountain was sculpted for me! Apprentices: First Place! First Place! (She’s the golden one!) First Place! First Place! (She's so much fun!) Goldenpaw: If you aren't the winner, you're just in the way! Darkpaw: (Deadpan) I’m going to lose my mind by the end of the day. [Verse 2] Goldenpaw: Now, Darky, don’t pout, it’s a matter of fact, I’ve got the charisma that you... well, you lack! When I walk through camp, there’s a cheer and a song, While you’re just the shadow that’s dragging along. I’m the "Golden Girl," I’m the one they all seek, You’re more like a raincloud—monotone and bleak! The kits want my stories, the elders my time, I’m a masterpiece, darling, and you’re just a mime! Apprentices: She’s the one we invite! She’s the light of the den! Goldenpaw: (To Darkpaw) See? They said it! Let’s hear it again! I’m the face of the future, the star of the show, And everyone loves me wherever I go. It must be so taxing, so dull, and so grim, To be the dark water when I’m the gold rim! Darkpaw: They don't "love" you, Goldy, they're just overwhelmed, By the loudest ego in the forest realm. You’re a walking headache with a shiny coat— Goldenpaw: Oh, stop! You’re just fishing for a "Best Friend" vote! But sorry, the ballot is closed, don't you see? The Clan has decided they’re Team Me! [Chorus] Apprentices: She’s the sun in the morning! She’s the star in the sky! She’s the one who can pounce and the one who can fly! She’s faster than rabbits, she’s stronger than oaks, She’s clearly the best of us ordinary folks! Oh, it’s Golden! It’s Glorious! See how she glows? She’s better than you from her ears to her toes! Goldenpaw: It’s not that I’m bragging, it’s just that I’m great! Why settle for "good" or a "runner-up" fate? You can keep your "silver" and your "participation" prize, I’m here for the glory and the look in your eyes! Because First Place is the only place—don’t you agree? The top of the mountain was sculpted for me! Apprentices: First Place! First Place! (She’s the golden one!) First Place! First Place! (She's so much fun!) [Bridge] Goldenpaw: See, Darky? Even Redpaw is dazzled by the sun! He knows that being Golden is much more fun. Right, Redpaw? Tell her! Tell her who’s the best! Tell her who’s the leader and who’s just the guest! Redpaw: Actually, Goldy... I think I’ve heard enough. You’re always so... shiny, but you’re also kind of rough. Last week you teased me for the way I caught that vole, And you laughed when I tripped in that muddy little hole. Apprentices: (A collective, shocked gasp) ...She did? Redpaw: (Finding his voice) Darky doesn't sparkle, and she doesn't try to glow, But she doesn't make me feel like I’m sitting in the snow. She’s quiet and she’s grumpy, and she’s "gloomy" like you say, But I’d rather hunt with her than hear you brag all day. Darkpaw: (Stunned) Wait... really? Goldenpaw: (Sputtering, her "mask" slipping) But—but I’m the Golden Standard! I’m the one you’re supposed to like! Redpaw, that’s not fair! That’s... that’s a friendship-ending strike! Redpaw: Sorry, Goldy. First place is a lonely place to be... When you’re looking down at everyone, including me.
[Outro] Goldenpaw: Wait! Redpaw... Darky... don’t just leave me here. The view from up on Highrock is... a little bit too clear. I didn't mean to be—well, me—so much today. I guess my ego kind of... got in everybody's way. I'm sorry that I laughed, Redpaw. It wasn't very "Gold." And Darky? Having you around keeps me from getting old. You’re the shadow to my sun, the grit inside my gears... I’ll try to be a better friend for all our coming years! Goldenpaw: So! We’re friends! It’s official! A beautiful, bonded pair! I’ll share my moss, I’ll share my prey, I’ll even share the air! But just so we’re clear, as we walk back to the den... I still beat you to that tree stump! Let's do it once again! I’m sorry that I’m mean, and I’m sorry for the race, But I’m still the one who’s standing here in first place! srry this took 700 years I forgot to post this. Im still working on the Midnight and Darky song I will sing this later