bird bash ⚜ closed

Poplartooth found it completely frustrating that life always managed to spring in coincidences. He wasn't baffled by the news that stated that he'd be patrolling with his apprentice, Drizzlepaw. It was upon hearing the name 'Mumblefoot' that the fur on the back of his neck began to rise. Oh, what a joy. The fluffy tom didn't expect this patrol to be sunshine and rainbows, although Drizzlepaw may end up saying that something tasted like it was made of rainbows, but he knew how to prepare himself for the worst. Poplartooth's opinion on Mumblefoot was beginning to slightly alter. The eyes that he had seen the other warrior through were starting to shift. As an apprentice, Poplartooth had seen Mumblefoot as a pure, mouse-brained coward. Now, the fluffy warrior was noticing changes in the other tom. Was Mumblefoot trying to change on purpose? Was it specifically because he and Sedgestrike were constantly getting on to him? Attempting to shrug it off, the SkyClan warrior sat down near the camp exit and waited impatiently for Drizzlepaw and Mumblefoot to head over. The sooner this patrol ended, the better.

Even with his newfound confidence, or rather learning to ignore his anxiety and insecurities, Mumblefoot was still not a leader. Upon learning he was not going to head today's patrol, the tailless warrior wanted to sigh in relief. However, that died out when he learned who would be taking his place. Poplartooth. Instead of his fur prickling due to being in a place of discomfort, for once, it came from one of a slight annoyance. His tail tip twitched slightly. At least Rippedsky had allowed him the chance to be with his adoptive kit. The only struggle would be sharing her with her mentor, who seemed to want to linger around Drizzlepaw as much as he did.

At the sight of the other warrior, his ear flicked and his eyes briefly narrowed. Without his tail, he couldn't show his annoyance in the usual way. His paws felt heavy as he headed towards Poplartooth. However, the bits of initial disdain he held for the younger cat seemed to have melted away and were simply replaced with a strange feeling. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Regardless, Mumblefoot knew that whatever it was felt just as off-putting as it had before. Once he was within earshot, the tom meowed, "So, it looks like you'll be leading our patrol today. Things have changed." He kept his tone even, trying to keep any lingering thoughts of how Sedgestrike and Poplartooth had harassed him the first patrol he led. He silently vowed not to do the same.

What a pretty day! Was this what the elders called Newleaf? It was warmer than usual, with birds dancing above the camp and leaves gently rustling in the cool morning breeze. Drizzlepaw was so excited, she got to go out with both Mumblefoot and Poplartooth today!

The silver tabby trotted up to the toms with a big, open smile. "Hi Mama! Hi Papa!"

Poplartooth locked his gaze with Mumblefoot's the second that he spotted the black-and-white tom padding over. He silently lifted his nonexistent eyebrows before giving the other warrior a curt, quick nod. A crude remark or a nasty comment did not escape the fluffy tom's jaws. Today, he was to focus solely on Drizzlepaw, and constantly taunting her adopted father wasn't going to instill any positive lessons into his apprentice. He was a warrior, now, and he had to be mature about all of this. The truth, however, was that Poplartooth couldn't even think of a quick, sarcastic remark to shoot at Mumblefoot. Usually, it would come so easily to him. Now, it was if he could feel something sour gathering in his throat, but it wouldn't come up. Holding back a sigh, the SkyClanner responded.
"Yes, things certainly have changed, haven't they?"

When Drizzlepaw padded over, he offered the she-cat a nod, too. However, this nod wasn't curt, or swift.
"Hello, Drizzlepaw," Poplartooth greeted her.
After looking at both the apprentice and the other warrior in turn, the fluffy tom flicked his tail to signify that it was time to go. He left camp without another word, and without looking behind him to ensure that his patrol was still there.
"I don't want this patrol to last for moons and moons, so aim for at least three pieces of prey. If you find more, don't be a show-off. Drizzlepaw, hunt near a warrior so you're not alone if something happens. Meet back here when you're done."

It was then that Poplartooth branched away from the group.

Fortunately for him, the first thing he spotted was a squirrel making itself around the trunk of a wide tree. It would make excellent food for the Clan. It seemed big enough to feed at least a whole litter. The tom silently reminded himself to bring this squirrel to the nursery if he ended up catching it. Dropping into a crouch, Poplartooth silently dragged himself towards the fluffy little creature, and he waited until it stopped moving so that it'd be easier to catch.
You're mine, He thought, before he leaped.

The squirrel, in shock, let out a high-pitched sound of alarm right before Poplartooth cut its life short with a swift bite to its neck. When it fell limp, a rush of satisfaction went through the young cat's veins. He glanced back over his shoulder before burying the squirrel near the base of the tree so that he'd know exactly where to collect it when it was time to head back to camp.

The member 'Harlem' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 2

He was still shocked to Poplartooth say anything civilized to him and for a moment he simply stood shock still. When Drizzlepaw padded up, his gaze snapped to look over at his adoptive daughter. Mumblefoot took a second to recover by finally meowed, "Drizzlepaw. You seem well today." A soft smile lit up his maw, but his mind stuck on the fact the younger warrior didn't have a rude comment or snappy response. As the other tom led the way out of camp, the tailless warrior followed along silently. However, he kept pace with Drizzlepaw, who seemed to be off in her own world as usual. Of course, he planned to stay right alongside the young she-cat. Poplartooth's warning was understandable, yet unnecessary. The anxiety would always make sure he was on top of his kit's safety.

As soon as they were in the forest, he split off, making sure to stay right near the apprentice. Ahead there was a disturbance in the tree top. Silently and skillfully the warrior made his way up the trunk. Claws dug into the bark and it was only a mere matter of seconds before he was soaring through the trees. As he opened his maw to taste the air, the scent of a robin hit him immediately. The bird was right ahead of him. Mumblefoot's gaze only faltered to glance down at Drizzlepaw, but he tore it away just long enough to spring forwards after his prey. With a swift leap, he caught the feathers between his paws and snapped the neck almost immediately. Thankfully, he had found a gift in hunting. With a successful catch accomplished, he took it between his teeth and returned to the ground to put it away for now before attempting another catch.

The member 'Saint Ripped' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 8