Things... Change. [Closed for now]

ooc: This happens the day after the Gathering.

It had been tense ever since the battle with the... creatures had happened. Burningsun had offered to stay back at camp. She didn't know the moors at all, so if an escape needed to be made she would fail. It had been an easy argument- most of WindClan she felt was still tense around her and the other new SkyClan cats. It was to be expected, she supposed. However, one day, sometime soon she hoped she could prove the loyalty that she now held to the clan that had rescued her and her love. So when Sandpaw, an apprentice that was older than her, asked her to join Aspenheart and herself on a herb hunting patrol, the orange warrior didn't hesitate in the slightest.

Now the trio trecked hastily over the moors, a still silence. Both Sandpaw and Burningsun's ears were pricked and alert. The wind howling and open skies were new to Burningsun, old to Sandpaw.

ooc: double posting so I can roll

Sandpaw wasn't quite sure what to think of the blazing orange she-cat named Burningsun. It seemed like she had endured a lot, just like herself. On one paw, a newcomer into the clan was a chance for her to get close to some cat. Her unmated partner was a chance at love. Yet it was hard to determine whether this cat would be loyal to the clan. She had been loyal to another, and fled to this one. Until proven otherwise, Sandpaw would accept her but not trust her. Though, Sandpaw didn't have much to talk on trustworthiness right about now she supposed.

It felt awkward walking with two, basically stranger, cats on territory haunted and plagued by beasts. Maybe she would have really been safe in WindClan. Hunting patrols had been short, and she had been rather uneventful. It was a lot harder to catch a rabbit than a bird, and silently she had guilted herself for any mean thought she had ever thought about the scrawny cats on the moors. She was absolutely amazed by their work.

But a rabbit... practically jumped into her paws. It sat only a few minutes away, flicking it's nose. Glancing at the other two for silent permission, the red warrior, still smelling of SkyClan trees, took off towards the rabbit and surged forward to pounce. And she caught it! Her first rabbit. With triumph, Burningsun looked back to the two, rabbit in maw and eyes beaming. Her guard was let down, just for this instant."Look! My first rabbit!" she called through a mouthful of fur as she bounded back to the pair. Sandpaw nodded in approval, but said nothing else. They were supposed to remain silent. The trio walked on, following Aspenheart's lead. Burningsun's senses were clogged with rabbit, but her ears constantly swiveled for sound of danger.

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 1

Aspenheart was still struggling. It was like he was an apprentice again, closed off and nervous. He couldn't open up and he couldn't speak his mind. A dark cloud was passing over WindClan's medicine cat. He used his various duties to distract from the violent sorrow that threatened his every pawstep. They needed many, many herbs now. Leaf-Fall was difficult on his herb stores, and the season wasn't even halfway through. The attacks in the tunnels were fresh, as were the wounds.

He nearly jumped out of his skin at Burningsun's cheerful voice. Twisting his head, he realized it was just a good catch and not a predator she was yowling about. He let the pounding in his chest slow to a stop and nodded affirmatively at the new warrior. He felt bad, not giving her the praise he wanted to. He didn't have it in him. Aspenheart hobbled over to the nearest bush and began carefully plucking plants up at the stem.

The fox was hungry. Blood, thirsty. The cold, settling in had refreshed her pelt into a winter's coat. Grey, with a beautiful red mask. Not a single scratch could be found on her beautiful pelt. A red mask, still one from her summer days, a contrast to the rest of her pelt. Yellow eyes, they shone. Her paws traveled over the moors silently, her jaw still held slightly ajar. Slowly, her gait turned into a walk as the dog beside her slowed. It smelled something. Sauntering low to the ground, they slipped unseen by the three for many tail lengths. Flicking her ear to the dog, whom she seemed to be leading, she sniffed. There were two scents now, with this group. The typical one of the grassy moors, but one smelled of trees. Interesting. The fox, curious, locked eyes with the dog. It was time to see what this new cat was capable of. The tan cat- smaller and lean, still had the bite holes in her scruff. Yellow eyes narrowing, she recognized her. They would only go for the orange one. New. Pretty. With a yelp, the fox let out a burst of speed and leaped from a crest of the moor, straight onto the back of the orange she-cat and leaping away as she fell to the ground. Growling, the fox bared her teeth, slowly creeping up for another attack.

Winter Fox used ???? causing 15 damage and using 20 Stamina. Burningsun is stunned for one turn.

Winter Fox
75/75 HP
180/200 SP (-20 SP)

Burningsun
45/60 HP (-15 HP)
200/200 SP

Burningsun had walked maybe three steps ahead of the patrol, heading to race up the crest. Forever, she would remain shocked by the amount of speed that she was out on the ground, the carcass of her first kill flying. The air was knocked from her lungs as a large body hit her. Head swirling, the warrior slowly rolled up, eyes only to widen as she saw what was in front of her. A fox, the whole reason why she was supposed to be here to protect them from. With shaky legs, the she-cat stood, putting herself between Sandpaw and Aspenheart and the fox. ”Sandpaw… Take Aspenheart back to camp and get others, now!” Her fur raising and her voice getting louder, the firey warrior prepared to attack. Sandpaw might be older than her, a member of WindClan longer, but she was faster. She could get back to camp sooner than her, and bring others back faster. Burningsun would fight this fox alone.

It all happened so fast. Sandpaw instinctively dove to protect Aspenheart with a flash of fur breaking her blue gaze. A fox stood in front of the SkyClan, no former, warrior. Did this cat know how to fight a fox? Alone? She didn’t know the other cat well enough to decide. Her hesitation was broken with the sound of Burningsun’s call. Immediately, Sandpaw sprung to action. Last time, she led the group into the maw of a fox.This time, she would lead them out. Well, at least one of them. ”Aspenheart! Come on!” Ever since they had buried his spider, she had felt extra connected to the tom. He was so vital to the clan and well- Burningsun was replaceable. She did not argue with the she-cat’s deathwish. While the medicine cat was taller than her, she had to move him. Nudging the tom, she took off in a sprint back to camp, practically shoving him along the way. Praying to StarClan, she hoped that the tom would not get one of his seizures. Please, don’t have one of them.

As Sandpaw disappeared over the crest, she felt no remorse for leaving the new warrior behind.

Her ears flattened as a yelp from the she-cat carried over the moor.

Burningsun stood where Sandpaw had left her, reeling from a swipe from the fox. Her vision blurred with blood, and her face felt like fire as one solid swipe connected with her face, leaving a diagonal, three claws scratch across her face. ”Filthy creature.” Burningsun hissed, ready to jump. She could take on a single fox. Sandpaw would be back soon with others… Lightfang at the least.

The familiar cat-scent tickled the black dog's nose. His tall ears pricked, nose twitched, orange eyes glinted. A new kill. He reocgnized cat, alright, even if this one was earthier and piney in scent. He followed his fox partner, eager to snap down on their newest prey, but obediently awaited the fox's appraisal of the situation. He allowed her to strike first and stuck back for a few moments, as he was accustomed to. The cats never saw him coming when he let his packmate draw first blood, and even the mere thought of taking another by surprise elicited a quiet whine of excitement. The pale cat fled quickly, attempting to pull the gray one with her. They would abandon the new cat? Fine. If they found the red cat's corpse again, they would not recognize her. The black dog skirted around and charged from the side, crushing the smaller cat with his body and snapping at ears, paws, and throat with drooling jaws.

Black Dog used ???? causing 15 damage and using 20 Stamina. Burningsun is stunned for one turn.

Winter Fox
75/75 HP
180/200 SP

Burningsun
30/60 HP
200/200 SP

Black Dog
75/75 HP
180/200 SP

Burningsun stumbled back, as a black mass slammed into her. Yipping. Growling, barking... It was a dog. The momentum slammed her into the fox, and for the first time, Burningsun felt pure terror. Suddenly, Tinystar felt like the tiniest - no pun intended - threat as she stumbled to stand and face the dog with pride and strength. She wasn’t just protecting herself. Lightfang. Swallowflight. Kits. Apprentices. Her new clan. The vow she took as a warrior- it meant everything to her. WindClan was her clan now. If she had to die defending it she would do so. SkyClan lost out on a valuable asset. Her heart ached. Lightfang would never see her again. ”Is that all you got?” Burningsun taunted, her mismatched gaze ignited with her old fire. She took a step forward, stumbling, head still whirling from being tackled so much.

The fox grinned. It was admirable, really, and perhaps she stood a chance with just the fox. But with her partner and herself? Never. It was fun, a new toy to play with and chew. The fox reared up, snarling. Claws flashed upon the cat, tearing her fur into shreds. Her claws made contact with her side. With a lunge, she gripped her ear and tore. Her left ear was gone. Delicious. “Yum.” The fox snarled, spitting out the ear anyway.

Winter Fox used Rear Up To Slash on Burningsun causing 14 HP and using 15 SP.

Winter Fox
75/75 HP
1165/200 SP

Burningsun
16/60 HP
200/200 SP

Black Dog
75/75 HP
180/200 SP

Burningsun’s whole body ached, but she refused to run. To give up. As her ear tore, her soul cringed. The pain was nothing like she had ever felt… Did that fox speak?

Aspenheart's throat tied itself into one thousand knots as he registered what was happening, but he did not speak. He had nothing left to say lately, after all. He looked from Burningsun to Sandpaw as the she-cats urged him to follow the cream tabby back to camp. His paws lagged for just a moment. Why do I bother to stay? he asked himself. It'll just kill me too.

He did not further question the bitterness in his inner thoughts. It wasn't as if Burningsun could hear him, and even if she did, it was no fault of her own. He heaved a large breath to restart his heart and took off after Sandpaw, running through the moor. He struggled with the effort of keeping up with the wily Sandpaw, no matter how he pushed his wobbling legs. Aspenheart struggled not to turn around at the sound of Burningsun's voice egging the beasts on. It was happening again. He wrenched his eyes shut.

The dog howled, high-pitched and louder than a monster, while the fox lunged at the she-cat. It was sheer anticipation and the thrill of the kill that drove him, his predator's mind filled with nothing more than the excitement of tearing this little cat into bits and pieces. He watched the fox grab a soft ear and flanked, using the moment of distraction to rear and bring heavy front paws don on his prey's head.

Black Dog used Upright Lock on Burningsun, dealing 16 damage and using 25 stamina.

Winter Fox
75/75 HP
1165/200 SP

Burningsun
0/60 HP
200/200 SP

Black Dog
75/75 HP
155/200 SP

Sandpaw would have sighed a sigh of relief when she saw the camp if she had the breath to do so. With a final shove, Aspenheart and Sandpaw stumbled into camp. "Burningsun!" she wheezed, her stance as wide as her ice blue eyes. "A fox, and a dog! She stayed behind the fight them off! She's out there alone!" Her eyes scanned for the uninjured cats from the first fight. She had stayed behind then. She wouldn't now. "If you can fight, come on!" The sandy cat spun around and even though she hardly knew this cat, she couldn't let her die. She sprinted up the hill, then waited for her companions to join her before sprinting back to where she had left the orange warrior to fight alone.

Burningsun's world spun and as a heavy paw slammed down on her head. Lightfang... Was she really going to leave him behind now?

The fox watched as the prey crumpled beneath the paws of her companion. She grinned. This was why you never hunted or fought alone. Her mind flashed to another prey... Similar. Alone on these grasses. With a flurry of yips, the fox tore the other ear. Scratching and clawing, she tore the cat's pelt up. Blood started to pool, draining the life away. Blood covered her entire pretty pelt as she grinned a devilish grin, eyes peering at the dog in glee.

The darkness started to come for Burningsun, but all she could think of is Lightfang... Him... She needed him....

Sandpaw made it back to the fox and dog, companions trailing behind her. The stench of blood hitting her nose. Oh StarClan, were they too late? "Hey! You! We're back!" she yowled, claws gripping the dirt. They could definitely take them on with this amount of cats.

The fox spun around to face the growing group of cats. With a snarl, she exposed her fangs. The bottom left one was missing. Glancing at the dog, she turned to the cats one more time. "Too late." came an inhumane snarl, gurgled and hardly understandable. With that, the fox spun and fled.

Though he’d stood guard when asked and patrolled beside the other moor cats, Lightfang had no loyalty to this place; they almost certainly had none to him. WindClan was a temporary shelter at best. In the short time he’d been here, it had proven itself to be as dangerous as what Lightfang and his family had left behind, albeit in a different way. Where SkyClan’s threats had been camp-focused, these beasts lurked over and under what seemed to be WindClan’s entire territory. They’d traded trials for claws and teeth, one nightmare for another. But as long as Burningsun and Swallowflight remained safe, Lightfang didn’t mind.

A rustling from the gorse tunnel brought Lightfang’s head from his paws, much like every sound since the herb patrol’s departure had. He immediately recognized the cats who’d stumbled through—not because he knew them in any meaningful way, but because he remembered them leaving with Burningsun. Why, then, had they come back without her? He scrambled upward, pelt prickling with apprehension, and the spotted she-cat gasped out an answer to the question he couldn’t force himself to ask.

As he picked the words apart from the she-cat’s wheezing breaths, he realized his suspicions had been justified. ”You left her.” A fury he had never felt sprang forward and was promptly drowned in a swell of fear. There was no time for anger. He’d seen what dogs could do to a cat. The end of the she-cat’s tail disappeared past the gorse. Pushing past the WindClanners who had answered her call, Lightfang followed.

All his prior knowledge failed to prepare him for the scene he found. The distance did not hide the extent of Burningsun’s wounds. He knew the color of her pelt as well as he knew his own; little of it was visible now. Blood clung to her face, her back, flowed freely from the empty space where her ears had been. A soft ”no” fell from Lightfang’s mouth. The second sound that left him was the loudest he’d ever made. ”Burningsun!” Gone was the usual care he took during border patrols. He tore away from the group of WindClanners, for once as fast as any of them. The fox’s unintelligible snarl and retreat went unnoticed. It was Burningsun Lightfang had focused on. Forcing himself into the tiny, tiny space between Burningsun and the dog, he lashed out with a paw. Then he shrank back over his mate, crouching, ears pulled flat; shielding her as well as he could on the open moor.

Lightfang used Front Paw Strike on Black Dog, dealing 11 damage and using 10 stamina.

Lightfang
60/60 HP
190/200 SP (-10)

Black Dog
64/75 HP (-11)
155/200 SP

The wheezing she-cat that looked far too old to be an apprentice called for aid, and Dappleshine immediately found her paws. She had not received any heavy blows in the recent battle, so it was natural to her that she should go to help. She was not as fast as the WindClan cats, but she had fought many times before and could hold her own in battle. The she-cat they were running to help had arrived in WindClan from SkyClan not long after she had gotten settled, so perhaps there was a sense of understanding for the ex-SkyClan cat's situation as she sprinted behind the other cat that answered the call for help, one that had arrived with the she-cat in trouble.

Coming up to the tom's side as she slashed her claws at the dog, she met his rage-filled gaze with calm blue ones. "You and Sandpaw are faster than I. The fox has fled - I'll be right behind you. Take her and go - quickly!" Determined to buy the three others as much time as she could, she squared off against the dog with a furious hiss. A glance to the bloody shape on the ground made it all too clear that there wasn't much time left - if any at all. Hopefully StarClan, for the first time in what felt to her like moons, would be merciful.

Dappleshine used Front Paws Strike on Black Dog, dealing 15 damage and using 25 stamina.

Lightfang
60/60 HP
190/200 SP

Black Dog
49/75 HP (-15)
155/200 SP

Dappleshine
100/100 HP
255/280 SP (-25)

The dog bared his teeth at the newcomers, enraged that they had dare strike him when he was so much more powerful than they. Were they not afraid of him, as they rightfully should have been? These idiot cats would be his next meal. But the fox had turned and left, abandoning their catch to rot and the charging cats with it. A frustrated growl bubbled in hthe black dog's throat. He would obey, but not willingly. Their pack would never hunt alone. But he'd leave a mark for this newest cat to remember him by: he lunged, jaws splitting wide, and snapped at the she-cat's neck with a savage ferocity rarely seen in tame dogs. He whipped his head around, shaking the sense out of her, and didn't let go until he had nearly lost his balance and made himself dizzy. Surely she wouldn't think of facing him again. He spun on his heel, releasing a high-pitched howl, and charged off after the fox's trail.

The Black Dog used Scruff Shake on Dappleshine, dealing 7 damage and using 25 stamina. Dappleshine is stunned (and the Black Dog has fled)!

Lightfang
60/60 HP
190/200 SP

Black Dog
49/75 HP
130/200 SP

Dappleshine
93/100 HP
255/280 SP

If the situation was any different, Sandpaw would have been shocked to see a SkyClan cat run so fast. But as she saw the yellow cat streak past her, she remembered the tom was her mate. Her heart twinged, feeling sorry for the pair. They had left danger and found more. The thought quickly fled as more important matters came into focus. They needed to get her back to Aspenheart. She took a step forward from where she had paused, about to lash out as the dog remaining, but the body of the RiverClan cat came flying behind her, launching herself at the dog. In seconds, she was shaken and thrown to the ground, but the dog fled. ”We have to get her back!” She called, the obvious out. No matter what she did, she always felt like a horrible leader in these situations. The red she-cat was dying. She hadn’t moved since they arrived. Lightfang moved, shouldering his mate to his back. Immediately, she jumped to shoulder her back half. ”Come on! It’s this way.” Carefully, the pair walked as fast as they could with the warrior. Blood stained Sandpaw’s pelt, seeping into her fur to her skin. There was no way a cat could survive this…

It felt like an eternity, but eventually, they stumbled back into camp with the dying warrior. ”Aspenheart! Raventail! Help her!” Again, with the obvious. She slid the red warrior down…. Crimson red and not sun blazing red.


OoC: Rhindon and Moss can complete their characters here, but this plot will now continue in camp.

A gray shape darted past him—the RiverClanner, delivering a neat swipe of her own to drive the dog back further. An outsider fighting for an outsider. Where his expression verged on desperate, her eyes were calm, but there was determination in them. Wasn’t this one of the cats who’d gone out to fight the foxes? Lightfang nodded in response, briefly steadied. Before he could act, however, the dog locked its jaws around the gray she-cat’s neck. It shook her and itself as one, moving so violently that it nearly lost its balance. Powerless to help, Lightfang hunched closer to Burningsun, braced for the moment it decided to let go.

Sure enough, it released the RiverClanner. The second attack never came. Instead, the dog darted off across the moor with an odd howling call, a battle cry sounded in retreat. Abandoning anger, abandoning caution, Lightfang whirled to examine Burningsun’s wounds. His stomach seized. One bite had killed Tinystar. One fall had killed Redwing. What he saw beneath him was a pelt as ragged as SkyClan’s territory after the flood, skin and fur rent with barely the effort it took to remove a bird’s feathers.

Between the two of them, Burningsun had always been smaller. Lightfang maneuvered her onto his broad, bloodied shoulders. It was too easy. No protests. He would have torn down every star in the sky to hear a single word from her, something to convince him she was alive beyond the impossibly faint sounds of her breaths, but there was nothing. His ears buzzed so loudly he could barely hear the spotted she-cat’s directions. Somehow, his paws knew to follow.