With Tooth and Claw [c, Karuna]

Rainpaw had finally grown into his massive paws. No longer the clumsy thing that he used to be, he almost looked like an adult cat. This thrilled the tom greatly.

“Hey Lilacsong, can we practice battle techniques?”

He had a flash of worry about an Asylum cat taking issue with battle training, but even they couldn’t deny the need for every cat to defend themselves.

He turned his head, his silvery eyes wide and waiting for an answer.

It was no secret that Lilacsong hated fighting. Any cat could see how she dodged around it, even making friends with the Asylum cats so she wouldn't have conflict with them. But she also had a duty as a mentor, she knew that well enough. Rainpaw did not deserve a lack of knowledge because she was a soft heart. So with a reluctant sigh, the She-Cat stood to her paws.

"Alright, Rainpaw. Let's go. I want to assess your abilities as they currently stand before I teach you anything new." And so, with a flick of her tail, she led Rainpaw out of camp, an Asylum cat got on their paws. And so long as they did not interfere, that was fine.

He nodded briskly to his mentor as he left the clearing. The winds were cold, and harsh, and even he shivered in the breezes.

Rainpaw shared his mentor's restraint about conflict. Much preferring to let cats talk it out, he did better with working with verbal conflict. With claws? That was different. Scary. And deadly, he thought grimly to himself.

When they had gotten a few foxlengths from camp, he turned to face Lilacsong. "Um, okay," he replied, hesitant.

Am I supposed to attack now? Or is she going to give a signal?

He sprang forward, trying to bowl the she-cat over.

Rainpaw used Run-and-Tackle, doing 6 damage and costing 10 stamina!

Rainpaw: 20 HP / 70 SP (-10 SP)
Lilacsong: 39 HP (-6 HP) / 160 SP

Lilacsong was shocked at the swiftness of her apprentice's attack, but reacted quickly. She allowed herself to roll with the young tom, before kicking at his exposed belly and scrambling away.

"Not bad, Rainpaw. But you left your belly exposed when you charged at me. Your belly is the most vulnerable spot on the body, with all of your vitals easy to reach, Protect your underside first and foremost. Let's try again."

Lilacsong watched her apprentice, nodding a signal to him. She was more prepared now, keeping an eye on his movements. But she praised how well he used his element of surprise.

Lilacsong used Bellyrake, dealing 10 damage and costing 10 stamina.

Lilacsong
39/150

Rainpaw
10/70