Mercy Come and Wash Away (Open)

(this happens canonically a bit after after Minkstar's assassination. Enough of a distance for him to be back up on his feet, at least. I don't know what timelines are anymore XP)

Minkstar resisted the urge to reach up behind his neck to the still-aching mess of spiked fur and gunky scar tissue as he craned it to look around the mini ravine, the icy ground giving little crunches whenever he shifted his paws. The early, weak sunlight glittered through frost clinging to the trees with their bare branches above, hardened snow in lumpy patches where it had fallen between. Only a few, tough bushes still clung onto their leaves, here, browned brambles twisting between once-mossy rocks. "I should've tried your snake-hunting trick," He murmured as he drew the cold air onto his tongue, trying to find the faintest scent of prey. "I feel like everything's gone dormant here."

At least with leaf-bare it was easier to keep an eye on the rest of the hunting patrol. Predators were on the prowl, as hungry as they were and possibly meaner. Not as crazy as whoever tried to kill- killed me, though. He amended the thought as he climbed out of the dip, taking note of others stalking almost invisibly close by. A shiver of unease prickled his spine, a memory of choking darkness, a flicker of red panic- Not going there. How could leaders stand it? He'd only died twice and still he woke gasping in the middle of the night, that feeling clinging to his pelt like dark sludge, that sickening twist in his stomach of complete helplessness painfully vibrant. Waking up in StarClan was all right; being talked to by cats who seemed to care about his struggles - and more importantly, understand them - was... well, comforting. But the sheer terror....

And there he went again, poking at the dark web of his own trauma as if running over the shadowy memory of foul scent, glinting teeth and malicious eyes would help identify the culprit.

Again, he resisted the urge to rub at the back of his neck, his tired paws slowing to a stop at the crest of the dip as he made an effort to breathe normally instead of panting as his lungs urged him to. Maybe I should have eaten something last sunset. Already exhausted and they'd barely started hunting. Hopefully everyone else was doing better.

Stoatfur hated the thought of his leader losing a life. It sickened him in a way that he hadn't thought possible, especially after he'd stared the limp body of a clanmate in the face. Minkstar was here, walking and talking, and yet the deputy couldn't bring his mind to stop echoing with fear. Did he seem slimmer than usual? Weaker? Was it the loss of a life or just the consequence of their harsh environment? As the elder tom spoke, he bit down on his own maw to center himself and maybe find something other than the cascade of thoughts.

"Not sure it would help us much now." Stoatfur forced a soft laugh, twitching his whiskers. It was almost as if he was trying to reassure himself more than anything. But it wasn't working. He followed closely after the ginger leader, perhaps a tad closer than normal. His maw was parted and his eyes scanned the territory. There was nothing - he wasn't sure what he was expecting to see.

A crooked smile twitched at his maw as he glanced back, the end of his tail flicking. "I don't know about that. Snake doesn't taste as bad as I thought it would. Reminds me a little of eel, actually."

His eyes scanned the terrain, hoping for a flash of movement, for a flicker of something, a crackle of sound, the scent of living flesh.... Nothing met his senses, though. Not here, at least, as they picked over the old scavenging grounds of squirrels in green-leaf, the memory of sunlight dancing green through rustling leaves hitting him with a sudden dizzying nostalgia. Or maybe that was just the hunger. He blinked it away, swiveling his ears to catch the faintest hint of a drumming heartbeat under the breeze whistling past bare branches, jaw slightly parted to taste the frost-flavoured air as he padded silently between twisted roots. And....

He paused, the faintest tinge of something catching his notice, buried beneath. Is that...? A flicker of excitement, something that would've been ridiculously disproportionate in any other season. He twitched his tail to signal his find, zeroing in on the vague pull on his senses. If I can dig them out....

---

Quiet, stealthy. None of those things usually marked out the presence of a dog. This one, however, was wiry and stalked its way across the landscape, a spark of cunning in its eyes as they glinted in the shadows, black-spotted fur unkempt and missing the touch of a twoleg blending in perfectly to the frosted terrain. Most importantly, its skin lay tight against its ribs, sharp ridges visible at its hips.

And it was on the hunt.

The scent of warm flesh carried to its questing nose, bright eyes picking out feline shapes ahead, its hot breath steaming briefly at the air in a quiet puff, a glint of teeth showing.

Prey.

---

Their only warning was a quiet rustle, a soft snapping, but it was enough to make the hair rise along the back of Minkstar's neck as he paused in scraping at the cold ground. A flicker of movement in the corner of his eye, a sudden galloping rush, excited huffing breaths spiking panic in the back of his throat, and the world was hurled off-kilter. He let out a yowl as pain bloomed on the back of his neck, excruciatingly familiar, wounds breaking open and weeping hot liquid once more, his breath choked from him as he was yanked back, leaving half his soul behind like a trailing streamer whipping in the wind.

Felt like his skin being ripped off, his sight constricting as his paws flailed, claws trying to tear at the monster shaking his life away. And abruptly he flew, the air driven from his lungs, something - hopefully not a part of him - snapping as his body thudded with a spike of agony into the ground, red and black and white spots flickering in dizzy blurs.

Dog used Thrash on Minkstar, dealing 10 damage and using 15 stamina. Minkstar is stunned for one turn!

Dog
HP: 100/100
SP: 185/200 (-15)

Minkstar (disadvantaged stats woo)
HP: 45/55 (-10) [stunned]
SP: 100/100

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 1

Eel? Stoatfur shuddered at the thought. Snake had proved to not be terrible, but it was tough, hard to chew. The idea of a slimy and fishy version of the creature was wholly unappealing. His nose twitched as he followed after Minkstar with a half-hearted shrug. It was hard to invest himself in casual conversation. There were times it was easier, and other times where his mind seemed to wrap itself up with uncertainty and worries. Thankfully, the forest seemed to be rather quiet on this day. He watched the frosted air from the sides of his maw drift away and disappeared.

The idea was a nice one.

He'd been distracted, seeking out any sign of life other than themselves, and staring into the treetops as if a squirrel might fall at his paws. Only a moment had passed since his gaze had flicker towards Minkstar, aware, and then away again. And that was all it took for the scene to explode. Stoatfur's head snapped towards the sickening sounds and he was horrified by what he saw. Dogs were vicious and terrifying creatures. Although many were curious twoleg pets, this was was mean, wholly prey-driven. His eyes widened as he saw the the crazed look in its eye as it shook Minkstar back and forth. A soft gasp left his maw before he tensed his claws and lunged forward. Something, anything, to keep it from targeting the leader again.

One forepaw lashed out to strike its lower flank, in anticipate the beast would attempt retaliation. But Stoatfur was ready. Mustering all the strength he could in his little frame, soon as the massive head swung around, he thrush downwards in a swift motion. There was a soft thud that no doubt left the creature reeling. With his opponent briefly stunned, Stoatfur darted to Minkstar's side, eyes never leaving their foe. His voice was low, but urgent, trying not to draw too much attention, "Minkstar? Minkstar? You alright? Still with me?" He found himself praying silently to Starclan - it was abnormal for him. Minkstar had plenty of lives left, right?

Stoatfur used front paw strike (+ Thunderous Stomp), dealing 14 damage and using 17 stamina. Dog is stunned for 1 turn.

Stoatfur [disadvantaged stats]
HP: 65/65
SP: 113/130

Dog
HP: 86/100
SP: 185/200

A sound finally escaped the hardened muzzle, a high-pitched, growling yelp that morphed into a snarl as the dog twisted, wiry frame low-slung and predatory, teeth seeking to snap back at the source of pinprick pain. What it found was a staggering blow, furious paws catching on sensitive skin and sending it reeling back, something startled flickering through its mind.

The prey was supposed to run, and any creature associated with the prey should scatter. Yet like a mother with its pup this small thing leapt in to protect the larger one.

Blood trickled from scratches, stiff hackles raised as it wheeled around, muzzle wrinkled and gleaming savagery, a low snarl rumbling in its throat.

Dog is stunned!

---

For a few moments the world whirled, a buzzing edge to sounds and pain running rife along the back of his neck. Wet and warm, the taste of copper. A sickening fear lurched deep in his stomach as everything congealed oh-so-slowly back from blurred nonsense to clarity, a distant voice something he desperately latched onto - an anchor to drive away the spirals of blackness. Stars no, I don't want to die again. Not here. Not now.

Stoatfur. He almost winced at the worried tone as he forced his legs to scrabble underneath, to push him back onto to his paws. Relieved to find the darkness receding, he shook his head, limbs wobbling under him as he stumbled to regain balance. "I'm with you," He rasped, prickles running along his spine as he looked up into the snarling face of the dog wheeling back on them, flickers of dull orange and sickly yellow eyes flashing in his mind. At least it wasn't a fox, but stars this thing looked feral. "It's skinny - hungry. We can take it down."

He hoped.

Minkstar is no longer stunned.

Stoatfur
HP: 65/65
SP: 113/130

Dog
HP: 86/100
SP: 185/200

Minkstar
HP: 45/55
SP: 100/100

Concern shone in the depths of his gaze. The leader seemed to recover just enough to gather his paws underneath him and stand once more. It wasn't wholly convincing, in fact, with recent events Stoatfur's mind nagged that Minkstar should stay out of the fight. But he ignored it. Fighting a feral monster on his own was stupid. Together they would find a chance of survival. He stared at the leader for a brief moment, expression lax, before he hardened his features and nodded. At least speed was on his side.

The little brown and white warrior kept his paws light as he darted toward the ragged-pelted foe. He was about to take a risk, one that would either benefit them or put him square underneath the dog's paws. Sucking in a deep breath, Stoatfur lunged for the soft underbelly. It must have still been just dazed enough for this to work. Thorn-sharp claws raked the fur and flesh. Blood spattered his coat as he slipped underneath and came out on the other side.

The breath he'd been holding released but this was far from over.

Stoatfur attempted to use belly rake, using 25 stamina. It is successful! And deals 20 damage.

Stoatfur
HP: 65/65
SP: 88/130

Dog
HP: 66/100
SP: 185/200

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 6

A high-pitched cry escaped the dog, its attempted snap at the little brown-and-white cat failing, only for needle-sharp claws to slash at its soft underbelly. It cringed, spine curling briefly in pain before it twisted, rounding on this little creature, teeth itching to dig into soft flesh.

And a pain nipped at the back of its legs.

---

Stoatfur didn't seem convinced, but Minkstar stubbornly held his ground, keeping his paws underneath him and doing his best to stand strongly. That slight waver in his legs, though, was a little more than annoying, a hint of alarm running cold prickles under his skin. I may have more lives, but I'm weak. Not good. But he'd manage. Locking eyes briefly with his grandson, he tried his best to project his determination through a firm gaze.

If nothing else, he could at least keep its attention off Stoat while the younger tom hit it hard.

And that was what the other did, his move carving bloody gashes beneath the beast's belly. Minkstar could see the rage-tinged pain in its eyes, could see the way it hunched to whip around before it moved, its snarling attention caught on his Clanmate. Oh no you don't! Leaping forwards, Minkstar aimed a slash of his own at the back of its legs, seeking the exposed tendons there on its skinny legs. If he could injure it enough to slow it down-

His claws connected, satisfaction coming with the ripping sensation of claws through flesh, a tight grin exposing his own teeth. Gotcha! Maybe a little too hard. Without a sound, even a snarl, its head snapped back again, and he threw himself to the side, heart thrumming up into his throat, his movements too slow, his limbs too drained of strength. Red-hot pain flashed, teeth sunk into his fur with a savagery that dragged a ragged gasp from his lungs, closing around his rear leg and digging in with the force of a twoleg trap. White spots flickered in his vision.

Oh foxdung.

Minkstar used Front Paw Strike, dealing 10 damage (8 +2 passive Star Striker bonus), and using 7 stamina.

Dog used Iron Bite, dealing 22 damage and using 30 stamina.

Stoatfur
HP: 65/65
SP: 88/130

Dog
HP: 56/100 (-10)
SP: 155/200 (-30)

Minkstar
HP: 23/55 (-22)
SP: 93/100 (-7)

The battle unfolded, vicious snarls and the snapping of oversized canines. Stoatfur shoved down the budding fear in his chest. He sucked in the cold air with as deep of a breath as he could muster, letting is sting his lungs with minuscule fragments of ice. His fur set on edge, somehow higher than it had already been. Adrenaline pounded through his veins and made every other sensation mute. Every fiber of his being was overly focused on the snarling beast. Eyes flickered about in a subconscious pursuit of weak point. Something... anything to give them an advantage.

A terrifying sound rang through the air and his gaze snapped to Minkstar once again, this time with a short yowl. That mousebrain was going to get himself killed! Blood was pouring from wounds, coating the snowy battlefield with a stark contrast of scarlet droplets. It was chilling, almost beautiful, were it not condemning his leader to a swift death. There was no time to think - only time to act. Stoatfur's claws flex, pads pushing off the snow and sending flakes scattering in his wake. The move would be an impulsive one, overconfident. But if it worked, maybe this would end more quickly. Maybe Minkstar would be okay.

An impassioned effort it was, but to no avail. Before Stoatfur could connect with the dog's underbelly once again, it turned, half-heartedly connecting a paw to his shoulder. Although it could hardly be considered a blow, the redirected momentum sent him skidding a couple of taillengths. He landed with a thud and the breath was knocked from his lungs. In a few moments, the little warrior had found his footing once again, and faced the dog with a low snarl. All the while he kept his peripheral vision focused on Minkstar. All the while his heart thudded erratically.

Stoatfur attempted to use belly rake, using 25 stamina. It failed! -5 HP to Stoatfur.

Stoatfur
HP: 60/65
SP: 63/130

Dog
HP: 56/100
SP: 155/200

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 1

With an abrupt wrench, the dog's teeth came away from his leg, a vaguely sucking sensation setting his already tingling teeth on edge, the dizzy world losing the corner of a shadow for a brief moment. His throat felt raw from the way every part of him had clenched tight, tears smearing his vision. Stars, he couldn't even breathe.

Vaguely, he was aware of stumbling back, lances of agony shooting up from the vague pillar of fire that was his leg up to his spine. From somewhere a yowl echoed in his fuzzed ears. Not good not good not good.

The brief reprieve let ragged gasping breaths make themselves known to his lungs once more. A chilling feeling of something large, feral, and crazed at the scent of blood turning its attention back to him sent spiking prickles rushing along whatever fur wasn't already raised, a panicked look upwards meeting reddened jaws and flashing eyes.

Foxdung foxdung foxdung!

In a desperate flash of adrenaline, he threw himself forwards, the mess of his leg the least of his problems as he hurled himself underneath the beast, desperately seeking to strike a wound that would drive it away.

A mistake.

A big one.

A large paw batted him away, dull claws bruising his skin. He barely had time for his heart to choke in his throat, breath stuck somewhere between his tongue and his lungs, before there came a flicker of black, a touch of hot, fetid air on the wave of a snarl. And his vision burst into white-hot stars, shattering in a thousand glimmers that tore through his neck before abruptly cutting off to deep, absolute darkness.

Minkstar attempted to use Belly Rake, using 25 SP. He failed, receiving 5 damage and getting chomped. GAME OVER!

Dog used Iron Bite, dealing 22 damage and using 30 stamina. Minkstar is KO'd!

Dog
HP: 56/100
SP: 125/200 (-30)

Minkstar
HP: 0/55 (-27) KO!
SP: 78/100 (-25)

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 2

As he recovered, he noticed something crucial... Minkstar was down, it was just him and this overgrown beast. Stoatfur was worried about his leader, the lives left, the blood that poured from his pelt but he needed to be worried about himself now. If only for a moment.

He charged forward, muscles tensing and releasing, warming up for when he was just close enough and - Stoatfur pounced. Being small kept his frame light and meant it was easy to leap the distance required to get onto the dog's back. It would buck and try to throw him off more than likely. Knowing this, Stoatfur's claws dug in deep and his teeth grabbed the nasty and oily fur for a better hold. His nose wrinkled and he wanted to spit.

Stoatfur didn't have lives like a leader. All he could do was fight and hope those talons for teeth didn't find his throat. There was no doubt that his much larger opponent would throw him off momentarily. And what then? He was going to stare up at the face of this beast and fight it like he would and enemy cat? The circumstance was impossible. For a brief moment, the deputy entertained death as a possibility. But there was no time to think as the thing he clung to now writhed underneath his grip.

Stoatfur used leap and hold on the dog, dealing 10 damage and using 15 stamina. Dog is pinned for 1 turn.

Stoatfur
HP: 60/65
SP: 48/130

Dog
HP: 46/100
SP: 155/200

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

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'Effect Dice' : 2