livin’ it up on top [closed]

Hawthornpaw

Skyclan Territory

From the beginning
his expectations for his mentor were low, seeing as the she-cat wasn't Wildfang. No body could ever be as great as Wildfang. But he had to respect his clan and the leader's decision, no matter how much he didn't like it. At least she isn't incompetent, he noted, eyeing the chocolate tabby as she lead him through the territory. He thought about running ahead of her, showing her that he didn't need to be lead. His light eyes narrowed, Whatever. Not worth the trouble.

Hawthornpaw stopped as Briarthorn turned to him, only blinking at her words before going his own way. Thrashing his tail about, he muttered and mumbled bitterly, "I can take care of myself, Briarthorn. I don't need your mouse-dung help." He leapt down a boulder, gracefully landing on soft grass and flowers. Hawthornpaw held an orchid tightly, tearing it from the ground. "I'll bring back more prey than you've seen in all your many years!" he spat at the tree he scaled, angrily hooking his claws into the thin bark. Sick trees were more dangerous, but easier to climb. Hawthornpaw balanced himself perfectly, careful not to break a weak branch. See Briarthorn? I don't need your stupid warnings. I am capable.

To his right sat a pretty gray bird with a crimson belly. His movement froze, until thawing into a sluggish turn. Now properly facing the robin, he slowly shifted into a crouch. The anticipation thumped in his chest, though controlled. He had done this many times over. I got this.. he encouraged himself. He was perfectly perched upon the base of the branch, in prime position to pounce. I'll prove it to you Briar.

And... leap! He threw himself at the bird, catching himself on it's branch before twisting his arm to strike at his prey. His paw smacked against the flighting bird, claws latching it tight. Yes! It was a perfect catch. After tossing the fresh-kill to the ground, he could feel his support start to slip. Before the thin branch could fold under his weight, he twisted away from the tree and jumped down safely. "Blasted tree," he scoffed before gently burying his feathery fetch, taking extra care. He didn't want it to look terrible when he presented it the Briarthorn. Hawthornpaw felt tempted to bring his catch back to her right then, but convinced himself he needed to find more before returning. "Onward then!" He traveled deeper into the territory, confident he'd be safe.

[Hawthornpaw caught a robin!]

Hawthornpaw

Skyclan Territory

After searching for a few minutes,
he found a strong enough scent worth going after. It led to a disappointing burrow too small for him to fit through. Hawthornpaw stared at the hole and considered his options. He could wait for the mouse to come out or move onto a new hunt. A trial of patience... He couldn't back down.

Determined, he took position above the hole in wait. Silent and still. Boring, but it would be worth it to win the challenge and have more prey. The pungent scent tickled his whiskers. He stiffened, eyes locked on the spot it would come out.

A grey critter begun to emerge, but the moment he moved it darted. Hawthornpaw gave chase. Running and twisting through tight turns among the forest floor, he kept up. As the mouse took a wrong turn the light tom pounced. He landed and swiped at the rodent, snagging it in his claws. He nipped its neck, securing his victory. "Thank you Starclan for this catch," he huffed, nearly exhausted. Hawthornpaw made a hole for his prey while recollecting his breath. At least I don't have to stay still any more.

[Hawthornpaw caught a mouse!]