SKYFALL (Closed)

A beautiful, warm, sunny day had graced SkyClan's territory only a few sunrises after the return of the other half of their number; it was as if nature itself was celebrating the return to relative normalcy, but like a stormcloud amid a vivid blue sky, one cat was still unhappy.

As the sun neared it's highest position, Fernpetal wiped her jaws clean of prey blood and buried the remains of her meal before rising to her paws with a protesting groan.  Earlier that day, she had been assigned by Mistyrain to accompany the two medicine cats as they searched for herbs, an order which she was not eager to obey.  It was a task she had done about a moon ago as well when she had gone with Amberdawn to fetch fresh moss at the lake...but that time, she had come out with an old friend by her side, and a bounce in her step.  Now, Night was nowhere to be found, likely living on the edges of the Clans once more, and it wasn't just Amberdawn - a cat whom, though disliking, she could handle with relative couth.  No, her 'sister' was coming too.  With a huff, her murky green eyes rolled rudely; though, she had to remind herself, it's not all bad.  Silentwhisper had been assigned to the patrol as well, and being with her best more-than-a-friend would make everything a bit better.  The corner of her mouth curling upward, she leaned down and nudged his shoulder, the large tom being only a couple of mouse-lengths away.  "C'mon, it's almost sunhigh.  We should probably check in."  Sparing a moment to give his ear a quick lick, the brown tabby and white she-cat padded off towards the medicine cat's work in progress den.  Some of the patchwork left something to be desired, a few holes still fully uncovered, but at least it was something to keep the herbs dry.  Ducking her head inside, resisting the urge to sneeze as the conflicting scents of tangy leaves and sweet flowers clashed, she called out in an undisguised monotone to the two she-cats, before backing out again.  "We're ready when you are."

"Probably." answered Silentwhisper playfully as he finished his meal moments after Fernpetal buried hers. His light green gaze held a twinkle of contentment. He was placed in a herb finding patrol with the she-cat. He was thankful for not being alone. Fernpetal always made things better for him. She held a very special place in his heart. He hoped to voice his feelings for her soon. They were starting to get obvious so it might not be quite a surprise when he does so.

The warrior shook himself out of his thoughts as he watched her arise from her spot. Before the large tom could get up himself, he felt his ear receive a quick lick. The warrior let out a startled squeak before pouting in Fernpetal's direction. She was already walking toward the medicine cat's den. He huffed and pushed the oncoming blush away. He then quickly got up and followed the she-cat.

Once he was by her side, he watched her call to the medicine cats before backing out of their den. He stole some glances at Fernpetal while shuffling closer to her as he waited for the medicine cats to exit. Eventually, his pelt was pressed against the other's side, encasing her with his fluffy fur. He made sure to innocently look around, trying to make it look like he wasn't quite paying attention. He liked to tease her once in a while. It was a delight.

Mintwhisker glanced up as a cat entered the den, casting a shadow over the bundle of herbs she'd been tying. Her murky eyes narrowed. She'd thought that Tinystar knew enough to not place Fernpetal in a patrol with her. The entire clan knew about their falling-out- surely it had reached her grandfather's ears.

The tabby she-cat sighed softly once the warrior left her den as if she'd been holding her breath. She took extra care to tie her bundle securely, a faint frown of concentration on her maw. Once she was certain the herbs were secure, she placed the bundle with the others, her tail-tip twitching halfheartedly. "Finish the bundle you're on, and then meet us outside." She didn't have the energy to be affectionate. Being near Fernpetal was like standing beside a half-spent stormcloud, all glowering and dreary. Her sister had the unique ability to drain all the zeal out of any cat she spoke to. She didn't know how Silentwhisper stood it.
She felt a pang as she glanced out the den at him. She had several fond memories left over from moons ago, when they were all warrior apprentices playing in the snow. If only Fernpetal hadn't gone and ruined everything...

She pushed herself to her paws with a scowl and padded into the sunlight, her ears twitching. Wordlessly, she crossed to sit as far away from Fernpetal as possible, keeping her eyes trained on her surroundings. Let's just get this over with...

Amberdawn was not really looking forward to their planned herb patrol. Had it been only her and Mintwhisker then it would have been a good opportunity to try to talk to her about everything they'd been through recently; unfortunately, they were informed that they were to keep an escort of warriors due to the recent flooding. They hadn't been able to ensure the forest was as safe as it was before. Everyone had been so busy with reparations that it was a bit difficult to do a thorough search from border to border. That Amberdawn understood and agreed, but when she had heard from her grumbling mentor who was to come with them she felt her mood sink slightly, any optimism to do anything other than move and work quietly shriveling to nothing. The medicine cat apprentice didn't know what had happened to come between Mintwhisker the medicine cat and her sister, Fernpetal. She didn't know why they were estranged, but it didn't take a servant of StarClan to see the animosity that always sparked between them - the way that each seemed to suck the joy right out of the other.

The young golden tabby had gone searching for herbs at the lake and brought Fernpetal with her then, as well. Amberdawn had firstpaw experience of the dry, irritable she-cat, yet she had also seen Fernpetal elated with relief and determination when she had found her dearest friend, Night of Stormy Gales, on that same patrol. Amberdawn had hoped that she and Fernpetal might perhaps have gotten onto a better paw from the experience, but truly she knew it had been a kittish hope; the warrior treated her no more kindly than she ever had before, if she acknowledged the medicine cat at all. Don't take it to heart, Amberdawn told herself, Mintwhisker has already proven that the consequences of her own actions are outside your control.

The thought was bitter and sad, and it was finished with a dull voice drawling, "We're ready when you are." at the entrance of the den. The pawsteps immediately receded once again.

Amberdawn looked up from her own herb bundle to the sound of Mintwhisker letting out a long, low sigh. The dark tabby she-cat was staring with an unreadable expression out the den, probably after Fernpetal and Silentwhisper who was joining them as well. After a moment the older medicine cat gathered herself with a deep breath and stated, "Finish the bundle you're on, and then meet us outside." Her golden head sank ever so slightly and she made a soft sound of acknowledgement, her dark eyes flitting back as she finished tucking the herbs in. As she folded and rolled the bundle and began to tie it shut, Mintwhisker exited the den, but the tension did not leave.

"StarClan," she murmured, "please help us make it through this patrol."

Her bundle tied as swiftly as she could manage, Amberdawn pushed it aside with the others and tucked them all safely out of the way. With one final sigh, the medicine cat apprentice exited to make her way quickly to Mintwhisker's side, though her limbs were heavy. She raised her head to meet Silentwhisper's gaze and offered him a weak smile. It quickly faded as she glanced anxiously between Mintwhisker and Fernpetal before finally dropping to the dirt.

Fernpetal pretended not to notice Silentwhisper's glances and the sly movements bringing them closer together - her pelt suddenly feeling a bit too warm for her body - but the embarrassment vanished as their pelts touched, bringing back memories of their time spent together on the shore...alone.  His long-thick pelt was soft and comforting and with a fast glance back at the medicine cat's den, she reached up to rub her head against his jaw, purring deeply as her murky green eyes closed.  Their moment had to be broken though as she heard the medicine cat's paws slap against the still muddy earth, and the sleek bi-color she-cat broke away quickly, sour face returning.  "What are you two sitting down for?  Let's get moving."  Spine fur bristling slightly, her eyes a moment ago so soft flashed like the talons of a hawk, threatening to sink into its prey if it took a step out of line.  Whisking her tail towards the camp exit, she didn't look back before plunging into the territory.

"Oookay so, what are we looking for, and how long is it going to take?"  As the small patrol came to a halt in a small clearing dappled with stones and moss, Fernpetal didn't try to disguise her boredom and disgust.  Not caring if she was being disrespectful at this point, she glared at Mintwhisker and Amberdawn, but suddenly found herself faltering as her gaze met Silentwhisper's.  Maybe I should tone it down...he knows I don't like my sister, but...  Ears drooping guiltily ever-so-briefly, she forced herself to focus on Amberdawn, the better of the two.  "Fat chance of running across Night this time I suppose, but I guess herbs will be an okay find too."

Silentwhisper began to softly purr when Fernpetal began to relax and cuddle closer. The moment ended quickly when both medicine cats exited their den. He could already feel the tension between Fernpetal and Mintwhisker. 'Oh boy...' The tom silently greeted Mintwhisker with a soft smile. He then turned to look at Amberdawn and he offered a friendly nod. He then began to quickly follow the three with worry and anxiety evident on his face.

He remembered the good days. He was as shy as ever, hanging out with other apprentices in the thick snow. It was all fun, games, and friendly banter. He had known Mintwhisker in the early years of apprentice-hood and had been quite fond of her. Their little apprentice circle got into quite a bit a trouble. Silentwhisker was always worrying over everything. He also remembers Buzzardpaw but trying to fully bring out old memories really hurt. He missed those days. Now, it was all stress and tension. Well, not all but most. There were still days of peaceful relaxation.

Fernpetal and Silentwhisper had begun to hang out together during the latter years of their apprenticeship. He immediately got attached to her. He opened up more and more with her by his side. She did have her quirks and personality as well as her views but they never bothered him. He liked her bold demeanor and strong spirit. It was the complete opposite of what he was. Opposites attract right? It seemed like that was the case in their sort of relationship. She makes him feel secure and happy. Seeing her and her sister act this way toward each other really hurt. He appreciated and admired both. One had been so much like he was and the other helped him out of his shell and stuck with him. Silentwhisper was frightened to lose any of them.

The one he felt really bad for was Amberdawn. She didn't quite deserve to be in the middle of this "suspiciously tame but also weirdly quiet" dispute. He respected the she-cat and admired her altruistic nature and how hardworking she is. He didn't know why but he always felt a sense of protectiveness whenever he saw her around. It was a bit strange but in all honesty, it should surprise nobody by now. He had been like that since kit-hood. He liked to attempt to protect those younger or smaller than him. It was something he was never able to remove or understand.

Currently, the tom was silently walking next to Amberdawn but not too close. He liked his space but it was an exception with Fernpetal. He watched them all from the corner of his eye. He listened to Fernpetal when she began to speak once again. His green gaze locked onto hers for a moment before she looked away. She was now attempting to focus on Amberdawn. At least there isn't any verbal arguments going on. It would make the tom feel uncomfortable and awkward. He never knows how to react during those types of scenarios.

The taupe tabby's scarred face scrunched in disgust. Her sister had never been the most friendly cat, but couldn't she at least settle for respectful? She and Amberdawn were medicine cats, after all.
"Ragweed and Celandine." Mintwhisker shot Amberdawn a quick apologetic glance, hoping to alleviate some of the awkwardness and tension between them. She didn't have to be dragged into whatever drama Fernpetal had caused- it wasn't fair. She supposed Fernpetal didn't care, though. At this point, Mintwhisker was sure that Fernpetal would stoop as low as she needed to cause her some grief.
"It's Newleaf, so Celandine shouldn't be too difficult to find- it's got yellow flowers." She directed her words at Silentwhisper, looking over Amberdawn's head to speak to the large tom. Her tattered ears twitched- he was walking in a way that completely blocked Fernpetal from view. How lovely. "Ragweed is very similar to a fern, only even more unruly-looking. We should be able to tell the difference, so if you come across something that could be it, please let Amberdawn and I know."

Silentwhisper at least attempted to be civil back, nodding with a gentle expression. Fernpetal continued to make no such effort; Amberdawn's haunches had just begun to settle on the earth when the warrior growled at the two medicine cats for sitting. The golden apprentice stood instantly as if she'd sat on a pinecone, looking distressed and shameful. Fernpetal didn't notice or care as she swept out of camp, looking prickly as a badger. Amberdawn kept her eyes down and quickly followed Fernpetal through the exit.

The patrol made quick time, but it felt like ages with the tension thick in the air. They came into a clearing and Fernpetal immediately demanded to know what they were searching for and, more frustratingly, how long it would take. We don't know where all the herbs grow, Amberdawn wanted to tell her, but even the thought of saying it made her want to shrink down like a tiny kit. We don't know how long it will take if we don't know where they are after the flood.

Mintwhisker answered the question: Ragweed and celandine. Amberdawn listened carefully to her mentor's instructions even though she knew those particular herbs quite well at this point. She felt so anxious she was sure she could use a reminder. Silentwhisper was the target of her response, Amberdawn noted, even though Fernpetal had asked the question. The warrior likely didn't really care about the answer anyways. Nonetheless, Mintwhisker finished her explanation swiftly and Amberdawn looked about to think of where to start.

Fernpetal's voice broke in, commenting, "Fat chance of running across Night this time I suppose, but I guess herbs will be an okay find too."

Amberdawn smiled weakly but couldn't meet the other she-cat's gaze. She murmured, mostly to herself, "I was really hoping he'd come back to the forest..." To SkyClan, she thought, but she didn't admit that part. He never would've been welcome, even if the whole Clan had begged for it.

Almost as soon as Fernpetal's fur had flattened, she felt it once again begin to prickle along her spine as her 'sister's' voice rang in her ears, describing some herb she had never heard of.  Was that...supposed to be an insult?!  Oh, so she thought ferns were unruly, did she?  With a sneer, the brown tabby and white warrior peeked her head around Silentwhisper's form, locking eyes with Mintwhisker for the first time that day as she meowed casually; "Oh, are you sure you're not looking for mint?  That stuff is so soft, it breaks without much effort.  Wouldn't make it too far without some brambles to hide it..."  Purring silently to herself as she looked away, her ears pricked to catch Amberdawn's whisper, and felt herself deflate a bit.  Yea...I hoped he would too...or at least have come by to say goodbye...  Shaking her head, she forced away those annoying thoughts and padded out towards the trees, sniffing the air.  Not much prey scent, the forest was still recovering from the flood...a little bit of Twoleg, oddly enough...and....something faint.  Murky green eyes narrowing, her nose almost touched the ground as she tried to pick up the scent.  After a moment though, she flicked her tail dismissively and turned back to the group.  "Well, good luck finding ragweed and cela-whatever, we'll just be your shadows."

---

Hunger.

That was all he could feel.

After sunrise after sunrise of nothing, not even the scrawniest mouse, the russet-pelted animal was growing desperate.  His stomach roared to the point where his abdomen ached, and his paws faltered as he trotted through the trees, pointy ears swiveling, trying to pick up any possible sound that could lead to salvation.  Maybe he should've followed his brothers away from the woods, into the heart of Hunter territory to savage for scraps, but no.  He had been born here, this was their place, and now that the cats were gone they could finally claim it as their own.  Or...were they?  Coming to a halt, the fox's glowing eyes stared off between the trees, back in the direction he had come from yesterday.  He knew what he was hearing...the mewling of foolish cats.  Foolish prey.  He had never eaten cat before, but his fellows had mentioned it tasted wonderful...at this point, he would take anything the forest had to give.  Jaws parting in a snarl, his paws pounded against the ground as he raced towards the little furry animals, drool coating his fangs.  Finally, finally, he would feast.

---

Just as Fernpetal had begun to walk back towards the group, she finally caught the scent.  Much stronger and muskier than before...and she could hear pounding paws disturbing the few leaves that littered the ground...coming straight towards them.  Hackles rising, the she-cat opened her jaws to call out to her Clanmates, but before the words could be summoned a large, very skinny male fox burst through the undergrowth, it's jaws bared and a growl emanating from its chest.  Instantly, Fernpetal's claws were out, and she lowered herself into a defensive crouch.  "Silentwhisper, we've got trouble!"  The fox's dark eyes focused on her as she yowled, and she braced herself to dodge an oncoming attack...but shockingly, the beast lumbered past her.

Its sights were set on the smallest cat in their group...Amberdawn.

Fernpetal wasn't used to feeling particularly 'protective' of any cat.  She had grown to care about Silentwhisper more than anyone and despite the fact that she still hated everything medicine cats stood for...Amberdawn had allowed Night to stay with them.  She cared about her friend almost as much as she did, and for that, she had to respect her.  Besides...the clan needed to heal.  Herbs and cobwebs and all that stuff she didn't understand were just as important as fighting, so it was with that mindset she launched herself at the fox with a wild screech, digging her claws into it's back with a ferocity she hadn't experienced in ages.  "Oh no you don't!"  Her words though came with an exhilarated grin.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

---

Fernpetal used Jumping Strike on the Fox, costing 20 stamina and dealing 10 damage.

Fernpetal:
45/45 HP
140/160 SP (-20)

Fox:
80/90 HP (-10)
280/280 SP

"Alright." responded the tom after Mintwhisker finished giving her instructions and the information they needed to know. He offered her  small smile before turning away. As they continued on, things began to feel a bit more tense. It seemed that Fernpetal was trying to rile up her sister. The tom's shoulders tensed a bit as the she-cat beside him continued to talk. He let out a silent sigh of relief when Fernpetal calmed down a bit. He shot Amberdawn an apologetic smile before looking at his friend. As she began to break away from the group, Silentwhisper started to follow her. She didn't go very far so he stood a few lengths away.

"Silentwhisper, we've got trouble!"

The tom's pelt prickled with anxiety and slight fear when he heard Fernpetal's yowl. The tom hissed when a fox jumped out of the undergrowth. It seemed to be a bit on the skinny side but Silentwhisper wasn't going to underestimate it. Foxes were always dangerous no matter what. He began to make himself bigger by fluffing his fur and he unsheathed his claws. He ran to stand by Fernpetal, staring down the creature when he got there.

It threw them for a loop when the predator passed them to get to Amberdawn. He felt his heart stop at the sight. Fernpetal had acted quick and jumped onto the fox, claws ready to tear. The tom snapped out of his daze and joined her in the fight.

While Fernpetal had the fox distracted, Silentwhisper slid under it, raking and scarring its belly before scrambling back up and blocking its view of Amberdawn. The fox wasn't going to hurt her on their watch.
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Silentwhisper used Half-Turn Belly Rake, dealing 11 damage and using 20 sp.

Silentwhisper:
45/45
140/160

Fox:
69/90
280/280

Fernpetal:
45/45
140/160

Mintwhisker's eyes narrowed at Fernpetal's words, but she flicked her tattered ears and kept walking. If that was the best her "sister" could do, the taupe tabby wouldn't give her the satisfaction of a fight.
Without another word she turned off the trail and waded into the undergrowth, but not before catching Fernpetal's words. "Cela-whatever". How ridiculous.

She began to root around near the base of an old fir tree- celandine often grew near this particular spot, and the young she-cat was feeling hopeful. She hummed to herself.
And a screech nearly threw her out of her fur. "Great Starclan!" The tabby yelped, turning just in time to see Fernpetal launch herself at a charging fox. Heart pounding, Mintwhisker ran as fast as her legs could carry her towards the battle, her long tail streaming behind her. She stepped in front of her apprentice with a vicious snarl, her back arching, her hackles raised, hissing and spitting like a furious snake. Her murky eyes shone wildly out of a mess of fur. One single thought stood out in her mind: she had to protect Amberdawn. Mintwhisker was unable to have kits, both by law and nature, but that didn't mean that she was devoid of motherly instinct. Adrenaline pumped through her veins and made her paws shake. The she-cat swiped at the russet-furred beast, her tattered ears flat against her head, and knew that she needed to protect Amberdawn or die trying.

Mintwhisker used Front Paw Strike, dealing 6 damage and using 10 SP

Fernpetal:
45/45 HP
140/160 SP

Silentwhisper:
45/45
140/160

Mintwhisker:
45/45
90/100

Fox:
63/90
280/280

Much as she tried to, Amberdawn was unable to stifle the feelings of sadness that filled her paws with lead. Mintwhisker had been short-tempered, Fernpetal had been ill-tempered, and Silentwhisper had been... well, he probably felt about as awkward as she did being that his -- are they mates? she wondered -- his friend hated all but one of the cats on the patrol. The SkyClan medicine cat apprentice let out a trembling sigh and turned away, more than happy to turn her back on the dark cloud of negative energy that was the rest of the patrol, padding towards a spot along the edge of the tree-line to start searching for herbs. The foliage was growing wildly in some places - though not at all in others - since the flood had passed. She hoped there would be plenty of herbs there so that Fernpetal couldn't claim the patrol had been a waste.

The small golden she-cat was pawing through the leaves and stalks, starting to get a good look, when there was a great rustling a distance behind her and Fernpetal's voice suddenly yowling a warning. A ripping snarl sounded in the air and Amberdawn's blood went cold; at that moment the scent of fox washed over her as it had washed over everyone else, and she whirled around with bristling fur. The great creature was thin as bones, pelt hanging with hunger. Its eyes locked with the young she-cat's and she felt her breath stick in her chest, eyes widening with fear as it sprang past Fernpetal with ease directly towards her.

Amberdawn would have stood no chance if not for the swift actions of Silentwhisper and Fernpetal, whom immediately piled onto the predators with raking claws. Even Mintwhisker placed her stout frame between Amberdawn and the fox spitting with fury. When Mintwhisker lunged forward to begin assaulting the fox with the warriors, Amberdawn cried, "W-Wait!"

But Mintwhisker was already gone, and Amberdawn stared helplessly at the tangle of fur and fangs, frozen with indecision.

As his eyes made contact with the little ginger-striped kitty, the fox felt a familiar malicious sensation flood his belly, fanning the flames of hunger and hatred that already smoldered within.  Prey...finally...  His lips bared in a delightedly excited snarl, the tall russet-pelted creature was only able to take a few steps toward his chosen meal before a sharp pain and weight erupted on his back, making him flinch with a yelp and jump around, snapping at his attacker.  It was that loud brown-striped one who had yowled at him.  Before he could fling the cat off, another twinge of pain echoed from his belly; but this time, it wasn't starvation.  Glancing down, all he could see was a blur before the large silver cat darted away, and by that time yet another one had whacked him, though that time the blow was far less painful.  Growling furiously, the fox realized that he was outnumbered...and possibly outmatched.  The cat he had set his eyes on seemed to be well protected, the two cats still on the ground jumping to block her from view.  He could feel hot blood running through his fur already, and his legs trembled with weakness.  If he gave up now though...he would die.  Simple as that.  And so, these cats must die instead; or at least, one of them.

Growing positively annoyed with the female clinging to his spine, the fox jerked unexpectedly and forcefully, and with a yip of satisfaction, he felt her claws release from his skin.  Not allowing her the chance to recover, the tod lunched forward and grabbed the cat by the shoulders, the fire of hunger in his belly flaring excitedly as he felt his teeth sink into her flesh.  Picking up the smaller creature, he steeled himself to run...

---

Was she really seeing this?  From her perch atop the beast's back, Fernpetal watched as Silentwhisper fell back to block Amberdawn - who was still frozen in place - and Mintwhisker...Mintwhisker leaped forward to attack the fox, a furious expression tainting the medicine cat's almost identical face.  Brow furrowing as she snarled, the bi-color tabby warrior hissed down at her "sister"...though her voice was for once not tinged with venom.  "What are you doing?!  Run!  Get Amberdawn out of here, Silentwhisper and I will handle this!"  As soon as the words left her mouth though, the warrior felt the fox's body jerk beneath her claws, painfully exposed muscle and sinew twisting as it put all its strength into bucking her off...and it worked.  With a screech, the lithe-bodied SkyClanner fell hard against the pebbly ground, the impact driving the breath from her lungs.  Before she could move, before she could even breathe, the rancid stink of fox blinded her senses, and pain exploded in her back and shoulders as Fernpetal felt herself being lifted from the ground; now, she was the victim.  Teeth gritted against the pain, for a moment she didn't think she could move, but adrenaline spoke otherwise.  With a wild hiss, Fernpetal reached up blindly with an untrapped forepaw, claws bared, and thankfully hit a worthwhile target.  The soft flesh of the fox's eye tore beneath her grasp, and with an agonized bark she finally felt it's jaws release, sending her tumbling to the ground once more.  She found a foothold and lifted herself back into a defensive position, but winced; her shoulders were bleeding quite heavily where the fox's teeth had found their mark.  "Pfft, what am I, a kit?  I can take a whole lot more than this."  Baring her claws, the she-cat's murky eyes darted across the clearing, catching sight of her companions.  Still...I'll be careful.  I don't intend to leave Silentwhisper anytime soon.

---

The Fox used Iron Bite, costing 20 stamina and dealing 30 damage.
Fernpetal used Front Paw Strike, costing 10 stamina and dealing 9 damage.

Fox:
54/90 (-9)
260/280 (-20)

Fernpetal:
15/45 HP (-30)
130/160 SP (-10)

Silentwhisper:
45/45
140/160

Mintwhisker:
45/45
90/100

Silentwhisper bit the inside of his mouth to prevent himself from uttering a word when he saw that Mintwhisker joined them in the fight against the fox. She needed to go and take Amberdawn to saftey. He and Fernpetal had a decent hold on the creature and could probably handle it. Still, there was a tiny part of him that felt like things were probably going to go very wrong. It was just a simmer in his belly so he brushed it off as he continued his concentration on the beast. That would probably come back to bite him very soon.

Nobody was able to recover quickly enough for what had occurred moments later. The fox had escaped their clutches but not only that, it also snatched Fernpetal up in its jaws in a painful manner. She fortunately managed to escape but not without injuries. Silentwhisper felt himself snap as he jumped forward and stood in front of the she-cat in an aggressive pose. He was ready to defend her with his life.

The tom's pelt puffed up even further. It made him seem twice as big. He reared up onto his hind legs and pummeled the predator's face with furious swipes of his unsheathed paws. He then dropped back down while maintaining himself as a shield between Fernpetal and the fox.
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Silentwhisper used Upright Front Paws, dealing 11 damage and using 20 sp.

Silentwhisper:
45/45
120/160

Fox:
43/90
260/280

Fernpetal:
15/45
130/160

Mintwhisker:
45/45
90/100

"What are you doing?!"
Just a momentary distraction was all it took- the fox bucked and sent Fernpetal flying through the air. "No!" Mintwhisker cried, her heart leaping as it bore down on her sister. She was frozen where she stood, her paws trembling, her ears flat against her head.
She was powerless. She had no herbs, no cobwebs, no ideas. Every day since her medicine cat apprentice ceremony Mintwhisker had been preparing for a situation like this- high stakes work, where one single herb could mean the difference between dying today or living to see tomorrow.
After moons of preparation, why now was she unable to breathe?

All her clanmates were her kin; she should be able to heal them all without any sort of priority. It was part of the medicine cat code, for Starclan's sake. "A medicine cat will never let personal feelings in the way of his or her duties."
But even as an apprentice, she'd known that the words she recited meant nothing. She would choose Fernpetal over anyone else: Rippedstar, Tinylegs, even herself. Nothing had changed. Despite their many fights and Fernpetal's infuriating close-mindedness, Mintwhisker knew that she would still gladly sacrifice her life for her sister.

Her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears as she turned towards the herbs she'd managed to gather. Poppy seeds, cobwebs... she'd just have to use what she had. Steeling herself, she waited for Silentwhisper to attack before darting around the edge of the clearing, skidding to a stop beside her sister and immediately getting to work patching whatever wounds she could see. She didn't know how much good they would do, but she wouldn't be able to live with herself if her sister died while she just looked on.
OOC: sorry it's trash ;;