It’s a Violent World [CLOSED]

OOC: I had to rewrite this (the webpage kept on refreshing and destroying my work) so many times I kinda gave up. Sorry for how short it is!

It was a nice day in Skyclan. The sun shone brightly through the birches, casting dazzling patterns onto the forest floor. A squirrel scurried underfoot and a family of robins sang in the trees. A massive deer of some sorts was on the horizon, absentmindedly eating leaves.

Stormpaw padded down the worn trails through the territory. She was part of a border patrol, and while it was an important job, it was beginning to get boring. Marking borders all day wasn’t exactly the most exciting activity. The gray molly wasn’t one of complain, though, so she kept her mouth shut. There were two other cats there— Sandblaze and Nightpaw— and she took the middle spot, just behind the warrior. 

As they neared the border, the apprentice opened her maw to taste the air. There wasn’t a hard line between where Thunderclan’s dark forest started and Skyclan’s airy woods ended, they just mended together into a confusing mess of massive oaks and breezy birches. The scent lines, while invisible, were a clear line cutting the mess in two, and what she relied heavily on. There was something different today, though- the Thunderclan scent line was a good deal closer than Stormpaw remembered. Was that for real, or did she just confuse a drifting scent for a marker? “Uh, Sandblaze?” she called, ”Are the borders different, or is it just me?”

Sandblaze always got a little antsy when patrolling the ThunderClan border, and he had the scars to prove it. A long, thin, pink stripe across his shoulders, parting his otherwise perfect pelt, was a constant reminder that he was always a bit hasty. Something about the way Stormpaw suddenly stopped worried him, though. Were they even so stupid that they didn't know where the border was? The warrior leaned close to the ground and inhaled pure squirrel-smell: a patrol was nearby, and someone didn't know what they were doing. The scent marker was quite a few fox lengths closer than it should be, and SkyClan could spare no territory being the smallest of the five. Ridiculous. An apprentice, perhaps, got a little close... but that was no excuse. He turned to face the two apprentices he had beside him. "There's a patrol nearby. We're going to investigate, and attack if needed. To the trees. It's easier to get a drop on them," he said with a wink. "Watch me and stay behind. I need to see what's going on."

With a few easy bounds, he had scaled a pine and was trotting along the branches in his most natural state. He loved the sway of the branches and the soft rustle of leaves. However, he had to be quiet if they were to investigate these cocky ThunderClanners. He was considerably more "professional" around apprentices. If only his brothers were here! He lifted his pluming tail quite suddenly: stop. He motioned the apprentices closer and peered down into the undergrowth. A bright ginger warrior and two tabby apprentices weaved through the territory.

"Don't move," he whispered, "hug the branch. They can't smell us and they won't think to look up. Wait for my signal."

Calmly watching the two of them from behind as they patrolled the ThunderClan border, Nightpaw was at the back of the small line of SkyClan cats, gazing around them and occasionally peeking over his shoulder for any signs of suspicion. He averted his gaze from the routine he had established when Stormpaw suddenly stopped the two of them, instead tilting his head to look past their pelts to see what was in front of them. 

Though he had not smelled anything and hadn't bothered to even after the situation was acknowledged, Nightpaw absentmindedly followed them to the trees. He did this a lot - plainly following instructions without thinking outside of the box - though he had never realized it himself. Even at the mention of a potentially trespassing patrol, Nightpaw stayed expressionless and silent as they crept through the trees. Though his face held no emotion, Nightpaw was worried. Not because ThunderClan might have messed up, but because he didn't want to fight. What was the point of it? They didn't have to initiate a fight, they could approach them and talk to them and all would be well. Misunderstandings are misunderstandings, and it wasn't like Clans always had to be hostile towards each other like the opposing ones are always in the wrong. He didn't want his two Clanmates in front of him to be getting hurt, and he didn't want to hurt potentially innocent ThunderClan cats...

Nightpaw spoke quietly. His voice was always a tad soft and hushed, but this time it was just barely audible. "...Is attacking them really necessary?"

--

Copperheart had a bad feeling about that day. He was assigned a border patrol with two other apprentices, Mistpaw and Nettlepaw, and was currently leading them towards the border between SkyClan and ThunderClan. It wasn't because one of the apprentices annoyed him or anything, no, rather, SkyClan had always set him off a little bit. The border he was heading towards was where he had had his first-ever real fight, and Copperheart had a scar of his own on his flank from the experience. Not only that, but due to a certain incident at a Gathering, he knew that his siblings took a disliking towards Tinystar and his Clan. With their beliefs, Copperheart found himself with the same mindset. Whatever. He had to force himself to have a positive mindset, for the sake of the two apprentices beside him and for himself. 

Yet, as he kept leading them on, Copperheart felt the worry in his gut grow bigger and bigger. He halted to taste the air and really inflate his senses as much as possible. Nothing. He kept moving, instead attempting to blur out his anxious thoughts by talking to his Clanmates. "We'll be nearing the SkyClan border soon," he meowed. "Because borders have always been slightly fishy areas, I'd like you both to stay wary and on your toes for any signs of suspicion."

Nettlepaw followed alongside Copperheart and her brother. She was always at her happiest when she was busy, and right now was no exception. She liked being a part of things, having a place in the day-to-day workings of the clan that she loved more than anything. She preferred to be kept active over having idle free time, even if that activity was just little duties around camp. But, admittedly, getting to go on patrols was her favorite. After all, patrolling was a centrally important part of the way the clan operated. Getting to move around the territory was an added bonus for her, considering how restless she could get just waiting around camp for a new job to arrive.

Nettlepaw gave a short nod after Copperheart spoke, and she began to scan the area with a cool gaze.

"Right," she said matter-of-factly "I'll stay alert,"

And if I there is anything suspicious, I won't think twice about doing what I need to to defend my clan she thought as she carefully continued along the border with her clanmates

Mistpaw was never going to say it, but he loved morning patrols. This was not a morning patrol. It was Sunhigh, and it was hot, and Mistpaw, like the morning mist he was named for, would have much rathered to disappear into the cooler shadows. However, cats nary recieved what they wanted, so here he was, patrolling the hottest part of the day. At the Warrior's cautious words and Nettlepaw's affirmation, Mistpaw glanced at them, his demeanor slightly faltering. "You say that like we aren't always supposed to be aware of our surroundings, Copperheart. We are on a border patrol. Being alert of suspicious activity is the entire objective here." Thinking with reason, he supposed, was not his Clanmates' strengths. Regardless, it was possible that it was just a misconception, a simple mistake of wording, or perhaps it was the heat clouding their thinking. He suspected the latter.

Oh, how he hated this part of Greenleaf.

Stormpaw nodded and followed Sandblaze’s advice. As silently as she could, she scaled up the pine, using it’s scaly bark as support. From up here, the view was wonderful. She could see deep into Thunderclan’s territory, even. But she didn’t stop to admire the view. The apprentice followed the cream tom down the branch, her belly brushing the leaves, until they were nearly on top of a rival patrol. Just like them, it was two apprentices and a warrior. They seemed completely oblivious of them- and judging by the way things were going, those Thunderclanners were going to find out they were there the hard way. She kept her eyes peeled on Sandblaze and waited for the signal.

OOC: Short

ooc: i'm so sorry this took so long! it must've slipped my mind. sand was a tier 1 at the time, so a tier 1 he shall remain

Sandblaze watched as the apprentices treaded what he perceived to be far too close for their own good. The borders were to be fiercely defended as per the code, right? Of course, he would like a little ThunderClan fur between his claws after the nasty scar they left the last time. With a flick of his tail, he signaled the rest of his patrol and dropped from the branches onto a ginger tom, snarling and gripping him with his claws. "Getting a little comfortable on the border, squirrel-breath?" he huffed as he stuggled to keep his grip. "Ever heard of personal space? Your apprentices can't tell a scent mark from fox dung!"

Sandblaze used Sky Drop, costing 15 stamina and dealing 10 damage!

Sandblaze
40/40 HP
105/120 SP (-15)

Copperheart
35/45 HP (-10)
120/120 SP

Mistpaw's snide remark made Copperheart's neck fur bristle slightly in surprise. Yikes, that was a small thorn to the paw. He soon realized, however, the apprentice was quite right. There wasn't any harm in a reminder, though. Copperheart's initial response to the comeback was hardly noticeable as he near-immediately let out a loud laugh at the tom's response. "Hah! Well, you're not wrong, Mistpaw. To be honest, I-"

The ginger tom cut himself off suddenly, biting his tongue in apprehension. If he told them he was getting an eerie vibe, like something wasn't right here, they could possibly freak out and make them worried for a reason that might be non-existent in the first place. What a great warrior he would make of himself then, huh? Before he had time to conclude his sentence in a different, more reassuring manner, he suddenly felt a heavy weight fall on top of his back. His knees buckled beneath him as the tom was slammed to the ground, a loud hiss exclaiming from his lips. 

As thorn-sharp claws dug into his back, the pain nearly stunned Copperheart from his senses. But it didn't. He was still able to make out his attacker's snarky, taunting words and able to recognize this was an ambush, and if anything, his senses flared. This situation was familiar to him. After fighting with that SkyClan apprentice so many moons ago, he often reflected on the battle, thinking of what he could have done to avoid getting knocked out. The first thing that strange she-cat did was pin him down... she got the advantage. That's what he had to do. He wasn't going to get one-upped this time! 

StarClan, let this work...

The tom let his weight lean to one side, causing his opponent to lose his already struggling grip. Rolling back onto his legs into a fighting stance, Copperheart was able to get a good look of his ambusher - a glossy, light cream tabby warrior with a thick scar that parted his shoulders. Between small pants, a breathless laugh escaped Copperheart. "Personal space? That's hilarious to hear from the cat who, not only attacked us first, but attacked us in our own territory. If anything, you're the one who sure seems comfortable...!" He treaded off with a yowl as he leaped onto the SkyClan warrior's back, digging his teeth into his scruff and raking his claws down his back - as much as he could, anyway, without losing his grip. 

--

When neither warriors gave him a response, Nightpaw felt even more nervous. Had he been too quiet, or were they ignoring him so that they wouldn't get distracted? He really, really didn't want to hurt anyone. Again, it could have been a misunderstanding! What if they were in the wrong here? When Sandblaze gave the signal, Nightpaw hesitated briefly. Hurting other cats is wrong, but he couldn't disobey words from a higher rank... so, reluctantly, Nightpaw scrunched up his yellow eyes and whispered a quick, "I'm sorry!" before leaping down with his long claws unsheathed and landing straight on a grey tabby's back. The lithe tom winced, trying not to hurt whoever his opponent was too much. Why did he, of all cats, have to have these long claws? Taking in a breath, he dug his claws just enough to where he wouldn't lose his balance. 

Copperheart used Teeth Grip, dealing 8 damage and using 20 SP. Sandblaze is stunned for 3 turns.

Sandblaze
32/40 HP
105/120 SP

Copperheart
35/45 HP
140/160 SP

Nightpaw used Sky Drop, dealing 7 damage and using 15 SP.

Nightpaw
20/20 HP
65/80 SP

Nettlepaw
13/20 HP
80/80 SP

The member '81556' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Effect Dice' : 6

Nettlepaw staggered under the sudden weight of an opponent landing on her back, and winced at the painful sensation of claws digging into her back. She whipped around to face her attacker, the pained glint in her eyes quickly blazing up into a fierce anger.

"We're just a border patrol doing our regular job!" she snarled at her opponent. "And I will make you regret attacking us like this," she scowled at the black tom with all the menace she could muster, absolutely furious at what she viewed as a completely unprovoked attack and direct threat to her clanmates.

She turned around, aiming her hind legs at the enemy cat's stomach, grateful in that moment for her small stature, which let her more easily reach underneath the other cat.

Nettlepaw used Belly Rake, costing 10 SP and dealing 7 damage

Nettlepaw:
SP: 70/80 (-10)
HP: 13/20

Nightpaw:
SP: 65/80
HP: 13/20 (-7)

Mistpaw took a step back in surprise at the Skyclanners' entrance. He looked over at the stormy grey she-cat who had dropped in front of him. "So nice of you to drop in," He said in a nearly monotone and regal tone, "But what's a pretty she-cat like you doing attacking innocent Thunderclanners?" He sprung onto her back and held on for dear life, all the while clawing at her. "So terribly sorry to be messing up such pretty fur as this, but I'm afraid I do not lose."

Mistpaw used Leap and Hold, dealing 6 damage and using 10 stamina! Stormpaw is pinned for 2 turns!

Mistpaw
20/20 HP
70/80 SP

Stormpaw
14/20 HP
80/80 SP

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 5

Stormpaw had, after seeing Sandblaze jump down, dropped from her perch as well. She folded herself into a ball as she hit the ground, ready to spring back up right after. The she-cat noticed a feisty tabby cat a fox-tail away, but before she could attack a weight sprung onto her shoulders. A hiss escaped her maw as she fell to the ground. Whoever it was wasn’t very heavy, but through sheer strength seemed to keep her pinned. The storm-coated apprentice struggled as much she could, but couldn’t seem to lift herself up an inch. Stormpaw took in a deep breath. She could do this. Border scuffles happened all the time, and the fur would just grow back eventually. All she had to do was pretend to be big and scary (which was quite hard at the moment) and hopefully they’ll be intimidated enough to flee. ”I appreciate the compliment, but-“ she suppressed a yowl from the pain of claws in her back- ”-It seems to be that you are in the wrong. I’m afraid a little fur gone isn’t enough to make me surrender.”

Stormpaw is pinned for 2 turns.

Stormpaw:
14/20 HP
80/80 SP

Mistpaw:
20/20 HP
70/80 SP

Sandblaze hissed as the ginger warrior shredded his pelt. As he struggled to get free, he was briefly reminded of the she-cat that beat him in his apprenticeship. "Out of curiosity, do you still have that little black she-cat in your clan? You have a very similar - OUCH - grip!" The cream colored tabby wiggled away in vain from his adversary's claws. This battle felt very familiar, and it was quite a bit embarrassing.

Sandblaze is stunned!

Continuing to sink his teeth into the SkyClan tom's scruff, Copperheart's eyes bore into the back of the young tabby's head as he spoke, ears perking at the mention of a 'little black she-cat.' Was he referring to Batbite? As much as the tom wanted to lift his maw from the warrior's light-colored pelt and perhaps inquire further, he wasn't going to do such an insignificant thing at the risk of losing a battle. All the warrior could mumble through his bite was, "Sure do," and return to the battle itself.

--

As his opponent threw him off her back, Nightpaw stumbled back to his feet to get a full look at the she-cat he had attacked. His yellow eyes grew wide at the sight before him, and he couldn't help but retreat back from the absolute hatred that laced her voice and expression. He felt intimidated, certainly, but a stronger emotion he held was guilt. He was the cause of that she-cat's negative, unpleasant feelings, and he couldn't help but think on their actions of attacking the patrol further. The black tom let out a harsh, yet still soft wince at the sudden feeling of sharp claws raking down his belly. Flinching from her grip, a million thoughts raced through Nightpaw's head. What was he supposed to do? Attack her again? She sure seemed to comprehend the situation, and they could talk about it. Still, he couldn't just disobey a warrior's orders... reluctantly, Nightpaw leaped at her again, though this time with much less force intended, lightly pawing at her chest. He wanted to talk, ask her about how she felt, yet for whatever reason, his lips stayed tightly shut. Maybe, if the she-cat realized he didn't want to hurt her, she would stop on her own. 

--

Copperheart used Teeth Grip, dealing 8 damage and using 20 SP. Sandblaze is stunned for 2 turns.

Sandblaze
24/40 HP
105/120 SP

Copperheart
35/45 HP
120/160 SP

Nightpaw used Front Paw Blow, dealing 4 damage and using 5 SP.

Nettlepaw
9/20 HP
70/80 SP

Nightpaw
13/20 HP
60/80 SP