Youth: Barleytuft's Patrol [closed]

The more growls and snarls he heard, the more Grousefrost doubted Barleytuft’s order. Finally, he broke it. Darting down into the tunnel as a shape barrelled into him. He yowled fiercely as he was intercepted with a stunning slap to the hindquarters. His hind legs struggled to find purchase on the slippery dirt of the entrance as he stumbled and fell into the darkness of the tunnel.

As darkness clouded his vision, he forced himself to try and stay calm. Fear and panic wouldn’t help his situation. He had to listen for the predator, and try to get his hind legs to work again. He struggled to stand up with a grunt as he listened to the sounds of battle further down the tunnel.

Grousefrost is no longer stunned

The strike was flawless; the fox felt its vicious claws make contact and cut through easily as slashing at water. The sound of a cat's body thudding awkwardly, painfully to the ground just ahead was overwhelmingly exciting. With a growl the pale fox took another few swipes, batting back and forth - not every hit connected, but certainly enough struck it would still be quite jarring. The sounds of the fray filled the den and echoed out into the night.

Fox #3 used Front Paws Strike on Grousefrost, using 25 SP and dealing 14 HP.

Fox 3:
75/75 Health
155/200 Stamina (-25)

Grousefrost:
16/45 Health (-14)
160/160 Stamina

Another set of eyes glittered in the darkness behind the 'rescuers,' yellow shards of ice with incomprehensible depths of malice. A low, deep growl rumbled over the battle cries of cats and foxes clashing in the right space. The time to strike had come swiftly; the unseen fox, unnoticed in the heat of the struggle, picked his target from the shadows. The dark-pelted fox struck with a ragged snarl and a vicious snap of its jaws, gripping the mottled cat by the scruff and ripping him from the back of one of the russet foxes and tossing him to the ground. The dark fox lashed out again and again, tearing clumps of fur and flesh from its prey with building animosity.

Fox 4 used ??? on Elmskip and dealt 15 damage and used 20 stamina. Elmskip is stunned for one turn.

Elmskip
25/40 HP
110/130 SP

Fox 4
75/75 HP
180/200 SP

It didn't take long for chaos to erupt, two more cats flooding into the tunnel to help their idiotic companions only to be jumped by the extra foxes that had been laying in wait. It was a full-out brawl and the fox reveled in the carnage as it paused to watch the cats quickly become overwhelmed...Before turning and stalking toward the tom that had been the first one to attempt to rescue the pitiful she-cat. A snarl escaped it, head low as its eyes glimmered in the light as the tom was pulling himself to his paws, collecting his wits.

The fox lunged forward, teeth bared as it leaped at the tom to knock him off of his paws, teeth snapping close to his face as it dragged its claws down his body. The feeling of the warm liquid oozing past its claws sent a shiver down its spine, awakening a primal need for violence as it as its yellow eyes glimmered in dark amusement. The cats perhaps had a similar number but they were out-matched in skill, the fox was certain - the cats would learn to fear the moor once this was over...Granted they manage to survive.

Fox 2 used Jumping Strike on Barleytuft, dealing 14 damage and costing 20 stamina.

Fox 2:
75/75 Health
160/200 Stamina (-20)

Barleytuft
71/100 HP (-14)
270/280 SP

Fox 1
51/75 HP
180/200 SP

A flash of light burst in Grousefrost’s vision as he felt his head slam into the side of the tunnel. He growled into the darkness, then moved in the only direction available to him with a growl. Fortunately, light was not far away. He could see the illuminating and welcoming light of daylight as he glared at the fox just a tail length away with a snarl.

Yowls in the distance and distant snarling caught his attention for only a moment until he lunged forward in a threatening stance, before pulling back at the last moment as he made his way back out of the tunnel. Trying to keep the fox’s attention firmly on him until the moment came. A gap opened between the fox and the tunnel, large enough as he charged forward with a furious yowl, burying his claws deep into its pelt in an effort to stay on, stay focused despite the pain of the tunnel smacking him in the head.

Grousefrost used Leap and Hold; Fox is pinned for 1 Turn. (really Grouse. A 1. How ineffective XD)

Fox 3:
66/75 HP (-9)
155/200 SP

Grousefrost:
16/45 HP
150/160 SP (-10)

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

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'Effect Dice' : 1

The unsuspecting warrior was torn from his enemy with a screech and thrown to the ground. His head swam sickeningly for a moment before the new fox laid into him with teeth and claws. He felt pain blossom along his side and back and he tried in vain to roll onto his stomach to protect it. The dark-pelted monstrosity paused in its battering, leaving the cat writhing and bloodied on the ground. Elmskip struggled to stand again, his legs flailing fruitlessly, before he collapsed back onto the ground, panting in pain. This was all becoming too much. Too many foxes. Where had they all come from? What was happening to the moors he called home? StarClan, save us.

Elmskip is stunned for one turn.

Whatever satisfaction the fox had gathered from striking at its opponent, the cat before it was not down and out yet. There was still more time to batter the creature around. Further it had to retreat to avoid the swipes, and the fox followed slowly with a low snarl that sounded eerily like a cackle. It edged forward with its long snout low to the ground, eyes glinting as it tried to hone in on the most critical place to strike. The cat reared suddenly with a snarl, darting forward; the fox, its heart suddenly leaping with exhiliration, lunged forward to greet it. The cat, however, had bluffed, coming up short, and when the fox's momentum had been stopped and met with no success, it realized its grave mistake: the wily little wretch had twisted its way out, escaping into the mist.

The fox let out a deep, ripping snarl of rage; all its instincts screamed to run after the creature that had fooled it, but for one long moment its massive head swung around to glower at each of its companions and survey the sounds of the battle snarling on inside. Never hunt alone. A mantra; a rule. There were three good cats in here still to fight; what was one escapee? Its thick tail lashed as it fought to make a choice.

It gave into instinct with one huff of frustration. Deal with the consequences later. The fox spun back around to face the cat who was trying to escape its death. The pale creature raced from the tunnel and out into the fog. Foolish; deal with the consequences now. When the cat whirled and leaped upon the unprepared creature, it let out a harrowing howl of fury and immediately began to thrash.

Fox 3 is pinned, but will be able to act next turn.

Fox 3:
66/75 HP
155/200 SP

Grousefrost:
16/45 HP
150/160 SP

The dark fox's bewildered opponent was doing a frustratingly good job at protecting its stomach. The frenzied predator wanted nothing more than to rip into soft flesh and taste fresh cat-blood on its tongue, but this endeavor was proving difficult in the struggle. The scent of blood was filling the tight space until all that the dusty-coated fox could breathe was the smell of fear and pain. Its movements became more desperate with each strike, whining with excitement and anticipation, until it gave up that particular method. It was fruitless and a new tactic had to be used. The dark fox redirected its flurry of claws to the cat's head, aiming for the eyes but pleased with any hit that would draw blood.

Fox 4 used Upright Front Paws on Elmskip, dealing 15 damage and using 20 stamina. Elmskip is no longer stunned.

Elmskip
10/40 HP
110/130 SP

Fox 4
75/75 HP
160/200 SP

The warrior, dizzy from blood loss, heaved himself to his paws, stumbling a little as the fox raked across his face. He spat out blood, hissing loudly. He couldn't back down. He had to give it his all, for himself, for his friends, for WindClan. For the forest. For Gustleap. His hackles raised and he charged at the fox with a yowl of anger, swiping at the beast's face with sharp claws. Once the fox was debilitated for a moment, he lept underneath it and raked at its underbelly, coming up on the other side panting heavily. Blood was pouring into his mouth and nose and eyes and his legs were shaking. Maybe he would die here.

No. He pushed that thought out of his head. He promised Gustleap he wouldn't come back and see her so soon. It was not his time yet. "Do your worst, you ugly monster," he growled, bracing himself for the fox's next strike.

Elmskip used Swift Strike on Fox #4, using 10 SP and dealing 4 damage. Elmskip used Half-Turn Belly Rake on Fox #4, using 20 SP and dealing 11 damage.

Elmskip
10/40 HP
80/130 SP (-30)

Fox #4
60/75 HP (-15)
160/200 SP

The mottled cat's determination was a pleasant surprise. One of their prey had bolted from the tunnel and the dark fox assumed that they would all turn tail and flee sooner or later. Instead, it seemed as though this moor cat was going to stick it out until the bitter end. So be it. The dark fox was more than happy to oblige the foolish creature's odd display of courage. It reared back, surprised to feel the sting of claws raking across its face, and it lost track of the cat as it slipped beneath the fox's stomach. It let out a sharp yelp, almost a howl, deep and angry and echoing through the little space as its prey's claws tore into its stomach. It bared its long fangs in mad frustration and took up the cat's challenge, bounding at full speed and ramming the smaller creature into to the wall of the tunnel with lung-crushing force like a monster on the thunderpath. Perhaps it had winded itself, but there was no doubt that there would be no more struggle from its victim.

Fox 4 used Run-and-Tackle on Elmskip, dealing 11 damage and using 10 stamina. Elmskip is KO'd.

Elmskip
0/40 HP
80/130 SP

Fox #4
60/75 HP
150/200 SP

Ooc: mobile post, forgive the quality

His claws tore through the fox’s pelt. Claws dug in as deep as he could bury them in the coarse fur. Blood fell onto the broken golden wheat beneath them, but it didn’t matter. Grousefrost snarled in determination as the beast managed to wrest itself free of his grip. His back arching as he stared at the fox. Blue eyes meeting the fox’s own directly as he refused to give ground, refused to let it go back under to where the other cats were fighting for their own lives.

Grousefrost finished leap and hold. The Fox is now free.

Fox 3:
57/75 HP (-9)
155/200 SP

Grousefrost:
16/45 HP
140/160 SP (-10)

The pale tabby warrior had just staggered to his paws when he felt and heard the thundering of a fox's paws racing towards him. Barleytuft only had the time to extend his claws and let out the beginnings of a snarl before the creature's great claws cut at him again and threw him to the side once more. He spat with hurt and fury, feeling pain lance through his sides as he scrambled to right himself once again. He gritted his teeth, head swimming in a fog as he did his best to glean the scenario. He could hear - stars, he could hear everyone. They would be slaughtered. "Everyone out!" the senior warrior yowled. "Too many, too small! Out, out!"

Where was Grousefrost? Barleytuft had heard him for a moment, but now he sounded far away. Had he made it away from the trap? And Sandpaw - he'd heard almost nothing from her since the first yowl. The senior warrior's heart was pounding; not one of them would be willing to leave their Clanmates in danger, and there were as many foxes as them. If they couldn't clear an exit, or if they made no attempt to try to clear one, none of them would be leaving at all. One thing was clear without being able to see easily: they were losing badly.

The warrior suddenly felt his leg bump against someone, and with a whiff he realized it was Sandpaw - a bloody, battered Sandpaw. "Sandpaw, you need to go!" Barleytuft cried, and then there was a glimmer of light as a shadowy predator moved past the entrance. This was the fox who had attacked Sandpaw. With a cry Barleytuft surged forward, slashing at the fox's forelegs and chest with vicious swiftness. It backed away slightly and the warrior threw his shoulder upward, slamming the fox's jaw shut on its tongue. A spray of blood and a squeal of pain let Barleytuft know his strike had been successful. Suddenly the creature was fleeing, leaving an opening.

"Someone - help Sandpaw!" Barleytuft cried, for he hadn't the time to collect her and run: there were still at least two foxes, and they would be on him and his companion instantly if he turned his back. Elmskip's scent reached his nose. "Elmskip? Over here! Please, we need to get out!" And then the senior warrior threw himself at the fox who'd slammed him to the earth, clawing roguishly at its face with fury and desperation. He would be a diversion for as long as he could manage. Whatever it took to get his Clanmates home.

Barleytuft has chased off Fox 1 [due to time limits]. Fox 1 can no longer fight.
Barleytuft used Upright Front Paws on Fox 2, using 25 stamina and dealing 16 damage.

Fox #1 KO'd
0/75 HP
180/200 SP

Fox #2
59/75 HP (-16)
160/200 SP

Barleytuft
71/100 HP
245/280 SP (-25)

---

Ripping free of the stupid feline was painful, and the fox knew it would bear scars from this encounter. It threw its aggressor away, and the skilled creature rolled smoothly to its paws and let out a snarl; the way it arched, it was ready to fight for more. The fox let out a menacing growl, not daring to let its glittering amber eyes cut contact with the ice blue of its enemy's even for an instant. It was livid; the cat had outsmarted it this time, drawn it away from the battle, and whatever was happening inside was well out of the predator's reach. Frustrated, the pale fox surged forward in the mist, slamming its paws skillfully into the slender cat's shoulders.

Fox #3 used ??? on Grousefrost, using 20 SP and dealing 15 HP. Grousefrost is stunned for one turn.

Fox #3:
57/75 HP
135/200 SP (-20)

Grousefrost:
1/45 HP (-15)
140/160 SP (-10)

Elmskip went flying into the side of the tunnel, his head knocking against the hard packed earth. For a moment he lay there unmoving, panting heavily as he willed the fog in his head to clear. If he tried to fight any more, he would die. He heaved himself to his paws one last time, his legs like stone, and began to plan his escape. If he went out the way he came in, he would run into Grousefrost and the pale fox. If he went out towards Barleytuft and Sandpaw, the two foxes there would get him. Just then, he heard a yip of pain and the scrabbling of paws; one of the foxes was fleeing. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that they had driven off one of the foxes at the very least. Three more to go...

The battered and bloodied warrior heard a yowl over the din of battle and recognized Barleytuft's voice. "Barleytuft?" he yowled back, limping towards the sound of his friend's voice. His own was hoarse and strained and he coughed before replying again. "I-I'm coming! Hold on, I'll get S-Sandpaw out!" There was a shifting of movement and a flurry of fur and claws and Elmskip realized the senior warrior was pushing the fox back against the wall out of his way. He could smell Sandpaw somewhere on the floor of the tunnel and he searched for her scruff in the darkness, finally making purchase on her fur. Using the last of his strength, he dragged the apprentice out of the tunnels, finally emerging in the light again. He set her on the ground for a moment and bellowed into the tunnel, "Barleytuft, Grousefrost, come home soon, it's no use! I'll meet you there!"

Blood still pouring down his face, back, and sides, the three-legged warrior picked up Sandpaw by the scruff again and did his very best to carry her back to camp as fast as his legs would go.

The fox had been stalking forward, enjoying the game of playing with their prey far to much...Only to watch with wide eyes as the tom spun, striking the russet fox with a heavy blow to the jaw that sent them retreating. Their eyes narrowed in surprise as the tom ordered a retreat for his companions, throwing himself at the fox as it scrammed backwards to dodge most of the blow before it lunged forward with a snarl. He was going to pay for making the other fox retreat as so, claws raking down his muzzle with a brutal spray of blood that sent a surge of energy down the fox's spine at the sight, pressing hard to corner the tom as the other cats no doubt struggled to escape from the tunnel.

Fox 2 used Front Paw Strike on Barleytuft, dealing 14 damage and costing 25 stamina.

Fox 2:
59/75 HP
135/200 SP (-25)

Barleytuft:
57/100 HP (-14)
245/280 SP