Run Boy, Run! [Closed]

Bloodstrike lead Tigersong and Lichenpaw to the Twoleg Place, the last place Dawnhawk had been seen fleeing to. He vowed to make him pay for what he had done, to him, to the clan, to Smokefeather... everyone. He didn't know exactly where he had gone wrong with the parenting... maybe it hadn't been the parenting at all. Copperfox had been a great son. Lichenpaw was mouthy but he wasn't evil as far as Bloodstrike could tell. None of his other children had turned out quite so... wrong. Mistrain's last words to him still rang in his head sometimes, about how he should try being more patient and soft with Dawnhawk... and she had been right. Dawnhawk loved Bloodstrike more than Smokefeather, he knew. Whether or not that was still the case remained to be seen. No, Bloodstrike shook his head to dismiss those thoughts. This has to end. He's done too much damage and he won't stop. No more chances for him. To what you have to do, Bloodstrike. He was certainly trying to talk himself up, even as mad as he was. He had kept his nose out for any sign of Dawnhawk's trail anywhere, passing several other rogue cats on the way. Seeing three cats together, the loners scurried off and away into dark crevices and corners and didn't bother the Skyclan trio.

Eventually, finally, Bloodstrike passed a faint trail leading into the dark alleyways. It was Dawnhawk, no doubt. He took in a breath to steel his resolve and try to quiet the thunder in his heart.

"Dawnhawk has had a reputation in Skyclan of both being fairly quick and able to climb and leap through trees like a squirrel," Bloodstrike was explaining to the two toms with him. He was most nervous about Lichenpaw being here, but he wouldn't disobey Wolfstar's orders. "Neither of you are to underestimate him, do you understand?" His eyes went to Lichenpaw, a stern warning in his eyes. One slip up and he could be killed. "I... I have to be honest with you two, since we are out together." He sighed and grit his teeth, now no longer looking at either tom, clearly ashamed to admit what he was about to.

"I am fast only in short bursts and... well my ability to climb is... has been compromised with the loss of my tail. So I will need you two to run him down and try to hold onto him until I can get there and help." His ears airplaned out on either side of his head, embarrassed. His ability to turn sharp had been poor before and was nearly nonexistent with his tail gone. As he lead them into the dark alleyways, he felt his fur begin to stand on end. He didn't do so well in dark, tight spaces like these anymore, not since being imprisoned. The bits of sunlight that came through were an eerie red-orange as the sun began to set. The stench of the place was almost overwhelming... with crowfood and so many loners in the area. Bloodstrike had to try hard not to gag. He'd never tolerated powerful smells very well.

A movement of white and gold... Bloodstrike dropped immediately into a crouch and focused his razor sharp gaze on the cat in front of them about thirty fox-lengths away. It was Dawnhawk. His feet and small speckles all over him were black. He looked both cleaner than he ever had before... and yet filthy at the same time. How? Bloodstrike didn't have time to think about it. The ex-Skyclan cat had always been alert and today was no different. A flash of blue as his eyes spotted the three toms together. There was little cover to hide in anyway...

Dawnhawk bolted. Bloodstrike kicked off of the ground to follow, but he knew better than to use his full sprint yet and exhaust himself.

"Chase after him! Go! Remember the plan!" He ordered, though it killed him that he'd be behind. There was a price that he paid for being such a big cat and being heavy with muscle, and this was it. As Dawnhawk raced around a corner with surprising speed, Bloodstrike wondered if he accurately recalled exactly how fast the white and gold tom was...

---

Dawnhawk had nearly completely rid his coat of all traces of black. He looked more like a lightly freckled dalmation with black paws. It had taken two weeks... how was he going to explain this to Windclan when he got back? He'd think of something... he always did. His only worry was that he'd shed even more than what he had already after he applied a new coat of grease to himself. He smelled like crowfood... He'd been hanging around the alleyways for a few days trying to hide his scent, should a vengeful Skyclan patrol come along. What he didn't expect was to actually run into them.

He had just been about to pounce on a rat when three toms caught the corner of his vision. He took one look at them, immediately recognizing his father, his brother and his brother in law. Oh, foxdung! He bolted. He pumped his legs hard and fast as he had learned to do on the moor. Was he as fast as the fastest Windclan cat? No, but even on the moor his speed was now respectable. A Skyclan cat would have little chance of catching him. He zipped around a corner, then a few more trying to lose them.

It wouldn't matter though, not when they already had his scent. He needed to think of a different plan other than running. He'd be hunted forever... and one day they'd catch him. No... they need to learn to be afraid to hunt me... Dawnhawk found a cross section of alleyways with a few trashbags and dumpsters. He did one wide loop to spread his scent temporarily in all directions before diving behind a trashbag. There... the white and gold tom waited, crouching.

Lichen's heard thudded heavy in his ears as he padded behind Bloodstrike and Tigersong, every nerve on high alert. At first, he was absolutely ecstatic to be chosen for this mission. Dawnhawk deserved to be sent to the Dark Forest for what he did, and Lichen was all for speeding up the process. As they traveled, however, his excitement turned more and more sour, settling deep in the pit of his stomach. The older apprentice was sure he had disowned Dawnhawk completely, but it seemed like his heart wasn't quite in the same place as his mind on the matter. He had seen what Dawnhawk did to their mother and heard the horror stories of what their father went through, what Dawnhawk did to Beechface and Featherkit. What he had done to the Clan.

Of course, yes, Dawnhawk absolutely deserved what was coming to him, without a doubt. But was Lichen really ready to kill his own brother? He had been stewing on that thought for quite a bit when Bloodstrike stopped them. There did seem to be a whiff of familiar scent nearby, and the deputy ran over the plan with the two younger toms, fixing Lichen with a particularly stern look.

"I understand, Dad." he mewed, serious, his voice quieter than usual. He may have been reckless, but even he understood the gravity of the situation. "I'm a fast climber too, if he flees that way, I can catch him, I know I can." Briefly, the stocky tom bumped his shoulder gently against Bloodstrike's, offering reassurance just as much as he was seeking it. Finally, the hunting party trailed down the alleyway and Lichen felt his muscles tense with anticipation. He'd never felt anything like this before, it was starting to make him nauseous. The Twoleg smells didn't bother him, but the anxiety did.

A flash of bright fur, and the order rang out. Heart leaping into his throat, he sprang into a sprint, thick SkyClan legs pumping to propel him towards his former brother. He wasn't nearly as fast as Dawnhawk or even Tigersong, most likely, but what he lacked in speed he made up for in stamina. Following Dawnhawk's scent, he raced around corners, coming to a stop in an intersection where the scent trail stopped. Breathing labored, he froze in place, eyes darting around for any signs of movement as his fur prickled with anticipation.

It had been a surprise to Tigersong when he'd been chosen for this particular mission. The young tom was a capable warrior, he knew that - Bloodstrike had trained him well, and he'd always been quick to learn, but... surely there were better, stronger cats? As he padded along just behind SkyClan's deputy, Tigersong let his gaze wander to the silhouette of the massive tom before him. He was sure that Bloodstrike needed no help in killing Dawnhawk... he could do this alone... but would he? Would he kill his own son? Would Lichenpaw kill his own brother?

A sideways glance surveyed the apprentice, and then Tigersong came to the realization. He wasn't kin to Dawnhawk... maybe that's why he had been chosen... so he could finish the job if neither of the others could. It felt like ice in his veins as his eyes fell to his paws, ears slanting back. Did he have it in him to kill someone? Even with all the horrible things Dawnhawk had done?

He didn't get the chance to think that statement over twice, as it was then that the very cat they were searching for crossed their path. Tigersong froze for a split second, long enough for Bloodstrike's instruction to register, and then he was after Lichenpaw, muscular legs nearly a blur in his haste. He caught up with Lichenpaw just as the apprentice halted, trembling with unspent energy, and his tail twitched as his mismatched eyes went searching, sweeping back and forth.

Dawnhawk watched, waiting patiently for his pursuers to find him. This needed to be done as swiftly as possible with as many bodies dropping as possible. Lichenpaw came into view with Tigersong on his heels. How unfortunate that his brother in law... and his actual brother... had to be his targets. He was confident he could kill the both of them... but Bloodstrike..? The giant tom worried him. The last thing he needed was two other distractions if he ended up having to fight his father. The hare-brained tabby had been crazy enough to challenge an entire army of cats alone... A single Dawnhawk wouldn't scare him a bit.

The pale tom finally leaped from behind the trash pile, an explosion of tin cans and other litter skipping across the ground. He claws extended out in front of him aiming for Tigersong. He had to drop him fast, then Lichenpaw after. He'd tear into the orange tom with a fury sent from the Dark Forest, all the while keeping a nervous eye out for the largest member of this small hunting party.

Dawnhawk used Jumping Strike on Tigersong, dealing 15 damage and -20SP

Dawnhawk
100HP / 260SP (-20SP)

Tigersong
30HP / 160SP (-15HP)

Lichenpaw
20HP / 80SP

Bloodstrike has not entered the fight yet! He will in Four Turns!
Turn 1/4 until Bloodstrike's arrival!

Debris and Twoleg trash exploded from nearby and Lichen instinctively flinched, opening his eyes again to see Dawnhawk wrestling with Tigersong. Adrenaline fired through his system, his blood boiling as he tensed his muscles. Before he knew it, he had leapt at his older brother with claws unsheathed, throwing his bulky weight at the slimmer tom in an effort to knock him to the ground. Dawnhawk was faster than him, but Lichen had more muscle mass. Sinking his claws into the traitor's skin, he snarled, "Filthy foxheart!"

Lichen used Run-and-Tackle on Dawnhawk, dealing 6 damage and using 10 SP.

Lichen
20/20 HP
70/80 SP (-10)

Dawnhawk
94/100 HP (-6)
260/280 SP

Tigersong
30/45 HP
160/160 SP

He had barely enough time to register the cacophony of sound and motion before Dawnhawk was on him. Tigersong whipped around, a snarl ripping from his muzzle as the pale tom crashed into him. The two went down in a flurry of red and cream fur, and Tigersong yowled in pain as his opponent's claws ripped into his shoulders, and another brief struggle saw the Skyclanner beneath the now-rogue. "Traitor! You'll rot in the Dark Forest for what you've done!" Tigersong roared, lashing out and drawing his claws across Dawnhawk's cheek. Blood dripped into his eyes, and through the haze of red he saw and felt Lichenpaw's bulk slam into Dawnhawk. He ripped at Dawnhawk with his claws again from his prone position, hoping to distract the rogue long enough for Lichenpaw to do some damage.

Tigersong used Front Paw Strike on Dawnhawk, dealing 9 damage and costing 10 stamina.

Lichen
20/20 HP
70/80 SP (-10)

Dawnhawk
85/100 HP (-9)
260/280 SP

Tigersong
30/45 HP
150/160 SP (-10)

Dawnhawk had struck home with Tigersong. Still, the shoulder of his younger brother ramming into his ribs forced a loud huff out of him. It was enough to distract Dawnhawk temporarily from Tigersong. He wanted to rip an eye out from the mouthy apprentice... but before he could make another move Tigersong scratched his face. Scratched. His. Face. "If my father wasn't on his way I'd torture you for that, Tigersong. Lucky for you I need to kill you quickly... Faster than I killed Swansong." He smirked cruelly as he shared the news. Still, there was no joy in his eyes, only rage. He struck out at the orange tom again, fury thrown into every attack.

Dawnhawk used Rending Front Paws on Tigersong, dealing 17 damage and -25SP

Dawnhawk
85HP / 235SP (-25SP)

Tigersong
13HP / 150SP (-17HP)

Lichenpaw
20HP / 70SP

Turn 2/4 until Bloodstrike's arrival

So Dawnhawk was the one that murdered Swansong. How many more cats needed to die before Dawnhawk was no more? Blood boiling, Lichen threw himself at his older brother again in an attempt to distract him from poor Tigersong. The orange warrior had done something notable, it seemed, so Lichen followed suit, raking his claws down the traitor's face. "You deserve a fate worse than the Dark Forest!" he yowled, baring his teeth. If only Bloodstrike would get there soon...

Lichen used Front Paw Strike on Dawnhawk, dealing 6 damage and using 10 SP.

Lichen
20/20 HP
60/80 SP (-10)

Dawnhawk
79/100 HP (-6)
235/280 SP

Tigersong
13/45 HP
150/160 SP

The warrior writhed beneath Dawnhawk, an ever-present snarl vibrating his diaphragm. But the words that the other tom uttered stilled him immediately, shock and confusion spreading across his face. He... what... how..?

No.

The scene flashed before him as if he were there once more. Swansong, the fox's teeth closed around her throat, being dragged into the darkness. The scent of blood, the gleam of vicious yellow ey- wait, no... Tigersong shook his head, and in his memory he remained frozen, but the vicious glint that he remembered as fox-yellow was... blue. Cold, icy, blue. And then another quick flash, gold fur beneath the fox-russet. Things that hadn't, at the time, made enough sense to dwell on... but now...

"Why..?" he whispered, snapping back to the present long enough to meet Dawnhawk's sharp, malicious gaze.

Claws shot for his face and Dawnhawk ducked and turned his head to catch Lichenpaw's claws in the back of his neck instead. The damage was light, as the apprentice's lack of experience with violence was clear. Dawnhawk drew himself back up to a normal position and was all the more tempted to try to go for the apprentice's throat first instead. Tigersong's lack of movement and shocked "why" caught his attention first, luckily for Lichenpaw.

"To prove myself to the Asylum, both in skill, resourcefulness and loyalty. They wanted to make sure I was fully committed and her body was proof of that. I gave her a quick death. She didn't suffer." He paused and he eyed the soft flesh just under Tigersong's chin. "I'm sorry it had to be you, Tigersong. I can't give you that luxury... Skyclan is full of dense mouse-brained fools and the only way they get anything through their thick skulls is to cause them pain." Dawnhawk's claws buried themselves just under Tigersong's chin. With a swift, horrible swipe sideways, the pale tom drug his weapons down the entirety of his opponent's belly.

Dawnhawk back-pedaled quickly away from his doomed brother in law and set his cold gaze on Lichenpaw. "You, on the other paw... I've never liked you much. I'll enjoy ridding this world of your aggravating presence." Dawnhawk dropped into a fighting crouch, ready to spring and end the apprentice's life as well.

Dawnhawk used Killing Bite on Tigersong, dealing 13 damage and -10SP

Dawnhawk
79HP / 225SP (-10SP)

Tigersong
DEAD
0HP / 0SP (-13HP / -150SP)

Lichenpaw
20HP / 60SP

Turn 3/4 until Bloodstrike's Arrival!

The tom's callous words, speaking of Swansong as if she'd been some sort of just... unavoidable casualty... made Tigersong see red. Anger pulsed through him, his head throbbing with rage, and there was a brief flash of pain as Dawnhawk clawed at his belly. The rogue sprang away from him to intercept Lichenpaw, and Tigersong was on his feet a moment after. You'll regret that, he said, except... he didn't. He started to. He tried to. But the words never came. He took a step towards Dawnhawk, confused, as warmth spread across his toes. A quick glance downward, and Tigersong blinked dumbly at the mess of gore and entrails that pooled around his paws. His legs trembled. He tried to swallow, and tasted blood.

Tigersong's eyes rolled to the back of his head, and he collapsed there in a heap, his belly split open from throat to bowel. The pain came then, a furious, burning pain unlike anything he'd ever experienced, and the SkyClan tom writhed in agony, orange fur rapidly growing wet with crimson that was never meant to see the light of day. He yowled, but it was raw and strangled, his forelegs thrashing in a panic as he desperately tried to get to his paws again. He couldn't die if he was standing, right? If he was fighting? Tigersong didn't want to die. The tom took a raspy, labored breath, blood bubbling at the corners of his mouth, and distantly, as if he was watching through water, or glass, he saw Dawnhawk preparing to leap on Lichenpaw as well. But the nearing shape, what to him was a blur of black and tan, was coming. Bloodstrike. He'd save them. His mentor had always seemed invincible to Tigersong, and now was no exception. If anyone could save them, it was Bloodstrike.

The pain began to dull, and Tigersong let his eyes drift shut. That was good, right..? It meant... he was healing... right? The ginger tom sucked in another ragged breath, exhaling through nostrils filled with blood, and his chest never rose with breath again.