Burning Shadows [C]

Burningpaw lie curled up in his nest. Seething. The sun was about to set... and any moment now Freckleface was going to be looking for him for training. Well... he was going to get a head start. If the filthy mixed blood could find him then maybe she would have at least somewhat proven her worth to train a pure blood. Doubtful, of course. The apprentice unfurled from his curled up position in his nest and exited the apprentice den. He moved fairly quietly already, having practiced going around and away from those of mixed origins since he was a kit. Even when he had tried to talk to them (albeit begrudgingly) his parents would scold him. It was hard finding a middle ground. Unfortunately for Shadowclan, there were Unclean cats within their ranks. What was he supposed to do? Completely ignore their existence when slept right beside him? It wasn't possible. Burningpaw didn't appreciate the garbage cats within his clan, but it didn't mean that they couldn't be useful from time to time. Maybe, just maybe... he would find one or two that could redeem themselves. Even he knew kits didn't choose their parents. The best thing a mixed blood could do or their clan would be to follow the warrior code to the letter... and just not have kits themselves. Perhaps then Burningpaw could find it within himself to forgive them of the transgressions of their parents.

Burningpaw eventually made his way to the edges of camp... and halted his paw before it could touch the ground just outside the border. Flintstar had forbade anyone from leaving camp alone... and the leader's word was law according to the warrior code. With a low hiss to himself, Burningpaw placed his toes down well within the border of the camp. He looked over his shoulder, hoping not to see Freckleface. He would gladly invite any pure Shadowclanner to go with him on his hunt... except they were all still sleeping. As true Shadowclanners should be... A slight scold to himself. Movement caught his eye from the warrior's den and it appeared that Webshadow was up a bit early as well. Webshadow... another disgusting non-pure Shadowclanner. How dare Flintstar give that abomination the title of -shadow?

"Webshadow..." Burningpaw called out, though his voice was still low enough to not disturb anyone still sleeping. "I'd like to go to the Pine Grove." So get your sorry tail out here and serve a true Shadowclan cat. Maybe you'll redeem yourself through hard work and servitude. Again. Doubt.

Up early, like always. It was a habit Webshadow had accidentally picked up when he was an apprentice, always waking up a little earlier than his denmates and taking the time to watch the sun set, and he'd carried it into warriorhood. It was rare that he would actually sleep until the moon was out. Though he couldn't really complain about getting more rest, he hated those nights the most– he'd gotten so used to waking up when the sky was still light, it would leave him grumpy if he 'overslept'.

Thankfully, tonight wasn't one of those nights. He'd been quietly circling outside the warrior's den, periodically looking up to see how far the sun had fallen. The sky was a dark, burnt orange, and he noted it was a color he didn't usually see. Thin streaks of purple had started to show at the edges of the sky, and he was tempted to slip back into his nest now that he had seen the sun, but he liked this new color. So, he kept pacing, turning in tight circles and bobbing his head up and down to check the sun's progress as he went.

He was so caught up in his himself that he almost missed the voice calling to him– almost. He wished he had, because he wasn't quite ready to hop into warrior duties for the night, but it was the only sound in camp other than the low hum of bugs. Halting mid-turn, he looked towards the source, ears pricked as he scanned to see who else was awake. Oh. It's just Burningpaw. He wasn't being sent out with the other warriors on a border patrol or anything. Thank StarClan, it was far too early for that. Finishing the little turn he'd been in the middle of, he gave the sun one last look. The sky was getting dark quick, but it held onto that deep, warm color. Satisfied, he nodded to himself and trotted over to the apprentice.

"Sure, we can go," he mewed easily, whiskers twitching as he gave the dark tom a look. With a wave of his tail, he ducked out of camp, calling behind him, "Just be careful, okay?"

It was a lot harder to enjoy a stroll through the territory when Webshadow knew he was being watched. He was supposed to be something for the younger cats to look up to, wasn't he? But if he had it his way, he would've wandered off, found somewhere quiet to lounge, or maybe a lizard to spy on, and he would spend a good while there. But Burningpaw wanted to go to the Pine Grove, and taking apprentices out to study nature instead of important skills like hunting and fighting probably wasn't the best idea.

As the pine trees were coming into view, Webshadow slowed his pace, giving Burningpaw a long, studying look. It was a while that he just stared at him, eyes occassionally narrowing as he looked him over, before he just tipped his head and asked, "What did you want to come here for? Did you– were you looking to train, or–?"

Burningpaw headed out to the Pine Grove, satisfied that he still followed Flintstar's instructions. He still had a dirty outsider following him, but at least he didn't have to take orders from him. Not a single word was spoken on the way to the Pine Grove either. At least not from Burningpaw. His eyes, nose and ears were already alert for sounds of prey... as well as predators. He could almost forget that Webshadow had come with him. Until of course, the warrior opened his mouth to speak. Burningpaw managed to suppress a sigh.

"Flintstar forbade anyone leaving camp alone. I can't sleep, so I want to hunt early. Maybe even finish my shift early too." So I can avoid Frecklefailure. He thought he scented a lizard... yes he had! He turned his attention to Webshadow once more, his tail tip twitching to be rid of the excess annoyance he felt that he'd had no other option but to bring him along for the ride.

"You don't have to help if you don't want to." And with that, Burningpaw dropped into a low crouch and began to stalk the lizard. Following the trail was surprisingly easy. Lizards had such an odd scent. It stood out from the wet earth and moss that surrounded most of Shadowclan territory. The lizard itself, a little brown one, had been spotted clamboring casually over the root of a pine. Burningpaw crouched so low to the ground it made his legs ache, but he ignored it and kept going.

Once he was confident with the distance between them, the apprentice pounced. He'd mock hunted several times with his dad, but if this was successful, this would be his first real hunt. The lizard had never even known what was coming before it's life ended. Burningpaw's claws cut through the back of the neck. A perfect executioner's kill. Literally dead-on accuracy. "Whoa..." His eyes widened. Even he was impressed by his kill shot. He straightened himself up, a bit smug now, as he looked back at Webshadow. "I bet you struggled your first hunt... Dirty Blood."

Burningpaw attempted to catch a lizard. He was Successful!

-3SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 2

"Oh. Okay, that's fair," Webshadow hummed, watching as the other tom turned to face him. He was already wondering whether or not it would be worth it to try and take Burningpaw out more; he was an early riser, and eager to be done with work for the day, just like Webshadow. It was only the two things, but they were enough to get his mind working. He'd see how this trip played out, first. Tail waving, he twitched an ear at the remark, eyes never leaving the apprentice. "Of course I'll help." If nothing else, maybe he could teach Burningpaw a thing or two... He watched the tom drop low, blinking slowly as he studied him. Distantly, he wondered if this was how Fangsnap felt about him–

Fangsnap! Webshadow gave a quiet purr, kneading the ground where he stood. Maybe Burningpaw would like him just as much as he liked Fangsnap. So much for waiting to see how their hunt went; his mind was definitely made up. He was going to make a friend out of the apprentice.

Refocusing, his eyes settled on Burningpaw right as the tom sprang through the air. His form was impressive, especially for a cat so young, and Webshadow gave an approving hum as he made his way over. "Good catch," he mewed, nodding towards the lizard. It was small, but it was a good start. "You can set it over there, we'll pick it up later." He jerked his head towards a dry space away from the trees, then turned back towards the pines and breathed in.

He heard it before he could smell it, the squirrel scratching its way through the undergrowth. Swiveling his head to face the direction of the noise, he took a few steps forward before dropping low. Every pawstep was carefully measured and achingly slow as he crept on until its tiny head popped into view, shaking away fallen pine needles. Eyes narrowed, he studied it for a good while before pouncing. His outstretched claws met soft fur and flesh, and it barely had time to squeal before he delivered a swift bite to its neck. He tipped his head, looking satisfied, then let go of it and stood to face Burningpaw. "Was... the lizard your first?" Webshadow tried hesitantly, nudging his own catch with a paw. He hadn't even considered this might be Burningpaw's first time hunting, and if it was, he was even more impressed by his earlier kill.

Webshadow attempted to catch a squirrel. It was a success! -3 SP.

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 4

Burningpaw had to bite his lip before he said anything snide. He picked up his lizard and set it where Webshadow indicated. As the non-Shadowclanner caught the squirrel, he wasn't in the least bit surprised. There was no compliments on his tongue. No look of fascination. Nothing an apprentice might typically give a warrior when they successfully hunted.

"Yes. Shadowclan cats are adept at catching lizards though, so I mean... I guess it's okay." Did that come off the way he meant it? He didn't know. He also wasn't good at small talk. "Not that I'd necessarily want to catch something that my clan isn't known for eating. The more native to the territory, the better." Yeah forget it. He was bad at this. His eyes went to a small still puddle with a bit of pond scum on the top. He spotted a bullfrog... a fat one. Even for a bullfrog. Burningpaw nodded at it for Webshadow's sake.

"Like that. I love frog. Especially the legs." He crouched down and began to stalk toward it. What he did know of frogs was... they were psychologically hit and miss. Sometimes they would one get very close before jumping into the water. Sometimes they'd think they heard something and jump into the water. So Burningpaw erred on the side of caution and approached with as much stealth as possible.

He went after it with a trotting speed, but still managed to remain fairly quiet, then leaped, knowing he would hit water... but if he caught the frog then it wouldn't matter.

A moderate splash, but Burningpaw's teeth sunk directly into the back of the skull. The frog felt no pain. It was dead before it had any idea what had just happened. Another perfect, clean kill. Burningpaw couldn't wait to tell his parents!

"The clan should appreciate this." He sound proudly through his teeth as he carried the bullfrog over to their pile by it's legs. Now he'd watch the dirty mixed blood again and see how he reacted, if at all, to Burningpaw's comments.

Burningpaw attempted to catch a bullfrog, he was Successful!

-3SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 3

Webshadow watched quietly, waiting for Burningpaw to make his catch before replying. And, just like the lizard, Burningpaw claimed the frog easily. A quick, clean kill. He certainly hadn't been that precise his first time out of camp. Watching as he set it down, Webshadow answered, "Frog is okay, I guess. It's... slimy though." He'd never been a fan of frog, really. He would eat it, sure, but he much preferred lizards and rodents. Even the rare crow dragged back from the carrionplace. Looking at his squirrel, he set a paw gently over its tail, a quiet purr rumbling in his throat. "I like catching these, though. See? Feel it, the tail is so soft. I guess you know that, though. Probably." Trailing off, he shuffled, watching his paws intently.

Maybe Burningpaw liked compliments? Most cats did, he supposed. "You're... doing really well," he tried, perking up and offering a kind smile. "Not a lot of apprentices do so good the first time they hunt." A little huff, and he dropped his gaze from the dark tom, looking around the clearing absently... There, just a flicker of movement, but Webshadow pointed his nose towards it and grinned a little wider. "Look, I'll go catch that lizard. Guess it's more your taste." Webshadow coughed out a laugh, ears lowering as he turned away. He wondered how Burningpaw was feeling... was he liking training? He was hard to read... then again, it felt like every other cat was, too.

He'd hardly noticed he'd been creeping forward until another flash of its tail. Bringing his vision back to focus, he hesitated just a moment, then shot forward. Claws pierced scales, and the little thing went limp against his paw with its mouth half-parted. He looked it over appraisingly, then gingerly lifted it by its tail, humming warmly, "See? I can hunt 'ShadowClan' prey, too," as he loped over to set it with the rest of the small pile they'd started.

Webshadow attempted to catch a lizard. Catch successful!

-3 SP.

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

---

'Hunting Dice' : 5

Burningpaw blinked once at the compliment, though it was a slow, bored blink. "Thank you." He said simply, brushing off the compliment. Was it bad to maybe secretly feel a little bit of pride? Because he did. Certainly not because a warrior told him he was doing so well. Nooooo. He was just proud because he was an actual Shadowclan cat catching actual Shadowclan food. As Webshadow pointed out how soft the tail of the squirrel was, Burningpaw wrinkled his nose at it. Still... he gingerly reached out a paw, as if it was a snake going to bite him, then gently ran his toe pads down the length of the squirrel tail.

"Hmm... I guess it's sort of like a rat with a fluffy tail.... A tree rat. Skyclan and Thunderclan food that got lost." He glowered at it, like the squirrel itself was not supposed to be here. He opened his mouth to insult the dead creature, but abruptly stopped himself short. Right... he was skipping an important step to the warrior code. His parents would have had him skinned.

"Regardless, it is a gift from Starclan. Thank you Starclan for giving this squirrel, the two lizards and the frog to feed us." There was an edge to his voice as he said squirrel, as if it had done something to offend him. He peeled his eyes away from the prey items... just as a black and gray masked creature came barreling at them.

Burningpaw startled, unleashing a spit as he arched his back and his tail fluffed out as much as it could go. It was about the only warning he had time to give Webshadow, though he immediately wondered why he had given the warrior any warning to begin with. His mistake. The raccoon went straight for Webshadow anyway... if only he hadn't startled so badly. Oh well... he may as well assist now... though with his heart hammering against his ribcage he was grateful for the help. Not that he would ever admit that out loud.

Raccoon used Quick Swipe on Webshadow, dealing 8 damage and -10SP

Raccoon
20 HP / 110 SP (-10SP)

Webshadow
22 HP / 80 SP (-8HP)

Burningpaw
20HP / 60SP

Burningpaw used Jumping Strike on Raccoon, dealing 8 damage (+3 for opponents not focused on you; +1 for night finesse) and -7SP

Raccoon
12HP / 110SP(-8HP)

Webshadow
22 HP / 80 SP

Burningpaw
20HP / 53SP (-7SP)

As much as he wanted to respond to Burningpaw's remarks, Webshadow was cut short by his sudden change in demeanor. He let out a furious hiss, and two late the sound of something racing towards him. He looked to see what had got the apprentice so furious, and just as he turned his head a pair of dark claws raked across his muzzle, sending him staggering backwards.

A growl rose in his throat and he shook his head quickly to clear away the welling blood, little drops of red staining the grass. It rose again, blurry in the corners of his vision, but there was no time to worry about that– Burningpaw had thrown himself at the raccoon, claws first. A dull voice in the back of Webshadow's head noted how familiar this was (and how odd it was to be the older cat, this time) and he kicked his legs into gear, lunging forward.

"Burningpaw, leave it!" He hissed, an unusual intensity in his voice. Wait, but was that the right thing to say? He'd been upset when he got scolded for helping, but Burningpaw was so young, he couldn't let him get hurt, but– but, oh. The raccoon was right in front of him again. He'd nearly careened right into it worrying about how his friend felt. Running his tongue over his maw, he looked the creature up and down before using the last of his momentum to fly into it, teeth bared and sinking deep into its shoulder, ignoring the horrid cry it let out. In its fury, it slashed about almost wildly, but its claws found his neck and dug harsh lines there that filled red quickly. Another snarl, muffled this time, and Webshadow bit down harder, earning another scream from the beast. Its frantic clawing was getting weaker, but it wasn't ready to quit fighting yet.

Webshadow used Snap on Raccoon, dealing 8 damage (+1 with Night Finesse) and costing 7 SP.

Raccoon used Quick Swipe on Webshadow, dealing 8 damage and costing 10 SP.

Webshadow
14/30 | 67/80

Burningpaw
20/20 | 47/60

Raccoon
4/20 | 100/120

don't forget to take off sp for our hunting rolls!

OOC: Whoops! Totally forgot! Thanks!

IC:

Burningpaw back-pedaled quickly away from the attacking raccoon. His breathing was deep and fast as his heart raced, blood roaring in his ears. Webshadow managed to land a nasty bite on the raccoon, and while the apprentice heard the warrior tell him to back off, he had no intention of taking orders from the lesser being. Why would he waste this perfect opportunity anyway?

Burningpaw saw an opening and he wasn't about to let a non-Shadowclan cat take the credit for killing the predator. A determination smoldered in the apprentice's yellow eyes, one like hot coals. Not as intense as a raging wildfire, but a subtle, dangerous glow. The raccoon turned it's head just enough as it attacked... and Burningpaw ran forward.

He outstretched his claws and aimed directly for the jugular vein. His claws buried deep into the raccoon's flesh, hooked something tubular and solid, before he ripped it right out of the raccoon's neck. The black artery came clean with an audible pop, and the dark red fluid within showered both warrior and apprentice in an instant.

Burningpaw didn't know what he'd expected... but he gasped as blood covered his face and temporarily blinded him. He retreated a safe distance away before he furiously pawed the hot, sticky liquid from his eyes.

"Well that was vile..." He growled, in a tone that although was a bit shaky still held a sense of calm focus to it. After a few minutes of failure to get the blood out of his vision, he resorted to wiping his face against some wet moss on the ground that he'd located with his toes. The instant he could see again, Burningpaw fixed Webshadow in a gaze of complete annoyance.

"You should at least give thanks to Starclan for the meals. Maybe they wouldn't have sent a raccoon after you!" The adrenaline was still flowing and he had a lot less control over his mouth at the moment.

Burningpaw used Front Paw Strike, dealing 7 damage (6+1 for night finesse) and - 7SP

Raccoon
Dead
-3HP / 100SP (-7HP)

Webshadow
14HP / 67SP

Burningpaw
20HP / 40SP (-7SP)

Webshadow slackened his jaw just as Burningpaw darted back into the fight, and he was grateful he had given himself an easy chance to back away– unfortunately, not soon enough to avoid getting coated with blood. The scene unfolding in front of him was horrifying, and he balked like a kit on their first day out of camp, mouth working to try and speak. No words came out, so he settled for just taking a few slow steps away from the raccoon's still-twitching body.

His vision was hazy and red, and his face and his chest felt hot and sticky wet. He wasn't sure what blood belonged to who, and when he bowed himself and raised a leg to try and wipe it away, he found himself just smearing it across his nose, across his paw. Grimacing, he blinked slowly, clearing the blood he could. He could still see, even if the world was blurred right now. The details didn't matter, though: he could see well enough to make out Burningpaw. Well enough to round on him, taking a few steps closer with raised hackles.

"I do." Was the first thing he said, offended and quick (in truth, he only did it maybe half the time, but.. he tried. Burningpaw wouldn't know the difference). The look in his eyes was lost on Webshadow, but the other tom didn't exactly sound happy with him. So be it– he wasn't particularly thrilled right now, either. Tail bristled and lashing, he went on, "Raccoons happen, it wasn't an attack on me. And.. Stars, what was that, Burningpaw? You didn't have to kill it. We could have chased it off." He wasn't sure if he was angry, scared, or both. It'd been such a pointless way to end a life, and gruesome, too. He had never seen such a disgusting display of violence, and it sent a shudder through his body that made his legs wobble.

Sighing, he let his tone soften, mewing gently, "We don't need to do... that to win, Burningpaw. A retreat is just as good." Blinking away more blood, he spared another glance at the corpse. His stomach lurched in response, and he quickly turned away, staring hard at Burningpaw's blood-stained legs. "Listen– listen to me. I don't... I'm not a talker, Burningpaw, really. But listen to me. Don't do that again." His tone was sharp and insistent again, but it held little weight: as serious as he was, he was in over his head, giving a talk speech like this. He was just acting, mimicking the more eloquent cats. Straightening himself out, Webshadow raised himself higher, hoping emphasizing his size against the apprentice would help his case where his own voice couldn't. No good warrior should fight so dirty. I pray you never do that to another Clan cat. His intense gaze narrowed, and his mind raced with worry and doubt, showing in the restless way he moved his paws, the incessant lashing of his tail. Just what was this cat...?

"I do!" Came Webshadow's response. Burningpaw's eyes flashed, now resembling more of a raging wildfire than a burning bed of coals. "You are a liar!" His fur bristled and he couldn't stop the growl that ripped from his throat. He hadn't heard Webshadow give thanks one time. Sure... Burningpaw almost forgot to do it himself but he fixed his mistake the instant he realized it. He had no reason to believe Webshadow was going to do something similar before the raccoon attacked. His claws buried themselves into the soft earth below... and his eyes zeroed in on where Webshadow's jugular was located. It was exactly and precisely then that he snapped out of his jolt of fury.

Do. Not. Kill. Clanmates. He said to himself, though anger and confusion whirled around in his head, waging war with each other. He closed his eyes and took a breath. It slightly calmed the rapid beating of his heart and he forced his fur to lie flat.

"A raccoon wouldn't show us that mercy, so I won't either. It's okay to kill in self defense, the warrior code says so." And that should be the end of that, if this creature had any brains in him at all. "Though what would I expect coming from..."

A product of sinful degenerates that has no business being in Shadowclan. But he stopped himself short and just shook his head. "Forget it." He sounded suddenly defeated... and bitter about it. Without another word to Webshadow, he muttered thanks to Starclan, not sure if he was supposed to, for the raccoon's life as well. He was ready to go.