Burning Cicadas [C]

Burningwing didn't waste any time. The instant the sun died behind the trees and blackness overtook the landscape, he was at the apprentice's den to retrieve Cicadapaw. He spared no half blooded Shadowclanner an incinerating glare, a warning for them to not get within claws reach. He might accidentally take an eye or two. Once he'd brought Cicadapaw from the apprentice den, he headed immediately for the Pine Grove. The hunting would be easiest here, a perfect place to train a new hunter.

"A Shadowclan cat is just at home in the darkness as Skyclan cats in the trees and Windclan cats on the moor," He began, echoing the words his father drilled into his head mercilessly even as a kit. "You will learn to use the shadows to your advantage. Use it as a cover just as much as a form of intimidation to other cats. Shadowclan once was known to be ruthless and terrifying. I intend to train all of my apprentices to uphold that tradition and I expect nothing less of you." He put his nose to the air and parted his jaws to pick up scents of prey or other cats. His ears swiveled this way and that way in his skull like radar dishes to pick up even the tiniest of sounds. He managed to pick up the sounds of prey scurrying across pine needles to slight right. He adjusted his direction and followed the noise.

"Keep your legs bent to where your belly almost touches the ground, but not quite." He sunk into a low crouch to demonstrate and began to stalk carefully forward. "Keep your tail high enough off of the ground that you don't drag in the pine needles, as you'll make noise. Obviously don't keep it so high that you're spotted either. Even in darkness, our prey had adapted to see in shadows like us. It's always wise to be careful. As you approach prey, moving slowly is better than moving incorrectly." He demonstrated the hunting crouch right up until he heard movement on the ground.

A rat had just bullied a mouse off of what looked like lizard carrion. The mouse he'd leave for his apprentice and he nodded carefully in the mouse's direction. Of course, if Cicadapaw wanted to hunt something different, that would be fine. Burningwing moved into the shadows of the pines cast from what remained of the moon and seemingly dissolved into the blackness and out of existence. He slunk around to the opposite side of the rat where he approached and launched his attack. His teeth aimed right behind the skull of the rat, fully intending to end it's life in an instant and without struggle.

When Burningwing emerged from the shadows, the first thing that would have been noticeable were his glowing golden eyes. He had done this on purpose to show what a proper attack from the darkness looked like for Cicadapaw. Burningwing's form looked like an extension of the shadows themselves.

His teeth buried into the back of the rat's neck. There wasn't even a squeak and the rat's body immediately quivered in death throes. Burningwing lifted the rat to show Cicadapaw, then waited for his apprentice to either go after the mouse or find something else to hunt.

Burning wing attempted to catch a rat! He was Successful! -3SP
Also no rogue cats this time so far so yay!

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 2

Cicadapaw had been paying attention ever since they left camp, but he was fully enraptured the moment ruthless and terrifying left Burningwing's maw. It seems Murkystrike had been paying attention and gave him a cat with similar ideals as he. Or maybe it was just luck. Regardless, his excitement had consumed him along with the intense need to impress the cat before him.

He started to copy everything to a tee, lifting his head to sniff when Burningwing did, allowing his ears to twitch when the other's did. He tried to do so subtly, but subtlety was not his strong suit. At least in the end he was expected to copy as Burningwing dropped into a crouch, Cicadapaw doing the same. Large paws distributed his weight and his dark, patchwork pelt helped him blend in with his surroundings, though he struggled a bit finding the right posture. Crouching too low caused his belly fur and tail to drag along the pine needles, but too high would bring him out of hiding.

It was a bit frustrating not to catch an idea right off the bat, especially when he was so determined to show off, but he managed to get the hang of it by time they came across some rodents. His first prey. He sat in wait, watching his mentor slink off into the brush and closer towards the rat. It was difficult to keep his tail still and hold his excitement as he watched a master at work, the tom popping in and out of existence like a carnivorous wisp before finally leaping for the kill. Cicadapaw needed to be that cool!

His attention shifted back to the mouse, unaware of his presence but disgruntled after its encounter with the rat. Cicadapaw mimicked his mentor's movements, keeping to the darkest shadows whenever possible as he crept behind the rodent. He kept his breathing slow, focused as his muscles tensed with power and anticipation. Just as the mouse became distracted with a seed, he launched himself forward, claws outstretched and eager to grip fur.

He purred as he felt the mouse pinned under his paws, giving a panicked squeak before his jaws came down and forced its silence. It stilled underneath him, and Cicadapaw had to swallow a cry a triumph. He picked up the limp rodent in his jaws, looking over to Burningwing with pride. Of course he caught it on the first try, he was born for this with clean, Shadowclan blood, but he still wanted his mentor's praise. "The thing never even saw me coming!"

Cicadapaw attempted to catch a mouse! It was a success! -3SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 5

Burningwing had noticed the imitation beyond what was really required of his apprentice. It brought a small smile to his face, but he was careful to not let the apprentice see it. He would train him the way his father had trained him... and he avoided Freckleface, his "mentor" like the plague and had done just fine. No half-blood was going to tell him how to do anything! He didn't care that Flintstar had taken pity on the she-cat and made her his mate, she was still invalid and of no real contribution to the clan as far as he was concerned.

"Very good." He offered, his tone neutral for a compliment. "Be sure to thank Starclan for it's life." He buried the rat for later and trusted his apprentice to do the same. His eyes then went to the landscape around him. There were a few lizards that he could hear, but he wasn't about to tell his apprentice. He wasn't going to spoon feed the answers to Cicadapaw, but rather only help him if he made a mistake at this point. This was part of becoming a Shadowclan cat too. His clan didn't need anyone to link their tails around them where ever they went.

"Continue hunting. The clan will need more than a rat and a mouse to be satiated." If Cicadapaw wanted to follow Burningwing, then by all means he could. If he'd rather go to a different part of the Pine Grove to hunt, then that decision was up to him. He moved in the direction of the lizards that he could hear rustling the pine needles and leaves on the ground. He imagined they'd be fairly slow with the temperature getting lower as the night wore on. What in the world were they doing out anyway?

Fairly confident, Burningwing just went for it, even being further away than he would be for warm-blooded prey.

Burningwing attempted to catch a lizard! He was Successful! -3SP

He easily pinned one of the lizards down, as it hardly moved as fast as it normally could have. His claw had penetrated the base of the skull, killing it immediately. Burningwing prided himself on his clean instant kills. One day... he hoped he'd be able to kill cats just as quickly. He picked the reptile up and carried it over to where he'd buried the rat, giving a slent thanks to Starclan for the lizard's life.

OOC: You can keep rolling until you get a 10 or trigger a predator whenever you'd like!

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 6

OOC: I think my next turn I'll trigger a pred, if Cicada doesn't roll a 10 now

Burningwing's praise was rather limp compared to what he was used to. He had been made to feel as though he had been a master hunter already as a kit, over-the-top praise for such little things. He should have expected it, he was an apprentice now, but it was still a bit disappointing. He had never gotten something so curt and monotone as praise before. However, he refused to let it drag him down. No. If a mouse wasn't enough to garner much of Burningwing's attention, he would go after something more impressive.

Cicadapaw offered a mental thanks to Starclan as he buried the rodent, his ears already twitching and primed to find another target. Lifting his nose, he could tell Burningwing was heading towards some lizards. Tasty, but not impressive enough for Cicada. They would be slow in the cold, he needed something harder to catch.

He wandered off in the opposite direction, keeping low and quiet until a sweet scent caught his nose. Rabbit. More of a Windclan prey than Shadowclan, but definitely a challenge to catch. Burningwing would have to be proud of him if he caught one of those. Creeping through the undergrowth, it wasn't long until he could see the pale-brown fur of the rabbit. Its long ears were swiveling, on alert but not yet spooked into a run. It must have heard him approaching. If he just got a little closer, he might still be able to catch it.

Each step closer was nerve-wracking, afraid one wrong step would cause his prey to bolt, but the moment he felt he could, he launched himself forward. His teeth caught the back of his neck, his claws digging into its sides to keep it still until he could finish the job. It was messy as he struggled to handle such large prey, but in the end the rabbit went limp beneath him. He purred quietly to himself, picking his prey up by the scruff to drag it to a better hiding spot. The last thing he wanted was a fox to come in and dig it up.

Cicadapaw attempted to catch a rabbit! It was successful! -3SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 4

Burningwing looked up just in time to see Cicadapaw catch a rabbit. This time... Burningwing blinked in surprise. That was fairly impressive... albeit it was Windclan food. He could tell Cicadapaw was proud of it too, and he allowed a nod of acknowledgement. "Well done!" He gave him a higher pitched praise this time, but if Cicadapaw was looking for a yowl of approval from Burningwing, he'd better bring back the body of a half blood or a rogue. His attention went back to hunting almost immediately. Burningwing was a proud Shadowclan cat, and as such, he focused on looking for native prey rather than the odd rare other clan prey that wandered into their territory. A puddle not far from him was alive with frogs and he crept over to the edge of it to snatch one up. With swift precision, Burningwing's claws went for the unsuspecting amphibian. Easily caught, Burningwing thanked Starclan for it's life and buried it with his rat and lizard.

"You're doing well for your first time, Cicadapaw. A rabbit is not easy quarry." He supposed the apprentice had earned... a bit more praise. Too much would go to his head though, and the last thing he wanted to deal with was an unruly adolescent who thought too highly of himself.

Burningwing attempted to catch a frog. He was Successful! -3SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 3

There we go! That's closer to what he was looking for. He got a change of tone, a little rise of the eyebrows in surprise, but he had the feeling that would be the most he would get. He would have to get used to this subdued type of approval as Burningwing didn't seem like the type to sing his praises like the others he had met as a kit. That was fine, but in order to get his fill of praise, he would have to continue working above and beyond to get extra recognition from the other tom.

He buried the rabbit close by to his mouse before setting off once more. While a rabbit had gotten him what he wanted out of Burningwing, he doubted luck would be on his side to catch another. They were uncommon in the marshes and difficult to catch, he would need something a bit easier to manage.

He lifted his nose to catch a strange scent. Some type of bird he assumed, but not one he had ever smelled before in the prey pile. Intrigue brought him back into a crouch, creeping towards the scent with a bit more of a practiced technique. Yet, only a day of training would not make a master out of the apprentice, and his tail failed to remain still. Birds had to be difficult to catch, Burningwing would have to be proud of him if he caught one.

A scree caused Cicadapaw to jolt, twisting just in time to see talons aimed toward his face. He yelped in alarm, attempting to duck out of the way only for the claws to tear a notch out of his ear. A hiss of pain slipped from his lips, his fur bristling as he watched the bird rise into the air once more, circling and ready for another attack. It was an owl, its amber eyes staring down at him before swooping down for another attack.

Cicadapaw was ready this time though, leaping forward to hit the owl's wing with his claws. Knocked unbalanced, the bird tumbled to the forest floor, now much easier to strike. If he was smarter and alone, he probably would have ran. He didn't have any battle training besides the play fights one would have as a kit. However, he had a cat to impress, and running was not impressive. "Burningwing! Owl!" He called, knowing he would still need a little help if he was going to take it down.

No roll, forcing a predator.
The owl used Talon Strike for -10SP, dealing 7 damage!
Cicadapaw used Jumping Strike for -7SP, dealing 4 damage! (+1 for Night Finesse)


Owl:
25/30HP (-5)
80/90SP (-10)

Cicadapaw
13/20HP (-7)
47/60 (-6 from hunting, -7 from attack)

Burningwing had crouched down and was stalking toward yet another rat when his apprentice called out to him. Suddenly alarmed, the dark tom spun to look, not caring about the prey he scared off. An owl was indeed attacking Cicadapaw... and Burningwing ran toward it. As breaks in the moonlight from the trees above left shadows on the forest floor, it looked like Burningwing dissolved into blackness just to apparate back into existence in the light.

He launched an attack, leaping from the light into shadows and back into light again. It looked almost as if he was teleporting around, he was so attuned with shadows; A true, pureblooded, Shadowclan warrior. He claws and teeth buried deep into the owl's flesh, looking to sever tendons and tear crucial muscles away from bone to be rendered useless.

"Keep hitting the open wounds. It will bleed to death faster." He gave a simple order, his voice loud but his tone calm and commanding.

Burningwing used Jumping Strike, dealing 11 damage (7 + 3 + 1 [Original damage + surprise attack + Night Finesse damage buff]) and - 7SP

Burningwing
50HP / 104SP (-9SP from hunting; -7SP for attacking)

Owl
14HP / 80SP (-11HP)

Cicadapaw
13HP / 47SP

OOC: I totally thought I replied to this already! I am so sorry for the delay!

OOC: It's fine! I've been pretty slow at replies as well, haha

Cicadapaw would never say getting attacked was worth it just to see Burningwing in action, but it was pretty close. He was more like a wisp than a cat as he bounded through the pine forest and towards the grounded owl. His mentor truly embodied what a Shadowclan cat was meant to be, and Cicada craved to be able to do the same.

The owl shrieked as Burningwing's claws and teeth tore into it, one of its wings hanging much more limply than the other now. It wouldn't be able to take into the air with such an injury, already securing their victory. All they had to do was claim it.

Cicadapaw was quick to rush back into the fight, slicing his claws through already ruined flesh and severing more vessels within the owl's body. The scent of blood was already thick in the air, a little of his own but mostly of the bird's. It was almost intoxicating in a frightening way, his heart beating quick with adrenaline as he knew he was going to secure a guaranteed win. However, he was getting too overconfident with an enemy that wasn't dead yet. He hissed as the owl lashed out with its talons once more, claws raking down his shoulder. The owl wasn't just going to wait for him to finish it, he needed to pay attention.

The owl used Talon Strike for -10SP, dealing 7 damage!
Cicadapaw used Front Paw Strike for -7SP, dealing 6 damage! (+1 for Night Finesse)

Owl:
7/30HP (-7)
70/90SP (-10)

Cicadapaw:
6/20HP (-7)
40/60 (-7)

Burningwing:
50HP / 104SP

Burningwing watched as Cicadapaw's excitement grew, rather than fear. Good. Murkystrike had chosen his apprentice well. Burningwing would have little patience for a fearful kit regardless of blood purity. He watched as the owl struck out with its talons and left a nasty scratch on the overconfident apprentice. Pain was good. It taught the young and inexperienced to be wise, and the apprentice wasn't in danger of dying. Burningwing decided that that had been enough. He'd seen Cicadapaw's true nature and had made up his mind about him. He was worth keeping around. He was worth saving.

Burningwing leaped at the owl again and sunk his teeth deep into the owl's neck. Talons reached up and hooked uselessly into nothing but fur. A simple twist of his head and the bird's vertebrae separated between his teeth. The owl shuddered for a few seconds before slowly going still.

"You have done very well. You did not cower away from pain or violence and you are a promising hunter. Shadowclan is lucky to have you, Cicadapaw." And that would be the highest praise the apprentice would get from Burningwing. There was still not much more than a satisfied expression on his face and that was unlikely to change.

"If only there weren't so many half bloods ruining Shadowclan..." He muttered it, but it was still loud enough to be heard. He would not elaborate further, but only wanted to plant a seed in Cicadapaw's head to see if the idea would spread to other pure Shadowclanners.

Burningwing's work had begun.

Burningwing used Snap on the owl, dealing 10 damage and -7SP (+1 damage for Night Finesse)

Burningwing
50HP / 97SP (-7SP)

Owl
Dead
0HP / 70 SP (10HP)

Cicadapaw
6HP / 40SP

Just as quickly as the fight began, it was over, the bird laying limp on the pine needles. However, Cicadapaw was still hyper on his paws, ready to take on any opposition that might appear from the trees. The fight had gotten his blood pumping like nothing else he had experienced before. He couldn't help but wish for another to feel that addictive rush of dopamine flow into his blood when he claimed victory... Well, Burningwing did most of the work and actually claimed the kill, but soon enough he would be powerful enough to do the same. He just needed more training.

Burningwing's praise was enough to satiate him for now, more than enough. His recognition was harder to garner and thus more valuable to have. "Thank you," he purred. It was nice to be appreciated for his abilities. He liked praise regardless of if it was empty or not, but Burningwing's appreciation seemed much more genuine since he truly had to work for it.

But then he continued. Cicadapaw was aware of all the half-bloods and outsiders who have been let into the clan. He knew it was becoming a problem, but there were already so many it was runining Shadowclan? "How many are there? Surely Flintstar didn't let in that many." He had more trust in his leader than that.