Destiny's Stage [Closed]

The growl that had started in Flintstar's throat since the news had broke about his nephew hadn't faded, his fur prickling as he led his patrol of warriors through the marsh. It had started with Murkystrike leading them to where Batglow had last been seen but the moment there was an obivous trail to follow, the leader had taken over. As they tracked through the marsh, the growl only started to grow louder as he realized where they were going. How? How had they missed them for so long? How much death and bloodshed could they have prevented if they could have only tracked them here sooner?

But...He couldn't deny it was smart. The crow-food that filled the Carrionplace would mask their scents - and as long as they could remain out of sight if any of his Clanmates chose to patrol this area... Finally they reached the edge - where the silver vines were torn enough for them all to fit through. "Alright, I want you all to stick close - keep an eye out as we enter. Rats make this their home - a fitting place for Vea and her like," he added with a hissed before he spared a glance back at the entrance. "But do not attack right away - Vea will be given a chance to end this peacefully... But prepare yourselves, I suspect things will not go that way." With that, he gave a nod to his deputy and ducked past the torn silver vines and into the Carrionplace proper.

Already he was starting to lose the scent trail in the mess that was the Carrionplace, the rotten crowfood and disgusting rubbish being nearly overwhelming. But he remained focused on the scent of Batglow, gaze cold and unwavering as he padded past the trash piles until they found a clearing. "Vea!" he shouted out as he stepped into the open, spotting the she-cat across the way. Of course, she was not alone as he scanned the area and stared at the other cats. At first glance, he was rather sure he had the numbers to match them at least...But that was the least of his worries for now. He would fight them all on his own if he needed.

"You have been a thorn in the side of ShadowClan for too long, Vea - you were lucky that you proved difficult to locate but this will be your final mistake," he meowed as he prowled forward, his eyes glittering coldly. "Give us back Batglow - he is not yours to take. You left him to die in the marsh as a kit but we took him in. He is my family - and I am willing to die over and over to protect what I have left. Refuse, and we will give you a taste of your own medicine - you and group will join the crowfood that rots in the Carrionplace... A rightful spot for you lot, I would say," he added darkly as he took a step forward, eyes narrowing as he stared down at Vea. "You haven't just hurt my Clanmates, you have killed some. Despite that, I am giving you one chance to flee with your mangy tail between your legs. So, Vea? Will you surrender? Or would you like to rot in the Dark Forest?"

OOC: For this battle, due to the time-limit of the Gathering coming up in a week, will be using the 24 hour rules in hopes of getting this done in time. You must post within 24 hours of your opponent or be KOed from the battle - however, the battle is not starting right away so no attacking. I will start it the next time I post, once Vea gets her response in.

Mistyfalcon silently stalked out of camp with the rest of patrol, saying little as Murkystrike led them to where they'd been ambushed and Batglow had been taken. It wasn't long before the group was following the scent of the rogues towards carrionplace, and Mistyfalcon's lip curled in disgust. They made their home among the rats and twoleg garbage... And that was how the rogues should be treated. Finding them among the refuse took a bit more time than he would've liked, and Mistyfalcon just hoped that that Batglow wasn't injured or worse.

His eyes settled on Vea when they finally found her, claws digging into the dirt beneath. Mistyfalcon very much doubted that the foxheart would just hand Batglow over without a fight, they'd been fighting to get to him for moons now after all. Still, he wouldn't attack until it was deemed necessary... As much as he wanted to rake his claws through the rogue's pelt.

Murkystrike had led the way to where they had least seen Batglow as quickly as she could before falling back and letting Flintstar take the lead. As the patrol made their way along the scent trail, she lashed her tail and let out a hiss of annoyance. Carrionplace? A fitting camp, but how had they escaped detection for so long? She would have to have a serious discussion with the warriors about remaining vigilant, even in the most unsuspecting places. Finally they found them, Vea and the others merely tail lengths away. She itched to strike, but Flintstar was speaking... Offering a final chance. Her face was grim, she suspected their answer would be no... But it was worth a final try. Her claws dug into the putrid ground below as she turned her gaze to Pea, her eyes narrowing. She had been the start of all of this... Hopefully she would be the first to fall.

---

Pepper and Bean kept close together, staring down at the group of ShadowClan cats. The look they exchanged was silent, but spoke their true thoughts. Was one measly tom worth all of this fuss? They shrugged to each other, turning to watch Vea for a signal. She had taken them in, allowed them to stay together - if she wanted to fight for this cat then they would fight with everything they had.

The thick-framed tabby, tufted ears perked with interest, stood just behind their leader. A rugged smirk crossed his maw. Vea wouldn't back down, not to some haughty clan cats who thought they deserved this forest. Dunkin had to admit it was rather nice. The stench of crowfood had become background in his nostrils and it made it easier to smell their Shadowclan enemies. Surely the clan had enough numbers and forest, what was one skinny little tree pole?

Eyes found that of Mistyfalcon, ignoring the speech of Shadowclan's leader. There came a low chuckle and thenca barking call, "Oy, stoic face! Don't look too excited for battle. I can make it fun for you, I promise!" Dunkin's claws gripped the flithy earth as he planted his pads firmly. He fully expected some cat to tell him to tame his tongue, but he could care less.
----
A little ginger she-cat was positioned not far from Dunkin. Her green eyes were angry slits, judging the cats who had appeared in their foul encampment. There was no doubt why they were here. Fang wasn't worth the trouble, at least, that was what Donuts believed. She'd protested only once - Vea would do what she wanted, and Donuts would follow, no matter how foolish.

With a lashing tail, she looked at each of the enemy warriors in turn before glaring at Flintstar. Stupid brute spewing meaningless words. She couldn't wait to tear her claws into these cats, send them running away on their own territory. As her companion piped up, she hissed lowly, "Shut up, Dunkin."

Shira was counting the seconds until she could dig her claws into some stupid rogues heart.  She followed Murkystrike, then Flintstar, tracking the scent as well.  A foul smelling place seemed to be where they were hiding.  It covered the scent well.  It was no wonder that they were able to escape being found all this time.  Shira was pretty sure that she never had actually come around this part of the territory before.  Her ears flattened on her head as they headed towards Carrionplace.

When Flintstar instructed them to not fight right away, Shira felt like arguing with the leader at first, but realizing that would just slow them down and make them more noticeable, she said nothing and just followed.  They have killed many of ours.  Why don't we just take them by surprise and kill them?

After getting in and spotting Vea and her pack of rogues, she hissed.  She only took her eyes off of them for a second, to look at Webshadow.  I promise I won't let anything happen to you.  No matter what happens, I will make sure that your okay by the end of this.  With that she looked back at the rogues.  She squinted her eyes and her ears were back.  Her teeth showed and she hissed and spat at anything the rogues said.  She watched them all carefully, looking at their movements.  Her eyes darted from one to the other rapidly.  Now which one of you idiotic animals killed Foxspark?

The trek through the territory had been quiet, the air surrounding the patrol heavy and sobering. Flintstar's periodic growls added to the tension, and the rumbling noise made Webshadow's ears twitch. He couldn't recall a time he had actually seen their leader so... furious. He ducked his head, watching the tracks he left in the mud as they went.

Soon enough, they had reached the edge of Carrionplace. It was a fitting place for the rogues to hide, masking their scent with the reek of crowfood– and it was a fitting home for their ruthless band. Curling his lip back, the tabby ducked through the vines, careful not to get caught in their silver tangles. Flintstar had barely started negotiating, and already the rogues were heckling them. Turning to search for his mother's face, Webshadow found Shira already looking at him, and he offered a slow, affectionate blink. We'll be okay. For dad. The thought was distant, and his head felt foggy as he turned to stare down the rogues again. Hackles rising, he reminded himself he'd been chosen for this patrol for a reason, and he buried his claws in the earth and summoned a threatening snarl.

Frostgaze's pawsteps lead him gracefully through the marsh, following Murkystrike, then Flintstar. He had to wonder what the plan was, exactly. Flintstar had not spoken of one in camp, perhaps lead onward too quickly by rage. No matter, despite the rogue's strength in numbers, they had the training of Shadowclan at their backs. Still, one could never be too prepared for the unknown. His one ear flicked in a slight annoyance as Flintstar growled, the periodic noise only revealing their location to any prying ears. Though, in all fairness, a party of this size wasn't hard to miss.

A slow to a stop indicated that they were nearing their destination, and the rogues. Carrionplace. How had they missed this? Had these rogues been hiding under their noses the entire time? Frostgaze was perplexed, but these were thoughts he could reserve until later. He listened intently to Flintstar's orders. Peace was an option, yet it was highly unlikely it would occur. If the rogues did not flee, they would perish. That was just how it must be, for the protection of Shadowclan, and the rescue of Batglow.

Entering shortly after Shira, Frostgaze watched as the rogues that resided within clocked their presence, saying their piece. Idiotic, already fighting amongst themselves, as if they were the fox, and Shadowclan the mouse, and they all wanted a bite. Flintstar's speech was well done, but the white tom already knew that this would be a fight, possibly to the death. He for one knew he would not hold back, if the rogues could not find the intelligence to flee, perhaps they would find it wherever they went when they died.

Loudnose bounced along the patrol, energy buzzing through his furry little body. Excitement and impatience blended with anxious urgency to find his clanmate had the warrior wanting to burst ahead. But that growl rising from his leader had him keep his paws well out of Flintstar's way. He looked about the rescue group, taking in each of their expressions. No one seemed happy about the ordeal -despite the fact that they were about to get Batglow back- so Loudnose decided not to be a chatterbug as usual. The silence had his tail flicking around but he didn't break his self-imposed vigil. Perhaps it was a little game to the warrior, a way to pass time. It was certainly wasn't an easy challenge, he had so many questions about what was going to happen.

Because he had been so focused, it wasn't until they were almost face to face with the shiny vine walls that Loudnose realized he had arrived at the Carrionplace. That smell, as rotten as it was, couldn't have been more intriguing. His eyes alight with wonder the warrior sniffed the grey brambles, pricking his nose on it. He should have taken that as a sign to be more cautious, but he quickly rubbed the bit of blood off his snout and stayed close to the patrol, as per his leader's command. He heard almost all of Flintstar's directions except that very last part, his heart too caught up in the odd surroundings. Looking around the home of the rouges a thought came to Loudnose, These cats must be so weak! Who would want to eat anything here? We are strong and fed, like warriors! The tom had a confident smirk, fear didn't take residence in this tabby. Or maybe the adrenaline just made him feel that way.

He walked alongside his clanmates, following his leader, which brought him to the rouges in question. They didn't look happy, quite hostile actually, but what did Loudnose expect? He wouldn't be happy if he had to live here. For once the tom actually listened closely to Flintstar's speech, sensing importance in his words, but still not able to grasp what exactly was happening. All the leader's talk did was hype up the tabby. for battle That was all he payed attention to though, ignoring the teases of rouges in favor of the glittering things hiding in the trash. His focus and gaze stayed on a particularly sparkly trinket resting on the surface of rot. Maybe he could snag it after they rescued Batglow, and give it to Basilpaw so she didn't feel bad about missing out.

Vea let out a small sigh as soon as she had noticed the cats had began barging into their little encampment.. Just when she was ready to announce they were moving on too. She had gotten her son back, and once they got well enough away from Shadowclan she was going to work him into the ranks, and eventually he would be on the same level as her other children.

"So. It seems you are going to make me break my word.. Shame I stick to my word as much as I can, so when I said I would leave you alone I meant it." She stood, her posture relaxed. "I have what I want, he willingly gave himself over. So how about instead of asking me, how about this. I was just about to take my cats and leave, along with Fang, no more fighting. Or we can fight and you can lose more cats? How about that? Green eyes were fixed on Flintstar waiting on his answer.

Barry was ready as soon as the clan cats had entered. He wasn't going to let his mother down. The tom looked around at the others giving them a nod. A silent 'be ready' to them so they would all spring into action as soon as this turned into a fight.

Pea sat silently towards the back, being the one cat assigned to watch over Fang. She was the only one he had somewhat talked to this whole time he was with them, but even then it was harsh words. She understood.. She messed up, but.. she didn't think it would come to this.. She just wanted to see Vea happy.

Batglow laid on the ground towards the back of the carrion place. He was under watch here.. Not one of them took their eyes off of him, and eventually Pea became his guard. He didn't expect anything less. He wasn't happy about it, but this would keep Shadowclan safe. Yellow green eyes watched as others started coming in.. Shadowclan? Joy filled him.. so they did come for him.. He wouldn't be stuck in this rogue group. Thank stars. He pushed himself to a sitting position, watching the others carefully.. How would this play out? Would Flintstar let him go for the safety of Shadowclan?

Flintstar let out a huff as Vea spoke up - proclaiming that she was going to leave ShadowClan alone. Perhaps that was true - but it didn't matter. "Perhaps you misunderstood me. No more of ShadowClan will be lost to your paws, Vea. And Batglow? He is my family. The only one who will be losing cats in this fight is you," he proclaimed, his voice even as he took a step forward, raising his chin. "I suspected this was how this would play out... And I am relieved for it, honestly. You have been a thorn in our side for too long. What a joy it will be to put you in your proper place." With that, Flintstar suddenly leapt forward with claws outstretched, ramming into Vea and knocked her to the ground. "ShadowClan! Attack!" he yowled as he dug his claws into Vea, before he spared a glance toward where Batglow was crouching and gave the tom a nod. Batglow would never be Fang - he would never be part of this rotten family. He was a ShadowClan cat, and Flintstar was willing to do everything to hold onto what was left of his family.

Flintstar used Jumping Strike on Vea, costing 7 stamina and dealing 13 (10+3 for opponent not being focused on him) damage.
Night Finesse is active, giving Flintstar a +1 to damage.

Flintstar:
100/100 HP
173/180 SP (-7)

Vea:
86/100 HP (-14)
180/180 SP


Honestly, this was all starting to be a little much for Namid. She had been trying to collect up the random knickknacks she had found during their time in the Carrionplace - relieved that they were finally leaving. She had enjoyed messing with the ShadowClan cats but she knew they were getting close to crossing a line. ...Well, she knew they had crossed that long ago - not that it bothered her - but sooner or later ShadowClan was going to bite back.

And of course, the moment before they could make their great escape, here came ShadowClan! She stood bristling off to the side, claws digging into the ground as she held back an angry hiss at this entire situation. Couldn't these cats just let them go! They were done attacking them now that Vea had gotten what she wanted! But...The answer was clearly 'no' as the big imposing tom leapt at Vea and ordered his Clan to attack. Namid's hiss cut off with a small whimper, eyes widening. Ah... Fighting ShadowClan wasn't as fun when the odds seemed to be in their favor. Nervously, she started to back up - half wondering if she could make her own escape. Not like she actually had any fondness for these guys - they had just been a source of safety and food but so much for that.

Namid:
65/65 HP
140/140 SP

OOC: For a note of ShadowClan! All rogues (minus Vea) are tier 3. So...Yeah, have fun with that.

Murkystrike's tail lashed angrily as Vea responded, biting the sharp retort in her throat back. As she continued glaring at Pea, she recognized the form that sat up near her. There he was! She glanced to Mistyfalcon, nodding pointedly in the tom's direction as Flintstar's voice rose from in front of her. She shifted her weight on her paws, and flexed the muscles in her shoulder as she braced for the words she knew were coming. As soon as they had left Flintstar's maw, she was surging forward, spring through the clearing before leaping onto Pea's shoulders, her claws ripping through the pelt beneath her as she heard the yowls of battle rise around her.

Murkystrike used Leap and Hold on Pea, dealing 10 (+1 Night Finesse) damage and costing 15 SP. Pea is pinned for 1 turn.

Murkystrike:
80/80 HP
155/170 SP (-15)

Pea:
54/65 (-11)
140/140

---

Bean and Pepper watched as things quickly came to head below, and untangled themselves from each other to pick their targets as the large ShadowClan cat moved to attack Vea. Pepper's gaze fell on a large dark tom, while Bean's fell on a white one. With a swift glance to each other, they circled around and leapt out at their chosen targets, Pepper grasping the tail of Mistyfalcon and Bean hitting Frostgaze broadside.

Pepper used Tail Yank on Mistyfalcon, dealing 5 damage and costing 15 SP. Mistyfalcon is stunned for 1 turn.

Pepper:
65/65 HP
125/140 SP (-15)

Mistyfalcon:
65/70 HP (-5)
160/160 SP

Bean used Jumping Strike on Frostgaze, dealing 8 (+3 not focused) damage and costing 7 SP.

Bean:
65/65 HP
133/140 SP (-7)

Frostgaze:
39/50 HP (-11)
120/120 SP

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 2

Mistyfalcon's lip curled as one of the rogues taunted him, and he dug his claws into the earth, tail tip twitching as he eyed the tom. He didn't play games, and talking at this point would be a waste of time. A different rogue seemed to have the same thought, however, and he whirled on her with a low growl, feeling sharp teeth sink into his tail.

Mistyfalcon used Random Recall for -5 sp. No longer stunned.
Mistyfalcon used Snap on Pepper for -7 sp, dealing -11 damage.

Mistyfalcon
65 / 70 hp
148 / 160 sp (160 - 5 - 7)

Pepper
54 / 65 hp (65 - 11)
125 / 140 sp

Pain seared in her jaw as the tom yanked his tail from between her teeth, but she felt a faint glow of satisfaction that it couldn't possibly have felt pleasant for him either. As his jaws caught hold of her shoulder she screeched, lashing out wildly with her paw to scratch along the tom's side. As her claws pierced his fur and skin, she hissed into what seemed to remain of his ears, eyes narrowed. "My name's Pepper. It will be my pleasure to kill you."

Pepper used Front Paw Strike on Mistyfalcon, dealing 10 damage and costing 7 SP.

Pepper:
54/65 HP
118/140 SP (-7)

Mistyfalcon:
55/70 HP (-10)
148/160 SP

Mistyfalcon hissed as claws raked his side, hearing the rogue's threads and not bothering to reply. They were all the same, and he'd survived this far. He wasn't about to let some mange-pelted rat kill him. Mistyfalcon lashed out with unsheathed claws of his own, aiming for the she-cat's face and neck.

Mistyfalcon used Front Paw Strike for -7 sp, dealing -11 damage.

Mistyfalcon
55 / 70 hp
141 / 160 sp (148 - 7)

Pepper
43 / 65 hp (54 - 11)
118 / 140 sp