Blood-Red Dawn

The camp was silent and still. Murkystar sat in the middle of it, surrounded by white snow that made her dark pelt stand out drastically. The added sunlight did little to assist her attempts to conceal herself as she guarded the camp while her clan slept. Being nocturnal had it's benefits, but that made standing guard that much harder. The bright sunlight was unnatural to their eyes, harsh and unforgiving, especially when it reflected off of the newly fallen white snow. Cats like Frostgaze benefitted from this weather, their stark pelts blending into the snow the way it didn't the rest of their surroundings. The clan had just settled for the night, the sun barely starting to rise over the horizon. The meager amounts of fresh-kill that had been brought to camp had been distributed carefully, keeping a couple pieces for throughout the day for the elders, and Murkystar's stomach growled uncomfortably. The freezing temperatures and the fierce winds and blinding snow had made hunting exceedingly difficult, even for the most skilled of hunters, and the clan wasn't the only ones to feel the pressure of the lack of prey. The patrols had been reporting more and more predators, seeming to grow closer and closer to camp. Her ears swiveled as the sound of a breaking branch broke through her thoughts, and she rose to her paws as she heard a shuffle in the same direction. It was close to camp, and seemed to be drawing closer... She needed to investigate before it got too close. Shaking the snow that had gathered on her shoulders off, she stalked in the direction of the noises, pushing through the brambles that guarded their camp. Using the trees and marsh grasses to hide her approach, she neared the source of the sounds, bracing herself for what she would find, before she suddenly came across a badger. She blinked in surprise, watching it sniff at the ground before taking another lumbering step towards camp and snuffling in the dirt once more. Glancing down, she noticed a blood trail, likely left behind from one of the items of prey that was brought back, and preserved by the cold snow underpaw. If the badger kept going, it would charge right into camp, and with the direction it was going, it would burst through right by the nursery. There was no time to run back to camp and rouse the other warriors, she had to act now and make as much noise as she could, and hope that it was enough to bring them running. She had never fought a badger before, but today would have to be the day. With a yowl, she lunged forward and started her attack with as much power as she could - if she could even just drive it away they could send a full patrol after it later.

---

Turn 1:
Murkystar used Jumping Strike, dealing 10 base (+3 First Blow, +2 Star Striker) damage and costing 7 SP.
M: 80/80 HP | 163/170 SP (-7)
B: 75/90 HP (-15) | 150/150 SP

Badger used Iron Bite, dealing 22 damage and costing 30 SP.
M: 58/80 HP (-22) | 163/170 SP
B: 75/90 HP | 120/150 SP (-30)

---

The badger was as shocked by the sudden onslaught as Murkystar had been to see it, and lashed out blindly. It wasn't used to the daylight, but hunger gnawing in it's belly overtook the instinct to return to it's den with another empty belly. Besides, it had little ones to care for, and if it could just find the source of this blood trail, it would be able to feed them.

Turn 2:
Murkystar used Snap, dealing 10 base (+2 Star Striker) damage and costing 7 SP.
M: 58/80 HP | 156/170 SP (-7)
B: 63/90 HP (-12) | 120/150 SP

Badger used Heavy Blow, dealing 17 damage and costing 22 SP.
M: 41/80 HP (-17) | 156/170 SP
B: 63/90 HP | 98/150 SP (-22)

---

She had to act, and she had to act quickly. The badger hit far harder than she had ever expected, and it would take time for any cat to wake up and locate her to jump into the fray. Perhaps if she tripped it up, she would find a way to get some good hits in and force it away.

Turn 3:
Murkystar used Experienced Steps, dealing 8 base (+2 Star Striker) damage and costing 10 SP. Badger is stunned for one turn.
M: 41/80 HP | 146/170 SP (-10)
B: 53/90 HP (-10) | 98/150 SP

Badger is stunned and can not attack.
M: 41/80 HP | 146/170 SP
B: 53/90 HP | 98/150 SP

---

This small creature was annoying, and painful. Shaking off the daze that it had suddenly been hit with, it snapped at the dark figure and connected, biting down as hard as it could.

Turn 4:
Murkystar used Front Paw Strike, dealing 10 base (+2 Star Striker) damage and costing 7 SP. Badger is no longer stunned.
M: 41/80 HP | 139/170 SP (-7)
B: 41/90 HP (-12) | 98/150 SP

Badger used Iron Bite, dealing 22 damage and costing 30 SP.
M: 19/80 HP (-22) | 139/170 SP
B: 41/90 HP | 68/150 SP (-30)

---

That hurt. Everything hurt. It was too much, far too much. She should have turned back, but it was too late now. There wasn't time, if the badger made it to camp lives would surely be lost. She had to keep going.

Turn 5:
Murkystar used Snap, dealing 10 base (+2 Star Striker) damage and costing 7 SP. She follows it with Desperate Blows, dealing 6 base (+2 Star Striker) damage and costing 7 SP.
M: 19/80 HP | 125/170 SP (-14)
B: 21/90 HP (-20) | 68/150 SP

Badger used Heavy Blow, dealing 17 damage and costing 22 SP.
M: 2/80 HP (-17) | 125/170 SP
B: 21/90 HP | 46/150 SP (-22)

---

Lashing out with a heavy paw, the badger felt it's blow connect and it's attacker fall limp. Trudging forward, it sniffed at the still body, tentatively checking out what had attacked it. Food, perhaps? It was hungry enough, and the little ones needed something to fill their bellies...

Turn 6:
Murkystar used Front Paw Strike, dealing 10 base (+2 Star Striker) damage and costing 7 SP.
M: 2/80 HP | 118/170 SP (-7)
B: 9/90 HP (-12) | 46/150 SP

Badger used Heavy Blow, dealing 17 damage and costing 22 SP. Murkystar has reached 0 HP and is KO'ed!
M: 0/80 HP (-17) | 118/170 SP KO!
B: 9/90 HP | 24/150 SP (-22)

---

Murkystar's world went dark as the badger's paw connected, and when her eyes opened again she was in a familiar starry marsh. Her breath caught in her chest as she realized what had happened, immediately followed by panic as she considered what could be going on. How long did losing a life take? Was the badger already traipsing through ShadowClan's camp, wreaking havoc and terror? Had the sounds of her battle been enough to give them warning, rouse them from their slumbers, and prepare? Each heartbeat seemed to signal certain death for her clanmates, when suddenly a familiar shape padded forward. "Mother?," her voice came out as barely a whisper, cracking in her fear for her clan. Her mother smiled sadly, padding forward and resting her head on top of her own. "Murkystar... I assume you have figured out what has happened. You have lost your first life. Iniko was unable to make it from the skies that he walks, so I am here in his stead." She mewed, pulling back to look at Murkystar. "Mother, please, I have to get back! There's a badger, I almost have it, please I need to get back before it gets to the camp!" She mewled pitifully, pleading for things to progress. "I'm sorry my dear, we're working as quickly as we can, it takes time to heal what has been damaged. The hit that took your life did significant damage to your entire body, and to heal something to that degree is... Time consuming. Don't fret though, your sacrifice has given your clan time, and you will be returned soon." Murkystar growled, grief and anger and disappointment aimed at herself lacing the noise, and her mother brought her tail up to touch her shoulder. Taking some small comfort in the touch, Murkystar turned to her mother as she began to speak again. "Your first life may be gone, but the lesson and wisdom granted to you by it remains. It will always be a part of you. Now, my dear, it is time for you to return. You will need time to readjust, but you will get it. Keep standing tall, Murkystar." Her mother began to fade, and Murkystar nodded, pressing her face to her mother's shoulder briefly. "Thank you, I will keep your words close to my heart." She mewed, closing her eyes as the area around her gave way to darkness and she took a deep breath, her throat burning from the cold air. Her body still hurt, but as she flexed her claws and opened her eyes to the blinding daylight she found herself rejoicing. She really had come back, she was alive! Unfortunately her sudden movement seemed to have alerted the badger that was still closely inspecting her body, and it instinctively lashed out once more at the dark shape.

Turn 7:
Murkystar used Resurrection, regaining 30 HP and costing 30 SP.
M: 30/80 HP (+30) | 88/170 SP (-30)
B: 9/90 HP | 24/150 SP

Badger used Heavy Blow, dealing 17 damage and costing 22 SP.
M: 13/80 HP (-17) | 88/170 SP
B: 9/90 HP | 2/150 SP (-22)

---

Fear had grown in her chest at the immediate hit - she had to move quickly or she would be conversing amongst her ancestors again... Something she didn't particularly want to do again so soon. Rising to her paws, she reared back and brought her front paws down on the badger's head as hard as she could, rejoicing when the badger fell still under her. Blood dripped from her various wounds, and her legs shook under her as she stood above her fallen foe, her breath hanging in front of her maw as she attempted to catch her breath. The sound of her racing heartbeat echoed in her ears, drowning out any other noise as she stared blankly at the blood-stained, disturbed snow around her and her opponent.

Turn 8:
Murkystar used Upright Lock, dealing 12 base (+2 Star Striker) damage and costing 10 SP. Badger has reached 0 HP and is KO'ed!
M: 13/80 HP | 78/170 SP (-10)
B: 0/90 HP (-14) | 2/150 SP KO!

Frostgaze had stayed up late, considering the patrol routes that would yield the most prey for the least time taken. They might have to resort to the Carrionplace at this rate, the prey on their territory just... wasn't enough to sustain them. They would have to be careful, and if they weren't, Shadowclan might have to start rationing food. Frostgaze didn't want any of his clanmates going hungry this leaf-bare. As he finished listing patrols and members in his mind, he settled down in the Warrior's Den to finally get some sleep. Just as he was closing his eyes however, there was noise. Something that sounded like... fighting? He had seen Murkystar guarding the camp earlier, and it could be nothing, but he had to check.

He poked his head outside the Warrior's Den, looking to where Murkystar had been sitting, right in the middle of camp. She wasn't there anymore, and then there was the sharp scent of blood that coasted on the breeze. "There is fighting, get up!" His voice was no whisper, but instead a commanding yowl to raise Shadowclan warriors from their sleep. He didn't know what this threat was, but it would be dealt with. Besides, Murkystar must be fighting alone, and one cat wouldn't last against whatever was out there, not when the fight had gone on this long.

Sprinting from the Warrior's Den, Frostgaze pushed through snow and out of the camp entrance. He looked around quickly, hastily following the scent of blood, and the noises of what seemed to be a badger. One up this late though, and this close to camp? It must have been desperate. The first thing to strike him was how much red there was. Likely the snow making it show more, but Murkystar was standing, covered in it. The badger was dead. The deputy hurried to his leader's side, looking over her wounds. "Murkystar, are you alright? You are covered in wounds, allow me help you back into camp. When another warrior shows up, I will request they get Basilbloom immediately." The red of the snow had begun staining his white paws pink, and he looked down for a moment with disdain. And he had just cleaned himself up.

At Frostgaze's command, Nightstalker was on his paws in an instant, the sharp tang of blood assaulting his nose until he was properly awake. There was no hesitance in his paw steps as he exited the warriors den, claws unsheathed, the young tom prepared himself for a fight, unknowing of what he'd be facing. But when he looked around and took a moment, there was nothing but silence, until Frostgaze's voice broke through the air. It was not loud enough that he could hear what was said. Pushing his way through the camp entrance and following the paw steps and the blood, he came upon his mother, bloodied and wounded.

Nightstalker gasped before he dashed forwards to take some of his mother's weight onto him, his eyes scouring her to catalog wounds. His eyes fell onto the badger, and his lips pulled back into a fearsome snarl. "I hope that badger rots, wherever its afterlife lies." he hissed, scorning it before he turned his attention back to his mother, grooming her chest to free it of the blood and snow.

Swiftheart was julted awake by the call.  Frostgaze was in trouble? She charged out of the warriors den right behind her brother Nightstalker. She unshealthed her claws and hissed ready for battle.  Her heart was racing and she was filled with adrenaline .

What was going on? Was a clan attacking them? Rouges?

She saw her mother standing there covered in blood? Her heart sank... Mom! she cried out

She ran up to her mother filled with concern and worry.  Mom are you okay she stared at the dead badger with suprise wow mom killed that thing?? she thought to herself amazed.

She licked her mothers wounds quickly Come lets get you to Basilbloom she said tenderly.

Murkystar's ears swiveled as hurried pawsteps appraoched, the only indication that she was aware of the arrival of her clanmates for several heartbeats before she swung her head slowly towards Frostgaze, gazing blankly at him for a moment before she blinked and her gaze focused on him. "I'm fine, Frostgaze, there's no need. I can make it back to camp, don't worry. Instead, ask that warrior to gather a patrol and follow the badger's path - make sure that there aren't any more lingering in the territory that may follow the same path. Make sure the patrol is big enough to chase off at least two badgers, if there are more than two.... We will assign watches over them while we prepare a full battle patrol to chase them out. I will arrange another cat to finish my watch.. Meet me in my den once that's done, please. There's something I need to tell you." She mewed softly, turning her attention to the other two warriors that had arrived, heart twisting as she realized it was her youngest kits, seeing her in this state. Nightstalker wasted no time to dash to her side, and she gratefully allowed some of her weight to fall on him as she staggered, feeling suddenly very dizzy and light-headed as the adrenaline wore off. Swiftheart was close behind, and she smiled slightly. "I'm okay, Swift, don't fret. Basil will patch me up in no time, and I'm still standing." She mewed gently, taking a short series of steps back towards camp. Her legs were shaking, her heart quivering in her chest as they made their way back to camp together.

Mistyfalcon's head had snapped up at the sound of Frostgaze's voice, and the dark-furred tom was on his paws and bounding after the deputy and his kits immediately. That fighting had sounded close until it had come to a halt, the silence almost deafening. Murkystar was standing, dark tortoiseshell pelt and the snow around her stained red with blood, and a badger was in the snow close by.

"Murkystar-" He began, ears flattening as he moved to assist Nightstalker and Swiftheart as best as he could. "You are not okay." He growled at her, having heard what she'd said to Swiftheart. She'd staggered, and his lip curled upon realizing just how much blood Murkystar was drenched in. It was an alarming amount, whether all of it was hers or not. "Come on, you need to get to Basilbloom." And then he'd personally see to it that whatever remained of those badgers never made it off of Shadowclan territory alive.

Duskflight awoke from his rest, bolting out of camp as he heard the battle cries coming from both Murkystar and a presumed predator— a ferocious one at that. A badger. The scent of blood filled his nostrils, and from there he saw the torn figure of Murkystar, severely injured and covered in blood, alongside Frostgaze, Nightstalker, Mistyfalcon, and Swiftheart. His ears flattened down, eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Just what has happened? Sniffing the air, he recognized the scent of the limp predator mangled with the horrific smells of blood scattered around. "Murkystar! Are you alright? I'll go reach Basilbloom for you," He hastily spoke, dashing into the medicine den once he heard her reply. Even if she had denied it, he knew that she wasn't fine. No one could be looking like so after such a fight.

"Basilbloom! Sorry to interrupt you at such a time like this, but I'm sure you've at least noticed something's wrong. Murkystar's severely injured, could you help her please?" He spoke in a rushed manner, giving her an apologetic nod before rushing out again to assist the group of cats. Teeth gritting, he made sure that those badgers would pay. Someday.

Basilbloom's eyes drooped and flickered sleepily as she sorted herbs into the early morning; with the ever-approaching date of her trip to find the mysterious flower looming she had been getting everything ready for Batglow and Frostgaze.  However, the sound of a sudden commotion brought her mind back from it's tired state and the tortoiseshell she-cat stood up, already walking to her den entrance when Duskflight raced up.  "My mother?!"  Trying to hide the panic in her amber eyes, Basilbloom quickly grabbed the essentials before racing out into the clearing, quickly catching sight of her parents side-by-side.  Murkystar had several wounds not caused by a cat, and her fur smelled of badger.  "Mama what happened?!"  Despite the context clues the words blurted out as she dropped her stack of herbs and got to work, dabbing cobwebs onto the still bleeding wounds.  Carefully patching her dappled pelt with white threads, the young she-cat's brow furrowed.  From the outset, the wounds looked deep but manageable.  However, she got the sense that something more serious had occurred than just a badger attack.  She had no time to wait for answers though and she continued on, next applying goldenrod to the marks where the bleeding had ceased.

Frostgaze watched quietly as more cat appeared before responding. "Mistyfalcon is correct. I will be speaking to you in the medicine den after Basilbloom has treated you, and not before. If it needs to be private, I will request she step out once your treatment is complete." His tone was sharp, yet not unkind. The white cat would not have his leader over-exerting herself in an attempt to look strong for her clan. She had just killed a badger on her own, it was, quite frankly, a miracle from Starclan she was even still standing.

He turned to the other warriors gathered. "Mistyfalcon, I will ensure Murkystar gets proper care. I would like you to go and ensure that we have no more badgers nearby, take Nightstalker, Swiftheart, Duskflight, and a few other warriors of your choice. You are extremely experienced, and I trust you to get the job done." He offered Murkystar his shoulder to lean on. "Basilbloom, would you like to continue Murkystar's care in your den? I will be transporting her there at some point whether she likes it or not." He mewed pointedly. Mistyfalcon would have his hide if he didn't ensure Murkystar got the best care, even if she had to have it against her will.

Nightstalker nodded sharply at his orders, though he did not want to leave his mother's side. When Frostgaze stepped over to take Murkystar's weight, the young tom waited until the weight had fully transferred from him to his deputy before he padded over to his father's side, though the distance he kept between them was perhaps a bit excessive. Nightstalker couldn't help but feel a thrum in his veins, as he was chosen to look and patrol for more badgers and a potential fight looming over their heads. Hopefully, there would not be anymore, for the best-case scenario, but Shadowclan was notorious for how hard it took to survive in their territory.

Swiftheart nodded at the deputies orders as well "You can count on us" she answered. She padded over to her fathers other side, she did the opposite of her brother however, the distance between them a little close as she brushed against his fur. Come on dad! just like old times when you were my mentor! she said happy to get to spend some time with her favorite cat. She looked up to him so much and she did not get what Nightstalker's deal was. If they found any badgers they would tear it to shreds, she was confident of it.

Mistyfalcon was as reluctant to leave Murkystar's side as Nightstalker seemed to be, though he did relent. He trusted that Frostgaze would get Murkystar into Basilbloom's den without trouble, much as she might protest that she was fine.

With a huff, and a last, worried glance over his shoulder, Mistyfalcon turned to his kits. Nightstalker wasn't thrilled, he could tell, and Swiftheart was her usual, near-overbearingly-enthusiastic self. It took effort to bite back an irritated response, one born out of frustration and the knowledge that Murkystar was injured. He wanted no distractions as they went and tracked down whatever badgers remained on Shadowclan territory.

"Right, let's go." He muttered, turning towards the bloody, fallen badger and inhaling. "We'll follow this one's trail, though if we find more, it's going to take more than just the three of us to take it down." And that was simply a risk he didn't want to take. He would have much preferred for them both to be taking Murkystar back to camp and have Frostgaze and Batglow, maybe even Emberleap with him. As it was though, he was in no position to argue with the deputy's orders.

Racing out with Basilbloom to the scene yet again, the tom held his breath, wistfully watching as Murkystar got assisted to the medicine den. Even not as a medicine cat, he could tell that her wounds were anything but light. It was, after all, a fight with a badger. Alone, at that. With the two warriors, Duskflight gave Frostgaze a firm nod. Hopefully, there wouldn't be any more badgers around. He gave the air a sniff, quickly scanning the area around. However, there didn't seem to be any lurking in the dark..yet. Maybe the fight warned them, or perhaps it was the thick scent of blood coming from both the fallen badger and Murkystar. Whichever one was it, he wasn't sure he wanted to know. With a straightened posture, he stood, ready to follow along the trail.

deerkit had woken up from the commotion that was caused. poking her small tabby head out of the the nursery, her amber eyes gleaming, she warily watched her clanmates. whatever had happened, she knew it wasn't good. the air was thick with the scent of fear and something else that just stirred at the corner of her memories. where had she smelled this? she stiffened as a word crossed her mind. blood.

horrified, deerkit couldn't help but gasp as she saw the bloody mess her leader had become. the small she-kit's eyes bulged as she noticed the dead body of the badger. pressing herself to the ground, deerkit began shaking. whatever had happened, she didn't like. she pressed her eyes shut and her old habits formed a protective wall around her.

deerkit pushed herself into the brambles of the nursery and hid there, her white pelt barley visible. it was an old habit, hiding away from danger, but i kept her safe, like walls had sprung up to block her from the danger. even if she wasn't in immediate danger, seeing death at less than a moon old was still traumatizing.