Grim Hunting Part 2

Another one? Dear Starclan!

Nightstalker wished so desperately to flee, but with the wound on his thigh, he was sure he would not have the means to outrun their teeth for long. Nightstalker choked down the tendrils of fear, for if he let himself feel it, he was sure there would be no stop to it. A rumbling growl pulled from his throat, sizing up the situation before him. Just in time to see the second fox clamp its foul teeth against her shoulder. He would tear the stars from the skies for his sister any day, but it was at this moment he felt that he could take everything else with him. Suddenly amber eyes flicked to the first fox, wounded, only a few more strikes should do, one if he was lucky. That would open them both up to take down the second... Nightstalker managed to get to his paws and approached the first one.

With Ratpaw showing it what's for, taking its ear for good measure. Now! Nightstalker rushed forwards, demanding his leg to hold out long enough for this battle for their lives to finish. They had no choice, Swiftheart's shoulder would not agree with her, his leg surely would not, and Ratpaw was the only one who could make it out of this by running away. But who knew what would become of them if they lost their third, even if fleeing for help would be ideal? Would they last long enough for Ratpaw to run, find help, and come back with a patrol? Frustration boiled in his chest, twisting his body to slide under the first fox.

He must have misjudged somewhere. Made some failures in his calculations. Before he could open the wound Swiftheart had given it earlier, it had realized he was under it and pulled him back out by his tail and tossed him back into the dirt.

Nightstalker used Belly Rake but failed! Nightstalker receives 5 dmg and loses 25 Stamina

Ratpaw:
HP: 20/20
SP: 31/60

Nightstalker:
HP: 15/30
SP: 48/80

Fox:
HP: 13/60
SP: 165/180

Swiftheart:
HP: 13/30
SP: 48/80

Fox 2:
HP: 52/60
SP: 150/180

Yes! It's partner had come! But it seemed that these cats would just not run!

Whatever, it was hungry, so was its mate, their kits too...

Wondered what cat tasted like?

It would find out!

This little one would suffer its fate in its belly! Oh, it's ear! It's poor ear!

And it would have, had the black one not come back.

Dragged from under its belly like a naughty kit!

Fastening its jaws around the black cat's neck, it shook its own, desperate to take it down while it was down. Thrashing it through and against roots, rocks, and any natural forest debris.

The Fox used Thrash on Nightstalker! Costing 10 damage, 15 stamina, and stunning Nightstalker for 2 turns.


Ratpaw:
HP: 20/20
SP: 31/60

Nightstalker:
HP: 5/30
SP: 48/80

Fox:
HP: 13/60
SP: 150/180

Swiftheart:
HP: 13/30
SP: 48/80

Fox 2:
HP: 52/60
SP: 150/180

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 1

OOC: Effect roll for Fox

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 4

A black blur darted out of the deeper swamp and tackled one of the foxes. Batglow, having heard the cries of the battle, had rushed away from his own hunting patrol and was quick to find the fight that was occurring between the younger warriors, and an apprentice. The tall black tom didn't even stop to think about the two foxes before him, just taking down the weakest one he saw.

"Are you three alright?" He asked even as his claws tore at the skin and fur of the orange creature currently on their territory.

Batglow used Jumping Strike dealing 10 damage, -7 SP

Batglow:
70/70 HP
153/160 SP

Fox:
HP: 3/60
SP: 150/180

Mistyfalcon's paws sank into the snow, and he huffed in quiet frustration at coming up empty. To say that their hunt was not going well was putting it mildly, it seemed as though the prey wanted to be out in the snow and cold even less than the cats did.

Ears swiveling to better catch the sound of the fighting, Mistyfalcon let out a low growl. Exchanging a single glance with his patrolmate, he bounded forward through the snow-covered pines, claws unsheathing. It wasn't long before he caught sight of three cats fighting... Two foxes. Joy.

Nightstalker, Swiftheart and Ratpaw. And one of the foxes seemed like it had given Nightstalker a good thrashing, though both of his kits were bloody.

Mistyfalcon bounded forward, targeting the fox Batglow had attacked as well. It seemed to be on its' last legs, and the dark tom had very little qualms about killing it before moving on to the next one. Mistyfalcon distantly registered Batglow speaking, but didn't bother to waste his breath on replying and instead snapped his fangs at the throat of the fox. They had another fox to kill.

Mistyfalcon used Snap on Fox for -7 sp, dealing -10 damage.
Night Finesse active, +1 damage for Shadowclan.

Ratpaw
HP: 20/20
SP: 31/60

Nightstalker
HP: 5/30
SP: 48/80

Mistyfalcon
70 / 70 hp
153 / 160 sp (160 - 7)

Fox DEAD
HP: 0/60 (3 - 10 - 1)
SP: 150/180

Swiftheart
HP: 13/30
SP: 48/80

Fox 2
HP: 52/60
SP: 150/180

Frostgaze, having split off from the hunting party, was the last to come into the fray. As he had returned to where his comrades had been, there was nothing but the distant sound of battle, and a trail through the snow. He followed it swiftly, finally finding the site of combat. Nightstalker was definitely the most injured, but Swiftheart had blood coming from her as well. Thankfully, Ratpaw was unharmed. Though that could change unless he did something. Speeding into the battle, he leaped onto the back of the remaining fox, digging his claws and teeth into its back and neck. He wasn't large, but the momentum was able to bring it down enough for him to pin it there.

Frostgaze used Leap and Hold, dealing 10 damage and using 15 stamina. Fox 2 is pinned for 2 turns.

Frostgaze
60/60 HP
125/140 SP (-15)

Ratpaw
20/20 HP
31/60 SP

Nightstalker
5/30 HP
48/80 SP

Mistyfalcon
70/70 HP
153/160 SP

Swiftheart
13/30 HP
48/80 SP

Fox 2 [pinned 2 turns]
42/60 HP (-10)
150/180 SP

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

---

'Effect Dice' : 4

Swiftheart saw out of the corner of her eye Nightstalker get flung down into the ground after doing a daring move. Her heart sank as the fox got some easy hits on her brother after that. Oh this is bad she wanted so badly to help Nightstalker with the first fox but she had her own problem. That being the second fox that also wanted to kill them.



Not only were they losing this fight, it looked unwinnable. If this kept up they were all gonna be fox food.

She heard Ratpaw yelling her name as well... She wished she had told him how she felt, now it seemed she would likely not have the chance to do so at all.

Her mind raced thinking of anything that could help turn the tide... She had nothing. Was this their end? Nightstalker looked a hit away from passing out, and she felt like if she got hit again it would be over as well for her. Perhaps she could damage the second fox enough for Ratpaw to avenge them or at least get out alive?

The second fox and her circled each other waiting for the other to make any misstep to open a vector of attack.

Then a dark streak flashed by, Oh great a badger was her first thought, could things get any worse?

Seeing it more clearly she recognized Batglow a very accomplished warrior in their clan and good friends with her father Mistyfalcon, the two were always together.

She never felt more relived in her life, okay maybe they stood a chance now.

She continued circling with her foe, Nightstalker, Batglow and Ratpaw could take out the first one so she wanted to stall as long as she could before reengaging with the second.

Then more pawsteps could be heard. Even through the blood heavy air she could scent her father. Sure enough, Batglow and Mistyfalcon were indeed always together

Dad! she whispered a big grin on her face, she felt re-energized by this, her mentor and father were a huge influence on her life and she looked up to him most of all.

The good news kept coming as Frostgaze pounced up on the fox she was facing off against pinning it to the ground. Fancy meeting you here Frosty! she called out to the deputy... Hmm frosty she liked that nickname for him. This was the opportunity she was waiting for. Without hesitation she leapt forward and bit down with a snap on the fox's shoulder, a little revenge for earlier.

Swiftheart used snap dealing 8 damage (7+1) costing 7 sp

The fox growled in anger and sorrow as it saw Mistyfalcon kill its mate. NOO the love of his life lay dead in front of him. Where were all these cats coming from? The angry fox tried to leap at Swiftheart it would try to take down as many of these cats as it could to avenge his love, but right before it did ANOTHER second white cat jumped on its back pinning it to the icy snowy ground. It wailed in pain unable to escape or move.

Fox2 cannot do anything and is now pinned for 1 more turn (-1 pin)

Frostgaze
60/60 HP
125/140 SP

Ratpaw
20/20 HP
31/60 SP

Nightstalker
5/30 HP
48/80 SP

Mistyfalcon
70/70 HP
153/160 SP

Swiftheart
13/30 HP
41/80 SP (-7)

Fox 2 [pinned 1 turns]
34/60 HP (-8)
150/180 SP

Ratpaw’s fangs pierced, teeth slicing and suddenly the fox was screeching, blood trailing down its face. Something flashed in its eyes, and yet Ratpaw felt no pity for it: he only hissed back, half a torn black ear between his teeth. I told you to leave.

From behind him, a flash of black rushed forward — sleek and swift — and Ratpaw hardly realized what Nightstalker was doing until he slid… twisting beneath the fox, claws glinting in the light. Making himself vulnerable to the fox, whose eyes shone in pain — who saw.

And made Ratpaw watch, a dawning horror in his chest, as it evaded the strikes and its maw closed over Nightstalker’s neck.

And then shook. Savagely, viciously, like thrashing a stubborn kill.

The tom was flung, striking the ground — too large to go far but the move had done its job; wide yellow eyes dilated in shock, the form of his friend bloodied and unnatural. Nightstalker. And Ratpaw saw the fox dripping with blood, teeth glistening from a panting mouth — lips heaving in a parody of a smile — and something in Ratpaw… broke. Cold filled his heart, and he’d never felt something like this before, wasn’t sure if he liked it, but—

This fox was dead. It didn’t know it, yet, but it would be. The fury felt final.

The sharp realization — that these creatures had taken cat lives, and many — hit him, but he just took a step between it and Nightstalker, tail lashing. They couldn’t leave. Maybe him and Swiftheart, but with Nightstalker like this? He braved himself. And then—

Then—

Pawsteps? Thundering, too. And Batglow’s dark form — as long as Nightstalker’s — shot from behind, striking the grinning fox to the cold earth. Not a moment later, a familiar form joined him, teeth sinking into its throat; all light or emotion leaving its eyes.

There wasn’t even a yelp, or a whimper. Just an end.

And then a third cat, pure white, didn’t slow a moment before leaping the second fox. Teeth and claws hooked in, jerking it away from Swiftheart’s bleeding form below it. The senior warriors wasted nothing, and immediately the situation didn’t seem so dire. Ratpaw had never been so shocked or thankful.

Ratpaw breathed — in relief this time, as he turned to the tall warrior — and could barely form words, “Batglow! I’m — I’m fine, but Nightstalker needs a medicine cat.” Ratpaw shut his eyes, and hoped that was all. (But Nightstalker had been moving, no matter how bad it looked.)

Once again, Batglow seemed to be there — and just when Ratpaw felt the weight of not knowing what to do. His mind flashed back to huddling, exhausted, in the Hidden Outcropping. The apprentice opened his eyes to look at Batglow gratefully. ”Starclan, thank you. I—“

Then he heard the sound of Swiftheart and the fox, and — unlike last time — Ratpaw had more than enough energy left, for this. ”I’ll be right back.” With a sharp nod to Batglow, Ratpaw struck the fox — already besieged by small felines — and closed his teeth around its foreleg, hoping to make it buckle.

He didn’t hold back, either. This fox hurt Swiftheart!

Ratpaw used Snap on Fox 2, dealing 7 damage (6 + 1) and costing 7 stamina.

Ratpaw
20/20 | 24/60 (-7)

Frostgaze
60/60 | 125/140

Nightstalker
5/30 | 48/80

Mistyfalcon
70/70 | 153/160

Swiftheart
13/30 | 41/80 SP

Fox 2 [pinned 1 turns]
27/60 (-7) | 150/180

He felt like he was going to die.

His life would be ended in a fight with foxes.

Nightstalker didn't really know how to feel at this moment, but at least he could be happy and proud that he had kept Ratpaw and his sister from harm for this long.

They should have run while they still could when he told them to run because at least they would lose one life this day, not three. He had failed as a warrior, as a hunter and a fighter, but his friend? His sister? They did not, his failures to keep them safe shouldn't cost them their lives! He wanted to cry. He wanted to scream and throw a fit at how unfair it was. Nightstalkers eyes screwed shut, the wound on his throat burning with intensity, but at the very least, it seemed that it had done the most of the damage to his scruff, nothing vital hit. How was he still alive?

When his eyes opened, Ratpaw was standing between him and the fox. No! Let me be! Run and leave me behind! He didn't want to die, but he wanted his sister and friend to die even less. His life would be short, but he had accomplished great things... hadn't he? He had carried out his duties up until now, Ratpaw was uninjured from what he could see, they had gotten a rabbit and a mouse for the pile...

But...

He could hear...?

Thundering...?

With a fierce caterwaul breaking through the air, it felt as if the very space around them would break. Batglow, Mistyfalcon, Frostgaze, all came blasting through the undergrowth with claws unsheathed and teeth bared. The amount of relief and hope pumped Nightstalkers heart so full, he felt as if he could just pass out then and there. He'd never felt so happy to see the arrival of his clan-mates. The fox that was glaring Ratpaw down was wiped from Shadowclan's hunting grounds in a near-instant. Nightstalker truly thought he would weep. Blood rushed in the young toms' ears as he watched Batglow and Ratpaw exchange words, but the rush of his blood and the sounds of screeching made it all but inaudible.

"I'm- I'm fine." Nightstalker hissed, getting back to his paws with a slight shake of his fur. One more fox and that was it. The fox that while pinned, still seemed to have some bloodlust for his sister. And he couldn't allow that to happen. Neither could he let his father, and his deputy, see him doing nothing! He had to do his part to the bitter end. No matter how badly he wanted to just pass out on the spot, no matter how badly he wanted to take a proper breather. He had time to do that back at camp, once they all got out of this alive. Claws unsheathed once more as he charged at the fox before him, joining the cluster of his clan-mates. He just wanted it all to be over with, he wanted to just roll up in his nest and go to sleep.

He could say he was desperate for all of this to be over with, he raked his claws viciously over the fox, over and over and over. He'd do all he could.

Nightstalker used Desperate Blows + Front Paw Strike + Night Finesse dealing 12 Damage and costing -7 SP

Ratpaw:
HP: 20/20
SP 24/60

Frostgaze:
HP: 60/60
SP: 125/140

Nightstalker
HP: 5/30
SP: 41/80

Mistyfalcon
HP: 70/70
SP: 153/160

Swiftheart
HP: 13/30
SP: 41/80

Fox 2 [pinned 1 turns]
HP: 15/60
SP: 150/180

Batglow nodded at Ratpaw's words, not really paying any mind to if the other noticed or not. He could take care of Nightstalker when this Fox was gone, at least help him enough to get him back to Basilbloom. Since one fox was dead, the tom turned his attention to the other.

The lanky black tom raced over to the other taking advantage of it's pinned state. As he reached the fox he slowed bringing his paws up and slamming them down on the creature's head. It would only take a little more before they had two dead foxes.

Batglow used Upright Lock and Night Finesse dealing 13 damage, -10 SP

Ratpaw:
HP: 20/20
SP 24/60

Frostgaze:
HP: 60/60
SP: 125/140

Nightstalker:
HP: 5/30
SP: 41/80

Mistyfalcon:
HP: 70/70
SP: 153/160

Swiftheart:
HP: 13/30
SP: 41/80

Batglow:
70/70 HP
143/160 SP

Fox 2 [pinned 1 turns]:
HP: 2/60
SP: 150/180

With one fox down, Mistyfalcon turned, eyes locked on the second fox. Frostgaze had pinned it - good thinking - and the rest of the patrol was closing in. Mistyfalcon sprang forward with unsheathed claws and no wasted movement, determined to end the fox's miserable existence before it ever had a chance of slipping free of the deputy's grip.

The fox fell still, and Mistyfalcon turned, eyes raking over the three cats who had originally been fighting them. Nightstalker and Swiftheart would both need to see Basilbloom, that much was clear. Ratpaw didn't seem to be too injured, though all three were clearly tired from fighting, too.

"You three-" His growl was pointed, "-need to see Basilbloom." Mistyfalcon didn't yell, he seldom ever did. He didn't admonish them for their frogbrained antics, though his tone heavily suggested that they not test their luck. The injuries that his kits were suffering from were concerning, but hopefully Basilbloom would be able to handle them. And Batglow was here too, Mistyfalcon trusted that the two of them could keep the young warriors from dying, at least.

His gaze turned toward Frostgaze. "We should make sure there are no more of them lurking about." He was sure Murkystar would be thrilled about this situation, just as he was.

Mistyfalcon used Jumping Strike for -7 sp, dealing -10+3 damage.
Night Finesse active, +1 damage for shadowclanners.

Ratpaw:
HP: 20/20
SP 24/60

Frostgaze:
HP: 60/60
SP: 125/140

Nightstalker:
HP: 5/30
SP: 41/80

Mistyfalcon:
HP: 70/70
SP: 153/160 (153 - 7)

Swiftheart:
HP: 13/30
SP: 41/80

Batglow:
70/70 HP
143/160 SP

Fox 2: dead
HP: 0/60 (2 - 13 - 1)
SP: 150/180

The battle ended for him as quickly as it had begun. Experienced claws killed the fox quickly, and he leaped off the limp body quickly as it fell. The others had already admonished the three young cats enough, Frostgaze supposed. No need for him to join in. He gave the three a simple look-over and nodded. "Correct, Mistyfalcon. In both sentences. Ratpaw, make sure the other two get back safe, you don't look wounded thankfully. I did not scent any other predators nearby as we came this way, I would still recommend vigilance. Unless you wish to go back with them Batglow, I recommend we search the area immediately to remove any other predators." Murkystar would probably admonish the three when they returned as well... at least after Basilbloom had mended their wounds to a degree.

Swiftheart blinked a couple of times.  Adrenaline was still rushing through her... but the fight was over, just like that.  It had all happened so quickly, one moment the second fox was about to tear her to shreds to use as lining for its nest and the next moment it lay dead in front of her.

She looked up to see Mistyfalcon he had rescued her.... again for the 3rd time in her life.
(1st being a snake 2nd being an owl)

Her wounds were bleeding but it wasn't too bad, however her white fur stained so easily with the red color of blood that it made everything always look worse than it really was.

She rushed over to her favorite cat and idol/hero Dad! she let out a soft meow.  

She shook slightly still nervous and scared from the fight, not 5 minutes earlier and she was sure she was going to die.

She nuzzled her father in a big hug Just in time to save us as always she meows quietly in thanks.

She listened carefully to her dad's orders, she respected him so much.  She would have swum across a lake if her dad told her too... not that she could really even swim but she would try. She saw him as a second leader...It would be interesting if Murkystar told her to do one thing and Mistyfalcon told her to do the opposite... hmm not that would really ever happen but it was still interesting to think about.

This order seemed pretty simple   "-need to see Basilbloom." he said.

hmm okay that was fine with her, she hurt alot from the fight and it was a good opportunity to converse with her sister (Basilbloom) more which was always a plus.

She looked around the now eerily quiet battlefield which had just earlier been so loud with hisses, screams and sounds of battle.

Her eyes almost immediately picked up 2 things
1) Ratpaw looked uninjured, this was a big relief.  Her heart would have broken if he had been severely injured ... or worse.

2) her brother Nightstalker was looking very injured, worse than her in fact!

She rushed over to Nightstalker.  Her immediate instinct was to Overcrowd his space and ask him a million questions on if he was okay... thats what she would want if she was in his spot ...probably not what her brother would want.

She went with the short and sweet for his sake... he had already been beaten up enough.

You okay? She helped him to his paws and stood nearby in case he needed someone to catch him from face planting in a faint, but not hovering over him like she would have done for anyone else knowing that Nightstalker absolutely hated when she did that.

Come on its time we go see our sister she meowed.  she started walking in the direction of home... Her nest, a long nap and Basilbloom tending to her wounds never sounded so good in all her life.


(OOC: This kinda rabbit-trailed in a couple spots so sorry for that I wrote it pretty tired so sorry if spelling and general confusion is in it )