when the chips are down [closed]

Hyacinth walked alongside Torn in the midst of ShadowClan territory, her fur on end. She hadn’t been here since her mother had died, and with each step further into the territory, her paranoia grew stronger. The calico tabby knew there was a reason for their presence there, but she couldn’t help feeling on edge. She highly doubted anyone would recognize her here, and she wasn’t even entirely sure her sibling was still alive… But she couldn’t rule it out. She swore, though, that she’d kill her on sight and feed her to Tarot if she saw her.

A sigh passed the molly’s lips, billowing into a cloud in front of her face. Maybe one day she’d finally let go of everything that happened last leafbare. Maybe she’d finally let herself rest at night, and forget all the horrible things that plagued her mind. It wouldn’t be today, though.

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

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'Invasion Dice' :

Torn walked silently beside her new companion. She didn't really know what to say, or what conversation she could start with Hyacinth. It was very clear that she was on edge.. what for Torn didn't know. Of course Torn was also on edge just because they were in clan territory. Before joining back up with her father, she spent her days avoiding the clans as best as she could and now here she was in the middle of the territory...

Her companions sigh, caught her attention. Her azure gaze glancing to Hyacinth. Her mind once again going back to what she could bring up, but no words came to mind.

Ratrunner stalked across the snow, eyes half-closed against the sun, a marshrat in his jaws. He and Nightstalker had agreed to an early hunt together, in the ever-fading daylight, on the off-chance the warmth might bring out prey. But it had him feeling oddly exposed — stark black in the light — and so between the two it had been quiet. That is, he would say that was the reason he kept silent if asked.

In reality... since they had returned from that disastrous hunt, Ratrunner couldn’t seem to find the words to say.

The territory had been proclaimed free of foxes, at least. That was one positive. And at least it hadn’t been an apprentice they attacked, or some cat alone. It still made his eyes darken to think of Nightstalker’s injuries. But it could have been worse.

Worse than feeling like you’ve done something horribly wrong? he thought. By feeling angry? But… it was no matter. With a few digs into the snow, he buried the rat, and committed this spot to memory. (He’d return for it.)

Just focus on the prey, he told himself, taken in a deep breath, and then releasing. Golden eyes rose to scan the glimmering, snow-covered marsh; his ears straining for any sound. But when the small warrior did, he found himself sensing… pawsteps?

They both had separated a tiny ways — trailing different prey — but Nightstalker was close enough for him to call in a harsh whisper, “Nightstalker!”

To get his attention, Ratrunner gestured with his tail as well: in the direction of the sounds. Anything heavier than a rabbit made his fur tingle, and not pleasantly. It’s far too early for another patrol. In fact, Ratrunner believed they were two of the only cats on this side of the marsh. Or we should be.

Nightstalker gave a huff of annoyance as he gave up the trail he was following to give his attention to Ratrunner. His frustration at the tom had died down, but the frustration towards everything else? Had not. Padding over, Nightstalker let the silence fall... the strengthening hum of paws steps tickling his ear fur. "Crouch low and hide, we find them, we circle, and when I go in, you cover me." The young tom broke away from Ratrunner, deciding to wrap to their front and give them a good distraction for Ratrunner to jump in for the surprise attack. Granted, it took some time for Nightstalker to locate the invaders, and his blood started to thrum in anticipation.

When the trespassers were located, Nightstalker drew himself tall and proud, a displeased frown on his face as he confronted the two with calm confidence. "And may I ask, why I have two strangers on my territory?" A low, thunderous growl pulled itself from the tom-cats throat as he eyed both of them down. He would be diplomatic for a moment, to leave no excuse for anyone in Shadowclan to believe that he did it because he was Burningwings apprentice. Then they were dead meat.

When a rustling of paws, clearly larger than any small prey, became obvious nearby, Hyacinth looked to Torn and nodded to the she-cat. As the concentrated scent of ShadowClan drew nearer, she made every attempt to conceal her disgust, claws already unsheathed and ready. When, finally, the dark colored tom made his presence known, Hyacinth made sure not to appear phased. ”Oh, how polite of you to ask,” Faulty tones of innocence and poise tainting her voice. Taking a moment to look back to her companion, she gave her a firm nod. Clan cats typically didn’t enjoy rogues on their territory, so if they wanted a better chance at winning, they’d need to attack first. They also usually didn’t travel alone, especially during leafbare- Hyacinth had gathered that much. Hopefully the numbers would be even… She though they likely stood a good chance if they were. Bunching her muscles together, she leaped forward with little warning, ramming her opponent to the side with a sharp blow to the shoulder.

Hyacinth used Sanctum Strike, dealing -8 Health Points and using -10 Stamina Points. Nightstalker is stunned for one turn.

Hyacinth:
40/40 HP
90/100 SP [-10]

Nightstalker:
32/40 HP [-8]
100/100 SP

Torn had heard it too. The heavy foot falls of an approaching patrol.. Surprisingly this tom cat decided to face them straight away, rather than get a sneak attack in. Of course Hyacinth knew what needed to be done and made the first move. She followed the she-cats nod, and stepped away from the fighting pair, following the other tom's scent to his partner. She knew they weren't alone. That isn't how patrols were done. Once she saw the other tom she jumped at him, trying to pin the tom.

Torn used Leap and Hold dealing 7 damage, -15 SP. Ratrunner is pinned for two turns!

Torn:
40/40 HP
85/100 SP

Ratrunner:
23/30 HP
80/80 SP

The member 'Reaper King' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 5

Ratrunner nodded to Nightstalker, following closely behind. He kept his body low, close to the foliage. What little there was, at any rate. Yellow eyes widened in alarm as he saw the two cats, caught their strange scents. Rogues.

His ears pricked as Nightstalker slunk in front of them to halt them, sharp features calm. The smaller black tabby lay in wait, muscles bunched — ready to defend his clanmate. If we can get them to leave like this, I would prefer it. But Ratrunner had an uncomfortable feeling it wouldn’t be so easy. For a breathless moment, Nightstalker stood, a beautifully deadly sight. But then the first rogue struck.

Tail lashing, Ratrunner made to intercept — to snatch the molly by the scruff — when the second emerged, knocking him flat. He yelped. They were watching for me! Hissing and pained, Ratrunner struggled beneath the brown rogue’s weight, leaving scratches across their forelegs, but unable to break free.

Ratrunner attempted Duck-and-Twist, failing and dealing 4 damage, costing 5 stamina. Ratrunner is still pinned.

Ratrunner [pinned]
23/30 | 75/80

Tornshadow
36/40 | 85/100

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

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'Effect Dice' : 3

Nightstalker barely had any time to blink before he was tossed onto his side by the rogue. Hissing with the collision of the ground, the young tom rolled to soften the landing and rolled back onto his paws. Growling, Nightstalker leaned into a crouch before he launched himself towards his attacker with claws unsheathed.


Nightstalker used Random Recall + Front Paw Strike, Dealing 8 Damage and costing 7 SP

Hyacinth:
32/40 HP
90/100 SP

Nightstalker:
32/40 HP
93/100 SP

Hyacinth growled with frustration when the tom dodged her attack, turning her focus to doing as much damage as she possibly could, before the tom was able to hit back. Claws unsheathed, she tore deeply into the tom’s muscles, using her additional time to add some extra blows in while she still had the chance.

Hyacinth used Front Paw Strike and Dirty Trick, dealing a combined -12 Health Points and using -14 Stamina Points.

Hyacinth:
32/40 HP
86/100 SP [-14]

Nightstalker:
20/40 HP [-12]
88/100 SP