child [closed]

Thick snow blanketed the far-stretching swathes of moorland, making a trek through exhausting and cold, especially if you were lacking in any amount of stature. Even Buzzardpaw, close to warriorhood, found that his legs and lungs were already aching as he and his father traipsed through the snow in desperate search of prey. His belly growled, and he flicked his ear in silent acknowledgement of the hunger he had been facing as of late, his first winter being one of the harsher ones in memory. Warm air clouded around his muzzle as he breathed out, tilting his nose up to the sky in search of any fresh scents. A chill rushed over his nose and he sneezed, turning to Timbersun. "I don't think we're going to have much luck. It's really quite cold." His voice was free of complaints, just stating what he believed to be the obvious.

OOC: oops

IC: Timbersun's leg had gotten so much better over the last few days, but he still had to be careful not to step on it awkwardly or it'll send a sharp pain up through it. The snow softened his steps, he just wanted the days of snow to be over. The cold wind swirled around the two cats swiftly, as if warning them of something. "It wont hurt to try." He muttered with a somewhat-forced smile. "It wont be long until you're a warrior, so that's one good thing." He paused for a second, whiskers trembling, but not from the cold.

Rabbit?

"Hey... There's a few rabbits over here..." He muttered, flicking his tail, beckoning his son over. "If we spread out, we could probably catch at least one..." He crouched down, ears flicked towards the group of prey. "So close... Almost time to chase..." Just as he was about to leap, he got a bit confused as the rabbits seemed to panic. Could they see him?.. No... their eyes weren't facing him. So why were they running away? Suddenly, the wind brought a familiar scent to his nostrils, causing his head to shoot up in alarm.

Dog?... No... He was just starting to heal from the wounds he gained fighting the last dog. Multiple barks sent a chill up his spine, he felt frozen in place, it wasn't just one dog.

It was a whole pack of dogs. He could see them now. Running towards the rabbits, but they started changing directions.

They could see him.

Eyes widening, he jolted up onto his paws, yowling out a warning to his son. He could feel their heavy dog breath on his back. He tried to run faster, but no matter how hard he tried, the dogs kept coming closer... and closer.... and closer. Until...

SNAP!

He felt sharp teeth dig into his sides as one of the pack members grabbed him viciously. He felt nauseous as the dog let go, but they surrounded him, growling, snapping near him. He pressed his ear flat against his head, staring at their drooling faces.

This wasn't going to go well...

Staring at the dog who bit him, he suddenly reached out with a quick claw, slashing it across the dog's face. It snarled back fiercely.

Oh no.

Timbersun attempted to catch a rabbit... Failure... -7 SP (Timbersun)

Dog pack (4 dogs) was summoned! Dog 1 uses Iron Bite on Timbersun, dealing -21 HP (Timbersun, Moor Runner) and -30 SP (Dog 1)

Timbersun uses Front Paw Strike on Dog 1, dealing -8 HP (Dog 1) and -7 SP (Timbersun)

Timbersun -- (Moor Runner active)
19/40 HP (-21)
86/100 (-14)

Dog 1 --
92/100 HP (-8)
170/200 SP (-30)

Dog 2 --
100/100 HP
200/200 SP

Dog 3 --
100/100 HP
200/200 SP

Dog 4 --
100/100 HP
200/200 SP

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

---

'Hunting Dice' : 9

His often cloudy mind was clear as he followed Timbersun's instructions, fanning out in the hopes they'd catch at least one of the rabbits to bring back for the clan. Unfortunately the world shifted so fast around him; and it felt as if he couldn't move as the apprentice watched the dogs barrel towards them. Slobber dribbled from their muzzles, and they were gaining on the duo faster than they could hope to escape, but Buzzardpaw's brain caught up in time to join his father in sprinting.

Lungs burned as they struggled with sharp intakes of icy air, and his breath caught in his chest as Timbersun was caught and was no longer matching his stride. A horrible, strangled yowl escaped him and his eyes widened in terror as he turned to see blood quickly staining the snow beneath; a mix of his kins and one of their many hunters. He threw his head back and yowled as loud as he could, less worried about attracting predators and more hopeful that someone would find them in time.

He threw himself towards the dog that had grabbed Timbersun, claws outstretched as he raked them along it's side, so focused that he was caught off guard when another of the pack swiped at him with a strong paw, throwing him against the snow. His vision immediately went dark, and he blinked hard as white noise exploded in both ears. I don't want to die, his mind was screaming, and he struggled to stand, every bone in his body aching. His attempt failed, and he awkwardly slumped against the snow, his shoulder he hit the ground with unable to bear his weight currently.

Buzzardpaw used Jumping Strike on Dog 1, dealing 6 damage and using 7 stamina.

Dog 3 used Heavy Blow, dealing 16 damage and using 22 stamina.

Timbersun:
19/40 HP
86/100

Buzzardpaw (Moor Runner active):
4/20 HP (-16)
53/60 SP (-7)

Dog 1:
86/100 HP (-6)
170/200 SP

Dog 2:
100/100 HP
200/200 SP

Dog 3:
100/100 HP
178/200 SP (-22)

Dog 4:
100/100 HP
200/200 SP

Timbersun knew it wasn't looking good for him. These dogs weren't looking to back down at all. He felt some of their saliva drip onto his white paws. His tail was puffier than a raccoon's, his eyes wide with fear. Where was Buzzardpaw? Was he safe? He question was answered when the dog that attacked him stumbled back slightly, barking loudly in surprise. One of the other dogs ran towards his son, hitting him hard towards the snowy floor.

NO! He thought, head pounding. YOU'LL NEVER KILL MY SON!

He ran to his son's fallen shape, right after he tried to get up. "Buzzardpaw, you'll be okay, please, please, stay with me... Please don't go..." Timbersun felt a burning anger, yet not quite rage, run through his body, spinning around to the first dog he saw, he ran up to bite it, sinking his teeth into the dog's flesh.

Suddenly, he was ripped away by a heavy paw, it was so quick, he barely registered what had happened. Timbersun looked around, groaning in pain, it felt like the whole world was spinning. "Buzzardpaw... run!" He warned, but his words were muddled together in a big mess. The dogs were closing in, licking their hungry, slobbery jaws.

Is this where I die?

Timbersun uses Snap on Dog 1, dealing -8 HP (Dog 1) and -7 SP (Timbersun)

Dog 2 uses Heavy Blow on Timbersun, dealing -16 HP (Timbersun, Moor Runner) and -22 SP (Dog 2)

Timbersun -- (Moor Runner active)
3/40 HP (-16)
79/100 (-7)

Buzzardpaw -- (Moor Runner active)
4/20 HP
53/60 SP

Dog 1 --
78/100 HP (-8)
170/200 SP

Dog 2 --
100/100 HP
178/200 SP (-22)

Dog 3 --
100/100 HP
178/200 SP

Dog 4 --
100/100 HP
200/200 SP

He blinked hard against his surroundings, panting hard as adrenaline poured through his body and washed away the pain with a soft whisper; but it was unable to sustain itself, waning away almost as quickly as it came. Timbersun was suddenly over the top of him, begging him to stay awake, please stay with me, and he dug deep to find the strength to whimper out a soft, "Am I going to die?" Buzzardpaw's aloof nature had evaporated, and as his mind began humming a calming tune, he was beginning to want to doze off- almost forgetting the danger looming above.

As if divine punishment for the brief moment of calm, his father pushed off to attack another dog, and was subsequently tossed aside by a strong blow much like his son was. A shriek came from him, urging the tabby to run, and as he tried to struggle to his paws the last of the pack made its way for him- slobber dripping down it's chin, a deep growl burning in deep within and he whimpered, falling back down and flattening into the floor.

"Dad?" Buzzardpaw called across the space they occupied, snow kicked up from their bodies being thrown and countless dog paws, the pack hungrily circling in on the father-son duo. "Dad, I love you," he whispered, staring at the jaws of the dog, doubtful his last words were heard but he had to say them anyways. I don't want to die, was the very last thought the apprentice had before the dog lunged for him; the world immediately turning black as the dog released his body to the ground.

Dog 4 used Iron Bite, dealing 22 damage and using 30 stamina. Buzzardpaw is dead.

Timbersun:
3/40 HP
86/100

Buzzardpaw:
0/20 HP
53/60 SP

Dog 1:
78/100 HP
170/200 SP

Dog 2:
100/100 HP
178/200 SP

Dog 3:
100/100 HP
178/200 SP

Dog 4:
100/100 HP
170/200 SP

Timbersun never felt more fear in his life.

The time he argued with his sister to the point they didn't even want to look at each other anymore.

The time he felt his ear rip and never truly saw how horrific it looked until he was back at camp.

The time he was caught by the first dog.

... The time his mother left when they were kits and he never saw her again, but kept holding on, believing in the fact that he still loved her, and she might... love them?

Nothing. Nothing in his life, could be more terrifying than then staring at his son as he uttered what seemed to be his final words, as dogs started closing in on them. Mouths drooling hungrily, barks so loud it made his ears (yes, even including the one that was torn off) sting. His breath quickened. They were going for Buzzardpaw.

No, no.... NO NO NO NO NO!

He wanted to scream, yell for help, but only as he got to his paws, he noticed that the dog had leaped. Buzzardpaw was hanging from it's mouth, not fighting back.

It was like the whole world stopped for a moment, a single moment, just as the dog let go of the small pale tom. He watched his body hit the ground.

Timbersun didn't want to believe it, he couldn't believe it. "Buzzardpaw!" He yelled, running towards the small, limp, bloodied shape. He fell to the ground, pressing his nose into his son's fur.

Everything around him seemed to fall into a blank numbness. "Wake up... Please wake up, get up, just get up!" He choked on his tears, in disbelief that his son could be anything other than alive. "Plea-"

His words were cut short.

A quick, but strong paw, fell swiftly onto the brown tabby's spine. Timbersun didn't feel a thing. His world went away before he could realise what had happened.

He was dead, lying limply next to his son, head still buried in his pale fur. His back kinked in a position that in no way was natural.

Timbersun was gone. And so too were the dogs, trotting away as soon as they knew the two cats weren't going to play with them anymore.

Dog 1 uses Heavy Blow on Timbersun, dealing -17 HP (Timbersun) and -22 SP (Dog 1)

Timbersun is dead.

Timbersun -- DEAD
0/40 HP (-17)
86/100

Buzzardpaw -- DEAD
0/20 HP
53/60 SP

Dog 1 --
78/100 HP
170/200 SP (-2)

Dog 2 --
100/100 HP
156/200 SP

Dog 3 --
100/100 HP
178/200 SP

Dog 4 --
100/100 HP
170/200 SP

Swiftspirit had spent more time talking with Bearspirit than she'd realized, and by the time she had managed to catch two hares in the tunnels, the sun was sinking towards the horizon signaling the approach of nightfall. Her nose was filled with the scent of hare and dirt, but as she crossed the territory the wind carried the unmistakable scent of blood that quickly pulled her attention. Eyes widening, Swiftspirit skidded to a stop, dropping her prey as she crested a small rise, taking in the sight of what was below.

"Timbersun!" She sputtered, paws freezing in place as she recognized the smaller form laying next to him, both soaked in blood. Buzzardpaw... The scent of dog was heavy in the air, but whatever beasts had done this had already gone. Swiftspirit yowled, the prey she'd caught earlier forgotten as her paws carried her forward. Getting closer, she could see the unnatural angle of Timbersun's back, the way that her son had been mauled.

No no no... Not this. Timbersun was only just recovering from his wounds. Buzzardpaw was only an apprentice. She'd hardly found the time to speak to Timbersun since he'd returned, and had finally worked up the nerve to break things off properly. He deserved that much. Not... Not this. Never this. Nobody did. Swiftspirit's vision blurred.

Acid stung the back of her throat as she stumbled to a stop next to the pair. "Buzzard, you can't... Come on." She whispered, trying desperately to nudge him into consciousness. Neither moved.

Batsong had taken the long way winding along the border on her way back from when she had intercepted the Riverclan cat who she learned was Bearspirit. She wanted to make sure the rest of the RC border was secure before returning home.  She was still a little uneasy leaving Swiftspirit alone with him but she had told her to go and she had... she knew that Swiftspirit could more than take care of herself if Bearsprit did anything bad and he seemed nice enough... and oh so hurt the poor tom obviously had lost someone close... hopefully Swiftspirit would be able to help him though that.

As she walked along a strong wind blew over the land and she sighed not enjoying the cold it brought.  She rolled her eyes a little thinking about the irony of a windclan cat not liking the wind.  Then her fur bristled bushing up lots as the wind had carried the most unwelcome of smells into her nose... blood!

Her eyes widened as she sniffed again... yes that is defenetly what it was and it smelled fresh... Panic flooded her and she rushed forward toward the source... She would rip Bearspirit to shreads just as she had threatened if he had hurt Swiftsprit, she had lost too many loved ones to let Swiftspirit get hurt like that. She fully expected to top the hill and see Swiftspirit and Bearspirit locked in combat... what she saw was far worse... it was a gut wrentching scene.... Blood was all around and at the center lay Timbersun, his back in a totally broken position and a smaller figure under Timber, it was hard to make out the smaller figure, since Timbersun was curled around it hiding it a bit as if trying to protect it in his last breaths... upon getting closer she immediately recognized Buzzardpaw and her heart dropped seeing how bad it was... she was no med cat but she knew instantly that neither of them had survived based on the scene in front of her.

The final emotional dagger was that of Swiftspirit standing over them nudging at them her nose burried in their cooling pelts... Batsong fell to her knees ... (or the cat version of this... uhh fell down I guess shrug) Shock completely taken her as she looked off into the void at the scene.  She felt sick to her stomach and turned away not able to look at the horror of it all walking away she did indeed get sick kneeling over crying and sobbing after doing so. This was awful! how could starclan do this!? She paced back and forth still not accepting what was right in front of her.

After a bit she slowly approached them, the waiting did not make anything easier as she got closer seeing the amount of damage done was disheartening.  Batsong's throat chocked up and she couldnt say anything even if she wanted to... she slowly sat down next to Swiftspirit as she sobbed uncontrollably.

A hunt had never hurt any cat, and that was what brought Mistysky outside. Racing the sun as it set in the evening sky, letting the wind rush through her fur, it was one of those things that reminded her she belonged in this Clan. She couldn't swim or climb trees, trek through thorns or swamps, but she could run. And run she would. Until the world around her all but disappeared, and she forgot all that weighed on her mind. It was like nothing bad had ever happened. There was no battle with ShadowClan that took her tail. No sickness spread through the Clans. No cats disappeared. It was just her and her freedom.

But no cat can run forever, and reality would have to catch up at some point.

This was evident in the ear-splitting yowl that brought Mistysky to her senses. Every hair On Mistysky's back stood on end at the sound. She did not want to know what that was. She knew it was something bad, and she just wanted to wait until morning to get any more bad news. But her paws carried her anyway.

The scene horrified her.

Two cats, one older, one younger. Both dead. Timbersun and Buzzardpaw.

Mistysky was frozen, rooted in place as she stared, fear and sorrow in her eyes. She could hardly register anything that was going on around her, just shaking at what she was seeing. Timbersun's back was completely snapped, and Buzzardpaw was a bloody mess. It almost didn't seem real, but then again, no nightmare could ever be worse than what she was seeing now. She thought of Swiftspirit, torn apart next to her, and of Hentooth, who didn't even know what had happened. Stars, what was she supposed to say to that cat? Mistysky didn't even like her in the past, but even her heart wrenched to tell her that her own brother was dead. Losing a littermate was the worst feeling in the world.

She didn't know what to do, so she just stood there, waiting to wake up from this horrific dream, willing it not to be real, no matter how much she knew it was.