the games we play [closed]

The thought of leaving camp cause his stomach to twist in knots. But burying himself in the confines of the walls did nothing. Dark Forest creatures lingering were only one beast - starvation was still a battle. Besides, he needed to train the apprentices, and bring them up in preparation for whatever fight would eventually come. For the moment, every passing day was a tense waiting game. Claws instinctively flexed as he walked.

Summoning the pair of apprentices early had been rather easy and they now headed towards Sunningrocks. He'd thought little of where to go but his paws drew him here every time. Some form of comfort. Patrols were out but wouldn't pass by here. It would just be Stoatstar, Comfreypaw, and Daypaw.

"We're going to practice fighting today, alright? A few different targets to hit here: me, your denmate, and the snakes hiding under those rocks." His tail flickered in the direction of the unseen adders, "Any preference to start?"

Despite the very worrying invasion that pressed her mind, the news that she and Daypaw would be training together was very uplifting. And the fact that it would be Stoatstar teaching was enough to let the undead temporarily leave her mind. Besides, she needed space for all she was about to learn.

She cheerily accompanied Daypaw as they followed Stoatstar to an interesting clearing with rocks of various sizes scattered throughout. From what elder stories had told her (and that she could sense the slithering) this was Snakerocks, appropriately named because adders lived under these stones. Her tail curled nervously. Why are we training here? she wondered silently before Stoatstar explained the assignment.

Stoatstar, Daypaw, or the adders? What.. I have to choose? ... The snakes are really dangerous. I'd rather get rid of them sooner than later. The she-cat cast her littermate an anxious glance. She really didn't want to fight him with such treacherous battlegrounds. Terrible things could easily happen. Comfreypaw curled her tail around his, suggesting teamwork. "Your choice," she offered.

Stoatstar's summons had left Daypaw feeling particularly sullen, and the young tom's paws dragged as the trio made their way out of camp. Comfreypaw at his side, at least, was a point of comfort and stability. She seemed happy just to be out training, and Daypaw would force a smile every time she looked his way. Still, though, worry gnawed at the back of his mind; what if this wasn't training at all? What if Stoatstar was leading them out here under the guise of instruction when he really planned to confront them about their father? Accuse them of some crime they had never committed? A look towards the white-patched tom, and Daypaw quietly assured himself that their leader wouldn't do that. Stoatstar wasn't that heartless sort of type, but with what had happened at the Gathering...

What if he kicks us out? What if he doesn't want any of stupid Morningstar's stupid relatives marching around his Clan? What if he's just going to do these little sessions with me and my whole family and slowly split us up?

So caught up in his own worry, he hadn't noticed the shift in terrain. The frost-hardened earth had given way to rough stone, and Stoatstar drew up short, turning to address them. They weren't being kicked out of ThunderClan. This was just a task; this was just training. Like we're regular cats. Daypaw's claws flexed, scratching against the stone in search of something to ground him. Comfreypaw hovered at his side, twisting her tail around his own, and the golden tom nodded slowly in response to her. He didn't think he could bear to fight her right now– or ever, really. She was too gentle for that, and besides, he'd never want to harm his littermates. That left him with just the adders and the leader before them; one of which would be impressive if they could put one down. The other could probably send them running across the forest, experienced blows landing easily against what were little more than kits. Daypaw lifted his head, trying to look sturdy.

"I'd like to fight you, Stoatstar," he answered, talking past the tremble in his voice. "If, uh, that's okay, at least."

"Good choice." There was a flash of a grin, a glimmer of his personality peaking through. But it was gone in a flash. Steeled eyes glossed over both of their coats as he crouched into a defensive position. Admittedly, this was his favorite part of training with apprentices - getting to show them how to fight. Of course, being able to chatter on about the many other things he knew was always exciting as well, but he preferred the benefit and action of a spar. With a slow, lashing tail, Stoatstar continued to speak, "I could run you through the basics but I find it easier to show you. Messing up is the best mentor. So, go on then, attack me." Wide orange eyes waited. He half-expected them to lash out with wildly uncoordinated efforts. But who knew, apprentices had surprised him before.

Comfreypaw was firm in her decision to let Daypaw choose, but her ears still twitched as her brother picked the leader. This would not be an easy battle. Locking eyes with the tom she could see the knowledge and experience behind their orange hue. She wasn't deterred though. The apprentice held a strong gaze, determined to demonstrate bravery to her mentor, whom by the day she grew more and more  admiration for. Now was her chance to prove herself. The apprentice leaned back into a hunting crouch, then quickly sprung to the side of him. She kept her balance, landing well enough that she could immediately rush her head towards his flank.

Comfreypaw used Headbutt on Stoatstar, dealing 4 damage and using 5 stamina.

Comfreypaw:
15 / 15 HP
25 / 30 SP (-5)

Stoatstar:
71 / 75 HP (-4)
140 / 140 SP

Stoatstar and Comfreypaw were pleased in his decision, their shared mentor unmoving except for the steady snap of his tail as he beckoned them forward. His sister moved first, leaping towards the patched tom to ram her head into his flank. Hopefully, she'd created enough of a distraction for him to act. Even if Stoatstar wasn't caught off guard, Daypaw kicked forward, diving towards the leader's foreleg. His jaw hit the earth, head rattling from the impact, but despite the flash of soreness in his chin Daypaw managed to catch his teeth around the limb. Decisively, he bit down, just hard enough to put pressure on. Hopefully, their combined attempts at putting Stoatstar off would buy them enough time to not get boxed entirely senseless. It didn't really feel like they were working together, only attacking the same cat on opposite sides. Even if their start was clumsy (and his ears had already rang), Stoatstar would set them on the right track. Daypaw wiggled himself into a position to leverage his paws on the ground, balancing his weight against the earth to try and hang on better if Stoatstar reared away.

Daypaw used Snap on Stoatstar, dealing 6 damage and costing 7 SP.

Daypaw
15/15 HP | 23/30 (-7) SP

Stoatstar
65/75 (-6) HP | 140/140 SP

Comfreypaw
15/15 HP | 25/30 SP

The blows were light, glancing his pelt. Comfreypaw attacked with her head first, an interesting choice, while Daypaw used his teeth. Both things said a lot about the young cats and most of it was that they had plenty to learn. Allowing himself to be hit would likely give them confidence and make them feel like they had the upperpaw. Daypaw was the more bothersome of the two at the moment and would make a fine first target. Demonstrating a Thunderclan move would definitely be the way to go. Rearing up, the little brown and white leader twisted to slam his paws into Daypaw's head. The blows were much lighter than he would have used in an actual battle but would no doubt still daze the young cat.

Once that was done, he wrenched his leg free and darted away to face Comfreypaw with a grin. As he spoke, his eyes didn't move from the opponent that was still standing, "Some call it Thunderous Stomp. However you like to look at it, it is a Thunderclan signature and an easy way to stun your opponent. Makes it much easier to daze a target while getting in extra blows." Paws clung to the earth, claws briefly flashing before returning back to their sheathes. He wanted to see how this would play out and then maybe start again if they were up for it. Taking out untrained apprentices was easy. But that was the whole goal, wasn't it? To train them? He'd see how much they learned.

Stoatstar used Thunderous Stomp on Daypaw, dealing 4 damage and using 10 stamina.
Stoatstar also used Front Paw Strike, dealing 10 damage and using 7 stamina.
Star Striker is active (+2 damage).

Stoatstar
HP: 65/75
SP: 123/140 (-17)

Daypaw
HP: 0/15 (-16)
SP: 23/30

Comfreypaw
HP: 15/15
SP: 25/30