Prey Outing [C]

Although Owlshriek's ceremony had been a bitter time for him, the naming of Poppyshine had stirred nothing but joy within him. He was happy for her, she deserved it. Getting asked to patrol with the new warrior was something he simply could not refuse. The tom was even taller than the last time they patrolled, larger, and growing into himself. Each passing day left Rushpaw looking more like a full-grown cat and less like a hapless apprentice. Though he had briefly been put down by being surpassed, the tom was growing more certain of himself, spurned only by feelings of his former denmate.

For this reason, as Poppyshine teased him, all Rushpaw could do was grin back in response, "Are you going to be my new mentor, then, Poppyshine? I already know I have plenty to learn from you." The russet-pelted tom looked down at her with a light behind his eyes. If they could have stayed out here forever, he would have. Time away from camp was far more peaceful than the creatures lurking over their shoulders. Maybe someday they would know what it was like to enjoy the comfort of home without being underneath the shadows of their oppressors.

But none of that mattered now. He'd relish in these moments and forget about the rest. With the bright sunlight and growing warmth, there was hope, like his companion had pointed out, in some ways. Rushpaw had been about to respond when there was a flicker of movement ahead. Immediately, his eyes zeroed in on the creature. A vole scurried about in pursuit of some unknown task. It was time to show Poppyshine what he had been working on in sessions with Flywhisker. The apprentice darted forward, ready to pounce on the creature. But before he could, there was a blur of black and grey fur. He had to stop short and skidded from the momentum. Right into an angry raccoon.

In a flash, claws were raking down his left ear. A hiss left Rushpaw but he found a second to be grateful it wasn't his eye. There was still a chance to strike back. Remembering his spar with Owlshriek, he bunched his muscles to leap in an attempt to pin his attacker. Rushpaw was certainly big enough to do so, it was just a question of whether or not he could keep his footing on the hissing foe for long enough to knock it out. Digging his claws in as the raccoon sprayed its spittle across his maw, Rushpaw finally thought to yowl out to Poppyshine - who he was sure had seen the entire thing anyways.

"I've got it pinned! I think I can hold it for a while. Not exactly the kind of prey I was hoping to catch, though." He grunted out, straining to keep the beast flattened against the earth.

Raccoon used quick swipe, dealing 8 damage and using 10 stamina.
Rushpaw used leap and hold, dealing 6 damage and using 15 stamina. Raccoon is held for 2 turns.

Rushpaw
HP: 12/20
SP: 45/60

Raccoon
HP: 14/20
SP: 110/120

The member 'Ripped' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 10

The member 'Ripped' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Effect Dice' : 4

As Poppypaw joined him, lashing out with her claws, the tom sunk his own deeper in. The thought of it breaking free and lashing out at the she-cat was unpleasant - he'd never let that happen to her. Underneath his paws, the raccoon whipped around furiously to try to find an escape. Teeth snapped, longing to imbed themselves in his flesh. Rushpaw growled lowly at the beast as if that would shut it up but to no avail. Although, the tom could feel its strength waning. As desperation rose, the life began to ebb away. He pressed deeper. One glance to Poppypaw and a quick nod of his head. Together they would take it out, he was certain of that.

Raccoon is pinned for 1 more turn.
Rushpaw continued to use leap and hold, dealing 6 damage and using 15 stamina. Raccoon is held for 2 turns.

Rushpaw
HP: 12/20
SP: 30/60

Raccoon
HP: 1/20
SP: 110/120

Rushpaw was grateful for her final blow and the feeling of the creature going limb beneath his pads. He sighed with his heaving sides slowing down as the adrenaline began to fade. It was then that his cheek begun to sting slightly but Poppyshine's cheerful voice centered him and he forgot the sensation once again. Her praise caused his chest to feel like it had filled with his air and his paws became light. A smile touched the edges of his maw and the previous moment's struggle seemed to fade away, "I hope so. I would be nice to share a den with you again."

Turning his head, the tom briefly wondered what to do about the limp raccoon at his pads. They could bring it back to camp but first... hunting. He didn't want this trip to be a waste because a predator interrupted. There was more work to be done if he was going to become a warrior like Poppyshine said, hunting skill needed alongside battle skill. There was something darting about near a puddle ahead that he quickly identified as a frog. Rushpaw had just begun to see them as the season changed and had yet to taste the odd looking creatures. But it would feed some cat. His eyes zeroed in on the catch, hoping it would go better than before.

Before he could even take a pawstep, a heavy blow smashed into the side of his head again, sending him reeling after the last one. Rushpaw had hoped for a simple hunting patrol and it seemed what he would get was anything but. The claws that raked his fur once again clawed the same side of his face. A furious stinging erupted at once and frustration caused him to whip back around. Another raccoon. This one must have been companions with the one from before. He was close enough to a pool of water now for this to work. Instinctively, the tom rushed forward to tackle the beast. They rolled over and over. Using a forepaw, he grabbed the back of the raccoon's head and shoved it into the water. It struggled and spit but was stunned by the sudden action.

He could feel his energy waning but he was just as determined as before to take down the foe and prevent its claws from ripping into his companion. Glancing over his shoulder for the briefest of seconds that were afforded to him by the previous move, he called, "At this rate, we'll be fighting every raccoon in the forest. Good thing you're a warrior, huh?" Even though the tom was facing a draining situation, Poppyshine lightened his mood and made him feel like he could do anything. The wounds were a mere sting; the exhaustion would pass.

Rushpaw attempted to catch a frog, it was.... unsuccessful this is the worst.
Raccoon used Quick Swipe, dealing 8 damage and using 10 stamina.
Rushpaw used Underwater Cinch, dealing 7 damage and using 10 stamina. Raccoon is stunned for 1 turn.

Rushpaw
HP: 4/20
SP: 20/60

Raccoon
HP: 13/20
SP: 110/120

The member 'Ripped' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 10

The member 'xaandiir' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Effect Dice' : 2

Once again, he found himself grateful for Poppyshine's intrusion. He sent her a more weak smile and a nod. More scarlet droplets fell down onto the raccoon. With both of their efforts, the creature was losing strength quickly. Thank whatever forces were looking over the forest now, he wanted this to be quick. Rushpaw briefly entertained the irony of the thought and wondered if all of the interruptions were due to the menacing force that stood over the clans. The apprentice huffed softly and lunged to sink his teeth into the throat of the striped foe.

The body went limp. A low sigh of relief was let into the air. Rushpaw was about to address Poppyshine before he saw a flicker of movement. Somehow the frog hadn't darted away. He was determined to grab something even though his strength was waning. Before he could get close to it, the slimy creature darted away. Falling back onto his haunches, he let out a growl of frustration. The tom's very soul felt like it had been sapped away from the overwhelming attacks. He was tired. Even going back to camp seemed like too much. Maybe fighting off two raccoons would be enough for warriorhood. But he'd be coming back empty-pawed from a hunting patrol.

"It was worth a shot at least, right?" He meowed in a defeated sigh, shoulders hunched. Rushpaw didn't looked up as he spoke to Poppyshine.

Rushpaw used Front Paw Strike, dealing 6 damage and using 7 stamina. Raccoon is stunned for 1 turn.
Rushpaw attempted to catch a frog, it was.... unsuccessful. -3

Rushpaw
HP: 4/20
SP: 10/60

Raccoon
KO'd

The member 'Ripped' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 8

The sensation of here head underneath his maw was unexpected. Rushpaw blinked slowly, surprised, exhausted. But the warmth that she radiated and the kind words that followed cut through the moment of defeat. His head had been raised and he found himself looking into her eyes for fleeting seconds before her tongue rasped over his cheek and pressed the side of her face to his. He never wanted this to end, longing to relish in Poppyshine for as long as he lived. When she finally moved away, the apprentice was frozen, stunned. As he watched her gather the raccoon pelts and listened to the brilliant timbre of her voice, Rushpaw found himself wondering how any cat could be so beautiful inside and out.

Although he was a fairly determined cat, this had been a time of weakness, and even with the blood dripping from his maw, he now felt like he could take on five more raccoons. Without realizing it, a contented smile had slipped onto his features. He nodded and stood, the limp raccoon settling squarely across his back, "You're right, Poppyshine. Thank you." He followed after her and everything else seemed to fade away for the moment: any pain, worries, fatigue. It was in that instant he knew he'd always follow her, forever.