Crimson Lashes [C]

Bloodstar didn't speak to his apprentice the entire time that they traveled to Highpine. He took him beyond the best hunting spot for a reason. This apprentice was an adult, no? He should already know how to hunt. He wasn't about to give him such an easy introduction as he would with a younger cat. Once they had made it and the scent of Shadowclan was faint on the wind, he knew this was where they should start. "True Skyclan cats are adept tree climbers and hunt through the trees." Dawnhawk had been a phenomenal tree hunter, but how would Crimsonpaw compare? "You will do the same. Start on the lower branches if you must, but you will catch your prey in the branches, not on the ground. Ground hunting is too easy." Bloodstar then reclined onto his haunches and watched his apprentice expectantly.

"Show me what you can do. I suggest you put your nose to good use. I won't tell you if you have wandered into Shadowclan territory via your own negligence, nor will I stop them from reminding you where the border lies. You're an adult. You will not get the same treatment as an apprentice that is only six moons old." Then he went silent and waited. He would be content to watch for the time being. If it looked like Crimsonpaw needed instruction, he'd give it, but he wouldn't be gentle about it.

Aether followed Bloodstar with a wary gaze. He still did not fully trust the Tom, and he was unsure of where exactly they were heading. For all he knew, the leader was leading him into an ambush. Luckily, though, it appeared as though Bloodstar would not go back on his word of training him. If he could call this training. 

Bloodstar instructed Aether to hunt among the trees, but he was not about to tell him how, it seemed. It took a lot of strength not to laugh at this. Probably thought he would see Aether fail, but the new apprentice was not worried in the slightest. Bloodstar might not want to be a mentor, but other cats had long before the leader even revived. 

Scenting a squirrel among the branches, Aether manuevered to the other side of the tree, making his climb upwards. Placing himself on a branch above the squirrel, Aether leaped down, landing on top of his unsuspecting victim, swiftly killing it before throwing it down to Bloodstar. 

He stared at his mentor, waiting for his next instruction. 

Crimsonpaw attempted to catch a squirrel. Catch was successful! -3 sp

Crimsonpaw
57/60 SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 5

Bloodstar watched as he made the correct judgement calls right away. He had been expecting some level of success, assuming Dawnhawk had taught his children how to hunt. Once Crimsonpaw managed to kill a squirrel and hurl it down at Bloodstar, the leader flexed out a single paw and pulled the squirrel in closer to him for guarding. His face remained stoic and his eyes cold. He allowed a few heartbeats to pass before he finally frowned.

"What? Are you tired already? One squirrel isn't enough to feed a clan. Keep going. Not all of them will be in the lower branches now. You'd better keep climbing." Bloodstar then lie down with a bored sigh and rolled the squirrel body beneath his paws several times, waiting for Crimsonpaw to go back to work.

OOC: Roll until you get a predator or I can trigger one if you don't get one in a few attempts. xD

Aether huffed, annoyed as he climbed higher. Wasn't he going to comment on his success at all? Or was this brute really just trying to get under his skin. If that was the case, it was working. 

Seeing a sparrow, Aether made his way into position. He would show Bloodstar what he could do. Just how successful he could be.

Landing on the startled bird, Aether launched it down, adding it to the pile beneath Bloodstar's paws before continuing his hunt. 

Aether attempted to catch a bird. Catch was successful! -3sp

54/60 SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 1

Another squirrel sat amongst the branches of another tree, chewing on an acorn. Aether quietly made his way through the interlaced branches, getting himself into a good pouncing position.

It appeared another creature had other plans. A hawk had also spotted the squirrel, and Aether let out a few unkind words as his prey was taken away. 

The hawk would have to do instead. 

Aether attempted to catch a squirrel, but a predator was summoned! -3 sp. 

Aether used jumping strike, dealing 6 damage and costing 7 stamina

Aether 
20/20 HP
44/60 SP

Hawk
34/40 HP
125/125 SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 10

Crimsonpaw turned out to have talent... or had previous training for doing so well in the trees. Dawnhawk's kid, completely. Bloodstar noted movement in a nearby tree and saw the hawk, but had no time to say anything before it was upon Crimsonpaw and the squirrel. He handled it well so far, but hunting in the trees was one thing, where fighting on wobbly branches was entirely different.

Bloodstar raced forward. He leaped onto the tree trunk and pulled himself up the tree as fast as he could run on land, muscles bulging and flexing with every movement. He kicked off of the nearest tree branch and a claw struck out at the hawk. Catching a clawful of flesh and feathers, Bloodstar used his flexible spine to whirl and twist himself in mid-air to keep facing the hawk. He landed on the branches of another tree nearby, ready to spring into action once more.

Bloodstar used Jumping Strike, dealing 12 (10+2) damage and -7SP

Bloodstar
80HP / 163SP (-7SP)

Hawk
22HP / 125SP (-12HP)

Crimsonpaw
20HP / 44SP

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OOC: Going for the hawk since you didn't LOL

IC:

Hawk used Swoop on Crimsonpaw, dealing 9 damage and -15SP

Hawk
22HP / 110SP (-15SP)

Crimsonpaw
11HP / 44SP (-9HP)

Bloodstar
80HP / 163SP

Aether had to cling to the branches, claws digging in as the hawk dug its talons into his back. For a moment, he thought for sure he was going to fall off, but, shockingly, Bloodstar actually came to his aid. Aether hadn't actually expected the leader to fight alongside him. He figured the leader would be just as happy to let him die.

Seeing as he had not, in fact, fallen, Aether made to reach out again to swipe at the bird. He was clinging on with three paws, a lot more nervous about battling with that close call. He may have gotten a bit over his head with this situation. Maybe he should have let the hawk keep the squirrel.

Crimsonpaw used Front Paw Strike, dealing 6 damage and costing 7 sp.

Crimsonpaw
11/20 HP
37/60 SP

Bloodstar
80/80 HP
163/170 SP

Hawk
16/40 HP
110/125 SP