fire, bugs, nuts and stems [closed spar]

It had only been a few sunrises since Acornstem earned her warrior name, but Firefly was far too eager to test out her clanmates abilities. Having hunted with her before as apprentices, a spar would be more fitting to learn a little but more about the molly. "I've finally found a place for our spar. Follow me."

It didnt take long to retrace her steps back to a small clearing she came across during a patrol: enough room for two cats to rough house without harming themselves too badly should one of them miss. The russet warrior was usually the one to hit first, but seeing as how Acornstem was still playing catch-up, she would let her go first.

It had been quite a shock when Firefly had put forth sparring with her so soon after Acornstem had gotten her warrior name. She knew sparring was normal and that Firefly had a fondness for it but she had never expected the offer to be put out to her of all cats - honestly with how prickly Firefly could be at times, she hadn't really been certain if she was considered a friend as much as she wouldn't hesitate to call Firefly one. But...This was a good sign, right? And she couldn't deny she was curious to experience a spar for herself, so she had accepted...

And now the time had finally come for it. She came to a stop as Firefly did, taking in the clearing around them. It was certainly a perfect spot for a spar - not that she truly knew what to expect. As she turned to look back at the she-cat, her eyes widen a little as she realized the older warrior was waiting for her to make the first move. Oh! Alright, uh... She dropped into a crouch for a few heartbeats before she launched herself forward at Firefly, figuring that closing the distance would be an important first step.

Acornstem used Jumping Strike on Firefly, dealing 10 (7+3 for first attack) damage and costing 7 stamina.

Acornstem:
30/30 HP
73/80 SP (-7)

Firefly:
30/40 HP (-10)
100/100 SP

Firefly couldn't honestly she wasn't disappointed to see Acornstem hesitate when she'd so graciously allowed her to hit first. But once the new warrior had, the russet molly was all in.

A move Firefly had never mastered felt appropriate for a friendly spar. Once her balance was back, her eyes locked in on Acornstem. Rushing forward as if she were going to headbutt her, Firefly suddenly slid under the other she-cat and pushed sheathed claws into Acornstem's belly, effectively knocking her off balance. Firefly couldn't help but cheer for herself in her head, though she couldn't help the triumphant smirk.

Firefly used Belly Rake dealing 15 damage and costing 25 stamina.

Acornstem:
15/30 HP
73/80 SP

Firefly:
30/40 HP
75/100 SP

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

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'Effect Dice' : 5

A yelp of surprise escaped Acornstem as Firefly raced forward, head down in a motion to headbutt. She stumbled backwards - caught even more unaware when suddenly Firefly was slipping beneath her - twisting and striking Acornstem square in the chest. It certainly put her off balance, along with knocking all the wind from her lungs as she stumbled away - a wheeze escaping her.

A eye was screwed shut as she tried to catch her breath - already feeling rather outmatched. She knew Firefly was more experienced but she hadn't expected to be so tired already when she had gotten a single move off! If she wasn't careful... Ah, who was she kidding - this fight was already decided. There was no doubt in her mind that Firefly would be in the victor...

But Acornstem wasn't planning to go down without a fight. With a grunt she charged forward - jaws catching Firefly's tail as she gave the she-cat a tug - kicking out with a foot to take one of the warrior's legs out as well to bring her crashing to the ground. It would only distract her so long, but it would be enough time for Acornstem to hopefully get some more hits in...

Acornstem used Tail Yank on Firefly, dealing 7 damage and costing 15 stamina. Firefly is stunned for 1 turn.

Acornstem:
15/30 HP
58/80 SP (-15)

Firefly:
23/40 HP (-7)
75/100 SP

Firefly watched Acornstem struggle to catch her breath, not one thought to be concerned to the other warrior- superficial force would not kill her. Her paws itched in waiting, wanting so badly to strike again, but forcing herself to be patient.

Once Acornstem caught her breath, a flash of determination seemed to gleam in Acornstem's eyes as she suddenly charged forward, a move Firefly tried to dodge, only for Acornstem to latch onto her russet tail and tripping her all in one go.

Firefly, not wanting to be brought down so easily, gained energy just from the thrill of it all. Muscles rippled under her thin russet fur as she pushed herself up and immediately turned to face Acornstep, the scarred warriors head meeting with her chest.

Stun ended early by Random Recall, costing 5 stamina.

Firefly used Headbutt, dealing 6 damage and costing an additional 5 stamina.

Acornstem:
11/30 HP (-6)
58/80 SP

Firefly:
23/40 HP
65/100 SP (-10)

Acornstem stumbled backwards as Firefly finally did give her an honest headbutt straight to the chest - but she caught herself quickly with a grimace. She darted forward, giving Firefly a good smack on the shoulder before she followed it up with another - just batting at the she-cat with a soft smile. She...Hadn't really been expecting it - it had been terrifying when she had fought the dogs but...

Well, she couldn't deny there was some fun in the no-stake spar with Firefly!

Acornstem used Front Paw Blow on Firefly, dealing 5 damage and costing 5 stamina.
Acornstem followed it up with a Desperate Blows, dealing 4 additional damage and costing 7 stamina.

Acornstem:
11/30 HP
46/80 SP (-12)

Firefly:
14/40 HP (-9)
65/100 SP

If Firefly didn't know any better, she would have thought Acornstem was enjoying this spar. And it would be a lie to say Firefly wasn't also thoroughly enjoying herself. Each new attack from Acornstem showed she was putting real effort into this.

As the flurry of Acornstem's paws stopped, Firefly made no hesitation to retaliate.


Firefly used Front Paw Strike, dealing 8 damage and costing 7 stamina.
Firefly followed up with Thunderous Stomp, dealing 2 damage and costing 10 stamina. Acornstem is stunned for 1 turn.

Acornstem:
1/30 HP
46/80 SP

Firefly:
14/40 HP
48/100 SP (-17)

Acornstem's eyes widen as Firefly wasted no time in returning the blows - managing a solid crack to her head causing her to stumble backwards. For a few heartbeats, her vision was swimming as she tried to find her footing on her paws. She didn't want to fall - not here, not now...If she did, it would be the end of the spar and... She wasn't ready to stop just yet. She closed her eyes, took in a deep breath and managed to stabilize her footing, catch herself from hitting the ground before her eyes flashed open and she darted forward - lashing out at Firefly with far more force than she had been using previously.

If she was going to lose, then she was going to go down giving it her all as anything else would be an insult to how much Firefly had been looking forward to this.

Acornstem used Random Recall to overcome the stun effect, costing 5 stamina.
Acornstem used Front Paw Strike on Firefly, dealing 7 damage and costing 7 stamina.

Acornstem:
1/30 HP
34/80 SP (-12)

Firefly:
7/40 HP (-7)
48/100 SP

Certain this was the end of it, Firefly let her guard down as she watched her sparring partner stumble about like she was about to collapse- only for Acornstem to suddenly launch forward with much more gusto than she had during the entire fight. Catching her by surprise, Firefly was wacked straight in her still tender scar across her face, making her stumble backwards with head down.

A slight throbbing of damaged nerves caused her to pause. When  her head raised, however, there was a grin plastered on her face. This spar was over, and she the victor. But more than just winning, Firefly had been taken seriously, and this would not be forgotten.

Firefly used Front Paw Blow, dealing the remaining damage of 1. Cost 5 stamina.

Acornstem:
0/30 HP
34/80 SP

Firefly:
7/40 HP
43/100 SP (-5)

The fight was over...

Or was it?

As Firefly stumbled backwards after a quick blow of her own, Acornstem did the same - feeling her paws almost ready to give out but she caught herself once more. No, she wasn't ready to go down yet, she had strength for more. One more, perhaps. She darted forward, tail puffed and lashing in excitement as she cuffed Firefly on the ear with a smirk of her own. Her breath was coming out in pants - she wasn't sure if she had ever been this tired before. She knew in an instant thought that her attack still wasn't enough...But she was content with that, a content purr rising out of her as she looked at Firefly - ready to accept the final blow from her opponent so they could truly call this spar over.

Acornstem used Dodge and Fight, dodging the previous strike and costing 7 stamina. Acornstem attempts a counterattack and succeeded, dealing 5 damage.

Acornstem:
1/30 HP (+1)
27/80 SP (-7)

Firefly:
2/40 HP (-5)
43/100 SP

The member 'Honey Badger' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Effect Dice' : 6

Olive eyes lit up with excitement as Acornstem dodged her attack, her entire body seemingly screaming for her to just lay down already. A swift cuff of the ear just about made the russet warrior keel over from exhaustion, but this was all too much fun. She would have one last go before naming the victor.

Firefly used Front Paw Strike, dealing the actual finishing blow this time.

Acornstem:
0/30 HP
34/80 SP

Firefly:
2/40 HP
36/100 SP

It was actually over this time. It wasn't relief Firefly felt when she finally collapsed into the scuffed battle grounds below her aching paws. It was satisfaction. Fulfillment. Pride. This is what ThunderClan was. How they should be. It was solidified here and now that Acornstem would help shape their clans future.

As Firefly gave Acornstem one final strike, the warrior let out a gasp of relief as she finally gave into the weariness that had long been plaguing her since practically Firefly's first strike - being the first to hit the ground, and thus the loser of their spar. She rolled onto her side, stretching out all of her legs before she let them flop to the ground, focusing on regaining her breath and simply relax. "I...Must say," she breathed, tilting her head to where Firefly had also collapsed - the two had really given it their all, hadn't they? "That...Might have been the most fun I've ever had - I wasn't sure what to think about the idea of a spar at first but that...?" An amused purr rose out of her, giving Firefly a sheepish but proud grin. "I couldn't help but be caught up in your excitement for it. I lost, but I am okay with that - I did my best after all!"

"Yea..." She paused to swallow, her throat dry from all this panting. A nice, cool drink of water later would be the catnip to top this all. "This was... the best spar... I've ever had! I'll be sure to pick you out of the crowd... should trouble ever come our way." Maybe she wouldn't say it out loud, but had Firefly lost, she wouldn't have minded; Acornstem giving it her all was truly all she could have asked for.

Firefly didn't move her head to look at the equally as exhausted warrior that lay only a few tail-lengths away, but instead up at the leaves beginning to bud in the tree canopy above them. She was grinning from ear to ear, her purr matching Acornstems. This was a day to remember.