Who Eats Birds Anyway[C]

Ajex had finally convinced Grub to go hunting with him, and now the duo were happily entering SkyClan territory, or what he assumed was SkyClan territory, to find the beautiful fox he had spotted a couple of sunrises ago. Of course, he had "forgotten" to let Grub in on that little detail... the poor rouge probably thought they were going to hunt birds. Well, he respected the older tom too much to try and kill him, and surely Grub would be able to hold his own against a mere fox?

There it was. Ajex slowed to a halt as his gaze found the den in question. This area reeked of fox, and the scent made him shiver with anticipation. He shot Grub one last playful look, then charged forward and jumped on top of the den, kicking the packed dirt with his hindlegs until a growl could be heard from inside the den. A long snout poked out of the den's entrance, followed by enraged beedy eyes and sharp fangs. What a beautiful specimen. Ajex didn't waste a heartbeat. As soon as the fox had emerged from it's den, the tabby threw himself onto the fox, claws digging into it's back and throwing the huge beast off-balance. He landed smoothly on his paws and gave his companion a grin. "Well, what are you waiting for? That's our prey!"

Ajex used Jumping Strike, dealing 8(+3)dmg and -7SP

Ajex
60/60 HP
123/130 SP(-7)

Fox
49/60 HP(-11)
180/180 SP

The fox snarled, terrified at the sudden revelation of yet another cat on it's tail. It's paws slipped as it's tail was pulled roughly from behind it, and it slammed it's chin into the ground.

Fox is stunned!

"Good thinking!" Ajex mewed, giving Grub a cheerful smile before darting forward once more to slice the fox's muzzle, followed quickly by a painful blow to it's eye. Even if the fox escaped now, he'd still know which fox to track down now that it was missing an eye. The fox howled with pain, a beautiful melody to the tabby's ears. If only he could somehow trap that sound-- and the look of terror in his prey's eyes-- and keep it with him everywhere he went!

Ajex used Front Paw Strike and Dirty Trick, dealing 8(+7)dmg and -14SP

Ajex
60/60 HP
109/130 SP(-14)

Grub
60/60 HP
115/130 SP

Fox
26/60 HP (-15)
180/180 SP

The fox reared its ugly head as claws scored it's body. The red-furred beast turned onto the patchy-pelt attacker and lunged forward to sink it's teeth into the tom-cat's leg.

Fox used Iron Bite on Grub, dealing 17dmg and -30 SP

Ajex
60/60 HP
109/130 SP

Grub
43/60 HP (-17)
105/130 SP

Fox
16/60 HP
150/180 SP (-30)

Ajex winced as the fox lunged forward and bit Grub. Mousedung! He had been too slow to distract the beast. The ginger tabby gave his friend an apologetic look, then turned once more to the fox, a new rage burning in him. He leapt onto the beast's broad shoulders and shoved the creature's face into the dirt, forcing it to let go of Grub. The red-furred creature thrashed under his claws, which Ajex used to his advantage to hook his claws deeper into the fox's flesh. The sweet scent of blood was all around him, and he barely held himself back from sinking his teeth straight into the creature's neck. He should leave the honours to his friend, since he had gotten injured because of Ajex.

Ajex used Leap and Hold, dealing 8dmg and -15 SP
Fox is pinned for 2 turns

Ajex
60/60 HP
94/130 SP (-15)

Grub
43/60 HP
105/130 SP

Fox
8/60 HP (-8)
150/180 SP

Ajex puffed out his chest proudly when the fox fell limp in his grip, and was about to praise his companion for his wonderful assistance in the battle, when suddenly he was cuffed around his ears. He yelped in surprise, then shot a half-hearted glare in Grub's direction. And yes, he did pout. Grub was obviously upset, more so than Ajex had ever seen the tom be, and he found himself just a little scared. He pushed it away, and put on a playful voice to appeal his "punishment". "Oh, come on! It's all worth it once you get a fox's pelt to line your nest in the cold nights and delicious fresh-kill! And you get to brag to everyone in the crew that you just killed a fox!"

Ajex knew that he should be glad that he was getting away without another cuff at his ears, but he couldn't resist one last jab at the patch-furred tom. "So you'd prefer to steal a damaged pelt than get a proper one? Don't you feel embarrassed saying you own something that looks like it came from Twolegs' trash?" Ajex scoffed, playfully butting Grub's shoulder. He flicked an ear at the tom's command, and picked up the fox's tail without any complaints. But the fur in his mouth didn't stop him from talking. "You know, Grub, sometimes I think you're far more suited to be a rat than a cat. Those creatures would steal and eat anything as long as it was free," He continued, voice muffled by the fur but every word still understandable enough to get under the skin of Grub.

Ajex rolled his eyes playfully as Grub started talking about looking at the bigger picture. Where was the pride in stealing someone else's trophy? He didn't earn it, and the prize meant nothing to him without the journey that it took to get it. Something began to change in the older tom's expression, however. The ginger tabby starred at Grub, unsure of what to make of the grin that was forming, or of the words. "How so?" He asked, playfulness now all gone as he pricked his ears, ready to listen.