Remember, No Claws [c]

Boartusk
T2 Warrior | ShadowClan | He/Him

Boartusk would be lying if he said he wasn't putting off battle training. Battle training was his least favorite as an apprentice and his opinion had not changed upon reaching warriorhood. However, knowledge of self-defense could not be squandered. Battle was not only used against cats, but predators as well, and the last thing he wanted was for his first apprentice to be injured because he neglected to teach her how to protect herself. He wasn't sure how far Orchidspark had gotten with Juniperpaw, so a spar seemed like a good place to start.

He led his apprentice to where the trees were thick and the ground was soft with layers of pine needles. The moon's light strained through the canopy, deep shadows cut by beams of light. Perfect for a Shadowclan warrior to practice their skills, fading in and out of the darkness to strike their opponent. Though, he was mostly after the padding of leaves and needles. He had no plans to be rough, but there was never too much caution.

Turning to the young she-cat, Boartusk widened his stance. "This is only a spar, but I want you to do your best. This is to gauge where you are in your training." His tone was low and gruff, yet somehow gentle at the same time, a hint softer than his default. "Remember to keep your claws sheathed. I'll let you strike first however you see fit." It would be interesting to see what she chooses. Maybe she would charge head first, maybe she would slink into the shadows and try and catch him by surprise, maybe she would do something completely different and really surprise him. He'd have to see.

Due to the situation with the battle system, three successful attacks against a cat will result in a KO

Boartusk: 0/3
Juniperpaw: 0/3

discord: MediocreCrisis  | timezone: EST | code (c) kieer

I wish I could go back in time; not to change anything, but to feel a few things twice.

Orchidspark had only ever gone through the basics with her, so naturally when she found out Boartusk was testing her today her heart practically dropped to her paws. She hadn't even managed to master the few moves her previous mentor had gone through with her, and now he wanted her to fight him? A stammer of protest came up her throat, but the anticipation in her mentor's eyes made it die down. He was expecting something from her... something brilliant, something she couldn't give him, but something she had to try to give, even if she didn't know how. The black she-cat dropped to a crouch and starred at Boartusk, then experimentally lunged forward to smack at him before darting away. That... that was something, at least.

OOC: since this wasn't stated in the first post, even numbers equals misses and odd numbers equals success

Boartusk: 1/3
Juniperpaw: 0/3

Boartusk
T2 Warrior | ShadowClan | He/Him

Boartusk watched his apprentice, muscles tense and waiting, then the young she-cat launched at him. Despite anticipating her attack, he barely had the time to dodge, and a quick sweep of his paw called to catch her legs before she darted away. Her smaller size gave her a speed advantage, whether she was knowingly utilizing it or not. "Good, keep quick on your paws." He gave curt praise and a nod of approval, but he didn't hesitate to launch his own attack.

The massive tom advanced forward, darting over to the dark molly's side and bowling Juniperpaw over, pinning her to the soft ground. He was careful, putting just enough pressure to keep her in place but mindful to try and not hurt her. However, it was important for her to know how to wiggle herself out of a locked position. He offered no advice just yet, letting her make her own decision on how to proceed.

Boartusk: 1/3
Juniperpaw: 1/3

discord: MediocreCrisis  | timezone: EST | code (c) kieer

I wish I could go back in time; not to change anything, but to feel a few things twice.

Juniperpaw yelped as she was barreled over and shoved into the ground. She kicked out, thrashing in her attempts to get Boartusk to release her. This wasn't fair! He was three times as big as her and way stronger! But she also knew that this was a result of her lack of training. She could give any excuse she wanted, but in the end, it was her reluctance that had left her with little to no skills. Eventually, her kicks managed to connect with her mentor's belly, and she just managed to shove him enough to unbalance him and wiggle out of his grip. She scrambled away, half-tripping on her paws, and dropped into a crouch a few tail-lengths away, too tired and unsure to try and land another hit.

Boartusk: 2/3
Juniperpaw: 1/3

Boartusk
T2 Warrior | ShadowClan | He/Him

Boartusk watched the young apprentice writhe and flail beneath him, her paws having no goal and thrashing about like a trapped bird. "Don't panic, it makes your thoughts scatter and gives your opponent an opening. Find a goal and focus. When you're pinned, try and-" His words were cut off when a harsh kick struck his belly, forcing the air from his lungs and a short wave of nausea to destabilize him.

He stumbled, letting the young molly wriggle out from under him. He let her put distance between them, giving a small nod of approval. "That was a good hit. When you're pinned, strike a soft spot like the belly or throat... Take deep breaths, Juniperpaw."

With that, he launched himself at her again. A large paw swiped for her legs, managing to pull her front legs out from under her and make her tumble once more.

Boartusk: 2/3
Juniperpaw: 2/3

discord: MediocreCrisis  | timezone: EST | code (c) kieer

I wish I could go back in time; not to change anything, but to feel a few things twice.

The longer the battle lasted, the more she wanted to cry. She couldn't do this. If this was what fighting was like- if what her opponent going easy looked like- she didn't want to fight. Her paws seemed frozen to the ground, fear weighing them down like rocks in a river. Would she remain here, in this position, curled up and shaking, forever? Her lungs ached to bring breath back to her. If this was a real battle... she'd be long dead. The realization clumped together inside her, like a big rock jammed in her throat. She...

A small whimper escaped her as she darted in again, teeth snapping at her mentor's ankles as she had been taught all those moons ago. The guests had taught her this move... she should know this move... and she did? Her fangs connected with her mentor's ankle, clamping down like a weasel before she, paws skidding on the nettle-strewn ground, backed away on shaking paws. Her heart was in her throat again, pounding like she had just ran acorss the entire territory. Juniperpaw's eyes were wide as she looked up at Boartusk. Had she... had she won?