"Surprised?" He asked slyly, dropping the vole at the tabby's paws. Sitka had been practicing his hunting since Kodiak finally convinced him. He had never needed to hunt, they had always found food by scavenging or Kodi could just catch something for them. Sitka didn't like having to wait so patiently for the small creatures to come out of their burrows and be distracted enough that he could pounce on their unsuspecting bodies.
"A little." Kodi joked, giving his friend a shove before scooping up the prey and dashing off. Sitka regained his balance quickly and bolted after him.
"That's mine!" The black and white tom was nimble on his paws and could run faster than his shorter friend. It was moments like this Sitka could forget where they were. He could forget that they belonged to a band of murderous rouges who selfishly took whatever they wanted, disregarding the lives of the cats they took it from. The trees faded to rocks and Sitka realized they'd ran to the border.
Kodiak stopped, skidding rocks around him and dropped the vole at his paws. "I thought you were supposed to be faster than me!" Sitka didn't stop until he tackled him.
"I am!" The two cats jostled in a mix of black and cream tabby fur. A soft murmur from the trees startled them and they broke apart. Kan had been crouching in the shadows and now padded out of the tree line and through the rocky path to meet them. His blue eyes were friendly and almost amused.
"Having fun? You caught some prey I see." The ginger tom pawed at the vole, bending down to take a bite. He didn't ask. He didn't have to ask. Neither Kodi nor Sitka would dare tell him he couldn't. Sitka watched with a burning feeling in his stomach. It was leaf bare and prey was scarce. That was the first meal he had seen in days and now Kan was gulping it down without having done any of the work. Not to mention that was Sitka's first successful hunt. Kodiak seemed just as irritated and the two tom's flexed their claws but made no movement to stop their leader.
"We were just training..." Kodiak said, shifting uncomfortably. Sitka shared a glance with his friend and they both worried whether this was a punishable offense. We shouldn't be out here playing like kits. Kan sat up, licking his muzzle with satisfaction in his blue eyes. He hoped up onto a boulder and settled down into a crouch, tucking his paws beneath him and wrapping his tail around them.
"Oh, Im sure you were. Training to be kitty pets?" His tone his switched to harsh in the mere seconds that had followed him changing positions. "We don't play fight here. You know that. Or maybe Ive underestimated how mouse-brained you are." Sitka ducked his head, focusing on his paws as the scorn washed over him. Kodiak kept his head up and met his leader's eyes, if a bit unevenly.
"We're sorry. It won't happen again." He mewed, his ears swiveled back as he waited for Kan to unexpectedly pounce. It wouldn't be a surprise if he did, yet it always somehow seemed to throw the tabby off guard.
"I know it won't." Kan said after a moment of staring the two cats down. "It seems I have to remind this group what true training is, huh?" Sitka felt his fur begin to stand on end. Training was the worst thing besides the constant battle about being apart of the rouge group. Kodiak seemed just as unnerved. "Let's get back to camp." The three cats headed back, Kodiak and Sitka trying to ignore their growling stomachs and mounting fear.
***
"Thanks to your friends Kodiak and Sitka, I've decided today is as good a day as any to train." Kan sat upon his boulder den, the sun washing over his pelt and lighting up his ginger pelt like a forest fire. His blue eyes scanned over every cat with a harsh gaze. His light mood was gone, replaced with an unpredictable anger. The cats in the clearing didn't say a word, but in a silent protest they all looked down. Sitka felt guilt sear through his black and white pelt. Kodiak was next to him, his expression looking just as guilt stricken.
"Get in groups of two."
Hawk glared at Kan as he made himself visible to the Tribe. He denied the existence of the rogue group. His Tribe would always reign strong and true. He wasn't going to train. He didn't need to, for he was never going to fight alongside those fox-hearts.
ReplyDeleteMason regarded his leader with a flick of his ear. He cast a glance towards Sitka and Kodiak; the two often got in trouble and the group was punished because of their actions. He huffed and stood up and stretched. Maybe training would be good. He wasn't planning on doing anything else today, anyways.
Celeste narrowed her eyes. She didn't want to train in groups. She could train on her own. She delivered a lick to her shoulder before escaping the camp by herself. She placed distance between herself and the group before settling near a few, scraggly trees. She reared up and ran her claws down the bark, stretching her muscles.
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ReplyDeleteDawn looked around at the group of cats as she walked forth from a den. her green eyes flashed as she saw Kan in the group, trying not to stare she walked up to Celeste, "want to train together?" she asked hoping the calico she-cat wouldn't ignore her like a kit.
ReplyDeleteRed sat by his leader quietly picking out his partner mentally. Reyna seems like a good partner... The red tom glanced at his friend and walked up to Reyna. "We can be partners.", his tone wasn't much of a question.
ReplyDeleteEmber didn't like conflict and was used to training with her loving sister. She stayed right where she was, and didn't think she had to it wasn't her fault so why should she have to pay for someone else's mistake. The pretty she-cat was worried about Honey and Ash. Hoping they were safe.
Then walked*)
ReplyDeleteReyna looked at Red through the corner of her eyes. She gave a barely noticeable glare at him, but nodded. She had no desire to train; no desire to be in this rogue group. I would of been off much better as a loner, she thought to herself.
ReplyDeleteCloud was trembling slightly. Training? With the rogues? She knew she was terrible fighter; hunting was more of what her lithe, skinny body was built for! Her whiskers twitched in anxiousness. If she had to partner with another cat, it might as well be a cat she's familiar with. She gulped a little and walked up to Hawk. "Wanna train together?"
Red's eyes flashed with satisfaction but looked away before she could really notice,"okay great."
ReplyDeleteCeleste eyed Dawn carefully. She was quiet for a few seconds. It would be better to train with something who knew how to fight back. She weighed the options for a minute, then nodded. "Sure."
ReplyDeleteHawk gave Cloud a sympathetic look. He could tell she was scared out of her mind. At least he would be training with someone he considered a friend, and not one of the crowfood-eaters. He nodded. "Sure." He then added in a quiet grumble. "I don't know how these dumb mangepelts expect prey-hunters to fight."
Cloud gave a tiny shrug and swiftly glanced at Kan before looking back at Hawk. "Just because they invaded us doesn't give them the right to change our life styles," she mumbled, only loud enough for Hawk to hear.
ReplyDeleteReyna gave a silent growl. "What do you want to practice first?"
Red thought for a moment. "hmmmm. what are you lacking?" he asked sitting down while licking his chest.
ReplyDeleteDawn nodded while flicked an ear,"so what do you want to practice first?" she said calmly making eye contact with the other she-cat.
ReplyDeleteKan watched the scene from the top of the boulders where he hadn't moved, his blue eyes sharp with annoyance. They were slow to start and timid. "Fox, partner up with Ember of blah whatever." He flicked his head toward the ginger she cat, calling to the tom. The leader took every opportunity to make fun of the tribe cats names. The only cat without a partner was Mason. Kan leaped off the boulders and bound to the black tom nimbly. "You'll be my partner."
ReplyDeleteSitka and Kodiak were naturally partners. They sat at the back of the clearing and started taking strikes at eachother and practicing skilled moves. "You can't keep your claws sheathed like this, Sitka." Kodiak warned, but didn't have his claws fully extended either. Sitka felt fear stir in his belly.
"I don't want to hurt you."
Fox trotted towards the ginger she-cat. "Hey, I guess we're supposed to be partners." He sat down next to her. "Want to you want to practice first?"
ReplyDeleteReyna shrugged. "Nothing in particular." Her fighting skills were average; there was nothing too special about them.
Ember shook her head the tom,"I don't have to pay for another cat's mistake."she said not moving a muscle. the tribe cat was feed up with the rouges and understood why her sister ran away.
ReplyDeleteRed nodded then with out warning he pounced on Reyna,"Then show me what you got.." his voice deep and somewhat calming, despite the calming voice his claw dug slightly into her shoulders.
Celeste returned the eye contact with the other she-cat steadily. She looked away as if thinking what sort of moves she had to work on. "Hmm..." With a quick movement she leapt onto Dawn and had her pinned. "Well, you have to work on always watching the opponent."
ReplyDeleteMason pricked his ears alert once Kan told him that his partner was the ginger leader. He feared that a bit. That cat had no sense of mercy, even in training. He nodded, "Yes, sir. What do you think we should work on?"
Hawk agreed. "What we were doing was working just fine... they didn't have to meddle by putting their nose into everything..." He fluffed his fur a bit. "But, we had better practice or else the rogues will jump on us fast. The only fighting I know how to do is a paw strike and a lunging bite. What about you?"
Cloud thought about it for a moment. "Um... just a paw strike." Her ear flicked back for a moment. "But I do know how to sneak up on someone who is upwind without being detected, if that counts as a fighting move."
ReplyDeleteFox sighed in annoyance. "Look, I know you tribe cats don't like us. And trust me, I didn't want anything to do you with you guys, but Kan will be sleeping in our pelts if we don't practice some fighting moves." He hated the tribe cats, he only joined the rogue pack because he know he'd get stronger that way; Fox didn't know Kan would be taking over different groups of cats.
Reyna bared her teeth into a snarl and retaliated quickly. She darted out from under Red. The tabby knew how training worked around and unsheathed her claws before darting underneath him and nipping at his hind legs, hoping to catch him off balance before the she-cat lunged at his back.
Dawn's eyes widened as her opponent pinned her. "note taken." she said while belly racking Celeste. her teeth flashed as she tried to get away.
ReplyDeleteThe ginger she-cats ears flattened to her head but she finally gave in, "fine.." she crouched in front of the tom and waited for him to attack.
ReplyDeleteRed chuckled as though he was having fun. he spun awkwardly as he almost fell but regained some balance but was still on the trippy side.
Fox held back a sly grin as he prepare to pounce on Ember. He nipped at her ears before jumping off and landing on his paws. He turned around to face Ember. "Come at me."
ReplyDeleteReyna fell off of Red's back as he turned around. She landed awkwardly on her side. Without hesitating, she jumped back in an attempt to scratch at his face.
Ember's eyes sharpened and ran at him at full force but dashed to the side and nipped at his ear. The pretty she-cat rammed into him hoping he was off balance enough to blow over.
ReplyDeleteRed's ears fell back as he bobbed her a good one on the ear before she could get a good deep scratch in. He huffed and puffed getting slightly frustrated. growls of intimidation came from a deep part of his chest.
Fox was bowled over easily. He wasn't the biggest in the rogue group, and could easily be knocked down. But he was always swift to get back up. He leaped at her and managed to land a less-than-decent blow on her shoulder.
ReplyDeleteReyna's ears were pressed to the back of her head as she crouched down, preparing to attack Red again. Her tail was lashing out from behind her. Emotions weren't her best skills; the tabby was angered or annoyed easily and tended to hide her emotions from others. However, she wasn't intimidated easily,
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ReplyDeleteEmber hissed at the ginger and white tom and went for another strike. She didn't like fighting, but once she was into it was a good fighter. she always kept her body pressed to the ground keeping her underbelly protected.after a few moments went by she lunged and went for the toms scruff.
ReplyDeleteRed's tail swayed back and forth hitting the ground a few times. He was ready for Reyna to charge at any moment. His teeth flashed as he waited impatiently.
Hawk shrugged. "It could be. I mean, fighting cats can't be entirely different than hunting prey..." He shook his pelt. "I hate how they have us fight with claws out... we live together! We shouldn't be trying to kill each other everyday!"
ReplyDeleteCeleste hissed at the claws making contact with her soft belly. She leaped off the she-cat and paced, watching the other with tense muscles.
Dawn recovered quickly and charged at the calico she-cat. She charged head on, but then swerved to the right scratching her opponent on the ear. Dawn knew it was unwise to taunt a far more skilled rouge but couldn't help it. She wanted to see what she could learn from her opponent. "Come on, don"t just stand there huffin and puffin. Fight!" she hissed and yowled as she crouched with one paw up and ready to strike.
ReplyDeleteCeleste scoffed and stood tall. She retained a calm composure. She acted disinterested, if not disgusted, by the tribe cat's taunting. She sat down and licked her paw, then brought it over her injured ear. "I don't need to. You pose no threat."
ReplyDeleteFox smirked as Ember leaped at him. Before she could sink her teeth into the scruff of his neck, Fox ducked down and jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding her sharp teeth.
ReplyDeleteReyna mentally smirked. Red was expecting her to leap at him. She was going to wait for him to leap at her and then she would move.
Cloud shuddered at the thought of her tribe mates practicing fighting moves with claws extended. It wasn't right! "I guess we could practice, but we could keep our claws halfway out," she suggested,"or we land light blows on each other." Hopefully Kan wouldn't notice, she thought to herself.
Ember's teeth snapped together making a loud crack. she hissed with irritation. "How? How do you know what I'm going to do?" her eyes full of confusion and interest. Fox had her full attention for once she would actually want to listen.
ReplyDeleteRed was tired of waiting and ran for her full force not prepared for her to move out of the way. As Renya did so he stumbled forward stopping awkwardly. The dusty red tom felt embarrassment press down in his chest. his hostile gesture changed to an impressed one, "Well. You have skill ill give you that, but you don't hurt your enemy. Why show mercy?" he asked with a deep tone.
Dawn hissed and ran towards Celeste and swiped her a good one on the nose drawing some blood. "you know since I'm one of you now you should show me somethings. im not a kit!"
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ReplyDeleteCeleste jumped back from the swipe, and then eyed Dawn critically. "If you let anger wash over you, you won't have a clear mind. If you don't have a clear mind, any opponent, even one in training, can take advantage of your weakness and beat you. As far as I am concerned, you are a kit, because you're acting like one now."
ReplyDeleteHawk nodded. "Okay. I refuse to hurt one of my kind. Let's find somewhere to train... where the rogues won't be staring us down." He led the she-cat to a corner of the camp. "I think this is good. We have room, and we're basically unnoticeable."
Dawn took a step back and calmed down,"okay. okay im calm." she said letting out a heavy breath, but was still on alert
ReplyDelete(woah I didn't realize my comment was deleted. I don't even remember deleting it but whatever)
ReplyDeleteCloud followed her tribe mate. "What if they notice we're gone though?"
Fox stared at her before giving Ember a smug grin. "Lucky guesses, I suppose. That or," he got into a crouching position, his tail swishing back and forth. "Or maybe it's the fact that you're so predictable."
Reyna narrowly avoided Red's tackle and skidded to a halt, dust matting in her fur. Her fur bristled. "Maybe because unlike you or Kan, some of us actually care for others," she snarled at him.
Celeste nodded to Dawn. "Good. Always retain that calm, and no opponent can take advantage of you." The once still and collected cat burst up and leaped at Dawn, claws extended and ears flattened.
ReplyDeleteHawk shook his head. "They won't. And besides, what are they going to yell at us about? We'll be training." He crouched. "Training whatever skills we have, that is."
Ember's eats flattened woth embarrassment. She looked down with soft eyes then crouched. Training didnt mind her that much because she could if need be use the moves to protect herself.
ReplyDeleteRed spun around on light paws. "We are rouges we dont have feeling." He said with a calm lick of the ear.
With* looked down at Fox with*)
ReplyDeleteDawn jumped up locking shoulders with the lean cat and bit at her scruff pulling and tugging. Her green eyes calm and determined.
ReplyDeleteKan walked over to Mason with a casual stretch. He didn't look at the black Tom, but flicked an ear at his question. His blue eyes scanned the training cats and narrowed with disappointment. Ember and Fox seemed like playful kits. Hawk blah blah and Cloud blah blah hadn't even started fighting. Celeste was holding back on Dawn. Red and Reyna spent more time sizing eachother up and tricking each other than fighting. And Kodiak and Sitka were clearly keeping their claws sheathed. This was not how training was meant to go.
ReplyDelete"What kind of cats do I have in this group?" The fiery Tom spat to himself. He had one more cat to test. In a moment, the tabby spun on his heel and bowled Mason over with his pure strength, claws fully extended.
Celeste hissed and twisted her body, forcing Dawn to lose her grip on the rogue's shoulder. Then she spun around, landing a kick into Dawn's side.
ReplyDeleteMason was taken by surprise by the sudden challenge. He extended his claws and tussled with his leader, clawing at his side and shoulders.
Dawn yowled at the forceful kick but didnt make a scene. She got back up after glanceing at Kan's disappointed glare. I dont want to hurt her...she hasnt hurt me...I..I cant follow that order... after that she only extended her claws slightly.
ReplyDeleteKan hissed as sharp claws met his pelt, but reveled in the pain. The two toms tumbled in a chaotic clash of claws for a moment before Kan broke away, shaking out his fiery pelt. Clumps of black fur stuck out from his curled claws and blood dripped down his flanks. He had been sure to yowl as loud as he could and catch all the cats' attention in the clearing. They had just made a violent display of what actual training should be like. Kan nodded at Mason and looked around.
ReplyDelete"Do you all think this is a game?" His blue eyes flashed as he asked.
Red's ears fell flat and his fur felt hot. But Kan was right it was like kit play.
ReplyDeleteEmber didnt acknowledge Kan and didnt care for what he had to say.
Dawn looked over at Kan with shameful eyes.
ReplyDeleteMason collapsed on the ground, his sides heaving. The resulting wounds from the session stung like bees and burnt like flames. He eyed Kan as he scolded the other cats for training poorly. He wished it was a game. How would training like this help for battle? By the time they were fighting in a battle, they would all be exhausted and injured.
ReplyDeleteCeleste eyed Kan neutrally. She didn't care much for what he had to say. She looked back at Dawn. "It's fine," she said. "We were training well."
Hawk glared at Kan and swiveled his ears. That was /training/? It looked closer to murder than practice. These rogues were a bunch of crow-food eaters.
Dawn looked at Celeste as her ears fell flat. She felt horrible but nodded. The pale tabby she-cat looked back to Kan then quietly asked, "why should we be training like this it doesnt make us stronger. Just tired and weak." She made sure only the calico cat could hear her.
ReplyDeleteKan felt his limbs scream with protest as he padded through the cats, looking them over and making a circle back to his opponent. "Let's try this again. All of you train this time and I don't want to see you hold back. When you fight against a real opponent...Cats fight a lot harder when they're fighting for their lives. So let's try and make this as real as possible to be prepared, shall we?"
ReplyDeleteSitka looked at Kodiak with eyes full of fear and shame. How could he attack his friend? He couldn't. Even with Kan's display and the punishment that would await if he didn't, he still couldn't. Kodiak was staring at Sitka with the same eyes. But in a moment, they changed to a cold and cruel stare. "This is for the best, Sitka." Kodiak lunged at his friend full force and tore at his pelt with claws fully extended. Sitka felt the sting of blood and the pain of weight over him. The shock soon faded and the two were in a tussling battle just like Kan and Mason had.
Ember looked at Fox then to Kan. She didnt like hurting others. She didnt care what would happen she layed down and didnt move but also didnt show her underbelly.
ReplyDelete"No I..I cant.."she whispered under her breath.
ReplyDeleteRed made eye contact with Kan an nodded. His whole demeanor changed, the red tom turned and pounced on Reyna claws at extent.
ReplyDeleteCeleste eyed Dawn carefully. The she-cat was acted strangely. She was showing emotion towards the rogue. Celeste was usually so distant, why was Dawn treating her like a friend? It was curious, and took over the thoughts of Kan's anger if they didn't tear at each other. She stepped forward and muttered, "Come on Dawn... we have to..."
ReplyDeleteHawk glared at Kan. His fur bristled. He disobeyed the leader and just stood rigidly. He wasn't hurting Cloud. He wasn't hurting any other cat, for that matter. That sort of training was barbaric, and he wanted nothing to do with it.
Dawn nodded and didnt wait to pounce. She tackled the other cat to the ground as her sharp claws dug into her pretty colored fur. Regret filled her eyes quickly and almost made her limps weak, but it was for the best.
ReplyDeleteStorm was up against Daisy and the two fought well. Her claws were not completely extended but the gray and white tom's claws were. Tear into her fur without much mercy.
ReplyDeleteBoulder watched from a shadow refusing to fight with anyone bad cat or not. It wasnt right unless a reasonable time like an actual fight.
tearing*)
DeleteKan made a note of who was disobeying orders; Ember, Hawk, Cloud, and boulder. He sighed with annoyance. They would be punished. These cats are so soft hearted. They'll be killed in battle. He turned back toward Mason, feeling his wounds sting from the earlier fight. He shook out his pelt, ignoring the soreness. "Let's go another round." The fiery tom flexed his claws and teeth, positioning his paws in a battle crouch.
ReplyDeleteMason stared at Kan steadily. Another round? He could barely move from the last fight. It was either this or death, which he assumed, neither were better. He grunted and struggled to get up on tired paws.
ReplyDeleteHawk glared at Kan. He clenched his teeth. How could he do that to a fellow cat? Even if Mason was a rogue, he was a cat. He was alive. What kind of leader would push their cats to the extreme like this? It felt like fire was raging in his heart, taking over his logical thought. He yowled and ran forward, leaving Cloud standing on her own. He leapt onto the fiery rogue leader, claws fully extended and his eyes ablaze.
Celeste was distracted from her fight with Dawn by the fierce yowl. She looked to see what caused it, and saw Hawk leap onto Kan's back. Her eyes widened. What was the stupid tribe cat doing?
Kan turned his head just as he was tackled over. He yowled with surprise, kicking Hawk in the soft underbelly and biting at his paws swiftly. He felt the strength in the other tom who clearly hadnt spent any strength training. I cant let him beat me. He wont. Kan's clear blue eyes filled with bloodlust and anger.
ReplyDeleteEmber jumped at the yowl and rose to see who made it, she was shocked to see Kan being tackled. she quietly cheered Hawk on. under her breath the she-cat said,"come on Hawk you got him."
ReplyDeletedawn stopped and looked in the direction and looked down at Celeste,"Fox-dung you know what he'll do to you!?" she hissed at the brown tom she once called her friend/tribe mate.
ReplyDeleteHawk ignored the protests he heard come from the group of cats. The hollow seemed to go quiet as cats stared at the challenge. Hawk grunted at the impact at his stomach and was dazed for a second, allowing Kan to get the momentum with his bites. He staggered before gathering his bearings. He hissed and lashed out with lightning paws. Cats couldn't be different than prey. That's it! Kan was a brutal fighter, like badgers. Hawk leaped away from the leader of the rogues and crouched. He would have to use his speed and not his strength.
ReplyDeleteCeleste studied Hawk's movements. He, like the rest of the tribe's hunters, were lean and fast, in order to catch prey. She pushed Dawn off of her and sat down, watching quietly.
Mason crawled away from the two tussling cats and heaped himself on the ground at the other end of camp. He couldn't afford getting caught up in another fight.
Kan was on his paws as Hawk let him free. He positioned himself expertly in a battle crouch, watching the tribe cat with glittering blue eyes. A low rumble of a laugh erupted from his chest. "Oh Hawk with broken wing." He taunted. "You're way out of line. Look at how much you want me dead. You're turning into one of us." The fiery tom didnt wait for a response before he lashed out with a powerful blow to the head. More teasing. He could feel the sting of his wounds and the protest of his limbs as he forced them to stay strong. I have to plan this carefully.
ReplyDeleteSitka and Kodiak watched in horror, frozen in attack positions. This tribe cat had a death wish. But he had chosen a good time. Kan had spent a lot of strength on the fight with Mason.
Hawk glared at Kan. He wasn't turning into one of them. Unlike them, he felt loyalty to his comrades. Unlike them, he wasn't brutal to who were supposed to be his friends. He grunted at the impact to his head, and yet again, was dazed and dizzy for a few moments. No! He couldn't show such weakness now! He had to fight! He regained his balance and stood stiffly. "I'm nothing like you fox-hearts!" He hissed. He raced around the rogue leader, avoiding a paw swipe. He had to avoid as many of the cat's strong blows as possible, or else he would be done for.
ReplyDeleteKan watched him carefully, the humor lost from his sharp blue eyes. He turned as the brown tom darted around him. "You think you're any better than us?" He spat, slowly edging forward like creeping on prey. He had to make Hawk angry enough to be reckless. "You're just as petty as I am! Trying to fight me now in front of all your comrades. Show that tribe cats aren't weak, pathetic, little cats that are easily taken over and stepped on!" He tasted the tang of blood in his mouth, and knew it was his own. Attack me!!
ReplyDelete"We will never be like you!", Ember hissed fiercely at Kan flattening her ears. The thought of being one of the rouges left a sour taste in her mouth.
ReplyDeleteSitka looked at Ember, his stomach growing cold. These tribe cats thought they were so much better than them. Like they had never done any wrong. "Hey, fox dung! Stay out of this, its not your fight!" The black and white tom yowled at her.
ReplyDeleteKodiak looked at his friend in surprise. That's not like him. He got up, standing next to his friend and glaring toward the ginger she cat as well.
Ember flashed her teeth at the two toms but didnt retort knowing thats what they wanted. "come on Hawk show them we are not rouges! We will stand and fight against every last one of them!" Her voice echoed through the camp. Rage and excitement rushed under her ginger pelt.
ReplyDeleteHawk's left ear flicked at the sound of Ember's encouragement. Hope flared in his chest. He would die to defend his tribemates from the rogues. He glared at Kan fiercely. He would show that dumb rogue how skilled the tribe cats really were. He knew the rogues fought viciously, and focused on as much damage as possible. They didn't really focus on speed and stamina. He would use that to his advantage. He dodged several paw swipes from Kan and hissed to provoke the other tom. He had to exhaust the much stronger cat into submission.
ReplyDeleteCeleste eyed the fight. It was interesting, because it didn't seem much of a fight. Hawk kept leaping out of the way of Kan's advances, instead of returning them.
Mason began licking his stinging wounds, keeping an eye on Hawk and Kan. Why would the tribe cat start a fight like that? Usually the tribe cats were submissive.
Kan became bored and irritated with the fight. He couldnt catch Hawk's fast movements, and was growing tired from the effort. The fiery tom waited patiently, making his movements closer and closer to his body. If Hawk came close enough, he could tear him apart. His blue eyes focused on the cats paws as they slashed in and then back out. He snapped his teeth as Hawk gave a front blow, catching his paw between his teeth long enough to tear a wound.
ReplyDeleteHawk yowled at the meeting of Kan's teeth and his flesh. He retreated from the attack, gingerly touching his paw to the ground. He had gotten too careless with his attacks, clearly Kan was ready to fight even when growing tired. The tribe cat bounced back again, his movements hindered by his injured paw.
ReplyDeleteKan saw his opportunity, throwing himself at the brown tom after a quick fake out. He was gonna make him suffer, but he was also going to be merciful for once. This tribe cat had impressed Kan with his bravery and smarts. He's going to be a good ally to have.
ReplyDeleteHawk yowled. Kan certainly had earned his title of leader of these carrion eating rogues. He was a tough opponent, and saw through what Hawk was trying to do. Now, it was all in his claws and teeth, his hunting tactics wouldn't help him here. He swiped when appropriate, cringing whenever Kan's claws and teeth met his skin. He felt a pang of disappointment. He let down his tribemates by failing to keep Kan away from him.
ReplyDeleteEmber became worried, "Hawk!" She hated these rogues and wanted nothing more than to rip into their pelts and show them the tribe cats are not to be messed with.
ReplyDeleteKan hissed at Hawks counter attacks, feelings his muscles cry with protest at every movement and hit. He was exhausted, but used his last bit of anger and frustration to fuel his blows. His claws ripped through brown fur and his teeth met against Hawks shoulder. Speed couldn't help the cat now. There was no where to escape.
ReplyDeleteSitka felt his heart run cold. As much as he had been rooting for his leader, now he had to look away. Please show mercy... He knew it was hopeless to expect such a thing.
Kodiak looked at the battle with a glint in his eyes. He turned his attention to Ember as she yowled. "What's the matter? Lost confidence in your buddy there?" He hissed through bared teeth.
Hawk hissed and yowled. He was certain he was doomed now. His energy was running low, and he could feel fatigue crawling through his muscles. He willed his ancestors to give him strength, for himself and for his tribemates. They had to break free from rogue rule. He had to break free from this tom's hold to escape death. He pushed his energy into his paws, catching claws into Kan's side and raking with his leftover strength.
ReplyDeleteEmber hissed as her fur began to rise, "take that back!" she said. "We are far smarter than you all. And if you wont take it back cocome over here and ill show you to stop coping yor little sidekick!" Her words sharp and hateful, one has seen the golden she-cat this way. Ember's ears flattened as she spoke.
ReplyDeleteCome your no one*)
ReplyDeleteKan yowled as his side was cut. He got a last good blow against Hawk's head, raking his other paws down his flank before he broke apart from his opponent. The fiery tom's chest heaved but he stood tall. "Finished with your little show of strength?" Kan hissed, his blue eyes sharp. He had made sure to make every claw and bite count.
ReplyDeleteSitka watched with worried eyes. He hoped the tom wouldn't try to attack again. He stopped Kodiak from going after Ember as she yowled at him.
Kodiak let Sitka hold him back, enough blood had been shed. "If you tribe cats were so strong and smart, you wouldn't have been taken over in the first place." He spat.
Hawk glared at Kan. Blood dripped into his eye from a cut on his head. He knew when he was at his limit. "I'm finished for now, but I will never stop fighting."
ReplyDeleteMason sighed heavily at Hawk's response. He didn't understand how a cat could fight on like that, even after a clear defeat. The tribe cats certainly had gained a new attitude after they were conquered, that was certain.
Celeste moved her gaze to Kodiak, Sitka, and Ember, who were hissing at each other. Wasn't there enough fighting for one day? Could these tribecats ever get exhausted of their antics?
Ember stood as she spoke no longer agressive but calm and firm toned, "that may have happened but we have something far stronger than 10 more of you fox hearts could ever do or have! We have faith and perseverance!"she her eyes held his gaze evenly.
ReplyDeleteKan mrrrowed in laughter, shaking his head slightly. "Fine. Just remember, you caught me at a disadvantage this time. That won't happen again." He paced around the tom for a moment. "You don't want to make an enemy of me, Hawk. You have more to lose than I do." The fiery tom looked around at the cats, noting the fact that things had changed in the group. "Training is done for today. We attack Twilightclan in two days time. Be ready."
ReplyDelete"Ohh we have faith and perseverance! Don't mess with us and our dead cats and hopeless determination!" Kodiak mocked her voice, letting out a meow of disgust. "We'll see where that gets you." His pelt crawled when he heard the attack on Twilightclan would be in two days. So the waiting game began.
Sitka sighed heavily at their bickering. The black and white tom watched Hawk and Kan stare each other down for a moment before the leader hissed his threats and then headed out of camp. No one could be sure where he was going. Two days time? Sitka felt his heart pound. Waiting for battle was the worst thing. He waited for the group to break up into their small cliques.
Embers ears fell back. "Dont you care that they are cats like us? How you were..just trying to live.."her eyes soft but full of pain. She looked to Kodiak then to Sitka,"im sorry no one helped you when you needed it...now there is no hope for you both." Ember's eyes fell as she heard the fiery tom announce when they would attack the clan.
ReplyDeleteDawn wanted to follow Kan but knew he needed to be alone. Her attention went from him to Ember,"Oh give it up!! You cant change their heart. Not even your dead cats!!" Her voice full of hate. The pale tabby shook out her pelt before shoving passed the prettier she-cat.
ReplyDeleteKodiak growled, baring his teeth. "No hope for us?" He snarled. "Who are you to say whether there is hope for us or not!?" His claws unsheathed, and he pushed at Sitka, trying to get by. "You cats are so arrogant, thinking your ways are better than ours just because you're afraid to unsheathe your claws and you call fear 'compassion'!"
ReplyDeleteSitka felt the tabby try and push past him. The black and white tom turned to his friend. "Stop! She's not worth it. There's been enough fighting today." Kodiak looked up at the taller tom, sighing heavily.
"Fine." The two headed the opposite way Kan had gone. They were both tired and hungry, but retreated to the dens they had made for themselves to rest and lick their wounds.
Celeste twitched her nose in response to the cats' meaningless argument. She moved her eyes to Mason, who managed to heave himself up. She wondered, briefly, how well a Clan worked. Was it more efficient when cats didn't fight each other for power? Would they be able to stop the rogues in their conquest due to that efficiency? She shook her head, trying to expel the thoughts. She left camp to hunt, to clear her mind, making sure to avoid Kan's path.
ReplyDeleteMason heaved himself onto weak paws and plodded to his den. He curled into the bedding and let out a deep sigh. He would need as much rest as possible. He would have to continue with hunting, training, and then going to a battle, while wearing these painful injuries. He laid his head on his paws and closed his eyes.
Hawk glared after Kan. He refused to attack the Clan. They weren't his enemy, the rogues were, especially Kan. He would make sure Kan lost everything he had, even if it would cost him his life. The tribe cat got up, feeling the eyes of his tribemates rest on him. He felt he had disappointed them by losing. He could have ended the tyranny by killing Kan, but he had failed and lost the fight. He sighed and shuffled his way to his nest.
Ember just shook out her pelt as if she was shaking off his insults. "Shut up Dawn. You have no reason to talk to any of us anymore..." her ears flattened as her teeth flashed.
ReplyDeleteDawn flattened her ears as Ember spoke. "Oh yea? why not?" her head lowered.
ReplyDelete"You stabbed everyone in the tribe in the back! You became one of them! We dibt want to talk to you anymore. So why dont you go follow Kan."she stormed off.
ReplyDelete"Whatever..you were weak all of you!"she hissed while watching her walk away. Her ears flattened as she heard Kans name. She shook her pelt and walked off to go rest.
ReplyDelete