Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 10, 2018 1:29:35 GMT -5
Hello everyoneIt jayfeatherfan96 from the old forums. This is s new thread for Born of Evil, my Australian warriors fan-fiction. They layout will be better and the chapters easier to navigate. I was running out of space in the old post for chapters because I hadn't left any space for them. Now the first few posts will be reserved for chapters so it's easier for me to post them BOE informationClan and dingo territories
The clans are located in dense bushland in, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Australia. The trees and plants consist mainly of Tall gum trees and Ironwoods 30-50m high with wide trunks. The first branches are often high up but thick. The plants consist of Mangroves and many bright Australian flowers. Many plants have edible fruits, while the rest are poisonous or inedible.
Unlike the clan territories in Europe or America there in no Bracken or ferns as ground cover. The ground is mostly grassy and has leaf litter. The trees stay green all year round and mostly keep their leaves.
A river runs between the clan territories and the dingo’s territory separating them. The clans and Dingoes call the river the Crocodile or Salty River (this is just a name I made up for the story) as it contains Saltwater Crocodiles(crocs or Salties). The river is rather large, at least 20 metres across.
If the clans must cross into dingo territory for any reason, they use a hidden path behind the waterfall to avoid the crocs.
On the other side of the territories lies a small but deep stream at least 5 metres across surrounding the Gathering Island. The river is separate from the main river so there are no crocodiles, but there are plenty or barramundi.
Gathering Island is about 360 feet (half a football field) across. At the other side of the island is The Moon Gum, a tall Ghost Gum where the leaders address the clan at gatherings.
The territories are surrounded by huge towering cliffs several feet high. Between Acaciaclan and Dingo territory is a large waterfall that flows into the Crocodile River.
Some trees and plants
Trees
Ghost Gum (30m)
Cooktown Ironwood (18m)
Quinne Tree (12m)
Bats Wing Coral Tree (12m)
Freshwater mangrove (8m)
Banyan Tree (30m)
Long Leaved Paperbark (43m) – Bark is like paper and is layered and slightly peeling
Broad Leaved tea Tree (18m)
Fern Leaved Grevillea (8m)
Red Ash (15m)
Pink Euodia (25m)
Tuckeroo (15m)
Desert (Ghost) Gum (20m)
Red River Gum (50m)
Coolibah (20m)
Darwin Woolibutt (30m)
Darwin Stringybark (30m)
Screw Palm (12m)
White Fig (30m)
Leichhardt Tree (25m)
Trees with edible fruits
Black plum (20m)
Cocky apple tree (15m)
Red Bush Apple(12m)
Great Morinda (10m)
Peanut Tree (20m)
Information - Animals REPTILES
SNAKES
There are many deadly snakes in The Northern Territory both venomous snakes and huge pythons.
Taipans – Taipans are extremely venomous! One small amount of venom is enough to kill several people. The venom can kill an adult in as little as 45 minutes, Taipan venom is the most potent venom of any land snake in the world.
They are fast and WILL chase you if provoked or startled, if this happens you best chance is to run as fast as you can or find some way to get away from the snake.
There are three types, The Coastal Taipan, The Inland Taipan and The Northern Ranges Taipan. The species featured in the story is the Coastal Taipan,
They are generally brown or straw colour in appearance but can be black in some areas.
They can reach up to 3 metres but average about 1.8 metres.
The King Brown Snake
Very venomous but not as deadly as the Taipan
Saltwater crocodile (Saltie)
Saltwater Crocs or Salties as they are known in Australia are huge aggressive crocodiles that live in the top half of Australia and throughout the Philippines.
They can grow up to 7.5 metres of 23 feet and weigh as much as one tonne, though crocs this big a rare.
They are extremely territorial and aggressive and will defend their patch of waterway aggressively, even killing potential mating females that stray too close. Many people a year a killed by these crocs when they are unlucky or foolish enough to go swimming in croc inhabited waters.
However these crocs will not go out of their way to attack, despite their bad rap , they will leave you alone if you leave them alone.
Don’t think they are just killing machines; they are actually quite beautiful and magnificent animals. One of my favourite Aussie animals.
FISH
Barramundi (Barra)
Barramundi are huge freshwater fish that live up in the Northern territory where or story is set and along the tope end of Australia from Western Australia to Queensland. They can grow to huge lengths and sizes and can reach up to a metre or more. Large crocs often feed on Barra, as it can consist of a large part of their diet.
I love Barra, in summer they are great on a BBQ. For those that may be curious about the taste, it’s hard to describe. It’s a strong flavour like Salmon but tastes nothing like Salmon. It’s a white coloured fish with a flaky texture. When cooking the fish, cook it slowly on low heat until it falls apart when you run a fork over it. When the fish is falling apart it is ready to eat. But you want to make sure it is completely cooked. It is not pleasant if you eat it partially cooked.
BIRDS
Kookaburras (Blue Winged)
Wedge Tailed Eagles
Wedge Tailed Eagles are massive raptors with a huge wingspan. They can grow up to 1 metre tall and have a wingspan of 2 metres or more. They prey on rabbit’s, mice small kangaroos, wallabies and even small lambs. They also feast on roadkill
Clan map The Story Born of evil Characters
CHANGES:
- I have added some new characters to Acaciaclan! I decided we needed new characters/ The clan was too small and I had forgot to add parents for the other apprentices
- The apprentices now have their ages included (this will be their ages frm the start of the fan-fic. I will post changes as they appear in chapters later on
- Goannapaw and Pythonpaw now have parents! yay
“They told me he was dangerous, that I should kill him at birth, but he was so innocent, so small, I couldn’t I wouldn’t. That was My mistake.”
Characters
Acaciaclan Leader - Falconstar - Brown and grey mottled tom with green eyes (mate to Ghostfur) Deputy - Mouseclaw - Light brown she cat with white paws and green eyes Apprentice - Geckopaw Medicine cat – Sagefur – Cream tom with brown splotches. Green eyes Warriors Burramundiclaw - Grey tabby she cat with white paws, black rings on her tail and black muzzle. Green eyes Apprentice - Crocodilepaw Eagletalon - Mottled brown and white tom. Yellow eyes Apprentice - Pythonpaw Redclaw - Reddish brown tom with green eyes Magpiewing - Black and white tom with blue eyes (Father to Talonkit) Ofspreywing - Grey and white she cat with piercing blue eyes. Apprentice - Hoppingpaw Kookaburraclaw - White and brown tom with blue eyes and grey around his face and ears. Apprentice - Goannapaw Snakefang – Mottled brown tom with yellow eyes (Father to Goannapaw and Pythonpaw) Echidnaclaw – Tan she cat with brown eyes (mother to Goannapaw and Pythonpaw) Ghostfur – White she cat with green eyes. (Mother to Crocodilepaw and Geckopaw) Fishfur – Grey she cat with black paws Batclaw – Dark brown she-cat with mottled grey fur near her head. Quollfur – Brown tom with white spots like a Quoll. Yellow eyes Ratclaw – Black tom with amber eyes Apprentices Pythonpaw – Mottled brown and black tom with yellow eyes (11 moons) Goannapaw - Tan she cat with brown eyes. Sister to Pythonpaw (11moons) Hoppingpaw – Light and dark brown tom with brown eyes (10 moons) Crocodilepaw – Brown and black tabby tom with white paws and green eyes. Unusually long teeth that protrude from his mouth. Falconstar’s son (10 moons) Geckopaw – Brown she cat with white underbelly. Falconstar’s daughter (10 moons) Queens Dingofur - Gingery Orange she cat with white underbelly and tail tip. Mother to Talonkit - black tom with orange splotches through his fur. Unusually long claws. Bushclan Leader – Perchstar – Grey she cat with blue eyes. Deputy – Magpielark – Black and white tom with green eyes
Gumtreeclan Leader – Sapstar – Long furred reddish tom with yellow eyes Deputy – Carptail – Brown and cream she cat with blue eyes Dingo pack Leader - Oaka - Light reddish brown male with intense yellow eyes Beta - Duma - Light reddish brown female with brown eyes Pack Members Acacia - Tan, black and brown female with light orange eyes. Warrigal – Tan, black, brown and white male with brown eyes. Acmena - Dark orange female with white chest, paws and tail tip. Yellow eyes Maliki - Tan and white male with yellow-orange eyes Aringka - Tan and white female with yellow eyes Pups Kal - Black, tan and white male with deep yellow eyes Kaylie - Black, tan and white female with orange eyes Territoy
They live in the Australian bushland in the northern territory, a river runs through the middle separating the dingoes territory from the clan cats. There are two other clans of cats, each territory is separated by a specific landmark. Prey
Clan cats
Mice Rabbits Barramundi (Barra) Small birds - Mynas,Magpies,ect Frogs Dingoes
Rabbits Mice Wallabies Predators
Wedge Tailed Eagles Falcons Ofsprey Foxes Kookaburras (Blue winged) Saltwater Crocodiles (Salties) Dangerous animals
Emus King Brown snakes (Very venomous) Coastal Taipans (Extremely venomous) - Deathfang Pythons – Water, Children’s (Mottlefang), Olive, Carpet (Leaf-fang) and Black headed Death Adder (Northern)
Prologue Wind driven rain whipped across a small rocky overhang, and rippled the surface of a pool at its centre. Three cats sat around the pool, shivering in the scant shelter the overhang provided from the cold wind.
“I hope you have a good reason for bringing us out in this weather Frogstar” a Dusky brown she cat hissed “I’ve got better things to do than get wet.
The second cat, Frogstar raised his head “the worst I’m afraid Mousestar” he replied “I come with a prophecy that affects all the clans.”
Mousestar huffed in annoyance “well get on with it then.”
Frogstar stared at her before continuing “A prophecy has come to me from an ancient clan cat, one that tells of a time of horror and destruction for all the clans.”
He looked around at the other two cats then raised his head to the sky “A cat will be born from evil itself, he will bring destruction to everything the clans hold dear, a cat of blood must rise up and unite with an enemy to defeat the coming darkness”
For a moment both cats fell silent, then the third cat spoke “what does it mean” she asked.
Frogstar stared at her “I don’t know Fishstar” he replied “I only know that the clan’s are in terrible dan-ger.”
Mouseclaw snorted “do we even know who this cat is, or the cat that will give birth to him?”
“Yes” Frogstar replied, he touched the surface of the pool with his paw, it rippled wildly then stilled to show the image of an orange she cat with white paws.
Mousestar and Fishstar leaned forward “her!” Mousestar hissed “she’s in your clan, perhaps you should be telling her instead of dragging us out here” she got up and turned to leave.
“This is not something to be taken lightly” Frogstar snarled “it affects your clan as well, do you want to put your clan’s future at stake just because you refused to listen?”
Mousestar stopped, her ears pricked, she turned back to him and sat down again “very well” she hissed.
Fishstar waited until Mousestar had settled down then spoke “Is there any way we can stop this terrible prophecy from coming true” she asked.
Frogstar lowered his gaze, staring into the depths of the pool “only one” he replied softly “but it is the worst.”
Mousestar snorted “worse than the destruction of the clans?” she growled.
Frogstar was silent for several moments, then he raised his head to look at them once more “the kit’s mother must kill him when he is born” he replied darkly ” she must take her teeth and rip out his throat.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Dingofur stared at the cat she had once called her son, the cat she had always trusted, ‘what a fool I was’.
Talonfang stood over the body of Falconstar, his paw placed scornfully over his mangled body and blood dripping from his fangs. He glared around the clan “now I’m leader” he snarled “I rightfully take his place.”
Mouseclaw, the clan deputy, stepped forward “you’re not leader yet” she hissed “you have to get through me first.”
Talonfang snorted “very well” he exploded off the ground, launching himself at the deputy. But
Mouseclaw dodged to one side quick as lighting and Talonfang crashed to the ground. Mouseclaw leapt onto his back, taking advantage of Talonfang’s momentary shock.
Yowling with rage Talonfang shook Mouseclaw easily from his back, Mouseclaw fell to the ground, but before she could get to her paws Talongfang pinned her down “you think you can challenge me” he sneered “heh!, this was too easy.”
Mouseclaw bared her fangs “whoever said I was going to make it easy” she snarled. She lunged for-wards and sunk her teeth into Talonfang’s throat.
The black and orange tom half snarled and half yowled in agony, and stumbled off Mouseclaw. Seeing her advantage she stood up, still holding his throat, and pinned him to the ground.
Talonfang went limp, a cruel, cunning grin spreading across his face “you think you’ve won” he hissed, his voice sounding strangled “you’ re wrong” he paused and looked into Mouseclaw’s eyes “didn’t you ever wonder who really killed your precious sister?” he sneered “didn’t you find my scent near her body, see my fangmarks on her throat?’
Mouseclaw let go of him in shock “no... You didn’t, you wouldn’t…….”
Talonfang climbed to his paws “I did” he sneered “and it was easy, at weakling, she deserved to die.”
“You devil!” Mouseclaw cried she leapt at him.
Talonfang leapt to meet her; he twisted in midair managing to clamp his jaws around he throat. She let out a screech as he pinned her to the ground with his fangs sunk into her throat. With a swift movement Talonfang tore out her throat.
The clan gasped in shock and horror, Talonfang turned to them, his muzzle and chest stained with blood.
“I’m leader now” he snarled “and there’s nothing you can do about it”
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 10, 2018 1:30:25 GMT -5
Chapter 1 - A terrible message The hot sun beat down relentlessly into the large red sandy clearing surrounded by large, rocky walls, birds sang in the trees. Cats hurried back and forth across the sandy clearing, keeping within the shad-ows of the trees above. Suddenly a yowl of a cat in pain spit the silence. Several cats stopped to look in the direction of the sound, their pelts bristling with fear.
In a dark, bush covered area of the clearing an orange and white she cat let out another yowl. A cream tom with brown splotches crouched over her.
“You need to push Dingofur” the cream coloured tom urged “push as hard as you can.”
Dingofur glared at him “I am pushing” she hissed “would you like to do it for me?”
Sagefur ignored her bad temper, he was used to queens snapping at him during birth, and could he real-ly blame them?. He was a tom and he’d never have to know the pain of giving birth.
Suddenly there was a gasp from Dingofur, pulling Sagefur out of his lapse. He saw a small wet bundle on the sandy floor next to Dingofur. She purred, and nipped the birth sack of the tiny kit, before nudg-ing it toward her belly.
Sagefur dipped his head “I’ll fetch Magpiewing” he meowed “last time I saw him he was losing his fur with worry.”
Dingofur hardly heard him, she was gazing at her tiny kit, only one, Sagefur had told her, but she didn’t care, he was beautiful. His fur was beginning to dry and already she could see his colourings, a mixture of black and orange. The kit raised his head to look at her, Dingofur froze, the kit’s face was twisted with such strong emotion, rage, anger? She had never seen such a cold look on any cat let alone a newborn kit. She stiffened, but as the kit bent to suckle once more she told herself she must have been imagining it.
“No, you must kill him” a voice made her jump.
She looked up to see a brown tabby with green eyes standing in front of her, at first she thought it was one of her clan until she realised she could see the den through him, A Starclan warrior!.
“You must kill him” the Starclan cat repeated.
Dingofur glared at him “what!” she snarled “how dare you, how can you say that?”
The tom cat met her gaze “he will bring destruction to the clans” he hissed “he will destroy everything you hold dear.”
“No your wrong” Dingofur snarled “my kit will never do that, never!”
The Starclan warrior dipped his head, his gaze faltering “but he will Dingofur” I have seen it in the stars”
“Then your wrong” Dingofur snarled “The stars are wrong”
The tom cat whipped his head up to glare at her “the stars are never wrong” he hissed in fury “and they have told me what this cat will bring to the clans and everything they hold dear” he stepped closer to her, his intense green gaze burning into hers “A cat will be born from evil itself, he will bring destruction to everything the clans hold dear, a cat of blood must rise up and unite with an enemy to defeat the coming darkness” he whispered.
Dingofur stared at him, she knew this must be a prophecy, a terrible prophecy, but she would not be-lieve her son could have anything to do with it. She narrowed her eyes “how do you know it’s about my son” she challenged “it could be any cat, maybe you should start looking to the dingoes…”
“NO!” the tom shouted “we have seen it, your son will destroy you and the clan, nothing will escape his bloodthirsty path to power, you must kill him now, the future we have seen must never happen”
Dingofur lashed out with her paw, her claws extended, but it just passed straight through the ghostly tom “get out” she snarled “you think I’m going to kill my own son, how dare you, I’ll never do that, get out.”
The tom glared back “very well” he hissed in a low menacing voice “but you have brought destruction and blood upon yourself” with that he vanished.
Dingofur glared after him, then froze, Magpiewing and Sagefur were standing in the entrance to the nursery, their eyes filled with horror. They had seen the tom too and heard his message!.
Magpiewing shook himself and padded over to her, he looked down at the kit and purred “don’t worry” he meowed with and edge to his voice “we won’t let Starclan take him from us” he promised.
Sagefur just sat there, his eyes narrowed as he stared at the family.
Chapter 2 - Growing up Magpiewing stared down at his kit “What’s his name?” he asked.
Dingofur purred “I don’t know” she told him “I wanted to name him together”
Her mate leaned in to take a better look at the tiny kit. “How about Talonkit?” he suggested “look at how long his claws are, and sharp like an eagle’s talons.
Dingofur purred “then welcome to the clan Talonkit”
“I don’t care what Starclan says” Dingofur went on “you’re going to be the best cat in the clan.
“Never ignore Starclan” a new, harsh voice hissed.
Dingofur and Magpiewing jumped, Falconstar was standing in the entrance to the nursery, glaring at them, Sagefur behind him.
Dingofur glared at the medicine cat “You told him about the prophecy?” she snarled.
Sagefur gave her a hard stare “I had no choice” he meowed evenly.
“Because it wasn’t your choice or any of your business” Dingofur snarled.
“But it is mine” Falconstar hissed “I’m the clan leader; I deserve to know when anything threatens my clan.”
Dingofur shifted her glare to him “Talonkit is no threat to this clan” she hissed “or you.”
“Not according to Starclan” Falconstar shot back “you must do as Starclan says.”
“How dare you” Dingofur yowled. She leapt at her leader bowling him over and clawing at his belly.
Falconstar easily shoved her off him, she tried to attack again but Magpiewing blocked her path.
“You dare attack your leader” Falconstar snarled, his fur brushed to twice its normal size.
Dingofur glared at him “yes I dare” she snarled “I’m not going to kill my son.”
Falconstar pushed past her, heading straight for Talonkit “then I’ll do it myself” he hissed.
“No!” Dingofur howled. She shoved her leader away with such force he fell to the earth with a grunt. Dingofur stood between Falconstar and her kit “if you touch him, I’ll kill you” she roared.
Falconstar glared at her, the silence crackling the air like lightning. Then he got slowly, deliberately to his paws. “Very well” he hissed “I will give the kit a chance, after all he is only a kit” he leaned forward to hiss into Dingofur’s ear “but if he ever does anything to destroy us, if he so much as steps out of line, I’ll kill him myself.”
With that he turned his back on her and left, the entrance rustling behind him as he brushed through.
Dingofur hissed wordlessly at him before settling down beside her kit. Magpiewing settled beside her.
Sagefur curled his lip, ever so slightly in a snarl then he headed out of the den himself to fetch herbs.
Dingofur bent her head to nuzzle the tiny bundle “don’t worry little one” she breathed “I won’t let any-one touch you, ever.”
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“Talonkit come back here” Talon kit narrowed his eyes as his mother called from the nursery “it’s too hot out there.”
“I’ll stick to the shade” he promised her. He pushed his way out of the entrance, a wave of scorching, wet heat slammed into him. He gasped, in the nursery it was relatively cool, but out here it was unbe-lievably hot. The sun beat down, turning the floor of the camp to dust.
Talonkit quickly darted underneath a low growing bush, to the cool shade beneath. He lay down and surveyed the camp. Only two cats were about, a white and brown tom was sorting through the fresh kill pile, a tan young tan she cat helped him. Talonkit guessed she was an apprentice.
The rest of the camp was empty, it was too hot for cats to be out, he guessed.
Bored Talonkit darted out of the shelter of the bush and padded far enough out so that he could turn to look through the camp entrance. It sloped steeply upwards in a crumble of deep reddish orange rocks. Above, cliffs stretched impossibly high above the camp, so far he couldn’t even see the top. He gasped, his mother had told him about the camp but he could never have imagined it would be so amazing.
Talonkit had the sensation of being watched; he turned around to the other side of the camp. A mottled brown and grey tom was watching him through narrowed green eyes. The cat was sitting on top of a set of natural stone steps that led up to a dark opening that must be leader’s den.
The cat watched him; even from here Talonkit could feel the hostility coming from the tom and see his pelt bristling.
Talonkit glared at him what was he doing wrong? He curled his lip at the tom, to reveal his tiny sharp teeth.
The tom bared his teeth too and stood up as if to come over to Talonkit, then his gaze shifted away and hardened even more. Talonkit followed his gaze; his mother had emerged from the nursery and was meeting the tom’s gaze with a defiant stare.
Just then rocks clattered at the entrance to the camp and a patrol emerged. The tom finally turned away from Talonkit’s mother and raced down the stone steps to greet them.
Dingofur stared after him for several moments before stalking over to Talonkit “What are you doing!” She hissed “I told you to stay in the den.”
Talonkit glared at her “it’s boring in there” he groaned “there’s no room to play.”
“It’s too hot to play now” his mother told him firmly “just come back inside and you can come back out later”
Talonkit bared his teeth irritably and began to follow his mother back to the nursery.
“I’ll take him around the camp if you want Dingofur” a new voice spoke.
Talonkit turned to see the tan she cat from before, the apprentice “I could take him around camp and show him the dens” the she cat prompted his mother.
His mother looked doubtful “I don’t know…..” she began.
“You might enjoy the peace and quiet” the apprentice pressed “get something to eat and eat it in peace.”
His mother hesitated for a few more moments then nodded, he eyes shinning with amusement “okay, it would be nice to get some peace and quiet for a while” she admitted, she looked at Talonkit “be nice and do everything Goannapaw tells you” then she turned and headed toward the fresh kill pile.
The apprentice turned to Talonkit “Hi Talonkit” she purred “my name’s Goannapaw I’m one of the old-est apprentices besides my brother Pythonpaw” she waved her tail at the brown and white tom Talonkit has see her with, who was now talking to the patrol “and that’s my mentor Kookurburraclaw, I’ll take you to meet him later. The big tom with the brown and grey patches is our leader Falconstar and the light brown she cat with white paws is the deputy Mouseclaw, the small cat with her is her apprentice Geckopaw, she is the newest apprentice along with her brother Crocodilepaw.”
Talonkit narrowed his eyes, so it was Falconstar who had been watching him!, why had the leader been watching him? His mother had seemed to know why, was there something wrong with Talonkit?
“Hey Talonkit” Goannapaw’s voice made him jump; it was coming from behind him “are you going to stand there all day or are you coming to explore the camp with me?”
Talonkit tore his gaze away from Falconstar “Coming!” he called. He bounded over to her “where are we going first?” he asked eagerly, suddenly exited.
Goannapaw flicked her tail towards the opposite end of the camp “thought we’d start with the appren-tices den so I can introduce you to all of the apprentices and show you were you will be sleeping when you reach six moons.”
She darted across the camp and disappeared into the den.
Talonkit followed her more slowly, aware of Falconstar and the patrol no far away, but they took no notice of him. He pushed his way into the den after Goannapaw. Four other young cats were inside, sitting together in their nests. All eyes turned to him as he entered.
Goannapaw beckoned him forward “Talonkit” she began “these are the apprentices” she flicked her tail first to a brown and black tabby tom with white paws, green eyes and long fangs that stuck out of his mouth “this is Crocodilepaw” she announced “he may look and act aggressive but he’s a really kind” Crocodilepaw curled his lips and rolled his eyes, Goannapaw ignored him. “Beside him is his sister Geckopaw” she swept her tail at a brown she cat with a white underbelly “they are Falconsatar’s kits” she glanced at Crocodilepaw “and they never let us forget it…” she paused “well at least he doesn’t.”
“Anyway” Goannapaw went on “the black and brown tom over there is Hoppingpaw and the roobrain who’s chewing on his tail is my brother Pythonpaw” she pointed to a mottled black and brown tom who was chewing on his striped tail.”
Pythonpaw whipped his tail away and looked up “roobrain yourself” he retorted.
“Everyone this is Talonkit” Goannapaw introduced him “he’ll be one of us soon.”
“We’ll no longer be the youngest” Geckopaw purred. She tipped her head “where are you taking him next?” she asked Goannapaw.
Goannapaw flicked her tail out the entrance “the warriors den” she told her.
Geckopaw’s whiskers twitched, half amused half worried “well be careful, you don’t want to wake any of them, you know what they’re like when they get woken up by nosey apprentices.”
“Don’t worry we won’t” Goannapaw reassured her “come on” she added to Talonkit.
She led him out of the den and turned abruptly to another den a few roo hops from the apprentices den.
Goannapaw paused close to the entrance and crouched down, beckoning Talonkit with her tail “this is the warrior’s den” she whispered “all the warriors sleep here, look” she pointed to a gap under the den “you can see them all in there lazing about.”
Talonkit crept forward to peer under the gap, several warriors were sleeping in moss lined nests, snoring gently as their bellies rose and fell. Among them he spotted his father Magpiewing, he was sleeping on his back, his legs flailing the air, obviously dreaming.
Talonkit let out a purr of amusement “my father’s in there” he meowed “and it looks like he’s dream-ing”
Goannapaw squeezed in beside him and followed his gaze “it seems he is” she laughed.
“Why do they spend all day sleeping” he asked.
“Because they need their energy for patrols” a new voice spoke sternly.
Talonkit and Goannapaw jumped and spun around, Kookaburraclaw was staring down at them, a stern expression on his face.
Goannapaw scrambled to her paws “I was just showing him around” she meowed quickly “he was bored.”
“Yes! just like Geckopaw and her brother when they were kits?” Kookaburraclaw asked “I hope your not disturbing the warriors again.”
Goannapaw studied her paws “no Kookaburraclaw” she muttered “just exploring.”
Kookaburraclaw snorted “well go explore somewhere else, the warriors won’t thank you if you disturb them” he shooed them away with his tail.
Goannapaw hurried away, keeping to the cool shade of the cliffs. She headed towards the camp
Entrance and halted at the bottom of the tumble of rocks “one day you’ll have to climb that every day to get out of camp “she explained “it’s hard work sometimes.”
Talonkit craned his neck upward, from here the rocks looked huge and impossible to climb, each rock was higher than Talonkit and the top of the entrance, to the bush, was high above, though not as high as the other sides of the camp. “Can we climb them” he asked, the smell of outside camp seemed to beck-on to him.
Goannapaw shook her head “I think we’re in enough trouble” she meowed “besides” she added when Talonkit opened his mouth to protest “you’ll be an apprentice in a few weeks and then you can explore the bush with your mentor.” She glanced around “come on, you’d better get back to the nursery before you mother starts worrying.”
Talonkit followed her back to the nursery, his small legs aching from the long walk around camp. He meowed his thanks to Goannapaw and curled up in his nest.
“In a few weeks you’ll be an apprentice’ Goannapaw’s words rang in his ears. Soon he could explore the bush beyond the camp at last.
Chapter 3 - Warrior training “From this moment on until you have earned your warrior name, you shall be known as Talonpaw” Fal-constar’s voice rang out around the clearing.
Talonpaw tried to be happy and proud but Falconstar’s gaze marred his excitement. Falconstar’s gaze wasn’t warm and welcoming as it usually was when he made new apprentices, instead it was resentful.
Talonkit glared at him ‘I always knew you hated me’ he thought ‘but you could at least be happy for me’.
Talonpaw turned his back on Falconstar to touch noses with his mentor Redclaw, excitement tingling through his pelt.
The clan cheered and congratulated him before beginning to disperse and go about their duties.
Redclaw turned to Talonpaw “Well, are you ready to explore the territory?” he asked
Talonpaw nodded vigorously “yes” he meowed
Redclaw’s whiskers twitched in amusement “well lets go then” he turned and raced toward the camp entrance.
Talonpaw raced after him adrenaline helping him keep up with the warrior’s long strides. Redclaw reached the entrance and began easily climbing the boulders that led out into the territory.
Talonpaw halted and looked up; the boulders were still too big for him to leap up. He reared up on his hind legs and dug his front claws into the boulder. Scrambling upwards he managed, with some effort, to reach the top of the first boulder. Redclaw was already nearly at the top “hey wait for me” Talonpaw puffed as he scrambled up the next boulder.
Redclaw stopped and turned back, his tail twitched with amusement when he saw Talonpaw “oh sorry” he apologised “I forgot apprentices have sorter legs.” He began to pick his way down again
Talonpaw snorted “Yeah I bet you did” he muttered under his breath
Suddenly something shoved him from below, heaving him up onto the next boulder. Talonpaw jumped and looked down. Goannapaw was smirking up at him, her tail twitching with amusement “don’t wor-ry” she purred “I had trouble too when I first left the camp, your legs will get stronger.”
She leapt up easily beside him “Kookaburrawing said we could come with you, we’re going on a border patrol” she told him.
Talonpaw’s whiskers twitched in excitement “you mean I get to go on patrol on my first outing as an apprentice!” he meowed.
“Well you won’t be patrolling” Redclaw spoke behind him “we’ll just be exploring the territory.”
Talonpaw’s excitement faded slightly “oh” he muttered.
Goannapaw rolled her eyes “oh come on miserable roobrain” she teased, flicking him on the shoulder with her tail “exploring the territory is fun” she leant close to his ear “especially when you get to see dingo territory.”
Talonpaw stiffened “have you ever seen a dingo” he asked. His mother had taught him a bit about din-goes. They were wild dogs that lived on the other side of the river, they liked to chase and kill clan cats.
Goannapaw led him to a route that was clear of boulders, a small, narrow path beside the main one “on-ly once” she told him “we were patrolling the border with the dingoes, they were patrolling at the same time, we saw them across the river” she pulled a face “they mocked us.”
Talonpaw’s lips curled into a snarl “how dare they” he hissed
Goannapaw shrugged “we just ignore it, what can they do all the way over there”
They reached the top at last and waiting for their mentors to catch up.
“You’ll love the territory” Goannapaw went on “it’s so big and beautiful, and there is so much prey when it’s warm like this.”
Talonpaw snorted “it’s always warm” he muttered. It was only early morning but already the heat was unbearable.
Goannapaw shrugged again “you’ll get used to it” her eyes gleamed “and if it gets too hot you can al-ways go for a swim.
Redclaw and Kookaburrawing finally caught up “well let’s go” Kookaburrawing instructed. He darted away and into the bush.
“Come on” Goannapaw encouraged, she raced after him and Talonpaw followed.
He panted as he tried to keep up “do all the cats in the clan race off like that?” he asked.
Goannapaw let out a snort of laughter “pretty much” she told him.
“Hold on Kookaburrawing” Redclaw called “Talonpaw can’t keep up with your chasing”
Kookaburraclaw glanced back at Talonpaw “humph” he muttered. He slowed the pace to a walk “ap-prentices” he muttered, just loud enough for Talonpaw to hear.
Talonpaw glared at him but excitement quickly pushed away his anger. The trees stretched far above his head and clear blue sky showed above the tips. The bush was shadowy and cool but a warm sticky breeze swished the grassy bush floor and got under his pelt.
Talonpaw dropped back to walk with his mentor, aware that he was supposed to be following him “where are we going first?” he asked.
“Were heading for the river” it was Kookaburrawing who answered, he turned to address them “then from there we’ll patrol the whole territory.”
Talonpaw’s eyes widened “the whole territory” he gasped “but it’s so big.”
“Hmmf you have no idea” Kookaburra muttered. He led them through the trees.
Talonpaw stared up at the trees, amazed by their thick trunks and high branches. Most towered so high he had to crane his neck to see the top. He paused below a smaller tree “can we climb them?” he asked with his paw resting on the trunk.
Redclaw looked up to where the lowest branches spread out “yes, you can” he told Talonpaw “but only the smaller ones. Some are too tall to climb.”
“Can I try?” Talonpaw asked, digging his claws into the bark.
“Another day” Redclaw promised “you’ll learn it in your training. Now come on we’re falling behind” he raced off again.
Talonpaw rolled his eyes and followed.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Talonpaw’s paws ached as he followed the patrol; they had been walking for ages and hadn’t reached the river yet, though he could hear the roar of the waterfall. It was hot, too hot, even though the trees provided cover from the harsh sun it was still sticky and stifling below the trees.
Kookaburrawing kept up a fast pace, weaving through the trees.
At last Talonpaw caught a glimpse of the river through the trees. He picked up the pace, eager to get to the river. Soon the river was close enough to see the rhythmic flow of its waters.
“you can always go for a swim” he remembered Goannapaw’s earlier remark.
“Let’s go for a swim” he yowled racing at full pelt towards the inviting river.
“No Talonpaw stop!” Redclaw’s voice rang out “STOP!”
Talonpaw ignored him, he leapt into the shallows near the bank, letting out a sigh as the cold water reached his belly fur, cooling it instantly.
“Talonpaw get out of there now!” Kookaburrawing snarled, reaching the bank.
Talonpaw turned to him “why it’s so nice, you should come in.”
Kookaburrawing opened his mouth to argue but stiffened. His gaze slid out into the water, fear crossed his eyes. “Talonpaw get out now” he whispered urgently.
Talonpaw tipped his head to one side “why?” he asked turning his gaze to the water. He paused, a huge shadow was moving rapidly towards him through the water, coming straight for him!
“What…” he started to say.
He gasped as teeth met in his scruff and yanked him clear of the river, just as huge teeth exploded from the water and snapped shut inches from Talonpaw.
Talonpaw screamed. A crocodile!
The croc watched them through narrowed, evil eyes, it had crawled up onto the bank. The cat holding Talonpaw backed rapidly away. The croc followed, letting out a menacing hiss, its mouth agape.
Talonpaw stared in horror, was the croc going to attack again?
But to his relief it turned and slid back into the water. Talonpaw was dropped onto the ground.
“Ha ha ha” a bout of obnoxious laughter erupted from the other side of the river. Talonpaw turned, three deep sandy coloured dingoes were staring at them from across the river, their mouths open in mocking laughter and their eyes shinning.
“Don’t you teach your precious cats not to get eaten by crocs?” the first dingo laughed “Pity I would have liked to watch them make a meal of one of you.”
Talonpaw raced to the edge of the river “what did you say!” he snarled “come across and say that too my face.”
The dingoes looked amused “nah! We’re not dumb enough to cross the river” the lead dingo retorted “we actually teach our pups not to be roobrains” the dingoes laughed again. A small pup Talonpaw had not noticed was laughing too, his teeth showing in a mocking grin.
Talonpaw bared his teeth, the stupid pieces of crocdung, he opened his mouth to make a stinging reply but a tail bared his way “enough” Kookaburrawing hissed. He shoved Talonpaw away from the river “ignore them, don’t let them provoke you” he led the way back into the trees.
“That’s right run away like the cowards you are” the dingoes called after them. Talonpaw bristled but the patrol moved rapidly on.
Suddenly Kookaburrawing halted and rounded on him “what were you thinking?” he snarled “don’t you know about the crocodiles in the river, you were nearly a croc’s lunch”
Talonpaw glared at him “how was I supposed to know, it was my first time outside the camp.”
“You know about the crocodiles” Kookaburrawing hissed “all kits are taught that before they become apprentices, so they won’t be roobrained enough to swim in the river.”
Fury ran through Talonpaw “Goannapaw said we could swim in the river” he snarled pointing with his tail at the older apprentice “it’s her fault, she probably thought it was funny to see me get eaten.”
Goannapaw’s eyes widened and she bared he teeth in a snarl “what, that’s stupid” she hissed “I didn’t say just jump in as soon as you see it.”
“You said we could swim in the river” Talonpaw accused
Goannapaw rolled her eyes “I meant the river surrounding gathering island” she snapped back
“You didn’t specify” he retorted
“No” Goannapaw agreed “but I didn’t think you’d be roobrained enough to jump into the first river you saw.”
Talonpaw snorted “how was I supposed to know which river to swim in, it’s my first time out remem-ber? You stupid crocheart”
Kookaburrawing stepped between them “that’s enough!” he snarled.
Goannapaw’s pelt bristled and she spat at Talonpaw, then she straightened and let her fur lie flat “fine” she hissed, he voice cold “if you don’t want my advice don’t ask for it” she turned her back on him “when your finished being a rude piece of Crocdung your welcome to apologise.”
Talonpaw felt a flash of guilt as he watched her leave, what had he done!
Kookaburrawing was glaring at him “you never speak to a clan-mate like that” he hissed “she was just trying to be helpful. And don’t you dare blame her” he went on “you’re the one that made the mistake so live with it” he spun around in the direction of the camp “we’re going back to camp so you can ex-plain to Falconstar why you nearly got eaten by a crocodile” he stalked off through the trees.
Talonpaw stomped after him, it wasn’t his fault he nearly got eaten, it was all the fault of those stupid dingoes, how dare they laugh and mock him. He curled his lips in a snarl ‘I’ll get revenge on your stupid hides’ he thought ‘I’ll make you pay for making me look foolish’
Chapter 4 - A bitter hatred Talonpaw gripped a fat Galah in his mouth, its wings brushing the ground. Behind him Redclaw carried a huge rabbit and Crocodilepaw carried a massive Barramundi. The fish was nearly as big as the ap-prentice and he was struggling to drag it back to camp.
They carried their prey down into camp, Talonpaw took the easier route with Crocodilepaw while Red-claw took the main route. As he dropped his catch onto the pile Talonpaw saw Falconstar emerge from his den.
Talonpaw sunk his claws into the ground as he remembered the scorching he had received from the leader a few days before.
“You not only put yourself in danger but those of your clanmates” Falconstar hissed “you could have been killed, or worse gotten one of you clanmates killed.”
“It’s not my fault” Talonpaw snarled back “I didn’t know that river was dangerous”
Faloconstar glared at him “that’s roobrained and you know it” he growled “every kit knows not to go swimming in the Crocodile river”
“How was I supposed to know it was the wrong river” Talonpaw argued “it was my first time out of camp”
“You should have known not to run off regardless” Falconstar reminded him “you shouldn’t leave your mentor’s side unless told to, if you had more sense you’d know that”
“I have plenty of sense” Talonpaw spat “I know that you’ve hated me since I was born” he glared ha-tred at his leader “I’ve seen the way you look at my mother, like she’s not part of the clan, like you’d like nothing more than to attack her, and you look at me as if I’m something you stepped on. He unsheathed his claws “your not perfect you stupid tom”
A collective gasp went through the clan and murmurs spread like wildfire
“How can he speak to the leader like that…?”
“How dare he….”
“Young cats these days so rude!.....”
But Falconstar remained calm, his tail twitching “as punishment, you will go without eating tonight and you will be responsible for cleaning out the elders den and the nursery for the rest of the day, and I don’t want to hear any arguments” he flicked his tail, dismissing the clan.
As they dispersed Falconstar leant close to Talonpaw’s ear “I know what you are” he hissed menacingly “and I will be watching you” he curled his lips to reveal his sharp teeth “and if you ever undermine me again, I’ll kill you myself.”
Talonpaw’s jaws clamped down on the Galah, crushing its bones “not if I kill you first” he thought darkly.
He leapt down the boulders into camp, it was getting easier to get in and out of camp but the boulders were still bigger than him.
He followed the others to the prey pile and dumped his catch. The pile was huge today, bulging with birds, Barra and rabbits. It was the hottest part of the day and most of the clan were in their dens. Talonpaw didn’t feel like sleeping yet, his pelt was too hot. He turned to his mentor “can I go swim-ming in the river?” he asked “I don’t feel like going to my den yet.”
Redclaw paused “alright” he said at last “but don’t go alone, take someone with you”
Talonpaw nodded, there was something he should have done days ago “I’ll take Goannapaw” he prom-ised.
Redclaw’s eyes sparkled, then he turned and headed for the warriors den.
Talonpaw turned towards the apprentices den and trotted towards it, he stopped at the entrance, nerv-ous. After a few heartbeats he took a deep breath and pushed his way inside.
Goannapaw and the other apprentices were chatting in the cool darkness of their den.
Goannapaw stopped talking to glare at him; the other apprentices fell silent and turned to look. Talon-paw’s tail drooped and his ears lay flat “uh Goannapaw” he stammered “can, can I talk to you outside?”
Goannapaw searched his gaze; he dropped his eyes to look at his paws.
“Very well” Goannapaw agreed.
He led the way out of the den and just inside the camp entrance where they couldn’t be overheard. Talonpaw turned to her, his tail nervously sweeping the dirt floor of the camp. He scuffled his paws in the earth “I, I wanted to apologise” he stammered “for what happened the other day. I shouldn’t have said those things, You were only trying to help. You’re very kind and caring and I was so horrible to you” he met her gaze “I’m sorry.”
Goannapaw stared at him, her gaze unreadable.
Talonpaw flinched and dropped his gaze to his paws again “I, I’m going for a swim in the river” he went on “I wanted you to come with me”
Goannapaw was still staring at him “are you sure you’ve got the right river this time” she asked
Talonpaw winced “I’m sorr…..”
Goannapaw snorted a laugh “roobrain” she purred.
Talonpaw looked up, amusement was lighting her gaze.
She purred “of course I’ll come” she glanced towards the apprentices den “can the others come too” she asked “we won’t hear the end of it if we don’t invite them.”
Talonpaw opened his mouth to protest, then thought better of it, he hadn’t gotten to know all the ap-prentices yet “but won’t their mentors need them?” he meowed instead.
Goannapaw shrugged “the warriors won’t be out until later” she told him “we have plenty of time” she raced towards the den.
A moment later she appeared with the other apprentices following. Crocodilepaw was the last out, his massive shoulders only just fitting through the narrow gap.
Talonpaw turned and raced through the entrance, scrambling up the boulders. Crocodilepaw leapt past him, easily making it over the huge boulders.
“Show off” Talonpaw muttered under his breath.
They raced to the river that surrounded the gathering island, keeping to the shade of the trees. By the time they reached it they were panting for breath.
Talonpaw approached the river carefully, he hadn’t been for a swim yet, especially since that day he nearly got eaten.
Cautiously he dipped a paw in, suddenly something slammed into him from behind, throwing him into the water. Talonpaw sank in a foam of bubbles. Struggling, he swam, rather clumsily, back to the sur-face, gasping air. Furious he turned to see Goannapaw standing on the edge of the bank grinning at him, the other apprentices were laughing.
“What did you do that for?” Talonpaw asked crossly, shaking water from his head.
“You needed some encouragement to go in” Goannapaw laughed, she jumped into the river after him, diving down.
Determined to get her back, Talonpaw followed, diving beneath the surface, and using his back legs to propel him downwards. He was shocked at how naturally swimming came to him, it was like he knew instinctively what to do, how to move his legs, how to move like a fish.
He looked down, he could see Goannapaw swimming towards the bottom, Barra swam all around him, seemingly unbothered by the cats. He was so awed by the underwater world that he forgot he’d been holding his breath, his lungs began to ache. Quickly he shot back to the surface, gasping air once more as his head broke the surface.
“You’ll learn to hold your breath for longer” Crocodilepaw told him, the huge tom was swimming be-side him “some cats in the clan can hold their breath for five minutes.”
Talonpaw tipped his head to one side “but won’t they drown?” he asked.
Crocodilepaw shrugged “no, but it usually takes years to master it.”
“How long can you hold your breath for?’ Talonpaw asked.
“Not too long yet” Crocodilepaw admitted “but my father is one of the best swimmers in the clan, so I should be able to hold it as long as him.”
Talonpaw scowled “yeah I’m sure you will” he muttered.
He jumped as Goannapaw shot to the surface with a splash “mmmm that’s better” she purred “the wa-ter’s beautiful.”
Crocodilepaw glanced at her, then swung round to check on his sister who was relaxing on her back ignoring the others. Goannapaw’s brother Pythonpaw was sneaking silently up on her.
“Hey watch this” Crocodilepaw yowled loudly.
Geckopaw jerked and opened her eyes, see jumped when she saw Pythonpaw sneaking up on her. She rolled onto her belly and faced her brother. Pythonpaw turned to glare at him.
Now that he had every cat’s attention Crocodilepaw swam to the bank and climbed out, dripping. He shook himself then raced over to the nearest tree and climbed the trunk. When he reached the lowest branch, witch hung out over the water, he clambered up and began to stalk out to the end of the branch.
Goannapaw stared at him “what are you doing?” she asked.
Crocodile flashed her a glance but said nothing, as he edged his way closer.
As he got closer to the end of the branch, Talonpaw saw it begin to sag under his weight. At the end the branch tapered to a thin stick. “He won’t make that!” he whispered to Goannapaw.
But Crocodilepaw kept going, right to the end. Suddenly the end of the branch dipped beneath his weight and snapped. With a yowl Crocodilepaw plunged into the water, with a massive splash.
The apprentices broke up and a bout of manic laughter, Talonpaw couldn’t help but join in. Croco-dilepaw shot to the surface shaking the water from his head.
“Haha. Great work” Goannapaw chortled “you really mastered the dive there.”
“Yeah” his sister agreed “can I try.”
Crocodilepaw shook his head and glared at them “that wasn’t what was supposed to happen” he growled irritably.
“Oh yes” Goannapaw grinned “you were supposed to dive gracefully into the water like a huge Barra, well done.”
Talonpaw purred “any cat could see that the branch was too thin” he teased “if you had stopped earlier you could have succeeded.”
Crocodilepaw glared at him “how would you know Roobrain!” he hissed “I’d like to see you try.”
Talonpaw stared at him; confused “I was only trying to help” he meowed.
“Well don’t” Crocodilepaw huffed “you can’t even get the right river.”
Talonpaw bristled and glared at him, he opened his mouth to make a stinging retort but Geckopaw pushed between them “enough” she hissed, her voice uncharacteristically sharp “we were only teasing brother” she turned to face Crocodilepaw “we didn’t mean anything by it.”
Crocodile ignored her, glaring over her shoulder at Talonpaw, who bared his fangs. Then Crocodilepaw snorted. Turned and swam to shore, without looking back he raced into the trees.
Geckopaw sighed as she watched him go “sorry about my brother” she apologised “he’s not all that bad.”
But Talonpaw ignored her, he glared after Crocodilepaw ‘ you’re just as arrogant as your father’ he thought ‘and if you get in my way again ill rip out your worthless throat’.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Talonpaw dug his claws into the thick trunk of the tree as he hauled himself up. The trunks was wider than him, the bark smooth as silk.
Redclaw was crouched on the lowest branch watching him “come on” he called “push yourself up with your hind legs and pull with your forepaws, it’s easy.”
“Easy for you” Talonpaw muttered under his breath. This was only his second time climbing and Red-claw seemed to have picked the biggest and thickest Ghost gum in the territory. Grunting with the ef-fort Talonpaw pulled himself up inch by inch. The smooth bark was hard to grip and the trunk seemed impossibly long.
At last Talonpaw hauled himself close to the lowest branch. Redclaw moved aside to give him room. As he hooked his claws onto the branch to haul himself up, his back paws slipped from under him, his hindquarters and belly smashed into the trunk, and one of his forepaws slipped from the branch. He dangled from one paw, the ground seemed far below. With a hiss Talonpaw managed to hook his claws into the bark and haul himself up.
He crouched; panting at the top “Well done” Redclaw praised him.
Talkonpaw raised his head to glare at his mentor “why didn’t you help me?” he snarled “I could have fallen to my death!”
Redclaw shrugged “every cat has to learn by themselves” he retorted “besides you knew what to do.”
Talonpaw curled his lips “but what if I didn’t” he snarled.
Redclaw gave him a stern look “every cat can climb from birth” he growled “we can climb like lizards. Every cat instinctively knows how to right themselves” he grinned “and they always land on their paws” he shuffled on the branch “watch.” Redclaw shuffled backwards then let go of the branch.
Talonpaw stared in astonishment ‘what?’
Redclaw plunged towards the ground upside down. Swiftly he twisted his body so that first his fore-paws and then his back legs were facing the ground.
He landed gracefully, his strong legs breaking his fall.
Talonpaw stared at him over the branch “what did you do that for?” he gasped “are you mad?”
To show you how it’s done “Redclaw replied with amusement “now you try.”
“But…”
“Just do it” Redclaw urged “your body will know instinctively what to do.”
Talonpaw straightened, staring down at the long drop, he hesitated. What if he failed to right himself, he’d slam into the ground.
He pushed the thought away. Crocodilepaw would never hesitate. Talonpaw let himself wall backwards as Redclaw had done. The ground sped closer, Talonpaw quickly twisted his forepaws towards the ground and then his hindquarters swung round so that he landed neatly on all fours, his legs absorbing the impact of the landing. He couldn’t help but purr with satisfaction.
“Well done” Redclaw praised him. Thunder rumbled overhead, and dark clouds covered the sun. A storm was coming as it did every afternoon in the wet season.
Redclaw looked up “we’d better get back to camp before…”
A loud crack of lighting split the air and rain poured down into the bush. Talonpaw hissed and followed Redclaw and he suddenly raced toward camp. The reached the entrance and scrambled down the boul-ders into camp, the clearing was deserted the clan was hiding in their nests.
Talonpaw raced for the apprentices den and ducked inside relishing the dry den. He shook out his fur, spraying water everywhere.
“Hey watch it” and angry voice snarled “just because you’re wet doesn’t mean we have to be.”
Talonpaw turned to glare at Crocodilepaw “sorry” he apologised ungraciously “I’ll just lie in my nest soaked shall I.”
Crocodilepaw snorted? Better that getting us wet with your stink” he hissed.
Talopaw stalked up to him “It’s you who stinks.” he hissed.
“Oh would you two shut up” Goannapaw’s voice sounded from a few tail lengths away “seriously do you toms have to fight over everything?”
Talonpaw and Crocodilepaw turned to glance at her; she glared at them from her nest where she was chatting with Geckopaw.
Talopaw opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it. He snorted and settled into his own nest, his back to Crocodilepaw.
That arrogant tom thinks he’s superior just because he’s the leader’s son he thought bitterly well I’m not going to let him boss me around.
Chapter 5 - A darkened heart Talonpaw stretched in his den, his paws kneading his nest. It had been three moons since he had begun his training and he was getting better at fighting and hunting. He was already the best fighter among the apprentices.
It was still dawn but it was already muggy and wet. The previous night’s storm had soaked the ground and made the humidity worse. Every cat had fled to the dens when the storm hit. It had been a particu-larly nasty one. The lightening had seemed to split the sky in two and rain had poured down so hard the floor of the camp had begun to flood.
Talonpaw pushed his way out of the den, letting out an annoyed hiss as his paws sank into the mud. Outside was even worse, the air itself seemed to wet his fur. With another hiss he ran over to the camp entrance to wait for Redclaw and the rest of the patrol. He slithered into a dry boulder and waited.
Before long, Redclaw appeared with Ofspreywing, Eagletalon and their Apprentices Pythonpaw and Hoppingpaw.
Redclaw nodded to him as he approached then sat down to talk with the other warriors.
Rocks clattering down the camp entrance announced the arrival of the dawn patrol. Kookaburrawing appeared with Goannapaw and Magpiewing.
Goannapaw bounded excitedly up to Talonpaw making him jump “guess what, guess what?” she squeaked like a kit “I’m going to be a warrior” she went on without giving him a chance to speak.
“I passed my assessment and now I’m going to be a warrior.”
“Aw that’s not fair” Pythonpaw protested, padding up with Hoppingpaw “when do I get to be a warri-or?”
“After you’ve passed today’s assessment” Eagletalon answered, he narrowed his eyes “remember you have your assessment today too, so you have your chance.”
“But you need to be quiet” Goannapaw teased “or you’ll scare all the prey away with your noise!”
Pythonpaw snorted “you should talk” he growled “the prey can hear you coming for miles with your non stop talking.”
Talonpaw leapt out of the way as Goannapaw leapt onto her brother and rolled him onto his back.
“Enough you two” Eagletalon scolded “It’s time for your assessment Pythonpaw, come on.”
He led the way out of the camp. Talonpaw followed “keep an eye on my brother” Goannapaw whis-pered as he went past.
Outside the bush was still dripping with the previous night’s rain. Talonpaw avoided any low lying bushes.
Eagletalon stopped and turned to the apprentices “Pythonpaw, you may begin your assessment” he be-gan “you will be assessed on your stalking and hunting skills, and remember” he went on as Pythonpaw began to shift impatiently from paw to paw “we will be watching you!”
As Pythonpaw dashed off Kookaburrawing turned to Talonpaw “it’s time to asses your skills too” he announced “off you go.”
Talonpaw trotted in the opposite direction to Pythonpaw, towards Crocodile River.
He skirted along the banks, far enough from the water to keep a look out for crocs. Almost at once he spotted a rabbit close to the water’s edge, nibbling on some lush grass.
He dropped into a crouch and stalked slowly forwards. Aware of every step, as well as movement from the water. When he was only a metre from the rabbit it froze and looked up. Instantly Talonpaw dropped, flat to the ground, hardly daring to breathe as the rabbit looked his way. The rabbit paused and seemed to stare straight at him, but still, it did not run.
‘It’s now or never’ Talonopaw thought, he bunched his muscles to leap.
“howowwl” a loud caterwauling broke out on the other side of the river. The rabbit spun around and fled along the bank.
Talonpaw straightened abruptly and turned around.
Two dingo pups were standing on the opposite bank, laughing nastily “haha didn’t make the catch” fleabag “the biggest dingo pup sneered “you should try better.”
Talopaw stalked right up to the water’s edge “you scared it off!” he snarled “you ruined my catch”
“We didn’t need too” The dingo retorted “you’d already failed.”
Fury rose in Talonpaw “come and say that to my face, you pieces of Roodung!” He snarled, unwittingly he took a step forwards. He winced as water surged over his paws. He jumped back with a startled hiss.
“Ha! coward” the dingo taunted “run back to your clan.”
Talonpaw met the dingo’s gaze with a look of hatred “you won’t get away with this” he yelled across “I’ll make you pay!”
He turned away, ignoring the mocking laughs behind him ‘I’ll get you back’ he promised ‘even if I have to rip out your throat myself’
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
“Aww why don’t I get to go” Talonpaw rolled his eyes as Goannatail protested “I’m a warrior, I should get to go.”
“You have to sit vigil as is tradition” her former mentor scolded her “every cat has to sit vigil” he flicked his tail towards the camp entrance “now go join your brother”
“I should be allowed to go” Goannatail muttered as he stalked away.
Talonpaw let out and exasperated sigh “shouldn’t you just be happy you’re a warrior now?” He asked, annoyed.
“I am” Goannatail told him “but I really wanted to go with you to your first gathering, so I can intro-duce you to all the apprentices”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine” Talonpaw murmured
“What’s gotten under your fur” Goannatail snorted indignantly
“Nothing!” Talonpaw muttered, he stalked over to join the rest of the gathering party. Despite the ex-citement around him Talonpaw couldn’t join in. He was still thinking about that smart mouthed dingo pup. That piece of roodung had cost him his fresh kill and made him look bad in front of his mentor, who had apparently seen the whole thing. Talonpaw dug his claws into the dirt ‘I’ll get my revenge, you can be sure of that’
“Talonpaw, Talonpaw come on!” his mentor’s voice broke him out of his dark thoughts, he looked up, the other cats had left, Redclaw was standing impatiently in at the entrance, his tail flicking.
Talonpaw raced over and followed him out of the camp “I want to know everything tomorrow morn-ing” Goannatail whispered under her breath as he passed.
The cats made good time through the trees, without the sun it was cooler, but still unbearably humid.
They reached the gathering river and swam across. On the island, countless cats were bustling about, filling the air with friendly banter and chat.
Talonpaw flattened his ears and kept to his mentor’s side, as they passed through throngs of cats from the other clans.
When they reached the gathering rock the clan stopped and Falconstar flicked his tail as permission for the cats to break up and relax.
Most cats melted into the crowds, but Talonpaw stayed by his mentor’s side.
Redclaw pushed him away with his flank “go and find some apprentices from the other clans” he sug-gested “it’ll be good to meet them.”
Talonpaw snorted “I don’t want to”
Redclaw rolled his eyes “they won’t bite Talonpaw” he sighed “just go and find them.”
He trotted away, joining a bunch of strange smelling warriors.
“Come on Talonpaw” Geckopaw meowed excitedly “I’ll show you around.” She melted into the crowd, leaving Talonpaw no choice but to follow.
He met her bunched together with a group of unfamiliar apprentices; they all stared at him as he ap-proached them.
“This is Talonpaw our newest apprentice” Geckopaw introduced him.
The apprentices murmured greetings “how’s the prey running in your territory?” a dark brown tabby asked politely.
“Fine thanks” Talonpaw meowed curtly, he turned away.
“Is he always that rude” he heard another apprentice whisper to Geckopaw
Talonpaw heard a light slap, as if his fellow denmate had slapped the speaker with her tail “you’re not so pleasant yourself Tiapanpaw, besides he’s just upset because of the incident with the dingoes today.”
Talonpaw spun around “how do you know about that?” he snarled.
Geckopaw shrugged “Mouseclaw told me” she flicked him with her tail “besides it’s nothing to worry about, ignore them, they’re just fluff brains.”
Tiapanpaw snorted “yeah, they’ll try to provoke you but don’t let them.”
Talonpaw’s eyes narrowed ‘too late’
He jumped as a yowl for silence split the air “gather, it’s time for the meeting to start.”
The clans fell silent as they turned towards the leaders on the rock. A grey she cat stepped forwards “the prey is running well in Bushclan” she announced “we grow fat on our prey.”
“But not all the news is good” she went on, her eyes darkened “one of our warriors was caught by a croc, it snatched him from the shore like a rabbit, so be warned, take extra care around the water.”
Talonpaw snorted “as if we didn’t know that already” he muttered.
Sapstar, the leader of Gumtreeclan spoke next, speaking of new warriors and good prey.
Talonpaw rolled his eyes, boring!, wasn’t there any interesting news to spread.
Finally Falconstar took his place at the front.
“Prey is running well in Acaciaclan too” he announced “we have two new warriors made today. Goan-napaw and her brother Pythonaw are now Goannatail and Pythonfang.”
“Goannatail, Pythonfang,Goannapaw, Pythonfang” exited yowls rang around the clearing.
“Unfortunately they had to keep their vigil tonight, but I’m sure they’ll be at the next gathering” Fal-constar continued when the noise had died down.
“Isn’t he just so strong and brave up there?” Geckopaw’s breath stirred his ear “I’m so glad he’s my dad.”
“Sure” Talonpaw muttered.
Geckopaw brightened, oblivious to his dark tone, her tail flicked excitedly.
“The gathering is over” Falconstar called out “let us….”
Bang! His voice was drowned out by a huge clap of thunder. The air hissed around them. A heartbeat later the skies opened and rain pelted down, so hard it was hard to see.
The cats yowled and scattered, heading for the river. Talonpaw followed Geckopaw as she raced away. The river felt colder than the rain, but Talonpaw was soaked already, he didn’t care.
“Come on, hurry” Geckopaw called as she raced away with her clanmates.
But Talonpaw stayed where he was, this was the perfect chance to get his revenge. The rain would cov-er his scent. Turning he raced towards Crocodile River.
The rain was so heavy, that it bounced off the wet earth. But Talonpaw pushed on, determined.
At last he reached the river, it was dark and rather creepy in the dark with rain rippling it’s surface. Talonpaw turned and trotted alongside it. He knew there was a way of crossing the river safely, Red-claw had showed it to him when he had first started his training.
He made it to the shear cliffs on the edge of his territory. The waterfall pounded down, loud enough to be heard even over the pouring rain. Talonpaw looked up, a small, hidden path lay behind the waterfall a few tail lengths above his head.
Bunching his muscles he leapt onto the ledge. Carefully, so as not to slip on the wet rock he crept for-wards, crouching down low. He stopped at the other end of the path and looked down. The path looked clear, even dingoes knew better than to stay out in this weather.
He leapt down to the soaked earth and, keeping low, crept into the bush. He paused to taste the air; he had to locate the dingo pack’s camp. But it was no use; the rain washed away any scent.
He crept further into the forest, surely the dingo’s camp would be in the middle of their territory, just like his clan’s was.
He hadn’t gone far before he heard voices ahead. He halted and pressed himself to the ground.
“….We shouldn’t be out here” a voice yelled above the rain “we’ll get into trouble.”
“Oh come on” the second voice answered “no one will know we snuck out, the rain will cover our scents.”
“But you know how good of a tracker Oaka is, they’ll find out” the first voice came again
“…fine go back if you want” The second voice growled “but I’m going on.”
There was a few moments silence, then finally Talonpaw heard the slight rustle of approaching paw steps, they were heading right towards him. He raised himself a little higher to peer out of his hiding place. He could just make out a small shadow heading straight for him. He licked his lips, this couldn’t be more perfect.
He waited until the dingo pup came closer, then he leapt. He landed on it’s back with a snarl of fury and dug in his claws. The dingo pup yelped in surprise and anger, it tried to shake him off, but he clung on.
“You’ll regret mocking me” Talonpaw sneered in its ear. He twisted his head and sunk his fangs into the dingo’s throat and raked its back with his claws until blood soaked his hind paws.
The dingo pup let out one more startled, strangled yelp and collapsed onto the ground. Talonpaw ripped out its throat, blood spraying his chest.
He watched coldly as the dingo’s body convulsed before finally laying still. The rain was already wash-ing the blood into the ground, turning it crimson. He lifted his head to let the rain wash the blood from is fur.
Then he raced back to his own territory, he crossed the waterfall path more easily this time and raced back into camp. As he’d hoped, the clearing was deserted. He slipped back into his own nest and closed his eyes..
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 10, 2018 1:30:38 GMT -5
Chapter 6 - An abomination Panicked yowls jolted Talonpaw from his sleep. He jerked awake and scrambled to his paws. The yowls were coming from the camp. Hurriedly he pushed his way through the Entrance to the apprentices den and into the clearing.
The dawn patrol was talking to Falconstar, their tails twitching and their fur standing on end.
“The Dingoes are coming” Barramundiclaw” was saying “a patrol is heading our way”
Falconstar stiffened “why?”
“We don’t know” Barramundiclaw answered “we just know they’re heading straight for us.
The camp entrance rustled, every cat stopped murmuring and turned as one, to look.
A large, muscular dingo pushed his way through. His light reddish fur rippled and his piercing yellow eyes narrowed.
Behind him a second dingo stalked in, a female and obviously his mate. She looked mean; her gaze swept the cats coldly.
Two more dingoes followed them in, both were black with tan and white markings. Somehow they looked even more menacing than the leaders. Their black faces and yellow eyes making them look fierce.
Cats parted as they made their way through the crowd. They stalked through confidently, their heads held high.
Falconstar stalked forwards to meet them as they stopped in front of him. He held his chin high, though Talonpaw could see his unease.
“What do you want here Oaka?” He asked in a strong, commanding voice
The lead dingo, Oaka took a step forwards “we are here because one of your kind killed our pup” he snarled.
A collective gasp rang out among the clan. Falconstar glared at the Oaka “what do you mean” he growled “what is going on.”
This time it was Oaka’s mate who stepped forwards “we found a pup dead not far from our camp this morning” she snarled “his throat had been ripped out”
Falconstar snorted “so” he scoffed “that has nothing to do with us. Perhaps you should look to your own kind.”
The alpha female’s ears flattened and her face contorted into an ugly snarl “a dingo did not do this” she snarled “the rip of the teeth were far too small for a dingo. We examined the body; this was done by a cat.”
Talonpaw stiffened; he hadn’t thought that the dingoes would figure it out, had he left any fur on the body?
“What are they talking about?” Goannatail’s voice made him jump “a cat would never kill a pup, it’s an abomination.”
Talonpaw curled his lips “perhaps they had a good reason” he growled
Goannatail stared at him “there’s no good reason for killing” she muttered darkly.
“Admit it” The Alpha female dingo snarled “one of your cats killed my pup!”
“I’ll admit nothing” Falconstar snarled “my warriors do not kill innocent pups” he took a step forwards “now get out.”
The lead female snapped her teeth “Make us!” she snarled “you must pay for this abomination.”
The lead male flicked his tail “let’s go” he growled “they’re too cowardly to admit it.”
Falconstar growled but Oaka turned and headed for the entrance,. His mate followed “this isn’t over!” she hissed over her shoulder.”
They disappeared into the bush.
Falconstar turned to his warriors “Magpiewing take a patrol and make sure they leave” he ordered “don’t confront them just follow.”
Magpie nodded, signalled to the closest warriors and raced out of camp.
“The rest of you organise yourselves into patrols” Falconstar ordered.
Once the clan had begun to disperse Falconstar turned to glare at Talonpaw then stalked towards him.
“I know it was you apprentice” the leader hissed, stopping beside him and whispering in his ear “and I’m going to prove it.”
Talonpaw curled his lips into a snarl “you can’t prove anything old cat” he hissed.
Falconstar opened his mouth to reply but Goannatail interrupted him “come on Talonpaw” she called from across the clearing “we’re going hunting”
Talonpaw glared at Faloconstar “you’ll never prove I did it” he whispered menacingly. Then he turned and stalked towards his denmate.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Talnonpaw followed Geckopaw through the bush, the day was warm and humid and a dark shadow was already on the horizon, promising a storm later in the day.
It was Talonpaw’s first hunting mission without his mentor and he had been paired up with Geckopaw to practice hunting as a team.
“I think we should start close to the river” Geckopaw was saying “it’ll be cooler there and the prey will be hiding near the waters edge
“I guess so” Talonpaw muttered
“And then we can go for a swim” she went on excitedly
“Sure” Talonpaw muttered
Geckopaw bounced around him “oh come on Talonpaw” she meowed “be excited, we’re out on our first solo hunt “what’s wrong with you?”
Talonpaw rolled his eyes, he couldn’t stand her happy go lucky nature “I’m just worried about the din-goes” he lied.
Geckopaw shrugged “don’t be, they’re liars” she dismissed calmly
Talonpaw blinked at her in surprise, he had never heard her sound so serious
“Besides” she went on “my father will make sure they don’t come back”
Talonpaw’s lips curled into a snarl, Geckopaw and her brother were always bragging about having a clan leader as their father.
“What makes your father so great?” Talonpaw asked.
Geckopaw halted and turned to glare at him “he’s the clan leader” she snapped
Talonpaw snorted “it doesn’t mean you have to brag about it”
Geckopaw sighed “I don’t brag” she growled “now are we going to hunt or not?” Without waiting for an answer she spun around and raced away.
Talonpaw rolled his eyes and followed. Geckopaw was dropped into a hunting crouch when he caught up with her, stalking a large crow.
He crouched down to wait for her to make her catch. She slid silently towards it as it picked at some-thing on the ground. Leaves littered the ground. Geckopaw crept closer; suddenly she let out a yowl of fear. Startled Talonpaw stood up, just in time to see a flash of brown rear up and sink long fangs into her leg. She screeched!
‘Deathfang!’ Talonpaw thought. It reared again as Geckopaw crumpled to the ground.
Talonpaw took a step forward to help his clanmate, then stopped. Why should he save the clan leader’s daughter, with her out of the way there would be one less threat to his ambitions.
He watched Geckopaw writhe in agony as the venom scorched through her veins ‘you’re a stupid she cat’ he thought nastily ‘with you dead I won’t have to compete for the leadership!’
He backed away, glaring at Gecopaw.
The she cat looked at him in astonishment “Talonpaw” she screeched “help me!”
Talonpaw glared at her “why should I?” he asked coldly “with you out of the way I can become leader and finally kill your worthless father”
“No!” Geckopaw gasped out, anger filling her voice despite the pain “Starclan won’t let you, my broth-er will stop you.”
Talonpaw purred with amusement “no cat can stop me” he sneered
He turned his back on her and headed back towards camp, ignoring her yowls of pain and anger behind him.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
A yowl split the air outside camp “help me!”
Talonpaw stiffened, his mouse falling from his lips as Geckopaw stumbled into camp “help me please” she strained.
The cats in the clearing immediately raced towards her and Sagefur hurried from his den, herbs clamped in his jaws.
Talonpaw raced over, shouldering his way through the crowd.
“What happened?” Falconstar gasped
“S-snake” Geckopaw stammered “D-Deathfang!”
Falconstar stiffened; the colour seemed to drain from his face “no!”
Geckopaw’s eyes met Talonpaw’s, she glared at him “Talonpaw left me to die” she panted “traitor.”
“He what!....” clan cats burst into a clamour around him “he wouldn’t”
Falconstar glared at Talonpaw “how dare you” his voice was menacingly soft, dripping with venom.
“But I didn’t” Talonpaw protested “I didn’t even know she was bitten.”
“Liar!” Geckopaw growled
Falconstar took a step towards him and opened his mouth to argue but a screech from his daughter in-terrupted him. Geckopaw was writhing on the ground, her body twisting horribly. A thin wail escaped her lips “don’t just stand there” the leader snapped at Sagefur “do something!”
Sagefur dipped his head “I’m sorry Falconstar” he murmured there’s nothing I can do, the venom has reached her heart.”
“No!” Falconstar flung himself at his daughter’s side. But it was too late, Geckopaw gave one last shut-ter and died, her body twisted at an awful angle and her jaws parted in a final yowl of pain.
“NO!” Faloconstar screeched. He pressed his nose to his Daughter’s pelt. The clan fell silent, watching their leader in shock.
Falconstar murmured something into her fur his eyes closed.
Then he stood up and spun around, his gaze full of hatred “you!” he snarled at Talonpaw. He leapt for-wards and slashed his claws down Talonpaw’s face.
Talonpaw snarled in agony as he felt flesh tear, he staggered backwards and barley had time to think as Falconstar knocked him onto his back and sunk his teeth into his throat”
Talonpaw gasped and tried vainly to pull himself free, but Falconstar’s grip was too strong. He felt flesh tear at his throat and blood pulse down his fur.
“Falconstar! stop please!” Talonpaw’s mother’s voice cut into the haze of pain “stop!”
Falconstar released his grip “I’m going to kill him like you should have done when you kitted him” he snarled. There were gasps from the clan.
“No please!” his mother pleaded “let him go”
Falconstar glared at her for several heartbeats, then finally he stepped away from Talonpaw, releasing him. The leader turned to glare at Talonpaw, hatred filling his gaze “get out” he snarled “you are ban-ished from this clan, if you ever return I’ll rip you to shreds”
Talonopaw staggered to his paws and glared at Falconstar “You can try” blood pulsed from his throat as he spoke, and dripped into his eyes. He turned and staggered for the camp entrance. Before he reached it her turned to glare at the clan “don’t think this is over” he snarled “I’ll destroy you all”
With that he turned and stumbled through the camp entrance and out of clan territory.
When he was far enough away he crumpled to the ground, his blood staining the ground. ‘I’ll be back and when I am I’ll kill you all” darkness overcome his vision as Talonpaw slipped into unconsciousness.
Chapter 7 - The denial of a mother Dingofur watched helplessly as her son left the camp, staggering and limping, she couldn’t bear seeing him leave.
Falconstar was watching coldly as Talonpaw left the camp, his lips still twisted into a snarl. He turned to Dingofur “you should have killed him at birth like Starclan commanded!” he snarled at her.
The clan gasped in shock behind him but he ignored them.
Dingofur bristled “never!” she spat defiantly “I would never kill my own son”
“Then you’re a fool” Falconstar hissed “and you have doomed us all to destruction.”
Dingofur glared at him “I will never believe that!” she snarled “my son is not part of some dumb prophecy and he never will be.”
Falconstar stared at her for a long time, his eyes narrowed “you keep on believing that” he hissed softly.
He turned away from her and padded to his daughter’s side. Carefully he grasped her by the scruff and carried her into the centre of the clearing. Her put her down and muttered something to her, then he turned and bounded up to the leaders rock, he leapt on top and called out a summons “let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the leader’s rock for a clan meeting, it is time you knew the truth” as he spoke the last words he shot a glare at Dingofur.
She glared back at him, there was no way she was going to be a part of this meeting. She turned and headed out of the camp. She could still smell her son’s scent lingering on the rocks, she stiffened, she had to find him!
She raced away, following Talonpaw’s scent. It led towards the border of unclaimed territory, where no clan lived. She followed it all the way to the border, hoping to catch up with her son. But his scent carried across the scent line. She stopped, could she really follow him into unclaimed land?
With a last glance over her shoulder, she made up her mind and crossed the border. Unfamiliar scents filled her senses and clan scent faded behind her. She opened her mouth trying to scent where her son had gone. She followed his scent through the unfamiliar bush until she came to a small stream. It was clear he has crossed it, but when Dingofur tried to pick up his scent on the other side, but she couldn’t. It had disappeared; the water had washed away his scent.
Frustrated she turned and stared into the bush, hoping to see some sign of her son. But there was no movement in the bushes; no one came out to greet her.
Sadly, she turned and trotted back the way she had come and crossed the border once more. She made her way to the river that separated the clan territories from the Dingo’s, known as Crocodile River. She may as well hunt, and the river was a good place to start. Prey was often found around its cool banks, feeding of the lush grass and plants.
She picked up her pace until she was running through the forest, ignoring the heat that hung in the air like a swim through hot water.
She halted at the river, panting, resisting the urge to drop her head and drink from its cool waters, knowing the dangers that lurked beneath. She turned and gazed up at the trees high above her, beside the river they were tall and healthy, feeding off the plentiful water.
One of the trees close to her had branches low enough to climb to. Dingofur raced over and leapt half-way up the trunk in a massive leap. She clawed her way upwards, quickly reaching the lowest branch. She climbed further into the tree, getting higher and higher with each bound.
Finally she stopped, far from the floor of the bush. She looked down, from this high the river looked small. She reeled, dizzy from the height, she steadied herself on the branch, until the dizziness faded. Then she looked around once more. She could see everything from this high up, the waterfall pounded down with a constant roar, throwing up a wide expanse of white froth where it pounded into the water below. Dingofur could see to the top of the cliff, where the waterfall fell down the side. But it was still far too high to see over the top.
A rustling in the tree above her made her jump and spin around. She gasped, a huge, Wedge Tailed Ea-gle was sitting in the tree just above her, watching her with its murderous and piercing yellow eyes.
It stood taller than her by at least two cat lengths and its talons were larger that her head.
She backed away, her gaze never leaving the hungry eagle. She saw it lean forward, it was going to attack!
She looked wildly around for an escape route, but she knew there was only one way to go, down!
She saw the eagle crouch, ready to spring straight at her. With a shrill cry of horror, she leapt from the branch and plunged straight towards Crocodile River!
Chapter 8 - The rouges Talonpaw lay in a sticky fever, time appeared to pass slowly, and it seemed like he had lain there for moons.
Finally, Talonpaw pushed himself to his paws. Dried blood stuck to his fur and pooled on the ground beneath him and his left eye was swollen shut.
He stumbled over to a small creak and drank from it, the cold water soothing his fever slightly. Then, he waded into the shallow water, crouching down to let it wash the dried blood from his pelt and seal his wounds. Briefly, he dipped his head beneath the water, to wash the wound and his throat and clean his sticky, blood soaked face.
He climbed onto the bank, daring not shake himself in case he re-opened his wounds. He turned and stared into the creek water where he could just make out his reflection in the water.
The wound in his throat was deep and savage, a lot of fur and a chunk of flesh had been torn away. Despite his soaking, blood was beginning to flow from the wound again.
The left side of his face was maimed; fur had been ripped away, revealing an ugly, red slash that ran from his ear to his cheek. His left eye was swollen and he couldn’t open it. He hoped he would be able to regain his sight when it healed, but he suspected the fur may never grow back.
He glared into the water and bared his teeth. He was going to make Falconstar pay for maiming him.
He knew some basic herbs to help him cure his wounds.
Turing away from the water he quickly found the first herb. A small, creeping herb, called Healing Bush, he knew the leaves helped heal wounds.
He chewed off some leaves and spat them into the roots of a large gum tree.
The next herb was Clinging Weed, another climbing herb that invaded other plants and trees. He found what he was looking for, the un-ripened fruits, tore some off and placed them with the other herb. Last-ly he tore off a large clump of cobwebs from the inside of a fallen tree.
He chewed the un-ripened fruit into a pulp, and, with some difficulty, applied it to the nasty wounds on his throat. Next he chewed the leaves and added them into the pulp. Then he spread the cobweb over the lot, holding it all in place. He repeated the process with his face.
When he was finished he drank from the stream, relieving his parched throat, then he searched for prey. Before long he saw a small mouse nibbling at some ripe fruits that had fallen from the Purple Weed. He crouched down, wincing when his wounds throbbed. With his sight hampered it was harder to pinpoint where to jump but he managed to catch the mouse with one bite.
He gulped it down, suddenly realising how hungry he was. Afterwards he sat and groomed himself careful not to reopen the wounds.
He was determined to destroy his former clans and take over the territories. But he needed followers, cats like him who had ambitions. The clans encountered lone cats from time to time, so there had to be cats around somewhere.
He got to his paws and headed in the direction he had been traveling when he had fled.
________________________________________
Talonpaw crouched down, his gaze fixed on the fat rabbit just ahead of him. He crept silently forwards, his gaze never leaving the delicious prey.
Finally when he was close enough he leapt, the rabbit fled, racing away at top speed.
Frustrated Talonpaw tore after it, it outpaced him into some bushes, a heartbeat later a squeal erupted from the other side. Talonpaw followed and skidded to a halt so quickly he almost toppled over.
A huge she cat was standing in front of him with an equally huge tom standing behind her. She had the dead rabbit pinned down beneath her paw, which was ragged and half missing.
The she cat drew he lips back in a derisive snarl “Missing something?”
Talonpaw glared at her “yes, that was my prey” he snarled “give it back”
“I don’t have to listen to a puny weakling like you” she purred “why don’t you try and take it from me half face!”
With a hiss of fury, Talonpaw leapt at her. She cat lashed out her huge, half paw and battered him aside. She pinned him to the ground “what do you want here?” she snarled.
Talonpaw snorted “nothing I’m going to discuss with you” he snarled “do you have a leader?”
“Why would our leader wish to see you?” the she cat asked scornfully” he doesn’t like outsiders”
“Because I can give him the chance to rule over the warrior clans” Talonpaw hissed
________________________________________
The red she cat led Talonpaw towards a huge Banyan Tree. The massive tangling roots stretch upwards for many cat lengths and snaked into the ground like huge, fat snakes.
They stopped at the base “stay here or I’ll rip your pelt off” the she cat hissed. She slipped behind the roots and disappeared. The tom stayed behind with Talonpaw.
Talonpaw tipped his head to one side, where on earth had the she cat gone. He stepped closer and peered at the roots. He could see an opening but he couldn’t see in.
The tom pushed past him, blocking his view and leapt up onto one of the roots.
After a while the she cat reappeared “follow me” she hissed.
She leapt back behind the root. Talonpaw leapt up behind her, now he could see a large opening behind the root. It led into darkness; he leapt down after the she cat.
Once his eyes adjusted he saw a cave of tree roots and cool earth dappled with sunlight.
The roof of the cave consisted of the main trunk of the tree, many cat lengths up and he could pick out several nests tucked among the supporting roots on the floor of the cave.
Cats were moving around inside, turning to glare at him. At the rear of the strange cave a huge, scarred tom was sitting on a tangle of smaller roots that formed a sort of platform. He gave Talonpaw a baleful glare through calculating yellow eyes.
Talonpaw returned the glare, raising his chin high. He stopped below the platform “I have come to offer you a chance at power” Talonpaw snarled “a chance to destroy the warrior clans.”
The leader narrowed his eyes “really?” he meowed, his voice was deep, smooth and menacing “you can offer us power” he peeled back his lips in a derisive grin “an apprentice!”
Talonpaw bristled “I’m not an apprentice” he snarled “clan names for me mean nothing, I know how to look after myself and I’m going to kill every clan cat beside the river”
The leader snorted “you!” he scoffed “one cat?”
“You could join me” Talonpaw snarled, bristling at the barb “together we could destroy the clans”
The rouge leader leaned forwards “what makes you think we want anything to do with those cats?” he hissed.
“Because they threaten your way of life” Talonpaw answered “because they have the prey rich territory, because they think they are superior over every other cat”
The huge leader leaped down from the platform and circled Talonpaw. A large ragged scar ran down his left side, stretching from his shoulder to his flank “why should we listen to you?” he hissed “you’re one of those retched clan cats, you’re the enemy”
Talonpaw whipped around to face him “I’m not one of those cowards” he snarled “they threw me out because I allowed a weakling cat to die. She didn’t deserve to live”
“Hmmm, did you kill her yourself?” the leader asked
Talonpaw grinned nastily “no, I left her to Deathfang venom, she died as she lived, a weakling cur”
The leader paused in front of Talonpaw and grinned, so just the tips of his sharp teeth were showing “you sound like a cat after my own heart” he growled “your name?”
Talonpaw thought for a second, he no longer considered himself an apprentice, no!, he was a warrior “My name is Talonfang!”
New characters - The rouges Rouge cats camp
The rouge camp is situated inside a huge banyan tree. The roots are huge and create a large hidden camp inside.
All the dens are inside, as well as a place at the rear of the cave to hold meetings and announcements.
Leader
Wildclaw – Mostly, dark grey tom cat with a mottled brown face, ears and colouring on legs and tail. White paws tail tip and a white stripe that runs down his back to the base of his tail.
A raged scar that runs down his left side, from just past his shoulder, down to his flank. Scars across his throat.
Second (deputy)
Foxclaw – Huge red she cat with a bushy, white tipped tail, white chest, throat and chin. Black legs and ear tips. A scar that runs down her face and between her eyes that makes it look as if her face is split in two. Part of her left paw is missing
Clear, deep blue eyes.
Fighters
Spottedfang – Heavily spotted tom cat with missing left ear and a scar across his left eye
Adder – Black tom with green eyes
Taipan – Mottled light and dark brown tom with harsh yellow eyes
Python – Brown she cat with amber eyes
Eagle – Light brown she cat with dark brown back and head. Black paws, piercing yellow eyes.
Possum – Grey tom with black. Yellow eyes
Brushtail – Grey she-cat with black and rings on tail and a cream brown underbelly. A scar that runs parallel to her spine (Twin to Possum)
Harrier – White spotted chestnut coloured tom with white underbelly and black paws. Piercing yellow eyes. Long, sharp claws like a bird of prey.
Kestrel –Light brown she cat with black paws and white chest
Kingfisher – Dark brown tabby with light brown tail and a white underbelly
Chapter 9 - Army of blood Dingofur plunged downwards towards the Crocodile River faster than she thought possible. Above her the eagle screeched in frustration, it’s deadly talons closed on empty air.
Instinctively Dingofur righted herself in mid-air with a natural twist of her body. A few heartbeats later she hit the water so hard; the force knocked the air from her lungs. The plunged down into the cool, murky water, her trail leaving a trail of white, foaming bubbles in her wake. Finally she was able to stop, for several heartbeats she was unable to tell up from down, but she saw the bubble trail still above her and kicked her way upwards, towards air and safety.
She broke the surface with a gasp, but she knew she had no time to linger, the splash would certainly have attracted the Crocs. She swam as fast and as silently as she could towards the shore. When she reached it, she scrambled up the bank and into some low growing bushes where she collapsed in ex-haustion.
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The rouge camp
“So how do you plan to destroy the clans” Wildclaw asked “tell us what you plan to do”
Talonfang stood with the rouge leader in front of the group of vicious cats. There was even more than had thought, there were more rouge cats here than his clan and Gumtree clan put together. Defeating the clans would be easy.
“We will band together and destroy the clans” he began in a nasty voice “we’ll start by picking off the weak and vulnerable, those that we can catch on their own. We’ll kill them and leave their bodies as a message to the clans. They will know something is coming to destroy them and they won’t be able to stop us!”
The rouge cats yowled their agreement. “Then we’ll kill their leaders and take over the clans, those that disobey us will be destroyed!”
Wildclaw chuckled derisively “we’ll be the most powerful cats there ever was” he growled softly, men-acingly.
“Then what are we waiting for?” Talonfang snarled “we should attack at once!”
The rouges yowled again. Wildfur walked among his cats, choosing a small group for the first attack. Talonfang joined the rouge leader as he gathered the group and headed out of camp, straight towards clan territory.
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Talonfang lead his new allies through his former clan’s territory. It was night-time and clouds covered the moon, making it easier to creep through the bush unnoticed. Before they entered clan territory they had rolled in fox scent to disguise their own scent. Talonfang couldn’t risk his clan knowing who had really killed his former clanmates. He knew that most nights there were patrols, if they could find one, they would pick out the weakest and attack.
They didn’t have to go far before they spotted a target. Just ahead three cats were making their way through the forest on a night patrol. Talonfang dropped into a crouch, signalling for the others to do the same.
He reached out a paw and rustled the nearest bush, shaking it slightly, just enough to make a noise.
One of the cats turned, and Talonfang saw that it was Ofspreywing “I heard something” she called to the other two “keep going, I’ll check it out!”
She nodded to the rest of her patrol and veered off, heading straight for Talonfang. He tensed in ex-citement “get ready” he murmured under his breath to his companions.
As soon as Ofspreywing reached them Talonfang leapt on her and pinned her to the ground. He shoved her muzzle into the earth, to muffle her surprise. Then he leant in close to her ear “greet Starclan for me” he mocked, he lunged for her throat and tore it out, blood spraying his chest. He stepped off her contemptuously and kicked a spray of dirt over her body. “Weakling” he hissed, he turned to his new allies “let’s go back to camp before we’re spotted”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Talonfang slid through the trees, creeping silently through the dark bush. He led another group of cats into the heart of his territory. It had been several nights since they’d killed Ofspreywing. Talonfang had wanted to attack again the next night but Wildclaw had insisted he get his wounds treated and rest. That would give them time to plan their attacks.
He paused as the brush ahead of him rustled and he smelled cat scent. He waved his tail in a signal for the others to stop too. He stared out, the bushes rustled just ahead. Talonfang waved his tail again, sig-nalling for two cats to split up and go either side of the bushes. Two cats, a white she-cat named Rabbit and a dark brown tabby tom named Harrier, veered off in opposite directions, planning to hem in the unsuspecting warrior.
The bushes rustled wildly and a cat stepped out, at the same time Rabbit and Fox leapt out and bowled the cat over, pinning it to the ground.
“No” Talonfang yowled, the cat was Goannatail “stop!”
Her shouldered his way out of his hiding place and over to his warriors “why do you want us to stop?” Harrier asked menacingly “are you having regrets?”
Talonfang glared at him “of course not” he snarled “but I know her…”
Talonpaw?” Goannapaw gasped “Is that you?” she scrambled to her paws and stared at him “great Starclan!” she exclaimed “what happened to you?”
Talonfang curled his lips into a snarl, the wounds on his face were beginning to heal, but Wildclaw had told him that they would never heal properly and the fur would probably never grow back “your pre-cious leader happened!” Talonfang snarled “don’t you remember what he did.”
“Of course I do” Goannatail meowed “he nearly shredded you…..” she paused “did you really leave Geckopaw to die Talonpaw?” she asked.
Talonfang glared at her “It’s Talonfang now” he hissed “and Geckopaw deserved what she got, she was a weakling.”
Goannatail’s eyes widened in shock and horror “No!” she gasped “you did kill her”
Talonfang snorted “I didn’t kill her” he snarled “the Deathfang did, it was her own fault”
“How can you even say that!” Goannapaw hissed “Geckopaw never did anything to you”
Talonpaw let out a short sinker “neither did Offspreywing, but that didn’t stop me did it?”
Goannatail gasped “You killed Offspreywing?”
“Yes!” Talonfang scoffed “didn’t you smell my scent on her body, see my fang marks in her throat?”
Goannatail began backing away “why. Why would you kill your own clanmates?”
“They’re not my clanmates!” Talonfang spat “they betrayed me, threw me out”
Goannatail glared at him “and it seems they were right to do so” she snarled “you’re the real traitor”
Talonfang snarled and launched himself at her, he bowled her over and pinned her to the ground “how dare you!” he snarled “if you think that way then I’ll kill you, like I killed poor helpless Offspreywing”
Goannatail glared back “go ahead” she snarled, she stretched her neck out, exposing the venerable part of her throat “do it, traitor!”
Talonfang opened his jaws and bent to give the killing bite. He paused, Goannatail had always been nice to him, from the moment he’d stepped out of the nursery, she’d never shown him anything but kindness. His jaws strained for the kill, but he couldn’t do it, he couldn’t bring himself to kill his former friend. He stepped off her.
“What are you doing?” Harrier asked “kill her”
“He can’t” Goannatail sneered “he can’t kill his old friend”
Talonfang glared at her, Goannatail had always been a fool “No I can’t” he hissed “but I can’t let you go back to the clan and warn them about us” he flicked his tail at Harrier and Rabbit “you’re coming with us”
Goannatail stared at him incredibly “You wouldn’t!” she hissed.
He signalled again with his tail and Fox clamped down on Goannatail’s muzzle “bring her” he hissed.
Rabbit and a few other rouges grabbed Goannatail and dragged her along, back towards Rouge territo-ry.
Chapter 10 -The fall of Acaciaclan (I'm not sure if I am happy with this chapter so I may change it or re-write it completely. But for now enjoy!) “What’s this?” Wildclaw sneered as Talonfang led his raiding party back into camp. A smirk crossed his face when he saw Goannatail.
“A prisoner” Talonfang growled “from my old clan” she may be useful as leverage for when we take over the clans”
“The only thing I’ll be useful for is tearing open you traitorous throat!” Goannapw snarled, ripping her muzzle free.
Wildclaw glared at her “take he to the prison” he ordered with a flick of his tail.
Talonfang followed Rabbit and Harrier as they dragged Goannatail over to a dark corner of the Banyan tree. He hadn’t realised the rouges had a prison.
Spottedfang and Adder raced ahead and used they paws and shoulders to pull the branches of the ban-yan tree apart. Inside was a small dark cave, completely encircled by the trees branches, creating a prison.
Rabbit and Harrier shoved Goannapaw into the prison so hard she fell into the dirt. Spottedfang and Adder let go of the branches.
“You cowards!” Goannatail snarled “let me out!” she lunged forwards and raked her claws at the braches, trying to claw her way out. But the branches held, there was no way she could move the branches from her side.
Spottedfang snorted “you won’t get out that way” he sneered
“Just wait until I get out of here, Ill shred you!”
Spottedfang snorted “you can try”
Wildclaw made his way over “who’s is she?” he asked.
Talonfang turned away from Goannatail “a former clanmate” he replied.
Wildclaw’s eyes narrowed “do you feel any connection to her?”
Talonfang turned to stare at Goannatail “no!” he muttered
Goannatail glared at him “what happened to you Talonfang” she hissed as Wildclaw and his rouges left.
Talonfang snorted “nothing happened to me” he hissed “this is what I was born to be”
“You were born to be a ruthless killer?” Goannatail asked incredulously “I don’t believe that”
Talonfang leant close “didn’t you hear what your precious leader said?” he taunted “that my mother should have killed me at birth?”
“You could have become something better” Goannatail told him “you don’t have to become what the prophecy said”
“But prophecies always come true don’t they” retorted Talonfang derisively “this is my destiny, if you don’t like it then tough”
He turned away and began walking back to the main camp “the clans will fall to the rouges and I shall rule”
“I can’t believe I ever loved you” Goannatail hissed softly
Talonfang halted, shocked, He turned back to Goannatail “you love me?” he asked.
Goannatail glared at him, hatred darkening her gaze “Not anymore!”
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Wildclaw addressed the rouges, his tail lashing with excitement “today we attack Acaciaclan” he yowled “we’ll kill Falconstar and take over the clan. Then we’ll destroy them all”
Talonfang stood with the rouge leader as he addressed his cats “Once Falconstar is dead I’ll be leader like I have always meant to be and the rouges will rule the bush”
He leapt down from the twisted Banyan roots and raced towards his former territory.
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Talonfang crouched outside Acaciaclan camp; from where he crouched he could just see Falconstar as he addressed the clan. The clan was obviously in a meeting, they had met no patrols on the way into clan territory.
“Magpiewing I want you and Crocodilejaw to travel to Bushclan” Falconstar was saying “Burramun-diclaw and Eagletalon you two are to travel to Gumtreeclan. Remember we are only asking whether they have seen Goannatail, we are not there to start a fight”
Talonfang stood and pushed his way into the camp “but I am” he snarled
As one the clan turned to stare at him, their gazes wide with shock.
“You!” Falconstar snarled “you’re alive”
Talonfang snorted “you can’t kill me” he padded forwards glaring hatefully at his former leader “your time is up, this is my clan now” he hissed “”I’ll rip you to shreds”
Falconstar smirked “you can try” he hissed
With a snarl Talonfang leapt at Falconstar aiming for his throat. But the leader was fast, Falconstar spun on his forepaws and kicked out with his hind paws, catching Talonfang square in the chest with a fierce kick that sent him crashing to the ground
Talonfang landed with a thump, got instantly to his paws and faced Falconstar.
“If you think taking over this clan will be that easy, you’re wrong” Falconstar snarled “I hold the will of Starclan, what do you have”
Talonfang glared at his former leader “I have the strength that comes from not being tied to Starclan” he hissed. He bunched his muscles and leapt. But Falconstar darted beneath him and bucked his back like a rabbit throwing him sideways out of his leap.
With a wordless hiss Talonfang tumbled across the dirt, cats leapt out of his way. He dug his claws into the dirt, halting his tumble and leaving deep scores in the earth. Then he used the momentum from the tumble to spring forwards and charge at Falconstar.
The leader snorted and stepped aside easily “you’re fighting like a kit” he taunted “I’ would have expected better from you.”
Talonfang glared at Falconstar, he knew anger was getting the better of him, blinding him in the fight “you must never fight angry” his former mentor’s words came back to him “you lose focus and for that you’ll die”
He fought to control his anger, focusing instead on his hatred of Falconstar. He watched as Falconstar bunched his muscles to leap, claws extended and teeth bared in a snarl. Time seemed to slow as Falconstar leapt forwards.
Talonfang dropped and rolled neatly out of the way fast as a snake. Falconstar crashed to the ground with a grunt of surprise. He was momentarily winded and Talonfang saw his chance and he took it. He lifted his front paw and slashed downwards catching Falconstar’s delicate ear. With a vicious snarl he ripped downwards in one vicious motion, felt the flesh tear, felt his claws meet in the soft flesh of the eye and tore it free from Falconstar’s face. Blood sprayed the earth and stained Talonfang’s paw.
The leader howled in agony. Talonfang shoved him onto his side and pinned him into the dirt.
Falconstar glared at him with absolute hatred “I should have killed you when you were born” he spat out, blood bubbling from his mouth.
Talonfang chuckled “yes you should have” he agreed nastily. He bent forwards and ripped out Falconstar’s throat, blood spraying his chest “but you didn’t”
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 10, 2018 1:30:51 GMT -5
Chapters 11-15 will go here Chapter 11 - A twisted rule NOTE: I originally had Talonfang kill Mouseclaw's kits (the original prologue) but I realized I had completely forgotten about it. So I changed it to her sister. This is the chapter where the prologue actually happens so I had to fix my stupid mistake. I may re-write or change chapter 10 as I feel it was a bit rushed.
Dingofur stared at the cat she had once called her son, the cat she had always trusted, ‘what a fool I was’.
Talonfang stood over the body of Falconstar, his paw placed scornfully over his mangled body and blood dripping from his fangs. He glared around the clan “now I’m leader” he snarled “I rightfully take his place.”
Mouseclaw, the clan deputy, stepped forward “you’re not leader yet” she hissed “you have to get through me first.”
Talonfang snorted “very well” he exploded off the ground, launching himself at the deputy. But
Mouseclaw dodged to one side quick as lighting and Talonfang crashed to the ground. Mouseclaw leapt onto his back, taking advantage of Talonfang’s momentary shock.
Yowling with rage Talonfang shook Mouseclaw easily from his back, Mouseclaw fell to the ground, but before she could get to her paws Talongfang pinned her down “you think you can challenge me” he sneered “heh!, this was too easy.”
Mouseclaw bared her fangs “whoever said I was going to make it easy” she snarled. She lunged for-wards and sunk her teeth into Talonfang’s throat.
The black and orange tom half snarled and half yowled in agony, and stumbled off Mouseclaw. Seeing her advantage she stood up, still holding his throat, and pinned him to the ground.
Talonfang went limp, a cruel, cunning grin spreading across his face “you think you’ve won” he hissed, his voice sounding strangled “you’ re wrong” he paused and looked into Mouseclaw’s eyes “didn’t you ever wonder who really killed your precious sister?” he sneered “didn’t you find my scent near her body, see my fangmarks on her throat?’
Mouseclaw let go of him in shock “no... You didn’t, you wouldn’t…….”
Talonfang climbed to his paws “I did” he sneered “and it was easy, that weakling, she deserved to die.”
“You devil!” Mouseclaw cried she leapt at him.
Talonfang leapt to meet her; he twisted in midair managing to clamp his jaws around her throat. She let out a screech as he pinned her to the ground with his fangs sunk into her throat. With a swift movement Talonfang tore out her throat.
The clan gasped in shock and horror, Talonfang turned to them, his muzzle and chest stained with blood.
“I’m leader now” he snarled “and there’s nothing you can do about it”
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Talonfang
“I’m leader now” Talonfang snarled, enjoying the looks of horror on his clanmate’s faces “and there’s nothing you can do about it!”
Crocodilepaw stepped forwards and glared at Talonfang “Starclan won’t accept you” he snarled “they won’t give you your nine lives”
Talonfang snorted “is that what you think Crocodilepaw?” he sneered “I don’t need Starclan, they’re weak”
“I’m Crocodilejaw now” Crocodilejaw snarled “and I will never let you take over this clan, I’ll stop you”
Talonfang snorted derisively “is that so” he mocked “I’m sure your sister would have been proud to see you standing up to me”
With a wordless hiss, Crocodilejaw sprang at Talonfang
Talonfang sprang to meet him and the two tussled viciously in a knot of fur
“You killed my father” Crocodilejaw snarled “and my sister, I’ll tear you to shreds”
Talonfang snorted derisively “he was weak” he snarled “he deserved to die, the clan deserves strong leadership. And your I didn’t kill your sister, the Deathfang did”
“No you just left her to die” Crocodilejaw yowled and bit down savagely into Talonfang’s shoulder.
With a snarl Talonfang twisted his head to try and sink his fangs into Crocodilejaw’s throat, but he couldn’t get a grip.
He let out a howl of agony as he felt the bones begin to crunch beneath Crocodile’sjaw’s teeth. Talonfang hissed and managed to sink his fangs into his opponents soft ear, with a vicious jerk of his head, he ripped Crocodilejaw’s ear clean away from his head.
Crocodilejaw screamed in agony and reared away from him, stumbling backwards and collapsing onto the ground.
Talonfang scrambled to his paws and stood over the injured tom, his forepaw raised.
Fast as an attacking crocodile Crocodilejaw lunged upwards and sunk his fangs into Talonfang’s throat.
Talonfang howled and fell onto his side as the bigger tom shoved him to the ground Crocodiljaw’s fangs still buried in his throat. His opponent dug deeper, cutting off Talonfang’s air.
Talonfang struggled, thrashing wildly but he couldn’t break the bigger toms grip.
With a strangled snarl Talonfang thrust his hind legs around and raked Crocodile’s belly with his hind claws.
Crocodilejaw screeched in pain and let go of Talonfang.
Talonfang seized the opportunity and leapt forwards. He opened his jaws and bit down on the right side of Crocodilejaw’s face until he felt bones crunch. Crocodilejaw screamed.
Talonfang opened his jaws and let Crocodilejaw fall to the ground.
“Go on then!” Crocodilejaw goaded, spitting blood from his mouth. One side of his face was crushed and maimed, dripping blood “finish it”
Talonfang opened his jaws for the killing bite, but hesitated. He could kill Crocodilejaw now, or he could let the tom live with his scars for the rest of his life, knowing that he would always be beaten.
He snorted derisively and shut his jaws “No I think it’s better to let you live the rest of your life in humiliation” Talonfang sneered “as a crippled loner”
He lunged forwards and bit savagely into Crocodilejaw’s foreleg until he heard the splintering of bone.
Crocodilejaw screeched and tore his leg free, it hung at an awkward angle and blood pulsed from the wound to drip onto the ground “you’ll regret you let me live” he snarled “I’ll make sure of that”
Talonfang snickered “you won’t survive to challenge me” he sneered.
“Crocodilejaw glared back “we’ll see.” With that he turned and limped from the camp
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Talonfang glared down at his new clan “from now on no Acaciaclan cat goes outside the camp without being accompanied by a rouge” he hissed “the rouges will eat first and will be welcome as full members of the clan” he paused for dramatic effect, and to let that sink in “and when the time comes every cat will help us fight the other clans to claim their territories, this is rouge territory now” he turned to leave, but stopped “Oh and you will address me as Talonstar”
Without waiting to see the clan’s reaction, Talonfang leapt down from the leader’s rock and stalked up to Wildclaw “your time will come soon” he promised “you will lead Bushclan and Foxclaw will lead Gumtreeclan”
Foxclaw snorted, lifting up her maimed forepaw to study it “it will be easy if the other clans are as much of a pushover as yours” she muttered.
“They’re all fools who follow Starclan” Wildclaw sneered “of course they will be”
Wildclaw eyed the clan “can we trust them?” he asked
Talonfang snorted “of course not” he growled “they follow the code” he narrowed his eyes in menace “but no cat will dare challenge me”
Wildclaw narrowed his eyes “what about that brown tabby?”
“Crocodilejaw won’t come back” Talonfng hissed “after all, he’s crippled now”
“You’re not my son” a new voice snarled
Talonfang turned to see Magpiewing glaring at him, he met his father’s gaze unflinchingly “you should be proud, you have such a strong cat for a son” he growled softly “I’m leader now!”
Magpiewing shook his head “but you got it through force” he hissed “that’s not what I had planned for you”
Talonfang laughed darkly “What did you have planned for me father?” he asked “me as leader leading the clan into peace?”
Barramundiclaw stalked up to stand beside his father “what have you done with my daughter?” she snarled “where is Goannatail?”
Talonfang turned his cold gaze to her “she’s alive” she retorted “for now”
Barramundiclaw snorted derisively “how could she have ever loved you” she whipped around and stalked off
“Foolish she cat” Talonfang hissed
“I never thought you would prove Starclan right” Magpiewing growled
Talonfang whipped his head round to glare at his father “what does Starclan have to do with this?” he snarled
Magpiewing’s eyes shadowed “Starclan told us to kill you at birth” he growled “that you would destroy the clans”
Talonfang snorted “then why didn’t you follow the will of your precious Starclan?” he mocked
“We thought you were better than that” his father growled “we were wrong”
Talonfang lifted his head and exposed his tender throat “why don’t you kill me now?” he asked deri-sively
Magpiewing didn’t move “I won’t kill my own son” he murmured darkly “but Starclan won’t allow you to rule forever. They will stop you!”
Talonfang grinned “I’d like to see them try”
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 10, 2018 1:31:16 GMT -5
Save for chapters
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 10, 2018 1:31:48 GMT -5
Save for chapters
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 10, 2018 1:31:58 GMT -5
Save for chapters
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Jan 10, 2018 11:53:20 GMT -5
Can we post?
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 11, 2018 17:57:07 GMT -5
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Jan 12, 2018 10:21:10 GMT -5
Cool! Wooh. Got first post and so forth. You're right. The front is a lot neater now.
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 28, 2018 16:50:29 GMT -5
Hey everyone.
I am still writing this fan-fiction. Its just slow progress. I havnt had much inspiration for writing at the moment.
Im sick of life right now, I dont have a job, theres none goin that I can do and almost no one is giving me a chance. In six months I have had one interview and I only just missed out on getting the job. I have few qualifications and it seems like no one will give me the chance to gain experiemce. I'm going to volunteer somewhere so I am out of the house and actually doing something. Because I'm so depressed and bored everyday.
Plus my friend and I are having troubles and we haven't been able to meet each other in months, depite living less that 5 mins from each other.
So life sucks at the moment and I havnt felt like writing much.
Sorry for an a lame excuse, again.
Whale nerd
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Jan 29, 2018 14:26:24 GMT -5
That isn't a lame excuse. It's a very good one. I'm sorry that this is the way your life is going. I hope that someone will give you a chance. I'm sorry that things haven't been going well.
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Jan 31, 2018 0:21:41 GMT -5
That isn't a lame excuse. It's a very good one. I'm sorry that this is the way your life is going. I hope that someone will give you a chance. I'm sorry that things haven't been going well. Thanks I'm feeling better today but I'm still a bit moody. As for my friend, I ope we can re-connect soon, I really miss seeing her.
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Jan 31, 2018 0:30:14 GMT -5
I'm glad to hear you're feeling a little better! And I hope that works out for you!
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Feb 10, 2018 4:14:09 GMT -5
Hey everyone. I finally got some sort of progress on the next chapter. As small as it is. Sat and wrote a little bit while eating Pizza. Lol.
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Feb 11, 2018 3:07:41 GMT -5
That's good to hear!
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Feb 19, 2018 5:09:32 GMT -5
I just went on a small writing spree. I had an idea that I had to get down immediately. You know, those pesky things that pop into your brain suddenly and you must write furiously before you forget your great idea?
Too dark to post here, but will be posting on my Pateron soon.
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Feb 23, 2018 16:36:27 GMT -5
I know that feeling and I love that feeling. When you just have to write.
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Aug 31, 2018 2:17:19 GMT -5
Forgive me if this is necro posting. I am still planning to continue this fan-fic. I have changed a few scenes and will be posting them soon. Changes- Talonfang and Falconstar fight
- Talonfang and Crocodilejaw fight
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Aug 31, 2018 2:22:44 GMT -5
mintedstar/fur🦇 DingoleapI finally got something done with this. I have re-writen the fight between Talonfang and Falconstar in chapter 10 and the fight between Talonfang and Crocodilejaw in chapter 11, enjoy.
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 31, 2018 13:56:57 GMT -5
Greetings! I think I remember your story but plan to read it again. And at the risk of sounding like a dumb old she-cat, what is necro posting?
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Sept 1, 2018 23:26:00 GMT -5
For you Phantom:
Nero-posting is when you post on an old thread after a long time with no activity on it. Essentially you are 'bring the topic back from the dead'. Usually done by trolls trying to clog up the main page with useless topics that the main creator has long left. The grey line between what is and is not necro-posting is if the 1) original poster brings the topic back or 2) the topic is still relevant and a new discussion is started. The grey line being that usually people frown a bit and might say just create a new topic. In this case, in the WFF, I don't see it's much of a problem because it's a fic and easily can be picked back up, both in interest and by the original creator. But that's just my opinion. Shouldn't be something that's too much of a concern unless it's done to excess.
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Post by phantomstar57 on Sept 2, 2018 12:48:10 GMT -5
For you Phantom: Nero-posting is when you post on an old thread after a long time with no activity on it. Essentially you are 'bring the topic back from the dead'. Usually done by trolls trying to clog up the main page with useless topics that the main creator has long left. The grey line between what is and is not necro-posting is if the 1) original poster brings the topic back or 2) the topic is still relevant and a new discussion is started. The grey line being that usually people frown a bit and might say just create a new topic. In this case, in the WFF, I don't see it's much of a problem because it's a fic and easily can be picked back up, both in interest and by the original creator. But that's just my opinion. Shouldn't be something that's too much of a concern unless it's done to excess. Thanks so much! I have been bumping fic pages, esp my shorter tales and the allegiance page as well as my author page. I have seen the notification that this topic is old and if you want to talk about it create a new one. To which I scowled and thought "OH hell no I am NOT redoing this whole page or fic!" Now I get why the notices are there. But if I am the original poster, why would the notice come up?
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Sept 2, 2018 14:10:46 GMT -5
Because it applies to all topics, including ones in OTD and Warriors General. For example, if you want to discuss your favorite movie, but you already posted a topic about it three months ago it's advised that you just make a new topic about it instead of bumping the old one. Think of it this way. Would it make sense to bring back a three month old topic with one line of text that says 'Oh god IW was horrible! I'm cryin' or would you make a new topic saying the same thing (possibly with more detail)? In WFF, where there's more than one line of text or idea, it makes more sense to just bump your old topic. In Warriors General it makes more sense to create a new topic discussing Bramblestar instead of bumping the old one that has 3 pages of comments. The reason being that you get new people to respond. And the notice could still apply to the WFF. It just wants you to consider remaking a topic. Another example being I have a layout for 3 of Hearts that I posted about a year ago. While I intend to write the fic still I don't intend to bump up the old topic because it's literally just two pages of me saying 'bump'. Thus nero-posting on it makes little sense when I could just make a new topic and get better responses (and don't have to delete all the bumps). So, rather, it's just keeping in mind when a topic shouldn't be brought back. In the case of New Blood, which is still being read and enjoyed, then it's reasonable to nero-post on it because new content and attention is being given to it (while my 3 of Hearts topic is deeeeeead).
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Post by phantomstar57 on Sept 2, 2018 18:09:52 GMT -5
Because it applies to all topics, including ones in OTD and Warriors General. For example, if you want to discuss your favorite movie, but you already posted a topic about it three months ago it's advised that you just make a new topic about it instead of bumping the old one. Think of it this way. Would it make sense to bring back a three month old topic with one line of text that says 'Oh god IW was horrible! I'm cryin' or would you make a new topic saying the same thing (possibly with more detail)? In WFF, where there's more than one line of text or idea, it makes more sense to just bump your old topic. In Warriors General it makes more sense to create a new topic discussing Bramblestar instead of bumping the old one that has 3 pages of comments. The reason being that you get new people to respond. And the notice could still apply to the WFF. It just wants you to consider remaking a topic. Another example being I have a layout for 3 of Hearts that I posted about a year ago. While I intend to write the fic still I don't intend to bump up the old topic because it's literally just two pages of me saying 'bump'. Thus nero-posting on it makes little sense when I could just make a new topic and get better responses (and don't have to delete all the bumps). So, rather, it's just keeping in mind when a topic shouldn't be brought back. In the case of New Blood, which is still being read and enjoyed, then it's reasonable to nero-post on it because new content and attention is being given to it (while my 3 of Hearts topic is deeeeeead). That all makes sense now. Thanks Minted!
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Sept 2, 2018 18:36:10 GMT -5
No problem!
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Sept 3, 2018 23:28:27 GMT -5
Greetings! I think I remember your story but plan to read it again. And at the risk of sounding like a dumb old she-cat, what is necro posting? Sorry I didn't answer your Question. Mint explained it better anyway. I hope you enjoy reading it.
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Nov 1, 2018 4:44:17 GMT -5
phantomstar57I've decided to re-write some of BOE. I didn't like some of the chapters so I'm Re-writing them and changing a big part of the plot. I hope to start soon.
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Nov 3, 2018 20:32:51 GMT -5
Oooo!
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Hyenafang
"I do not support Seaworld or any Marine Parks that exploit Cenaceans!"
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Post by Hyenafang on Nov 5, 2018 18:45:24 GMT -5
I may re-write the whole fan-fic, I haven't decided yet. I started Volunteering now 5 days a week so it may be a while before I can start working on the new version.
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