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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 31, 2023 17:59:47 GMT -5
Longkit grunted. Pain pounded in his shoulder from where he landed on it and the rat scratches on his skin stung. He let Lightkit help him to his paws and didn't notice the beast that was near.
Cedarstar's eyes grew wide. If the Prey Mauler was at the carrionplace, the kits could be...they would be... "Rustlepaw, head back to camp! Rally another patrol. We may need backup. Ratmask! Leaffrost, stop!" He hollered at the scrawnier tom, but grit his teeth when Ratmask didn't listen to him. Cedarstar picked up his pace, running as fast as he could to trip Ratmask up.
Ratmask hit the ground in a furious hiss. He rolled to round on Cedarstar, but the Clan leader used his weight to pin Ratmask down. "Cedarstar, what are--" Ratmask cut off when Cedarstar shoved his paw in Ratmask's mouth.
Cedarstar panted, but kept a firm hold on Ratmask. He tried to focus on scenting the air and he did detect a faint trace of what they scented at the border. "Stay quiet," Cedarstar whispered to Ratmask. He flicked his tail in signal for Leaffrost to come over to them. "The kits and the rats aren't the only things around the carrionplace."
Ratmask stared in Cedarstar in confusion at first, but his eyes grew wide when he finally slowed down enough to scent the air. Cedarstar let him to his feet and what little fur Ratmask had was prickling. "Our kits," he breathed in horror.
"We don't know yet." Cedarstar kept his tone firm. He needed Ratmask and Leaffrost to stay focused with him. "Follow my lead and stay as quiet as you can. We need to get eyes on whatever the Prey Mauler is."
Smokestorm blinked at her in confusion. "What? Like Lionscorch and Songbreeze are doing for Pearlkit? Or Eaglesight for Flowerkit and Grovekit? Not really. I guess we could help my brother take care of Hiddendream's kits. I mean, she is my sister and her kits deserve the best. Why? Did you want to? I could introduce you to Flowerkit and Grovekit. They'd love you."
"Look!" Whorlpaw grinned when she spotted a tuff of gray fur stuck to a bramble. "That's Ashrock's! We're getting close!"
Ashrock huffed. "If, by getting it down, you mean your angle was a hair off and I still heard sound from your landing then sure. You've got it down." He walked over to Coalpaw and looked his apprentice over. "I suppose you, at least, do that move better than all the warriors in all the other Clans."
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 31, 2023 18:28:01 GMT -5
"I-it... Longkit..." Lightkit whispered, tense with terror as she shakily pointed towards the creature with her tail. She tried to push her brother lightly back towards the crevice, unable to take her eyes off of the terrifying animal in the junction of the carrion piles. Whatever was left of the rat was hanging from its jaws, and Lightkit had an inkling that it could swing them around like that too if it spotted them.
Leaffrost skidded to a stop, bristling as she saw Cedarstar bring Ratmask down, though she quickly drew her claws back in when she heard Cedarstar's words and the ushered silencing of her mate. The queen's eyes flickered with realization, and she breathed, stunned. "That... that thing could be out there with them?!" Her motherly instincts were screaming at her to rush into Carrionplace and protect her kits, though her logical side knew the reasoning of Cedarstar's orders. She fell into line beside Cedarstar, tense as stone. "It can't have our kits. It can't have them."
Rustlepaw scrambled to follow the order, thanking Starclan that Cedarstar had spent so long making sure she could navigate the territory as quickly as possible without sight. She only wished she could run even faster as she ignored the stray branches and thorns that grazed her pelt as she bolted through the wetlands and dry grass.
"I..." Snakesong stammered, realizing that he was thinking of something else, and she knew she'd have to clarify. Her pelt was burning, and nervousness filled her as she mewed softly. "Oh, well. I love seeing the kits. All of them are very special to me but... uhm... I was referring more to, you know... kits we would have. Together. Well, I mean, that's the only way kits can exist, is if... uhm, you know what I mean, that-" She cut off, fur fluffing up. "Our own kits..."
"There we go." Honeypaw rumbled, satisfied that they had figured out the location. He quickly followed after Whorlpaw, now able to clearly scent his brother and his mentor amongst the marsh.
Coalpaw beamed at Ashrock's words, looking right past the usual criticism and focusing on the last part. "Better than all the Warriors in the other clans? Yes!" He bounced with excitement, though his large frame was rather funny hopping around like a kit. "I really think I can do it! I thought I was going to be stuck training for moons, but I've totally got this! Thank you, Ashrock! Thank you, thank you!" He beamed. For that moment, he didn't care if all the training had to be secret, it paid off, and he knew that Ashrock still cared about him, no matter what everyone else said! He startled suddenly though when he heard the sound of moving grasses nearby, and his heart leapt into his throat.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 31, 2023 20:12:17 GMT -5
Longkit blinked and followed his sister's gaze to the beast. His eyes widened and froze in fright. The creature was huge! And that rat... Longkit swallowed in nervousness when realized that beast had the power to rip them apart just like that rat. We're fools, Longkit realized. He looked back at his sister, finally realizing she was trying to urge him back toward the hole in the junk. 'Slowly,' he mouthed to her. Something had the beast's attention. He didn't want to risk their sudden movement toward the hole putting the creature's attention on them.
"Fan out. Stay within tail sight." Cedarstar looked from Leaffrost to Ratmask. If he had anything to say about it, they'd get to the kits before the Prey Mauler did. StarClan, let the kits still be alive. He was thankful ShadowClan developed tail signals for moments like this. Cedarstar rippled his tail to signal for the three of them to move forward with care. He dropped into a stalking crouch and slipped into the shadows.
"Oh. OH!" Smokestorm blinked his eyes wide when realized what she was saying. Their own kits? He hadn't thought of it before. Raising kits required a lot of work--as all the fathers in the Clan demonstrated. What if he took a nap and they snuck off like Longkit and Lightkit? What if he didn't spend enough time with them? "Uh..." Smokestorm flicked his ear. Eaglesight was so attentive to Flowerkit and Grovekit. Their sister's kits took up all of his brother's downtime. Would he and Snakesong be able to go on their strolls or nap together if they had kits to worry about it?
"Quiet." Ashrock growled at him, but there was pride in his eyes for Coalpaw's success. "You can't thank me, remember? It's the other warriors and apprentices that have been training you. I'll ask Stonesong to admit to being one of them so no one gets suspicious. You make it clear that you're ready for your warrrior's assessment just like your siblings, got it?" Ashrock clamped his mouth shut when he heard the rustling in the grasses. He hissed in frustration and signaled with his tail for Coalpaw to fan out. They wouldn't be able to mask what they were doing here, but at least they'd able to catch whoever was nearby by surprise.
Whorlpaw smiled back at Honeypaw. "Look at us," she giggled. "Being smart investigators."
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 31, 2023 20:35:26 GMT -5
Lightkit trembled violently, though she obeyed her brother's quiet command. Longkit always was better at guiding the situation, and she was instantly relieved that she wasn't alone. She backed up, step by step, until she could feel the opening of the crevice. She whined quietly for Longkit to join her, refusing to let him face anything alone.
Leaffrost focused sharply, her mother and father's strict training slipping into her mind. Cedarstar and Ratmask both were highly dependable with their signals, and she knew she could trust them. She flicked her tail to one side, before signaling that she understood the command. She fanned out, lifting her muzzle to try and catch scent of her kits. She tilted her head at how odd and awful this Prey Mauler smelled like. Her heart skipped as she scented blood, but it smelled only like rat blood so far. She slipped into one of the shadows, perking her ears as a low growling noise rumbled through the air.
Snakesong felt her stomach drop at his response, not sure if he was just surprised or disinterested, though she prayed it was the first one. Even so, she felt a surge of guilt to have dropped that on him so suddenly. Averting her eyes back to the den, she apologized quickly. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up so suddenly, I-... I wouldn't ever expect you to have kits with me if you didn't want any, I-..." Her voice died out, pelt aflame.
Rustlepaw dashed through the undergrowth, breath coming in heavy gasps as she stumbled on a rock. She quickly righted herself, adrenaline cancelling out the pain of it for now as she crashed through the camp entrance. Her voice came in heaves as she cried out quickly. "Patrol!... Need, we found them! Carrionplace! The thing, the... Prey Mauler is out there with them!"
Coalpaw quickly nodded in agreement to Ashrock's plan, before he closed his jaws, pelt bristling as he felt a flash of indignation. If one of their clanmates told on them, Ashrock could be punished even more than he already was. He could be held back in his Warriorship! He crouched low, determining that he was willing to whatever it took to keep them from telling if they threatened to. What he didn't know, was the sudden interruption was his brother and Whorlpaw.
Honeypaw gave a small snort, genuinely humored for a moment at Whorlpaw's teasing, before he stopped, sure that he heard rustling himself. He quirked a brow, glancing back at Whorlpaw before narrowing his eyes. It could have been the wind, surely, but now he had his guard up. Coalpaw was surprisingly quiet, if he was training out here. He whispered to Whorlpaw. "Should we call out to them? What if they try and bolt?"
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 31, 2023 21:06:54 GMT -5
Longkit crouched beside his sister in the smelly hole of the carrionpile. He trembled lightly, silently praying to StarClan that the beast wouldn't come for them.
Cedarstar narrowed his eyes when he stalked closer to the carrion place. The scent of blood ruffled his fur and the low growling from up head caused doubts to flick in his ear. StarClan, let us find them alive, he silently prayed. When Cedarstar reached the edge of the shadows, he bared his teeth at the sight of a beast. The scent and the dangling mauled rat told him exactly what that creature was. The Prey Mauler. Nerves quacked Cedarstar's stomach. The creature looked like a dog, but it had a wild sense to it. From the way its tail swayed, Cedarstar recognized it as similar to the signals ShadowClan used. It's not alone. Cedarstar erected his tail to warn Leaffrost and Ratmask not to enter the clearing. He eyed every piece of mauled rat upon the ground. None of it looked like Lightkit or Longkit. Perhaps they got away? He thought with hope.
Ratmask's jaw dropped at the sight of the Prey Mauler. He almost didn't see Cedarstar's signal. Shivers coursed Ratmask's spine at the thought of his kits getting attacked by that beast.
Houndthroat and Kinkfire shot to their feet at Rustlepaw's shout. "What?" Kinkfire ran toward her. "Don't tell me my brother's facing it alone!"
"They were just here, weren't they?" Whorlpaw stepped into the clearing Ashrock and Coalpaw had been training in. She put her nose to the ground. "Do you think they heard us? They couldn't have gotten--OOF!" She cried out when something tackled her from the side.
"Whorlpaw?!" Ashrock blanched at the little apprentice pinned under his paws. He quickly backed off of her in realizing his mistake. Great, Ashrock grit his teeth. I just tackled my brother's daughter. Whorlpaw and Honeypaw weren't at the top of his list of those he expect to come looking for him. "What are you two doing here?"
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Post by Icefire15 on Jan 31, 2023 21:30:27 GMT -5
*throws characters*)
Shademoon had jumped to his paws as well at Rustlepaw’s hurried announcement.
Stormcloud felt his fur bristle, thinking about the mauled piece of prey they had seen. The Prey Mauler hadn’t managed to get a hold of the kits, did it?
Foxshadow looked up as Rustlepaw burst into camp, her eyes widening in shock.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 31, 2023 21:41:07 GMT -5
Lightkit shook beside her brother, trying her hardest to be brave, just like Leaffrost had always told them. It was hard though, because she felt herself stilling her breathing when a dark shape slipped by. Another terrifying creature padded right past them, too focused on seeming to go towards the other creature that it did not notice the hiding kits. She felt her throat tightening with fear.
Leaffrost widened her eyes as the scent of rat's blood became so overwhelming that it nearly made her gag. Even more so, the scent of the Prey Mauler was far too strong to only mean one. There were multiple. What seemed like a simple existence of a single odd dog was now something completely different. She looked at Ratmask with bewilderment, and while she simply could not feel any fear, it didn't stop her from showing signs of deep concern and tenseness. The Prey Mauler was like nothing she had ever seen before. Similar to dogs, yet not even dogs had ever elicited this prickling in her fur like these monsters did. The way they destroyed the prey in their jaws, ripping it up, taking a bite or two and just leaving it, that was the disturbing part.
Rustlepaw gasped for breath, but answered as quickly as she could. "Ratmask... Leaffrost are there too. They need backup, it- it's there, it has to be! It's there with the kits!" She wailed, ears falling flat as she tried to move her head to Kinkfire and Houndthroat's directions.
Talltalon was already on his paws, the older tom rushing towards Kinkfire and Houndthroat with a serious look in his eyes. It sounded like they needed to go, and needed to go fast. He volunteered without question. "Whatever it is, they can't do it alone. I'm going!" He decided.
Honeypaw had been ready to lunge at the cat that pinned Whorlpaw down, a sudden rush of protectiveness filling him from seemingly out of nowhere. His claws extended, ready to strike, only for him to exclaim sharply. "Ashrock! Coalpaw?! Starclan, are you mad? You could have hurt her!" He hissed, shoving himself in the space where Ashrock had backed away from, bristling.
Coalpaw quickly moved to help diffuse the situation. "S-sorry Whorlpaw! Honeypaw! We didn't know it was you! Uhm, we got startled, and tried to get around what we thought was something else. Er. What are you doing out here?"
"Looking for you!" Honeypaw snapped, his hard maintained control slipping a bit in his anger and concern for Whorlpaw. "While you two were out here trying to be the clan's most secretive trainees, you missed very crucial information back at Camp!"
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Post by Foxstar26 on Jan 31, 2023 21:43:41 GMT -5
Oakstalk stood from where he had been sitting in camp when Rustlepaw came bursting in. It sounded like they found the kits!
Ferretclaw and Stonesong looked towards Rustlepaw from where they had been chatting.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 31, 2023 21:51:06 GMT -5
Kinkfire looked back at Oakstalk and Stormcloud. "Cedarstar went to the carrion place with Ratmask and Leaffrost. Rustlepaw says the Prey Mauler is there. We have to go after them! Stormcloud, Oakstalk, Talltalon." Kinkfire nodded to the warriors. "We'll be their backup. Ferretclaw! Foxshadow! I want you two to come with. Keep a perimeter and if this mauler is something we can't handle, you be ready to come for more reinforcements! Got it?"
Cedarstar looked toward Ratmask and Leaffrost. He tipped the tip of his tail. Cedarstar didn't spot the kits, but his signal asked if Ratmask or Leaffrost had.
Ratmask flattened his ears and parted his lips. He tried locating the scent of his kits amongst the scent of the Prey Maulers and the blood.
Longkit flinched when a Prey Mauler passed by. He tried backing up further into the hole they cowered in.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 31, 2023 21:52:44 GMT -5
Ashrock frowned at Honeypaw. "And what information would that be?"
Whorlpaw shook herself off once back on her paws. Her pelt prickled at the fact that Ashrock was able to get the drop on her. How could a big, clunky warrior like him sneak up on someone as little as her? She huffed. Closesky's training I guess
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Post by Foxstar26 on Jan 31, 2023 22:03:35 GMT -5
Oakstalk nodded his head at Kinkfire’s direction. “We better hurry.” He spoke, moving for the camp entrance. “We don’t know what kinda monster Cedarstar is facing.”
Ferretclaw looked at Foxshadow. His fur warmed slightly, shaking his head he tried to push that away. He had an important job to do! He couldn’t help but be excited she was going with him however.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 31, 2023 22:05:09 GMT -5
Talltalon nodded quickly, a rare moment for the prickly tom to take orders from a younger Warrior. There was no time in this instance to get in a fuss about it, and Kinkfire's quick organizing was certainly good enough for him. He quickly prepared to get going, paws itching to run.
Leaffrost quickly looked around, her eyes sharply trying to make out the sight of her kits. Any sight of them, Starclan above please! She could scent them, she knew her kits' scents even under the mask of every other scent. She felt her neck fur bristle as she suddenly spotted a tiny flicker of movement in the corner of her eye. There, tucked away and nearly fully concealed, she was able to just barely make out a flash of fur hiding amongst the carrion. She quickly signaled to Ratmask and Cedarstar with her tail, though it shook as she pointed towards the small opening in the Carrion. There. They had to be there, behind the growing problem of the hideous creatures. Hiding as best as they could.
Honeypaw bristled, but his voice was firm and steady as he reported. "Rustlepaw and Cedarstar found an unrecognizable scent accompanied by old and mauled crowfood. When Cedarstar reported it to the Clan, it was realized that Lightkit and Longkit had somehow snuck out of camp. The Clan is in roils juggling both these revelations, and now we're on a search. That is the information you have missed!"
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 31, 2023 22:13:34 GMT -5
Kinkfire nodded curtly. "Let's go!" She darted out of camp.
Cedarstar grit his teeth when he followed Leaffrost's signal. The kits were dangerously close to the creatures. He looked over at Ratmask and motioned off. The other warrior nodded in understanding. Cedarstar then signaled to Leaffrost. He would pull the Prey Maulers attention and get them away from the kits so Ratmask and Leaffrost could get Lightkit and Longkit out of there.
Ashrock blinked in surprise. "There's kits missing? And something on the territory?" He hissed at himself. How foolish he was to not be in camp for this announcement. Ashrock looked at Honeypaw and Whorlpaw. "Where's Cedarstar now?"
"He took Ratmask, Rustlepaw, and Leaffrost after Longkit's and Lightkit's scents." Whorlpaw glanced at Honeypaw, the intensity of Ashrock's question surprised her. "I think they headed in the direction of carrionplace."
Ashrock nodded. "The three of you head back to camp. Now!" He didn't give them a chance to reply before racing off.
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Post by Icefire15 on Jan 31, 2023 22:20:04 GMT -5
Stormcloud gave a sharp nod, quickly joining Kinkfire and the rest of the patrol. His fur was still bristling at the thought of that Prey Mauler managing to get ahold of one of the kits, and he didn’t like to think about what else it was capable of doing.
Foxshadow glanced at Ferretclaw, noticing his strange behavior as she padded up to him. She looked back at the patrol, focusing back on the matter at hand. She would have to wonder about Ferretclaw later.
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Post by Foxstar26 on Jan 31, 2023 22:23:14 GMT -5
Oakstalk hurried after Kinkfire. Hopefully they made it to the carrion place in time to help. He was worried they would be too late. If Cedarstar and two warriors couldnt handle it, what were they dealing with?
Ferretclaw took one long glance at Foxshadow before hurrying after his father and the rest of the patrol.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 31, 2023 22:45:45 GMT -5
Leaffrost looked at Cedarstar for a long moment, realizing that what he was ordering was possibly fatal. All those creatures, and Cedarstar was planning to draw all their attention onto him? She felt herself hesitate, but quickly reminded herself that she needed to trust him. He had nine lives for a reason, and was chosen by Starclan for a reason. Taking a deep breath, she nodded to him and focused her eyes back on the crevice, ready to bolt the second Cedarstar gave the signal. She trusted Ratmask with all her heart, and knew he would be ready just as she was.
Honeypaw was ready to call out after Ashrock, but he soon realized how futile that would be. Instead, he turned to look pointedly at Coalpaw. The black tom was bristled with worry for the kits, and he gave Whorlpaw and Honeypaw a guilty look. "Please don't say anything! Please! I promise that we haven't done anything wrong, I-..." He trailed off, worried that Whorlpaw would tell her father as soon as she was able. He watched Ashrock rush off with a surge of worry for his mentor.
Talltalon quickly rushed after the patrol, blood thrumming with adrenaline at the prospect of what they could find. He remembered all his training skills as quickly as he could, preparing for anything. "Starclan's got to be kidding with this one. How could Shadowclan be facing all this tragedy so close together?" He questioned aloud, voice gruff and tight.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 31, 2023 22:59:40 GMT -5
Cedarstar slipped through the shadows to get into position. His heart thundered. There were a lot of Prey Maulers. He wasn't sure he could outrun them all. Yet, he couldn't leave the kits there to cower. Each second threatened their discovery. He'd give as many lives as it took to rescue them, but he silently prayed Rustlepaw would make it to the camp fast enough.
Once in position, Cedarstar searched for Ratmask and Leaffrost. The nearly hairless tom moved closer to his mate and was crouched in preparation to dart after the kits. Cedarstar let out a slow breath. Once the Prey Maulers were after him, he knew Ratmask and Leaffrost would be in the clear to save the kits. Cedarstar nodded to the two mates. He bounded out of the shadows and atop one of the carrion piles. Letting his fur spike, Cedarstar let out a mighty hiss at the Prey Maulers. "Trespassers! If you want a meal, then come after me!"
Longkit perked his head up when he heard Cedarstar's shout. He looked wide-eyed at his sister. Did the Clan-leader himself come out to rescue them?! I didn't think anyone realized we were missing.
"ShadowClan is strong." Kinkfire briefly glanced back at Talltalon. She raced alongside her mate. "StarClan knows it. They know we can handle it."
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Post by Willow on Feb 1, 2023 8:59:29 GMT -5
Falcontalon bristled at Rustlepaw's announcement, cursing quietly as he realized he could no longer join the patrol. He looked at Lionscorch, tension clear in his shoulders. They had to be strong for the kits.
Mistkit looked towards the cats rapidly streaming out of camp with interest. "Falcontalon where are they going?"
Pearlkit frowned, knowing that her denmates and kin were missing, padding over to press against Lionscorch, she whispered "They're gonna find them right? Everyone's gonna be okay?"
Hailkit, rather oblivious to the tension, watched as the patrol left before continuing his hunt to find a big leaf.
Hazelblaze, eager to help find the kits rushed after the patrol, tailing behind Kinkfire and Talltalon. A prey-mauler! She had heard stories of them before but had never seen one herself. A shiver ran up her spine, half from the thrill of the mission with a healthy bit of fear as well.
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Post by Moonblazer on Feb 1, 2023 17:40:16 GMT -5
Cedarstar slipped through the shadows to get into position. His heart thundered. There were a lot of Prey Maulers. He wasn't sure he could outrun them all. Yet, he couldn't leave the kits there to cower. Each second threatened their discovery. He'd give as many lives as it took to rescue them, but he silently prayed Rustlepaw would make it to the camp fast enough. Once in position, Cedarstar searched for Ratmask and Leaffrost. The nearly hairless tom moved closer to his mate and was crouched in preparation to dart after the kits. Cedarstar let out a slow breath. Once the Prey Maulers were after him, he knew Ratmask and Leaffrost would be in the clear to save the kits. Cedarstar nodded to the two mates. He bounded out of the shadows and atop one of the carrion piles. Letting his fur spike, Cedarstar let out a mighty hiss at the Prey Maulers. "Trespassers! If you want a meal, then come after me!" Longkit perked his head up when he heard Cedarstar's shout. He looked wide-eyed at his sister. Did the Clan-leader himself come out to rescue them?! I didn't think anyone realized we were missing."ShadowClan is strong." Kinkfire briefly glanced back at Talltalon. She raced alongside her mate. "StarClan knows it. They know we can handle it." The coyotes turned their heads up towards Cedarstar once the tom called out, jaws opening to smell the air, before the low growling became more high pitched yelps and barks. The coyote near Lightkit and Longkit bounded over towards the carrionpile, eyeing Cedarstar with hunger in its eyes as it tried to reach him. Lightkit felt a surge of hope in her chest when she realized that she could indeed hear Cedarstar. That was Cedarstar! She gave a shaky breath as the coyote was drawn away, though she nearly sobbed with relief when she turned her head and saw the slinking figures of their mother and father darting towards them. "Longkit! It's mama and papa!" She whispered. Leaffrost was moving in an instant the moment the coyote's attention was drawn completely to Cedarstar. She silently prayed to Starclan that they wouldn't be spotted. She felt her body vibrate with anticipation and urgency as she got closer and closer to their kits. "I know we can." Talltalon nodded, grateful for Kinkfire's steady assurance, before he focused on the task ahead. He grimaced the closer they got, able to smell the strange scent the closer they approached. It truly was an awful smell.
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Post by Moonblazer on Feb 1, 2023 17:42:33 GMT -5
Falcontalon bristled at Rustlepaw's announcement, cursing quietly as he realized he could no longer join the patrol. He looked at Lionscorch, tension clear in his shoulders. They had to be strong for the kits. Mistkit looked towards the cats rapidly streaming out of camp with interest. "Falcontalon where are they going?" Pearlkit frowned, knowing that her denmates and kin were missing, padding over to press against Lionscorch, she whispered "They're gonna find them right? Everyone's gonna be okay?" Hailkit, rather oblivious to the tension, watched as the patrol left before continuing his hunt to find a big leaf. Hazelblaze, eager to help find the kits rushed after the patrol, tailing behind Kinkfire and Talltalon. A prey-mauler! She had heard stories of them before but had never seen one herself. A shiver ran up her spine, half from the thrill of the mission with a healthy bit of fear as well. Lionscorch wanted nothing more than to bolt after the patrol and sink his claws into whatever was threatening the Clan, but he was quickly pulled back to reality at Pearlkit's worried question. He leaned down to press his muzzle to her ears gently, assuring her. "They'll find them. We would never give up on our clanmates, especially our kits. Lightkit and Longkit are older and bigger than you, they'll know clever tricks that you might not yet. But our Warriors are strong, and they will protect them." He promised, praying that he would be right.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Feb 1, 2023 17:46:06 GMT -5
Cedarstar allowed the Prey Maulers to get close to the pile before he bolted off in the direction opposite of Lightkit and Longkit. He hissed again and kept glancing over his shoulder to make sure the beasts were following.
Longkit was speechless when he peaked his head out of the hole to see his parents. Ratmask didn't give the time for words. He grabbed Lightkit by the scruff of her neck the moment he reached his kits. He only paused long enough to keep watch for Leaffrost so his mate could grab Longkit. His heart thundered. It was working! Cedarstar was leading the Prey Maulers off!
Kinkfire blinked in slight surprise when she spotted her former apprentice joining the patrol. Kinkfire nodded once to the she-cat and turned her focus on reaching the Carrionplace.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Feb 1, 2023 17:47:23 GMT -5
Whorlpaw kept her ears back as she watched Ashrock bolt off. She wasn't sure what to think after the warrior was gone. Turning to Coalpaw she flicked her tail. "Let's just head back to camp before anyone notices we're gone."
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Post by Moonblazer on Feb 1, 2023 17:59:52 GMT -5
Like a swarm, the small pack of Coyotes bolted after the leader, tongues lolling and teeth bared in an exciting chase. The rats were forgotten at the prospect of getting their jaws on a cat. Had it been just one, it would have left the cat alone, yet with the close group together, the family of Coyotes chased after Cedarstar with abandon.
Leaffrost felt her heart burst with relief as she saw Ratmask get a hold of their son. Lightkit didn't even move a muscle when her mother lifted her into her jaws. While it was harder to carry their kits due to their older age, Leaffrost was strong and sure she could carry her kit across the entire world if she needed to. She gave a knowing look to Ratmask and nodded, dashing out again to make a break back towards the initial clearing.
Lightkit gave tiny whimpers of both fear and relief, never having been more grateful in her life to see her mother and father.
Coalpaw couldn't find it in him to argue or deny Whorlpaw's request, though he found himself looking down at his paws as Honeypaw padded up to his side. Coalpaw felt his brother's paw gently cuff his ear, and the smaller tom gave a stern yet knowing voice.
"Lizardbrain. I couldn't care less what you do to get your training. I doubt Whorlpaw's going to make it a point to detail it either. I just still don't see the logic in holding on so tightly to Ashrock."
Coalpaw bristled a bit as they walked, his voice firm and sure. "Ashrock is my mentor. I don't want anyone else. I don't care about all the stuff in the past. It's because of him that I even have a chance to become a Warrior when you and Crystalpaw do. Cedarstar won't take him off his punishment, but I know there's no other cat that can teach me like Ashrock can. I know you and everyone else might not agree, but... but what about what I want? Isn't that important too?"
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Post by Willow on Feb 1, 2023 18:03:27 GMT -5
Pearlkit didn't seem convinced but nodded anyway, looking towards the camp entrance curiously. "How far away in the carrionplace?" Did Lightkit and Longkit go a long way away?"
Falcontalon crouched down to talk to Mistkit, "They're going after your denmates who snuck out of camp. It can be very scary and dangerous out there. The warriors are going to make sure the kits don't get hurt."
Mistkit hummed quietly, taking in Falcontalon's answer before returning to hunting for leaves near Hailkit.
Hazelblaze gave a small smile as Kinkfire acknowledged her, pushing herself to run faster through the territory.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Feb 1, 2023 18:13:45 GMT -5
Cedarstar ran at a pace that would keep the Prey Maulers close enough to stay after him, but far enough for his own sake. His breath strained and his muscles started aching with the effort of the sprint. He headed for the back border to lead the Prey Maulers out of the territory.
Ratmask followed his mate with Longkit in his jaws. He glanced briefly in the direction Cedarstar had gone and his ears tilted back with worry for the clan leader. Ratmask flicked his tail to signal to Leaffrost he was heading back to camp. The sooner they got the kits to safety, the sooner they could go help Cedarstar.
"Cedarstar said the other warriors would train you." Whorlpaw flicked her ear and lightly frowned at Coalpaw. "Ashrock put his own ambitions above you, Coalpaw. Doesn't that bother you?"
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Post by Moonblazer on Feb 1, 2023 18:23:03 GMT -5
Pearlkit didn't seem convinced but nodded anyway, looking towards the camp entrance curiously. "How far away in the carrionplace?" Did Lightkit and Longkit go a long way away?" Falcontalon crouched down to talk to Mistkit, "They're going after your denmates who snuck out of camp. It can be very scary and dangerous out there. The warriors are going to make sure the kits don't get hurt." Mistkit hummed quietly, taking in Falcontalon's answer before returning to hunting for leaves near Hailkit. Hazelblaze gave a small smile as Kinkfire acknowledged her, pushing herself to run faster through the territory. "It's far enough that a kit should never be there." Lionscorch answered, looking at Pearlkit with a meaningful look before he continued. "They did go a long way. But we'll reach them quickly if we move quickly. They will. We have to have faith in ourselves and our clanmates." He assured. Lionscorch looked over at Falcontalon, concern in his eyes.
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Post by Moonblazer on Feb 1, 2023 18:34:52 GMT -5
Cedarstar ran at a pace that would keep the Prey Maulers close enough to stay after him, but far enough for his own sake. His breath strained and his muscles started aching with the effort of the sprint. He headed for the back border to lead the Prey Maulers out of the territory. Ratmask followed his mate with Longkit in his jaws. He glanced briefly in the direction Cedarstar had gone and his ears tilted back with worry for the clan leader. Ratmask flicked his tail to signal to Leaffrost he was heading back to camp. The sooner they got the kits to safety, the sooner they could go help Cedarstar. "Cedarstar said the other warriors would train you." Whorlpaw flicked her ear and lightly frowned at Coalpaw. "Ashrock put his own ambitions above you, Coalpaw. Doesn't that bother you?" One of the coyotes tried to lunge out towards the leader, picking up speed to try and snap at his tail. Its jaws were still bloody from the rat, and wet with a red tinged slobber. It gave a high bark, wildly trying to reach Cedarstar. Leaffrost stared back towards Cedarstar as well, though Ratmask's signal was enough to draw her out of her trance. She rushed quickly after her mate, holding tightly to Lightkit and mumbling softly to try and soothe her. Luckily, approaching Carrionplace, she could begin to hear approaching footfalls, and saw a flash of familiar fur in the distance. That must be the patrol!" "They tried to." Coalpaw muttered quietly. "I'm not saying that they never could train me, but everytime I trained with different Warriors, it felt like I was being pulled in different directions. If I was too slow for one mentor, I was too fast for another. I'm too big for a slender cat to really know how to help me. It just... I felt even worse." Coalpaw looked at Whorlpaw and admitted. "It bothered me, yeah, but I also know that he noticed me way more after the fact, and has really taught me so much so quickly just so I could catch up. I really think he learned his lesson, and if Ashrock put his own ambitions above me, then Cedarstar put his own grudge above me too and has for moons! That bothers me!" Honeypaw gave a deep sigh, knowing that if Coalpaw was one thing, it was stubborn when he believed in something. Coalpaw saw the good in cats before he saw the bad, and Honeypaw knew he himself could never understand it. And yet, Coalpaw was still his brother, and he still would do anything to see Coalpaw happy, no matter how much disdain he held for his mentor. Honeypaw looked at Whorlpaw then, interested to hear her response.
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Post by Icefire15 on Feb 1, 2023 18:40:05 GMT -5
Stormcloud raced along with the patrol towards the carrionplace, hoping they wouldn’t be too late. “It’s not too far now.” He said, “What’s the plan?”
Foxshadow ran alongside Ferretclaw, feeling her fur bristle at the thought of facing the prey mauler.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Feb 1, 2023 18:44:51 GMT -5
Cedarstar sucked in a breath when he felt the Prey Mauler's hot breath on his tail. He managed to curl his tail just in time before the beast snapped it. I'm getting too tired, Cedarstar darted his gaze for a way out. He didn't think he'd have the strength to reach the border. He darted around a pine tree and searched for one with low hanging branches.
"Ratmask! Leaffrost!" Kinkfire slowed to a stop when she reached the two warriors. She blinked in relief seeing Longkit and Lightkit with them, but panic shot through when she realized her brother wasn't there. "Where's Cedarstar?"
Whorlpaw flattened her ears. "My father values mentoring more than any other cat in ShadowClan, he wouldn't hold you back for a grudge. He didn't think it was for your best that Ashrock keep training you. Not after the way he disrespected the entire Clan after what he did."
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Post by Moonblazer on Feb 1, 2023 19:03:39 GMT -5
The coyotes rounded the bend at the turn, each moving in a darting and lumbering motion to try and snap at Cedarstar. Two of them fanned out to circle the tree after him, though Cedarstar's size and speed were just enough for them to have to steady themselves for a moment to try and make another strike.
"Back!" Leaffrost called from her mouthful of Lightkit's scruff, eyes darting back towards Carrionplace, where the scent of blood and the prey-maulers was still heavy.
"Oh Starclan, that... that's insane! He distracted them by himself, didn't he?" Talltalon exclaimed, both shocked and amazed by Cedarstar's bravery and subsequent foolishness to go at it alone as well. "We have to help him!"
"You're always going to take his side!" Coalpaw exclaimed, not used to being argumentative, but the fear of losing Ashrock's mentorship and training still heavy in his heart. Whorlpaw was Cedarstar's daughter, and he knew that she would likely defend him over anyone. Coalpaw huffed out, shaking his head. "If he valued my mentoring, then he would have picked someone else instead of everyone else at once! He knows that Ashrock is the right choice, I bet he just doesn't want to admit it!"
"Coalpaw." Honeypaw mewed, voice smooth and trying to mediate his brother's frantic defensiveness, yet Coalpaw didn't back down, exclaiming.
"Northstar chose Ashrock, and she chose me to be his first apprentice! It's not fair to take that away from me! So I don't care about the past, all I care about is being the best I can be for Shadowclan. And Ashrock is making me the best I can be." He decided.
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