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Post by Willow on Oct 10, 2023 11:17:57 GMT -5
Twigpaw's ears fell at the harsh criticism with a huff. He turned to face Waspstrike again, "Nettlesting hasn't done much battle training with me. I don't know much." he admitted. The apprentice charged at Waspstrike again. This time, he attempted to duck under Waspstrike's belly, slashing at the soft flesh there.
Springpaw (never a very considerate cat) placed her paws on Flyingpaw's shoulders to get a better look, even with her doubled height she shook her head. "Yep, no stars in sight. Everything has shadows too. Too many shadows for not having any light around."
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Oct 10, 2023 11:21:52 GMT -5
"Then you deserve a better mentor." Waspstrike bounced right over Twigpaw. "I can tell your swipes are strong, you need to work on speed and feigning your attacks." He faced Twigpaw and locked eyes with the young apprentice. Without a single tell, Waspstrike darted to the left like he was going to strike, but quickly feigned to the right and clocked Twigpaw in the shoulder.
Splashecho gasped out, her brother didn't pull his strike.
Flyingpaw (a very carefree cat) stood up so her sister would be a little higher to get a better view. "Do you think this is ShadowClan's territory?" She asked with a glance at all the shadows.
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Post by Willow on Oct 10, 2023 11:33:08 GMT -5
Twigpaw crumpled to the ground with a yelp unable to keep his balance after the strong strike. He growled in frustration, pulling himself up to face Waspstrike once more. "Well, aren't you supposed to be teaching me then? Right now all you're doing is showing off!"
Springpaw shook her head as she hopped down once she had a good look around. "Could we really teleport to Shadowclan territory in our dreams? Wouldn't there be other Shadowclan cats around? Waspstrike is.. dead isn't he? Why would he be in Shadowclan territory?"
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Oct 10, 2023 12:48:21 GMT -5
Waspstrike gave a single chuckle. "You call it showing off, I call it displaying. You want to get this strong, don't you?"
Flyingpaw shrugged. "I don't know, but there's a lot of shadows around, right? Isn't this what ShadowClan territory is like?"
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Post by Willow on Oct 10, 2023 13:01:17 GMT -5
Twigpaw dug his claws into the ground with a firm nod. "Of course I do. I'll never be strong with just Nettlesting's training. He doesn't teach me anything!"
Springpaw wandered over to the brush, sticking her nose into it to sniff around. "That's weird, I don't really scent... anything. Do you remember how strong Shadowclan's scent is at the border? I don't smell that at all here."
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Oct 10, 2023 14:38:08 GMT -5
Waspstrike nodded curtly. "Good. Now, toughen up and show me what you've really go." He shifted to a battle stance.
Splashecho bit her lip, hoping Waspstrike didn't go too hard on her kits.
Flyingpaw shook her head. "You're right. I don't smell anything. I guess it's no Clan's then?"
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Post by Willow on Oct 10, 2023 15:03:35 GMT -5
Twigpaw darted forward again, trying to copy Waspstrike's moves. He started to go left then feinted right. He knew he couldn't pull off a knock like Waspstrike did at his side so he settled for another swipe. This time hoping to actually make contact with the other tom's pelt.
Springpaw flicked her tail, "I don't know! There's lots of land outside our borders. I guess we could be anywhere!"
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Post by mintleaf2 on Oct 10, 2023 15:21:33 GMT -5
RiverMarshpaw's eyes opened to a starless sky. He lay on his back, belly exposed in a way that immediately had him scrambling to flip over. This place... it reeked of danger and fear. He was laying in a pile of dry and rotting bracken, which splintered all over his pelt, scratching into him in a way that felt too real for a dream. Marshpaw scrambled to his paws, jaw cracked to scent any dangers nearby. He was hit by cat-scent he didn't recognize, and his ears folded back. Ducking into the shelter of a nearby bush, he crouched and attempted to hide as though he were a smaller cat. No doubt a creature with half a brain would see him there, but blinded by his unease, he kept himself low and silent. From the gurgling sludge of the Dark Forest’s river, a lone figure slid his head out from under the slow-moving water, inky liquid streaming down his face and thick, blue fur. The tom curled his lip, humming lightly. “Come out, little one. I can smell you. The accommodations are… not what you’re used to, I’m sure, but Riverclan cats, we can adapt to anything, right?” The large tom cooed. To a living cat, he would have looked almost exactly like Brookheart. Marshpaw sucked in a terrified breath and turned to the ghastly cat emerging from the water. He took a step back, but on seeing the resemblance to Brookheart, paused. He cracked his jaw to take a scent, and though the cat smelled... strange, the immistakeable scent of Riverclan lay beneath. The hackles on his back fell cautiously. "Who are you?" He dared ask. |
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Oct 10, 2023 15:21:58 GMT -5
Waspstrike took the hit. "Better, but you're leaning too much into your steps. That lowers your speed. When you make contact, put everything you have into the hit so you take your enemy out in a single blow."
"I guess." Flyingpaw flicked her tail and looked back over at Twigpaw. "Hey, Twigpaw hit him."
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Post by Moonblazer on Oct 10, 2023 15:27:08 GMT -5
From the gurgling sludge of the Dark Forest’s river, a lone figure slid his head out from under the slow-moving water, inky liquid streaming down his face and thick, blue fur. The tom curled his lip, humming lightly. “Come out, little one. I can smell you. The accommodations are… not what you’re used to, I’m sure, but Riverclan cats, we can adapt to anything, right?” The large tom cooed. To a living cat, he would have looked almost exactly like Brookheart. Marshpaw sucked in a terrified breath and turned to the ghastly cat emerging from the water. He took a step back, but on seeing the resemblance to Brookheart, paused. He cracked his jaw to take a scent, and though the cat smelled... strange, the immistakeable scent of Riverclan lay beneath. The hackles on his back fell cautiously. "Who are you?" He dared ask. “Who am I?” Brinetail mused, slipping out of the black water in a mass of dark fur and piercing amber eyes. He slowly approached Marshpaw, soothing. “Don’t be scared. I would never invite a fellow Riverclan cat here if I didn’t think they weren’t special enough to be here. My name is Brinetail.” He introduced. |
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Post by Willow on Oct 10, 2023 16:00:18 GMT -5
Waspstrike took the hit. "Better, but you're leaning too much into your steps. That lowers your speed. When you make contact, put everything you have into the hit so you take your enemy out in a single blow." "I guess." Flyingpaw flicked her tail and looked back over at Twigpaw. "Hey, Twigpaw hit him." Twigpaw nodded, "Got it." He yawned, tired from the whole day of activity and now battle training with no sleep. He shook his fur out, facing Waspstrike again, "Why don't you attack me? I can show you my defense skills?" Springpaw turned around to look back at the ensuing battle, "Huh? They've been fighting for a while. Twigpaw hadn't hit him yet?" |
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Oct 10, 2023 16:06:52 GMT -5
Waspstrike smirked. He darted head-on to Twigpaw and swatted multiple times at the apprentice's face.
Flyingpaw shook her head. "Twigpaw's the better of the three of us to. Waspstrike must be that strong."
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Post by Willow on Oct 10, 2023 17:05:22 GMT -5
Twigpaw gasped in surprise as a paw hit his cheek. He dropped to the ground quickly but clumsily before rolling under Waspstrike's belly. He kicked his feet out underneath the tom, raking both front paws simultaneously.
Springpaw winced from the sidelines as Twigpaw got smacked in the face. She watched with interest as her brother rolled underneath Waspstrike. "Go Twigpaw!"
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Post by mintleaf2 on Oct 12, 2023 14:32:35 GMT -5
Marshpaw sucked in a terrified breath and turned to the ghastly cat emerging from the water. He took a step back, but on seeing the resemblance to Brookheart, paused. He cracked his jaw to take a scent, and though the cat smelled... strange, the immistakeable scent of Riverclan lay beneath. The hackles on his back fell cautiously. "Who are you?" He dared ask. “Who am I?” Brinetail mused, slipping out of the black water in a mass of dark fur and piercing amber eyes. He slowly approached Marshpaw, soothing. “Don’t be scared. I would never invite a fellow Riverclan cat here if I didn’t think they weren’t special enough to be here. My name is Brinetail.” He introduced. Marshpaw held his ground, curious despite the will to flee. The word special had latched onto his heart quicker than he'd expected. He was a failure to the clan, couldn't keep up with hunting or swimming lessons, and always made a mess of simple tasks. He lacked the focus for anything other than fighting, and even then he wasn't sure he wanted to hurt anyone. Who was this, then, to call him special?
"You invited me?" He asked, the faintest hint of confidence starting to return. "Why? What is this place?" |
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Post by Moonblazer on Oct 12, 2023 14:47:37 GMT -5
“Who am I?” Brinetail mused, slipping out of the black water in a mass of dark fur and piercing amber eyes. He slowly approached Marshpaw, soothing. “Don’t be scared. I would never invite a fellow Riverclan cat here if I didn’t think they weren’t special enough to be here. My name is Brinetail.” He introduced. Marshpaw held his ground, curious despite the will to flee. The word special had latched onto his heart quicker than he'd expected. He was a failure to the clan, couldn't keep up with hunting or swimming lessons, and always made a mess of simple tasks. He lacked the focus for anything other than fighting, and even then he wasn't sure he wanted to hurt anyone. Who was this, then, to call him special?
"You invited me?" He asked, the faintest hint of confidence starting to return. "Why? What is this place?"Brinetail smirked lightly. “Of course I did. I see potential in you, as a powerful Riverclan Warrior. Just as my mate and I were. I can see that your potential is not being properly vetted though, try as your mentor and current leadership might.” He crooned, seeming sympathetic for the apprentice. “As for this place? It’s a place beyond the stars, beyond any code or control. Perfect to hone your skills in ways you cannot imagine.” He mewed, slipping back into the water and resting comfortably upon a half-submerged stone. “I was a Riverclan Warrior many moons ago. Can’t you tell by my ease in the water?” |
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Post by mintleaf2 on Oct 18, 2023 9:56:49 GMT -5
Marshpaw held his ground, curious despite the will to flee. The word special had latched onto his heart quicker than he'd expected. He was a failure to the clan, couldn't keep up with hunting or swimming lessons, and always made a mess of simple tasks. He lacked the focus for anything other than fighting, and even then he wasn't sure he wanted to hurt anyone. Who was this, then, to call him special?
"You invited me?" He asked, the faintest hint of confidence starting to return. "Why? What is this place?"Brinetail smirked lightly. “Of course I did. I see potential in you, as a powerful Riverclan Warrior. Just as my mate and I were. I can see that your potential is not being properly vetted though, try as your mentor and current leadership might.” He crooned, seeming sympathetic for the apprentice. “As for this place? It’s a place beyond the stars, beyond any code or control. Perfect to hone your skills in ways you cannot imagine.” He mewed, slipping back into the water and resting comfortably upon a half-submerged stone. “I was a Riverclan Warrior many moons ago. Can’t you tell by my ease in the water?” His hackles fell. This was a Riverclan warrior, no doubt. Marshpaw wasn't so sure about this 'beyond the code' business, but he couldn't help but feel there were times when his mentor just didn't know what to do with such a clumsy apprentice. "Well, um, okay." Though still uneasy about the murkiness of this land, this cat before him didn't seem to be a threat, as intimidating and strong as he looked. "So you want to... train me?" Marshpaw turned his head to the side, somewhat perplexed. |
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Post by Moonblazer on Oct 18, 2023 10:36:05 GMT -5
“I want to see you excel. Training can certainly be a part of it. I know lessons and tactics that will amaze you, Marshpaw.” Brinetail mused, head above the water like a snake poised for a strike. “Besides. I would think learning from multiple sources would make you more skilled, yes?”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Oct 24, 2023 9:53:11 GMT -5
Twigpaw gasped in surprise as a paw hit his cheek. He dropped to the ground quickly but clumsily before rolling under Waspstrike's belly. He kicked his feet out underneath the tom, raking both front paws simultaneously. Springpaw winced from the sidelines as Twigpaw got smacked in the face. She watched with interest as her brother rolled underneath Waspstrike. "Go Twigpaw!" "Better," Waspstrike pulled off Twigpaw at the hit. He frowned. "but sloppy. You need to tighten your technique. I don't know who your mentor is, but they suck." He looked over at Flyingpaw and Sprinpaw. "I'm going to assume all your mentors are terrible with that performance. Now, all three of you line up in a fighting stance." Flyingpaw flattened her ears. Redspring wasn't a terrible mentor. |
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Post by Willow on Oct 24, 2023 10:28:54 GMT -5
Twigpaw heaved with effort, walking over toward his sisters with drooping ears. Once he reached them he veered off to stand beside Flyingpaw, dropping back into his fighting stance with an annoyed flick of his tail.
Springpaw pouted at Waspstrike, "Slateheart is a great mentor!" She mewed indignantly before dropping into her fighter's stance beside her siblings.
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Post by Moonblazer on Oct 27, 2023 13:01:41 GMT -5
Robinstar's tail flicked slowly as she traced her paw along the edge of the dark puddle she used to see the Clan's lives. It was finally time to enact her plan, and she had to time it perfectly. Standing to her paws, she watched with glee as Spiritstar began to convulse and writhe. Soon, she would be dead, her spirit temporarily sent to Starclan before she could be revived.
There would be no body of hers to control to come back to though. Robinstar took great pleasure knowing her sister's last sights of the living world would be from her body, but controlled by Robinstar instead. She wanted to see her suffer, wanted to relish in her pain. After Spiritstar, she would go after Cliffheart next, and finally, drag him where he belonged, to suffer here at the mercy of the cats he betrayed.
"Well. It's time." She mused, silky and smooth, as though preparing for a leisurely walk. "I won't be gone long. In the meanwhile, can you handle our training?"
"Of course, Robinstar." Blackbird dipped her head, still loyal to the core to her leader. At her side, Fallenlight was licking blood off her paw from her last training session with Meadowbrook, though she purred at Robinstar, nodding to her closest friend. "Consider it done. Now, go be leader again, even if just for a little while, love."
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Post by Willow on Oct 27, 2023 16:00:27 GMT -5
Goldfire slid up beside Blackbird, turning his unseeing eyes toward his mate. "Perhaps under Robinstar's rule, Withermist will finally see the darkness. Have you seen him talking to that Starclan given kit?" he sneered. "He knows what he is, yet he still turns his back on us."
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Post by Moonblazer on Oct 27, 2023 16:04:15 GMT -5
Goldfire slid up beside Blackbird, turning his unseeing eyes toward his mate. "Perhaps under Robinstar's rule, Withermist will finally see the darkness. Have you seen him talking to that Starclan given kit?" he sneered. "He knows what he is, yet he still turns his back on us." “Of course I have.” Blackbird grunted with a noise of disdain as she thought about Webstripe. “They’re supposed to despise eachother, not be purring at eachother like kithood friends!” She took a deep breath to calm herself. Turning to her mate, she rasped. “I can see that he’s starting to be able to see us like we can see the Clans. If not at our complete control, such a thing could be used against us.” She warned. |
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Post by Willow on Oct 27, 2023 16:12:19 GMT -5
Goldfire huffed, "You're right, we can't let him know our plans if he isn't going to take part in them. What do you suppose we do? Should we try to lure him here again tonight in his dreams, perhaps make him think he did it himself. Maybe we could feed him false information while he supposes he's spying on us."
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Post by Moonblazer on Oct 27, 2023 16:17:44 GMT -5
Goldfire huffed, "You're right, we can't let him know our plans if he isn't going to take part in them. What do you suppose we do? Should we try to lure him here again tonight in his dreams, perhaps make him think he did it himself. Maybe we could feed him false information while he supposes he's spying on us." Blackbird took a breath for a long moment, before she nodded once. “It’s time he learned where he truly comes from. Our son.” She rasped, before she swallowed and grew stone cold once more. “The Dark Forest needs him here, with us, on our side. We’ll bring him here tonight… make him understand who he was created to be.” |
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Post by mintleaf2 on Oct 31, 2023 10:55:33 GMT -5
“I want to see you excel. Training can certainly be a part of it. I know lessons and tactics that will amaze you, Marshpaw.” Brinetail mused, head above the water like a snake poised for a strike. “Besides. I would think learning from multiple sources would make you more skilled, yes?” ”Um, yeah, I guess that makes sense.” The last of his hesitation began to fade away. A strong cat like this seemed like he might be an effective mentor. He still wasn’t quite sure of his surroundings yet, and turned up his nose at the scent of rot clinging to the stagnant waters nearby. Marshpaw’s paws were beginning to sink into the wet turf. He flicked them to get the worst of the mud off, but only managed to spray more of it back on himself. He pretended as though nothing had happened, hating how he was embarrassing himself in front of a warrior ancestor from his clan. |
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Post by Moonblazer on Oct 31, 2023 10:59:55 GMT -5
“I want to see you excel. Training can certainly be a part of it. I know lessons and tactics that will amaze you, Marshpaw.” Brinetail mused, head above the water like a snake poised for a strike. “Besides. I would think learning from multiple sources would make you more skilled, yes?” ”Um, yeah, I guess that makes sense.” The last of his hesitation began to fade away. A strong cat like this seemed like he might be an effective mentor. He still wasn’t quite sure of his surroundings yet, and turned up his nose at the scent of rot clinging to the stagnant waters nearby. Marshpaw’s paws were beginning to sink into the wet turf. He flicked them to get the worst of the mud off, but only managed to spray more of it back on himself. He pretended as though nothing had happened, hating how he was embarrassing himself in front of a warrior ancestor from his clan. “You’ll get used to the ground here. Though, I much prefer staying in the water.” Brinetail mused with a hint of humor as he watched Marshpaw splash mud on himself. He gave an inviting wave of his tail. “Want to try it out? The water is good for training because it is thicker than what you’re used to. If you can swim and fight in this water, then doing so back on the territory will be a breeze.” |
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Post by mintleaf2 on Nov 1, 2023 15:09:22 GMT -5
”Um, yeah, I guess that makes sense.” The last of his hesitation began to fade away. A strong cat like this seemed like he might be an effective mentor. He still wasn’t quite sure of his surroundings yet, and turned up his nose at the scent of rot clinging to the stagnant waters nearby. Marshpaw’s paws were beginning to sink into the wet turf. He flicked them to get the worst of the mud off, but only managed to spray more of it back on himself. He pretended as though nothing had happened, hating how he was embarrassing himself in front of a warrior ancestor from his clan. “You’ll get used to the ground here. Though, I much prefer staying in the water.” Brinetail mused with a hint of humor as he watched Marshpaw splash mud on himself. He gave an inviting wave of his tail. “Want to try it out? The water is good for training because it is thicker than what you’re used to. If you can swim and fight in this water, then doing so back on the territory will be a breeze.” Marshpaw took a few steps into the water. Despite being used to the feeling of water all around him, the murky, heavy feeling was unusual. He felt like a new apprentice again, struggling through the water. He kept to the shallows and braced himself as the liquid sloshed over his back. Paddling back and forth grew quickly tiring, but with each burning sensation in his muscles, he realized just how much stronger he could get. Even if this was just a dream, it was certainly inspiring. |
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 1, 2023 15:21:59 GMT -5
“You’ll get used to the ground here. Though, I much prefer staying in the water.” Brinetail mused with a hint of humor as he watched Marshpaw splash mud on himself. He gave an inviting wave of his tail. “Want to try it out? The water is good for training because it is thicker than what you’re used to. If you can swim and fight in this water, then doing so back on the territory will be a breeze.” Marshpaw took a few steps into the water. Despite being used to the feeling of water all around him, the murky, heavy feeling was unusual. He felt like a new apprentice again, struggling through the water. He kept to the shallows and braced himself as the liquid sloshed over his back. Paddling back and forth grew quickly tiring, but with each burning sensation in his muscles, he realized just how much stronger he could get. Even if this was just a dream, it was certainly inspiring. “I can tell that you’re going to be a natural. Can you feel how the water works to strengthen you? Gives you a real challenge?” Brinetail asked, swimming easily through the water with an immense amount of strength. “Tell me. How is Riverclan? It has been so long since I’ve seen my home.” He mewed wistfully. |
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Post by mintleaf2 on Nov 1, 2023 17:59:48 GMT -5
Marshpaw took a few steps into the water. Despite being used to the feeling of water all around him, the murky, heavy feeling was unusual. He felt like a new apprentice again, struggling through the water. He kept to the shallows and braced himself as the liquid sloshed over his back. Paddling back and forth grew quickly tiring, but with each burning sensation in his muscles, he realized just how much stronger he could get. Even if this was just a dream, it was certainly inspiring. “I can tell that you’re going to be a natural. Can you feel how the water works to strengthen you? Gives you a real challenge?” Brinetail asked, swimming easily through the water with an immense amount of strength. “Tell me. How is Riverclan? It has been so long since I’ve seen my home.” He mewed wistfully. Marshpaw pulled himself onto the shore, marveling at how Brinetail moved so effortlessly. He shook a little of the water off, but then decided to just take a seat. He eyed the water thoughtfully, considering giving it another turn. He hummed. “Well, Earthstar was gone for a while and Specklecreek left too. I think everyone’s pretty nervous about it, but Diamondheart, our deputy,” he clarified, in case this warrior didn’t know, “worked really hard to keep us together. The river is full and everyone worked really hard to make the dens better defended -” he paused. “Say, Brinetail? When you were a warrior, did you ever hear about something called a prey-mauler? It seems all the clans are pretty worried. We even found some of their fur on our territory.” |
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 1, 2023 18:05:52 GMT -5
Brinetail wanted to dig his claws into the pebbles beneath his paws at the mention of Earthstar and Diamondheart. He remembered when Rain had announced that rotten loner kit had been fished out of the river, and was brought back to Riverclan. Remembered when she had named Diamondheart, when Earthstar had escaped Adderclan only to return to fight against them. He wished Adderstar had killed Diamondheart the day he scarred him in front of the Clan as a kit. Even so, Brinetail faked a small smile, before he hummed.
"Prey-mauler... no. Nothing of the sort sounds familiar." He shook his head.
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