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Post by Hellion on Dec 18, 2018 1:13:22 GMT -5
the moments when you're in so deep FEELS EASIER TO JUST SWIM DOWN
Despite being a mother to three, Firestar struggled to consider herself a good one. Unsure of how to maintain a healthy balance between her kits and her duty as a leader, she left far too much on her mate's shoulders. Russetfall raised their youngest kits more then she had and it showed.
Lynxpaw hated her, or so it felt. Tigerpaw looked at her as if she was ablaze with her namesake. She had deprived them of so much by putting her duty first. Doubtful she'd change her actions if she could, Firestar decided it was better for her to focus on ensuring they were safe beyond her life. She had already asked Lynxpaw to promise to keep Tigerpaw safe, but it was only fair Tigerpaw had skills of his own to help.
Leading her youngest kits toward the trampled clearing, Firestar stopped once they arrived. She walked further into the middle and beckoned her kits forward, directing them to sit in front of her.
"Today we are going to work on Tigerpaw's defensive training. Lynxpaw I want you to be the one to attack him and I'll show him the proper moves," She explained, waiting for them to agree to her suggestion.
FIRESTAR @zen its wonky, i'm sorry its late i'm tired |
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Post by Taxx on Dec 29, 2018 12:42:23 GMT -5
L Y N X P A W I've got the eye of a fighter
Dancing through the fire Lynxpaw trotted side-by-side with her brother, following Firestar toward that Trampled Clearing. The three had never been out together like this; generally Tigerpaw stayed with Kindleflare, either stuck inside the camp or going with his mentor to collect herbs. Now that she thought about it, she'd never been out of the camp with Tigerpaw before. She was pleased to do so now, and even more thrilled she'd been asked to help in his battle training.
Firestar informed them of the lesson and Lynxpaw rolled her eyes at the obvious statement. She already knew why they were out here. But, she said nothing, only trotted a few tail-lengths away and then whipped about to face Tigerpaw again. "Ready!" she called, and then darted forward; when he collapsed to the ground on his side, she pulled up and spared a few heartbeats to gaze down at him before letting out a mrrow of laughter and flopping down beside her brother.
Momentarily pushing Firestar's presence from her mind, she reached out to press a paw to Tigerpaw's nose, purring as she spoke. "This is one way to fight, I suppose, but it leaves you awfully vulnerable. Come on, Tigerpaw, you know I'd never hurt you. Would it help if I stayed still and let you do the moves on me? We can take this as slow as you need it to be." And you're gonna hear me roar |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2019 1:51:57 GMT -5
Maybe I'ma get a little anxious,
Maybe I'ma get a little shy...
Nervously, Tigerpaw padded along beside his sister as their mother led them from camp. Kindleflare had told him that even though he was a medicine cat, he still needed to learn how to defend himself, but since she wasn't that great at fighting herself she was entrusting that part of his training to someone else to make sure he was trained properly. Firestar apparently. It helped to have Lynxpaw coming along, but he was still anxious about having to fight. He had thought he would never have to as a medicine cat, but he realized the practicality of at least knowing some basics so he could fight back if he ever needed to. After all, foxes didn't care if you were a medicine cat or a warrior.
He shuddered as the image of Dawnblossom's death flashed through his mind again. Lynxpaw seemed happy, so at least there was that. He sighed, resigned. Finally they came to the Trampled Clearing and Firestar gestured for them to sit, so he did, listening to her explanation with twitching ears. Lynxpaw was supposed to attack him? He swallowed a lump of fear and simply gave a small nod of understanding. Lynxpaw was already moving away and his pelt began to bristle with alarm. Was she gong to attack him right now? He wasn't ready!
He jumped back to his paws and followed his sister a bit, but then stopped, unsure exactly what to do. When she called that she was ready and darted forward, he couldn't help it. He dropped to the ground with a squeak and closed his tightly, bracing himself for whatever his sister was about to do to him. However, nothing happened, and when he opened his eyes she was flopping down beside him. She reached out and bopped his nose with her paw, and he blinked in surprise. His ears flicked back briefly, unsure, as she asked him how he wanted to do this. He didn't know the first thing about battle training, and that was just the way he liked it. But he did appreciate her patience with him.
“I... I'm sorry. I don't know... how...?” he cast a nervous glance at their mother, suddenly feeling terribly ashamed of how he'd reacted to Lynxpaw's advance. He was Firestar's son, the kit of a leader, how could he be such a terrible coward that he couldn't even face his sister in a fake fight? He stared down at his paws for a moment, “Maybe... if you just... slowed down a little?” He wasn't sure if that would help or not, but to have her suddenly rushing at him had been too much, that was for sure. He knew a real enemy wouldn't slow down for him, of course... but he had to start somewhere, right?
'Cuz everybody's tryin' to be famous
And I'm just tryin' to find a place to hide. Hellion Taxx
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Post by Hellion on Jan 27, 2019 23:22:42 GMT -5
the moments when you're in so deep FEELS EASIER TO JUST SWIM DOWN
While she didn't expect Tigerpaw to be excited to do defensive training, she wasn't prepared for him to collapse like an old tunnel. Her expression gave away to her disappointment and she felt guilty for it. Tigerpaw despite his name was not destined to make a name for himself with tooth a claw, that much was clear from the start. However, Firestar couldn't stop herself from wishing he'd stand up a face the challenge that was learning to protect himself.
He needed to understand that some cats would hurt him despite who he was. His connection to StarClan only gave him so much protection. Glad for Lynxpaw's presence, she watched the siblings share their moment and decided then not to invade upon it. Instead, she kept back, watching them as a mother would, waiting for a sign that Tigerpaw would be ready.
His request for things to go slow was met with Firestar's nod. Heading toward them she paused and nudged Tigerpaw to stand up and waited for Lynxpaw to do the same. She offered no gentle nudge to her daughter, she learned that the hard way the Lynxpaw didn't want her help.
"We will go slow, but can't go slow all day so I'm going to ask that you try to hold back your fears and remember that its important you learn this so if a real threat comes you are prepared," She offered him a gentle lick to his ear, purring slightly to encourage him to relax enough to follow her instructions.
"When a cat is coming at you head on you want to go for the face. Scratch eyes and nose, aim for the ears too. Do anything to cause them to become disorientated. Blood in the eyes will blind your attacker, a hard enough blow will make their ears ring. Doing that will give you enough time to run, remember Tigerpaw, you aren't trained to win fights you are trained to survive them," Her tone was slightly detached but her eyes remained nurturing.
"We will take it slow, half speed and Lynxpaw won't strike back she will only move forward," She flicked her shortened tail as a signal to both to start whenever they wanted.
FIRESTAR @zen |
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Post by Taxx on Feb 1, 2019 10:16:15 GMT -5
L Y N X P A W I've got the eye of a fighter
Dancing through the fire Sometimes it was too easy to forget that not every cat wanted to learn to fight; Lynxpaw supposed she could have gone a little slower, or started by showing Tigerpaw some moves rather than charging at him first thing, but she'd anticipated him to at least try to batter her with his paws instead of flopping onto his side. She nodded to his request and as Firestar nudged him, she climbed back to her paws, gaze flicking between her mother and brother.
He wasn't going to like this, and Lynxpaw reached her head forward to nuzzle his cheek. "It's good for you to learn, at least, just in case- claws are the best way to discourage a cat." Or anything else that might threaten him. "It'd only be until a warrior came to help, and you'd never be alone. You can do this. Ready?" She asked this time, instead of assuming he would be, and backed away to carry out the instruction given. She waited until he had agreed before moving forward: not charging but a slow stalk with her ears back and her fur fluffed, small teeth bared. Just like when they'd- or when she'd- play-fought in the nursery. And you're gonna hear me roar |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2019 2:34:12 GMT -5
Tigerpaw couldn’t meet his mother’s gaze as she nudged him to his paws again. He was just glad he’d been able to escape the life of a warrior, or he was sure his mother would be less patient with his cowardice. He wished he could do as she said and just forget his fears, but it wasn’t that easy. His ears flicked and he stared at his paws, “I’ll try….” He could promise no more than that. He knew it was important he learn to defend himself, but he was certain if he was ever faced with real danger that he wasn’t able to run away from, he would just freeze up and be useless anyway. Her show of affection was at least comforting. Until she started explaining about going for a cat’s face, and blood in their eyes, and…. A shiver went through him and he swallowed hard. It wasn’t like he was going to actually use his claws again Lynxpaw. There would be no blood today. But the thought of doing any of that to another cat was unsettling. Lynxpaw’s nuzzle startled him out of those frightening thoughts and he offered his sister a small purr for her encouragement. It was true that he would likely never be without a warrior nearby. It was unlikely he would ever have to use any of this. He sighed and nodded when she asked if he was ready. As ready as he could be, he supposed. As she started stalking toward him, he swallowed again, crouching a bit on instinct, his gaze narrowed against expected blows even though he knew they wouldn’t come. Firestar had said Lynxpaw wouldn’t attack this time. When his sister got close enough he gave a small squeak and flailed out with one paw, eyes closed tightly. He didn’t want to hit her. This was terrible.
Hellion Taxx |
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Post by Hellion on Feb 11, 2019 3:33:46 GMT -5
FIRESTAR leader of lightningclan
Defeated.
In all areas of motherhood, Firestar had lost. Her first lost having been Mapleheart. The second having been in the upbringing of her youngest kits. Tigerpaw's inability to put his fears for the sake of his own life confused her almost painfully. Yes it was a mock fight and no danger lingered in the brush around them. However, Firestar couldn't stop herself remembering each dead warrior she watched the elder's carry away. Her daughter one of them.
It was foolish to hope that Tigerpaw could be both a fighter and a healer. Forced to come to terms with the fact he wouldn't be able to defend himself for long, Firestar felt her own fear coil in her stomach. Calmed only by Lynxpaw's nuzzle to her brother's cheek. There was that small hope in her daughter. Lynxpaw would be there to protect him. However, that didn't lessen the pain of her defeat. She still failed them both.
Lynxpaw was far more fire and that would burn her up quicker than dry grass. Her youngest kits were of two different extremes, furthering Firestar's fear that she was to blame. Perhaps if she had stayed in the nursery longer she could have taught them better, provided for them as a mother should.
Caught up in her thoughts Firestar watched her son's flailed attempt to strike his sister and couldn't suppress the groan that escaped her.
"Lynxpaw, wait." She told her, moving to take her daughter's spot, standing before Tigerpaw. "You have to learn to defend yourself. I can not lose you and neither can LightningClan. Her words were heavy, dropping from her tongue with an emotional weight that surprised her. " I will take Lynxpaw's place and you will strike me. That way it's less like playing in the nursery," With her direction given she took a few steps back before going just as Lynxpaw had, but she didn't go as slow. She strode toward him with purpose and intended to spark up a reaction from him.
legacy. what is a legacy? it's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see
Taxx @zen |
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Post by Taxx on Feb 12, 2019 20:08:53 GMT -5
L Y N X P A W I've got the eye of a fighter
Dancing through the fire Well, he was trying at least, Lynxpaw had to give him that. His eyes were squeezed shut, but she was near enough that the tips of his toes flapped against her whiskers a few times before she spoke up. "That was-" she started, intending to encourage the attempt, and push a little more- keeping his eyes open was a good idea.
Firestar interrupted and Lynxpaw glanced over, frowning but giving way to the older she-cat as she padded over to stand in front of Tigerpaw. Her words, however, sparked irritation within Lynxpaw and she pinned her ears back. Who was playing? They weren't kits anymore, and what did Firestar know about helping anyway? "I think he did great," she objected, pushing forward again to stand at Tigerpaw's side, her shoulder pressed to his. "If he can't hit me, what makes you think he's going to be able to hit you? I said we'd go slow, and that's what he needs. You can't push him or you'll make it worse!"
Head and tail up, Lynxpaw stared at Firestar- she wasn't going to let the leader- mother or not- force Tigerpaw to do something he wasn't comfortable with. Kit steps, that's what he'd asked for, and while that would never work with a warrior apprentice, that wasn't what he was and he could afford not being as skilled as one of them of the same age. "Let him do it at his own speed, okay?" And you're gonna hear me roar |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2019 16:34:33 GMT -5
Tigerpaw had stopped his useless flailing as soon as his mother had called for Lynxpaw to wait, and had not missed the groan she had failed to suppress. He stared down at his paws, his vision blurred with frustration at himself. He was disappointing her. Why wouldn’t he? A leader should have brave, strong kits, like Lynxpaw. Not like him. “I’m sorry…,” he murmured softly, though he wasn’t sure if his mother heard him as Lynxpaw suddenly spoke up, defending him. His sister was too nice. He may not be a warrior but he knew his attempt hadn’t been great in any way, shape, or form. Pathetic, that’s what it had been. Just like him. His thoughts plummeting into negativity with his battered self esteem, Tigerpaw couldn’t help but crouch down, trying to make himself smaller, less noticeable, as if he could just disappear into the earth and escape this terrible training and the disappointment of his mother. He wanted nothing more than to make her proud and he was failing miserably. He just wanted to run back to Kindleflare and curl up with her. She always made him feel better. She understood his fear. Heart thudding in his chest and feeling as if he were about to be sick, he stood up suddenly and turned, announcing abruptly, “I need to make dirt!” He hurried away, hoping if he just took a moment to calm down, maybe he could go back and…. A tremble went through him and he curled up out of sight, taking deep breaths and wishing he had some thyme.
Hellion Taxx |
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Post by Hellion on Apr 1, 2019 23:17:57 GMT -5
FIRESTAR leader of lightningclan
Out of reflex, Firestar's own ears pinned back. If they hadn't been working on Tigerpaw learning to protect himself she would have praised her daughter for keeping him safe. But it was no longer the place. Tigerpaw needed to know the basics or he'd be dead and buried after any real fight.
She tried, she truly did, to be patient and understanding of Tigerpaw's apparent struggles but she had to draw a line somewhere. This so happened to be the moment.
Ready to send Lynxpaw off to sit and watch, Tigerpaw spoke up. Alerting her that he had to make dirt and taking off. Confused, Firestar glanced toward Lynxpaw before giving a huff.
"We are done for today, go finish your chores or find your mentor and see if he had anything for you to do," Her words curt. She'd have to see to Tigerpaw's training in another way. Ensure he was well trained and likely without Lynxpaw's help.
legacy. what is a legacy? it's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see @zen end? |
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Post by Taxx on Apr 2, 2019 22:46:42 GMT -5
L Y N X P A W I've got the eye of a fighter
Dancing through the fire The training session, which had already begun to spiral out of control, came to an abrupt halt as Tigerpaw blurted his need and darted away. Lynxpaw watched him go for a moment before turning to glare again at Firestar as the leader spoke, dismissing her. "I told you you were pushing too hard," she growled as she spun and stomped off, not caring if Firestar heard or what she thought. Lynxpaw had tried to tell her not to, but had she listened? Of course not, she thought she knew everything!
Tigerpaw's trail was easy to follow and Lynxpaw padded after him, unable to help the irritated twitch of her tail as she spotted her brother curled tight, looking utterly dejected. She paused for a moment, forced herself to breathe, tried to wrestle her annoyance away, and then moved on again, sprawling at her brother's side on her belly like it wasn't cold... not that she was feeling the cold anyway. Something to be thankful for, her thick pelt. "Leafbare's here," she commented. "It's gonna get so cold, I'm gonna freeze my tail off." A purr at her own joke vibrated her chest, and she shuffled closer, resting her head against Tigerpaw's flank.
"Have you and Kindleflare gone and picked all the herbs you can? I've hardly seen you the last few days, so you must have been busy. By now- I bet you know all the herbs in our territory. Right?" And you're gonna hear me roar |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2019 1:11:13 GMT -5
With one paw over his nose and eyes closed tightly as if to block out the whole world, Tigerpaw had been too lost in trying to drag himself out of his negativity enough to return to training when Lynxpaw was suddenly flopping down beside him. He jerked in alarm, his pelt bushing, and might have felt even worse for being so oblivious to his surroundings, if not for his sister. She just started talking about… normal things. She didn’t bring up their awful training session or the way she had made him jump without even trying to just now.
He loved his sister, but he didn’t think he’d ever been so grateful to have her as he was right now. A half purr, half laugh escaped him at her joke and he leaned into her, “You think you’re gonna be cold… your pelt is way thicker than mine is.” It was nice not to think about how horribly he had just failed, how much he had disappointed their mother, to just forget it and pretend like everything was okay and the two of them were just out here spending time together. In the back of his mind he knew it wouldn’t last. It was already starting to creep back, but his sister had at least managed to startle it all away for a few moments.
He sighed at her question, “I think we’ve done about all we can…. Anything that’s left needs to just be left alone so it can regrow come newleaf. If we take too much it’ll make it harder to find after the snow melts, there won’t be enough to survive the cold….” He didn’t think Lynxpaw really cared that much about herbs, but talking about them… they were something he knew about, something that made him feel useful, like he wasn’t so much of a failure, so he latched onto it to try to keep those feelings at bay just a bit longer.
He ducked his head, a bit embarrassed at his sister’s claim that he must know all the herbs in LightningClan’s territory by now. “Ah, well… I think I know them, for the most part…. We’ll see if I remember when newleaf comes,” his whiskers twitched in mild amusement. He fell quiet for a moment, leaning against Lynxpaw, and turned to press his nose to her cheek, his voice soft, “Thank you.”
Taxx |
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