We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 8, 2012 22:57:05 GMT -5
A large gray and white tom huffed as he settled down on the edge of camp, laying down with a heavy sigh. Jagged scars ran across his face, remnants of a disasterous meeting with Demon, and reminders of the cost of letting his emotions rule his actions. Never again would he allow his anger to get the better of himself. Before he had sworn that, but now he meant it. Now he knew that he would remember it, and if he forgot, all he had to do was look into a puddle or a river and see the consequences of such a mistake.
Noblepaw gazed out in the surrounding, snow covered forest with pensive green eyes. Even after so many weeks, he was not accustomed to the side looks and the occasional double-takes, though the latter usually belonged to the younger cats. He no longer even turned to look at the nursery; the kits, tactless little beasts that they were, always stared or cowered away while their mother's tried to hush their loud, carrying whispers. He had quickly grown tired of pretending that he didn't care.
The apprentice rolled over onto his side, still facing the forest, ignoring the biting cold that seeped through his fur. Large flakes gently fell from the sky, coating his pelt in a layer of white. Bloodtalon had given him the day off, and he had wasted nearly all of it, since he had no idea what to do with himself. He was a wreck. Even returning to training had seemed harder than he thought it would have. His nerves were strained, and above all of it, he could not defeat an odd weariness that slowly seeped through his bones. He was tired. Almost every night, a certain lynx stalked through his dreams, giving him very little sleep. He was no longer comfortable finding refuge in the trees, and no matter how much he tried, he could not bring himself to venture into the forest alone. Whenever he was on patrol, he found himself just waiting for that familiar, monstrous shape to appear or to catch a whiff of the distinctive scent.
And even then, he could not decide if his actions were out of fear or anger. Noblepaw felt a strong desire to get even with the larger feline, to prove that he was an opponent worthy of some respect, not just an apprentice who could be batted around like a leaf. He wanted to improve, to give Demon something to remember, and he resolved to. Every morning, he promised himself that he would learn new fighting moves, that he would work on his reflexes or brust strength. But that resolve weakened as the night drew closer and his demons began to haunt him once more. As much as he wanted to say that his encounter with the infamous lynx had left no scars but the ones across his features, he knew that he would be lying if he did.
Noblepaw lifted his head slightly and let it fall to the ground once more, where it landed with a gentle thud. I'm a wreck, He reiterated, giving another sight. Duskpaw was not very happy with him, and he had never before done so badly during sparring. His denmates were nearly intolerable, as always, but he seemed to have less patience than he normally did. He was tired and he dreaded nightfall, which, if he judged correctly with a quick glance at the overcast sky, would be coming sooner rather than later. Lost in thought, the apprentice turned his green-eyed gaze back to the forest, defeat written across his proud features.
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Post by Fawn on Dec 10, 2012 17:59:25 GMT -5
[STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; color:#C49FC2;] When Daybreak Seems So Far Away REACH FOR MY HAND.[/style][STYLE= width:400px; background-color: #0A0A0A; font-family:Arial; font-size:11px; text-color:#424242; text-align:left; line-height:11px; letter-spacing:2px; color:#424242;]
The TreeClan leader could not pinpoint exactly when he had become so emotionally invested in Noblepaw; maybe it was because he could see so much of himself in the young, arrogant, and currently broken cat? Maybe he was trying to show the young tom that greatness and humility could go hand in hand, instead of one over the other?
There were a million different things he wanted to teach the gray and white scarred tom, but he could only cram so much into a brief period of time spent training. Though Lionstar's initial objective was to inform Noblepaw that the battle challenge would be cancelled due to the weather and the sparseness of herbs, the golden feline's current mission changed in a heartbeat upon sighting the apprentice in the throes of... depression? Self pity?
Lionstar felt the fur along his spine prickle. He couldn't tell which was unsettling him more - how defeated Noblepaw appeared to be, or the fight he and Duskpaw had had quite recently. Hardening his resolve, the TreeClan leader padded forward on large, golden paws, his winter coat having come in with magnificence, his eyes the hue of fossilized amber. "Get up Noblepaw." Spoke the tom, the intonation clearly authoritative; refusal was not an option. "Follow me. We have a lot to talk about."
That they did. Noblepaw was so close to his warrior ceremony, and Lionstar would be damned if he was going to let the tom miss it or delay it because he was sulking!
Song - I'll Be Right Here - by Ashes Remain [/style][STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; text-color:#424242; line-height:10px; color:#C49FC2;] When Hope and Peace Begin to Fray, Still I Will Stand. ~ When the Rain Falls I Won’t Let Go I’ll Be Right Here. [/style][STYLE= width:400px; font-family:Arial; font-size:7px; letter-spacing:3px; border-top: solid #000000 20px; border-bottom: solid #000000 20px; background-color:#000000; color:#424242;]TEMPLATE BY LISE FROM BACK TO NEVERLAND[/style]
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We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 10, 2012 20:12:51 GMT -5
The fur along the back of his neck prickled with the familiar sensation of being watched. An ear flicked, his single acknowledgement of that observation, though he paid little attention to it before dismissing the thought. More often than not, he felt as though a cat was watching him, and having grown accustomed to the feeling, he found it easier to ignore that little twinge of curiousity that was sparked every time. Who was it? I am nearing warrior age, and my face was just ripped to shreds by Demon; it could be anyone. Why were this mysterious cat looking at him? I am almost a warrior, Demon made a scratching post out of my face, and word has spread quickly about me and Duskpaw; take a guess. In any case, it didn't matter to him why or who. Chances were the cat would just turn away, go occupy their time with hunting what little prey was left or go train one of the many other apprentices.
He did not expect the familiar tone of TreeClan's leader to resonate from directly above and behind him. Noblepaw flinched in surprise and scrambled to his paws in a less than graceful manner. Partially due to habit and partially due to the tone, which he had registered subconsciously as commanding, he obeyed without a second thought, his limbs moving without his permission. Turning, green eyes landed on the impressive, golden mane that set Lionstar apart from the rest before flicking up to equally golden eyes that shone with a resolve and determination that his own lacked. Noblepaw glanced away, giving his chest fur an unnecessary lick as he shook the snow from his pelt, attempting to spare the older tom from the shower of flakes.
Talk about what, exactly? Something like dread pooled in his gut, quickly followed by curiousity. It could be any number of things: Duskpaw, his warrior ceremony that could probably be any day now, Demon's attack, his family. Apart from his ceremony, Noblepaw did not want to discuss any of those topics, let alone with Lionstar - though he could not think up any realistic reason as to why the leader might want to converse about the last one. Green eyes flicked back up to the other tom's features, as if searching for a clue hidden in Lionstar's expression. Receiving nothing but resolve, Noblepaw steeled himself for the worst. It was a rather pessimistic view, but if he expected the worst, he could not be surprised. In any case, the apprentice tightened his jaw and turned his face completely toward Lionstar; staring slightly over the thick-furred shoulder, he almost dared TreeClan's leader to comment on the remnants of Demon's attack, wondering idly where the defiance was coming from.
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Post by Fawn on Dec 10, 2012 21:51:15 GMT -5
[STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; color:#C49FC2;] When Daybreak Seems So Far Away REACH FOR MY HAND.[/style][STYLE= width:400px; background-color: #0A0A0A; font-family:Arial; font-size:11px; text-color:#424242; text-align:left; line-height:11px; letter-spacing:2px; color:#424242;]
Lionstar found himself almost missing the attitude and the confidence Noblepaw had a tendency of oozing, the gray and white tom padding silently behind him now radiating feelings of self doubt and defeat instead. Lionstar hated it. What right did the best fighter in the whole apprentices' den have to sulk just because he lost one fight against an opponent three times his size, and aiming to eat him?
Though he was quietly trying not to build himself up to an outburst, he couldn't quite help the burning feeling in his gut as he finally came to a stop in the training area, turning around to stare down at Noblepaw with something not entirely readable at first. Snap out of it! He wanted to bark, but he held his tongue, studying the warrior-to-be with a reserved expression, eyes narrow.
"You can stop dragging your feet, Noblepaw," the TreeClan leader finally spoke, "I understand that what happened to you has been a great shock to your system, but you've pitied yourself long enough." The words he spoke were not the usual calm, soothing kind, but were fervent and stern, almost like a fathering lecturing one of his wayward sons, the golden tom's chin lifting, waiting for the anticipated angry outburst from Noblepaw.
That is, if he wasn't too busy thinking depressing thoughts to get riled up. If that wasn't the case, then Lionstar would just have to do a little...agitating, now wouldn't he? He was going to shake this warrior-to-be out of his funk, even if it was the last thing he did.
Song - I'll Be Right Here - by Ashes Remain [/style][STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; text-color:#424242; line-height:10px; color:#C49FC2;] When Hope and Peace Begin to Fray, Still I Will Stand. ~ When the Rain Falls I Won’t Let Go I’ll Be Right Here. [/style][STYLE= width:400px; font-family:Arial; font-size:7px; letter-spacing:3px; border-top: solid #000000 20px; border-bottom: solid #000000 20px; background-color:#000000; color:#424242;]TEMPLATE BY LISE FROM BACK TO NEVERLAND[/style]
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We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 11, 2012 22:55:05 GMT -5
Almost instantly, Noblepaw recognized the well-worn path that lead to the training area, despite the layer of snow that blanketed the ground. He found himself wondering what Lionstar had in mind, though it seemed as though the tom had no intentions of revealing his actions until they reached their destination. A somewhat uncomfortable silence fell between them, though the apprentice had no plans of breaking it by voicing his questions. In any case, TreeClan's leader seemed almost lost in his own thoughts.
Then, abruptly, Lionstar halted and turned, and had the apprentice not been trailing a little behind, he would not have been able to avoid a rather embarassing accident. Feeling the intense stare directed towards him, Noblepaw raised his gaze and stared out over the leader's shoulder once more. Ears flicked as he registered the stern tones of Lionstar's distinctive voice, and he pointedly looked away, jaw clenching, as he tried to quell the rising indignation. He was not pitying himself, and he did not need to be spoken to like a kit. Was Lionstar under the misguided impression that he was broken? He most certainly was not! He was not that delicate, even if he had called himself a wreck moments before - as if he would ever admit it to anyone else. The chiding inflection that laced the leader's words had not escaped his notice either, and Noblepaw resented that it ever existed. Who was Lionstar to think that he understood? Lionstar was not the one who had been attacked by the lynx, who had caused his denmate to waste long moons in Spottedfeather's den.
Forcing his jaw to unclench took much more effort than he had thought it would, as did loosening his shoulders, which he had unconsciously tensed in response to the antagonistic words. Calm down. Don't lose your temper. You're better than this. Green eyes narrowed slightly, and when he thought that he could speak with a semblance of the respect, Noblepaw bit out, "I will, Lionstar." He paused for a brief moment before adding, "Is that all?" In his irritation, he found that he could not bring himself to stress over whether or not he was the epitome of a polite apprentice; all he wanted to do was head back to camp and curl up in his nest.
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Post by Fawn on Dec 12, 2012 22:16:04 GMT -5
[STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; color:#C49FC2;] When Daybreak Seems So Far Away REACH FOR MY HAND.[/style][STYLE= width:400px; background-color: #0A0A0A; font-family:Arial; font-size:11px; text-color:#424242; text-align:left; line-height:11px; letter-spacing:2px; color:#424242;]
The irritated spark in Noblepaw's eyes was exactly what the great golden tom was looking for, and he felt his own inner fire and emotional upset over this whole situation come rising up to further aid the cause. "You think I don't understand? You think I've never been injured so severely that I think it's a miracle I'm even alive? You think I've never seen Clanmates get injured, or die?"
Lionstar met the defiant green eyes staring back up at him, the golden warrior leaning down, face rapt with intensity. "I suppose this is one of your problems, isn't it Noblepaw? Underestimating the cats around you? I have seen more battles than you could imagine, I have watched cats get torn to shreds - you're angry because you have scars? Try being angry because you can't see because Demon scratched your eyes out. Try being angry because your jaw was cracked and never settled back to normal. Try being angry because your spine was damaged, and you are dying a slow, painful death in the Medicine Cat's den while all of your friends became warriors or moved on with their lives around you."
This might have seemed like a harsh conversation to have, but Noblepaw didn't need babying. He needed pushing. He needed shoving. He needed someone to show up who understood what he was going through and drag him out, kicking and screaming, of this depressed little hole he'd worked himself into. Lionstar was that cat. Letting his lip curl in an expression of contempt, his passionate acting continuing as he prodded the smaller tom's chest with one large, tufted paw; "You should be lucky you can see, smell, hear, taste and train just as you always have. So you have a few scars? Tough. Have you seen Bloodtalon? I guess the difference between you and cats like Bloodtalon and myself are that we don't sulk like kittens when life knocks us down. We get up, dust ourselves off and don't wallow when things get hard!"
As though he kept repeatedly shoving his paws into the mouth of a lion, the TreeClan tom waited for the retaliation, hoping to StarClan his goading was staring to work.
Song - I'll Be Right Here - by Ashes Remain [/style][STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; text-color:#424242; line-height:10px; color:#C49FC2;] When Hope and Peace Begin to Fray, Still I Will Stand. ~ When the Rain Falls I Won’t Let Go I’ll Be Right Here. [/style][STYLE= width:400px; font-family:Arial; font-size:7px; letter-spacing:3px; border-top: solid #000000 20px; border-bottom: solid #000000 20px; background-color:#000000; color:#424242;]TEMPLATE BY LISE FROM BACK TO NEVERLAND[/style]
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We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 12, 2012 23:03:38 GMT -5
No, apparently not. Noblepaw found himself wondering if he would have any teeth left in decent condition by the end of this conversation or whether he would have grinded all of them down to useless stubs due to the clenching of his jaw. Maybe Lionstar did understand. So what? Why should he, Noblepaw, care about Lionstar's past problems? What was the point? Did Lionstar want the young tom's sympathy? His pity? Too bad if he did; Noblepaw was less than inclined to give it, especially since his respect for the tom was falling hard and fast. The hypocrit had just told him, literally moments ago, to stop wallowing in his own self pity! Then he had the audacity to turn around and asked for Noblepaw's pity in response to his own troubles, while completely disobeying the order he had just given the apprentice! And why was the usually companionable leader being so antagonistic and intolerable? While he did not always agree with Lionstar's decisions, he could usually see the reasoning behind it if he bothered to waste his energy to do so. This made no sense, and he hated it. Irritated and confused, Noblepaw lashed out, cutting in sharply, Look, I'm sorry, but I don't really care. I'm sorry that you had a bad life, but this doesn't apply to me in any way." Verbal disrespect was the least of his worries; it was only fear of the consequences that kept him from launching himself at Lionstar.
The tom stared down at him, his yellow eyes full with an intensity that the apprentice had never seen before, and quite honestly, Noblepaw was not sure if he liked it. The fact that Lionstar towered over him like that sparked another flare of irritation in the younger tom, and the small part of his mind that was not completely ruled by anger seriously began to wonder if he should worry about the state of his teeth. If Lionstar stopped talking right now, Noblepaw might be able to collect himself and carry on with the rest of his day without being in a foul temper. But no, the leader continued on, even taking the time to point out 'one of my problems'. He could feel his upper lip curling into a sneer at the harsh words that were practically spat at him. What did any of this have to do with him? "But I am not, as you say, dying a slow, painful death in Spottedfeather's den! I'm sorry for any cat that has to experience that, but it still. does. not. affect. me." Therefore, why should I waste any of my energy caring about cats that I don't know? In this case, they're not even existent!
In the end, it was the prod that did him in. Noblepaw, to a certain extent, could tolerate listening to stories about nameless cats whom he did not care about. He could not, however, stand being shoved around by a cat larger than him; the tom had seen the size difference between his paws and Lionstar's, and the prod to his chest only drew more attention to the fact. The young apprentice stood abruptly, the fur along his spine bristling and his ears pressed flat to his head. Lips pulled back in a snarl as he comprehended Lionstar's words and finally understood the leader's point.
Not that it did anything to soothe his anger.
Lionstar had attacked his pride, attacked the root of his character, and Noblepaw was not going to sit back and let that escape unscathed. How dare you call me a kit! I am practically a warrior! With a cry, he launched himself at the larger cat, all fear of the consequences of his actions wiped from his mind. I'm not weak! I don't sulk like a kit! Words, spoken somewhere between a hiss and a screech, escaped his clenched jaw, and he managed to keep his claws sheathed. "You dare! You filthy piece of-- How dare you!"
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Post by Fawn on Dec 13, 2012 16:10:46 GMT -5
"You dare! You filthy piece of-- How dare you!"
Yes, this was more like it. When Noblepaw launched himself straight for Lionstar's face, the golden tom shifted his movements, side-stepping the enraged apprentice and smacking Noblepaw's shoulder as another taunt. "That's right Noblepaw. You think you're so tough? Come and prove it! Unless you're scared to fight someone bigger than you now?" The warrior's words came out purring, but Lionstar had fallen into a warrior's fighting stance, his massive paws churning up the snow, shoulder blades slicing upwards with each quiet, careful movement, a low menacing growl slipping past lips pressed together in a mocking smile.
He had insulted Noblepaw's integrity and sense of character, and he would do it a hundred times over if he felt like it would help. Lionstar had been in this situation before, with Sagefur. He had felt terrible after a horrendous defeat by a NightClan cat back when he'd still been an apprentice, and Sagefur had literally goaded him into attacking to help him get his...get his mojo back, you could say. It had worked for Lionpaw, who had been so eerily similar to Noblepaw (far more similar than Lionstar would care to admit), the golden TreeClan tom was certain it would work for the gray and white tom too.
Not wanting to give Noblepaw much time to start flying even further off the handle, the leader lurched forward, intending to knock the enraged apprentice off his feet. If he was smart, he would start trying to view this as a real fight and not some petty squabble between a leader and his apprentice. I have to show him I really mean this. Lionstar unsheathed his claws, and his amber eyes took on a battle gleam. It almost wasn't fair, to force the apprentice to take on a cat with nine lives and the battle experience and prowess of Lionstar's own namesake, but Lionstar reassured himself that he would never do this if he didn't think Noblepaw could handle it. Lionstar's eyes never left the warrior-to-be's.
Prepare yourself Noblepaw, THIS is your battle challenge.
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We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 13, 2012 21:50:32 GMT -5
He should not be that fast.
Lionstar's agility, a quality that Noblepaw would have admired almost any other day, infuriated him. His attack was supposed to have been successful; his blows should have connected with their target in a very satisfying way. But instead, the leader easily dodged the attack, side-stepping at the last moment, and making Noblepaw look like a mousebrained fool. To make matters worse, the older tom retaliated with a blow to his shoulder, shoving the apprentice off to the side. Letting out a hiss, he allowed his muscle memory take control instead of attempting to right himself; with ease acquired after many moons of hard training, he let his momentum carry him further away upon landing, rolling across the ground before rising to his paws and whipping around.
The mocking words rang in his ears, causing his claws to dig into the ground. He was tough. He had the fighting ability befitting of any warrior, and he knew he could best a handful of them as well. And he absolutely refused to back down from a blatant challenge like that. "I will not back down!" His words were followed by an awkward lurch forward, as he managed to restrain himself from leaping at Lionstar a second time. Surely another attack like that would have similar results to the first, and Noblepaw could not keep getting knocked to the side like that.
A small part of his mind reminded him that foolishly accepting a challenge like this, where he knew that he did not stand a chance, was exactly what had gotten him in this mess in the first place. Instantly, he dismissed that thought. He refused to let Lionstar best him with a few words, and he would show that pile of foxdung that he could fight just as well. As he fell into his own fighting crouch, which was similar to the leader's, another hiss left his mouth. "Never." No cat would ever insult him by doubting his ability and character again. Not like Lionstar. A cold determination began to take root within him, not completely replacing the blazing anger that had previously been so overwhelming.
Lips pulled back in a snarl of his own as the fur along his shoulders bristled. His tail lashed through the air behind him, its movements jerky as he remained ready to leap. Noblepaw hesitated, sizing up the situation. Then he noticed the unsheathed claws. A growl left his throat, and his own claws began to curve into the ground in response to the threat. Green eyes met intense amber ones.
I'll beat you, Lionstar. I'm not--WHAT?!
It was only fast reflexes that allowed him to not get completely bowled over by Lionstar's sudden attack; he managed to jump slightly to the side, taking another side blow rather than have to deal with the full force behind the lunge. Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, Noblepaw balanced himself and whipped back around, eyes blazing as he relocated his opponent. Retaliating as soon as he found the older tom, the apprentice lashed out with blows of his own, quick on his paws and full of an energy that had not possessed him in a very long time.
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Post by Fawn on Dec 14, 2012 19:32:26 GMT -5
"Come on milkbreath! You won't beat me and you won't beat anyone else if you're not thinking like a warrior!"
Lionstar's heart began to lift when he saw the apprentice fall into his old patterns, the rage he could see roiling in the warrior-to-be's eyes more reassuring to the TreeClan leader than alarming. He had looked into the face of fury before, he knew what it was like to have a cat come after you with every intention of tearing you a new one, but he also knew the look of a cat so completely enveloped by his own...emotions that he left himself wide open to a fatal blow.
The golden warrior was surprisingly deft of movement, the blows Noblepaw was aiming at his jaw and chest did not all connect, actually a majority of them missed until Lionstar noticed that they were getting faster and more controlled. That's more like it. Giving Noblepaw the proper fight he needed and deserved, Lionstar feinted left, and lashed out with his right, aiming a skull-rattling blow to the side of the apprentice's head. It was a little more realistic than was probably appropriate for an apprentice training session, but Noblepaw was very nearly a warrior, and would be able to handle the impact as well as retaliate appropriately.
Lionstar wasn't worried. His only goal now was to get Noblepaw to start thinking. Though it was unlikely that Noblepaw, was slightly rusty as he was, would defeat him in combat, it was likely he would be able to win his confidence back, and learn to operate under pressure like never before. Lionstar unleashed a guttural snarl, advancing with his fur fully spiked, his paws firmly planned on the ground beneath him as he let loose another challenging growl, eyes full of fire.
OOC: Do you want Noblepaw to win this fight? xD I can have Lionstar lose on purpose if you want, lol.
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We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 15, 2012 20:25:20 GMT -5
Stop moving!
The way his blows continued to miss their target by a hair was infuriating, but even as he kept up his rain of attacks, he could feel them growing in strength and accuracy as he fell back into old habits. And then, just as he thought one might land, Lionstar shifted to the side - Noblepaw moved to block him - and suddenly a large paw came swinging out of no where. Letting out a hiss, the apprentice dropped as fast as he could, even as the paw connected with the side of his head. He blinked away the black spots that had appeared before his eyes, instinctively ducking away to give himself more space and time.
Ow. Was that really necessary?
It told him one thing though: Lionstar was taking this fight seriously. In order to prove to the leader that he was worthy of the title of warrior, he would have to take this seriously as well. And that meant analyzing and coming up with strategy instead of blindly attacking and hoping for the best. Across from him, TreeClan's leader stood, his fur bristling and features mutating into a snarl as he let loose a growl. Feeling his own fur spike once more, Noblepaw knew that the way to defeat a larger - and therefore slower - opponent was to use the speed and agility that they lacked. It seemed, however, that Lionstar had the deftness of a smaller feline, if his fancy dodging was anything to go by.
Keeping green eyes locked on his target, Noblepaw began to slowly circle the leader, ready to pounce away and to the side should Lionstar show any signs of attacking. What he needed to do was to somehow incapcitate the leader, slow him so that the apprentice could actually land a blow. Vaguely he remembered a move that worked considerably well, one that he had not appreciated. It was a blow to the back of the legs that hit a certain nerve, causing them to collapse. The apprentice had never practiced it very much, but he remembered the effectiveness very well.
Instantly obeying his command, his paws turned, leading him straight toward the leader at a sprint. Have to get past him! He kept low to the ground and skittered to the side in a zig-zag formation until he thought he was close enough. Then, whipping around, he aimed his blow at Lionstar's hind legs, hoping to see them buckle the next instant. Without waiting to see the effects, Noblepaw leapt high into the air. If all went according to plan, he would land on the leader's back.
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Post by Fawn on Dec 16, 2012 16:43:33 GMT -5
Lionstar let out a soft grunt of mild surprise and humor as Noblepaw struck a well-aimed blow to a particular nerve in his back legs, Lionstar's mouth opening in a low chuckling growl. Using Dawnpaw's infamous move, was he? Lionstar couldn't tell if he was more pleased by the irony of the situation, the fact that Noblepaw knew a good move when he saw one, or the fact that the gray and white apprentice had started using his head now. Letting his legs crumple, Lionstar lowered his body to the ground, allowing his weight to drop and striking a sideways counterblow at Noblepaw's flank, like a lion swatting a mouthy cub away before he could sink tiny little needle teeth into his scruff again.
The golden tom was quietly calculating and mulling over the possibility that Noblepaw would try to jump on top of him, considering he was fast and smaller than the great golden beast he was fighting, that would seem like a sensible option, surely, if Lionstar hadn't dealt with thins of this nature before. If he had a piece of fresh kill for every time a warrior or apprentice had tried to get behind him and clamp their teeth around that bushy mane of his, TreeClan would be fat and healthy right now instead of famished and stretched thin by double patrols. Lionstar's claws sank into the earth like needle-thin anchors, his expression reserved as he waited for Noblepaw's next moves.
He was almost getting flashbacks of himself and Sagefur, memories flooding his senses from so long ago...
Able to picture a small, big-pawed kitten with even bigger ambitions trying to get the upper hand on a pale-furred, long-experienced warrior, Lionstar's heart squeezed in his chest with fond nostalgia, amber eyes following the movements of his younger battle opponent. Just as he had predicted, seconds later from his well-delivered stab at a nerve, Noblepaw had leaped upon his back. Lionstar had been ready for it.
He grinned, teeth gnashing as he felt searing hot pinpricks of pain as claws sank in through his dense, heavily golden ticked fur, and Lionstar waited only a few moments longer, his movements halted as he waited for the tingling numbness to eventually wash away from his back leg. Rather than roll on top of Noblepaw - he didn't want the younger tom raking his claws down his back, after all - Lionstar abruptly decided to make it as hard as possible for the other cat to stay on top of him. Writhing, kicking and ricocheting like a bucking bronco, the warrior's powerful muscles bunched and released as he moved, careful to keep up this controlled level of chaos for as long as he needed to, as it was a very quick way to wear yourself out.
If Noblepaw wasn't off by then, Lionstar knew of a very good tree he could press his back up against until his opponent yelled uncle. "At least now you're using your head!" breathed the warrior, inhaling deeply through his nose, white teeth gleaming as he gave one more massive toss of his shoulders.
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We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 16, 2012 17:23:21 GMT -5
Satisfaction crashed through him as he saw his blow work. Regardless of its inventor, the move was effective and usually unexpected; all Noblepaw had to do was pretend that a certain she-cat had not come up with it. A vicious grin spread across his lips as he saw Lionstar stumble and fall, and instantly he redoubled his efforts to land a blow. With the leader on the ground, his mobility was extremely decreased, and the apprentice planned on using that to his advantage before the effects of the blow to his hind legs had worn off.
However, Lionstar was not completely helpless, even if his ability to dodge was mostly taken away. The blow to Noblepaw's flank reminded the apprentice of this fact, and though it did little to deter him, the pain it caused forced a hiss through clenched jaws. Paws landed successfully on the older tom's back, claws instantly sinking into the thick golden fur beneath him. The moment he righted himself, the apprentice lunged for the thick mane that made his leader's appearance so distinctive and impressive, jaws open and ready to bite. All he had to do was get his teeth around Lionstar's neck and he would win.
He barely noticed the dangerous stillness that had overcome the leader, the only warning of the shaking that followed soon after.
If his claws had not been hooked in so firmly to the older tom's thick fur, Noblepaw would have flown across the clearing after the first few buckes. Instantly his priorities changed from delivering a mock killing bite to staying on top of his opponent, knowing that if he went flying he would lose whatever advantage he had by clinging to Lionstar's back. Teeth gnashed as jaws clacked together, head swinging around. He can't keep this up for too long! Finally, he felt the tom begin to tire underneath him. He seemed to give one more massive buck - which nearly threw him off again - before hesitating.
Now!
Noblepaw lunged forward once more, trying to finish the fight again. Jaws were opened wide, and claws dug into the golden shoulders at the thought of his victory.
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Post by Fawn on Dec 16, 2012 18:48:26 GMT -5
Tenacious little-
The warrior's thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of Noblepaw's hooked claws curving deep beneath his pelt, enough to nick the skin and ignite the warrior's blood on fire, the teeth he felt at his scruff the last straw. Amber eyes losing a little of their merciful, normally benevolent gleam, the golden tom let out a furiously low growl full of menace, the strength back in his legs from that little blow from earlier. Lurching forward, Lionstar made powerful strides towards the nearest pine tree, carrying the gray and white apprentice on his back almost as though he were a happy father toting around a playful kit, though the actions that followed and the expression Lionstar was making made it seem far more...violent in nature. Noblepaw wasn't exactly the lightest cat in the Clan, but Lionstar was strong, and he growled, teeth fitting together in a pressured bite, jaw tensing with effort as he threw his back up against the tree, and began to wriggle from side to side, making sure to grind his opponent into the sappy, snowy bark hard enough that it stuck.
If Lionstar wasn't so intent upon his task, he would've chuckled at how Noblepaw was going to look after this, his fur cowlicked in places by the sap, the snow sticking to him in little white clumps. It would be enough to let his dignity take a hit, but Lionstar was confident that a good healthy fight between the two of them would be enough to let the warrior bounce back. "You'll have to breathe sometime," taunted Lionstar, half with a voice of reason, half with almost an older brother's tormenting humor. He dug his shoulder blades farther back, ears cocked and listening for the 'whumph!' of air that was likely an involuntary exhale on his opponent's part. The warrior's great plumed tail swayed, fluffed and tense with aggression, Lionstar continuing to try and shake Noblepaw off before he dropped back down to all fours.
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We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 17, 2012 21:32:44 GMT -5
Something shifted in Lionstar - he could not name what it was, exactly, but he knew that something had changed - and Noblepaw tensed, claws digging into the broad shoulders as he gripped harder in preparation for being shaken around some more. However he need not have bothered. Much to his confusion, the leader simply began to walk with long, even strides, barely bothering to attempt to throw him off. It was incredibly easy to remain on the tom's back, and the apprentice's suspicion grew, eyes narrowed as he tried to figure out the motivation behind Lionstar's actions.
Once he saw the tree, it did not take long to put two and two together.
Teeth still clamped in the leader's mane, Noblepaw felt dread course through him, slowly splitting apart the resolve that had filled him throughout the course of the fight. "No," He muttered, words muffled by the fur in his mouth. "No." Lionstar turned, seemingly oblivious to his protests. "I'm serious. You're not going to--"
Wham!
The impact was solid, and Noblepaw found that empathizing with Duskpaw would now be considerably easier. His jaws, which had loosened from the shock, bit down again on Lionstar's neck with a new desperation. Not even bothering to take a breath to replace the one that had been knocked out of him from his contact with the tree, he reversed his previous actions, struggling to shove the leader's weight off of him. Pointed bark dug into his back, and his eyes narrowed when he became aware of something being pressed into his well-groomed fur - that'd better not be what I think it is, Lionstar. Persistent and using every advantage he had, the larger tom only dug his shoulder blades farther back, putting some of the weight on Noblepaw's chest. A loud whoosh of air escaped him, and his lungs screamed for air. Claws unhooked themselves from the golden fur as he gasped for another breath. He could not last much longer now. "Get off," Noblepaw wheezed. "I give. For now.
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