The FIRST BATTLE

[Silver]

Just beyond the borders of ShadowClan territory, a certain white-coat deputy was speaking to a dusky colored tom. Waiting nervously in the shadows nearby, dozens of warriors waited for their leaders to give them the signals that would change the course of their lives forever. Those who didn't lust for battle felt tension bubbling like the swamps they were to invade. But these cats were unlike most; they refused to let the fear get the best of them. They beat down the rising horror with their courage and devotion to their leader, whom had been chosen by their ancestors to lead them. These were warriors, born to live for the better good of their Clan. They would battle with the strength and cunning of their larger cousins, until at last one Clan stood victorious. These cats were afraid, but they were willing to die if that is what it took.

That night, I felt ashamed to consider myself one of them.
Chosen by my leader, Duskstar, I was to lead the first attack party on ShadowClan. We were to scout out the territory as quickly as possible. As soon as we found their camp, we were to find a way to signal the others back on the border to attack in a second wave. My group consisted of nine others, four of them from what used to be RiverClan. One of them was clearly a respected senior warrior, for the others often turned to him for instructions instead of me. He, in turn, would often focus his gentle amber gaze upon me and ask how I felt about it all. Embarrassed and flustered, I would usually agree with whatever the black tom wanted. His name was Ravenclaw, and I recognized him from the Gatherings I had been to. Though RiverClan and ThunderClan shared their territory, most of us didn't really mingle with one another until the sacred meeting. One of the other RiverClan warriors, Racoonpelt, promptly informed me he was the brother of the late Silverstar, which only made me feel even more inappropriate for this job I had been assigned. I didn't know anyone in my party, even my own clanmates; Harejump, Fernfrond, Yellowfoot, Lakegaze, and Jejuneheart. I had never talked to them before; my crippling shyness had made sure of that. The warriors from RiverClan consisted of Ravenclaw, Racoonpelt, her mother Cinderflame, and her mate Lionstorm. They all looked tough and eager to battle. I, on the other hand, jumped at every noise and was resisting the urge to turn tail and run. Only Ravenclaw's soothing, yet powerful presence made me push forward.

Lionstorm's voice in the darkness made me jump, for the umpteenth time that trip.
"We must be close. This place reeks of ShadowClan," he growled. Cinderflame smirked at my uneasy expression.
"Those wussies won't know what hit them!" the gray she-cat smiled eerily in the dark. Her daughter nodded eagerly, drawing the others to smirk in the gloom. I hesitated, pushing down the flood of horror that was rushing through me. Taking a deep breath, I turned to the cats behind me.
"A-alright, Jejuneheart. We should b-be near the c-camp now. Since you're the fastest, I need you to go tell D-Duskstar," I hated how my voice trembled, hated the snickers that it prompted. I wanted nothing more than to run beside Jejuneheart, through the mud and muck, back to where Rosethorn was waiting for me to return. However, I had a duty to preform, so all I could do was watch the tom race away, my heart sinking with every fading step. We sat in silence for a moment before Ravenclaw rose to his feet.
"No matter what happens tonight, we are all warriors. Remember the warrior code, and do not kill in vain. StarClan is beside us tonight; so be swift and strong, as well as merciful. We will walk away victoriously tonight." Ravenclaw's voice rumbled in the night, and even I felt my heart lifting with his words. We all nodded, and Ravenclaw closed his eyes for a moment. With a jolt, I realized he must be praying to his sister, his former leader, in StarClan. Out of respect, I dipped my head, murmuring a prayer of my own. When I raised my head again, Ravenclaw was watching me curiously. "Take the lead, Shrubwhisker," he mewed. Flicking my tail nervously, I signaled for the group to gather together again. Harejump and Fernfrond were on either side of me, while the others filed along silently behind. With a deep breath, I charged down, down into the clearing, into my fate. Behind me, battle cries rose to the sky, a warning to those asleep in their beds that we were finally here.

The war had begun.

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[FireFlyDragon]

The night had harbored its usual sounds; those of small crawlers and others of larger, more dangerous proportions. Like the certain lingering hoots of a solitary owl, satisfactory far from the camp. The tom regarded these all silently; his form emerged in the shadows of the ferns about him, motionless in the warm green-leaf night. He himself hardly moved, only the occasional flicker of his guarding ears giving away his form’s otherwise statue like appearance.

The ShadowClan deputy couldn’t sleep. Everything from his healing wounds and the memories of the border skirmish, to Nightpaw’s put off warrior ceremony and their new found feelings for each other, disallowed his mind rest. Of course, the ever present advance from ThunderClan was another problem, and his thoughts were riddled with the clan’s predicament; and the future of those who lived within its boundaries.

A deep sigh vibrated his form, his coat rippling over newly formed scabs and beginning scars as the low sound passed through his maw. Duskstar; the name sent a tingle of fear down his back. The tom knew far too well how strong this crazed leader was, and he worried profusely about what had already happened, and what was bound to come from his leadership. Well, if running off and taking on a ShadowClan patrol alone could be called Leadership.

His pale eyes swept towards the apprentice den, watching the dark opening without emotion, until they softened only moments later. The tom could still remember his apprentice’s reaction when Skyfire had ushered her from the medicine cat’s den. She had always had such a stubborn streak in her, though even Marshflight would have had to scold her if she went against the medicine cat. He wondered if her own mind was restless; plagued with the same doubts he harbored, or if she had simply fallen into a slumber – able to push those things until another time when more suited.

Along with these wonders of his, his thoughts fell to the she-cat Warhawk, and a dreary sigh was emitted. Guilt racked him despite everything, for he knew there hadn’t been much else he could have done, and at least he had been there in the end. But, maybe that was worse. Maybe something he did had only pushed the lunatic leader to do… Marshflight mentally clawed himself. Here he was thinking about the past when nothing could be done. It wasn’t like he could help it though, a deputy was supposed to do more then he could – really help the clan. He wasn’t that special, no, he never could see himself as a deputy despite his rank.

Standing, he gazed about the deserted camp. All the others seemed peacefully asleep, and he could hear no murmurs coming from any of the dens. That included Sharpstar’s own domain, and although he wanted to do nothing other then converse with the tom about his worries, he also didn’t want to deprive the leader of his sleep. Marshflight gave himself a shake, reminding himself that just because the large tom was his friend didn’t mean he should act like a troubled kit and run to him all the time. Of course the black tom never seemed to mind listening to him, and it was a known fact that Sharpstar liked to be close with everybody in the clan, but sometimes Marshflight felt he wasn’t acting proper in his own ways. It was all too confusing, but in essence, he chose not to disturb him, and instead turned back to slip his way into the warriors den to try and catch some sleep for the night.

That’s when he heard and scented them; an ominous barrage of dry leaves beneath paws, and a scent wafting lazily upon the non existent breezes. His eyes widened, his mind going blank as a single word rushed through him, more like sending a jolt of electricity though his body as he stiffened. ThunderClan. His hackles rose, lips pulled back to silently show ivory as the image of Duskstar flashed before his eyes. But he was not near, not in this patrol of River and ThunderClanners. Names surfaced, but were ignored as the mottled tom slunk towards the shadows of the camp’s opening. At the moment, thought of alerting camp eluded, though stupidly, him.

It was not a moment later that their shrieking snapped the sudden tension of the night, and birds once quiet rose up with a rustling of leaves. A great rustle and slapping of disturbed vegetation alerted Marshflight to the patrol’s decent into the ShadowClan tunnel, and he waited. It would only be seconds the tom crouched there, hidden in shadows and his own Clan’s scent. But in that time, a fiery resolution burned within him; these cats were coming for battle. For blood, and war. For his clan, leader, and for Nightpaw.

A thunderous cry of his own alerted the already stirring clan, and as the rushing paw steps of the intruders became almost unbearable, he lept. If anything would have startled the leader of this patrol, it would have been having his ears right next to Marshflight’s snarling maw, and with claws unsheathed, the black and orange tom got a paws full of brown, plush fur.

The ShadowClan deputy dwarfed this tom, pure ThunderClanner by the smell of him, and spitting venom the two rolled along the side of the ShadowClan’s border from the force of Marshflight’s attack. His closed wounds gave a muted throb in protest, his shoulder especially tight from the healing skin as he hissed, eyes devoid of any of his usual gentle and caring nature as he regarded this intruder.

“Has ThunderClan sunk so low as to attack only nights from a gathering - sunk so low that they forget their pride as a Clan, forgotten the will of StarClan!?” If one of his clanmates had heard these words they would have been shocked, but for one being attacked by such a furious seeming tom half encased in the night with his dark pelt… Well, it might be frightening. With that, Marshflight lunged forward once more, braying with open jaws as he fell upon this ThunderClan scum.

[it's FiSHY, scaredy-cat.]

She had only come to have a taste of it, Dreamsong had to tell herself. The air pressed down on her. She found it hard to even walk. Despite however determined she was to fight for her clan, pressure held her down and she suddenly became struck by some unrealized fear. Whiskers quivered. Legs trembled. She mustn't be too bold, but yet mustn't be too scared.

Why, oh why, must balance be so fragile?

She peered out of the warriors den, her bicolored eyes scanning the clearing for other gathering cats. I can't let them see my cowardlyness, she told herself and put one paw out. I must remain strong. But she was half blind. Never has she fought in a battle -- a real one, that is, that threatened the sake of the clan. She has used her skills in skirmishes, but a war? A full-fledge war? What was she thinking when she spoke to Sharpstar? Her eyes flooded with doubt. But determination held on. I'm a loyal ShadowClanner. If I were to die any death, it would be one for my clan. The white-she cat finally stepped out to mingle with the rest of the cats.

A streak of ThunderClan scent engulfed her senses. They have arrived already. Panic came in a giant surf. She can't stand it. She can't stand it.

"Has ThunderClan sunk so low as to attack only nights from a gathering - sunk so low that they forget their pride as a Clan, forgotten the will of StarClan?!" the ShadowClan's deputy's voice boomed loud.

And Dreamcloud listened. She dug her claws deep into the marshy ground, prepared to hold herself in place if she ever had the urge to flee. Her heart was a little stunned by the harshness of Marshflight's voice, but it was just as energized by it.

"They'll never stand a chance against us!" she yelled back, "ShadowClan always perseveres!"

She held on to what she had said, hoping that it was true, for doubt was lurking in her mind more than ever.

[it's FiSHY, scaredy-cat.]

OOC; you know what? I was going to edit my post for Stumbleknot but since nobody's replying, I'm going to double post, kind of like bumping. Sorry if this is going to be a problem but this is an important thread, guys! >_<

Silhouetted figured lined the borders of the camp. It would've been a beautiful sight, the moonlight shining on their backs, giving away just a trace of their true fur colors but tonight the air was full of ShadowClan - and tension. The vile smell of the enemy clan made the deputy wish he didn't have a nose, but he could deal with it. Now the tension... It wasn't exactly depressing to the ThunderClan tom, but it created enough anxiety within himself for his muscles to become tight, including his mouth.

He can't speak.

Why of all times, right now? he thought to himself. He listened to the other cats talk. Fear was in everyone's hearts. He can read it on many faces. Once he really tries, Stumbleknot realized, expressions aren't that hard to figure out. Right now wasn't the time to focus on such things, however. A battle was about to start.

But the cowardly side of him lingered.

He scolded himself silently for having such a rabbit-heart, feeling so eager to flee and so unwilling to stay. But he had promised Duskstar that he will do his best to serve the clan, didn't he? And at the time what he had to do was to be a good subsitute as a deputy. Thank goodness Shrubwhisker is to lead, he thought to himself, although rather guilty, I would be a disgrace to all of ThunderClan.

Suddenly through all his wondering he snapped back into focus as he heard the name of the cat he was just thinking about.

"Take the lead, Shrubwhisker."

Stumbleknot shook his head. He opened his mouth to mew in agreement but no words came out. His jaws were stiff and his throat was dry. If he did make a sound it'd be a croak and everyone would think him for a frog.

So he carried on, following his fellow clanmate into battle. When Shrubwhisker charged down, he quickly followed. Adrenaline surged through him. The freeing feeling of running seemed to calm him down. At once he felt at ease, together with his clanmates, together as a team.

Finally the tension freed. His bright, golden eyes flashed fearlessly with determination. Battle cries pierced all within earshot. As soon as he could, he tilted his head to the sky and yelped loudest of all in harmony with the others.

He had voice. ThunderClan... they were one.

[wolfkitten]

(Ok bear with me guys, got lots of cats to post lol

Nightpaw rested so peacefully in her den... Sleep came easy and would rejuvinate the large Apprentice... Yea right. The young she-cat lay restlessly in her den, tossing this way and that... Horrid dreams plagued her sleeping form, horrid dreams of seeing her loved ones in tatters... Terror coursed through her as she thought of them. Her father... Marshflight... Upon seeing him in ruin, she leapt awake, breathing heavily. She cursed under her breath. Everything was fine... Camp was quiet... Everyone was sleeping... Uneasily but sleeping... She sighed slightly and pawed at her bedding as she sat up. She was being silly... A shake of her head was given as she tried to go back to sleep... Failing miserably.

Soon enough, the inky black Apprentice pulled herself out of her bed, moving out of the den. It was too warm in there... And too quiet... Of course it was night, but still... Her ice blue gaze was cast around the quiet camp. All was well, what was with her dreams... But soon enough she saw the one who starred in her most terrifying one yet, and moved with purpose over to the steadfast tom. "Marshflight..." She mewed softly in her approach, moving to seat herself nearby. "You alright?" She mewed, suddenly realizing he was out of bed late as well.

There was hardly enough time for him to speak before a mixed reek hit her nose as the wind shifted. She tensed, eyes flying wide. "It's them..." She hissed, her form going rigid as she prepared for battle. But instead of heading for the entrance like her love, she bolted for her father's den. She wanted to wake him with as much warning as possible. She didn't so much as pause as she ran in, rousing her father, and then ran out to rouse her other Clanmates as rapidly and quietly as she could. They needed to be awake for this! ThunderClan and RiverClan were here!

Sharpstar had been sleeping, fitful dreams bombarding him... Dreams of his torn clanmates, much like the dreams of his daughter. This was not right... Certainly not what StarClan had in mind... Was it? It didn't add up... Why was Duskstar doing this... He growled, not able to get any good sleep tonight. It was the night, and all of his Clan knew it. He had held a meeting as soon as he got back to warn his Clan. He had attributed his knowledge to getting it from StarClan, but he had told his Clan that tonight was the night that he had gotten word about. He knew ThunderClan and RiverClan would be here tonight.

And his thought was affirmed when a black streak leapt into his den meowing about ThunderClan and RiverClan and darting off. His daughter... The battle was about to begin. He tensed and surged up out of his nest, running out of his den just in time to see Marshflight launch himself at the first cat that crashed to the tunnel. "SHADOWCLAN TO BATTLE!" He yowled out, anger coursing through the huge tom. Good job Sharpstar, ruin your daughter's tactful awakening. But he didn't care, he needed his Clan up now.

The large tom launched himself from his den, a snarl on his lips and murder in his eyes. He was to follow StarClan, but he was protecting his Clan... He would leap forth, tackling the nearest enemy cat, claws out and teeth flashing. He was going to defend his Clan with all that was in him. As would all his cats, and the small surprise they had in store for them, they should be waking any moment.

Snowpelt lay near Ravenscar in a place where ShadowClan kept their prisoners. They had been caught hunting just over ShadowClan's border. Of course they didn't catch anything... They didn't wish to steal from them, but under Sharpstar's orders, they were brought to the camp, just as they had planned. Sharpstar had given the order, any cat that was caught on their side of the border was to be brought as a prisoner to the Camp. And so such a thing happened with Snowpelt and Ravenscar. Sure they put up a bit of a fight. Snowpelt gave a bit of a bite to Nightpaw's ear, nothing too serious, but enough to make it not look to suspicious.

It was, as of yet, still a secret that Snowpelt and the Leader Sharpstar were blood... But Snowpelt and Sharpstar knew... Nightpaw didn't even know... Ravenscar was now the only cat out of either Clan that knew, and he was laying beside Snowpelt. The snowy she-cat was finding it quite difficult to sleep... And yet a reek and terrifying sound brought her attention out of the half state of sleep. That along with the yowl of her beloved brother drove her to her feet as the two guards of herself and Ravenscar took off to battle. She looked to Ravenscar and nudged him gently before bounding forth without so much of a hessitation.

The snowy cat was rather small, being of WindClan, but she was fast... And fierce in protecting her brother's Clan. She snarled as she darted around the nearest Warrior, teeth bared and claws flashing. They had to win this battle... Had to fight them off... Had to protect ShadowClan, and themselves in turn.

Morningpaw sat in silence. This was her first battle and her Mentor, Ravenclaw, had already gone off with the first wave. She knew that they had the numbers and the element of surprise... Or at least she figured she did... And thus they would be fine. And yet she couldn't help but feel uneasy and wary of it all. It wasn't right... It never did feel right, doing all of this... It didn't feel to her as if it were StarClan's plan. Not like the other cats said it was... It didn't add up to the small Apprentice. But who would listen to her? She looked to Duskstar as she stood with the second wave, awaiting word from one of the first wave cats. Oh she didn't like this, but she would follow Cranefeather and Riverstar... Well, Cranefeather as he led this attack with Duskstar himself. But as for her, she would sit there quietly until word came, mentally preparing herself for this battle.

Tumblestep paced restlessly as she stood with the other ThunderClan cats. Oh she didn't like this one bit. She wished she had asked if she could stay out of the fighting with Rosethorn. She could have helped with the medicine stuff, but... She couldn't allow Shrubwhisker to fight without her. And it was true, Tumblestep made a rather formidable opponent. With her heavy paws she could strike quite a blow.

But she would continue to pace for the time being. Shrubwhisker was with the first wave... Without her... What if he got hurt? Terror siezed her when she thought of that. She wasn't there to help him... And so back and forth she paced... Well... Until her paw caught on a root and down she went sprawling into the dust! A loud mew of protest was sent up from the Warrioress. That had hurt... She glanced around sheepishly to see who had saw, her gaze moving to Duskstar, feeling heat rise under her pelt. If he had noticed... Great going Tumblestep... Really living up to your name aren't you. But she would jump up and settle herself down, glancing at the other cats around in this wave. Nothing to see here...

[it's FiSHY, scaredy-cat.]

Larksong unsheathed her claws. She was ready for battle. It was what she has been waiting for her whole life -- a chance to die nobley for her clan. Inside she felt a bit guilty about her thoughts, but she can't deny it was true. She wanted to die.

You're just leaving Smokepaw behind... Thoughts of her brother pained the tortoiseshell. She had to talk back in her mind: He needs to learn to let go and live on his own. Her consciousness did not submit. You know how hurt he'd feel. She shook her head without thinking. He won't if he knew I died in honor. But yet, her other side pressed on, saying: This is not called honor! This is disgrace, you hear me? She shut her mind, attempting to ignore it and crouched down low in a stalking position.

She must focus on the attack.

All around her were other clancats from ThunderClan as well as her own. It gave her an itching feeling, but the leader and deputy had decided on it, so she will abide. Besides, more allies equal a better chance of victory. Even if she planned to go to StarClan in the process. She just needed... the tolerance.

Before she knew it, cats were pouring down into the camp, and she was one of them. As battle cries erupted, Larksong joined into the harmony, screeching shrill cries of war. She was one of the first to tackle into the middle of the camp, baring her teeth and hissing. Quickly she saw an apprentice next to Sharpstar. It was his daughter, Nightpaw. Her feet charged forward without warning and in a heartbeat, she pounced from straight behind the little ShadowClan she-cat.

[Silver]

[Second wave, GO GO GO]

Pure terror swept through me as a snarl echoed in my ear, only moments before claws dug into my fur. A wail of pain escaped me, and I scrambled furiously to pull away from my attacker. We tumbled and rolled towards the edge of the clearing, his voice managing to be heard over the pounding in my ears.
“Has ThunderClan sunk so low as to attack only nights from a gathering - sunk so low that they forget their pride as a Clan, forgotten the will of StarClan!?”
His words wormed doubt into my already uncertain heart, making me hesitate for a moment. It finally clicked in my mind that this was the ShadowClan deputy, a figure I had come to respect in those Gatherings as an apprentice. I ducked away from his gaping jaws, realizing that Marshflight had the serious advantage, being not only more experienced, but in his own territory as well.
"S-StarClan gave Duskstar nine lives so he could lead his Clan. T-ThunderClan will follow their leader to the ends of the earth, since StarClan wills it. Midnightstar would not have chosen a fool to succeed her!" I shot back. In truth, I was only reciting what I had been telling myself for moons now, trying to quiet the suspicion that haunted my dreams and dragged me down in waking-world. Finding this my chance, I lunged for his shoulders, hoping to set him off balance. As my claws grazed his fur, I noticed with guilt the wounds that were still healing. He had probably been in the patrol Duskstar took on. He had always been vague about what happened that night. I knew not what had caused the scratches, but I knew they were my only chance at making this a fair fight. Desperately, I nipped the gash, tasting the foul blood that welled up.

Ravenclaw nearly lunged after Marshflight when he first emerged from the shadows. They knew we were coming! he thought with shock, noticing that some of the ShadowClanners were already awake and prepared. He turned towards one, a ShadowClan she-cat who had just emerged from what he assumed was the warrior's den. Adrenaline coursing through his veins, the black tom's first instinct was to attack the other warrior. But her defiant voice rang in the clearing, and he caught a glimpse of her face in the moonlight. He faltered, unable to find it in his heart to attack a half-blind she-cat. This battle is not about inflicting damage, but showing the strength in numbers, after all. They just need to see they're safer with us. So, Ravenclaw turned upon a different warrior, latching onto her snow-white shoulders. Her scent almost overwhelmed him as he sank in his claws.
"This is not WindClan's battle!" he hissed at Snowpelt.

[FireFlyDragon]

A high cry hit his ears as the two collided, the tom beneath him struggling as Marshflight’s stinging words faded into the growing sounds of battle. The lithe ThunderClan cat had already shimmied his way from to burly tom’s grasp, dodging ivory teeth as he stumbled to retort. Marshflight’s muzzle twitched; he wasn’t about to go spouting off insults about StarClan at least, the starry warriors above had suffered too much to be degraded. The mottled tom answered with a snarl, paws tensed to strike his enemy with hard, fast blows.

His attack never came, for as he leaned on three limbs to deliver the first, the tom’s paws slammed into his shoulders. His form swayed as he fought to stay his balance, slipping back onto his haunches as his tail tensed to hold him upright. Thorns pricked the skin below bristling fur, and Marshflight let out a yowl of pain as sharp teeth pinpointed his patching skin.

Hissing, the huge tom slammed forward, disallowing his opponent’s hind legs a place to brace as the smaller cat hung from his fur. Thrashing his head to the side, Marshflight’s teeth latched onto the other’s scruff and he gave a heave, ripping him from his bleeding form and tossing him to the side.

With pain radiating from his re-injured shoulder and the light of battle shining in his narrowed eyes, he stalked forward, his bristling fur making him look even bigger as the scent of blood coated the air, mixing with his anger. “What makes you think a cat who fled her own clan, would care for its future!?” He spat, shamelessly insulting the she-cat in his rush of adrenaline. “Midnightstar chose a cat who disregards the laws of StarClan, and the lives of others to lead you!”

Despite his provoking words, his gaze was caught up on something behind the sprawled out tom before him. Something that made his eyes widen and alight with distress rather then anger. His attentions shifted to the black form in the center of the clearing, the apprentice Nightpaw being attacked lowly from behind. The tom gave a warbling shriek at the sight, nearly leaping over his enemy and leaving his fight to race to aid his apprentice and love. “Nightpaw! Behind you..!”

//ooc// P.S. He didn’t actually leave the fight xD He’s just very distracted ^-^

[it's FiSHY, scaredy-cat.]

OOC| oh gee; it's hard to RP when the other person hasn't replied yet xD

IC| She can feel his blood course through her veins as her body was posed ready to strike. But the tension that built up in waiting was too much to bear. She let go of the energy, leaping out to land on the cat's back. Even if she did miss, her claws swiped in most every direction. They sliced the air and everything around her, her hind legs cutting even grass. The tortoiseshell's sharp fangs glistened under the moonlight as much as the white on her tail which lashed like a dangerous, hurling whip.

Bloodying a few cats -- including herself -- shouldn't be a problem tonight, eh?

--------------------------

Battles were battles. Flurries of cats flew around trying to land hits on as many cats as possible. Stumbleknot personally preferred to play fair, but something told him that playing fair wasn't going to help him much this time. He'll have to fight all out, taking things and using them to his advantage.

He scoped the battlefield as he darted here and there, trying to avoid close combat fights as he ran. Nearby he spotted Shrubwhisker among all the chaos. Yelps and cries of pain and victory screeched into his ears and knocked him out of focus. He shook his head to close in on who his clanmate was fighting.

Why, it was none other than the ShadowClan deputy, Marshflight. Shrubwhisker is going to have some trouble, Stumbleknot thought through clenched teeth and bolted over, splattering mud as he ran through the marshy ShadowClan terrain. It pelted his already-brown fur and created patches on it that would soon become a nuisance - he knew. ShadowClan had the advantage here. It was their territory.

He would speak nothing of that.

"Nightpaw! Behind you...!"

Stumbleknot almost turned around to look, but he grasped the moment when Marshflight got distracted. Seizing the chance, he flung himself onto the top of the deputy, unsheathing his claws and swiping for a few quick blows on the head.

[Silver]

I was brutally thrown aside, the wind blown out of my lungs. As I struggled to my feet, gasping, Marshflight said the very words that broke my humble shell.
“What makes you think a cat who fled her own clan, would care for its future!?”
I could only freeze in shock at the taunting tone. How dare this tom insult Midnightstar! He hadn't been born and raised with her gentle guidance. He was never there when the young leader's eyes had shone as she proudly assigned mentors to the brand new apprentices. He couldn't hear the sound of heartbreak as she said goodbye. He hadn't watched her hunt besides her family, for whom she left to care for. Shrubwhisker could have just about killed the deputy then and there for his disgraceful comment, but Stumbleknot beat him to the attack.
"At least Midnightstar could take care of herself, instead of vanishing to the unknown for moons," Shrubwhisker spat, latching onto the ShadowClanner with hatred in his eyes.

[FireFlyDragon]

Marshflight was jolted out of his incessant fear for Nightpaw as a weight landed on his back, and although it wasn’t enough to send him sprawling, it let him know he better start fighting his own battle pretty quickly. The ThunderClan tom was still before him, and by the sudden overwhelming reek of the scent that invaded his senses, it seemed like the one who had come was a helpful clanmate. At this point, it didn’t matter who the newcomer was exactly, and all that was going through Marshflight’s head was the fact he was now outnumbered two to one. That was unless the tiny tom before him booked it out of there.

Lashes fell to the back of his head, jarring his vision as his ears flattened to his skull; taking some of the damage as his head bowed and eyes angled up. Brown, mud plastered fur caught his gaze, and with a sudden impulse, Marshflight felt a paw of his scoop along the marshy ground; dragging up mud and the smell of wet vegetation. With a snarl, Marshflight flipped his paw over his shoulder, and hearing a satisfactory ‘splat’, hoped he had hit his mark. But he couldn’t spare the time to see if the plaster like substance had coated the other tom’s gaze, and he snagged the same paw’s claws into the other’s fur and tugged him down to hit the ground with a thud.

He didn’t let an emotion show as Stumbleknot, the ThunderClan deputy, graced his eyes. He merely let out a snarl as his body poised to lash out at the intruding tom. He never got that far, for as soon as he was prepared to strike, the other he had been fighting once more slammed into him.

Marshflight’s gaze snapped to the small tom’s own, a little startled by the sudden venom of his eyes and voice as his tongue barbed the deputy without mercy. Unknown to him though, Marshflight let a small pang of guilt wash over him. He really didn’t have a right to say anything about the she-cat who had long lead the once peaceful ThunderClan, and the fact that he really didn’t know why that same cat left also plagued his conscious. But all thoughts of remorse turned tail and fled as the ThunderClanner insulted his own leader, and Marshflight’s eyes burned all the more viciously; his narrowed slits mirroring the own tom’s emotion.

Pain settled where claws had stung his ears and head, while his shoulder still throbbed ruefully from his previous battling as he hissed darkly. “Sharpstar was sent on a mission from StarClan.” He spat in response, fury beginning to churn in his voice as he thought to speak of the tom who had nearly stolen the life from his form, and who had taken Warhawk's innocence. “And he wasn't the one who plagued us with Duskstar!” He shrieked, paws flying up to awkwardly, but madly claw at the warrior clinging to his fur.

[Silver]

"Some mission," I spat back. "He came back with nothing to show for and no real explanation for his Clan. Did he ever tell you what they wanted, Marshflight? Or doesn't he trust his deputy?" I snarled. I glanced at Stumbleknot gratefully, although my stomach still churned. All around me, claws were flying and it seemed every last cat was crying out, wither in victory or pain.
I proceeded to grab the ShadowClanner by the shoulders, hoping to flip him over. My hind legs battered the tom, although I could start to feel the first hints of fatigue creeping upon me. Just wait for the second wave. We'll have them then, I thought desperately.

Skyfire peered cautiously from his den, his mismatched eyes taking the scene in front of him. In all his moons, he had never seen a more terrible sight. Fur was flying, teeth glinting in the moonlight, blood splattering the clearing. The aging tom backed into his den again, his fur on end. In the shadows, Warhawk was attempting to sit up, much to Skyfire's dismay. "You won't help your Clan going out there," he hissed softly. Warhawk opened her mouth to protest, but the medicine cat flicked his tail over his mouth. "Your kits should be here any day now. It could be tonight for all we know. Just stay here," he sighed. The queen glared at him a moment longer, before regaining her senses and slumping back into her nest. Skyfire turned, his fuzzy sight fixed on the den entrance in case the attackers tried to break in.

[it's FiSHY, scaredy-cat.]

The ShadowClan deputy's voice was sharp and dug deep into Stumbleknot's mind. It was in a way he couldn't talk back -- thank goodness Shrubwhisker took care of that. Simple snarls you'd hear in any battle could pierce your soul so sharply -- just like that. It was simply the choice of words. So queer it seemed to the ThunderClan deputy, who simply all of the sudden through this chaotic age began seeing more all at once. The whole picture, and the little details in it that make it special and unique. The finer points began to stick out more, and thinking was a hobby he began doing more often.

Unfortunately this was all in the middle of a battle.

I guess I still have a tendency to doze off into thoughts, he thought and scolded himself a bit. In the frenzy of all the movements and the mud splattering on his face he tripped over Marshflight just as he was trying to pounce. This time he really did stumble, and tumbled across the terrain he did. But in the process, he had put his weight down on Marshflight, and as embarressed thoughts swirled in his feline brain he hoped that this would bring down the other deputy somehow, someway.

Quickly he tried to recover his senses and thrust himself from the marshy floor. Mud clogged his fur and mottled his snout. It was everywhere from the tip of his tail to splotching his face.

"You'll be sorry for ever trying to make fun of ThunderClan," he hissed, and this time pounced onto Marshflight successfully, or at least in his mind. Even if he missed, at least this time he didn't trip himself along the way.

For a quick moment after he landed, a sharp cry pierced the air.

"Marshflight!" was the voice, and Stumbleknot's attention shifted for a moment to see a white ShadowClan she-cat in the distance beside Skyfire. What's she doing? he thought, forgetting about fighting for a few heartbeats.

_____________________

Dreamcloud could only stare at the bizarre mix of cats flinging each other around and fighting. Cries of battle, pain and victory exploded her ears as she said to herself: So this is war... Hurried with terror, the down white she-cat looked around in a rush and spotted Skyfire near by. Without hesitation, she fleed from her spot in the middle of the fighting to the edge of the camp where the medicine cat resided.

"Skyfire!" she cried hastily, "Let me help you, whatever you need to do." Her voice was almost pleading as Dreamcloud desperately tried to find something she could do to help her clan, for something told her that she stood no chance against a healthy, full-fledge RiverClan or ThunderClan warrior with her one blind eye. She looked at Skyfire with an urging look as her heart beated faster than she can say -- "Marshflight!!"

[FireFlyDragon]

“Never the less, a mission,” Marshflight’s voice was oddly quiet in his return to the opposing tom’s taunts; his pale eyes staring strait into the Emerald ones before him, his body still tensed as he murmured; barely audible above the throws of battle about them. “I’ am not about to question StarClan’s motives, and neither will I question my leader’s. He accepted StarClan’s will, and so in turn I will accept his; I do not need to know his secrets to know I’m trusted.” The tom’s mottled muzzle shrank the already tight distance between the two momentarily hesitant fighters, allowing Marshflight enough time to add in one more set of words. “What’s important is that I trust him, and I do - to the last drop of blood that runs in my veins. I trust him so much as to lay down my life for him without regret.” His eyes widened if only minutely, a genuine questioning tone as weight flooded him from both forms. “Could you do the same for Duskstar, Shrubwhisker?” The name leaving the deputy's whispering maw for the first time in the battle.

The tom wasn’t asking if it was the sake for his leader, no, he was asking in the sake for Duskstar as a cat – any normal cat you might find about the lands. After knowing him, would they be willing to die for him? Forget the laws all clancats were bound by; would they do it for him? Would he be worth it to them?

His strange speech as such, and the spell that seemed to captivate him was shattered as a harsh movement and shifting of weight downed him to straining hindquarters. Sharp jabs flashed through the fur of his side, blood welling beneath claws as his weakening form was pushed ever more precariously onto his last limbs. The first signs were blurred vision, and the sound of his own ragged breath loud in his head as subdued and twisted voices shocked his eardrums. His head thrashed to the side, eyes beginning to glaze as confusion flattened his reddened ears to his equally dyed head.

Another set of weights clung to his sagging form, and with a low grating groan, the trio of cats slipped and hit the rather softened ground. Sprawled out, Marshflight could offer little resistance to blows; but he hadn’t sunk far enough to give up, or stop thinking. Panting quietly, the deputy rolled his form onto his belly with a heave, protecting his most venerable area successfully. He doubted the others would still hold the strength to flip him, though there were other ways they could do him in.

A cry cut through the otherwise muddled sounds around him, bringing his mind to focus on that one note as he fought to grasp it; to pull himself from the ground on the idea that a clanmate needed his help, if only. His gaze drifted to find the owner of the voice, the white pelted she-cat Dreamcloud staring back with the lingering echos on her open maw. She stood beside Skyfire, both gazing into the surrounding fray of battles and those to start. He knew he couldn’t fall now, even with the odds against him, which included his body as blood still dribbled down his already matted fur.

He rose painfully, forcing his swimming head to at least steady his gaze to see oncoming attacks as he faced his enemies again, once again set on four limbs; their bulk and hidden strength splayed out to hold himself steady upon the mud, which was now mixed with the reek and color of blood. His ears lay flat against his skull, eyes still slightly glazed over, but now fixed on the two tom’s form before as he let out a low, long, dark hiss.

//ooc// Yeah, that was a bit weird, haha forgive me! ^-^;

[wolfkitten]

Nightpaw had been worried about Marshflight, ready to leap into the fray to aid her Mentor... The cat she so dearly loved above most. But it was not long before a yowl from the very cat brought her attention to the place behind her. There was a cat coming right up. Well! She was to find that Nightpaw was not nearly as small as one would think! She was large for an Apprentice, the size of a Warrior maybe, but still young. She let out an ear piercing shriek of fury and defiance before whirling her form around and giving a half launch at the she-cat that dared attack her. "Leave now!" She caught the scent of RiverClan on her and hissed in anger. "You make alliances with filth like Duskstar, you have no right to be here." Growl hiss, and the large apprentice would use her bulk to at least attempt to pin the other Warrior, but it may very well not be enough. Claws would flash at an ear of the she-cat, hoping not to have to inflict more damage than necessary.

But alas it wasn't good for the she-cat, for her attention was not all on this enemy. Marshflight was being battered, hurt! She couldn't hardly stand to be out of his fight, but she had to get this other she-cat off her tail! Large black paws would batter at the she-cat, a snarl upon her lips, hoping to end this battle quickly. Alas, having never been in a battle... How could she fight it well? She hoped to StarClan that her size and the knowledge she had gotten from her father and Marshflight would be enough.

A yowl of pure fury was heard from near the Leader's den as Sharpstar circled and went head to head with another ThunderClan cat. Hisses of venom left his lips, but no venom reached his ears from where he was. He was rather oblivious of the fight that took place at the time, and oblivious of the words shot back and forth. He was large, and battle ready. Many moons of training prepared him, and he had been back for enough moons to get his muscle tone back up from that terrifying and horrid stay with the two leggers. He hadn't told his Clan everything... He had to be vague. How could they trust their Leader after he had... Gotten captured and carted off? Well... Maybe someday he would tell Marshflight, but he hadn't had the chance really. One thing after another had come up after he had taken his Leadership back... And it wasn't done yet!

Soon enough, the barrage of his paws seemed to be working on the smaller ThunderClanner, and he either ran off or ran to join another battle. Sharpstar, in turn, would cast his gaze about rapidly for where he was needed next. He saw his daughter, but she was faring well for the time being. Pride rushed inside him, but then he saw a sight that made his blood boil. Marshflight, forced to the ground in a crouch, blows from two cats raining upon him. That would not happen.

An infuriated yowl was lifted to the skies before the Leader took off toward the trio of cats, anger snapping in his eyes, and murder in his paws. But he would keep StarClan's words in his heart. They were to defend, not to kill... They needed to chase these cats off, not destroy them. But oh how he wished to... They wounded his cats, hurt his family... His large form would barrel into the fight, not stopping as he hopefully ran right into Stumbleknot, the ThunderClan deputy. "Is this how you cats fight? Two against one, how fair!" He hissed in anger as he attempted to use his size to bowl over Stumbleknot, and thus try to even the score a bit. Better late than never, yes?

Snowpelt dove into the flurry, but had no opponant as of yet. But that would change as a black tom found his way over, leaping upon her, latching onto those small shoulders. A hiss of surprise was given as she performed a rapid move, twisting out of his claws and whirling to face him. His words reached her ears and she had to bite back the retort that rose to her tongue. None could know of the bond between herself and the ShadowClan leader. Instead she would hiss out other words to him. "Your Clans are cowardly attacking ShadowClan in the middle of the night... Who's to say you won't do the same to WindClan?" She glared in anger at him. Odd for the usually sweet cat. Anyone who knew her at all would likely only know about her gentle and sweet side... She was always so nice to cats of all Clans. Kind and motherly, that was Snowpelt's way. But as a mother guards her kits, so she would her family. Both birth and Clan.

A yowl of anger ripped through the young she-cat and she would launch herself fearlessly at Ravenclaw. She needed to use her small size and speed to her advantage, she could never take on any of these with simply her size alone. But she would... Moons of training had taught her to use the weapons she had, and thus she would. Fighting with all her might, she had to help in any way she could.

[Sorry about that! Lol I was waiting my turn and then I get back today and there are so many posts ]