Pitch Black [Open]

[A B S T R A C T]

|| - Shadowstalker - ||

It was pitch black. StarClan glittered across the sky as Shadowstalker crossed the field. He didn't dare look up to the Clan above him. He didn't fear what was dead, that was for sure. Yet, because he was trespassing, it felt wrong to gaze upon them.

Shadowstalker wasn't sure why he came to the AirClan lands. He wasn't stupid -- he knew he could easily be overpowered and run out of it, even if the thought gave a bitter taste in his mouth. The urge to do something besides roam the unmarked areas of the forest was too much. He figured venturing into a clan's territory would suffice.

He saw various mice scatter across the field, lodging themselves into their homes. His stomach growled, demanding they come back up. One quickly scattered off into the field, and Shadowstalker was off. His limbs moved quickly, catching up to mouse in an instance. He pounced, and soon the mouse was making its way into his belly.

It's against Warrior Code to hunt on territory that was not yours, his mind reminded him. Luckily for him, he was not a Warrior any longer. Yes, Shadowstalker was a rogue and loved every moment of it. There was no leader to listen to, no specific duties -- he was a free cat.

[Y]

BONEMASK
_______________________

The dark, moon lit grass pricked and tickled Bonemask's soft belly as he made his way further into the grass field. He let out a long yawn, the peaceful darkness was perfect for a decent sleep but he was on a night patrol. Looking ahead in the distance above, he was awe-strucked by the explosions of sparkly stars flashing in the black night and the luminous moon was just as beautiful to look at. Oh, I really want to sleep under all this! Bonemask wished to himself, his eyes still shining at the glorious sight.

In the corner of his eyes, he detected movement in the territory. Immediately, Bonemask fell into a low crouch. He spun his alert head in all directions as there was more rustling happening in the long grass. Bonemask couldn't see much in the dark and the long grass, hiding the mysterious moving creature or creatures wasn't much help either. He dropped his jaws slightly and pointed his peachy nose up. He sniffed in and inhaled the scents. Bonemask relaxed his muscles and rose up from his crouching position. Hm, just mice. There's nothing there.

All of a sudden he could feel pounding vibrations beneath his paws. Bonemask slinked toward the pounding which sounded like something running. He halted and remained low in the grass and could just make out in the dim light a shadow feline hunting a mouse. What the? A shadow? This strange figure confused him. Moments later, he realized it was a very black cat – a cat that smelled like a rogue. Bonemask flexed his sharp claws and sprang out from where he was in a defensive stance. The hair on his back was slightly raised. "This is no place for a rogue, get out!" He hissed furiously and his deep, blue eyes glared menacingly at the trespasser.

[A B S T R A C T]

Shadowstalker's ears flicked as another body approached. Another mouse, perhaps? He ruled it out quickly. Mice weren't as large and didn't have the smell of cat, especially not AirClan scent. His eyes moved toward the body, focusing on the key aspects of the cat. Definitely a clan cat.

He watched in an almost curious way as the cat hissed at him, warning him of the dangers he'd face if he didn't leave. It made him want to laugh.

"And what if I do not want to get out, clan cat?"

It was a risk -- a big at that. The cat could attack at any point if he felt threatened enough. Of course, Shadowstalker knew he could take the cat on. He had survived the jungle on his own without a clan's support. This clan cat was nothing but a moocher, a cat born into the luxury of having protection and food at his disposal. This cat was weak.

His tail swished in an amused, but annoyed way. "You must be very protective of your home to threaten a rogue such as me," he practically purred. "But it is naive of you to take on another without the help of others. Power in numbers, my friend."

[Y]

BONEMASK
_______________________

The little black and white figure pulled his left ear back, throwing his heard forward and bared his shiny teeth at him. Oh mouse-dung! He's calling me weak! What should I say? His own voice boomed in his head. Bonemask is not much of an insulter or showing rudeness to others. This situation was life threatening to him.

"I'll ... I'll rip your throat out if you don't leave now!" He emitted a low growl. His thorn claws scraped at the ground and the bristling on his spine began to grow. "I'm a Great Air Clan warrior and ... and I can take you down even without help!" Bonemask must be crazy if he was to take down this large, mascular cat! His small, thin figure was no match to the rogue's.

Bonemask is a brave warrior and he was ready to defend his clan with his life. He prayed silently to MoonClan to help him through this.

[A B S T R A C T]

"Don't get so feisty now," Shadowstalker meowed, his voice feigning friendliness. "You wouldn't want to ruin your pretty little ear, now would you?"

Yes, Shadowstalker was mocking him. How fun it would be to maim his other ear! There was no turning back now. He would definitely enter the battle. His muscles tensed, awaiting his command. He would wait. He had time. He wanted to play first. Silently, he started to circle to cat, looking for an opening.

"Which point do I attack first?" he mused openly. "Should I carve a scar into your flank? Or perhaps I should make this quick and attack your neck. Which would you prefer, clan cat?"

It was a question he didn't expect to get answered, so he leapt at the tinier cat, his claws extended and his muzzle open wide, revealing gleaming teeth. His paws aimed to rake across the cat's back. He hoped to get a bite at his neck, and end it.

[Y]

BONEMASK
_______________________

Now, he was mad. All over his small form, his black fur bristled and he looked like a large, spiky puff. His tail was lashing furiously from side to side. Bonemask flicked his right ear then rolled his eyes up to look at the remains of his left one. He didn't say anything to the rogue's comment and hissed at him instead.

The black cat spoke again and fury burned in his blue eyes. He twisted his body around slowly and kept eye contact with the opponent as he circled him. "How about you .. put a mouse in it!" Yes, that was such a lame 'insult' to say.

He stood in a crouching stance immediately as his opponent leaped from where he was. Bonemask noticed his shining teeth then quickly turned his gaze to see claws coming his way. He hauled himself away to avoid the claws but he felt his flesh tear as he shot forward. At least he didn't get jumped on. Bonemask swerved around the cat to spring at his flank. He raised his unsheathed claws in the air and attempted to slash them across his flank. The small cat felt his back stinging with pain where his opponent had injured him.

[A B S T R A C T]

Shadowstalker felt good that he landed a blow on the cat, knowing that he made him feel pain. Though, he doubted just a little bit of pain would teach the cat to have a higher tolerance. Shadowstalker knew he needed it.

He tensed, preparing for the blow he knew he'd get from the cat. His limbs moved quickly to try to avoid it, but he wasn't fast enough. He hissed in pain and anger as the clan cat's claws slashed at his flank. He could feel his warm blood seeping out of the wound.

As fast as he could, he tried to make distance between them, looking for another opening. He ignored the pain on his flank, and lashed out once again at the cat. His claws, this time red with blood, intended to comb across the cat's face, hopefully hitting something.