Hazel and Hills

[Mica]

Hillstrider
ShadowClan
he/him | 21 moons
[Big fluffy orange tabby with yellow eyes]
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ The Sun ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
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[Hazelstripe - @Dark ]

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The restriction was lifted! Finally! Two warriors could go out themselves, without having to check in with an Enforcer. Hillstrider was excited to finally go out and hunt on his own. Being around others made him want to chatter all day and night, and made it rather difficult to think. One step closer to being out on his own, but for one one other cat would have to do. The orange tabby scanned camp, wondering who to bring with him.

[Dark]

Hazelstripepaw

The Collector: Inactive | Ultimate Predator: Inactive | Kitty Softpaws: (Perm)
___________

Despite holding a grudge and still being displeased with him, the tricolor tabby was unable to deny her attraction to the mega doofus that was Hillstrider. He was a handsome lad, as ugly as his wits were, and something about him made her smile (when she didn't want to tear his tongue out for talking so much). As such, Hazelstripe (if Hilly called her Hazelpaw with her recent demotion, she'd skin him alive) approached the bright orange tabby who seemed to be looking for someone to bother. Ugh. She'd take one for the team. If she kept a close eye on him, it was impossible for him to go doing unsavory things, and she'd be able to determine what it was that she was actually feeling.

"Hilly." The demoted warrior called as she approached, "Out. With me. Now." She didn't bother her usual honeyed tones or batted eyelids as she glowered at him with a slight frown, flicking her tail as she awaited to be escorted out of camp. Though she preferred control, she had no issue relinquishing it just this once. If he led the way out of camp and got into trouble, she'd be able to help him (or leave him to die), whereas she was confident that he'd somehow mess everything up behind her back if she led. He was... an anomaly. One of which needed to be studied very closely in order to determine how it works. Perhaps with... whatever this was, she'd figure something out.

[ @Mica ]

[Mica]

Hillstrider
ShadowClan
he/him | 21 moons
[Big fluffy orange tabby with yellow eyes]
Purrks: Heightened Perception (Hearing)
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[Hazelstripe - @Dark ]
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Hillstrider started when someone called his name—or, more accurately, the nickname that certain cats seemed intent on calling him—and whirled around to find Hazelstripe glowering impatiently at him. The sunny tom beamed at her, full of friendly intent, and padded over. “Yo Hazelstripe! What’s good my dude? You lookin’ to hunt or something? Ditto! Let’s roll.” Hillstrider bounced on his toes, acting as though he was doing an obstacle course, or perhaps dodging boxing blows. His yellow eyes simmered with joyful energy, challenging the sun for the brightest thing in the forest.

Hazelstripe would have scared him, if Hillstrider knew the “fear” emotion. Instead, all he felt was benign bemusement when near her. Her and Mossfreckle had both been rather touchy with him lately, but Hillstrider didn’t mind in the slightest. Nuzzles and chin bumps between the homies was great! He’d never had anyone who wanted to do that before, but suddenly he found he had a taste for it.

As the pair traveled into the territory, Hillstrider would bound ahead, find something tall to stand on, and wait for his exasperated partner to catch up before leaping down and doing it all again. He had so much energy that it was impossible for him to stand still. How he ever managed to hunt, no one knows.

“So how’re things?” Hillstrider asked once they had reached a clearing, no more rocks or fallen logs for him to jump on. “So stoked about the restriction change, myself. Now me and my apprentices can go out and train normally!” Quietpaw and Bitternpaw were progressing well, and Hillstrider super appreciated all the other warriors taking them to train as well. It takes a village, as they say! Or a clan, in this case he supposed.

He wasn’t exactly sure what a village was, but it sounded right.

“Gotta admit I’m not stoked about all the attacks lately. Why can’t everyone just like…” He paused, a look of deep concentration on his face as he tried to string a sentence together. “Just like… mellow out, my dude. It’s so wild.”

[Dark]

Hazelstripepaw

The Collector: Inactive | Ultimate Predator: Inactive | Kitty Softpaws: (Perm)
___________

The cream-furred tabby was quickly reminded of why she did not like being alone with the tom. He was just… a lot to handle. His excitement to see her was endearing, as he should be excited to be allowed within her presence, but this? Just where did he get all of that energy from??

Following in silence behind the larger tom, she found it getting increasingly harder to not just smack him over the head a good few times in order to get his brain restarted. What was up with all of this running ahead and finding something absurdly large to stand upon? Each time he did so, she would have to quicken her steps in order to catch up with him and it was growing frustrating.

Just as she was getting ready to snap at him to cease his constant running, he… asked her a question? She didn’t have long to think before he discussed liking the restriction changes. Frowning, she glared at him – sizing him up. His distractingly handsome features were annoying, and the way he just went through life as if the world was a gift to him was equally annoying.

Ugh. Looking away, she could feel a rising heat spread through her pelt as she realized she had been staring just slightly too long. ”My apprentice became a warrior,” She half said, half mumbled. ”It took her long enough, but Runt managed it. I’m… proud of her.”

”As far as the attacks, it is our duty to defend our territory, tell the other clans to keep their filthy paws off of our side of the border.” She said this, amber eyes narrowing as they refocussed on the larger cat. It was his fault. Yes, it was partially hers, but if he wouldn’t have stuck his nose into something he had no business doing such in, she wouldn’t have been demoted at the moment.

[ @Mica ]

[Mica]

Hillstrider
ShadowClan Warrior
he/him | 23 moons
[Big fluffy orange tabby with yellow eyes]
Purrks: Heightened Perception (Hearing)
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[Hazelstripe - @Dark ]
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Hillstrider watched Hazelstripe with genuine interest as she mentioned her apprentice, the tom thinking back to his own two. "Hey, that's awesome!" He chirped. "I'd be proud too! It's pretty rewarding, seeing someone you trained become a full-fledged warrior, I bet!" Soon, Quietpaw and Bitternpaw would be ready. At least, he hoped so.

He was ready to move on, his mention about the attacks already forgotten, but then Hazelstripe added her two cents. Hillstrider stared at the molly after she was done talking, his face a blank canvas of idiocy. Her words struck him as a little harsh, but... "... okay!" He chirped, not really having the brain-cells to formulate an actual response until a few heartbeats later. "I mean yeah, totally I agree my dude. But if ya hurt someone too bad, how are they supposed to learn?" He shrugged, continuing on down the well-traveled path. "Besides, I found that if you treat someone nicely, they'll return the favor." His sunshine eyes sparkled as they looked over his shoulder to Hazelstripe, the very picture of sincere kindness.

As the pair reached the Dawning Woods, Hillstrider paused and opened his jaws to scent the air. A lot of prey trickled through, and the sounds of their tiny paws scuffling on the ground reached his large ears. Hillstrider glanced sidelong at Hazelstripe. "You like competitions, right?"

[Dark]

Hazelstripepaw

The Collector: Inactive | Ultimate Predator: Inactive | Kitty Softpaws: (Perm)
___________

Hazelstripe nodded along when the tom brought up the fact that he too would be proud if his apprentice became a warrior. She would never admit it to the she-cat she trained, but she was so happy that Runt made it along without any issues. Midnightpath had been a little rough around the edges when they first begin their training, but watching her grow into a perfect reflection of her teachings, and an excellent warrior was so rewarding. It wasn’t so often that the cream tabby felt this much pride for something outside of herself or the clan as a whole, and she was happy that it was her former apprentice that made her feel this way. She really needed to talk to her more, the two of them had been very busy lately in their own ways, so it was difficult to find moments where their schedules aligned. Oh well, something to think about later.

Following along, she paused in her tracks for a moment, looking at Hillstrider as if he had turned pink and grown wings. Just what was this gibberish that he was spouting? Treat them nicely? Why in the Darkforest should someone who trespased on their territory be treated nicely? They were on their land. The borders were all well defined with clear markers and known within the clans, so anyone who passed over it should be treated with extreme prejudice. If they get hurt too bad, they won’t do it again – and at the very least, their clan would have received a lesson on not keeping a better leash on their members and ensuring that borders were respected. It’d be their own fault. She had killed for the very same thing, and expected to be killed if she were caught on another clan’s territory. That was just the nature of things – how living in the forest worked.

Shaking her head, she resumed her walking and looked up just in time to see Hillstrider staring at her with a certain twinkle in his eyes. It made her heart skip a beat. The look of sincerity and kindness… it was just too much. Feeling her face heat up, she quickly directed her eyes away from him, unable to look at the handsome tom directly. Agh! This was so embarrassing! Why did this idiot make her feel this way??? ’Ahkjfhlhdsrwneknrjknwehnnriusw kill me nowwwww’

When they finally reached the Dawning Woods, the demoted warrior stopped next to the larger cat, still unable to look at him without her heart racing a million miles per minute. He made her feel stupid — not in a mental way, but emotionally he stirred an unfamiliar and thus unpleasant feeling within her and it was very much not perfect.

Ears perking up at his question, her gaze flicked towards Hillstrider for a moment before she quickly looked away – her heart once again betraying her. ”What kind of competition did you have in mind?” Hazelstripe asked, continuing to avoid looking in his eyes. She was ever so curious about what he would suggest, but this… would she be able to preform well in this condition? Ugh! Stupid! Dumb! Handsome! Idiot! Tom! This was so unfairrrrrr!!! Internally she was screaming, but on the outside, other than the fact that she was suddenly interested in a pebble that lay at her paws, she was the picture of calmness. This was fine. Totally very much super duper fine – yupp, no issues here!

[ @Mica ]

[Mica]

Hillstrider
ShadowClan Warrior
he/him | 23 moons
[Big fluffy orange tabby with yellow eyes]
Purrks: Heightened Perception (Hearing)
· · ────────────── · ·
[Hazelstripe - @Dark ]
· · ────────────── · ·
Hillstrider grinned, completely oblivious to Hazelstripe's internal struggling. His yellow eyes shined with an almost youthful excitement. "Whoever can catch the most prey by the sunhigh--" Hillstrider glanced up at the sun poking out behind the trees. It would be at least another half hour before noon in twoleg terms. "-and brings it back here, wins."

The orange tom leaned in close, giving Hazelstripe a devious look. Though on him it was less devious and more silly because this man was the least devious cat in the clan. This would be so much fun! "Whaddya say, my dude?"

[I'm fully okay with Hazel winning this--it fits into a plan I have teehee~! Also sorry this is so short, Hillstrider has literally no internal monologue bc he's so stupid :agony:]

[Dark]

Hazelstripepaw

The Collector: Inactive | Ultimate Predator: Inactive | Kitty Softpaws: (Perm)
___________

A sly grin wormed its way onto Hazelstripe’s maw. Somehow Hillstrider knew just what it took to get her interested in something, but he had no idea what it was that he started. The demoted warrior was the perfect hunter, one who spent many a moon perfecting her craft – from a young age having to do everything flawlessly. Hillstrider stood no chance, and that realization is what caused her to smile.

Amber eyes strayed to the orange visage of her companion, and she tilted her head as if in thought. ”Mmm… Are you sure Hilly? I don’t plan to take it easy on you ~” She purred in a voice as smooth as honey. He was so close now, an unconsciously she found herself leaning towards him, in an attempt to make some sort of physical contact. This dumb tom sent a whirlwind of emotions through her, but right now, her previous anger was forgotten and all she could think about was how good he smelled, and the little details of his fur, like how many stripes he had, and how developed his muscles were. In short, she was down bad.

[ @Mica okie dokie!! Sorry about the wait (and shortness)!!]

[Mica]

Hillstrider
ShadowClan Warrior
he/him | 23 moons
[Big fluffy orange tabby with yellow eyes]
Purrks: Heightened Perception (Hearing)
· · ────────────── · ·
[Hazelstripe - @Dark ]
· · ────────────── · ·
Hillstrider brightened even more, despite how impossible it seemed, when Hazelstripe grinned up at him. She was awfully close, but Hillstrider hadn't noticed. He was too busy kneading his paws into the ground with barely contained excitement.

"Chee-yuh!" Hillstrider guffawed, yellow eyes flaring with joy, Hazelstripe's energy meshing well with his and making his heart race. "It's no fun if I'm the only one trying!!" Was someone going to take one of his games seriously? Was he actually going to get back with prey and find someone who had caught more, and not just to make him look like an idiot, but for the purpose of having fun? Of winning a friendly competition? ShadowClan was full of cats who wanted nothing more than to prove they were better than you, and that you were lesser than them. Hillstrider knew he wasn't as good as most of the clan. That fact didn't bother him, so why did it bother everyone else?

Hazelstripe's touch had Hillstrider reeling, face burning all the way up to his ears. Aw gee, she was real pretty wasn't she? Hillstrider shook the cobwebs of infatuation from his mind, not really understanding where they came from, before nudging Hazelstripe with his shoulder (possibly almost bowling her over in the process because he was a big beefy dude). "Let's do this!" Without another word, Hillstrider streaked into the undergrowth, intent on giving Hazelstripe a run for her money.

The Dawning Woods was always rich with prey, and Hillstrider needed no assistance to find several trails that lead in all different directions. He glanced up at the sky, noting the sun slowly climbing above the treetops. An ear swiveled towards a distant rustle, his superior hearing picking up even the most subtle of movements. Hillstrider dropped low, slinking through the bracken. A finch fluttered on a log--the sound he had heard. Hillstrider waited until it was turned away before leaping forward, slamming down on the creature and killing it instantly. Let's go! Alright, let's see...

Hillstrider buried his catch and drifted away--not too far, since he still had to meet Hazelstripe at sunhigh with his catches--jaw open to scent for prey. A shrew caught his attention, and he followed the scent until he nearly ran over it, the creature squeaking in surprise--echoed by his own squeak--before dying at his claws. Two! Onto the next...

Hillstrider glanced at the sky, excitement thrumming through him as the sun climbed higher and higher. A lizard skittered over a rock, Hillstrider shooting after it and catching it right before it disappeared into the roots of a tree. Three!!! He felt like he could hold two more...

His and Hazelstripe's scents had permeated the woods, alerting many prey to hide until the cats had left. But some animals were still out, he just had to find them. A scent trail lead him to a burrow, two mice squeaking in the grasses around it. Oho! Lucky lucky day!! Hillstrider crouched down, slowly moving forward while ensuring his scent was going downwind. Then BAM! Hillstrider leapt forward, claws snagging on small brown pelts and trapping the mice who were helpless as his teeth came down. That was five.

Hillstrider looked up at the sky, yelping when he realized that sunhigh was very very soon. He raced back over his path, grabbing his lizard, shrew, and finch along with his two mice. He skidded into the clearing, panting around his catches and dropping them on the ground. Now, what would Hazelstripe bring...