Appleleap
It wasn't a hare. Appleleap's heart plummeted as the scent became clear and a coyote emerged from the trees and howled. To alert its pack, which was probably behind it. "Fox-dung," he swore just as coyotes swarmed into view. This was bad. Very bad. It was hard to be optimistic about this.
The pup came over to him and Fleckpaw; the apprentice swiped at its muzzle when it came too close. She had battle training at least, but Appleleap wouldn't let her face it off alone, even if it was only a pup. He lunged at it, tackling it to the ground (he was suddenly thankful for his hight), even as its jaws snapped at his chest. Trying to avoid the canines as best as he could, he sank his teeth into the pup's throat.
Spitting out the coyote's blood, Appleleap straightened and turned to the apprentices. "We're going to fight," he confirmed. "But I want you to look out for each other, okay? And follow Darkecho's orders. If he doesn't want you to fight, then don't." Hazel eyes flickered to the coyotes and back again. "You'll be okay, I promise." Even if he had no way of keeping that promise.
Appleleap nodded at Darkecho. "Let's slaughter some coyotes, hey?" His words were lighthearted, but fear shone through them. There was a good chance someone would die today. Pushing the thought away, Appleleap faced the coyotes and prepared for what would likely be the hardest battle of his life.
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Eucalyptuspaw @
Highsnow of Matterhorn @
bigbxdwolfz (Sorry if this is inaccurate/doesn't make sense!)