oh, rats!

[occultation]

( @taillow @Dolomedes @Marigoldwhisper @Dust @Desert Rain Frog @Blazing @Fish )

As soon as everyone had gathered, Fadingsun set off at a brisk pace through the territory. Pebblesplash hadn't given any helpful pointers in the right direction, so they'd have to start at the outskirts border and work their way down it until they caught a scent.

The leader remained silent as he trotted through the forest. The new scars on his sides ached a little as memories of his most recent combat experience poked at his mind. This would definitely be different. These were rats, not huge outsiders who got the jump on him. Plus, he had capable warriors (and a capable apprentice) with him.

Still, he couldn't shake the nagging bits of doubt that pressed at him as the patrol began to make their way down the outskirts border. Hopefully Pebblesplash's estimate of how many rats were present was accurate; if not, he'd have to send a fast cat back to camp for backup.

Eventually, the disgusting scent of rat hit his nose. It had been many moons since he'd scented it last; he'd be perfectly content if he never scented it again. Stopping rather abruptly, he swung around to face the cats he'd brought with him.

"Those rats can't be far now," he growled, the intensity in his voice surprising him. "If Pebblesplash's estimates are right, we should be able to take them on two per cat. If not..." His eyes scanned the crowd. Nobody here was known to be significantly faster than anyone else, so he'd have to just pick someone at random. "Tinytoad. If we run into more rats than expected, I want you to be the one to run back to camp for backup. Same thing if we get overwhelmed. Don't run off without an order from me or Dusklion, though."

Giving a quick lash of his tail, he continued, "Even though these rats are smaller than us, they're still a threat. Their teeth are big and sharp. Don't act recklessly; your goal here is to kill the rats you face, not play hero."

Turning back in the direction of the rats, he took a deep breath. Then, with a yowl, he sprinted forward. Bursting through a line of bushes, he came face-to-face with a surprised (although thankfully not more massive than expected) group of rats.

Unsheathing his claws, he sprang at the first one he saw and slashed at its side. The battle had begun.

( As Fadingsun stated, everyone should be taking on two rats at a time! Since there's 8 of us and 15 rats, that means one cat will have to just face a single rat. We'll say this rat is the largest one, to balance it out a bit. Please be sure to check others' posts to see if they've claimed this single big rat before you do so yourself! The posting order will be as follows:

occultation - Fadingsun
taillow - Dusklion
Marigoldwhisper - Owltalon
Dolomedes - Seabreeze
Dust - Cherryswirl
Desert Rain Frog - Tinytoad
Fish - Adderpaw
Blazing - Pigeonpelt

If someone posts out of order, please report it so staff can handle it! Remember to roleplay this realistically; your cat should not kill these rats in a single blow. Ideally, it should take them 2-3 posts to kill the rats they're facing. These rats are all larger than average. Feel free to bump the next person in the posting order after 48 hours; if they haven't posted after an additional 24 hours, skip over them. If you get skipped over, be prepared for a scolding or a possible punishment for your cat after the battle. Send any questions my way via VM or DM! )

[taillow]

DUSKLION
she/her | riverclan's head lionheart | 28 moons

"Rats are sneaky little vermin - they rely on their claws 'n teeth to do the most damage. A rat bite can get infected quickly, so you want to try 'n keep those jaws away from you," Dusklion explained to Owltalon as Fades began to round them up and head out of camp. "Careful to not get your claws bit, try to stun 'em by flingin' 'em against trees 'n the like. Easier to kill if they can't move." The head Lionheart gave a snort as she headed out of camp behind her brother.

As they trotted through the forest at a rather quick pace, Dusklion went up to flank her brother. She parted her jaws to work out a plan with him - something more than just attack - when the rat scent flooded her senses. Her brother turned to explain the situation to them, which the small dark tabby nodded. She parted her own jaws to suggest they work out a plan - but then her brother turned and was launching himself forward. Gazing after him in bewilderment, the dark tabby shook her head and gave a low growl. "Cherryswirl, Tinytoad, Owltalon, 'n Adderpaw - branch off that way 'n fan out in a line so none of the rats escape." If her brother wasn't gonna come up with a plan, then she would. "Seabreeze, Pigeonpelt - fan out that way," the dark tabby jerked her head in the opposite direction on the side where Fades had launched himself, "make sure no rats break your line. We can't have these vermin gettin' any closer to camp."

With that she leaped through the undergrowth, coming back to face with the large group of rats. Immediately her claws trapped one underneath, sinking into its flesh and causing it to squeal. As she leaned down to rip her fangs into it a sharp pain was felt on her tail and Dusk whipped around to see one hanging onto her tail. She used a claw to swipe at the other rat, baring her fangs in a hiss.

next up in posting order:
[ Owltalon - @Marigoldwhisper ]
[ Fadingsun - @occultation ] [ Seabreeze - @Dolomedes ] [ Cherryswirl - @Dust ] [ Tinytoad - @Desert Rain Frog ] [ Adderpaw - @Fish ] [ Pigeonpelt - @Blazing ]

[Marigoldwhisper]

`~Owltalon
She\Lionheart\RC
"Are you listening, starchild?"

Purrks: Agatha Kitty ACTIVE!
· · ─────── ·· ─────── ·

Owltalon nodded in acknowledgement to the head Lionheart, her fur bristling with a strange stir of anticipation. Okay, so they're fast, and there's a lot of 'em. There bites infect, stay away from jaws, use claws wisely, fling 'em like rag dolls. If everything played out well, and if Owltalon didn't end up getting her life taken away by some good for nothing rats, then this would surely be a day to remember.

"You heard your head Lionheart! Now let's go slit some throats! And form a barrier!" The lionheart exclaimed before following Dusklion shortly after. She then split off and planted her paws firmly in front of the rats, her teeth bared. She almost fainted from the stench. It was absolutely horrible and it made her nose tingle from the inside out.

She lashed her tail from side to side as she jerked her head from the left and the right of her. "C'mon!" She encouraged the warriors. She opened her jaws to say something else, perhaps more words of encouragement, but a shrill cry took it's place.

A rat had already begun climbing onto her hind leg. She could see it's small jaws parting as it prepared to bite. She swung around in the air and launched it right off her. It took a few tries, but soon enough the rodent went flying, it's small body falling to the ground with a satisfying squeal. It charged right back at her though, albeit wobbly.

The brown she-cat slapped it with a paw full of bloodstained claws. As expected, the rat had been wounded, but not dead. Welp, time to throw it again.

She looked at the cats around her, Adderpaw, Cherryswirl, Tinytoad. She hoped that they'd be getting on fine without much assistance. But if some rat had any of them by the throat, Owltalon would be quick to give the rodent a beating.

Up next!:
Seabreeze - @Dolomedes

All the kitties
[ Fadingsun - @occultation ] [ Cherryswirl - @Dust ] [ Tinytoad - @Desert Rain Frog ] [ Adderpaw - @Fish ] [ Pigeonpelt - @Blazing ]

[Dolomedes]

Seabreeze
He/him | Riverclan Lionheart | Moons: 18 | Purrks: Go with the Flow | The Collector | Ultimate Predator |
“Ocean waters rising above your neck
You feel the glass start to crack.”

Seabreeze padded along with the group still not completely together after some previous realizations. So when Dusklion started explaining how to deal with rats he was paying attention but the lionheart didn't really give an answer, nor was he really given anytime before the battle commenced with his leader charging in first. Dusklion assigned him to a spot and the lionheart pushed any conflicting emotions to the side to focus on the task in front of him. Seabreeze wasn't going to fall to a bunch of overgrown mice! He gave the briefest of glances over to Pigeonpelt but just as swiftly turned away as his victims were founded. The creatures hissed and scurried away just before his paws could crush them. Seabreeze growled and pivoted as one of the rats that had taken notice of him and charged.

It didn't make it very far, Seabreeze having slapped it away with a powerful strike of his front paw, sending it tumbling away as its claws barely even had time to touch his fur. With the first rat serving as distraction the other one came much more suddenly into view rather than the blatant charge of the first one. It was suddenly at Seabreeze's back paw and bit into his ankle. The lionheart grit his teeth with a harsh hiss before kicking out with his back leg, the rat held and forced the tom to awkwardly bend back to tear it from his paw. His teeth connected around its middle and he ripped it away from his ankle and flung it in the same direction as the first. Speaking of which, the first rat was getting over the bat and it was getting onto its feet to try something again.

These were almost as bad as Thunderclan. His blue eyes narrowed and he hissed once more as he waited for the rats to try something and they did. This time he would make sure to keep an eye out on both of the creatures to not get blind sided again. He hoped that the rest of his clanmates were doing well with their own. As soon as his were handled, Seabreeze would check around and help his clan mates with any left over and lingering, but one thing at a time Seabreeze.

[ Next up: @Dust - Cherryswirl ]
[ @taillow - Dusklion | @occultation - Fadingsun | @Marigoldwhisper - Owltalon | @Desert Rain Frog - Tinytoad | @Blazing - Pigeonpelt | @Fish - Adderpaw ]

[Dust]

[ Cherryswirl - 54 Moons]

She/Her | Chaotic Good | Warrior
Go With The Flow [Active]

[ Fighting two rats! ]

And so it began!

"You got it boss," She mewed, her voice firm as she took heed to both Lionheart's directions - brushing quickly past Owltalon as she moved to block in a rat who looked ready to bolt. It had been a long time since Swirls came face to face with a rat pack. She had been an apprentice herself - so she knew the hell these little pests could raise and hearing Owl's war cry further ignited that burning in her belly. They would leave this fight victorious - Cherryswirl was positive of that.

Corralling in the skittish rat, it bared its teeth with a loud hiss at the warrior - though there was no hesitation as Swirls moved aggressively towards it, aiming to slam a heavy paw down on it's head. The creature seemed to anticipate the move, scrambling away from the warrior quickly - though she was fast. Leaping just a few tail lengths away after it, the rat turned rearing up on its hind legs with a screeching noise as it lunged towards her now realizing she would give chase no matter what. What a brave little thing! Well... Swirls quickly realized that back-up must have arrived, feeling a soft nip at her back left leg. The rat in front of her scrambled to bite towards her chest, causing the warrior to stumble back slightly - though her back leg raised as she attempted to kick the one behind her away. A resounding loud squeak of pain sent a pleased shiver down her spine though it was short-lived feeling its little rodent teeth pierce the skin on her chest. For now, the other rat would be winded - so she would focus on this one. If someone else wanted to take care of it first - she wouldn't argue! Cherryswirl shook herself wildly around trying to dislodge her unwelcome hitchhiker. This thing was hanging on for dear life, and each nip it gave pulled a vicious yowl from her maw.

"Enough!" She hissed aloud, throwing her paws out from beneath her as she dived to the ground. Keeping her head raised, she smashed her chest into the ground with a grunt. The distressed squeak from the rodent filled her satisfaction, more so when she felts its teeth release from her skin. Quickly propping herself back up, Swirls gripped it tight by the neck, using her paws to pin it as she crunched down multiple times. Maybe it was overkill... but the damn thing deserved it for biting her! She didn't stop until it's screeching died down, feeling the bones finally snap between her jaws as the creatures warm blood trickled from the wounds. Swirls nose crinkled-up in disgust at the taste on her tongue, but it wasn't over yet. Tossing its corpse lightly to the side, Cherryswirl turned quickly here eyes landing on her next opponent.

[ One rat dead! ]

[ Next up: @Desert Rain Frog - Tinytoad ]
[ @occultation - Fadingsun | @taillow - Dusklion | @Marigoldwhisper - Owltalon | @Dust - Cherryswirl | @Blazing - Pigeonpelt | @Fish - Adderpaw ]

[Desert Rain Frog]

TintToad Yowled And Stood Where She Was Told To. A Rat Charged, And She Threw It Down With A Paw, It Bit Hold Of Her Paw And She Was Quick To Toss And Bit Into The Rats Neck. Yowch.

[Fish]

Adderpaw
Determined ⋆ Loyal ⋆ Lawful Good ⋆ She/Her ⋆ Beefed Up T3
“One day I’ll be the greatest warrior of all the clans!”

@taillow @Dolomedes @Marigoldwhisper @Dust @Desert Rain Frog @/Blazing

It was time to fight another threat that was showing itself to her clan. It felt like an honor to be allowed to help defend her clan. That's right. She needed to think like this way again instead of all the cats that were wasting their time, dragging their tails and doing nothing for the clan. Just think of the valor you can bring.

When the orders were given out Adderpaw nodded her head without a single word. Dusk gave good fighting tactics as well. She would remember that when she came up to one of those nasty rats. Already from here she could smell the crowfood that those vermin bathed themselves. Sure she could hunt those things but eating them? Honestly it would have to be the last prey on the pile and she had to be hungry to think of it. Did cats know where those things lurked around?

Flanking the army of rats, Adderpaw looked for her foe. A rat jumped out at her which she thought was funny. As if it was trying to hunt her. Sadly for it rats where below cats in the foodchain. With a swift movement she leapt to the side of the vermin and kicked it as hard as she cloud with her back legs. It went crashing into a rock and fell limp on the ground. Easy!

Almost lost in her pride another rat jumped on her, so the apprentice quickly rolled on her back to crush/get the thing off of her before getting back up. Looked like this one would put up much more a fight. Good. With that Adderpaw went in for another attack....


[@Blazing it is now your turn!]

[Blazing]

Pigeonpelt

Pigeonpelt listened to the orders and started to fight the rats. They were larger and more agile than expected, yet she thought she could handle that. Glancing around at other clanmates, she would quickly make her way over to a few of them. Unsheathing her claws, she'd crouch down then pounce over, quickly to pin one down and get a few slashes before other large rats came over for aid. She'd dodged a few gracefully, yet wounds still sustained within a small slash on her left hind leg.

Glancing at one of them, the one she first pinned, she would suddenly tackle them and slash them at the neck, hopefully killing it. One down, few more to go.

[ @occultation - Fadingsun | @taillow - Dusklion | @Marigoldwhisper - Owltalon | @Dust - Cherryswirl | @Desert Rain Frog - Tinytoad | @Fish - Adderpaw ]

HELP SORRY FOR BEING LATE I'M IN CLASS

[occultation]

( @taillow )

As his Clanmates drove forward to valiantly take on these heathen creatures, Fadingsun wasted no time in joining them. With a snarl, he raised a paw and slammed it into the side of the first rat he saw. He hadn't raised his claws against anyone or anything, except prey of course, since he'd been attacked almost a moon ago now.

It felt good, being able to prove his battle-worthiness once more. The rat went tumbling to the side, but didn't stay down long. With an angry chattering of its teeth, it scuttled at an alarmingly fast pace towards Fadingsun.

He leapt back to try to avoid it, but he was too slow. Huge teeth sank into his ankle, so deep he was certain they'd touch bone. Spitting in anger, he tore his leg free from the rat's grip, spraying it and the ground with blood. Lunging forward, he attempted to grab it by the neck, only to get nipped roughly on the muzzle in response.

If grabbing it wasn't an option, he'd find another way. Raising his paw again, he smashed it down on the rat's head, dazing it and causing some blood to begin leaking from its ear.