The Hound Collects [P]

[spade]

This would be fun. A slice of entertainment to spice up a rather boring and dull past moon. As Grimhound slunk through the shadows of the pine forest, the scent of his patrol members close behind him, amber eyes scanned the pathway ahead. A break in the tree line signaled the moorland was approaching, and with it, retribution. The debt that WindClan owed ShadowClan for their mercy, that would be paid for with bloodshed. Red momentarily blinded the large tabby as a sadistic grin twisted his lips, revealing sharp white fangs. Huge claws marked the earth with each step, tearing soil from dirt and scaring away any prey that may be near.

Puny shrews was not what they were here for though, unless they were provided to them by WindClan. The bunnies would learn what happened to those who didn't follow through on their debts. Whether that was through teeth or claws, Grimhound didn't necessarily care. As long as he got to spill some blood.

A swift breeze delivered straight from the heart of the moorland step around him as Grimhound stood at the tree line. He was well into WindClan territory by now, with Adder Rocks off to his left, and a lone pine tree directly in front of him. "Fiercefire, Berrypaw. Head that way and mark along that line. Frogfang, Brackenpaw, that way." The large tabby swung his head to his left at first, then the right. "The rest of you, it's lunch time. Any bunnies you spots are yours for the taking," he smirked as he deliberatly didn't distinquish what he meant by bunnies - prey or WindClan cats himself.

If anything, the one singular emotion that swirled within him was excitement as he advanced forward on the moorland. The temptation to take all of this land, not just in the name of Dawnstar but... because Grimhound was pretty certain he just could. Being graced with battle skills that were a match for even Dawnstar did much to back up his confidence. As if to state this as a challenge to any WindClan cats that might be passing by, his claws were out, piercing the ground as he walked further onto the territory.

// @Moonraven [for the WindClan patrol] @Rani @Angelique @Jackpot @feather lily @Bramblefire01 @ChillCat @-Skyfall- @~Storm~ @Rockfall @x ghostie

[ChillCat]

@spade Ravenpaw's getting hungry

Ravenpaw regretted not eating that morning. Their stomach was growling, but they staunchly ignored it. There was more to do than eat. Speaking of eating...A rabbit ran by, seemingly unaware of the cat patrol. If all rabbits were this stupid, how were Windclan cats so skinny? Well, Grimhound did say the bunnies were for the taking, after all. Ravenpaw crouched down in the tall grass. The rabbit was still being stupid, munching away on some seeds, unaware of its impending doom. Just before they were close enough to pounce, Ravenpaw remembered why Windclan cats didn't stalk their prey. And that they had black fur. Oops. The rabbit noticed them, but by then it was too late. Ravenpaw had their jaws around its neck and held until there was no more struggling. That was really messy, yikes. It wasn't the cleanest kill, but whatever. Prey was prey.

[Poprock]

The small molly kept close as the patrol crept through the forest, Grimhound leading the way. Even from her place in the middle of the group she could still see the gleaming fangs that protruded from his maw. The sight alone sent a shiver down her spine. The sound of his razor sharp claws ripping up the ground with every heavy paw step definitely did not help her uneasiness. Should she be more like him? Unapologetically vicious and absolutely terrifying? Next to him she just felt... small. Too unimposing and weak. Should she follow his lead? Or should she veer off and do what felt best?

The apprentice hadn't even realized they were well into Bunny territory until the tom who had occupied her thoughts sprinted off, not before barking a few orders to their clanmates. I'm one of the cats chosen to ruff up a few bunnies? This was a great way to gain some confidence back! Show Dawnstar and even Grimhound that she could be strong! She followed the tom with claws unsheathed, nose ready to catch the disgusting scent of any Windclan weaklings.
---
@spade

[JackHunt_17]

Originally Posted by spade

This would be fun. A slice of entertainment to spice up a rather boring and dull past moon. As Grimhound slunk through the shadows of the pine forest, the scent of his patrol members close behind him, amber eyes scanned the pathway ahead. A break in the tree line signaled the moorland was approaching, and with it, retribution. The debt that WindClan owed ShadowClan for their mercy, that would be paid for with bloodshed. Red momentarily blinded the large tabby as a sadistic grin twisted his lips, revealing sharp white fangs. Huge claws marked the earth with each step, tearing soil from dirt and scaring away any prey that may be near.

Puny shrews was not what they were here for though, unless they were provided to them by WindClan. The bunnies would learn what happened to those who didn't follow through on their debts. Whether that was through teeth or claws, Grimhound didn't necessarily care. As long as he got to spill some blood.

A swift breeze delivered straight from the heart of the moorland step around him as Grimhound stood at the tree line. He was well into WindClan territory by now, with Adder Rocks off to his left, and a lone pine tree directly in front of him. "Fiercefire, Berrypaw. Head that way and mark along that line. Frogfang, Brackenpaw, that way." The large tabby swung his head to his left at first, then the right. "The rest of you, it's lunch time. Any bunnies you spots are yours for the taking," he smirked as he deliberatly didn't distinquish what he meant by bunnies - prey or WindClan cats himself.

If anything, the one singular emotion that swirled within him was excitement as he advanced forward on the moorland. The temptation to take all of this land, not just in the name of Dawnstar but... because Grimhound was pretty certain he just could. Being graced with battle skills that were a match for even Dawnstar did much to back up his confidence. As if to state this as a challenge to any WindClan cats that might be passing by, his claws were out, piercing the ground as he walked further onto the territory.

// @Moonraven [for the WindClan patrol] @Rani @Angelique @Jackpot @feather lily @Bramblefire01 @ChillCat @-Skyfall- @~Storm~ @Rockfall @x ghostie

(Is fierce allowed to fight the bunnies if he sees one while marking?)
Fiercefire nodded to Berrypaw and began to mark Shadowclan scent around Windclan's territory. It felt good.

[Witchy Madelaine]

Badgerscar was more than happy to catch rabbits. That's what warriors did right? Of course. The warrior nodded to his former mentor before sniffing around to find one. It took him a fee moments before scenting one close by.

Now was the time. Badgerscar got into a hunters crouch. Keeping himself as neat as possible. His tail was just right and his head was down. His shoulders were bunched. The warrior stalked towards it, keeping light on his paws. Once he was just a few lengths away he pounced, landing on top of it.

He was quick to give it a killing bite to the neck.

(No need to mention me I'm subscribed to the thread)

[Jade13]

( sorry I haven’t responded to anything today, I’ve been very busy)

Frogfang nodded and started walking that way let’s go he said to the apprentice not looking back, he was just ready for a fight with some bunny’s if they ran into any. Oh what fun it would be but there was no promise that they would come.

[wolfie]

The tom trailed after the patrol, keeping his head down low because Starclan no was he going to test Grimhound's patience. He felt guilty knowing the fact they were taking precious land from Windclan. Another part reasoned that well, they did have a deal. It wasn't,, that,,, hard,, to keep up with. Then again, Twilightstar just had kits maybe she just --

He quickly shook his head because those thoughts were awfully bad and he was trying to develop into a better warrior. Wolfwhisper's ears perked up as Grimhound gave them directions. He was tempted to ask him what bunnies he meant. Tempted. He wasn't so sure he wanted to know the actual answer.

He glanced around the open land, opening his jaw slightly as the unfamiliar scents rushed in. This was kinda blood-rushing! It wasn't like they would see any Windclan cats here but they were breaking rules! That Dawnstar wanted! Cool!!

"Aha!" Wolfwhisper gasp as was, was that a rabbit? It smelled just like one! Not that he... ever had one before. It was unfamiliar! It must be a rabbit. He broke into a hunter's crouch and began to creep towards the smell. It was making his mouth water. Oh gosh, he forgot to eat today! No!!! Wolfwhisper frowned. This was so sad.

Wait, no focus. Shoot!

[Rani]

Redshrike perhaps was a little late to the party for once.
In his defence he was busy, there was things to do constantly and Redshrike had caught the scent of a rogue (tinges of horrible kittypet sweetness within, maybe a soft pet trying out the forrest for size) inside of shadowclans borders and diverted to track it hoping to find easy prey. That wasnt what he found though, no he only found disappointment and a wet cold marsh as the scent trail made its way too far outside the borders and out of the bloodthirsty toms grasp. So it was a useless venture and the maine coon runt was wet on top of his other discomforts making his way to the bunnys territory to shred them once more. He should be ecstatic about this, Redshrike revealed in tasks like this but a low aching heat under his pelt had soured his mood and all he wanted was to get this over with. It was out of character and strange and had the tom been more on top of this it'd be the first sign something was going wrong.

The warrior felt too hot and aching despite the lack of huge exercise that'd cause his muscles to throb and feel weak like this and his tail shook lightly with the weakness. If that was it he could cope and get some rest and food to be on his paws in top form the next day, but that wasnt it. No his headache was getting worse ever since he was sun blinded for a moment when it shouldve got better... Then there was the breathing. Torn out of his stealth from where he trailed behind the group by a coughing fit Redshrike slipped out from the shadows under bushes with a growl scowling fiercely as the noise ruined his sneaking. Doing this as an ambush wasnt going to occur then, the coughing had left but the itching in the back of his throat remained so was probably going to occur again, he wouldnt be able to blindside windclan in this state. How infuriating.

Still he pushed it aside and fully joining the group instead of just lurking on the fringes, padding up to his apprentice and offering Brackenpaw some advice before the molly left to lay the new scent markers.
"Dont let yourself get cut off from the group too much you risk getting overwhelmed just you and Frogfang and in such an area not our own (yet) that could spell death. Living is better then pride, if things become to much pull back to the group and the issue can be taken care of. That being said do your best to leave no windclan unmaimed at best if they come under your claws, they squeal its amusing and they more then deserve it for being lesser.

In my experience they move fast and try and land strikes often but not hard, theyre tricky fighters so be wary of it. Still I'd recommend tricking them in kind and being wary though once theyre down theyre generally down. Windclan has a poor pain tolerance its pathetic."

This'd be a sort of training for Brackenpaw, sink or swim if she lived through this relatively unharmed her battle skills would undoubtedly be refined enough to make it. Still it'd be training without protection of a mentor Redshrike would not give as he turned and padded off standing aside Grimhound as he scanned the area for the patrols chosen 'prey' for the day.
@-Skyfall-

[poppy]

@Rani | @feather lily | @spade
{only mentioning cats that Bracken is interacting with, to not spam anyone}

Aw, she wasn't allowed to hunt yet. Too bad, she was looking forward to sinking her claws into some rabbits- and BunnyClan kitties. Grimhound had pointedly not clarified which he meant, so Brackenpaw was going to milk that for all it was worth. But marking the new border and expanding ShadowClan's territory was definitely a good placeholder for that, maybe she would find some prey afterwards... who knew, really? Rubbing up against any sturdy plant, to taunt BunnyClan, of course, as she walked over to the soon-to-be border, she saw Frogfang coming up next to her. Let's go. He grunted, then started to walk towards the border, not once looking back. He was so arrogant, Brackenpaw almost laughed. But she followed him, quickening her pace to overtake him to lay the first scent marker.

Redshrike caught up with her before she left, and she instinctively knew that he would be giving her advice. If it was Frogfang, or any other wannabe warrior, she would keep walking. But, not only was he her mentor, he was one of the few warriors she respected. So she listened, making mental notes in her mind. Don't stray too far, leave no WindClan kitty without painful wounds to remember her by, they squeal {which she was 100% going to witness with one under her claws}, they move fast with swift strikes, and they were weak. That last one, she knew already, but never in a real fight. Then Redshrike left, and she knew that he was not to protect her when the battle came, nor that she wanted him to. Brackenpaw did not want a rerun of the dog-fight. But things had changed since the dogs. She no longer had a garbage mentor, she now had a mentor who actually knew stuff, among other things.

Continuing on her way- Frogfang was in front of her now, damn, she broke into a jog to come into pace with him. She marked a nice, strong, thick scent on the new border, purring with leisure and contentment. Now the ShadowClan territory was extended, how easy was that! But Brackenpaw took a nice, long look at the WindClan side, eyes slits, and wondered when a patrol would come. For now, she was content with eating the actual rabbits, until the main course came along.

[Ziera]

 

Before she could go sort it out, Sparkpaw called for her attention. This one served as an apprentice one of her favorites before he vanished, Dawnstar never liked how she stuck around Batblind, may her soul be forever tortured in the Dark Forest, but Talonstone had a darkness to him that Dawnstar could have used to turn him into one of the greatest cats in ShadowClan. That tom could have been seated beside her mutt, bird, and badger if only he had remained loyal to his clan. Perhaps his former apprentice will take his spot as a replacement.

"You want to get stronger, good, go catch up with that mongrel, tell him I said you could join them. I don't normally just let anyone take on important matters like these, but I admit your former mentor was one to admire. If it weren't for that little flaw, he could have served as one of ShadowClan's fiercest warriors, you might have what it takes to step in his pawprints, or not. But know I will never do this again if I find I had to come to regret this decision later on." Dawnstar did not like making last-minute changes to something she already planned out, but for Talonstone's former apprentice she was willing. If she did well, Dawnstar would have to see about taking the apprentices who were slowly growing on her out for some lessons.

// @spade -- | not going to spam mentions oop

Talonstone. ShadowClan’s model warrior, the stoic yet ruthless one, Sparkpaw’s mentor mine. Dawn's words echoed in her ears like a mantra: you might have what it takes to step in his pawprints, or not.

Spark didn’t know what possessed her to ask—no, demand to join Grimhound’s patrol. She never approached danger so witlessly before and the light-colored feline berated herself for it. Greedy, aren’t you? What a nuisance to be ensnared by losses Spark was too numb to feel. Something inside must've snapped and screwed up transmission, because she wasn't sad. The she-cat was hungry. Grief became an insatiable monster bigger than Sparkpaw's skin: it moaned wretchedly, threatened to split her open from the inside if she didn’t satisfy its cravings with something.

Perhaps Sparkpaw and Talonstone were kindred after all. Weren’t there always shadows hidden in the searing blue of his eyes? Spark noticed it the first time they met, the whispers, flashes, hints of a dormant brutality that would forever separate Talon from Doetuft in the end. Now it was Sparkpaw's turn to ruin and be ruined.

Catching up to the patrol was easy enough. Creamy ears flattened when a tricolored tom with dark eyes—Redshrike—choked on his own saliva, idiot, but the trip stayed uneventful besides. Before long towering trees gave way to moorland and Sparkpaw officially reached her clanmates. Now! To alert their 'leader'.

Whereas Talonstone tempered his darkness, malevolence clung to Grimhound like maggots to crowfood and he wore the rot with pride. Sparkpaw’s keen blue eyes traced winding scars over the tabby’s body and she couldn’t help but wonder—was this her future? ...No. This was a one-track mind seeking violence who probably lacked vision. Sparkpaw need only follow him for the time being.

Any bunnies are yours for the taking, he said, and the monster inside lurched. Hypocrite. Sparkpaw knew what Dawn intended to do here. She knew and she volunteered for it. She was not the same bright-eyed apprentice as before: her morals were yielding, pliant to a new whirlwind of influences because Spark didn’t want to recognize herself after this.

"Grimhound," Sparkpaw mewed, revealing herself with a small jesting bow. "Dawnstar sends her regards." To her favorite toy, she didn't add. That should be enough for him to accept her arrival. Lips curling into her signature fox-line grin (if colder), the little Bengal she-cat peered through tall blades of grass, tugged this way and that by the breeze. I hope you’re watching from the Dark Forest, mentor mine. I’ll put on a show. I'll make you regret abandoning me.