Open PAFP Territory ShadowClan Misery, misery is the venom in my brain [Snakepaw Intro]

[Snakepaw]

{$title} Snakepaw runs for his life only to stop at Shadoowclan territory

'Run!' that's what Snakepaw's dad said, exasperated. He was a big yellow cat, fearsome in Snakepaw's little eyes, and yet he seemed scared. 'Only stop when you find other cats to help you and live with them!' he whispered, pointing north. 'Now: run!'

And Snakepaw ran. He could hear very faintly his dad say 'I'm sorry'. But he didn't stop to think about it. He didn't stop to think about anything at all. He just ran.

He ran through the vegetation, he ran by a river, he ran on slippery rocks. He ran through a street made of black material, rough on his feet. And he just kept running. He ran until the vegetation became sparse. He could feel his muscles tiring, he could feel his pawpads tearing, little by little, over the friction of the rough path. He could feel the cold air stinging him, as he breathed heavily, his lungs hurting, imploring him to stop. He could feel so many hurts and pains, and still he didn't even slow down.

And then it happened: he saw a black cat, who seemed around his age. Another cat! Papa said to find other cats! He could stop running! He could stop running....

"You!" Snakepaw said loudly, almost yelling. He was trying to get the other cat's attention the best he could.

Then he stopped running. However, he felt the tiredness of his body so strongly, so, so strongly, that he just let himself fall to the ground, crumpling like wet paper.

He wasn't quite passed out, just very tired and breathing loudly, trying to catch his breath.

OOC: @Pepperpaw

 

[Pepperpaw]

Don't go out of camp without your mentor, Pepper. Don't stray too far, Pepper. You always need a mentor with you. Ugh.

It wasn't like she'd needed one before the Clans were formed! She had explored the land just fine on her own, no one watching her every move, no one breathing down her neck. And honestly? She was pretty sure Gecko... Geckoflame, didn't care all that much. She didn't seem like a boring mentor, at least. Still, Pepper hadn't expected this kind of attention. The sudden shout made her hackles spike, her eyes widening as she whipped toward the voice. A cat, one she didn't know, was barreling straight for her. Was he from ThunderClan? Or one of those other strays they'd come across?

She braced herself, ready for something, a fight, a threat, only for him to completely crumple a few tail-lengths away. Pepper blinked. Once. Twice. Slowly, she padded forward, her yellow eyes narrowed in scrutiny. " …Who are you? " she huffed, frowning. " Where did you come from? And don't you know you're on ShadowClan territory? "

___________________ I'VE GOT THICK SKIN ☆ AND AN ELASTIC HEART ___________________

• "speech"
  

• 

• PEPPERPAW she/her, ShadowClan, eight moons.
  ☆ a sh black rusting cat with lightgreen eyes
  ☆ mentored by who / mentoring no one
  ☆ whichever relations / want listed
  ☆ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ☆ penned by lion ↛ lionheartedphoenix on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

 

[Snakepaw]

Snake breathed heavily, tired, so very tired. He made an effort to stand up as well, almost crumpling down again. "I'm..." he breathed heavily again. It felt like no matter how much air he breathed, it wasn't enough! It wasn't enough! "I'm Snake..."

He could notice the whole distrust in the other cat's eyes, but he was too tired to even care. He just wanted to lay down and sleep for one whole moon. "I'm from down there..." Snake pointed south of where they were, somewhere close to the twolegged's territory. He and his family were stray cats that lived there, sometimes being fed by kind upleggers. Sometimes not. Sometimes beaten up, like his dad was when he told Snake to run.

"I need...help...!" Snake nodded slowly. His head felt heavy, so very heavy, like he could barely keep it up. If only he could lay down for a bit... "Dad said I needed to find somewhere to stay, with other cats. Kind cats... Like you...?" Snake managed to say more easily, finally catching his breath.

"What's even Shadowclan?" Snake asked too, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He never traveled so far before, he never went into clan territory at all.

 

[F l e a p a w]

-

Fleapaw had been padding through the marsh, ears tuned in for the slightest rustle of prey in the undergrowth. The air was clouded, dulling the light that filtered through the tangled branches. She was supposed to be hunting, and she had better find something too if she didn't want Possumgrin to rake her over the coals again.

She paused mid-step, fur bristling slightly as an unfamiliar scent mingled with their own—something that didn't belong there. Fleapaw's eyes narrowed as she followed it, body low, slinking through the brushes. If it was some loner creeping in, she would chase their ass out herself. Just give her an excuse, she's had a bad enough week as is.

It wasn't long before the shapes came into view. Two cats. One she recognized as Pepperpaw, and the other was a mangy grey and cream colored scrap of fur she didn't know. Her amber eyes flickered between them. The outsider hardly looked a threat. He looked ragged, exhausted from whatever had brought him to their borders.

Snake. Kind of a badass name. Maybe a little too cool for a wet leaf like him.

She observed for a moment and then stepped out of the brush. Her eyes met the stranger's first, posture loose, claws pricking at the soil, head tilting as she sized him up. He was bigger than she was, but that wouldn't change how she treated him. "Bunch of mean cats in the woods that eat unsuspecting trespassers." She answered for the older apprentice, fixing him with a disinterested stare. "Your nose not work or somethin'? Can't smell the borders we left to warn cats like you off?" It wasn't her choice whether he got to stay or not. Flea couldn't care if he did—but she figured if he wanted help, ShadowClan was the last place he should've been looking.

Less than anything we dream on

FLEAPAW

7 MOONS
SHE/HER
- Undersized cinnamon solid with folded ears. She's thin but stubby with very messy fur.
"SPEECH" - crimson | 'THOUGHTS/EMPHASIS' - crimson

Fleapaw values family the most with survival at a close second. In conversations, she is blunt, fun-loving, and clever. She is guided by her desires which often leads her astray. Despite her abrasive personality, she cares deeply for those she loves and will do anything to protect them. Due to her experiences, Fleapaw is corrupt and has minimalistic, if any, morals. She does not care for the warrior code and its restraints. Neither does she believe in StarClan. Growing up in a kitten mill, being separated from her mother, and ending up on the streets have deeply affected her view of the world.

@Tickpaw

We'll continue to be disappointments

 

[Snakepaw]

Snake felt the anger coming from the new cat, and he felt his own anger rising back to answer her. He looked at her, assessing her. She was smaller and younger than him. She was ragged, and with scars. He was pretty sure he could take her head on if needed, even as tired as he was.

He growled. "I didn't ask you, kid," he spat back, making sure the disdain for her was clear in his voice. "Shouldn't you be with your parents or something, little kitten?" He looked defiantly at her, like he was daring her to try something. He showed his fangs, doing his best to not start hissing so soon.

"That's not little kittens talk, go back to your parents and let me and her talk!" He almost hissed at Fleapaw, pointing his paw to Pepperpaw. He had ran too far to not be let in, to have to find another place. If being nice wasn't working, he was ready to be mean as well, and make them accept him. They wanting it or not, he was staying there. He needed a safe place, after all.

All his posture indicated he was ready for a fight: tail puffing up, he arched his back. His claws pointed outside. If needed be he would fight both of them even. And he would win, he was sure of it. Well, mostly sure. Well, maybe not so sure, but he was going to try anyway. He was surely tired, and it was a two against one situation, and that probably would not end well for him. But that would never stop Snake.

 

[F l e a p a w]

-

The venom in his tone surprises her, but only for a second. Fleapaw tilts her chin higher, a scoff tearing from her throat at the sheer gall of this outsider—this nobody, who dared to spit bile at her like he had any right.

She was ShadowClan, same as Pepperpaw. He was on their land and hers too, by default. Her tail cracks behind her, flicking mud as it lashes sharply across the ground.

The small apprentice does not shy away from the challenge. She pushes forward, brazenly closing the gap, meeting his gaze dead-on. "And shouldn't you be watchin' that tongue of yours before it gets carved out of your skull?" She growls through a clenched jaw.

She doesn't spare even a glance toward Pepperpaw. This was between her and him. He was real bold to snarl at her like he belonged here. "She doesn't give a damn about you. Wouldn't count on her saving you when I beat your ass either."

Her paws are solid where she stands, with no intention of retreating. A tinge of amusement curling through her rage. He sure had a mouth on him, but did he have the stuff to back it up? Her pelt bristles, ruffled into jagged edges, her claws raking at the ground, carving sharp grooves with every step. His size doesn't intimidate her. She's fought bigger—meaner—uglier bastards than him before.

She made a promise to protect something important to her. Possumgrin wasn't no damn help, but whatever. There wasn't no better way to learn than by doing. At least Snake was gonna make it easy and start the fight for her.

There's no warning when she moves. Fleapaw ducks low, twisting beneath him. By now, she knows she can't take bigger cats head-on, not without getting caught in their reach... So she tries something else. Fleapaw dives under his frame, scrabbling in the mud, jaws snapping around his hind leg.

Permission given. Pre-planned fight.

Fleapaw: 20/20 HP
- Size and training disadvantaged.
- Rolls a 1d8.

1d8 rolled for damage → 5 DAMAGE

Less than anything we dream on

FLEAPAW

7 MOONS
SHE/HER
- Undersized cinnamon solid with folded ears. She's thin but stubby with very messy fur.
"SPEECH" - crimson | 'THOUGHTS/EMPHASIS' - crimson

Fleapaw values family the most with survival at a close second. In conversations, she is blunt, fun-loving, and clever. She is guided by her desires which often leads her astray. Despite her abrasive personality, she cares deeply for those she loves and will do anything to protect them. Due to her experiences, Fleapaw is corrupt and has minimalistic, or if any, morals. She does not care for the warrior code and its restraints. Neither does she believe in StarClan. Growing up in a kitten mill, being separated from her mother, and ending up on the streets have deeply affected her view of the world.

We'll continue to be disappointments

 

[Snakepaw]

He looked absolutely shocked at her attack, so shocked he only barely registered the pain. How dare her! A child, a little kitten, a nothing like her doing that to him! How dare she?! Who did she think she was to do it to him?! He growled, half pain, half pure anger. How could she do that! He was bigger, he was meaner, he was stronger and she would pay. Oh, she sure would pay!

Snake did what he did best: he went for a bite. She was biting his hind leg, which meant she was under him, her flanks and back exposed to him. He contorted himself. He was flexible enough to dive for a bite on her lower back. So he did it. He dived his head towards her back.

He bit with all the anger he had in his little heart. He felt the taste of her fur, strong with a hint of mud. He felt the way her skin was firm, hard, and he was still able to puncture it. He felt the way it didn't want to give away under his powerful jaw. But his jaw was stronger, it won, he won.

Now she would learn to respect him. Now she would learn that she was nothing against him. Absolutely nothing. Worse than nothing! Just a little baby who could not win this fight!

"Did you learn your lesson?" he growled, letting go of her back. He smelled the blood in the air; The metallic taste in his mouth indicated the smell was not only of his blood, but also hers. He didn't want to drag the fight more than the necessary. He was tired, hungry and now hurt. He just wanted to rest.

OOC:
Permission given. Pre-planned fight.

Snake: 10/15 HP
Exhausted and hungry.
Disadvantage to health.
Rolls a 1d10

1d10 rolled for damage → 7 DAMAGE

 

[F l e a p a w]

-

The way he treated her—like she was some dainty kit, something fragile—did nothing but piss her off. He wasn't the only one to look down on her, and he would not be the last. Fleapaw lost count of all the cats who ever tossed her aside like she wasn't worth the dirt beneath their paws. But if they thought she was going to grow docile and let it break her, they were wrong.

She worked twice as hard and spat back with triple the fire. If no one wanted to take her seriously, she'd make them. She knew she had to earn it—earn their fear, their respect. One day, even if she had to carve through a hundred cats to get it, she'd stand beside cats like Wolfpack and Sablestar, and her name would be spoken with the same weight as theirs.

Right now, right here seemed like as good a place to start as any.

The yowl ripped from her throat as his claws tore into her from above. The pain was familiar but also new—hot, sharp, a sudden pressure streaking down her back. She felt the flesh puncture, the warm rush of blood as it spilled from the wound. But then—just as quickly as it came, the pressure lifted.

He… let go? She didn't have to wonder why. When he spoke, it was smug, like he'd already won. She almost wanted to laugh. Was her size all he could see? The only lesson she learned was that he was a fucking idiot.

Fleapaw didn't waste breath answering him. Her teeth slipped from his leg, but she was already moving. She flipped—rolling onto her back—breath sputtering as her torn skin scraped against the earth. It hurt like all hell, but she'd make it worth it.

With a growl ripping through her throat, her claws reached, raking and pummeling into his exposed belly, trying to find hookholds into his soft flesh. He was nothing like Wolfpack or Coalstrike. If he wanted to teach her anything, he would have to earn the right.

Fleapaw: 13/20 HP
- Size and training disadvantaged
- Rolls a 1d8

1d8 rolled for damage → 5 DAMAGE
1d2 rolled for chance of infection → CLEAR

All I did was try my best

FLEAPAW

7 MOONS
SHE/HER
- Undersized cinnamon solid with folded ears. She's thin but stubby with very messy fur.
"SPEECH" - crimson | 'THOUGHTS/EMPHASIS' - crimson

Fleapaw values family the most with survival at a close second. In conversations, she is blunt, fun-loving, and clever. She is guided by her desires which often leads her astray. Despite her abrasive personality, she cares deeply for those she loves and will do anything to protect them. Due to her experiences, Fleapaw is corrupt and has minimalistic, if any, morals. She does not care for the warrior code and its restraints. Neither does she believe in StarClan. Growing up in a kitten mill, being separated from her mother, and ending up on the streets have deeply affected her view of the world.

This the kinda thanks I get?

 

[Snakepaw]

Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit. That's all Snake could truly think of. She was ferocious. He had just hurt her, and she still went to attack him again. Not only that, she even laid in the dirt with her open wound to attack him. Holy shit.

It hurt like hell, it hurt so much. He could barely think. He jumped away from her, somehow in a way it didn't hurt him more. More luck than ability. He felt her claws leaving his belly, blood staining her claws, blood staining the dirt, blood staining his fur. It was a small jump, just enough to be out of reach of her sharp claws. He looked even more tired than before. He did his best to not yell too loudly, in pain.

He went a step closer, trying to claw at her face. It barely hit her. He could feel it leaving no permanent marks. He even questioned himself if it even hurt her with that pathetic hit. But he was so hurt, so tired, so hungry. He couldn't really think straight anymore. He breathed heavily.

"S-stop..." he said quietly, it hurt so much. But still, he didn't give up. If someone was going to stop, it was her, not him.

OOC:
Snake: 5/15 HP
Exhausted and hungry.
Disadvantage to health.
Rolls a 1d10

1d3 rolled → Escaped from Flea without getting more hurt
1d7 rolled for damage (disavantaged, hurt and gave her a bigger time to react)→ 3 DAMAGE

 

[Pepperpaw]

Pepperpaw tilted her head, then glanced behind Snake, narrowing her eyes slightly. Alright. So this kid was running from something. His name was Snake. He needed help. And, as much as she hated to admit it, she couldn't exactly turn away a cat in need. Aside from that, she was sure Sablestar would want to know that yet another stranger had stumbled onto ShadowClan's borders. Ugh. And now she had to explain what ShadowClan was, too? Stars, she didn't sign up for this. " Well, you see-- "

Her fur bristled as a familiar voice cut through the air. Fleapaw. Pepperpaw's eyes immediately narrowed as she turned toward the scruffy she-cat. Of course, it was her. Fleapaw was, in short... A menace. A flailing, screaming, biting menace. And now, she was at it again. With a roll of her eyes, Pepperpaw exhaled sharply. " Hardly what ShadowClan represents. I don't think Sablestar would agree. " Her voice was cool, unimpressed. It was obvious this cat had been through something. And Fleapaw's attitude wasn't-- wait, what?!

Why were they fighting?!

Pepperpaw's eyes widened as the argument exploded in front of her. Stars, Fleapaw was so annoying! Always fighting. Always starting fights. And this one... This one was so stupidly preventable! Blood splattered before Pepperpaw could react. The second she heard the stranger tell Fleapaw to stop, she snarled and lunged forward, sinking her teeth into the scruff of Fleapaw's neck and yanking her back. If Fleapaw so much as tried to lash out [ oh, she had seen what happened to Sealpaw ] she'd get a claw across the muzzle in return.

" Stop it, you dumb brute! " Pepperpaw spat, her tail lashing. " You proved your point! You're all brawn and no brains! " She shoved Fleapaw back, ears pinned. " Get back to camp! Now! I'm leading this one to Sablestar, and you-- " she huffed, eyes flashing. " You can go tell Cicadabuzz that they now have two patients to deal with. Because one of them decided we have herbs to spare. "

Pepperpaw exhaled sharply, turning to Snake while almost completely ignoring Fleapaw. She was still tense, every muscle on edge, ready to react if Fleapaw tried anything other than what she'd told her to do. ]color=darkkhaki]" I am so sorry for her. "[/color] she muttered, tail lashing. " She's a freak of nature. Still learning. She doesn't have the best mentor either, but- I don't know, I think there's something not right with her. "

She huffed, shaking her head before flicking her gaze back to Snake.

" You can follow me, if you're capable. If not, you can lean on me, or I can send someone back to help. " She eyed him, assessing. " We're not that far from camp. "

___________________ I'VE GOT THICK SKIN ☆ AND AN ELASTIC HEART ___________________

• "speech"
  

• 

• PEPPERPAW she/her, ShadowClan, eight moons.
  ☆ a sh black rusting cat with lightgreen eyes
  ☆ mentored by who / mentoring no one
  ☆ whichever relations / want listed
  ☆ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ☆ penned by lion ↛ lionheartedphoenix on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

 

[F l e a p a w]

-

Her claws struck, raking through the softer flesh of his belly. Before she even fully realizes it, blood is drawn. It speckles her claws first, warm, slick, flecking her face and fur. The wound on her back still throbs, but the pain is distant, drowned out by the thundering of her heart.

He was quicker than she thought. Even as he retreats, he lashes out, claws clipping across her face before she can recover. Fleapaw jerks away, but it's not needed for such a weak blow. He gives her time and she uses it to recover, pushing herself upright. Then, finding her strength, she whirls savagely, a wild look in her eyes.

Then she sees it—the way he recoils. Like a cornered mouse. A sensation stirs in her chest. Flea holds her head high, eyes half squinted in pain. But she can hardly stop the twitch on her muzzle, the smallest of smirks peeling through her grimace.

Not so small now, am I?

She did it. She actually did it! The blood on her paws is proof—solid proof that her claws left a mark. All those times she had sunk her teeth into flesh only to be plucked off like a bug, like she didn't matter—this was different. It felt good. Better than standing over Sealpaw, watching the blood bead on her forehead. Even if she wanted to, Flea doesn't know if she could put it into words.

He speaks, but she doesn't hear him—doesn't care to. The rush in her ears drowns out everything but the pounding of her heartbeat. Her body moved before she even decided to, claws flexing, her paws pushing off the ground. Fleapaw is ready to finish what she's started.

Then, a set of teeth nab her by the scruff. Fleapaw gags as her momentum is ripped away. Her limbs flail, twisting before she's released, snapping around to look at whatever held her back.

Pepperpaw. Again. Flea almost forgot she was even there. Course, it was her. Nosy fucking rat, always poking where she wasn't needed. Fleapaw's eyes narrow into furious slits, her mouth setting into a deep scowl. This wasn't the first time the older apprentice had interfered. She flicks her ears, face darkening further as Pepperpaw snaps at her to get back to camp.

When Cicadabuzz is mentioned, Fleapaw snorts. Like she could go to Cicada even if she wanted to. That bastard still held her debt over her head, and until it was repaid in full, she'd have to live with her wounds. That didn't matter. She could care less about that. But wasting herbs? On him?

Fleapaw's lip curls as her gaze snaps to the wounded tom. That foul-mouthed idiot looked half-dead already—why waste anything on him? Did she not hear all the stuff he said to her? He was the one trespassing on their land, he—!

She opened her mouth to snarl back, but Pepperpaw walked right past her. Fleapaw seethes quietly as the older apprentices starts talking like she wasn't even there. Her focus is shifted, landing squarely on the dark she-cat.

Flea's claws dig into the dirt with every word that leaves Pepperpaw's mouth. She was so sick of everyone brushing her aside—treating her like she was less than them. How long did she had to take it? Days? Moons? Til the day she died? Because Fleapaw been sick of it for as long as she could remember.

Her chest heaves with rage, breath ragged and desperate. The pounding in her ears is deafening, drowning out Pepperpaw's voice until it's nothing but a hum. The heat beneath her pelt spread, crawling to every part of her, wrapping around her with a grip that she couldn't shake free from. Her bloodied claws twitch against the earth, peeling back the ground beneath them, sowing the seeds of her anger.

Fleapaw did not blink. Her mouth was pressed into a trembling line, a burning gaze scorching into the back of Pepperpaw's skull. When she surges forward, her thoughts are numbed. She moves swiftly, claws flexed, slicing through the air, aimed to strike at Pepperpaw's while her back is turned.

Fleapaw: 6/20 HP
- Size and training disadvantaged
- Rolls a 1d8

1d8 rolled for damage → 4 DAMAGE
1d2 rolled for chance of infection → MEDIUM

You say too late to start, with your heart in a headlock

FLEAPAW

7 MOONS
SHE/HER
- Undersized cinnamon solid with folded ears. She's thin but stubby with very messy fur.
"SPEECH" - crimson | 'THOUGHTS/EMPHASIS' - crimson

Fleapaw values family the most with survival at a close second. In conversations, she is blunt, fun-loving, and clever. She is guided by her desires which often leads her astray. Despite her abrasive personality, she cares deeply for those she loves and will do anything to protect them. Due to her experiences, Fleapaw is corrupt and has minimalistic, if any, morals. She does not care for the warrior code and its restraints. Neither does she believe in StarClan. Growing up in a kitten mill, being separated from her mother, and ending up on the streets have deeply affected her view of the world.

You know you're better than this

 

[Tickpaw]

TICK

So what if you can see the darkest side of me?

When Tick had gone searching for his sister, he hadn't expected to walk in on this. His breath hitched, his hackles rising as his orange gaze locked onto the scene before him. The way that apprentice, Pepper, was it? The way she spoke to Flea, the way she carried herself, the war she ignored his sister, it all rubbed him the wrong way.

He disagreed. He hated it. Pepper. What a dumb name. But he'd deal with her later.

Right now, his attention was on Flea. Flea, who was seething. Flea, whose anger was a wildfire, barely contained.

He saw it in her stance, in the way her muscles tensed. He swore she saw red. The air was thick with tension, and the moment snapped before he could get a word in, before he could tell her to breathe, to calm down.

She lunged. And so did he.

Not to harm, never to harm. Flea had every right to defend herself, to stand her ground. But this? This was going to spiral. And Sablestar, he knew, wouldn't approve.

Tick moved fast, instincts taking over. His teeth found her scruff, careful, firm but not rough, pulling her back before another fight could break loose. His paws dug into the ground, steadying himself, ready to brace against her struggle.

He wanted to speak. He wanted to tell her it was just him.

But she moved quicker than he did.

═════════════⊹⊱ ⟡ ⊰⊹═════════════

 

[F l e a p a w]

-

Fleapaw reaches. She could almost feel the fur between her claws, but she never got there.

Again, she's yanked back by the scruff like a rowdy kit. Her fury burned hotter than she'd ever felt it. If she had a mouse for every. fucking. time. Some cat had grabbed her like that.

A gagged snarl tears out of her as she twists in their grasp, claws trying to find a place to hook—ripping at the face of what restrained her before she could stop them.

It's too late. The sight of blue fur drives away the fog from her mind like a hard gust of wind. Everything is suddenly so clear—painfully clear.

She sheathes her claws, but the damage is there. She pulls away from him, stumbling back with her mouth hanging out. "Why—?!" It wrenches from her throat, confusion twisting with her fading anger. Why was he here? Why did he get in the way?

It wasn't supposed to be him. It wasn't his fault. The realization is a rush of cold water, drowning out the heat of her anger, washing her clean with guilt. "I didn't mean to. You got in the way—I wouldn't. I would never! You know... that I... I wouldn't." Fleapaw partly pleads, partly blames. She watches the blood trickle down his face in disbelief.

But she had.

The evidence was right in front of her. On his face—on her claws. How much of the blood is hers—or Snakes—or Tick's? Her breath fluttered, fast, panicked, eyes darting anywhere but at him. The ground. Her paws. The space where her claws were supposed to land.

Her gaze flicked up just once to meet her brother's, but she couldn't hold it. She couldn't stand to see what was there. What she had put there. She was supposed to protect him. It was never supposed to be him, it should've been her. She shoots Pepperpaw a seething glare, but it pales. There are so many thoughts racing through her mind that she can barely separate one from another. She couldn't stay. Couldn't face him like she was now.

Fleapaw backs away, paw folding on something in the mud as she retreats from them. Her mouth opens, forming an apology, but it dies with her. Without another word, she turns and disappears back into the marsh.

You say too late to start, with your heart in a headlock

FLEAPAW

7 MOONS
SHE/HER
- Undersized cinnamon solid with folded ears. She's thin but stubby with very messy fur.
"SPEECH" - crimson | 'THOUGHTS/EMPHASIS' - crimson

Fleapaw values family the most with survival at a close second. In conversations, she is blunt, fun-loving, and clever. She is guided by her desires which often leads her astray. Despite her abrasive personality, she cares deeply for those she loves and will do anything to protect them. Due to her experiences, Fleapaw is corrupt and has minimalistic, if any, morals. She does not care for the warrior code and its restraints. Neither does she believe in StarClan. Growing up in a kitten mill, being separated from her mother, and ending up on the streets have deeply affected her view of the world.

You know you're better than this

 

[Snakepaw]

Snake felt relieved at Pepperpaw's intervention. Not that he couldn't take her in a fight, no, of course not. He wasn't losing, at least he wouldn't ever admit it. He knew he was very close to being killed. He knew he was at a disadvantage. And more than everything, he knew she was out for blood, angry and ready to destroy him.

He was afraid of dying. He knew what he looked like right now: more like a little fragile mouse, a prey, easily killable. However, part of him was amazed at Fleapaw. She had so much anger, and she knew how to use it to her advantage. She knew how to fight so well. And she wasn't afraid of getting hurt if it meant winning. Snake wanted so badly to ask Fleapaw to teach him how to fight like that.

But it wasn't the moment for it, he focused on Pepperpaw's intervention: the only thing keeping him alive. He nodded along, not really minding the insults to Fleapaw at the moment. He didn't agree with what she was telling him, but he also wanted to be let in the clan, and, well, he also liked being alive very much.

"I'm fine," he lied. Everything hurt so badly. He could feel the way the blood was dripping from his wounds, especially his belly. He gave a step towards Pepperpaw and immediately collapsed on the ground. He couldn't walk, it hurt too much. He felt like he could barely think straight.

"Ugh," Snake groaned. "I can't..." he murmured, not wanting to admit defeat, but in deep need of help. Everything hurt so badly. Fleapaw really got him good. She was so cool.

OOC:
1d3 for if he can walk to camp without help -> Collapsed in the ground, Snake can't walk alone
1d2 for infection -> Snake's wounds are infected, infection status: low

 

[SABLESTAR]

The scent of staling blood dully alerts the leader to rise from the stunted oak with bitter prickling of his fur down his spine. The daytime hours were of little productivity outside of the rest his body called for after the rise of dawn, leaving him with subpar room for patience when disturbed. His fiery gaze rest on the three apprentices that enter his camp, each lacking their mentors, towing a battered child unknown to his memory. "What did you do." Sablestar's voice is sharp and commanding, pointedly looking at each one's face with scorn.

The kid can hardly hold himself up and he has to wonder how a group consisting of these three managed to dig him up somewhere. Off the monster-beaten road? Buried in in own blood and muck somewhere in the swamp? Questions he did not fully care to find answers for, not when there battered friend may find themselves tossed back to wherever he was found if Cicadabuzz didn't feel charitable today.

this heart beats cold like the devil his own

• "mew"
• 

  SABLESTAR— he/him ･fifty-four moons ･leader; shadowclan ･penned by gonkpilled

  a black and white tuxedo with dark amber eyes

 

[Pepperpaw]

Ugh. Fleapaw was such a mousebrained apprentice. So dumb. So reckless. And now, thanks to her, not only was this stranger injured, but Tickpaw, her own brother, was hurt too. Served her right for always being so aggressive toward everything and everyone. This wasn't Pepperpaw's fault. She stuck her nose in the air for a brief moment before glancing at the warrior who had found them, Marbleshine. At least they were lucky in that regard. Marbleshine never questioned much. She just helped, always kind, always willing.

" Fleapaw attacked this stranger instead of letting him talk to Sablestar. " Pepperpaw meowed, giving Snake a small nudge. " I can't get him to camp alone. " Her voice held a scowl, but there was no real frustration directed at the stranger, just at the situation. Marbleshine muttered something under her breath, her usual warmth touched with concern, but she didn't hesitate to move forward. With Pepperpaw's help, she carefully lifted the injured cat onto her back.

" Where is Fleapaw? " the she-cat questioned, glancing between them. The blue-furred tom beside them kept looking back, his fur bristling with unease. " I-I have to go after her! She didn't mean to, and- she ran off! I have to... " A sharp, firm look from Marbleshine stopped him mid-step. " You don't know the area yet. " she said, voice gentle but unwavering. " Let's get this one to Sablestar first. Then I'll help you find your sister. "

Pepperpaw rolled her eyes but she didn't argue. Instead, she flicked her tail and started moving forward. Tickpaw, however, didn't follow. Instead, he bolted ahead, running straight for camp, blood still streaking his face. What a featherbrain. Obviously related to Fleapaw.

Scoffing, Pepperpaw lifted her chin as they stepped into camp. Her yellow eyes landed on Sablestar immediately, and without hesitation, she strode forward as their leader questioned them. " I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stray from camp. " she meowed, standing tall. " But I scented a stranger and went to inspect. " Her tail flicked toward the injured cat. " He introduced himself as Snake. " A pause. Then, her expression darkened. " Then Fleapaw came. She attacked him until… well, this. She also hurt her own brother. Then she ran off. "

A scoff left her. " Marbleshine helped me bring Snake here so you can decide what to do with him. Though, I'd rather have brought him here less bloodied... "

___________________ I'VE GOT THICK SKIN ☆ AND AN ELASTIC HEART ___________________

• "speech"
  

• 

• PEPPERPAW she/her, ShadowClan, eight moons.
  ☆ a sh black rusting cat with lightgreen eyes
  ☆ mentored by who / mentoring no one
  ☆ whichever relations / want listed
  ☆ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ☆ penned by lion ↛ lionheartedphoenix on discord, feel free to dm for plots.