[ti]Open[/ti]A Bird Flew By

[LupTacco]

Just a regular hunt, the grey tom reminded himself, no big deal. It was sunhigh, and prey was likely to be resting in the shade or taking the opportunity to nibble on seeds and grasses while the larger creatures weren't around. Prey wouldn't be expecting trouble, certainly not around the farmland; it was a quiet and hospitable place for prey animals most times. Yet, Shrikeheart couldn't shake the sense that somehow, this hunt would go wrong. He'd trip on some grasses, or finally catch a rabbit the wrong way and lose an eye or something. You're just gonna make that all happen thinking about it, he scolded himself, ears flicking as he stalked around the barn. 

"...uh?" a confused mew escaped the tom as he spotted a strange bird, not one he saw often. Mockingbirds, he was pretty sure was the name. They were a rare sight around here, if they were even native at all. An impressive catch. He prowled forward, but just before he was ready to pounce, it hopped just out of reach. Frowning, he trailed it for a few times before getting truly frustrated. It can't be doing this on purpose, birds aren't that smart are they? He sighed, and refocused. He just had to be patient. Its next hop took it around the barn. Perfect- he'd be able to come around the corner too quick for it to react, with any luck. 

"Ha-! ...ah?" Shrikeheart skidded to a halt as he noticed a ginger and white she-cat, the mockingbird at her side as if they were companions. "Is... is that your bird?" he asked timidly. He was trying to figure out their scent; it didn't seem to match up with any of the clans'. 

((Technically Private until Honeyheart kills Shrikeheart, then others may join in))

[ladyspectral]

Honeyheart licked at her wounds, deep scratches along her back and scruff from her run in with Mothclan. Her tooth claws burned their sheaths, she was sure she’d get another infection if they stayed in too long again. They constantly rubbed at skin with each pawstep she took, leaving it raw and tender. Flit was somewhere around the corner, hunting down bugs as was typical for the strange gray bird.

She could still remember the look on Houndmaw’s face, terror and shock. Flit was a good companion, even if he stood out. If only he were of a more common species, then he’d just be perfect. Honeyheart wondered how long it’d be until the clan cats knew not to follow the strange gray bird that mimicked others so well.

She barely looked down as Flit leaned into her side. The bird was always close, never straying too far from the rogue’s protective claws. She leaned down, giving it an affectionate lick on the head. It tweeted uneasily, feathers rustling as it pushed gently into her wiry fur.

“Ha-!... ah?” Her attention snapped upward, claws unsheathing as she rose. “Indeed he is.” She replied, eyes narrowed. “Were you... hunting my companion?” The gray bird fluttered upward as Honeyheart pawed it’s side, perching up atop the barn. Honeyheart eyed Shrikeheart thoughtfully for a moment, then lashed out her claws for his shoulder while he hopefully responded to her question.

[LupTacco]

Shrikeheart's ears flattened with unease. "Companion...?" a confused murmur escaped him- since when did cats have companions? Before he could comment on her odd life choices, he felt a sting across his shoulders. With a yowl the grey warrior scrambled back from the she-cat's claws. "What are you doing!? If it's about your bird you can keep it!" he tried to sound indignant, but a tremor of fear shook his voice. Panic gripped him; he had never been the best fighter, and certainly not the best at thinking on his feet. His mind screamed for him to turn tail, but his heart said to stand firm and fight this violent rogue off his clan's territory. What if the apprentices came out here, just like him? 

"You have to go," he threatened, "or I'll make you." Puffing his fur up to look imposing, he stood as straight as he could bear to, leaning a little to one side to keep weight off his newly scarred shoulder. Something told him she wouldn't leave even if he was the fiercest cat in all the clans, though, so after a sharp glare he made a movement forward of his own. Claws out, he aimed for the she--cat's face and ears, hoping to hit something sensitive that might make her regret her decisions. His posture was bold, his front paws completely off the ground and his balance a little precarious. 

[ladyspectral]

Honeyheart jerked back with a sharp gasp, hissing in pain as he tore his claws across her ears and snout. Blood dripped from the newly formed nicks, and anger rose in her chest as she realized what he had done. But she also realized his mistake, and ducked under both of his raised paws.

The she cat reached her completely unsheathed claws out for his underbelly, seeking to rake them both into him with as much strength as she could muster from her lithe body. Additionally she sought to crash herself into his midsection, hopefully knocking him off his paws entirely.

[LupTacco]

He felt a glimmer of satisfaction as his claws found their targets, leaving some nasty marks on the she-cat's ears and nose. She'd certainly remember this fight. He didn't get much time to revel in his burst of confidence, though- a startled hiss seethed from his jaws as claws dug into his belly.

In another second, he was laying on his side, a bewildered look on his face mixed with the pain of his wounds. His hind legs kicked out clumsily against the attacker, but he was too dazed to be very effective. Shrikeheart's mind swam with several reactions- Get up and fight- or, stay down and roll into a new move? Get out of here get away, eat that stupid bird. He would be an easy kill for one with precise aim as long as they acted fast. 

[ladyspectral]

Honeyheart couldn't help but feel glee as her claws met fur, knocking the larger cat off her paws. His paws battered her, but she still persisted as she dug her claws into his shoulders to keep him pinned to the ground. As she stared down at him she imagined Starclan yowling in their grief, and a sadistic excitement welled within her. Her head lunged downward, seeking to connect with the tom's throat and tear it away with a violent shake of her head.

The rustling and struggle would likely be audible to any nearby cats now, lasting too long and too intense to be simple prey that refused to give up the fight. No, it was becoming more and more clear it was a fight between cats.

[LupTacco]

Shrikeheart's cry of pain was cut off by fangs jabbing into his throat, and a shudder traveled through his body. Muted, his final breaths were agonized wheezes, and he stilled with his eyes and jaws wide open as though still trying to get some air. His last vision was of the malevolent glint in the she-cat's glare. 

He woke a few moments later in a warm place with a burning n his throat, though that quickly faded. It felt like home even though it was entirely new, and everything shimmered with a silvery glow- even his own paws. So he had died already. "...ah," the warrior seemed disappointed, but continued on into the peaceful hunting grounds of StarClan. At least he wouldn't have to worry about fighting anyone up here. 

[ladyspectral]

The bloodied rogue took a step back the tom gasped his last breath, a pang of regret following for a moment as she struggled to catch her breath. Did he have kits? A mate, maybe? Family? She didn't care what he had, Honeyheart decided quickly. Maybe she was taking the wrong path, but she was too far along to turn back now. She had to keep going, there was no other choice. She had killed two cats purposefully, that was unforgivable.

The stinging of her ears grew more intense as her adrenaline faded, blood threatening to drip into her eyes. Her fur still stood on end as she searched the immediate area, trying to spot any potential witnesses that may attempt revenge.