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ʙʀᴀᴄᴋᴇɴsᴛʀɪᴋᴇ
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It was just one attack after the other. Blood gushed out from strikes he most likely would have been able to avoid had he been able to see; Hawkblaze may have been the rebel deputy — and, thereby, the enemy — but his tactical fighting was certainly impressive. Not that Brackenstrike would use such dirty tactics in a fight — but he could certainly admit to this tom being clever. His tricks would make their little scuffle significantly more difficult.
Granted, he hadn't quite been expecting Hawkblaze's backup, either. The little she-cat was surprisingly powerful, and he fell for her shadow trick as though he were an apprentice. Fortunately, he managed to get out of the way before he was gravely wounded, but his gashes still stung violently as he hauled himself to his feet and prepared to attack once more. Out of the corner of his eye, Brackenstrike had seen Hawkblaze get struck by one of his rocks in an attempt to dodge another — perhaps that strategy would work best against these two rebels.
He crouched down into position but staggered slightly; his leg shook as his fatigue settled and reminded him of his wild pain. Still, he had to push through it. Surely, the brown tabby determined, he had been through much worse than this. And perhaps he had — but those fights may have been a bit different: his enemies had rules. Grating his teeth and closing off his mind, Brackenstrike forced himself to forget the wounds on his belly, neck, and face, although the blood still slightly distorted his vision. No matter; he could do without his sight. Powerful muscles folded beneath his dark pelt as he once more bent the earth to his will, and he launched a series of rocks at full force towards Hawkblaze and Smallfoot.
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ᴍɪɴᴛᴘᴀᴡ
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Mintpaw had already entered the shadowy orb, and as the darkness dissipated, seeing her held down by the tendrils steeled his determination to help Blazerunner. Reckless? Maybe — but he had to protect the fiery orange she-cat. He saw her break free of Talonstar's shadows and lunge for the rebel leader, and Mintpaw sped up; the fight may have been one on one, but the younger tom, driven by hatred, was not to be underestimated. Besides, if they worked together, both Blazerunner and he would certainly get out alive. Right?
The slightest bit of hesitation caused his footsteps to falter upon hearing his mentor's call: "Mintpaw, forget me, I'll be fine! Lead Tawnypaw away!" The white apprentice began to look around for his brother, still running (albeit more slowly) towards Blazerunner, lest she need his help before he located Tawnypaw. He never did find him; the last thing he heard was a warning from the medicine cat before Talonstar was upon him, and Mintpaw found himself in a struggle for his life.
He was certainly unprepared. The leader was unlike any other battles he had fought, which weren't many: maybe the occasional rogue, and a few mock fights between other apprentices, but none had been at this skill level. Mintpaw had already seen what Talonstar was capable of, and he was certainly no match for that. Still, he had to try, and so mustering together all of his strength, he began to claw and bite furiously at the leader, hoping that at least some of his attacks hit. The apprentice tried to use his power to at least unbalance Talonstar, but he knew in advance that this was incredibly unlikely; Talonstar could read his pelt color like a book and would be able to brace for any attack he might try to throw at him. For now, it was all Mintpaw could do to try to take a more defensive position and attempt to protect himself.
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ᴛᴀᴡɴʏᴘᴀᴡ
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Tawnypaw danced about anxiously, feeling sparks ignite within his jaw and knowing he was unable to contain them. Even worse was knowing that both his mentor and brother had disappeared into the fray: in his heart, he had no choice but to follow them, making him bold but at the same time nearly paralyzing him with fear — not of dying, but of not being able to control his fire. He could handle it, though, he told himself. It was nothing to simply fight without one's powers, and the chances of his having to fight were actually fairly low. All he had to do was find Shadowstripe, and she would tell him what to do from there.
The tabby apprentice couldn't see very well, but as the darkness disintegrated, he began to catch his bearings. Shadowstripe was nearby; he could hear her voice, but as he began to make out what she was saying, he changed course and began to try to find Mintpaw. That was so like his brother, thinking before acting and not stopping to think about the dangers… and yet somehow Tawnypaw couldn't blame him, just wonder at how he had managed to get that way. He certainly hadn't learned it from their father…
He finally managed to meet up with Shadowstrike, though he didn't say a word to her at first. The sparks under his feet which had apparently aided in his speed began to die out, and soon enough he was running side-by-side with her. "Shadowstripe," he whispered, "what do we do?" He was sure she wouldn't command him to fight, but wouldn't mind doing so; it was his brother, after all. Sparks sizzled at the ends of his claws, but he seemed now able to control them slightly better, which he attributed to the adrenaline rushing through his body. All he had to do was get Mintpaw safe… then he wouldn't have to use his fire again, at least until he was able to control it better.
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The black apprentice turned when he heard Fawnpaw's voice, and ended up twisting in midair as he attempted to do as she pleaded. Fortunately, Brightmoon had broken the cat's armor, and Crowpaw could only assume that his shadow had done its job because the formerly-armor-clad she-cat didn't immediately retaliate against him. Seeing the bright-eyed Fawnpaw favoring her leg, he ran over to see her, subconsciously placing himself in a position that would allow him to turn and attack the rebel immediately if need be. For now, he'd tend to the red-furred apprentice.
"Fawnpaw, your leg," he said softly, concern in his voice though he tried to hide it. How creepy would she think he was if he showed her how worried he was? "Here, don't worry — it'll — it'll be all right. Don't worry about the rebels… we'll take care of them, okay? Don't feel bad… It was amazing how you sent that rebel running, by the way." His eyes were diverted slightly, and his ears tilted backwards; if only he were slightly more outgoing! Then perhaps he wouldn't make her feel uncomfortable, as the black apprentice was sure he did.
The advancing she-cat was significantly nearer than Crowpaw was comfortable with, and Fawnpaw's words encouraged him all the more. Be careful, Fawnpaw, he thought, turning to face the rebel head-on. He looked back over his shoulder to check that his fellow apprentice was all right, a smile and optimistic look in his eyes forming on his face. It seemed that Fawnpaw's happiness was contagious, though he certainly didn't mind. Seeing Moonthroat attacked from above by the rebel, Crowpaw quickly formed two shadows of himself and sent them to attack the she-cat, following them more slowly so that he could help the warrior without leaving Fawnpaw behind.
