Under Spiderstripe's Command

[kayte103]

Barkpaw's energy was finally released when he saw Speckledclaw charge forward. He followed in swift pursuit, noticing the rat's limp and sharing Speckledclaw's thoughts: This hunt would end quite soon.

In an attempt to cut off its escape, Barkpaw dashed ahead of the rat, stopping to crouch in front of it. His teeth were bared and ready to lash out once the signal was given.

[Ten]

ooc| Devious Patchfur. >D I'm glad he tried something. Don't let him give up.
Anddd next sentence will have lost of S names.

bic|

Even though he had been watching Spiderstripe, Speckledclaw's charge caught Shortwhisker's eye. She had such an authoritative air that before he knew it the black and white tom was following her. Coming to his senses - what few he had - he veered off to the side to block a possible escape route, in case the rat took off in the other direction. He questioned himself as he continued at a swift trot, wondering if Spiderstripe would disapprove of him acting without orders, whether he had made a mistake already. But Barkpaw had acted too - didn't that make it okay? Shortwhisker wasn't sure. Hesitant, he took his eyes off the rat for a second to glance at Spiderstripe for affirmation.

[duckyaisha]

Patchfur had to duck his head to hide his laughter from the other cats, who might not approve. Shortwhisker was so cricket-brained; he didn't even know that following someone on a hunt was pointless and stupid. Of course, he found a new route eventually, but for about half the time he had been following Speckledclaw like a lost kit. He looked around to see what the other cats were doing and after a quick check, he slowly crept around the rat so he was facing its left flank. He was far enough away so the rat couldn't see him, but close enough to cut off any chance of escape in case the rat came his way. Also, he could easily chase it towards the more experienced Speckledclaw if he had to. Fixing his yellow-green eyes on the large rat, Patchfur was prepared to chase if he had to.

[Gosh]

ooc| Yeah, Barkpaw and Patchfur are the only ones whose names don't start with S. Plus Spiderstripe's suffix starts with an S, so...
Also, sorry for not posting - I just always feel awkward when doing rat hunts. x)

bic|
Quick to catch up with what the others were doing, Spiderstripe stealthily crept behind the rat, ready to pounce should it come her way. Shortwhisker's gaze caught her eye - was he wanting affirmation? Despite her new role as leader, Spiderstripe was quite happy to let Speckledclaw 'lead' this hunt.. but even so, she dipped her head a little in Shortwhisker's direction.

[Darky [Megan]]

Oblivious to whatever was going on in the other cats' minds that was unrelated to the hunt, Speckledclaw chased the rat until it neared Spiderstripe and broke off from running at an abrupt halt. She began to circle the area in large bounding steps, confident that Spiderstripe would continue the chase and tire the rat out.

This gave her more time to scrutinise what the other cats were doing. She frowned when she saw Shortwhisker, who had obviously been doing little more than tracing her footsteps and was only now cottoning on to what he should've done instead, and noted that Patchfur seemed to have something on his mind other than the hunt. It didn't matter much though, so as long as they caught the rat in the end.

ooc
D: I'm sorry guys, I couldn't find the chance to get on the computer.

[Ten]

ooc| Wow, this thread has been around a while, hasn't it? |3 This rat needs to die.

bic|

With Speckledclaw having steered the rat toward Spiderstripe, the tuxedo tom rushed forward to help his leader and chased the rat from a little to its left, though a ways behind. It would become more defensive and inclined to bite as it ran out of running energy. That's what Shortwhisker was there for. As soon as that snarling rodent tried to do anything to his precious leader, it'd be dead meat.

[kayte103]

Barkpaw dashed over to Spiderstripe and Shortwhisker, noticing that the rat was tiring out. Soon it wouldn't be able to run any further, but this would only make it more defensive. Still, the tom was willing to risk his life for this meat. He had two others - and, of course, himself - in mind that needed it, and he had to be the one to give it to them.

[duckyaisha]

Patchfur was shocked when he saw Shortwhisker chasing the rat himself. He didn't think the tom knew how to do anything but follow orders, yet here he was acting of his own volition. It was more likely, however, that Patchfur had just missed whatever Spiderstripe had said to him. But that didn't matter because the rat was nearing him. With a burst of speed, Patchfur dashed towards the rat, running as fast as his legs could carry him. That was the easy part. Having caught up to it, Patchfur skidded to a halt and slashed its side. Instantly, the rat turned to deliver a wicked bite, but Patchfur, knowing the danger of these bites, leaped backwards out of its range. Panting, Patchfur struggled to recover his breath. He'd come back in once he could run again.

[Darky [Megan]]

Good! Patchfur had wounded the rat. It was losing blood now, which meant it was just about time someone delivered a final blow.

The rat could hardly keep up now, it seemed, tired out and bleeding from a nasty gash. It was at this stage, however, that the hunted would usually rise up in vengeance and fight for whatever small odds it had left or at least ensure that it wouldn't go leaving its killers unscratched.

With nimble accuracy, Speckledclaw caught up wth the rat and dodged past the others, avoiding the sudden bites it would throw at her. Speckledclaw always tried to be merciful with her kills, and never toyed with her prey whenever she could help it. In a powerful strike, she brought her paw down over the rat and sunk her claws deep into its neck and back.

[duckyaisha]

Patchfur watched in awe as Speckledclaw delivered the final blow, her paws crashing down on its neck in a swift movement that was the epitome of grace and power. He was also quite impressed by her ability to dodge all the rat's attacks as she dashed expertly between the gnashing teeth and flailing claws of the rat as it struggled to fight for survival. It wasn't just a rumor. Speckledclaw was the best hunter he had ever seen. He approached slowly, cautiously, as if the rat might return to life at any second. But it wasn't the rat he was afraid of. Speckledclaw herself was a hundred times more terrifying, and Patchfur felt like he was the prey, not wanting to make any sudden movements in case she struck. /She's just a cat!/ he thought to himself. /And besides, I'm never going to get some of that meat if I don't get up there./ This was the thought that caused him to dash up to the carcass. He was getting his fair share of the meat, too. "That was incredible!" he said to Speckledclaw. "How did you do it?" If he could hunt like that, he'd never be hungry again.