The Scent of Foxes...[open]

[Head{admin}]

The newleaf afternoon was dim and overcast, and dark thunderclouds blocked the sun from view. A warm breeze ruffled the gray tabby's short fur, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of rain. A storm couldn't be far off. Large amber eyes lifted to take in the small patch of woodlands...a patch she rarely visited. She was a long way from camp, and Hiddenstorm realized that, if the storm were to break while she was still over here, she wouldn't be able to make it back to the camp until the storm abated.

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I came here to hunt, and by StarClan I'm not going to leave without getting at least one or two pieces of prey, she thought, frowning as she lifted her nose and breathed in the scent of the forest....and of a vole. Pricking her ears forward, the muscular she-cat dropped her body and crept forward on silent paws, eyes narrowed as she searched for any movement in the underbrush. There! Every sense working to keep herself silent, Hiddenstorm moved forward paw-by-paw, waiting, waiting....crrrack! "Foxdung!" she spat as a twig snapped underpaw. She sprang forward, but it was too late--the vole was already scampering off, and she was not known as the fastest cat.

Sighing, Hiddenstorm sat up and curled her tail around her forepaws, ears swiveling around to catch the sound of any other prey. She did hear the underbrush rustling, and the sound of pawsteps reached her ears...but the pawsteps of a larger animal than prey. Tensing, Hiddenstorm turned to face the sound, and a fresh, warm wind brought to her the scent of ValeClan. Relaxing, the quiet she-cat stood up and waited for her Clanmate to come into view.

((I figure they could find the foxes here, to get ValeClan's "little problem" going))

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[Sundown]

Dull amber eyes surveyed the familiar territory, hoping that he would find nothing to be out of place. The leader of ValeClan let out a small contented sigh as nothing of worry had gained his attentions just yet. Maybe Sunstar could get some hunting done while he was out here. Usually he brought a patrol with him for such activities, it was common knowledge that he didn't like to be left alone. Lifting his head once more he breathed in deeply the scent of squirrel finding its way towards him. Muddy amber gaze scanned the forestbed calmly as he dropped down at the sight of the prey.

[dice=6][This was a 3 originally if it changed, my comp's being stupid so I can't see what it is anymore.]

Stepping lightly Sunstar advanced towards the squirrel, his eyes were narrowed and with the skill of a trained warrior he got ready for the punce. Snap! The squirrel looked up and before Sunstar even had a chance to make a final run at the prey it was up the side of a tree. A glare placed on his face almost immediately Sunstar looked about to find what had made the noise. A blur of fox orange was the only thing to hint towards the reason of his missed catch.

Lifting his muzzle up once more Sunstar opened his mouth to catch any and all scent that lay in the area. ValeClan scent was close, that of Hiddenstorm to be precise. What truly worried him however was the slightest little hint of fox in the air. He knew what had lost him his catch, so as Sunstar drew forward he heard similiar anger of a missed catch from his Clanmate. "Foxdung is right, Hiddenstorm." With a flick of his tail Sunstar sat and wrapped his tail around his front paws. Greeting would only be a simple nod towards the warrior. " I don't know if you saw anything, but if you'd scent closely fox is in the air. I saw a flash of orange after I missed my squirrel.. We may have another fox infestation again." His husky voice rang out the thoughts that had been running through his mind.

His eyes fixed themselves on Hiddenstorm, waiting for a reaction of any kind. They all had memories of the troubles of foxes, actually predators in general. Finding them in the territory during Newleaf was extremely common, especially since this territory offered bountiful amounts of prey. The problem was that Sunstar always had a fear that this would one season bring a vixen to ValeClan. Even worse would be an impregnated one, the thought almost made him cringe.

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[Head{admin}]

((That's weird, no it's 5 now, but it amounts to the same thing ^.^))

Ahh, Sunstar's distinct scent became apparent to Hiddenstorm just moments before the tom appeared before her. He looked a little annoyed, and when he spoke, she could tell why--missing your prey was one thing, but foxes were a bad sign. Though ValeClan had always had to deal with an excess of predators and were quiet good at finding the more dangerous ones and chasing them off, this didn't mean it was any less dangerous for them. It was not rare to lose an unwary apprentice to an attack, and foxes were the worst...because they were smart,and they weren't easily scared.

"I hadn't noticed any scent before..." she mewed optimistically, hoping her leader was mistaken. A fox infestation...she shuddered at the very idea. Sure enough, as she raised her nose to the air and sniffed lightly, the pungent scent of fox, though faint, assaulted her nostrils. "No, you're right. Fox. You saw one?" she asked, her lovely amber eyes scanning the area round her for any sight of rusty red fur or wily green eyes. If Sunstar had seen one, they needed to follow it. Perhaps it was only one, and the two of them could scare it off on their own, without having to worry the rest of the Clan about it.

[Sundown]

Sunstar's thoughts veered off to the thoughts of the last fox infestation. They had lost two apprentices that Newleaf, it wasn't like these were new occurences it was just bad news for every single ValeClan cat. Especially when cats were loosing brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and even kits to these attacks. It was even worse that these attacks happened all the time, ValeClan may be the lushest bit of territory in the cats that lived here's minds, but this Clan had to deal with its fair share of troubles. What was he even doing just sitting around and not acting? This needed to be dealt with immediately, Hiddenstorm and himself should be out scouting the area and taking count of this season's predator levels.

Standing up Sunstar kneaded his paws into the earth, they would do exactly that; scout the area. Right here, right now, especially since they had a lead as to where they were gathering. "I wish I was mistaken, Hiddenstorm. Paranoia could've been the reason for the scent, but by the will of StarClan the sight of a fox cannot be overlooked as a mere mistake." With a flick of his tail he began to trot at a quick pace, not fast enough where he could miss any signs of predators, but fast enough for them to not lose the scent of the fox entirely. Leading the duo with his nose Sunstar scanned the territory with his dull eyes hoping he wouldn't miss a thing. The scent of fox grew stronger as he pressed on. Soon he didn't even need to be scenting for fox in particular, it was the main scent of the area.

The sickening stench of fox was everywhere, his hopes of only one fox being in the area was dashed. They had another pest problem, and these weren't simple creatures. Foxes were tricksters, kit-stealers, and thiefs. Cats and foxes living in such close proximity didn't work, one or the other would have to be pushed out. Sunstar would not allow ValeClan to be the losers of this battle.

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[Head{admin}]

It became clear, very quickly, that there was not just one fox. Hiddenstorm's eagernss to chase out a predator slowly receded, until her tail was low with unease. She flattened her ears to her skull, fur fluffed up and claws unsheathed at all times. They were in fox territory, no doubt. The pungent odor clung to every stalk of grassy, every bush, every rock and every tree. Foxes could be watching them right now, waiting to attack...something rustled to their right, and she sprang around with a hiss...as a small squirrel darted up a tree, out of her reach. Boy, was she jumpy. But of course she was. She and Sunstar could both die, and with no warriors here but her...Sunstar could lose every life to a troop of foxes. With that thought in mind, she bared her teeth and padded shoulder-to-shoulder with Sunstar, every sense alert for any sign of danger. She was determined to take the first blow...she would not let Sunstar fall.

The stench was growing even heavier, and her mind became clouded with the awful smell. How could foxes stand to smell themselves! Suddenly, the scent reached a peak, and she stopped dead in her tracks, hoping Sunstar would do the same. Her amber gaze was locked on a dense, thick patch of underbrush many rabbit-hops ahead of them...a patch of bushes and grass that she could not even begin to see into...a patch of bushes and grass that could easily house far more than one fox...and would be protected enough to house a vixen...who would be wanting a protected area to raise her kits. Eyes wide, she glanced at Sunstar in horror. Should they wait and see how many there were? If they waited, they could both die, and ValeClan would be in even more trouble.

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[Sundown]

Sunstar felt his hackles raised, as much as he tried to maintain a cool air it was hard in such a dangerous situation. Both their lives could be ended at any moment, he wouldn't let Hiddenstorm get hurt. It wasn't in his personality to care about his own lives, after all he had more than one. His clanmates only had one. That reason alone was enough to make Sunstar want to sacrifice himself for any of his Clanmates. Even before he was leader this protective side of him was just as pronounced. He was willing to sacrifice himself for the good of his Clan. Where Hiddenstorm thought it neccasary to draw closer to him in a protective manner, Sunstar would push slightly forward and edge onward. He needed to find out the damage.

The reason for him being made leader was for these simple reasons, he wouldn't hide behind his Clanmates loyalty and let them sacrifice themselves to protect him. He would press forward and even put himself in more danger than was comfortable for others to handle. The stench of fox was almost unbearable at this point, so running his tail along Hiddenstorm's flank he brought them over to a fern to hide in. From here he would scout out this little encampment of foxes.

Through the branches and leaves one thing caught Sunstar's attention the most. A thick patch of underbrush, only broken for what seemed to be an entrance was sitting only a few foxlengths in front of them. His fur bristled at the thoughts of what could be housing there. It was big enough for at least 3 foxes, but it also had the prescence of a structure that a pregnant vixen would like to raise her kits in.

Sunstar didn't need to wait to find out how many foxes there were. He needed to get Hiddenstorm out of this dangerous area. So drawing back Sunstar moved out of the ferns as quietly as he could, pushing Hiddenstorm forward he flicked his tail to the direction of camp. This would need to be discussed with the senior warriors. For now the only thing on his mind was getting Hiddenstorm out of this situation though, he wouldn't be too happy if she was lost on a mere scouting mission.

[Head{admin}]

If Sunstar had asked, Hiddenstorm would have been willing to stay there and wait, even though it was dangerous. She would have hated the idea and wondered at Sunstar's sanity, but she was not brave enough or outspoken enough to question an order, even when it would be better to do so. And so it was with a wave of relief that she backed away with her leader, eyes narrowed as she listened for any suspicious sound. Even though they were retreating, it was just as likely that the foxes could still attack.

There was no attack or sound of movement as they continued backing away, and when the patch of bushes disappeared from site, and the stench of foxes slowly receded, Hiddenstorm began to relax. What a foolish mistake. It was far too soon to relax. Only a quick growl alerted her to the presence of the fox, and she sprang backwards just as the huge red beast sprang out of hiding, planting itself in a way that would keep them from returning to the den-like patch of shrubs. Hiddenstorm hissed, fur fluffed up until she looked twice her size, and backed away slowly, glancing at Sunstar to see his reaction. This fox was huge, far bigger than any she had seen before...and clearly it was guarding the bushes. Clearly, this was its den, and it wanted the two cats out of there.

((I think I'll make a sub-board for this den, if only a temporary one, so that any future attacks/scouts/whatever can be put there and not have to mix too much with the other threads))

[Sundown]

Sunstar padded as quietly as was possible for the tom, away from the fox claimed territory. No it may be claimed by them, but it was ValeClan's and Sunstar would restore it to his Clan. Nothing would stop Sunstar from from restoring something that belonged to his Clan back to them. Danger was only temporary and completely worth it for his cause. Once the scent of fox dimmed Sunstar found himself delving deeper and deeper into his own mind. He needed to figure out how he would go about getting rid of the infestation. It was his job after all to make sure his Clan was safe from anything that could posibly harm them. A fox den on the edge of his territory was even too close for comfort. So this would become Sunstar's focus until the danger levels for his Clan shrunk, which he would make sure happened.

Sunstar shot back into focus, his mouth had opened as he realized that something was slightly off. The fox scent had picked up again, at first he thought that maybe another fox nest was close which would've put him over the edge. Instead he was able to pick up the solo scent, and it was slowly getting closer to the party of two. Dropping down in front of Hiddenstorm he let out a growl. His own warning was met by that of the fox. How dare such a pest believed that this was his territory to defend. Teeth bared, claws sinking into the ground, and ears back. At first the fox seemed confused, he must have some crazy thought that the cat would know to back down. Sunstar wasn't one to back down in the first place, but in his own territory?!

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Sunstar took the fox's confusion as a time to strike. the faster he attacked the more likely the fox was to get spooked and retreat. especially since it was far away from the den it was protecting. Leaping forward Sunstar latched his claws onto the fox's long muzzle. His back claws went to scartching the fox's chest. The fox began to wiggle and whine in pain. Ye it didn't seem to give up, it was just this that made Sunstar realize just what was in the den. A vixen, this fox's mate no less. In any other situation a fox would have backed off and stopped trying to get his jaw around the cat.

[Yeah that would be useful]

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[Head{admin}]

[dice=6]
((Yay, a two!!))

Sunstar had scented the fox before she had, and Hiddenstorm watched in amazement as her leader growled as viciously as a badger. We need to get out of here, she thought, just as Sunstar sprang forward and raked his claws across the fox's chest. "Sunstar!" she hissed, eyes narrowed as she sprang forward. The fox was completely occupied by the cat attached to his muzzle, so it had no chance to see Hiddenstorm duck down beside Sunstar and latch her fangs onto the fox's right front paw, clenching her jaws as hard as she could in an attempt to reach bone. The fox yowled and squealed in pain...but this was still not enough for it to retreat. And after a moment, Hiddenstorm realized the same thing Sunstar had realized much earlier...this fox had to have something worth protecting. There must be a pregnant vixen hidden way in the Tanglepatch.

She tried to suggest to Sunstar that they should get out of here, but she didn't dare release her grip on the fox's paw. They needed to get out of here before backup came, and no doubt there would be backup...they already knew at least three foxes lived around here. Call her crazy, but Hiddenstorm did not want to meet the others, when it was only her and Sunstar here to attack.

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[Sundown]

Didn't hear, or want to hear, Hiddenstorm's calling of his name. The battle was in his eyes and obviously with his claws. The fox just refused to give in and get away. Even as he felt Hiddenstorm rush beneath him to help with the attack the fox wouldn't budge. Giving one last nip to the fox Sunstar lifted his head, attempting to grip onto the fox's muzzle as he did so. "We need to get out of here before reinforcements come! DO NOT head back to camp, we'll split up both going different ways." Leaping off the fox's face Sunstar growled again at the fox. He wouldn't leave until Hiddenstorm did, only after she was safe would he leave.

Sunstar could only hope that Hiddenstorm got the importance of what he had said, if they led the fox straight to camp ValeClanners would have to deal with the threat of being surrounded and located by the foxes. They would end up being found, but it was Sunstar's job to make sure the camp stayed as safe as it possibly could until he had time and a plan to push the foxes away.

As soon as Hiddenstorm had begun to run Sunstar would leap away from the fox, hissing a final time and disappearing into the underbrush to zigzag away. He could only hope that StarClan guided Hiddenstorm's steps to safety. They'd have to run for a while before even thinking of breaking off in the direction of camp, hopefully it would be far enough away to stop the foxes from finding them just yet. Sunstar would have to make sure he set double guard, made sure no one left camp alone, and after a few scouting missions they'd need to put together a party to chase them out.

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[Head{admin}]

Hiddenstorm could hardly hear Sunstar's orders over the growling of the fox and her own vicious snarling. This fox was not going to win! But Sunstar was right...they had to get out of here, and there was no way they could go straight to the camp.
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Taking a breath, Hiddenstorm sprang away from the fox, striking out at him with her hind claws in an attempt to give him one last blow....the fox twisted, snapping at her and nearly digging his fangs into her own hind paw, and Hiddenstorm missed. Hissing, she gave it up and raced through the forest as fast as her paws could take her. A tree loomed up ahead, and Hiddenstorm leaped forward, claws outstretched, and clambered up the tree. "Run, Sunstar!" she hissed, looking down worriedly as she searched for her leader. "Why didn't you wait for Sunstar to go, you stupid mousebrain?" she demanded of herself, digging her claws into the treebranch uneasily. If Sunstar lost a life, she would never forgive herself...

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[Sundown]

Sunstar watched as Hiddenstorm turned the other way and almost immediately leaped into a tree. That was smart, foxes obviously didn't have the jumping capability as they did, not by a long shot. So as the fox's beady eyes turned towards him, Sunstar flicked his tail almost taunting the fellow. As the fox let out a growl and launched himself forward Sunstar pushed himself away from the area, volting acroos open ground and underbrush alike, tiny scratches cutting him as he went. All the while he didn't look back, he knew the fox was still there. Not only could he smell it, but the creature was still growling like some rabid dog. Not only that, but he was catching up, Sunstar could feel the fox's hot breath on his legs as he inched steadily closer. Then the fox lunged.

[dice=6]

Luckily it missed due to Sunstar's jumping up. Landing on the fox's head Sunstar let the moment take him. His teeth were at the creature's throat in a moment. Ripping as hard as he could Sunstar felt the convulsions of the fox, it was amazing that despite his size he had been able to kill this beast. Though the small paws of the creature had managed to give him a few good blows, but he didn't have any time to look to see how badly he had been injured. Hiddenstorm would do that for him. Giving his thick fur a quick lick, despite the fact it didn't help much, he trotted back to where Hiddenstorm was. "Come, we must bury it.. And find something that could mask its scent. We don't really want the other foxes to know what has become of him just yet. Lets move!" With that Sunstar had sweeped around and continued on towards where the fox lay dead. One down and an unknown amount left.

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[Head{admin}]

Hiddenstorm was still in shock from Sunstar's kill. Amazing! At her leader's words, she leaped down from the tree, landing lightly on her paws and padding over to the dead fox. She crept closer, lowered her head and sniffed--gross! Reeling back, she shook her head as pungent smells engulfed her nostrils. Nasty little beast, she thought in disgust, looking around for a place to bury it...there! A small opening to a burrow caught her interest, and she padded forward cautiously. The burrow stank of badger, but the scent was stale...no badger had lived here since last newleaf. "Sunstar...how about this? Then we won't have to dig a new hole, but we can cover this up with rocks and dirt." It might not be quite as safe as most places, but foxes had good noses, so no buried dead body was goign to escape their knowledge for long.

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[Sundown]

Sunstar took a deep breath, he hadn't taken one since they had left the Tanglepatch. If the killing of the fox hadn't made him tired he wouldn't be a normal cat. Sunstar definitely wasn't invincible, he may act like he is, but he knew that there were just some things in life he wouldn't be able to beat. Obviously if he had already died once he just couldn't be. His mind flickered back to the task at paw as Hiddenstorm pointed out a badger's nest. "That's perfect, hopefully the dead fox's stench won't leak through the badger's."

Grasping the fox's scruff, with Hiddenstorm's help of course. He pulled the body of the fox towards the hole. Shoving it in was easier and all that was left was to cover it with something. Sunstar stepped hard around the edge of it, maybe it would collapse. "Maybe we could get it to collapse or something, that would save us a lot of hauling of rocks." Sunstar took a deep breath, licking a piece of fur once more.

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[Head{admin}]

No sooner had Sunstar said it that Hiddenstorm padded over to stand on the ground above the entrance. "As you wish, Sunstar," she mewed with a hint of mischief, before jumping up and down on the ground. After a long minute, the she-cat paused, panting, and gave Sunstar a look. "I'm not heavy enough alone. Hop on over here, will you?" she mewed. Sure, there was danger lurking around every corner. Sure, the camp was in danger from these foxes. But the adrenaline had finally caught up with Hiddenstorm, and the fact that they were momentarily out of danger made her a little giddy.

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