A New Beginning

[Stormfire]

Staring at Sunpelt for a moment, Stormfire nodded. "Thanks," he breathed, relieved that for the time being, he wouldn't have to ask any cat to step in front of the fox.

Looking around at the small patrol that had gathered in front of him, he knew this small number of cats would have to do. There was simply not enough time to get more warriors before the fox discovered the tantalizing scents of SkyClan's camp.

Turning back to his leader, Stormfire cleared his throat. "It's still your call, Buzzardstar."

[●Sparrow»]

BUZZARDSTAR:: the wise

Buzzardstar was deep in thought contemplating the most efficient and yet safest way to rid them of this fox threat. His tail flicked over his paw in thought while his green optics rested on the den before him. One thing was clear, and that was he needed to get into the den to make sure no pups of their was inside. Lifting his head he parted his lips and drank in the scents around him. He felt a flicker or relief and hope as their was no scent of milk, and that could possibly mean that the fox in question was male. Though it didn't completely rule out a possible idea of a family in their, such as already born pups. The ginger tom allowed his tail to unwind from around his paws and lay flat against the earth floor. Ears angled forward as he listened ever so carefully for other movements going on in the den.

"Buzzardstar!" the voice broke his thoughts like glass shattering onto the floor. His green optics flicked quickly over to the tom cat, and his muscles tensed as he flashed a quick glance at the den. Luckily the fox had not come back out so it hadn't heard the small group of cats outside. Heaving a quick sigh he turned back to Stormfire, You should try to be more quiet, we don't want to alert the fox of our presence. Buzzardstar said calmly before focusing his attention back onto the small fox den, he turned back to see Sunpelt coming toward them now. The leader was quiet for a moment, he could practically taste the slight bit of fear in some of his clan mates, perhaps even the tiniest bit in himself. Lifting his form back into a sitting position he better surveyed the area. "I'm sorry for not coming straight back, but I knew we had to find to fox before a cat was hurt, and I didn't want to send just one warrior after it." Buzzardstar turned his gaze back upon Stormfire, face stone like and unreadable as he spoke.

"The patrols were in, and if you brought everyone back with you no one would have been hurt, and we could have thought of a plan calmly. However, given the circumstances we have to make due with the situation." turning he faced his attention back upon the nest, keeping enemy base in his sight incase of any unsuspected motions. Buzzardstar's ears flicked as he listened to Stormfire's suggestions, picking at each one carefully while keeping a watchful eye. A slight breeze glided through his pelt bringing the scent of fox drifting into his glands. It smelled like only one fox, so perhaps they would be lucky. He preyed to StarClan that they would be lucky, and that this would be the last threat for at least a few more moons. He snapped back into reality as Sunpelt offered herself up for being a distraction, and a hint of worry gleamed into his green optics though by looking at her she seemed quick enough. Still the tom cat was quiet, thinking things over carefully.

He tensed as Stormfire agreed easily to her request and pointed out that it was still his call on the situation. He knew he had to act quickly and remove the threat so Buzzardstar rose to his paws and turned to face the small group of warriors. His eyes landing on Sunpelt, as he worried for her safety the and while medicine cats were trained to fight, they only were taught basic moves. Still he knew she would be light on her paws, and that was good for defensive tactics. "An ambush would be the best way to go at this point. Sunpelt, I worry for your safety, but I believe you can do well in this role. Robinfur and Oakfern I'd like you to hide in the bush near that tree over there." he explained flicked a striped tail toward a tree a good few badger lengths in front of the den. "Sunpelt, you will get the fox to come out of his den and lead it toward the tree where Robinfur and Oakfern will lie in wait. When you get close they will come out and aid you. Stormfire and Rockclaw will go behind the den until the fox is chased out and come from behind, while I will go inside the den to check for any pups or signs of other foxes. Then I will return to help drive off the fox for good." he finished looking at each cat in turn to make sure they understood. Turning he started to walk a bit closer toward the den. Stopping abruptly to turn back "By no means are we to kill this creature, if we do you can be sure some friends will come to its burial. We are to chase it off, that is all, only leaving a few marks to ensure that it does not come back. Is that understood? he asked sternly.

[Stormfire]

Nodding, Stormfire began to speak, more quietly this time, in light of Buzzardstar's words, and taking heed to the fox's keen ears.

As he and Rockpelt crept around to the rear of den, Stormfire was determined to make up for his mistake in heading straight for the fox. Wanting to clear his mind of his falters, however few, he began looking at the best places for Rockpelt and himself to wait for Sunpelt's signal. Spotting a small hazel bush, he settled down in it and signaled Rockpelt to join him.

'I hope no one is hurt because of me..' he thought to himself, a feeling of nervousnes and fear settling at the bottom of his stomach.

[Deleted]

Sunpelt understood loud and clear. She felt a surge of energy and that familiar feeling of adventure, like in the days of her apprenticehood. She angled her ears towards the opening of the fox den, but was a little distracted but the intense thumping of her own beating heart.
I have to calm myself completely if I want to do this right, she noted to herself, forcing all of her fur to light flat. Remaining calm was one thing she knew how to do; she was a medicine cat, after all. Death was all around her.

"I understand, Buzzardstar," she finally whispered, turning her head back towards the tomcat. A small smile appeared on her muzzle as she let her tail slap the leader's haunches in a relaxed way. "Don't worry about me, I can run faster than most skilled warriors. I'll be heading for a tree, anyway."

With a burst of confidence, the she-cat let her eyes travel over the band of warriors and waited until Robinpelt and Oakfern had taken their chosen places near the tree that would serve as the ambush spot. In the back of her mind, she admired Buzzardstar's quick planning; backing the fox up against the tree for a few moments would give enough time for all warriors to put in a good claw swipe. Of course, it was still dangerous; a cornered fox was a terrible sometimes as a cornered warrior, and then there was the idea of the Clan leader entering the den alone. If there was a mother with pups in there, he'd have his muzzle torn off in seconds.

Fear started to crawl into the pit of her stomach, but she quickly fought it off. Now was not the time to panic.

The sun was blaring heat down on her back as she started to creep forward in complete silence. Her belly brushed against grass and leaves ever so slightly as she moved gracefully towards the edge of the den. Her pupils were dilated, her tail beginning to puff out once more. She kept a few good fox-lengths between herself and the den before she arched her back and let out a loud, coaxing growl, swiping her paw noisily into a pile of leaves.

Her heart was pounding madly and she felt the blood rushing to her head as a pair of yellow eyes glinted near the edge of the den.

It's working!

With a hiss and an arch of her back, Sunpelt suddenly looked as formidable as a fully trained warrior, fangs glinting in the silent. In those few moments, the red shape of a gangly creature appeared at the mouth of the hole, and Sunpelt began to turn tail and run for the bush and the tree, where backup was hiding. She knew right away that the fox had taken the bait, as she could hear the hot panting of the creature closing in on her. She struggled with panic and forced her legs to move faster. She was nearing the tree...

[Stormfire]

Stormfire sprung from behind the tree, Rockpelt following. He had seen Sunpelt running, the fox close behind her, and knew it was time to go. Sprinting towards the fox, Stormfire let out a cry, and saw the fox's head spin towards him.

Leaping, Stormfire raked his claws down the fox's tough hide. As he felt blood against his claws, he felt satisfied, and hesitated. Taking this new chance, the fox arched its back and threw its rear towards a tree. Flying off of the fox, Stormfire barely had time to cry out before he felt himself slamming against the tree. After what seemed like hours, but must have only been heartbeats, he looked down. His legs seemed fine, despite bleeding. He knew it wouldn't be right to give up after dragging them all into this mess, so he mustered his strenght and stood up, tottering.

Taking it slow at first, he began to approach the fox from behind, which was still battling the other warriors. Then trotting, he closer, and with another leap, however weak it was, threw himself back into the fray.

[{Robinpelt}]

Robinpelt threw herself on the lanky scruff of red fur. She saw the other warriors doing the same. The light brown she cat bit the fox's ear and then raked her sharp claws on it's muzzle when the fox threw it's head toward her. It howled.

She heard a thump. For a split second she turned and saw Stormfire hit a tree, and was relieved when he got up, fine, and ran back into the fight. In that second, Robinpelt was thrown from the fox as it shook itself. She fell under it and immediately began clawing it's underbelly.
The fox moved back and reared on it's hind legs. Robin pelt rolled to the side, but too late. The fox's front paws crashed onto the she cats left leg. Pain shot through Robinpelt's leg, and when she tried to get up, she fell down.
No! I didn't break it! They need me! Robinpelt thought to herself. No. Not broken. But it felt as though. Terribly. An animal like sound came from her throaght. It hurt so much! "Sunpelt!" Robinpelt cried hoarsly. "Help me..."

[●Sparrow»]

BUZZARDSTAR:: the wise

The ginger tom cat stared deeply at each of his warriors, they all seemed to understand his warning and nodded to themselves. Buzzardstar dipped his head slightly acknowledging the silent agreement that passed between all of them. In moments Stormfire and Rockclaw went to their positions behind the den, while Robinpelt and Oakfern turned and headed in the opposite direction toward the tree. His green optics turned and landed on Sunpelt who spoke out her agreement verbally. Before giving him a nonchalant smile and walking toward him, he stiffened a bit as her tail playfully brushed against his hunches. "Don't worry about me, I can run faster than most skilled warriors. I'll be heading for a tree, anyway." With that the medicine cat started to walk toward her position as well and Buzzardstar's eyes narrowed , his back to them for the moment. "Even the shortest distance can be fatal." he whispered to himself, taking a deep breath before turning around to watch the plan play out. The light from the sun bounced upon his fur making his darker ginger colors light up like freshly risen flames, and so to keep from making himself a walking beacon he back up into the shade just a bit. His eyes watched Sunpelt as she started to hiss at the den, her paws crunching into leaves.

Even his own heart was racing just watching as the fox slid out from his den, eyes intent on clasping its pearly whites into her scruff. He had to be calm, and so he inhaled a deep breath and relaxed his form ever so slightly. In moments the plan was fully in motion as the medicine cat raced toward the tree, the fox taking the bait as planned and going after her. Both of the animals paws were pounding against the earth, and in the corner of his eye he caught a flicker of movement. Turning his gaze to the two toms as they inched forward when they to ran toward the tree from behind he got to his paws and quickly but quietly edged his way toward the den. He paused watching the cats swipe at the fox, his body tensed as he had to fight the urge to jump into the battle himself. Still he grudgingly tore his gaze away and focused on the den entrance as he approached, glancing around he ducked into the opening. His lean body proved good size for the den as he weaved into it. The tips of his fur brushed against the dirt walls, but overall he fit rather well. The smell of fox reeked and his nose scrunched up at the smell. His ears flattened in response to the odor that wrapped around him now. Pushing himself into the nest he glanced around his paws pressing lightly against the ground.

His sea green optics gleamed in the dull light as he searched the den. He felt a large weight lift from his shoulders as it was empty, no mate, no pups. Yowling from outside caught his attention and his ears fell once again, turning tail he headed back out of the den pushing his way out of the entrance. His eyes widened in alarm as he noticed Stormfire swaying and Robinpelt on the floor. His fur ruffled a bit at the sight and his own protective mode overcame him. Without thinking for once he pushed off his hind legs and went racing toward his fellow clan mates. Eyes narrowed in determination as he jumped and stood over Robinpelt, protecting the female from any possible attack as she was obviously injured. His teeth bared and he hissed his claws slashed upward catching the fox on the cheek. The fox hissed and snapped at his throat, though missed by only a second, the fox swiped at the ginger tom cat.

His claw met with his shoulder and the tom bit back a yowl but it only fueled his actions. "Sunpelt, tend to Stormfire and Robinpelt. Rockclaw, Oakfern and I will chase off the fox." he said his voice strong as the other two warriors nodded and the three began hissing and swiping with their claws sheathed. The fox growled but back up as the three grown cats charged. Buzzardstar in the lead as his longer legs propelled him faster than the other two. Buzzardstar growled as the fox turned and ran, obviously realizing that his chances of staying here were slim due to the cats that inhabited the area. When they chased the red and white tipped creature off the land, the three stood panting. Buzzardstar lowered his head to catch his breath, the adrenaline from before was slowly leaving his body. He turned to face his other two warriors, nodding and flicking his tail for them to follow. When his thoughts fell to the two injured cats he picked up pace. He hoped that everything would be alright, when they came back to the tree, and the now abandoned fox den he quickly trotted toward the medicine cat and two warriors. "Is everyone alright?" he asked.

[Deleted]

A quiet hush overcame Sunpelt as the battle began. She watched every pawswipe and hiss with little emotion or movement. When Stormfire was crushed against the tree, however, he heart fluttered and a small mew escaped her jaws. She started to race forward, ready to protect her clanmate, when Robinpelt took her place and threw herself into the fray, saving Stormfire's life. Her blood was still running cold, though. She turned around and forced herself to drown out the noises of the battle, searching the undergrowth rapidly with her eyes for the remedies she knew she'd need in just a few moments.

She swiped a paw at a huge cobweb and effortlessly wrapped it around her paw. She would need more though, and raced towards a bushel full of thorns that she knew would harbor lots of web-spinners.

She heard a desperate yowl for her name and fear rose to her throat when she turned around and saw Robinpelt splayed helplessly on the ground. By this time, however, Buzzardstar had appeared, and with the fresh band of warriors, she watched the fox get overtaken. She hadn't even heard Buzzardstar's order to take care of the two wounded, she was already on top of it.

She ran to Robinpelt first, who was unable to stand. She sniffed along her entire body, smelling for blood. It wasn't until she reached the she-cat's left leg. Blood was welling in scratches and it looked like it hung awkwardly limp. There was relief in her eyes, though, as she realized Robinpelt would be fine.

"Stormfire, are you okay waiting your turn?" she called to the tom without look up at him. She began to lick of the blood on the she-cats leg and readied to dap some cobweb from her limp paw onto the cuts.

"Try to relax, Robinpelt, and do not move. Your bone in your leg is probably out of place; I can fix it if you are ready to take pain," she explained in an honest but soothing tone, her greenish golden eyes narrowed but motherly. At this she began to run her paw along Robinpelt's leg to feel for a break. About halfway along the leg she felt where the ankle was awkwardly twisted. She sat waiting to see if the she-cat was prepared, though. Popping a bone back in place was terrible pain, but at least it was only momentarily. Once it was back it would be a dull ache.

[{Robinpelt}]

Robinpelt was lying on the ground after the fox had seemingly crushed her leg. She had called for Sunpelt, and was relieved when she heard pawsteps running for her.
It looked too late, though; the fox bared its terrible fangs at her and swooped its jaws down to draw more blood from the she cat. Robinpelt knew she could not defend herself, she would die, when Buzzardstar flew in and batted at the red enemy, slashing at its cheek.
She heard an order to chase it out. Robinpelt tried to stand, but then remembered hearing another order to Sunpelt to tend for her. Then Sunpelt was over her, telling her she was going to be in pain.
Going to be? I AM in pain, Robinpelt thought sarcastically. "So when you fix my leg, I don't have to stay in the medicine cat den for a week, right? I want to be able to chase off that fox!"
Her leaf-green eyes gleamed with the love of battle.

[Bear]

I think I would be a decent organizer for a few reasons, I've been here since 08, and I'm very familliar with the site.

I won't have trouble thinking up art contests and somesuch. I do have school, but I am able to be here on every other day at the very least. I have a contest waiting in the contest board as well. (It has yet to be approved, so I find it kinda futile to link to it.) I have run a contest or two before, so I know the gyst.

I wouldn't have a hard time keping up with entries, since I'm fine with reading a big thread over to look for them. I'll probably run art contests the most, Writing isn't unlikley though.

I would like to be a contest runner because I would love to help the site some more, I've been here so long that I can't wait for some way to help.

(Just one question that makes or breaks: How E-mail reliant will this be? I have certan... retrictions on my E-mail)

Thanks for taking time to read this ~.^