A Night with No Stars [closed]

[Vuil]

Spring 512, Day 26 The night had always been a comfort to her in these times between masters. A moon that shone its brightest dispute circumstances, and a whole sky full of twinkling stars that blinked down. Watching her. It was a comfort to think that maybe she wasn't so alone. This night, no stars came out to greet her, hidden behind a thick veil of dark clouds, with only the faintest trail of moonlight piercing through the shroud that threatened rain. A shake of the head, low growl in her throat to remind her of the task at hand. With the rats having run off, it was becoming increasingly harder to find prey to catch. Some of the rodents were becoming braver, rising up out of the gutters to skitter about the remaining streets of Sunberth. With the destruction, there was sure to be scraps galore for the scavengers to devour. Silent paws fell on hard ground, eyes wide in search of succulent flesh to dig in fangs. Her ears flicked right, halting her movements to listen for the sound. Tiny feet that scraped against the ground. The leopardess fell into a low crouch, carefully placing one paw in front of the other, as she brought herself closer towards the source of the scraping sound. The soft squeaks of little rat reached her, having to force herself to stay quiet in excitement of something to eat. Her eyes spotted the furry creature, and to her it seemed at that moment as good as any catch. Poised and ready, the leopardess held her position, still as a carving, before the muscles in her legs launched her forward. The rat gave a terrified squeak, taking a few steps before he was caught in her jaws, teeth clamped down to impale. With a twitch, the rat fell still. A low purr rumbled through her, pleased with the catch, before green eyes darted about to find a suitable shadow to enjoy her meal. Someplace high and off the ground would have been preferred, perhaps in a large tree, but the closest to a tree to be seen in the area would be the high roofs of the buildings, and those weren't suitable to her needs. A dark corner in the alley, hidden behind a large crate would suffice. Circling once, the large cat sat herself down, beginning the process of ripping apart the small carcass.

[Rail]

The night called out irresistibly to Rail waking him from his short slumber. As he looked around he found that his master was long gone. Most likely back in the tavern searching for some entertainment. She wasnt likely to miss him for at least a few hours. He smiled as h stripped away the few articles of clothing he wears to keep himself in line. As he stepped out of their hiding place, the wind blew the scents of the city to his nose and he breathed in a deep sigh. Surprising even to him, he had come to like this city, Its sights, its smells, and its many distractions. He promptly vaulted from the window shifting as he went to land lightly with all 4 paws planted firmly on the tiles of a nearby building. Once again he heard the call of the night. A pleased chirp escaped him as he plodded off across the rooftops in search of some fun of his own. A short while later he smelled something... Blood. Not all that uncommon in this city but there was something else mixed in with the scent... An intruder. Another predator had entered his territory. As this registered low growl tore from his throat, this could not be allowed. He quietly set out to track the scent. He followed his powerful nose to the source of the smell. Slowly and cautiously he crawled to the edge of the building to peer down at his quarry. Another creature he had never seen before was feasting upon a small rodent below. His anger peaked at this ones gall to hunt on his territory. He let out a earsplitting roar as he leapt down upon the unsuspecting huntress, his sharp claws raking her shoulder as he passed.He landed heavily across the alley from her growling with a fierce anger.

[Vuil]

There was an eerie moment of dead silence, where nothing moved and all was still, before the loud, predatory roar whistled down from above her. The leopardess looked up from her kill, seeing the hurtling form of her attacker leap down from the roof. Her muscles moved with instinct, pushing her away from the brunt of the attack so the large cat's claws came down on her left shoulder rather than her back. A furious yowl left her maw, baring red stained fangs at the one who so rudely interrupted her meal. Her ears were pressed firmly to her head, ail lashing angrily behind her. How dare this impertinent feline attack her! Vuil was, at best, bad tempered. To be struck out at with no apparent reasons, well, there was definitely going to be one hell of a cat fight. The leopard quickly sized up her opponent, looking for weaknesses in his stance. He was almost twice her size, so there would be no close ranged attacks where he would have the chance to pin her. But being larger than her also meant that this male would be slower. Vuil dropped herself into a hunter's crouch, muscles poised for a quick run, slowly circling the large cat. Patient, watchful, ready for when the larger cat made his move. Once he was locked in his pattern, she would move. She was a huntress, and no mere brute was going to bring her down so easily. A twitch of the muscles. That would be all she needed.

[Rail]

His tail twitched back and forth as they began to circle each other. It was clear that the huntress was smart enough to bide her time. He knew his size would give him an advantage if he could get close enough... they watched each other wearily looking for an opening. With a roar he bounded forward trying to force a close confrontation.

[Vuil]

If leopard lips would allow it, Vuil's would be pulled into a smirk. The large cat sprang forward towards her, and a split moment later, the leopardess used her muscles to propel her to the side of the male, pivoting on her landing to attack his flank momentarily with claws and fangs. It was only a moment though, before she had to let go, or risk him rounding on her. Her claws were retracted, taking a few bounds away to put some distance between her and the large cat. A low growl rumbled in her throat, taunting, but holding a firm threat. Back off. She continued her circling of the male, fangs bared in warning.

[Rail]

The tiger let out a pained growl as he spun to face his opponent. Blood trickled from his wounded flank staining his beautiful black fur a dark crimson. He snarled once again circling looking for an opening. As he prepared to lunge again he felt a sudden searing pain in his shoulder. With a snap he spun around to attack the new threat only to find nothing there. He heard another yelp behind him as his enemy was also attacked. Perplexed he scanned the area and noticed something at the end of the alley... Humans!! They had heard the battle and were now attacking both big cats. With a harrumph he turned towards the intruder and gestured minutely. The fight would have to wait until we could get away from these... Uppity snacks. He bounded past the bewildered female running deeper into the back alleys of Sunberth.

[Vuil]

Vuil snarled, ready to move when suddenly, the large cat before her let out a pained yelp, spinning to face away from her. Perplexed, the leopardess straightened slightly, before letting out her own cry of pain, something painful striking her from the seemingly endless darkness. Turning, she saw what her opponent already saw; Humans with stones and sticks, shouting angrily and loud. She growled, following quickly after the large beast, breaking into a sprint. She kept pace with the larger mammal easily, as the two of them ran for safety. The humans continued to throw things at them, chasing them down the streets. With a growl, Vuil turned the larger cat down a narrow ally, quickly changing herself into her human form. She stumbled slightly as she ran, but kept going, until she found a suitable crate, and ducked behind it.

[Rail]

They ran full tilt down many back alleys turn after turn until finally the intruder knocked him to the side. The alley she pushed him down was dark and quiet. Rail quickly shifted and vaulted over the crate landing comfortably beside her. As the mob passed by he sighed in relief only to shift wrong and hiss in pain. He turned to give the woman a slight smile of relief, which she returned briefly... until they remembered the reason they had to run in the first place. With a snarl he lunged at her throwing a clumsy punch which she easily deflected. Resolute he jumped up readying himself for a fight.

[Vuil]

A second flash of light, and the male took a seat beside her, fully human as well. They waited in silence as the humans went running past, and the streets fell quiet once again. Vuil let out the breath she had been holding, relief spreading through her. She looked to her partner, a cheeky grin on her lips when she saw the same smile on his lips. It was in this moment that the memories of why they had been running returned, the smile disappearing and replaced with a snarl. The male, having come to his senses as well, lunged for her, throwing a weak punch. She swatted it away easily, breaking away from him with a hiss, crouched and ready, glaring hot daggers at the man before her.

[Rail]

At the same moment as he disengaged she leapt away as well ready for an attack. Rail smiled wickedly, they began to circle each other the same as when they fought before but this was different. This was his element. He faltered a moment when he stepped down upon his injured leg giving the woman an apparent opening. She charged ahead thinking she had an advantage. At the last moment Rail swerved out of her path and shoved her using her own momentum to propel her back over the crate, where she lay prone for a moment.