Fly

Nobody puts his prey on the kill pile and slinks back to the shadows, watching Devileyes with sharp eyes.

Kai nodded to her mentor, rolling her shoulders to loosen up. Then she looked over at Shadowseer and gave another nod, rising to her paws. Emerging from the shadows, she looked at Mirage, her eyes unreadable. Kaiyuki hoped that Mirage would suspect that she was weak and untrained because she was younger, but she knew she couldn't count on it. Keeping her eyes on her opponent, she cruoched down slightly, staying light on her paws, readying herself.

Slate yowled in pain as Devileye's claws scored down his side. Grimacing, he caught a flash of claws and he jerked sideways, trying to roll. Her claws still nailed in along the side of his face, just barely missing his right eye. He rolled up to his paws and lashed out, aiming for her muzzle. The anger had left his eyes, except for a small spark, and now he wasn't fighting to prove himself. He was in a desperate struggle for his life. 

Rose heard her brother's yowl and she risked looking down. Her paws trembled. 'I have to hurry... I can't trust that she-cat to not kill Slate, no matter what the others say...' Summoning her courage, she bound up quicker until she realized that the two-leg pelt wasn't just floating. It was haning over some sort of thin wire. She reached out, trying to grab it but it was just out of reach. "Fox-dung!" she hissed under her breath. Taking a couple deep breaths to steel herself, she jumped up onto the thin wire. It cut painfully into her paws, and for a few heartbeats, she wobbled periously, blood roaring in her ears. Then she regained her balance an d slowly began to pick her way across to the shir. She reached out and snagged it, quickly backing up. Near the end, she almost slipped and she had to resist crying out. They'd definitely hear that. Once she was safely back on the ledges, she got a better grip on the pelt and began winding her way down as quick as she could without falling.

"Devileyes..." Necromancer said, his voice dropping about thirty degrees colder. There was an obvious warning in his voice

Nevermore nodded. "May the shadows embrace you and let silence be your power." It was something his sisters and him always said to eachother any time they did something dangerous. If you could be invisible, it was helpful, but if you could be totally silent as well, then you had an advantage.

Mirage focused her violet eyes on the younger cat, muscles tensing as she waited for the other cat to make the first move. She took a small step to the side, tail still, but felt her body tensing and untensing, ready to leap to the side. (Do you want it to be a close fight for these two?)

The Demon swung her head to glare viciously at Necromancer, a furious snarl emitting from her throat. She let up slightly and turned back to her pre- her enemy. Suddenly, she felt a burn sear across her cheek resulting from her lapse in concentration, and her eyes lit up with a vivid, red fire. How dare he?!?! How dare he mark my face?!?! Devileyes let out a roar of fury and lunged at his spine, sinking her long teeth into his pelt with a vengence. She would tear this insolent piece of foxdung to pieces!

Shadowseer sighed deeply and closed his eyes. Oh, dear, she was very angry. This might not end well, he thought sadly, and that tom had some potential, too.

(I think a close fight would be cool, of course it's not my cat that's fighting )

Necromancer sighed. He liked this young tom -Slate?- and he would stop the fight before he was beyond repair. He let out a low shrilling noise and a heartbeat later a raven fluttered to his side. 'Greetings, winged one. I wish you good fortune this day.'  He said to the raven. They were always very polite to one another, so they expected everyone to be polite to them. 'Would you be ever so kind as to bring me the proper herbs for deep wounds and gashes? You see that young fellow is taking quite a beating and he'll need remedies for his wounds.' the raven bobbed his head once and flew away. the Demon turned his attention back to the fight, feeling sorry for the young tom.

Forever nodded to Reed. "Right. You have the first step down, and that hiding all expressions." as she spoke, her face became blank. "next you have to paint the desired expression on your face." she contorted her face, narrowing her eyes and scowling a little. She looked fairly cross. "Next you have to change your tone to match your face." her voice became harsher and she tossed a bit of a growl into it. "Also, when one is angry, their vocabulary seems to shrink in some areas, and grow in others. For example, 'please' and 'thanks' leave, along with other words that mean kind and polite things. And words just pop into one's head, such as 'Fleabrain' 'Beetle-licker' and others." she set her face back into the blank mask. "There's more, but for now we'll work on facial expressions."

(( Sure.  Close fight sounds good ))

Kai could see that she was waiting, and this had to start some time. So took a few more steps closer before she lunged forward, aiming for a light blow on the muzzle to give herself time to evade. 

Slate growled with pleasure when his blow hit. Then her eyes flashed and fear blossomed in his gaze. He tried to dart away, but she was on him, her teeth sinking deep into his back. He let out of screech, his vision dancing with black dots and he lashed out, desperate, his concentration being replaced by panic.

Rose landed at the bottom, her nerves still on edge when her brother's scream sent a chill up her spine. She whirled around and she knew now that her brother needed more than just a distraction. Still, the cloth could help. She looked at the other cats around and her eyes narrowed. They weren't going to stop this fight. "Well, then I am!" she murmured, and she suddenly bolted, the two-leg pelt flapping in her jaws. With as much force as she could muster, she hurled the cloth at Devileyes face before darting to the side and leaping at her flank. Hopefully the cloth would be just enough to distract this Demon so her blow would hit. Then Slate had better run...

"Great..." Necromancer murmured. He'd been keeping an eye on Rose, and now she was going to get beat up too. he turned to look at the only cat that wasn't fighting. "So, Insanity, right?" he said, vanishing into the shadows and reappearing  closer to the cat. "You said your skillset was fighting, correct?"

Devileyes was just about to give the final clench of her jaws when she recoiled in suprise as her vision disappeared. Hissing angrily, she reared up onto her hind legs, batting in frustration at thecloth until it slipped from her face. Already unbalanced, the Demon staggered then slammed into the ground as the new force hit her, surprise lighting up her eyes and a yowl escaping her lips. She forced herself to her feet and shoved into the smaller cat, pushing Rose away from her. In a split second she was on the she-cat. By now the red mist finally started to clear from her eyes, and Devileyes blinked in surprise as she saw who she had pinned down. "Who are you?" she growled. Wasn't her enemy grey, and bigger?...

Mirage watched the young cat's eyes and body signals carefully, and watched the muscles tense before Kai lunged. Ducking gracefully, the calico assasin darted behind the cat, stretching out a paw at a foreleg as she went by in an attempt to trip the Phoenix Rogue.

Shadowseer watched the DevileyesxSlate battle with renewed interest as Rose joined the picture, green eyes brightening slightly at the ingenious attempt for the she-cat to save her brother. Using her environment! He had to hand it to her, it would be a while before he thought of that trick. Not that he'd be saving anyone, of course.

Insanity's body clenched slightly as Necromancer appeared beside him, but otherwise didn't show any other surprise. Careful not to look the Demon in the eyes so his soul wouldn't be sucked out (Insanity is a very superstitious cat xD) the white tom nodded stiffly. "Yes. I have been fighting ever since I reached  5 moons, 56 moons ago. I may be older, but I can still fight as well as any other cat."

(Hey Mirage, I don't do swearing and i don't mean to be rude or offensive when i say this, but i would really appriciate it if you could try to avoid using language. It would ean allot to me)

"Of course." Necromancer said. He was slightly amused by this cat's behavoir. "What style of fighting? I have cats that use speed and agility, some are more dependant on their strength, and others use their ability to blend perfectly with shadows. What about you?"

Rose was half-surprised as her attack landed, but Devileyes wasn't down for long. She was slammed backwards in a moment, looking up at the Demon with a hammering heart. "Rose..." she said with a small growl, adrenaline masking some of her fear. "And I'd appreciate it if you stopped trying to kill my brother." 

Slate felt the pressure on him release and he wasted no time in pulling himself to his paws and half limping, half dragging himself away. Once he reached the wall and shadows, he slumped down, not even looking to see who had helped.

Kaiyuki saw Mirage dart around her, catching a flicker of movement. She leaped forward, sensing the blow more than seeing it. The she-cat's paw hit her foreleg, but Kai was already in a forward motion, so she let her paws go out. Ducking down, she rolled up quickly to her paws, feeling small scratches no her shoulders, but they were very small. The minute she was up, she spun around, lashing out with his claws towards Mirage's shoulder.

(Ooh, that's a swear word? O.o Huh. My apologies, Dandy dear. Kay, it's gone ^.^)

Insanity blinked once, a slight frown furrowing his face. "Unfortunately, I am not sure I can answer that accurately. I never remember my tougher fights. However, of the fights I remember, I generally use strength, though I can move quickly when I need to."

The black she-cat growled slightly and cuffed Rose across the ears with a free paw, but although she hit hard her claws were sheathed. "Don't be inslolent, brat," she snarled, but her firey amber eyes had cooled down to an equally terrifying but cooler light. Devileyes let the she-cat up and stood a few steps away, somewhat surprised. The Demon opened her mouth as if to speak, then changed her mind and turned to join Necromancer. "He's a bit young, but with some training could turn out decent," she muttered to the taller black cat.

Mirage lunged to the side, almost ecaping the claws but didn't so much as flinch when the thorn sharp needles shot pain through her shoulder. In a sort of savage dance, she leaped then feinted at the other cat, movements supple and clear as she searched for an opening. Violet eyes suddenly focusing in on a spot, the she-cat flew at the other, striking with outstretched claws at her neck before darting out of range

Slate, once he was sure that he was safe, looked over at where Devileyes was... And saw Rose, rising to her paws. He felt a fiery hatred boil up inside. Why her... Why did she have to be the one who'd helped... He stood up in an attempt to look strong, but the searing pain on his back made his slouch over again. 

Rose flinched slightly as Devileye's lashed out. But while the blow stung, she was surprised to still have her ear fully intact. She rose to her paws, flicking her tail tip as she did so. Rose knew that she had been lucky that Devileyes had simmered down. If not, she'd probably be dead. Looking over at her brother, she sighed at the anger in his eyes, but wasn't surprised. She backed away from the center, looking at the Demons. She wondered if they were disappointed in her interference, and she feared being cast out. To try and alleviate her worries, she turned her pale gaze to watch Mirage's fight. 

Kaiyuki saw Mirage attack and heading straight for her neck. She jerked sideways so the blow would hit her shoulder instead. It stung, but it could've been a lot worse. 'She's fast and it's clear she's a great assassin...' she thought. Kai flicked her tail and crouched as if she was about to lunge at Mirage. She leaped, but it was backwards into the shadows. Then she began to sprint, flickering herself into view at random points, without a pattern. Without breaking stride, she spun around and leaped at Mirage's face, aiming for the uppercut blow to her jaws as Silence had taught her.

(Thank you so much, Mirage. I wish they had a smiley face that showed how much i appreciate it! )

"Excelent, Devileyes." Necromancer said, giving the younger cat a slight smile. He wasn't just reffering to her evaluation  of the young tom, but also how quickly she calmed. "Now, Insanity, i would like to see how you fight, if you don't mind. Devileyes, Shadowseer, do you think we should have him fight or give him a different test?"

(Sorry it took me so long xD)

Mirage flung herself back as Kaiyuki leaped, but narrowed her eyes as the she-cat disappeared into the shadows. She stood still, keen violet eyes searching the shadows, but she focused on her hearing. Her eyes slowly drooped as her ears swiveled, tracking her rival to the best of her ability. Thank you, Azzo! she thought with grim relief. Those many wounds from night-fighting are worth it. A split second before Kaiyuki went for her, the calico's eyes snapped back to reality. She spun around to face the cat head on, but it was too late to dodge. Tucking her chin in, Mirage met the attacker straight-on, slamming her head into the younger cat's chest before leaping aside. Wincing slightly at the ache in her head, the assasin stopped and faced her enemy a foxlength away, then padded slowly up to her, head low, walking with slinking, relaxed steps. After that mad dash, Mirage knew she only had a few heartbeats to take advantage of her, so without giving a sign she lunged at Kaiyuki's soft underbelly.

Devileyes shrugged. "I don't really care," she grumbled, her desire for a fight fulfilled for now. She flopped down beside Necromancer, giving Insanity a condescending glance. "To tell the truth, he looks like he's survived quite a bit, so I'd worry about damaging our cats."

Shadowseer shrugged, one eye on the subtle fight. "You decide," he murmered. After a moment of watching the fight, he turned his eyes on Rose., head cocked slightly to the left as he measured her up. Standing up, he padded silently over to her and sat a tail length away, a thoughtful expression carefully intact on his face. "Hello, Rose," he mewed softly, voice friendly and warm. "Are you siblings with Slate?"

Insanity nodded briefly, casting a furtive glance in Necromancer's direction before quickly looking away. What a creepy cat. He tensed up as he waited for his fate.

Kaiyuki crouched down, watching Mirage advance on her. Her green eyes were calculating as the she-cat advanced, trying to read her moves. She wasn't getting anything though. Suddenly, the she-cat lunged, and her newly learned move flitted through her mind. She leaped backwards, rolling over as Mirage hit. She felt claws scratch her stomach, but then she tucked her paws under Mirage and heaved with all her might, attempting to use her momentum against her and hurl her away with some scratches of her own.

Rose noticed movement and looked to see the Demon Shadowseer approaching. A nervous shudder ran through her, causing her creamy fur to fluff up in apprehension. So it came as a complete shock when his voice was warm and his expression not one of pure evil. Blinking, she gave a small nod. "Yes..." she answered, confused and wondering if this was a ruse. 

Slate flicked his tail and began to lick his wounds, and soon they were beginning to be soothed. He glanced over to see Shadowseer talking to his sister and he smirked before continuing to clean. 'Hopefully he rips her stupid pelt off, that show-off...' he thought.

Necromancer nodded slowly. "Alright then. Insanity, i am going to ask you three riddles. Here's the first 'You heard me before, Yet you hear me again, Then I die, 'Till you call me again."

Nevermore watched Kai's fight, analizing each cat's moves. This new cat wasn't bad. (Question. Is Mirage gonna be a full assassin?)

Mirror watched the fights intently, like she had watched everything else that morning. She had been awake, she had just never moved. Now, however, she was becoming stiff. the little she-kit got to her paws and darted over to Devileyes and Necromancer. "Good morning Devileyes." she said with a respectful dip of her head, then decided to wait till after her father was done asking this cat riddles to greet him. "What are you doing today?" she asked Devileyes.

(so, so sorry guys xD I have been so busy lately. And most likely.)

Shadowseer cocked his head slightly to the side and his icy eyes warmed as the Demon settled down comfortably next to Rose. "Well, Rose," he mewed, saying her name like they were old friends, "That was a very impressive move you made to save your brother. Very brave, indeed. Knowing Devileyes, she would've killed him had you waited a second longer." The black tom sniffed disdainfully, shooting the female Demon a condesending look. "It was really all Necromancer's idea to let her join. And his word is law," he added casually.

Devileyes opened one eye and tilted her head slightly in greeting. "Morning," she rumbled, closing her eyes. As the little kit kept talking the Demon inwardly sighed and reopened her fiery eyes."Who knows. Maybe I'll dispose of a few Clanners."

Mirage rolled away, wincing at new clawmarks decorating her pelt. She was on her feet in a flash, eyes narrowing as various actions flitted through her mind. The calico cat was quiet as she watched her enemy. They were too equally matched. At this rate, they'd just tire eachother out. "You fight well," the cat called to Kaiyuki, "But it is clear neither of us specialize in this sort of paw-to-paw fighting. Maybe we could call this a draw and stop procrastinating the fact that neither of us can win."

Insanity closed his eyes, not a single movement coming from him as he entered deep into thought. He had heard something like this before. Hadn't Mirage mentioned something? His memory flashed to a few moons ago, before he and the calico joined with the younger cats. "I'm an assasin," the smaller cat mewed, strange violet eyes flashing as she spoke to the larger white tom. The two were traveling along a mountain pass, with high walls and little life. "You know, I fight with poison and silence, and I can kill in the blink of an eye. Course," she had added, face furrowing as she glanced around the high walls, "It's impossible to make no noise. That's why I hate this place. Everytime I make a sound, the whole mountain hears it! And as soon as I stop moving and the walls finally shut up, I say something or move and it comes back!" She glared around and her ears flattened, and a frustrated hiss left her. The sound echoed throughout the cavernous pass, a fierce, creepy sound amplified a thousand times."Stupid mountain.." she grumbled, and the two traveled on. Opening his pale eyes, Insanity turned his face slightly and quietly mewed, "An echo."

Rose nodded slowly, her eyes watching the Demon carefully. "Thank you..." she murmured to the praise. Hearing the disdain when he spoke about Devileyes, she gave a small shrug, making sure to tread carefully with her next words. "Every fighting technique's have their ups and downs... Even ones that are...volatile..." she responded before his last sentance sunk in. So did that mean Necromancer was the leader of the three? She assumed as much, but didn't ask in case that was a touchy subject between the three.

Kaiyuki sprang away from Mirage, her own eyes looking for something that could possibly give her the upper hand in this match. But she was coming up short, unable to see a clear way to defeat her opponent. Her ears flicked as Mirage spoke up and she made sure to take a few steps back to get out of range in case this was a trick. "It is true that we are evenly matched... If you've proven yourself to the Demons, then more fighting would indeed be merely prolonging this fight." she replied back. Not taking her eyes off of Mirage, she mewed, "Necromancer?" This was for the Three Demons to decide whether they found this she-cat worthy to join the rogues. Kai believed that she was, and she spoke true. She also showed that she wasn't a rash, brash cat if she could tell that they were such and even fight.