The absence of Venom's children in Toxicity's last two sermons did not go unnoticed. If she couldn't get her children to attend such important events, then what was she even doing as a parent? Had Hattori gotten to her mind enough to deviate her and her children from god entirely? She had not told Tox if any of them had been sick or unable to come to sermon, nor did she request Tox to do a sermon at their home to make up for the ones missed. With the yearling ceremony coming up, it was important that all the pups have their full set of sermons in order to be Abraxas. They had been mandatory, as her rank gave her right to call, and yet the alpha's kids couldn't have been bothered to attend. Of course, with the missing of two of the key sermons, there would have to be extra lessons and prayers and sessions for the slacking pups to attend. First, however, she needed to see where Venom and Hattori were lacking as parents. She called the Alpha duo and the missing pups as well, offering the call to any of those who wished to observe this conversation however it went- for it would no doubt be a deciding factor of the pack's future.

Kitsune had made it to the first Sermon. She had struggled to connect with what the older wolf was teaching them. She failed to find a sigil she liked. Art was… not her strong suit. She had felt a little left out as her siblings and family members had drawn and worked together to make theres. All and all, the experience had been boring and awkward. The next time a sermon had been announced, Kitsune had been in the middle of a hunt and had been under water when her Auntie had called for her. She had come home with a mighty big fish, and was proud of herself until she realised what she had missed.

The second time? She had been sneaking out to see her healing fisher-adventurer, and missed that, too. She hadn’t expected to miss these lessons, but a part of her was glad she had. She didn’t have to sit through these awkward lessons on something she didn’t understand. Still, she was embarrassed, she normally tried so hard to be a good daughter, a good Princess, and do what she had to.

When Toxicity called for her and her parents, she had a sinking feeling right to her gut. Trying not to feel mullish and rebellious, she forced herself onwards. She forced herself not to slink like a chastised pup, but to walk with her head held up. She took a seat before Toxicity, and she waited for her parents to show up. She ignored the frightful way her heart hammered in her chest. Being in trouble was not a familiar feeling to her. This was all Abraxas’s fault. If he didn’t exist, and wasn’t so boring she wouldn’t be in trouble right now...

"Speech"

For the past few months, Takeshi had been plagued by migraines. His Baba had told him that they were likely because of his horns, which were becoming very apparent that they were different from his siblings’. Instead of growing straight up and branching like those of a deer, they had thickened and grown back toward the back of his head, resembling that of a ram’s. They were long enough to begin curling under his ear and weighed him down, forcing his neck muscles to thicken and pressure to form at the base of his skull. This, Kiyo explained, was the source of the awful, head splitting aches that left him bedridden for hours in a dark, secluded area of the Palace away from his more rambunctious siblings.

He hated it, to say the least. Not only was he different because he couldn’t speak like the other pups and adults, but now he had freakish horns and an ailment that left him practically blind some days. Because of this, he’d missed a lot of the growth that the other Abraxas kiddos had. Everything had been going great beforehand, he’d been getting special training by Sirius, he’d been getting great marks by his father and grandmother in their Japanese lessons. Everything had been looking up. Now, he felt like he was in a rut.

Luckily, as his neck muscles had strengthened and grown used to the weight that bore down on his head, his migraines had begun to abate. Instead of being nearly every day, they’d gone to being a few times a week, then every other week, and now he’d gone a full 3 weeks without the awful sickness plaguing him. He felt like a new boy! Until, that is, his aunt called for them with disappointment in her voice. A frown tipped at the corners of his dark lips, the white dots at his brows pulling together in concern. Were they in trouble? He took off at a jog in the direction of the call, revelling in the feeling of his paws on the earth and the wind in his fur. But, he expression remained stoic and, as he arrived, he gave a bow of respect to the Omikuji before settling himself next to his sister. He gave a gentle nudge to her shoulder to try and release some tension he saw her holding, his glowing red gaze offering support. They’d bear whatever it was together as they always did.

"Thoughts/expression intention"

Hattori's feelings on the Abraxas faith had not changed. Toxicity could host her lessons and preach as much as she pleased, but Hattori would never force the issue. He was not entirely sure on how his wife and Empress felt about it all, Venom had never come across as overly religious and yet still bore the Abraxas name with pride. As always he would defer to her judgement, let her deal with these matters as she saw fit. But on this day Toxicity called for them both and for their children too; Kitsune and Takeshi. His brows furrowed as he made his way towards the shrine, crossing the land bridge that connected Nephilim to the mainland.

Whatever was afoot he doubted it would be good.

By the time he paced onto the scene the children were already there and settled, looking a little anxious and hesitant as they waited with bated breath. Toxicity watched them with her distant mismatched gaze, she seemed displeased and it wasn't too difficult to guess why. His instinct was to address the matter here and now, to cut to the chase, but he would not utter a word till Venom arrived. This was her pack and her Empire and thus ultimately her call.

Instead, his gaze settled on his children. He knew of Takeshi's growing pains as he had spoken to Kiyo about it some time ago. The boy had been rather absent and Hattori did not approve, had said as much to the boy already, but what had Kitsune done?

The call that came for her and the children was quite curious. Herself and Hattori were requested with her two children called along as well. The lingering call for a vague invitation for the rest of the pack had her wondering. Was this some kind of ceremony to be held? Venom had no idea that Kit and Take had been absent from their sermons. She had attended the first with her babies to help ease them into the lessons but after that she had been too busy to come with them. She had assumed they would all flock to the potential learning experience.

She made time now as Toxicity sought her out. Venom dropped what she was doing and white gloved paws carried her towards the shrine. Her fiery young children and Hattori were already seated before the Omikuji who’s expression had always been difficult to read but even Venom was uncertain of the unamused expression she wore. The Empress offered both children a quick kiss upon their brows before she stood beside Hattori and sunset gaze shifted to Toxicity. Her head tilted a fraction of a degree as an expression of curiosity flashed on her features.

”Toxicity.” She greeted her sister and gestured for her to begin and explain why they were gathered together.

Everyone she directly called actually showed and it took a great deal of effort for Tox to keep the surprise off her face. She offered each pup a pointed look, But didn't move to say anything beyond that. Her expression, although remaining mostly neutral, still probably showed her disappointment clearly. If they could manage to show up so quickly when they were in trouble then what had kept them from the sermons she wondered.

Hattori arrived next, and the silence between the trio was thick. There was no secret to their disagreements when it came to religion, but as long as they let each other tend to their tasks they usually didn't have an issue. Toxicity wondered today if that kind of peaceful overlooking of each other's dissatisfaction would come to an end. She spared him no particular greeting and it was obvious they were all waiting for Venom to make her appearance, after all this entire discussion pivoted heavily on how she herself reacted as not only the alpha but as an Abraxas herself.

Without making them wait much longer, Venom arrived and dulled out a small affection to each child before greeting her sister. Never want to beat around the bush, Toxicity got right down to business.

"I've called you both here today as well as your children because it appears as if they have missed two of the three mandatory sermons to become an Abraxas at the Yearling Ascension Ceremony. If they don't make up these lessons, then they cannot be considered true Abraxas." Toxicity looked at each of the members in turn letting her words sink in for a moment.

"It is inconvenient to have to make up these sermons now and only for two pups when the rest of them have done their due duty and attended faithfully regardless of their personal feelings or the feelings of those around them. They have participated well and asked questions, and it will be my honor to introduce them to our father, Archon."

Toxicity took the time to look at both pups at hand and to try to gauge their feelings and reaction. Would they rebel, or would they decide to go along as their siblings had. In either case, how would their parents react? With one being not really just at all, and the other being religious by birth but perhaps far steered from that path as of now.

"The past that I see for these children are one of three. One, you can disown them as your children and a Abraxas, Venom. They will not carry the Abraxas name, but they can remain Hattori's children as mortals."

She paused a moment, leveling her gaze to Hattori, if for no other reason than to simply include him into the conversation.

"Two, Venom can revoke the Abraxas name, taking all of her children with them descending into mortals and forsaking any claim they may still have to the spiritual world in the afterlife of such."

Again, a pause, her mismatched eyes flicking from Hattori to Venom.

"Lastly, the pup can make up their sermons, but his punishment they will help me clean the entire shrine grounds, and they will stay as residents of the shrine until they complete both of their lessons before the Ascension ceremony."

The choice was up to them. Toxicity had laid it out and now simply waited. There is no anger in her voice, nor in her demeanor. For her, this was simply a matter of fact and logic over the feelings and desires of a mortal body or a mortal heart. She was giving them a peaceful out, if they wanted it, perhaps offering her last grace to her sister if she chose to take it.

Her brother appeared, and nudged her shoulder gently. She leaned into the larger wolf, taking comfort from his familiar form. At least she wasn't alone. Of course, she would rather be alone then have anyone growl at her big softhearted brother...

There father appeared next, and the silence held. It was like that silence parents used when you were in trouble. She felt it intensly, and didn't know what her father thought of this all. She already had so much confusion to her Koi father. She hated him, she didn't understand his stoic nature she also loved him to absolute pieces, and would be devastated if he expressed disappointment in her.

Venom appeared, and anxious blue eyes followed the form of her mother as she stopped by the two children. She held still when her mother leant towards her, uncertain the reaction she was going to receive - and then relaxed into her mother's kiss. Then her mother was gone again, and she was pushing her back further into Takes big form.

Now that everyone was here, Tox began to speak. She addressed their parents, and told them both of the kids faults. Kitsune shrunk further into Take, and then the impact of the older woman's words began to sink in. She said that Kitsune and Take couldn't be Abraxas. She said that there mother should DISOWN THEN.

Kitsune stopped listening. She turned, burying her face in Takes coat, sniffling her tears as best she could. Not wanting anyone to see them.

The pair’s parents were quick to arrive, the first being their father. He was as distant as ever, sitting apart from them and the only acknowledgement given being his hard gaze. With the Shogun, though, his silence already spoke a thousand words. The man had already spoken to Take about his disapproval with his absence and it had hit him right in the core. A part of him had felt anger that the man couldn’t understand the agony that the migraines had brought on. He hadn’t been there to see the glowing boy vomiting from pain, snapping a stick in half as he bit on it to stop himself from wailing and waking the entire palace. But the other part of him understood. Afterall, who would want a son so weak that a headache would take them out of commission? Who would want a son that couldn’t even speak? He was a disappointment.

Their mother arrived in all her regal, beautiful glory, placed a warm kiss to their brows, then settled next to their father. It was then that their Aunt began talking, and it was then that his heart sank into the pits of the earth.

He felt his body go stiff at her suggestion that both he and Kit be disowned from their family. His jaw clenched, but he fought to keep his expression neutral. He knew no good would come from crying, and how would he protest anyhow? It wasn’t as if he could verbalize his opposition. So, instead, the large glowing boy simply tucked his head to rest atop his younger sister’s, her small body quaking with the force of her sobs. His heart ached for her, and before anything he wished he could oppose it for her. If their parents agreed to their abandonment, he knew he would first try to shift all of the punishment onto himself, and if that didn’t work he would take care of her. None of his siblings would ever be alone as long as he was alive.

"Thoughts/expression intention"

The procession was waiting for her and after her children gracefully accepted her affection her attention turned to Toxicity and her swiftness to begin their meeting. Neither Take or Kit had attended the second and third sermons. Perhaps it was her own fault, not appearing in person to give a good example, and not voicing her desire for them to attend. Venom listened to the options Toxicity offered to her, none of them really eliciting any emotion within her. Venom felt herself grow uncomfortable with the fact that Toxicity thought that she could give Venom an ultimatum.

Venom was the Matriarch of their family, the Empress that ruled over the Ashen Empire, and the last word to be spoken. To have the audacity to believe that she could be coerced into some kind of decision or action was false at best. She could clearly see the distress these options weighed on her children, and finally she would reveal some of the emotion within, her expression neutral to this point. She also found it odd that the most logical of solutions was presented lastly by her sister, as though it was the least preferential. Toxicity wanted to see them unnamed.

The Empress was silent for a long moment as she contemplated the options presented and her next move. Venom wasn’t intimidated, and wouldn’t be controlled by her underling. ”Do any of these options appeal to you, children?” She asked but didn’t wait for an answer, their reaction was plenty. ”I am no subject of yours to be commanded.” Venom declared as her sunset gaze returned to Toxicity. Any power she had came from Venom, and Venom could take it as easily as she gave it to her.

Her gaze hardened slightly, this was not the first time that Toxicity had asserted her will and Venom had not been satisfied with the results. Venom put her in charge of the spiritual aspect of their family and culture because she wanted to be guided by her sister. Not as her final authority in anything. ”I am the one who gives options and ultimatums, I am the Empress and the head of this family. As you seem to have forgotten.” Venom centered herself, trying not to picture Ikigai crying to her after her sermons. Her heart rate never increased, but her gaze slowly darkened.

”While I appreciate your recommendations, I won’t be acting on them.” Venom concluded as she lifted herself to her paws. As far as the Empress was concerned this meeting was over. Toxicity could drop it, or there would be more than words exchanged and Venom would not be caught unawares.

Despite her sister's thoughts, Toxicity had wanted the pups to attend the lessons. She wanted to take them to meet Archon. She wanted the pups to bring her and her sister closer together in God. She offered the worst punishments first to show the seriousness of the situation- a kindness Pestilence never got. She could see Venom was unimpressed, but didn't expect her lashing response. As her sister spoke, it was as if she were a different person. Completely unapologetic of her pups taking their religious studies seriously.

No, she saw Toxicity's faith as a threat.

She claimed the was the empress, not to be commanded and Tox didn't manage to hold back her eye roll. "The head of this family, please. You're the head of no Abraxas. You inherited a role and took bed to the first servant who let you. You asked not once for God to be a part of your marriage, your birthing, your pups. You gave me power to have sermons and to have mandatory lessons, but you can't even get your own children to attend, nor are you willing to take responsibility for your parental shortcomings. You spoke of the weakness of Klein's but you allow Chimera and his incestuous sister to live here among what was once holy. You may be the dear empress who rules from her palace as her trusty soldier leads us into battle, but you are no Abraxas matriarch."

Toxicity tsked her tongue, "I've forgotten nothing. Not how you said Pestilence was no longer our ally, but we're willing to grovel to some mortal pack when she attacked me and Calamity at the volcano. Not how you've cast sideways glances during sermons. I've never once missed your lack of presence anywhere other than your palace, just like Deathbelle when Sirius tended to her tail and paw."

Venom has made her choice, "So relinquish the Abraxas name, if your faith is already so far gone. I alone will be the Abraxas of our generation. You can keep your pack of Klein inbreds, but I will have the shrine."

Toxicity vs Venom for relinquishing the family name
Round 0/x
Age: over 1 year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Platypus spurs - Offensive
Skills: Advanced Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Marauder

Hattori could sense Toxicity pushing at the boundaries, chomping at the restraints of her rank to see how far she could stretch it out. Perhaps if she was acting within reason and not so overzealous about a matter as base as religion then Venom would hear her out, follow her recommendations and foster a better relationship. But it seemed a little too late for that, both were clearly at odds with one another's perspective on how things ought to be handled around here. Though Hattori would hardly call Toxicity a friend he'd offered her a degree of respect warranted by her rank and relationship to his wife, but all of that was crumbling away. There was little that got under his skin, around here there was an unspoken rule that even the inbred bastard Chimera respected: Venom's word was final. And if she said no then that was the end of the conversation.

The Shogun's gaze wandered to his children, to how needlessly worked up and distressed they'd gotten. He was not a doting father, nor the sort to comfort them with warm embraces or tender words, but there was no need for them to see this.

"Children, you are dismissed. " He rumbled in his native tongue, barely sparing them a glance. He knew their Grandmother was more than capable of comforting them if need be, the children were capable of figuring out if they needed such a thing or their own. Hattori would not spoon-feed them.

His steely gaze returned to Toxicity, cold, almost lifeless in its blank slate. There was no rage in his expression, no curling of his lips or furrowing of his brows. His anger, whilst warranted, was not so easily drawn out or to put it quite bluntly; Toxicity simply was not worth it. He shifted his stance, stepping back a little to give his wife the space she needed. Despite the initial temptation, the Shogun would not fight her battles. This was a family affair and Hattori always made a point of not sticking his nose in where it did not belong. The Abraxas faith was not something he cared to shed blood over, nor did he care to listen to the ramblings of a woman who refused to let go of stories that had long since faded into obscurity and impertinence.

Abraxas or not Toxicity would be reminded of her place.

Toxicity did not inherit the decorum and prestige of their breeding like Venom had been so sure of for so long. While they were younger Venom looked up to her sister, even when she exceeded her station Venom still looked to Toxicity. The Empress had grown past that now. Toxicity’s words were meant to hurt her but Venom felt no sting of truth in them, they were nothing but slander and lies. Toxicity couldn’t know what she was talking about to begin with because she was the one who remained barricaded within the shrine’s shelter. Her duties included working closely with herself, the Empress and Omikuji were supposed to be together everyday and work closely together. Toxicity was never at her side, not when she was to be wed, not when her puppies were born. All of Toxicity’s accusations were projection of her own shortcomings.

Chimera managed to show her more loyalty than her full blood sister did, and it was past time for Venom to accept that tragic fact. Toxicity wasn’t on her side, and she should have realized that when she failed in the Pestilence situation. Toxicity was never her ally, just a snake waiting to take her chance to strike. Just as she struck at Pestilence.

Venom’s expression shifted from annoyance to pity as her sunset gaze took in her scarred sister. Once sister. ”I will never give up my father’s name.” She declared softly. ”Toxicity, your living in the spirit world has left you blind to the physical realm.You have no idea what you speak of. You are the one unworthy to bear Abraxas sacred name.” Venom hadn’t moved since words were exchanged, but she stood taller, she held all the confidence an Empress should boast with the power of an Empire behind her. She only vaguely realized that Hattori had dismissed their children, though she would have had them watch.

Venom was merciful, if nothing else. ”Leave the Empire now, with your pride and name intact, or I will make you regret the fact we were ever family.” Her voice lowered as her head did, her joints bent and she tucked her chin. Her companions had heard the commotion and appeared from the forest. Poison on his branch above her and Anko from the shadows.

Venom vs Toxicity for Dominance (removal of name)
Round 0/x
Age: 1+
Size: Extra large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Knife bracers
Companion 1: Malabar Giant Squirrel, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Akita Dog, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Quills - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Bard

Venom balked and retaliated like a spoiled pup unable to accept a grounding. Toxicity was unimpressed and unmoved by her words. She said she'd never give up her father's name and Toxicity had to hold back a scoff. "When was the last time you even spoke to him? Called upon his name?" Venom tried to deflect that Toxicity didn't deserve the holy name because.... She... Spent too much time with the spirits? Toxicity's head tilted for a moment as Venom spoke, trying to make sense of what she was saying. Spending too much time with Abraxas spirits somehow made her less worthy of the name? "Spending time with the spirits and teaching our kids while building and maintaining the holy shrine makes me a less worthy Abraxas than an empress who sits in her palace and comes to the palace, what, once a season? Tell me, when did you decide being the pampered and revered empress among mortals and inbreds was better than being a humble servant to the gods and their teachings?" Although Toxicity knew that it happened the moment their mother fled and Hattori became her servant.

Venom told her to leave the pack with her pride in tact and this time, Tox did scoff. "Pride? When have I ever needed pride? Is that your issue? Your pride is too strong to correct your own children's shortcomings?"

Maybe that was it. Her mortal desires had grown too large. She no longer could face the idea that as Abraxas, they were equal.

"Would your pack know the meaning of the Abraxas name without me? Your mate? Your children?" She blinked back the frustrated tears in her eyes. Venom was supposed to be the one good sibling, damnit. "When even was the last time you prayed with them? When was the last time you even prayed yourself?"

Venom threatened to make Toxicity regret they were ever family and Toxicity just signed. She was tired. This was obviously more about mortal feelings for her than Abraxas feelings.

"If you feel like that truly, then I suppose I already do. And I suppose after I leave the pack, I should tell Pesto to come back. Maybe you'll give her an island and some slaves too. Would have been easier for you if she had killed us on that mountain, wouldn't it? You'd get to keep the holy name without anyone to hold you accountable to it. So tell me, Holy Empress Venom, what is your ideal outcome here?"

Toxicity vs Venom for relinquishing the family name
Round 0/x
Age: over 1 year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Platypus spurs - Offensive
Skills: Advanced Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Marauder

”Were you upholding your duties you would know the answers to your question.” Venom answered quietly, tiring quickly of the words that were being exchanged. ”You are just speaking lies.” Venom never forgot her mother’s failing of ruling from the palace. She had been hesitant to take up residence within just for that reason. Venom never saw Toxicity outside of the shrine, so she had no idea what actually went on during Venom’s day to day life. She slept, trained her children, and held meetings within the palace. None of which could hardly be considered being pampered in a palace. Toxicity’s words were supposed to sting but Venom felt no emotional elicitation. She was more than confident in her performance here for the Empire, and Toxicity would never know the way she worshipped in private.

Toxicity was obviously feeling weary as she sighed, as though Venom wasn’t even worth her time as she continued to fling baseless accusations and information and questions that she couldn’t possibly know because she never sought her Empress out. ”None of which is of your concern any longer.” Was all the answer Venom would afford her pretentious sister. She spoke, already regretting that they were called family, and despite her sharp tongue she didn’t realize it was all her own fault. She wouldn’t see her own imperfections. Toxicity was blind to the rift that she had created between them. Venom did everything she could, she was devoted to the memory of their father, and the traditions of their culture. And yet Toxicity couldn’t be bothered to meet her half way, to come out of her shrine and dwell in the physical realm. Their relationship was always doomed to come to this, Venom realized. The fake reverence her sister showed her, the fake words of encouragement when Venom had her doubts. The fake concern Toxicity showed over her children’s tardiness to the sermons.

She should have had Hattori subdue her and bind her for trial, and then slate her for execution for the baseless accusations that fell from her lips. The last vestibules of trust were long destroyed and the bridge that had once connected them was thoroughly burned by her once sister. Letting her live would only give her trouble in the years ahead, but Venom could not bring herself to perform such extreme action.

”Toxicity I loved you. Just as I loved Archon our Father and Abraxas.You’ve shown me exactly what you think of me. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Shame on me for believing you were on my side or that you ever really supported me. You were the one who was absent from the important events in my life, you are the one to threaten my name and my children. All you care for is showing off how righteous you are, and I won’t be subject any longer.”

She spoke far more than Toxicity deserved.

”What do I desire from this? Nothing, this confrontation has brought nothing but tragedy on our heads.” All because she couldn’t stand to reform. ”The final break.” Perhaps this manifestation was always supposed to happen, that Klein and Abraxas truly could not mix. Mortal and immortal were incompatible. ”Leave. I can not bear snakes in my council.”

Venom have answers which were just accusations framed as answers. Ok this was going nowhere. She went on to talk about fooling her once or twice but the meaning was lost on Tox.

"You had other options. You should know the gravity of the situation, but you are content to bury your head from those shortcomings because of your status as a mortal."

She gave nonanswers again as she said she desired nothing from the confront but for Tox to leave. Saying she was a snake.

"Did you love me? Did you love me more than Pesto when she attacked multiple times with no punishment, yet at the threat of my punishing her back, I was the one who was a villain? Who was to be dragged to another pack to apologize for defending myself and my sister? I am no snake, Venom, but a god. I assume because I disagree with you you'd like to frame me as such, but inbreds and slaves are fine in your care and council."

This was going nowhere and as Venom tried to dismiss her again, Toxicity threw on her defenses, giving Venom plenty of time to brace herself.

"You've become far too sanctimonious because of your mortal rank which you earned purely by our mothers failings alone. I stood by your side at the raids, worked as much religion into things as I thought was allowed as to not upset your other mortal followers or even your husband. But you can't now claim both. Your inaction speaks much louder than your words ever have."

Her jaws clicked shut. She would make no attempts to actually harm her sister, but for the godly side of her, it was over.

Toxicity kicked off, aiming to slam her chest into Venom's hoping to quickly overpower her and pin her to the ground and to submission.
Toxicity vs Venom for relinquishing the family name
Round 1/x
Age: over 1 year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Platypus spurs - Offensive
Skills: Advanced Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Marauder

Toxicity repeated herself, and realized neither of them were getting anywhere. Venom didn’t know what her once kin was trying to accomplish, there was no guilt for any of her actions, nor her own iterations of ceremonies. She wouldn’t accept her responsibility in her own failings, not that Venom expected her to, and again tried to lay the blame at the Empress’ paws. Venom was responsible for the members of her pack, and if Toxicity would not accept her authority in exchange then this was the best outcome. Breaking off their relationship and walking away.

She hit a nerve telling her the reason she was here was all because of Deathbelle. Venom’s quills rose and she barely smoothed a snarl over her face as Toxicity dared to insult her ability, blessing, and devotion. Her refusal to reform would be the downfall of the Abraxas of this realm. Her overzealous nature would drive believers and blood alike. She had no authority to claim her name from her.

Then Toxicity rushed her, refusing to back down even now. She had been loyal to the point Venom had no desire to confront her before this point. She took to battle and taught the children, but she hadn’t really been a part of the pack, not sequestered within her bamboo hut.

The Empress reacted swiftly, jutting her shoulder to meet Toxicity’s chest, digging her retractable claws into the earth and bending her joints to best absorb the momentum against her. Trying to be the one to withstand the blow and bring her sister into submission using her own weight against her.

Venom vs Toxicity for Exile/Removal of Surname
Round 1/1
Age: 1+
Size: Extra large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Knife bracers
Companion 1: Malabar Giant Squirrel, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Akita Dog, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Quills - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Bard

And the winner is...

Venom

Toxicity must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Toxicity : Attack Roll: 5 Defense Roll: 43 Agility Roll: 72 Perception Roll: 22 Total: 142 Attack[5] + 25% Bonus[1.25]: 6.25 Defense[43] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 43.00 Agility[72] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 72.00 Perception[22] + 15% Bonus[3.30]: 25.30 Total[146.55] + 25% Bonus[36.64]: 183.19 Venom: Attack Roll: 89 Defense Roll: 50 Agility Roll: 85 Perception Roll: 77 Total: 301 Attack[89] + 50% Bonus[44.50]: 133.50 Defense[50] + 15% Bonus[7.50]: 57.50 Agility[85] + 5% Bonus[4.25]: 89.25 Perception[77] + 25% Bonus[19.25]: 96.25 Total[376.50] + 25% Bonus[94.12]: 470.62

Toxicity knew when she was beaten. In her mind, she was aware of the companions at Venom's side, but didn't have the chance to give it much thought. When she was bested, she rolled to her side. "I submit," she voiced, her eyes seeking to meet Venom's. She got herself up and shook, not any worse for wear. "I will collect my things and leave the shrine and name to you- what little they mean at your paws. But when Abraxas deems me worthy... I'll pray for you." She cast a sidelong glance at Hattori, wondering if he too would suddenly be revitalized to cling to the religion his wife apparently suddenly held so dear. Rolling her neck, she left to gather what small amount of things she cared for before leaving the pack of incest, rapists, and mortals to rot in their own filth- perhaps it was better she was getting away after all. -exit- ""