What in the actual hell was that thing.

Rhazien had been exploring the lush mangrove purely out of curiosity, figuring he might come across something interesting, given how deep into the territory he was. All around him, he could smell wolves lingering in the shadows- making him wonder if this place belonged to a band, or if this was a coincidence. Regardless, he’d walked along the well beaten path, keeping to himself- at least, until this huge, tusked creature appeared before him, walking along the shoreline.  It was bigger than anything he’d ever seen before- it towered over the foliage, grabbing things with a muscular appendage that also looked like a nose? And those tusks, they looked dangerous- like they'd pierce straight through him if given the chance. What the fuck.

"Speech"

Cadaver had been cautiously navigating through the dense, labyrinthine mangrove forest, intrigued by the unfamiliar surroundings and the myriad of scents that filled the humid air. The sounds of the forest enveloped him, the calls of exotic birds and the rustling of unseen creatures adding to the eerie yet enchanting atmosphere. As he ventured further into the heart of the mangrove, Cadaver's senses were suddenly assaulted by a new, powerful scent. It was unlike anything he had ever encountered before, a musky, earthy aroma that filled him with a sense of unease. His mismatched eyes widened as he caught sight of the massive creature before him.

It was an elephant- similar to the one he had recently met, but unlike it all the same. This one was larger, more imposing, with tusks that gleamed dangerously in the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above. The elephant's movements were erratic, its demeanor aggressive as it trampled through the underbrush, seemingly unaware of Cadaver's presence.

The boy knew he needed to tread carefully. The elephant was a formidable opponent, and he needed to be prepared for anything. With a low growl, he crouched low to the ground, readying himself for whatever might come next. As it came just a little too close, Cadaver sprang from his cover. Snapping at the massive beast's legs in an effort to startle it away.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

Again? The familiar for of Cadaver ran past and, as Bowen expected, the attacking form of some large beast came after. The boy wasn't alone. A big, dark man stood nearby. Well, she supposed they'd have to teach this elephant a lesson. It wasn't smart to attack wolves.

Bowen used the distraction of the two boys to her advantage. She ran forward and latched her jaws into the heel of the blustering creature. It trumpeted and spun, dragging the caramel cream fae along in a circle with it. Her paws left earth at one point, her long tail waving in the wind like a banner, but she held on.

"Speech"

Barghest trailed closely behind Bowen, her anticipation palpable as she eagerly anticipated the chance to test her skills. She had spent countless hours honing her abilities, determined to prove herself. It was the boy again. A new man. And a creature with two big tusks. As Bowen surged forward into the fray, seizing the attention of their opponent, Barghest wasted no time in springing into action. With swift precision, she locked onto the creature's other leg, mirroring Bowen's movements with instinctual efficiency. It was a simple but effective tactic, and Barghest knew that there was no better way to learn than by following by example.
""

Wolves started appearing out of the woodwork, perhaps drawn to the oddity like he was. Something about the creature, despite its peaceful demeanor, oozed danger- a warning not to challenge its strength, which piqued Rhazien’s interest. He wanted to take it down. The wolves who gathered had a similar idea- a boy he recognized lunging forward, snapping at its legs to get it moving. A pretty girl rushed in and grabbed a heel, and the pup, bit the other leg. The elephant rumbled out a high-frequency roar, nasally but intimidating. But Rhazien wasn’t detoured- he ran into the fray, lunging up at the elephant's side to bite down with his serrated fangs.  

"Speech"

Cadaver's adrenaline surged as he joined the fray, his instincts guiding his movements as he snapped at the elephant's legs, aiming to drive it away from the others. The massive creature trumpeted in rage, its movements becoming more erratic as it tried to shake off its assailants.

Feeling emboldened by the presence of the other wolves, Cadaver pressed his attack, darting around the elephant's legs with surprising agility. He nipped and bit, aiming for vulnerable spots to distract and disorient the massive beast. His mismatched eyes gleamed with determination as he focused on the task at hand, determined to help drive the elephant away and protect his newfound allies.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

An audible gasp pulled from Bowen as the elephant kicked its thick leg, dislodging the small fae and sending her flying away into the dirt. Bowen stood, breathing hard. She took second to catch her breath, then rushed at the beast again. Once more her target was the sensitive flesh of the elbow. Not only was the skin thinner there, but the elephant wouldn't easily be able to reach her in that position.

"Speech"|| "Romanian"

Barghest's heart pounded in her chest as she watched Bowen's attack unfold. The sight of the elephant's massive leg swinging out, sending the small fae hurtling through the air, made her blood run cold. But Bowen refused to stay down. Barghest was still clinging to the limb she had claimed, refusing to let go. It was enough of a nuisance that the elephant tried to dislodge her a couple times, but the mottled girl was so damn locked on it was meaningless. But her muscles were tiring, and with a snarl she released her hold, dropping to the ground only to lunge back up at the beast’s stomach.

""

His teeth sank into the elephant’s thick hide, drawing blood to the surface but only with the aid of his serrated steel caps. He wasn’t able to hold on for long, given the beast was much taller than himself and more powerful- forcing him to rip the chunk in his mouth off of its side, before he fumbled back to the ground. Bowen was also kicked off, flying off into the dirt before rushing back in to grab it by the elbow. And the pup, she was a confident little thing- refusing to let go of the limb she held, until she didn’t have any strength left in her jaws.

Rhazien lunged forward then- following in place beside Barghest, assisting her in attacking the underbelly of the beast. Making sure to keep the pup protected from the stampeding feet of the elephant, so she wouldn’t get squished.

"Speech"

Cadaver felt a surge of anger as he watched Bowen and Barghest get knocked away by the elephant's powerful legs. He knew he had to act fast to help keep the creature distracted. With a fierce growl, he lunged forward once more, aiming for the elephant's other leg, his teeth sinking into the thick hide as he tried to draw its attention away from the others.

The elephant roared in pain and frustration, its movements becoming more frenzied as it tried to shake off its attackers. Cadaver held on tenaciously, his muscles straining against the beast's thrashing. He knew he couldn't keep this up for long, but he was determined to try and help buy the others enough time to regroup and come up with a new plan. As he felt his grip slipping, he saw an opportune time to release and regroup. But as the Elephant had shaken three of its attackers, it seemed like it was going to take the window of opportunity to flee. Good.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

Again and again the quartet of wolves attacked the legs of the elephant. What else could they attack, really? The thing was so damned tall. Despite its size, the elephant realized that this fight just wasn't worth it. All of the little wounds on its tree trunk legs would add up. Each one was a chance for infection. A scent extravaganza for any predators that might want to taste some elephant. So, as the wolves attacked, the huge beast turned and began running back to where it came from. That was just fine with Bowen.

"Speech"

Barghest's aqua eyes flickered with a hint of intrigue as that man joined her below the belly of the beast. And as they continued to attack the underbelly together, Barghest felt only exhilarated. No fear. Finally, being able to explore and have fights was so much fun!

However, as the chaos of battle intensified, Barghest's ruthless determination wavered. Enough was enough. This was getting nowhere, and even Bowen had backed off. With a gruff bark, Barghest reluctantly disengaged from the fight, her gaze lingering on the retreating elephant from the four vicious wolves. If this is what the outside world had to offer, she was practically feral with the urge to leave her father’s territory more and more.

""