The barren hills have been shaken awake, their maw yawning open to reveal smoldering lava. An anxious tongue thrashes about- a large onyx worm with an angry, fire filled mouth. It screeches and hisses as it emerges, gurgling as it resubmerges. Tendrils of molten rock and fire fling in every direction, bubbling and boiling over the edge of the fresh, enormous crater. Nearby brush is caught ablaze, burning to a smoldering charcoaled crisp.

The worm, long and slender, weaves through the scalding lava, working waves outward before shooting up crashing back down. Quadrant mouthpieces flay open, showing its glowing inner flesh. Thick dark ropes of fluid drip from each of the four segments, black as tar. Its impossible to see if it is simply cooled rock or another substance. The center of its intimidating display, active flames that shiver and sputter when it shrieks out.

Its agitated movements send a clear message: it's pissed.

Danger is imminent! Posting in this thread can cause minor or moderate injuries, up to minor/moderate maims, or other bad, temporary effects to characters. Only one character per player; characters involved in the other worm fight threads cannot attend.

The worm wasn't the only thing that was pissed. Siduri, having been traveling in Southern Boreas to investigate the strange goings on, was there as the worm erupted from the earth. It sputtered and screamed, lava flying. Flashbacks of childhood flitted through Siduri's mind and she found herself snarling as well. A guttural growl ripped from the pastel marked woman's chest, hackles raised and teeth flashing. She lifted a rock and sent it arcing upwards, hopefully slamming into the face of the worm. If she could get it on land, she was going to fucking kill it. Call it revenge for her leg and for the horrors that her father still battled.

"speech"

coded by NachoMumma

Illusion stood at the edge of the freshly made crater, watching the chaos unfold with an expression that hovered between amusement and morbid curiosity. The heat was suffocating, but she paid it no mind. She was here by choice. She had wanted to enter the fire and see if it would be the crucible she craved.

The eruption and fury of the creature was such a sight it stole her breath away. It was insanity. It was thrilling.

Standing there, unflinching, she whispered under her breath, her voice a rasp lost to her wonder. “So beautiful.” Silvery eyes were wide, almost soft with adoration. She imagined biting it would melt her face off, and a part of her wished to test that theory.

Her sharp eyes narrowed, locked on the thrashing, flame spitting creature. But shall she? Could she? What could anyone do but marvel? Perhaps she would wait and see, enjoy the show.


"Illusion Nightwing"

Shoal had decided to lead however many of their siblings they could out past the borders of the pack. At first with no specific goal in mind but as they picked up a familiar scent they had adjusted course. Following the young scion though from a distance. Things had apparently been weird lately. They didn't really know, they just knew the adults were all on edge and the sky was red. Far as they could tell nothing else was really happening. The small parade marched onward, Shoal taking point until a familiar form came into view. Shoal hadn't yet really interacted with her yet but it was hard to miss the walking rainbow.

And what was that? Shoal stopped short, head tilting to the side. A real big... Worm? It looked all fiery and stuff. Was the scion throwing rocks at it? Shoal chuckled. Not sure if the worm "deserved" it but amused by the aggression all the same. Not that they were going to get involved, instead they raised their voice in support. "You show em'!"

"Speech"

Art by Sin

Kaira couldn't believe she had let Shoal convince them that this was a good idea... So far she hadn't even left pack lands yet! But here she was going on an expedition with her Shoal and possibly some of her other siblings! Right now she is paying attention as she trudges behind her sibling. The sky was odd she guessed, but honestly, she didn't know what it was supposed to look like! All she had ever seen was the red sky! She almost ran straight into Shoal's butt as she stopped, ears pinning for a moment as she let out a dramatic huff. Before she peeked around her sibling's form to find out why they stopped, and then her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her. That was TERRIFYING. She watched as Siduri fought the creature, she was the only one she recognized fully. But the other lady had a smell that was familiar, maybe a possible relative? She wasn't sure and she still didn't know all the ways to tell. "What are we gonna do Shoal... I don't wanna fight that thing." she whined, as she spoke to her sibling. Although she would never leave them behind. "Talk"

Rot Gut Whiskey's Gonna Ease My Mind

Tarnish gripped onto his tree, claws sinking in deep as the earth shook violently once more. It reminded him of the earthquakes that shook their land when the spires rose up. Except this one felt closer, much closer. Well, he couldn't just ignore that. Calling his companions Tarnish scrambled up the tree to gather his things. Making sure he had his armor and weaponry he shimmied down the tree and onto the earth.

As he wandered toward the source of the quakes, the Barren Hills, he didn't see spires but instead wafts of smoke rising into the air. What the hell? When he arrived he could barely make sense of what he was seeing. In the center of a massive ring of molten rock was a worm. A giant fucking worm! He couldn't even contemplate how that thing was alive, how it seemed to be right at home in the molten rock.

Tarnish had no intention of tangling with that thing until he saw is sister Siduri as well as two of the young pups. Well fuck… he couldn't just stand there gawking. His obsidian claws slipped from his paws, his hackles raising as the ring of quicks around his neck stood on end and ready. Tarnish caught sight of a jagged, smoldering stick. Grabbing it in his jaws he stood perpendicular to the worm. He stretched his neck back and whipped his head sharply to the side to send the sharp end of the stick sailing toward the base of the worm's head.

Should she have been here? Probably not. But she had followed her brother Tarnish. For all his attitude and sharp comments towards her. She knew that if he saw her, he would've probably had something to say. More than likely something in protest or doubt upon her skills. Upon arriving the quiet girl noted the others, most of which seemed to be family. There wouldn't be much time to chit-chat; there was a monster here. Something she had never seen before, and it seemed quite upset. She wanted to leave.

Wanted to just get her family out of there and protect them.

Her gaze flitted towards the youngest, a brown girl with azure hues. Another brown pup...

No, they shouldn't be here!

"Hey!", she called towards them as she ran full speed, her voice soft from lack of use, "Come back here with me. Please! I have to protect you! I won't let any harm come your way." Yelling felt foreign in her throat. Too much vibration. But she knew the pups were better off staying out of the way. Safer for them too. Event though she herself was a pup, she was an older one. One more skilled, more trained.

"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

Things, strange and beyond explanation had been happening all over the continents and Gruesome had to find out what was going on. Well, technically, it is his smarter brother, Rory that wants to figure out what is happening but, wherever he goes, his hulking lummox of a sibling isn’t far behind. Not that his twin likely thinks of him as stupid, or if he does, he doesn’t say anything. No, Gru has thought that of himself for a while since he always seems to be tripping over his paws and it takes him a little longer to catch on to things.

Still, when Rory had wished to traveled, the huge yearling had been quick to agree and, with his smaller half safely concealed in his scruff, Gruesome had set out for lands beyond the borders of their home. It isn’t terribly difficult to find the huge crater, fresh and open like a festering wound on the hide of the earth and he cautiously pulls them closer to it. As they grow nearer, he stops and lowers himself to the ground, ears perked and nose working, to allow Rory time to clamber down to the ground.

Scanning the area, a tongue like creature suddenly bursts up from the fiery depths of molten earth and screams its displeasure to the world. Several things happen at once, wolves that had been gathering around leap into action and two begin hulling loose rocks at the beast. Instinctively, he puts his taller body between the fiery worm and his sibling while he scans the others and tries to come up with a plan of action. Gaze lands on several pups and he quickly forms an idea, calling over his shoulder to Terror, “There are pups! See if you can gather them together and keep them away from the creature. I’ll help the other wolves who are attacking.”

His voice is determined, strong and, if it wasn’t cracking from the wonderful thing known as puberty, it might have even been authoritative. Without waiting for a reply, he launches forward, barreling toward the closest chunk of rock and gathers it in his mouth before hurling it toward the angry worm. As it leaves his maw, he yells loudly, trying to draw its attention away from the other attackers in the hopes that the older wolves might be able do more damage than he could… or something.


"Gruesome Nightwing"

Art & Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

In the chaos and confusion of the sink hole Hikaru had lost contact with Mortis, though he held as tightly as he could to their sweet Odette, hopeful to get her somewhere safe. Finally he thought he had found some peace, and he had left her safely in a tree. His next order of business was to find Mortis. Panic held him in a strong grip, but they had to reunite for their daughter.

He heard a calamity, and rushed onward, uncertain if perhaps Mortis had found his way underground to them here. When he arrived he could scarcely believe his eyes. A giant worm with fire erupting from its jowls was facing off against a mass of young puppies. Already one of the younger wolves was placing himself between the deadly worm and the youths, and Hikaru couldn’t help but do the same. If the worm made it past them it would be heading straight for Odette. He couldn’t let that happen.

The koi wolf raced forward to stand beside Gruesome, putting himself between certain death and the young wolf pups.


"Speech"

Lazuli's eyes widened in awe and wonder, to see such occurrence.. Yet fear was no where to be found, only curiosity and wish to see what this was about off. The young woman stood at a safe distance, finding some more wolves already there. New friends! She approached, one of them sharing the same scent as herself, were they from Hellborn too? It seemed like it and it excited her!

She stood by his side. "This shall be fun!" A wicked sense of fun, yet nothing seemed to bother her. Wondering of they even had a chance to take that thing out. Becoming a ghost could be possible today.

"speech"

code by shaz - Icon by Resin

Man... what the hell? Kaija was starting to feel like she couldn't catch a break. She found the world once again beginning to shake, like something was angry and fuming just beneath the surface of the ground- she felt her gravitational pull being dragged toward this strange new land, noting the scent of others that had been drawn here too. Strange...

She approached the group with caution, noting the other wolves before she noticed the strange monstrosity that towered over them. One wolf was familiar, and the smell of Raiders was ever-present here. All thoughts of her former pack were pushed away though when she took in the reason for everyone coming here though.

A gargantuan worm thing had emerged from a fiery pit, stretching as tall as a tree, with strange tendrils that reached in various directions. The FUCK? Kaija had seen some strange shit before, but this... this was really something. Easily the strangest thing she'd ever seen.

The wolves who'd come to see this beast were all already beginning to attack it. It seemed a good enough plan as any, though as she grew closer she could feel the heat emanating from the pit and she feared what it might feel like to fall in. Kaija shuddered, pushing away those needless worries. She didn't care to jump in and help protect the pups who had made their way here- where were their parents, anyway?- but she did care about putting on a good show.

Without waiting for much longer than was necessary, Kaija lunged forward, aiming to lash out at whatever piece of the beast she could. She hoped her teeth could find flesh that leaned over the edge of the fiery pit, not keen on jumping right into molten lava unless that was her only option.

Don't go down without a The pied starry fae had been on another mission to Boreas when everything went to hell and a handbasket. The worm erupting was seen from afar, and her ears pinned. She was quick to dart into the area. Her fur stood on end as her two companions also cam upon the scent with her. It was unnatural and shouldn't be here. Her eyes also took in those gathered, falling on Bellamy as the woman hucked a stone at it. It was decided then. Like the spitfire she was she was rushing forward towards Bellamy's side and snatching her own rock to chuck. A bark to try to get its attention as she ran around the side of the crater, throwing the rock at its ugly mug. The bark bringing Charlie at it, the raven diving and using his claws to attempt to scratch the beast across an eye, only for the bird to take it in a drive by, aiming to make it confused. Neither Trixy nor frank were gonna let this monstrosity go across boreas or auster. They all had a stake in this and she would be damned if she let it go today. They needed to either kill it or drive it back into the hell it came from. Walk, "Talk", Think Fight, little wolf, fight, little wolf

_{Code by Asena}

"Why'd you guys have to go and leave without me," Tide grumbled, racing to catch back up with his siblings. How fucking rude. Racing off after them, panting the whole while, they head south. Sure, they could try to shake him from their tails, but it was more likely they really hadn't noticed. For once, he's not letting Davey drag him around. No, for now, he's chasing after the rest of his siblings. Annoying, by the way.

This... hadn't been here a few days ago, the last time Tide had been down here. Wild. Wack as hell, actually. Not only that, an incredibly salty worm burst from the earth and that was... shiiiit dude. Sid was already springing into action, so what's one more? Tide charges in on her heels, too excitable for any sort of strategizing. Bite first, ask questions later. The boy swings wide, going for a section relatively clear of the big, snappy, bitey mouth.

"speech"

coded by NachoMumma

Following the heavy scent of Raiders with a sigh building in his chest, Sakana's ears folded back at the heavy scent of sulphur. Urgh, Modesty would bitch about this for years... When he picked up on the scent of two of his younger siblings, his exhaustion only grew. The only silver lining was that at least Siduri was there to keep them all in line.

He arrived on scene to find Siduri and Tarnish going for the creature with a growing audience... and the fucking Ethne wolf. Fuck, where was Gil when he needed him? Sending his lapwing to try and help Lyra herd the younglings back. Sakana's lip pulled back at the monochrome male who wanted to round up the pups, "The fuck you will, their own are here to mind them," The worm was hardly the biggest and scariest thing on the field with Siduri here to reckon with. At least Kaija was true to form and here to join the fight. "Yer'd be more help bringin down the threat rather than worryin' about kids that aren't your problem."

Powder blue eyes looked towards the worm, and back to the pups. He trusted Lyra would raise enough hell if anyone made a move. He sent his monkey to help the near yearling, and his bird peeled off and began to circle the worm, looking for an opening. Ah fuck he was not a fighter, but he cracked the bones in his neck and rolled his shoulders. "If anythin' happens to us, yer better run home fast."

Picking his target, low to the ground, Sakana joined the fray with Tide. Where did its head end and its abdomen even begin? Could you disembowel a worm?

"speech"

It was supposed to be a Calliope and Siduri day. Not a fight a fucking blazing lava fire worm day. Or keep an eye on annoying little brothers or other Raider pups. Who by the way were being rounded up by who? Lyra sure, but not Raider wolves? Touching her Raider pups? Not while she was around.

Bristling with only a fury that Calliope could muster, she pauses when Sakana's voice pipes up. Ah, yes, let healy boy deal with the whelps. She had better things to deal with. Like said blazing lava fire worm. Her hardened pastel gaze lingers on the two older wolves who were attempting to help Lyra. Everything she meant was said in that glare. Touch them and it won't be the worm killing you today.

Satisfied that the youngest would be safe, Calliope turns her attention to the other older Raiders. She looks to Kaija, an odd feeling rippling through her chest. She was okay. Scylla hadn't harmed her after all, but why hadn't she come home? Her brows draw together. Now wasn't the time. Turning to look at Tarnish, Sakana, Tide, and Siduri, Calliope assesses from a distance. Everyone seemed to be throwing at it minus Kaija who leaped to attack any part of it.

From the top of the writhing worm as splatters of lava spread around down toward the burnt charcoal crater that sizzled and steamed, Calliope looks for a weakness. Any weakness. From the corner of her eye, she sees a familiar wolf that is on the Raider death list. Should she push her in? Sacrifice the old bitch to the worm? Wouldn't that be satisfying? A smirk begins to form on her pale lips as she slinks closer to Bellamy. "You're lucky there's a crowd," she hisses to Bellamy, a cackle rising into the chaotic air before Calliope moves on. No, she'd spare the woman for now. Let the worm do its job.

Looking once more to her siblings as she walks slowly toward the edge of the crater, she ignores the way the ground warms beneath her paws. How the ground trembles with each movement of the worm. It was clear that the worm was pissed. Infinitely agitated and ready to suck them into hell with it. But what if she could get out? She survived the worm from her nightmares. Why couldn't she survive this one? Seeking still, Calliope notices the rim of a hole deeper within the crater. Was it possible to make it there? Was that the worm's weak spot? Compared to that of its lava shrouded tendrilled head?

Careful to avoid the open pits of flame that lick along her legs, Calliope greets the edge of the crater and begins a descent downward. The hard rock is far hotter than out on the surface. Ten fold hotter and suddenly she's regretting her decision, but there's no turning back now. If she can get as closer to the worm as possible, maybe she can hit its weak spot. Quickly now, Calliope used her long legs and light frame to move closer to the worm. Leaping over flame and coal, she aims for the worm's belly, the space between its legs or whatever those weird looking things were. Her teeth seek to make impact, sink into whatever skin or scale it had. Dead or alive, she would bring the beast down.

"speech"

coded by NachoMumma

Ultyr finally had to admit that the world was constantly rocking and shifting. And that he was not feeling well. He had ignored it for a while as just a feature of these new lands but he could not ignore the blast wave that ripped through the southern territories. Nor that his body was fighting some kind of sickness through him.

Leaving Lailah behind he invited Ganymede, saying that there will probably be some prey skittering away from the epicenter so they could take the opportunity to hunt. Might be easy pickings.

At least that's what he had hoped. His curiosity was piqued as he saw a growing crowd around a strange hot crater. This must have been the cause of the crater. He sniffed at the ground as he approached until his eyes crested the edge. His fur immediately bristled at the sight. His muscles taught and ready. He glanced at Ganymede, suddenly regretting his decision to invite him. He needed to keep them both safe. He watched as a enraged pastel woman threw a rock at the writhing bubbling creature and a black male egg her on.

"It's like a fucking mythical monster from the books." He murmured aside to Gany. He narrowed his eyes at the beast, seeing if he could spot kind of weakness, but he assumed the bubbling lava in it would be horrendously hot, the carapace difficult to dig into. But what a prize it would be to fight it. Maybe he could take a chunk of it back to Lailah. Have her make him some nail caps with the obsidian on its back. If indeed that's what it was.

"I want a piece of it." He growled and stepped into the circle of hot stones, looking for an opening to dash in and grab one of its many legs.

"Do Not Enter" is written on the doorway Why can't everyone just go away? There it was again, the ground shifting and sliding like some great beast was restless. It was something he had noticed more and more often if he was honest. It put a feeling of nervousness in his stomach that sat heavy, and he almost wished he had stayed back with Lailah and enjoyed the hot springs more. Instead, he had taken the invitation extended from Ultyr, hoping to get to know the other more. He couldn't be entirely bad, not from what he had seen of him so far, conceited and arrogant yes, but not cruel like his father. So he took it when the ground had started up its trembling and the offer to go hunting whatever ran from the quakes was extended. An easy meal was an easy meal and they had the wisp to feed back at home, and she was eating for more than one after all. So moving on long steps to keep pace with the other’s longer stride as they approached the crater. Likely the thing causing the quakes in the region. It was the sweltering heat that made him falter, ears pressing forward at the noise of other voices and the bubbling, gurgling roar from…something near the center. Ganymede did wish he had stayed back when he caught sight of the beast surrounded by other wolves, eyes wide as he just stared ahead almost unseeing. "It's fucking terrible, why are they so close to i-" His voice cut off at the words that left Ultyr’s mouth. What in the names of the gods’ did he think he was doing? Stuck watching for a moment as the brute rushed into the fray, alone, as if risking his life was worth whatever fame came from fighting this thing. Arrogant like always and now here he was having to throw himself into it all after him. Paws scrambling on hot stones underfoot, nails skidding and struggling to keep a grip as he moved opposite of Ultyr. Ganymede kept his head ducked as he searched for any opening to rush for one of the black skittering legs. All of this felt so dangerous but he couldn't let himself dwell on that in the heat of it, simply act and avoid getting in the way of others. Teeth gnashing on open air with his first strike before he lunged for the 'softer' body near what he could only assume was the beast's belly. Walk, "Talk", Think, ’Others Speaking’ Except you, you can stay.

By then Oki kinda had an idea what was going on. He'd fought a worm before so he wasn't entirely freaked out by it in theory at least, but the infection stuff and the sickness? Yeah, couldn't say he was fond of that at all. It gave him Long Night vibes, a part of his life that he didn't really wanna remember- a lot of shit happened back then. Bad shit.

And still, he followed the scent of smoke south, found the gathering of wolves and-okay yeah, that worm wasn't exactly like the one he'd fought seasons ago. Meaner, bigger, on fire.

"Ayo are we doing this? For real?" Cause the general vibe he got was that a lot of folks here wanted a piece of the worm. To end it before it could hurt those they cared for. "Fair enough."

Like the others who had already launched themselves into the fray, he drove forward and leapt up, attempting to grab a hold of the whiskery, tentacle looking tendrils.

Boggy had to be in on the adventure. Shoal had suggested it, and mom hadn't told them to not to, she just said not to get killed. And they wouldn't! Probably. Mom said their other mother would be very cross if they went to join her in the dead land any time soon. Then they'd get grounded.

But anyway! The pack was boring, and Shoal's suggestion to leave it was not, so Boggy was game. Kiara joined too. And Tide. Boggy got distracted a few times on the way, and found a good chewing stick halfway there. By the time he rolled up, his siblings were already there. Including Sakana.

They were around the big lava pool and there was a giant thing flopping around. Other wolves were there - oh hey Siduri! - and seemed pretty pissed at the thing. Then more wolves showed up - hiii Tarnish! - and another pup who was yelling about leaving. Leave? Kiara didn't wanna fight, sure, but run away? From something as cool as this? Dumb incredulity fell on Bog's face. "Fuck that, I wanna watch!" He knew 'fuck that' from his mother and immediately picked it up. The word fuck in general was pretty great.

More adults upset about pups. More bodies in between them and the honestly pretty fucking cool worm thing. Ugh. Boggy squirreled away as much as he could without drawing attention to himself. He wanted to see the adults fight! Maybe he could steal a lava rock!

Astraios wasn’t sure exactly what led him here, but he arrived on the tail end of what already seemed to be a decent group Gathering. It took him another moment to see why, and when he didn’t, he couldn’t unsee it. A giant, slithering… something. A part of him wanted to call it a worm, but there was no way in hell that creature fit the description. It didn’t even match the odd earthy giant worm he had seen in the tree top that strange dream ago…

No, this was something different. Something that seemed spawned from hell. With a snarl, Strai did what many of the other gathering wolves were doing. He attacked. He aimed for the base, close to the tail as was visible so far. Keeping far from the flaming head as he attempted to strike his cheek spurs across its scales.


"Speech"