Into the Depths: Investigating the Shimmering Shore Tunnels (Group 2)

Ludovic’s claws met slimy flesh before he dodged another wild lash of the worm's body, his focus locked even as the creature's rancid fluids clung to his fur. Each movement was a gamble, every step a desperate attempt to outpace the monster's wrath. To attack while keeping himself safe from harm. But in the middle of his dance, he caught sight of the horrifying trajectory of Mortis before the devastating blows landed. The image of the man being smashed against the walls, of wings being torn free—

“Fuck!” Ludovic’s voice cut through the chaos, broken with rage and disbelief as the beast seized Mortis. The brute he’d only known for this short horror. The brutal sounds of bone cracking, and flesh tearing filled the cavern, a disgusting squelch with every gulp. He wanted to look away but couldn’t. His mind screamed at him to act, to intervene. But the worm finished it’s meal too fast. And what could he have hoped to do?

Ludovic’s stomach churned, and his jaw clenched so tightly, claws digging into the ground where he stood, the worm’s fluids between his digits oozing up against his knuckles. His breaths came in sharp, ragged bursts, the boy’s fury bubbling to the surface of his usually calm demeanor. His mismatched eyes blazed, locked on the beast as it coiled defensively.

This was so fucked.

He straightened, forcing down the bile from his throat and steadying his trembling limbs. This was a first for him, to see something so grotesque. But this was what his mother had prepared him for. He hoped that Araxina, if she was facing the same peril, had the same strength. Fight, or die.

There was no room for hesitation, no time for mourning(if you could call it that). Ludovic surged forward with Deluge, his claws glinting despite the sickly coating of the worm’s blood. His strikes were swift, aimed at keeping the beast coiled, pinned, and vulnerable. Though his young body ached and his breath was labored, Ludovic fought harder, faster, each strike made by a desperate need to see the creature fall.

"speech"