Triss didn’t know what was happening in this land, but things were a mess, and creatures were running amok. Or so it seemed. First the strange stone pillars, and now this? She wasn’t sure what she had stumbled upon, but she could see she wasn’t the only one. The tiny asthmatic girl took in a couple cautious breaths, worried that this strange creature might be something that could spit pollen or something else equally dangerous to her.

As she watched, wolves started interacting with it in different ways. Some gave it offerings, some observed, and others yet attacked. What did Triss want to do? For now, she would watch, and see what happened.


"Speech"

The worm pauses its forward match as it senses the offering laid before it. The freshly killed rabbit catches its attention. Its many eyes slowly blink, focusing on Star for a moment before it moves forward and begins to devour the offering, its multi-toothed maw parting and revealing glistening fangs as the rabbit disappears in one messy gulp.

Loamy soil is disturbed as it drags itself forward once more, seemingly placated- at least for a moment. Its weight makes the earth beneath it tremble, unable to withstand the bulk of its body, spiderweb cracks rippling out from its form through the ground. Cerberus slips and falls as the ground beneath him begins to buckle; he's thrown backwards, sliding down into the small crevasse, his lower spine scraping painfully along rocks and debris beneath the soil.

The relative peace is disturbed as soon as someone charges the worm. An ungodly sound leaves its mouth, still dripping with blood from the offered rabbit- its head raises toward the sky, sending a loud shriek echoing far across the island.

If peace was ever a possibility, it certaintly isn't any longer.

The worm moves forward quickly, and it seems the onlookers underestimate the sheer speed with which it moves. One of its clawed tendrils lash out, swiping lightly across Idris's chest, enough to leave a wound dripping with blood; Kaizen isn't able to dodge it as it makes to retract, swiping across the back of his neck and leaving a deep laceration there.

Feeling more attacks unleashed upon it, the worm lurches forward, colliding with a tree with enough force to send splintered branches raining down from above. One limb strikes Hanaryō's right side, leaving a gouging wound that briefly knocks the wind out of her; another sends Oath toppling down, scraping the right side of his jaw in the process.

Another appendage goes whipping out, catching Morticia's left front leg, slicing deep into the inner portion of her limb.

The worm retracts itself slightly, its many eyes blinking in unison as it scopes out its surroundings- and then again it goes moving fast, barrelling forward and revealing even more of its elongated body as it moves to strike.

(Star has found an item, Black Cat's Foot; Sorcerer has found an item, Pup Mutation Pass; they have been added to your respective OOC accounts.)

With the rabbit placed before the walking plant, Star had backed away. It seemed as though that would be the end of it, but then all hell broke loose. Wolves came out of the woodwork, most of them attacking the creature. Star winced, lip curling back in distaste. Why was it always "bite first and ask questions after?" The slender woman stayed where she was, blue eyes locked on the scene that unfolded before her.

Wolves went flying as the massive creature showed them who was boss. Star paid no mind to any of them. Instead, she moved off to the side, using some of the jungle for cover. Blue eyes could still see everything that was going on, but she would mostly be out of harms way. Hadn't the idiots realized that the beast wasn't dangerous until they made it that way? Their hubris would be their downfall.

"Starchild"

Nares flare picking up the scents of others as they gathered closer, first a ivory and ebony vixen who appeared slightly smaller than his frame, then another of greys blacks and whites mixed in but scarce. The scent of Azriel soon struck him, casting his gaze towards the brute whom was bound to his sister. Glad to see that she wasn't within sight, but knowing all too well that she would be here shortly, if she already wasn't. His own vocals echo out in the direction of Azriel. "We can not act in haste, and we all must stay vigilant." He looks to the others whom already gathered close. Pools soon turn to spot another coming to the scene, a brute with horns upon his skull, a nod was offered towards the unknown of burnt orange and blacks with hints of greys and those large horns, he couldn't continue to ponder on how one was designed with the graces of gods to have horns. Because some of his family also had some.

Then another woman, a woman that he didn't know with a feline pelt just like his own family. Who began to attack it, horror filtered Vaynes facial features a low warrant of a hissing growl filtered threw in the direction of the woman with goldish markings. Then another came into view appearing a greyish white due to lighting. This one spoke about corralling it. Something Vayne was already thinking. There was enough heavy vines that they could all use if they worked together as a team. ""I'm glad to see another thinking about corralling this thing, what ever you want to call it. There's enough heavy vines that we could use amongst other things."

It made the most sense in all honesty. Then another visitor, this one his sister Atreyu. Oh hell fucking no! He growled at her, in her direction, wanting her no where near this beast. But he wasn't in no shape or form to tell her what to do. No, he'd just have more on his plate protecting her. His hackles rose slightly looking towards the beautiful creature before them. A nod given, knowing what Atreyu had meant.

He quickly moved towards that of the white and orange painted woman who peered into the hole. His voice speaking directly at her but in a gentle manner." "Be careful, and back away please. Don't need no one injured with a threat so close." His cyan eyes soon turn back to the worm, then another albino woman who had plants growing out of her. What the hell was going on. Sure, she was pretty, and reminded him of Fairytale, thankful it wasn't the yearling his sister had come to love.

A black and white brute appeared shortly after the one with plants. As he also began to attack. There was no stopping them from attacking, knowing that it would only anger the beast all together. The earthen brute stands there as another with horns come into view just slightly and then a wolf who reminded him of the passing skies and backed away from the female unknown to himself. Appearing that they known one another.

More wolves appeared. And began to attack as he watched a female who stated Morticia help Widow! He looked towards the other female painted like a feline. Widow and Morticia. Interesting as he cast his gaze back to Atreyu. Another showed but didn't truly show itself yet. Then fuck! Oath arrived.

His gaze cast to his brother, feeling the prayer leave that of his brothers vocal cords. He should be up resting with Fairytale, what was he doing?! But he listens to Oath speak out, " We are stronger together, and together we will defeat anything in our way." A few others showed up along with Alaric. Listening to him speak out, left Vayne offer a nod.

This didn't make sense to him though as another small woman arrived, with a lionlike tail. It made no sense, none at all to Vayne but he was not about to sit here and question the gods and goddesses actions. He couldn't.

He watched as the worm began to move about. He looked over towards the woman whom offered a rabbit, a fresh kill to the beast. Wondering if she'd be able to catch some more stuff for the thing to eat upon. Looking quickly to Atreyu then to Oath. He'd slink into the shadows finding that of thick enough vines to try and make a corral type deal.

CODE BY SIN

In the years that had passed since Avalon’s disbanding, Milo had spent his time pursuing his passion of anthropology and archaeology, traveling the world over in search of ruins of the Lost Species. He had been across the globe, seen sights untold, found relics of all sorts, and had adventures a-plenty! But now in his twilight years, all the elder wolf wanted to do was return to the ruin-rich lands of Ardent for one final tour before he retired for good. He had many good memories in these lands; they felt like a fitting place for him to spend the remainder of his life.

Crossing the channel on an old ferry system to the massive ruins on the island, Milo stepped onto the weathered dock, the sea air tousling his graying fur, turned salt and pepper by age. Though slower in his pace, Milo still walked with the purpose of a wolf young at heart up towards the jungle-laden ruins. This place surely would house a treasure trove of artifacts for him to find! With enthusiasm in his heart, the older wolf followed the mossy stone paths up into the heart of the island, blissfully ignorant of what horrors he was about to witness.

It was only once he got deeper into the jungle that he heard the screams of panic. His mirth died immediately, but he didn’t run away. Milo instead hurried in the direction of the sounds. If someone needed help, he wasn’t about to leave them to fend for themselves. What if they’d fallen in the ruins and broken a leg, or gotten pinned under some rubble? Nope. The truth was far more horrifying. Pushing through some dense ferns, Milo found the group of wolves fighting… what the hell was that thing?!

"Oh dear heavens! What in the unholy hell is that?!" the old wolf exclaimed, tossing his bag of artifacts aside to rush forward to try and help any of the injured back to their feet. "Keep your distance everyone! Use the ruins for cover!" Milo was no fool. He’d encountered large, dangerous predators before and managed to get away each time. But this thing… this was the largest threat he’d ever seen. There was no way they could hope to kill it. Fleeing was their only feasible option.

Kaizen hissed in pain as he felt something sharp slash across the back of his neck. Thankfully, it was the loose scruff of skin, or else it would have been much, much worse. But it was quickly becoming apparent that this situation was far more dire than anything the yearling could have anticipated- that they really ought to leave, because the risk- his gaze snapped to Hanaryō and his eyes widened in alarm. Not his sister.

What would Hattori do in this situation? Kaizen's mind felt...foggy almost, overwhelmed by all that was going on, how terrible things were no doubt about to get. Barrelling forward, Kaizen moved to grapple one of the tangling vines, he wasn't sure if he even was strong enough to fight and win, but he had to try. What choice did he have?

table coding by bunni ♥

Morticia help Widow! She heard as she was attacking, a familiar face but one she was no longer sure she could trust. Children of Medusa were likely loyal to her, yes? Widow chose not to hold Medusa's actions against the child, but she remained wary and focused on the beast instead as it lurched forward and into a tree, sending branches down upon others and injuring a few with it's appendages. Widow was lucky to be unharmed, but she doubted that she would be leaving her today without some sort of permanent reminder of this experience.

Again she charged towards the worms side, aiming to sink her fangs into it's flesh yet again and tug backwards to rip open the earlier wound even further. After seeing what those appendages could do, she kept her eyes flicking back and forth to check on them, hoping she could jump out of the way should one lash at her, but given her proximity, even she knew her chances were slim.

Speech ─ Think

─ by Skelle !

The woman with feline spots questions him, but Idris isn't given a chance to even think of an answer. Several wolves began to attack the beast without it even showing aggression. Why would they be so... quick to deem this thing a monster? It appeared as one yet, but were they not the same if they were going to behave worse? More wolves approached, attacking without planning, without thinking. Idris grew more furious with their idiocy. Of course, he had no idea of the other worms, the disease, everything else. He had been hiding out on the island for some time now, keeping to himself. Why couldn't the worm keep to itself too?

He watches as the worm-monster-beast accepts the rabbit. It seems to enjoy the meat and attempts to continue until the barrage of violence infuriates it. Idris' eyes widen as he witnesses wolves around him become injured. And apparently, next is his turn. Without any time to react, a tendril whips in his direction, slashing across his chest. Pain radiates out from the wound as blood slides down his white fur. Anger builds as he focuses his attention on the worm. How dare it be so bold as to attack him without prompting!

Surging forward, Idris joins the fray. Tuning out the rest, he looks for the smartest place of attack. If they whittle it down, slowly tear it apart, surely it would be no match for how many wolves had gathered. Leaping forward, he aims for the closest tendril, willing his teeth to grasp around the flying appendage as if his life depended on it.

The crushing weight, the overwhelming force, it's enough to fling the small yearling to the ground. A wound, and an even deeper pain blooming beneath it. Breath knocked clear from her lungs, Hanaryō gasps. Trying to get her breath back, as she staggers to her feet. Scrambling, gaze swimming as she refocuses on Kaizen. Adults bellowing, yelling, trying to give them some kind of direction. It only fuels Ryo in the opposite direction, rallying against whatever they were trying to tell her. She pushes the notion down, bats it away without a second thought. Defiance surging in the girl, as she doubles down. The beast had swatted her away once, but she wasn't done. Hot on her brother's heels, she attaches to the same vine Kaizen has. Lower to the ground, snarling as she digs her teeth into it. Fleshy. Gross.

Asahi, from her place at the hole the worm had come from, saw nothing as she peered into the abyss. But the worm was still ariving, long and seemingly never ending. She was far enough from the front and the other attackers that they may not have noticed her. Though she saw through the trees that planty of folk where fighting it. From behind she launched at the long strange worm, attmepting to crush her teeth into the green length, hoping to avoid its forward vines and distract it from attacking the others! She dug her claws into the sand for traction and braced her shoulder foreward to give her more momentum. She attemptingto dig into the beast with her teeth and claws simultaneasly.

Speech // thought // Nihongo

Holographic eyes scan quickly around the crowd, picking out some familiar faces as she did so, but her eyes snapped back to the worm in seconds. Horror fills her as one of the vines from the creature crashed into a nearby tree, one of the limbs falling onto her brother, Oath. The sound she made didn't sound like it came from her, it was somewhere between a roar and a scream, but to her ears it sounded distant. That was enough for her, and she wanted to go attack the worm for even inadvertently harming her brother, but Bigs held her back. 'That thing will kill you, keep your head!' The little dog made sense, but Atreyu didn't want to accept that sense right now. Looking to Oath, Atreyu chooses instead to stand over her downed brother. She would defend him if he couldn't defend himself against the monster they all faced. With so many choosing violence, they wouldn't have any other choice but to fight the angered thing. Atreyu couldn't leave her brother down though, and she would stand over him until he regained his paws.

"Talk." || Think || 'Hear.'

code by bird, art by alo

I'M GONNA EAT YOU, Laniatus relishes in the feeling of success as his teeth dig into the plant-like flesh of the worm, he burrows his nails deeper into it. Hanging onto it as he rips through the flesh of the creature, pleased to see his attack had landed and done well. Then out of the corner of his eye, he spots the all too familiar white blur of his father, and an excited growl roars out of his chest, as he peels his teeth away from the worm's flesh. A grin grew on his lips, a rarity saved for few, and his father was one even more deserving of it than them. "Father! I'd say I'm ecstatic to see you, but I am just a little busy now. After this, thing is taken care of let's catch up!" He roars over the beast, eyes gleaming with bloodlust and the thrill of seeing his father. Lani buckles down, watching as the worm throws others, slashes into some, and injures strangers. As long as it was not his father he gave no fucks, so instead he focused back on the injury he had already created. Hunkering his body closer to the beast to try and avoid its lashes, he aims to open his maw wide and dig into its flesh. Planning to burrow his way into it, creating a large enough wound it might bleed out. Although, he wasn't quite sure it was capable of it. Eh, he'd figure it out as he went. "Speech" COOK AND DEFEAT YOU

coded by medi

Wolves launches themselves at the lumbering plant-worm while Sorcerer quietly positions himself behind the beast before attacking its iridescent scale covered back. Teeth grab ahold of the strange body and he trashes his head as the creature rages, hitting several wolves and drawing blood while he tears open a wound on its back. The copper tang of blood fills the air and causes panic to flare in his chest as he worries that this… thing might bring harm to the doorstep of his new home.

A snarl rolls past his lips as he releases his hold, readjusting his stance before he is lunging forward once more to grab ahold of the wound that he has already made. Sore hopes to widen the wound and cause some real damage to this thing so that the group will have a better chance of bringing this thing down. No matter what, the monochrome man cannot allow this strange beast to leave this place alive.

His future depends on it.


"Sorcerer Vyle-Klein"

It only took a few moments for the worm-like creature to attack and it did with horrifying speed. Gossamer's ears pinned to her head as the beast shrieked before started slashing at the wolves that attacked it. The stench of flood stained the air and Gossamer briefly wondered if she should simply flee. Most of these wolves didn't mean anything to her and this thread seemed insurmountable. Besides, she'd been doing a lot of fleeing lately… and yet… her tongue ran over the top of her mouth where she could still taste the blood of her captors. Fleeing brought temporary relief but left the stain of fear on her mind that she might be found once more. The death of her enemies brought a deeper relief. They could now only haunt her from beyond the grave. If they did not slay this beast now what then? Would it move through the land and slay any that crossed its path? Would it cast a shadow over them? Over her?

Crouched in the brush behind the worm she kicked off hard, her coiled limbs launching her at the beast's back. Her saber fangs bared she aimed to dig deep into the back of the beast and latch herself there. Her clawed gauntlets reached out to pierce flesh and anchor her to her opponent.

Strange. He watches one girl offer the creature a morsel, too small to be very nutritious—and yet it takes the offering with some form of… sentience, perhaps. He doesn’t dwell long on that fact though seeing as hell breaks loose moments later. Instead he keeps a steady pace at the beast’s side, watching the attacks and the yelling of protestation from a few select wolves. Circus, monkeys, Setekh cares not.

Setekh’s molten gaze glowed with amusement as his son’s voice rang out above the chaotic mash up of noise and violence. Laniatus’ excited growl and that devilish grin were just as he recalled, layered with thrill and loyalty. A good son, a heart after his own. Setekh chuckled softly at his son’s words, the sound deeply satisfied. His tail swayed behind him as he watched his son’s assault on the beast, purposefully escalating the situation. It seemed as though his dear Laniatus wanted nothing more than his pound of flesh today, and he’d have it.

“Busy, indeed.” Setekh murmured to himself, a grin spreading across his inky lips as his voice raised to address his son directly. “Perhaps I’ll join you.” He didn’t step forward, not yet. Instead, he lingered at the edge of the fray, molten eyes darting between the abomination and those who challenged it. He studied the worm’s movements, the lashing tendrils, the range it could strike and the speed of attacks. If it would be a fight, Setekh would cater to the bloodshed.

Then without further ado, the Ivory God lunged, flanking, aiming to take advantage of an already open gash, jaws snapping to tear at the hole and widen it further.

"speaking" | voices

Though Morticia charged, one of the appendages swung towards her, drawing blood. The sting of pain is pushed through thanks to adrenaline as Morticia rounds on the limb, seeking to toss herself down on top of it. Her dual colors eyes flash, feeling the drive as if she is hunting another beast. But this quarry was far more dangerous and larger than anything she’d faced before. Attempting to curl her limbs around it best she can, Morticia also tries to clamp her jaws down around the appendage before the beast can pull it back. She has no idea what level of force or strength it has, but she is determined to not let it get the better of her as blood runs down her inner leg and falls to the earth. "Speech," 'Thought.'

Suddenly the ground was caving from under him, and he was tumbling into the shifting rocks and soil that seemed to collapse all around him. A sharp pain struck along his back but he wasn't quite aware he was injured until he tried to climb up the steep terrain. Lips pulled back teeth to the stinging along his spine, but it wasn't something he couldn't handle in the heat of the moment. Still tense as his body leapt from bit of ground to the other, Cerberus rose from the grave that didn't claim him.

To the others who mentioned corralling the creature, he was on board. Not for the wolves who were still throwing themselves at the agitated plant-worm. "We can corral it to the buildings, but we will need to work together." Not everyone seemed on board with that. "Most of us will need to act as bait with a few pushing from the back." Wincing with the rush of pain again through his back he would move forward, trying to get the beast to look towards him. Hopefully he and a few others could get it's attention, and then they could start moving it into the trap. If they could back it up against a wall, then maybe they would have a chance.

"Cerberus"

Keep your friends close, Just a short expedition, that's all, a short one to a little island she had noticed a good distance away from shore. She could see the structures faintly that bobbed and tilted in the waves and if she was honest those really, really had her attention. It was that kind of thinking that had landed her on the shoreline sprawled out in the sand and nearly napping in the shadows of one of the behemoth vessels. Planning to find a way to skitter inside and look around for things that she could maybe take with her, she did need to get back to the mainland soon after all. I wonder if the north will have places like this… Quickly shaking off those thoughts to focus on the present, the red lass hauled herself back up to her paws and moved around the outside to peer up at one of the rotted windows. It was while figuring out how to get inside that an explosion of sound from somewhere else on the isle caught her attention instead. Ears perking up, Bishop stared hard at the surrounding foliage before shrugging to herself and taking off in that direction with quick steps. The soft sands quickly turned to sparse grass and loamy soil, and the noises grew louder with each second she got closer. Bellows, roars, and some….otherworldly sounding noise. The cracking of whole trees was nearly deafening and coming upon the scene was startling to say the least. Her mind took a moment to process the beast before her, plant-like and multi-eyed with a mouth full of razor like teeth. Something of nightmares and dreams that didn't look real, and the carnage it was causing to all of the wolves fighting against it. Skulking forward with her body low to the ground, she moved around the furthest outside of the group. Looking for an opening of any kind, wanting to help in any way that she could against this thing that clearly didn't belong here. And finding an opening she did, a sponge looking side turned to her and Bishop lunged for it, slipping by a towering woman with pink fur mottled with striping and a downed man sporting red fur and horns. "Hello, here to help!" She chimed, voice almost giddy at the prospect of getting to fight without being scooped up and hauled off away from danger. Baring her teeth, she latched into where her short stature would let her, ripping and tearing at the flesh she could reach. Playing it smart though, she didn't stick right in that spot, yanking her head back to try and take some of the flesh with her, Bishop made to retreat back to where the pink woman and fallen man were. Ears swiveled as she caught someone else talking about corralling the worm to the buildings on the island. There are BUILDINGS HERE? Those next, those next, stay focused Her thoughts are almost as loud as the creature but she turned her attention back to the fight at hand. Dropping the bleeding hunk of…plant matter? Worm flesh? It was of little importance though as she turned her eyes to the woman and what was likely her packmate, intent on letting them know of the possible plan she had caught and to see if maybe she wanted to move her fallen friend to safety. "Someone wants to corral it back towards the buildings, it might be a good idea to move him properly to safety. This spot here might be close to the danger, I can help if you want before I go play bait." Bishop offered, blinking up at the other. Walk, "Talk", Think but your enemies closer

It's not sin To the horror of the demigod none stopped. In fact even more came and went right to attacking the creature he could only assume to be a sign from the gods. A look of annoyance and anger planting itself on his face. Did these natives of this place have no respect for their claims of gods and signs? He watched as the creature turned violent. A narrowing of his eyes as it lashed out in self defense, hitting several. Served those that refused to allow a peaceful creature to exist. Heathens, they were all godless heathens. Quills stood and he watched with further anger as a tendril struck Oath. Atreyu went for her brother and Azriel's closest ally, a nod given from azriel. A look thrown as Vayne kept speaking and ordering others around. A snort given. His eyes went back to the worm. A growl rising as a tiny shrimp came and dropped a chunk of their gods holy work in front of Atreyu and Oath. Finally though the demigod moved. His tail lashing. The heathens were set on destroying Kiska's being but he was set on one thing only, keeping his own safe and casting blame for its anger to the heathens of this continent. If he had to slay a sign from Kiska then he supposedhe would, but hopefully his divine blood would earn him repentance. "Forgive me what I must do Kiska.... Atreyu take out its vines! Vayne get as many of its legs as possible! You tiny, go for its eyes!" and with that he pushed forwards jaws aiming to rip and tear at its vine like appendages on the left side of its face. Disarming it so the heathens would leave it be his priority. Walk, "Talk", Think or a murder for carnal disgrace

_{Art by Asena; lines by Bio-Zev}

Oath lay crumpled beneath the fallen tree limb, the sharp pain radiating from his jaw a stark reminder of his vulnerability. Blood dripped steadily from the slash on his face, staining the earth beneath him as his mind teetered on the edge of consciousness. He could barely make out the chaos around him - the shrieks of the worm, the cries of his family, and the sounds of battle blending into a dizzying cacophony.

His thoughts flickered to Kiska, the brightest light in the darkness, and he clung to the hope that her guidance would see them through. If he had any strength left, it was in trusting in the Judilian Band surrounding him. His body remained still, but deep within him, his faith for them burned.

"Speech"

Oath Morningstar

CODE BY SIN