356/Drawing out the Beast

Drawing out the Beast
Date of Scene:	06 August 2014
Location:	Soul Eater World
Synopsis:	It's time to draw in the target, and Medusa isn't below using one of her allies as the bait.
Cast of Characters:	22, 127, 232
Tinyplot:	The Hunter's Curse

---

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    Having received his orders, having had a chance to consider and to make his own alterations to the basic plan, he goes ahead and uses the code given to him for the purpose. D should receive a communications message, multiversal phone, from a sender he doesn't recognize. "Damn it, I hope this number's right. Hey, is this that D guy? The one that fought Miss Medusa? If Crona didn't come back after two hours, I was supposed to call you."

D (232) has posed:
    D is far away on another world whenever Kilik's call reaches his radio. He is no longer so surprised by the device crackling to life; although it was once rarely-used, his tenure in the Union had led to its much more frequent activation, an appalling annoyance until he grew accustomed to the faction's incessant chatter. The only oddity to raise his brow now is the unfamiliarity of the voice calling out to him, and the fact the voice has found his personal frequency.

    "Yes, this is D. Who is contacting me, and what does Crona have to do with your call?" His tone is cool, professional, and calm. He lacks curiosity, despite the subject raised by the unknown voice; he asks questions not for the sake of necessity, not desire. "Speak quickly, and be clear."

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    Kilik is in his homeland, though in a country only marginally familiar to him. Should any beacon or tracking program be used, the location isn't secret enough to be hidden from the record. "Kirikou Rung. Student at Death Academy, and ... well, kind of Crona's friend. Friend of Crona's friend anyways. Crona came to me asking help, then went into this place. I think Crona's sneaking around behind Miss Medusa's back, and hasn't come out of there yet! I don't imagine you give much of a damn what happens to Confederates, but Crona must've thought you'd be interested or something."

D (232) has posed:
    Kirikou Rung. The name rings a bell. Union reports would occasionally make mention of the youth, and his name was in the tournament's lists, too. Though Confederate, what little D knows about Kilik confirms the story, at least the part about where the student is from and what he is.

    A hard pull on the reins turns D's cyborg horse eastward. The road is departed in favor of a shorter trek across the wilderness, and he applies his spurs, goading the horse into an impossibly swift gallop. The wind pulls at his cloak, and can be heard like a faint howl over his next transmission.

    "I am proceeding to the nearest warpgate. Send your coordinates; I will be along as quickly as is possible."

    "Tell me what it is Crona left to do, and what place she has visited. Tell me everything you know."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Above the moon cackles ominously, partially illuminating the hillside in an eerie light though the clouds, not quite reaching all the shadows. Overall, it's quite a disturbing place to be this time of night, not just because of the darkness. The night air is filled with some sounds, mostly by the biting wind that sends a chill right to the bone. It howls around the trees, gripping at it as it rushes by.

    The ruins seem like a landmark, desolate stone spirals rising up from the dirt and gravel. Easily the size of a small village, the stone and rotting wood around the hilltop nearly make a maze of walls, fallen rubble and pillars. Navigating the area should be a challenge for most people, especially at night. In the middle of it all is a half fallen keep.

    This is where the distress signal has originated from, and that much should be clear for anybody daring to approach the area. Navigating closer to the ruins might be a challenge on horseback, considering there are several large rocks strewn about the area. Bushes and tall grass still grow here, and there's the sound of cicadas on the wind as it runs through the vegetation. A place seemingly forgotten by civilization itself. Even the wild life seems to avoid this place, not even the night owls draw near to this place. Perhaps not so weird, considering that there are skeletons strewn about. And not just animal bones either. Some of the bones... look rather human.

    All of these factors make it the perfect place for this corrupting scheme of a certain snake.

    As always the witch is overseeing matters, Soul Protect in place as she's found herself a perch in an old, dead tree. Her broom is next to her as she reaches a hand out, stroking one of her familiars affectionately across the head. Her golden eyes study the ruins and its surroundings, waiting patiently... If Kilik has done as ordered, then things will go all according to plan. And D will arrive soon.

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    "You're actually coming here? Huh." Kilik says over the radio, a hint of a sneer in his voice. He's ... not entirely acting. Part of the reason he's so good at being a Meister is he's able to shift himself and his attitudes. He's not playing a role, he's become it. Other Meisters partition their emotions, sending only those feelings that their Weapons can make use of. Kirikou changes his own feelings, at least as much as possible, to match them.

    "We're at earth-designate 4242564. Eastern Europe gate." Kirikou says, transmitting the beacon code for the last warpgate he passed through. "I got no idea what's here. I just followed Crona, who went into some ruins after telling me to wait two hours. Crona made me promise not to tell Miss Medusa, and to call you if she... he... whatever. If she didn't return. The ruins are a ways outside the city, but if you're driving it shouldn't take long. I'll meet you outside the ruins, then I've done what I promised. I can do what I want after." he says.

D (232) has posed:
    Kilik's tone fails to provoke the Hunter's ire; one boy's mutiny matters little compared to Crona's safety. "Do as you will," he responds in a bland voice. "I am not driving, but I believe my mount's ability to traverse rougher terrain will permit me to arrive in an equivalent time, regardless. You should be aware I have informed my allies of my intended whereabouts. If you are operating at Miss Gorgon's behest and luring me into an ambush, your plan will not succeed."

    The high wind pulls D's cloak into a banner-like fluttering. It snaps behind him, a great pair of leathery wings driving him onward. Steam blasts from the nostrils of his steed, its red eyes glaring into the night. There is a dizzying sensation as the two are briefly suspended in a freefall state between worlds; then, hooves clattering, joints whining, an electronic whinny sounding from its throat, the horse is charging on beneath the eyes of a cruel-seeming moon.

    In due time, the Hunter begins to climb the hill to the ruins. By then his cyborg horse is tired, sweat foaming up on its flanks, but it powers onward in response to the Hunter's guidance. The moon's light catches in D's shadowed eyes and gleams a cold reflection.

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    If this guy really does intend to ride into what he suspects to be an ambush, Kirikou can't help but hope he's right. That the plan won't succeed. He seems an okay guy, if what he says is the truth... but truth or not, Kirikou has little choice here. Orders are orders, and this is an operation that the Confederacy backs. Were it some personal scheme of Medusa's, Kilik could find reasons to object or to not do his utmost to succeed. This is war though, and war involves deceiving your enemy. If it gives Kirikou's conscience a pang, that's just something he'll have to live with. "All I know is what I was told to tell you." Kilik says, sounding annoyed. It's true, even if it wasn't actually told to him by Crona. "And that Crona's terrified of Miss Medusa. I'm a bit scared of her myself sometimes. Truth to tell, if I *knew* for sure she was doing something secret in there and didn't want me here, I wouldn't come anywhere near this place." he says. "But I *don't* know that for sure. For all I know she wants me here, and I'm pretty sure she'd want me watching her kid's back. So here I am." he radios, then cuts the connection.

    The Meister waves to D as the red-eyed hell-beast rides up. What else would he ride, after all? Beside Kirikou, the Twins also wave... and peer up at the horse with wide-eyed awe. "Hell of a horse." Kilik says offhandedly. "Look, I've done my bit. Crona went into the keep." he says. "I can do what I want now. And ... well, Crona didn't say I couldn't go in there after her. Just that I had to call you and not to go in there alone." he claims. He was told this, but by Medusa rather than Crona. Close enough to keep his acting sincere. "But you don't trust me. So..." he shrugs. "I'm not going to help anyone if you try to murder me for going with you."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Up in the tree, Medusa narrows her eyes as a leer spreads across her lips. Good, he took the bait. As expected, considering Crona's name was mentioned. It's almost pathetic how predictable that man is once you pull on the right strings. Her hand stills, resting on the snake familiar's head, and she smiles.

    Kilik is doing a fine job so far, she notes. Nothing suspicious, nothing that outright points out that he is trying to warn the man... but then again, why would he? Certainly the Field Marshal himself would not approve of any such things... As if the own unspoken treats from her aren't enough. There is a reason why he didn't warn the Confederacy about her true nature, after all.

    Even with the wind tugging at them, the air feels old in this place. It smells of dirt, bones and death. Now why would Crona come here? There aren't many trails here, but a trained eye would notice that there have been resent steps leading up to the old keep.

D (232) has posed:
    The cyborg horse is in fact an impressive steed. Augmented throughout by electronic components meant to enhance speed, endurance, and intelligence, it is capable of learning and adhering to routes as well as serving in a fight. Any Hunter worth his salt spends his first pay on a good horse, and D is no different. That he has had to buy more than one model in the past year alone is testament not only to his expendable income, but also to the kind of work he demands from his mounts. Even this one's left with steaming joints once the dhampir draped in black finally leaves its saddle.

    "It would be foolish for me to take your word at face value, and foolish for me to kill you without cause. If you care to assist me in searching for Crona, I would welcome the company; this is your world, not mine." D gazes forward at the crumbling keep as he addresses Kilik. "If she is inside there, we may need to split up in order to efficiently cover ground. Yes, I would prefer if you came with me, but as I said, do what you will."

    Then, he turns to look at Kilik, and Fire, and Thunder. His gaze is dark yet hawk-like in its intense awareness, few details escaping his notice. "You may continue to call me D."

    At that, he proceeds toward the keep.

    The region may be blanketed by night's darkness, but this does not prevent his easy navigation of the trails, or his notice of the tracks. A dhampir's eyes are a vampire's eyes, after all; night is his intended domain. Despite his enviable grace, he makes certain not to outpace Kilik too far, assuming the Meister even follows. "Crona came this way," he murmurs over his shoulder, just before he ascends the steps and continues on inside.

    As he walks on, his blue pendant gleams with a dim light from within. Sharp ears would hear its faint hum. It seeks for any barriers in D's path, be they magical or physical, and attempts to part any it finds.

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    "To TRY to kill me." Kilik corrects D cockily. Oh, D's probably at least his match, and probably stronger. The Meister wouldn't dispute that... but he's not weak, and he's no fool to stick around for a fight that could kill him without an excellent reason for the risk. Kilik's smirk isn't hostile though, and he nods in appreciation. This guy's not too bad, really... shame he's in Medusa's sights. Poor bastard.

    "You can call me Kirikou or Kilik. Most do." the boy says quietly, as they proceed. "That's Fire, that's Thunder. I'm not taking them inside in human form... too risky for 'em. Say hi now if you want. They don't talk, so don't expect a reply." he adds. The Twins smile, eerie grins that all but split their faces in half.

    "I got no idea what's in there." Kilik claims. Truthfully, as a matter of fact. Medusa's briefing was minimal. "If we gotta split up, we got each other's radio frequency." he shrugs. He's willing to leave that decision up to his companion of the moment. He really has no clue what's going to happen, and has even been instructed to be helpful. Suits him fine really. He'll continue to follow orders like he always does... until the time one day comes that he finds himself forced to choose between an order and an act that violates his own personal way. With any luck, that time will never come.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    The trek up through the ruins is quiet save for the wind itself and sound of grass and rubble underfoot, and a master tracker should have no problems following the small signs that have been left behind. There are no barriers here, nothing to prevent their advance save for the rubble and stones that they might have to walk around. Upon approaching the keep itself there are some things that a watchful eye will notice easily and quickly enough. The door is partially open, the doors hanging on rusty hinges. There's old blood splatter on the cobblestones outside, as well as splattered on the doors and leading inside. Whatever happened here happened a long time ago.

    There's no source of light inside either, complete darkness having swept up everything inside. The air inside here is absolutely /horrific/. Putrid stenches assault any olfactory senses, and just breathing the air should give an idea that there is rotting meat about. There are more bones around here, as well as broken weapons. Stone has been chipped off the walls in places, slashes and blood having made their mark as well...

    There is a sound from within too. Is it... wind?

D (232) has posed:
    The children are given a slight nod. "Fire. Thunder. Thank you both for your assistance. Thank you, Kilik."

    The stench beyond the blood-stained doors not only curls D's refined upper lip; it sends a warning prickle along his neck, too. If the blood is old enough to hold no smell, what is the source of so much rot within? And what makes the air so vile? There is a wet quality to it like the source must be decayed to the point of sloughing and oozing. His eyes begin to water. The halls feel far too cramped and narrow all of a sudden, but that, he knows, is only the oppressive quality of the air fooling his senses. D unwinds the scarf from his neck. The fabric is elegant, but dense, and is patterned, unlike the rest of the Hunter's black uniform.

    He passes the scarf back to Kilik. "You should wear this. I don't know what we are breathing, and you are at greater risk for sickness. Cover your mouth and nose, please."

    He doesn't seem likely to take no for an answer.

    He keeps on the trail, pressing deeper into the keep, his sense of caution growing into loud alarm.

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    The Twins salute D. They don't know what's going on, nor do they care. Medusa gave her orders to Kilik, not to them. Whether they've seen Crona or not, they aren't saying a word... and besides, they're here for fun and because Kirikou is, not because they have any issued with one side or the other.

    As they enter, Kirikou gestures to the Twins and they take Weapon form, protected against whatever may be within... whether a bad smell or another form of assault. His weapons to hand, so to speak, the Meister remains with his fists held low, dangling like massive weights from his stooped shoulders. There should be no cause for D to have concern, not from him at this moment. He has no hostile intent. He's wary, but he's not considering any sort of attack on the Hunter. Planning's pointless really. It's not his intent that counts here, and if the time should come he's pretty comfy winging it.

    Kirikou looks at the scarf dubiously, then up into D's eyes. Measuring what he sees there, he scoffs. "Hardly the first time I've smelled blood and death." he says. It's pretty disgusting, but he's tough. Even if... well, there's some smells worse than blood and death. This place is making even him a little pale. Judging both the eyes of the Hunter and his own reaction to the stench, Kilik makes his decision. He grabs for the scarf, sneering as he wraps it over his face like a bandit's bandanna. "Now all I smell is old man." he says, his voice muffled by the thick fabric. It's not entirely true, but hey... it seems like the thing to say.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    As D ventures further into the stench and darkness, he should become aware of something.

    The floor shakes.

    A steadfast rhythm, even as the source of the smell seems to draw closer and closer, the feeling of foul wind coming down the corridor.

    Along with a grotesque and oversized head that peeks around the corner, dark and bloodshot eyes peering through the darkness at the dhampir. The rest of the creature should be partially visible in the darkness. A large, bulky and scarred body, with fur and moss covering it. More beast than man, though its clawed hands do bear some similarities to a man's. hands. And while mostly humanoid in shape, it's much, much larger and clearly not somebody you can reason with.

    

    

    Easily fifteen feet in height, the large beast narrows its eyes, lips flaring and baring teeth. And then it /roars/, hand tearing into the corner as it pulls itself forward and rushes at D, the one it spotted first, teeth bared as it roars, assaulting the man with horrid breath in addition to one swipe of its clawed hand, all while stones fall down from the ceiling as the massive creature bumps into the stone corridor.

D (232) has posed:
    The scarf probably smells like linen, sand, and the soft musty scent one links to great age. D casts Kilik a sidelong look at the 'old man' remark -- What, did he hit a nerve? -- before continuing down the hallway.

    Right, it would seem, into the waiting jaws of a massive beast.

    A white flash splits the air. Humming in D's grasp, its long edge gleaming like resplendent moonlight, the curve of it as graceful as it is deadly, the Hunter bares his sword. The same fluid motion used to draw the weapon may sever the ends of the beast's grasping fingers, if his aim is true; if its flesh is tough, or his aim imperfect, he at least deflects the claws to a more harmless end.

    Without delay, he races inward, fearlessly charging the beast's defenses. The Hunter's sword flashes twice more in quick, horizontal strokes aimed for the beast's great knees. "Do you recognize this monster?" D calls to Kilik.

    He looks for any sign of Crona.

    How does this creature survive if Crona came this way? Ragnarok would not have let it live, if it threatened the child.

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    Kilik is quick to respond, raising up his fists. He has only a moment's hesitation, but it's enough to let him move slightly off-course. As his fists come into line, he's attacking from a different angle. Unlike D, no doubt doubly on the defense against both this monster's attack and possible betrayal from Kirikou, Kirikou has neither threat to fear. He knows D won't initiate an attack on him, and the monster's already engaged.

    In essence, he's coming to the Hunter's defense. His left fist glows with a yellow-blue aura, and electricity discharges when his fist connects with the beast."

    "Not a corrupted soul." Kilik replies, his voice going slightly high with adrenaline. "Not a troll, not a werewolf." he says. He hasn't seen this type of beast before, but he's seen each of the others. "Definitely a monster. Maybe a Grendel?" he suggests as he pulls back a half-step, settling into a deep stance with his fists raised over his forward knee and before his waist, leaving his face and neck beautifully exposed for counterattack.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    The claws are unfortunately tougher than expected, as the blade does not sever flesh and bone. They are deflected though, and the large hand crashes into the wall, cracking it as dust and rocks fall down between them. An angry roar leaves the beast yet again, and it seems displeased with the interference. The knocked aside arm gives D an opening, and as his sword comes in against the knees it does bite into the skin... but that's it. While the monster roars out in pain and stumbles just slightly it's not enough to severely injure it, nor keep it back, unfortunately.

    Its other hand delivers a swing aimed at the hunter, seeking to smack D through the now crumbling wall even as its blood drops down on the floor.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    As this happens it gets struck by the thunder attack, and the beast howls in pain, stumbling back and briefly stunned. It recovers quickly though, snarling at Kilik as it opens its massive jaw and lunges forward, clearly hungry for some meister flesh.

D (232) has posed:
    "Your lightning seems more effective than my sword! Very well; I will keep its attention!" D keeps his focus forward. He stands close enough to the monster to be in serious peril if he takes his eye away for more than instant. That said, he is very cautious about his trust of Kilik, and he has to look away from the beast at /some/ point to make sure the Meister isn't somehow its ally --

    He should have kept his eyes forward.

    The glance stolen by the Hunter coincides with Grendel's retaliatory slap. The solid smack does not greatly injure D, but its force and trajectory carries him through the wall. He seems to vanish, leaving behind only a gaping hole blocked by the Grendel's fist. Even in this failure, he'll try to leave his mark -- the edge of his sword is still capable of doing harm to the Grendel's palm and knuckles.

    Though not much, it would seem. Its flesh is astoundingly resistant...

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    Kirikou bobs his head like a boxer, his body following behind the motion sinuously. It should be enough for the Grendel's first lunge to miss, or to slow the strike as it seeks him outagain, enough to rob its attack of some speed and power. He grins fiercely, bringing up a fist and jamming it right into the beast's open maw.

    Kilik's not as strong as the Grendel, though he's stronger than he looks. This move, however, would be one of desperation if he didn't have an ally of sorts nearby. "Get it!" the Meister demands, using his free hand to fend off the monster's claws. One hand isn't really enough for that, but the Meister has other assets besides his arms. He moves his body, dancing around the invisible center between himself and the beast, making sure it can only strike at him where he's able to parry it, relying on his unnatural speed to keep the creature from being able to get in a good swing.

    Soul energy is, of course, particularly effective against many of the monsters in this world. It's an annoyance though, unless Kilik's able to charge up his attack to lethal levels. "Hit it!" Kilik cries out, annoyed and angry. "Not on its claws, where it's WEAK you moron!" he rages. This... may have been a bad idea. As he fends off the monster, he begins to prepare a further strike. Anger and battle lust flood into his free hand, causing it to begin to glow with an aura of flame.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    The sword bites into the palm of the Grendel, this time digging in deeper as dark blood runs down its hand, and it lets out another roar that resonates within the confines of the hallway. Luckily for D though, right now the beast seems far more intent on going after Kilik who is right there in front of it. It huffs and rumbles as the nimble meister evades the bite... and then socks the beast in the mouth, deflecting its sharp incissors.

    Still, it isn't discouraged as it quickly whips its head back, and with another mighty roar the Grendel grabs at Kilik with its bleeding hand, seeking to smash him through the wall. Which happens to be the street outside, now covered in rubble and large boulders. Its skin is starting to burn however from the aura of Kilik's right glove, but right now it seems too angered to notice nor care much. Right now it stumbles forward into the open, then /throws/ the poor meister at D with a savage roar that echoes across the hill top and through the ruins.

D (232) has posed:
    The roar reverberates through the ground, the rumble felt deep inside D's bones. Now outside, he quickly finds his footing, his double bounce ending in a somersault onto his heels, spurs chiming at impact. Without taking a breath he lunges toward the beast anew. His sword shines behind him in a gleaming arc extending from his right hand.

    He flicks his wrist to bend the blade in advance of a sweeping strike he intends to aim for the monster's chest. It's then the shadow of Kilik resolves before him, and gets in his way.

    Abruptly, his weapon's shine is gone. D has smoothly and expertly returned it to its scabbard. Both hands now empty, he seeks to catch the Meister at the shoulders, only to exert his incredible strength by spinning and throwing Kilik right back.

    He does not think the monster will suspect such a turn of events.

    D's sword hums as it leaves its scabbard again. The Hunter hastens forward behind Kilik, to try and take advantage of the surprise.

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    Even Kilik's impressive toughness isn't up to being smashed through a wall. Well, he survives it at least, but the impact drives the wind from his lungs and weakens his grasp. When the beast flings him away, releasing its jaws at the same moment, he can't quite hold on. He's not even sure, in his rather dazed state, why he might WANT to hold on.

    Fortunately for D, whether Kirikou is dazed or not, Fire is perfectly conscious and in control of himself. The blazing weapon's aura does no harm to D, and Kilik gets volleyed straight back at the Grendel. "Oh you D..." he begins. The word he was going to say... well, it remains unsaid. Leave it at that. Perhaps it's best that he strikes the Grendel before getting a chance to complete the pissed-off utterance.

    When Kilik strikes the Grendel, he strikes with a reawakened Fire leading the way. It's not Kilik's strongest punch, but it doesn't need to be. He has the speed of D's push behind him, and the heaviest damage comes from elemental soul energy rather than muscle.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    The Grendel lumbers forward, shoulders haunched even out here with no stone confining its movements. Each heavy step crushes into the ground, flattening the vegetation, grass and bushes alike. And it's not content with just throwing the trespassers out of its lair. Instead it heads towards them, bloodied drool running down its chin, and it sniffs the air.

    No. It did /not/ expect such an event to transpire.

    As Kilik is thrown back towards it, the beast is clearly caught by surprise, its bloodshot and nasty eyes widening in surprise. Since it was charging towards them it gives it little chance to prepare for the incoming flame punch. As the hit connects with its nose, the beast /howls/, rearing back and gripping at its face where the flames and the force behind the punch has left its mark. Thanks to the quick thinking of the hunter there is indeed an opening to strike, and this time it appears that the blade of his sword cuts into the chest of the beast, drawing blood even though he fails to cut the monster in half. Its muscles tighten around the blade though as it leans forward again, half blind from the flames.

    Dark blood sprays, and the Grendel stumbles forward, this time reaching out to grab at the sword, tugging it out from D's grip, even as the sword cuts into its fingers. Still not completely able to make out its surroundings and the two enemies, it throws the sword away, sending it flying down into the ruins before it stumbles forward, blindly flailing and doing its best to sweep and punch any of the pests around it...!

    Up in the tree, the witch's eyes widen, pupils thin as she beholds the chance she was waiting for. "Go," she urges to the snake familiar, holding up a scabbard in her other hand. The snake closes its jaws around the hilt of the sword, then flies out into the night and through the air, keeping low to the ground as it makes its way to where D's sword has landed on the ground.

    It only takes a few seconds.

    The familiar drops the blade in its mouth, a sword similar enough to D's own sword... which is then taken, and the snake disappears into the grass once more as it heads back towards the dead tree.

D (232) has posed:
    As D lunges in close to Kilik again, the Meister will hear him speaking in a soft tone. The beacon on his radio is lit; he's transmitting something. The words aren't clearly heard, but he seems to be expressing some confusion over Crona's absence, and the lack of overall danger to be found in the ruins.

    He can't keep up the conversation in light of what transpires, of course. Those in Heaven or Hell are treated to D's sound of surprise, followed by a sigh of exasperation, and then a hasty explanation -- "It's thrown my sword away."

    To Kilik, he snaps out a quick 'request': "Keep it engaged a moment. I need to recover my blade."

    The Hunter ducks beneath the beast's thrashing limbs, slips past the steaming pools of spattered blood, and vanishes briefly behind the Grendel's bulk, his form disappearing quickly in the darkness. What's seen of him next is only the trailing hem of his cloak fluttering in the region's fell wind. His cape snaps as if given life by its bearer's frustration.

    His sword is more than a weapon; it is an artifact of great sentimental value. He has carried it for thousands of years. Its grip is shaped perfectly to his hands, its weight and form more beloved than any other partner he's ever had. The prospect of losing it places an unbearable weight on his chest. Of course without it, defeating the Grendel and finding Crona could be much more difficult. "Do you see it?" he asks his <span style="color:arbuncle.

    cxterm242">No, keep -- there! To the right, in those weeds!</span>

    D dives for it before the Grendel can see what he's up to, or so he hopes. He stretches out his hand, and scoops up the blade.

    Right away, he knows something is wrong.

    The hilt doesn't feel right. The weight doesn't feel right. It /looks/ like his sword, but its image blurs before him, unclear even as he concentrates on its form.

    His grasp tightens in an involuntary spasm. D takes a staggering step forward, and another, his grace lost in a dizzying wash of nausea, and a sensation like he is burning alive from within. To describe it beyond that is impossible for him; as soon as he puts a word to it -- /burning/ -- the feeling changes, slipping beyond his understanding. His knees weaken, and he falters. His pulse beats in his head like a war drum.

    The Hunter looses a terrible, agonized roar. His eyes burn like crimson brands. His fangs grow long. A howling gale whips around him, tearing at his hair, his cloak, and his free hand curled like rigid talons. His very nature rebels against the force reshaping him, but not even all his might can silence his shriek or turn back his aggressor.

    His breath dies out, his voice loses its power, and he collapses forward, unmoving.

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    Kilik isn't privy to Medusa's plans, or for that matter her actions with D's sword. He does hear her voice, taunting him within his own head, letting him know she plans to act. He hasn't the faintest idea what she has in mind, but it doesn't matter. In the heat of battle, he's just putting everything he can into the fight. If Medusa ordered him to let the thing go and eat D.... well, he probably couldn't. Or possibly he just simply wouldn't. To trick an enemy is one thing. To betray is another... but to outright abandon someone you're fighting beside, that's something Kilik would have a hell of a hard time ever trying.

    "Over here asshole." Kilik sneers at the monster, rising up from his knees where he'd fallen after being used as a pinball. He clenches a gauntleted fist, letting it blaze with energy. "Thunder Technique!" he cries, arcing back and unleashing a power blow at the injured monster. Like the Kishin Eggs he crushes with full-synchronization attacks, the power behind the blow isn't the bone-crushing metal fist. It's the soul energy, lancing out as electricity in this case, that's the killing force.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Luckily it seems like Kilik is able to distract the Grendel while D goes on a chase after his sword. And as the dhampir moves through the ruins towards where his sword was thrown to, Medusa leans forward with great interest, watching him and not particularly caring what happens to Kilik at the moment. No, what matters now is just how D reacts when he gets to the sword. His own sword is brought up next to the witch by her familiar, and she reaches out, bracelets jingling as she pets it on the head. "That's a good baby~" she purrs, satisfaction tinging her words. Now to watch the main event, what she's been waiting for.

    All in all, she is not disappointed.

    The wild look on D's face, the elongated fangs, the wild energy, it's all enough to make her gasp and hold her breath. And when the vampire hunter collapses, she can't help but chuckle. All went according to plan. With the radio hand orders are given to Kilik; kill the Grendel. She herself has other things to take care of now, and she slips out of the tree, making her way down and over where D has fallen, her familiar following closely behind.

    Meanwhile, Kilik takes charge and takes advantage of the Grendel's weakened state as it lumbers around, flailing madly and doing its best to knock over the meister. Yet in its weakened state by D and Kilik's combined efforts, it's weakened. It's bleeding, especially after D's last strike. So when Kilik unleashes a resonance strike at the monster... it hurts. Soul energy is particularly strong against monsters, and the electricity dances as it catches the Grendel, which screams in agony and pain, its muscles and limbs locking up. Fire and electricity together hurt more than just the interior however, and the fire launched at its face from before has had its effect.

    Thunder struck it stumbles backwards... and then topples, crashing into the side of the keep before it draws its final breath, dark blood pooling around it.

    Behind, a dark red soul is left.

Kirikou (127) has posed:
    Staggering slightly in the aftermath of that resonance strike, Kilik straightens and studies the red soul for a moment. Then he turns, looking at the prone D and at Medusa. The Twins would rather be looking at the soul. Unfortunately for them they're currently on Kilik's fists, and his fists are carefully pointed at the ground. It wouldn't do to appear hostile right now, or to release the Twins to human form and potentially leave them vulnerable to any accident.

    "What'd you do to him?" Kilik asks, adrenaline possibly making his voice a bit rougher than usual. Accusatory, almost. Either adrenaline or he's feeling guilty over his part in this betrayal, and taking that guilt out on Medusa. "Snake in his sword or something?" he asks. D... wasn't quite as much of a jerk as Kilik figured he'd be. Oh well, not his concern. "Oh, and maybe we should get moving. He mentioned he suspected an ambush and told his friends where he'd be. They might've heard him scream, from the radio or something." Kilik suggests neutrally. "Seemed to think if someone tried something, it wouldn't work." he says, more wry than condescending.

    With that he turns back to the monster. He lifts up his right hand, staring down at the eye-like fixtures on the front of it. "I think it's your turn, right?" he asks, knowing full well he's the one who has to keep track. That gauntlet begins to drool and vibrate in anticipation. The other... well, it looks like Thunder's sulking. At least the metal-fixture facings on the gauntlet are kind of droopy right now.

D (232) has posed:
    The Hunter remains unmoving. The gale has calmed, his cloak has settled, and there is no sign of torment tainting the beauty of his peaceful facade. At rest, he is so pale and so unnatural in perfection he is more like a marble fabrication than a living being. But if he is resting, why does his hand stay so tight around his weapon's hilt? Why is his breath so shallow?

    Ask Medusa, because D isn't waking up any time soon.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    As Kilik makes his way over to them, Medusa is already making sure that D's limp form is being taken into the snake's mouth. Luckily it doesn't seem like it's about to swallow the dhampir whole. When Kilik speaks though, the witch smiles innocently, canting her head as she glances over her shoulder at him. "I am merely helping him unleash his potential," she responds, seemingly satisfied. What happened to him? Seems like Medusa isn't going to answer that question.

    But he is right. They need to get moving. Medusa moves her left arm which still has tattoos on it, though they do not remain there for long as her other snake familiar flows forth and takes form. "Get on, and I will take us to the closest warp gate. After Fire has had his lunch~" she purrs, not finding it disturbing the least. Even if that's the fate that most witches meet in the end.

    "I am taking him to Castlevania. Do not bother with the report, I will handle it myself."

    After all, tonight has been a resounding success.