To parry god

[17:30] {NARRATION} The rustling of leaves, the soft breeze of wind that flutters through the grass and welcomes the group when they step into the great forest. This appears to be a place frozen in time, where no man has ever stepped before.

Many different types of flowers paint the landscape with different shades and colors, almost blending into each other.

And despite that - there is a clear path where no tree grows, no flower can be ruined - where the group may traverse. Ahead of them, they can see the swamp they've come to explore.

The promised temple that exists in it, however, has yet to be found.

How the group chooses to act is entirely up to them. No danger seems to lurk for them quite yet, even this path is not one they're forced to take.
[17:34] Fenes would gulp, Staying cautious at all times as they approach whatever swamp Makenna had led them to. It was something to help her, after all. To help her connect with- what was it again, the Huntress, right? She was here simply to help.

A hand on her hip, The Jade eyes would have a careful look around for a while, Her ears twitching sometimes when thinking she heard something. Her eyes would look ahead once more, A damn swamp to traverse before getting to the temple. She would take a deep breath, then look to Makenna and give her a smile.

"Right then... I'll follow your lead here, I think.", the Ookami would giggle afterwards, keeping a hand on her hip, her eyes now wandering around once again.


(Fenes)
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[17:35] There wasn't a better time to gather a story than being on the frontlines of one. Still holding that pleased smile on his mug as they traversed towards the position of the temple. While it's not the desert their surroundings were gorgeous.

Golden hues continue to scan their surroundings for a time as they travel down the path - Pausing for a moment as they come upon the swamp.

Here came the tedious part...

"Suppose we're following this to the book, Mak?" The Rhoynur's gaze falls onto the Felinae. "Following the path, seeing wherever the swamp can lead us? Or do you have some other plan in mind?"

Merely awaiting their response he'd give a brief nod. Personally lacking the information on where this temple may even lie he'd be a detriment to the progression if he made the decision.
(Bay)
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[17:36] Traversing the average wilds of the world was nothing to the cat, over the course of the years since being taken beneath the light of the moon she had honed her natural instincts to what she at least thought to be a fine point.

Scanning the area around them with her sterling gaze all seemed tranquil on the surface at least.. "..This is almost too beautiful to trust.." She calmly states, years of fighting Demons and other beasties having given her an innate paranoia of when things seemed too good to be true.

Though there was the swamp, and beyond it her goal she had waited so many years to accomplish. Did she dare disturb the wildlife on the thought this was a well laid trap..? As far as she could tell there had been no one in the area... ever.. as far as she could judge. So what could have laid a trap if there were one..?

Letting out a soft hum she would look to Revan.. "Rev.. Without disturbing the fauna here too much, is there anything odd about it..?" He was a nature Magi, maybe he could sense something she could not..? If there was nothing however..? She would take the lead in moving them all forward, a wary stance in the case of danger.
(Makenna Byrne)
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[17:38] Having offered his muscle on the expedition to trek the forests to find the hidden temple of the Huntress, Revan was quite thrilled that Makenna would actually take him up on it. Feeling it was best to let the hunters hunt, the Task would find himself traipsing towards the back of the group.

Closing his eyes, he would enjoy the scenery about him through the mana sight that his father had taught him to use. While the others would chart the course behind them, Revan would be observing all that surrounded them, any critter or spirit that might've been hiding in the wood.

Though it seemed something seemed amiss about the scenery, and Revan would nod, stepping forward and placing a hand into the dirt as he tried to center himself, offering his own energy to the natural pool around him, trying to get a feel for any sort of foul magics or traps laid before them.
(Revan Task)
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[17:39] {NARRATION} The forest is as ordinary as one would expect it to be. It was indeed more beautiful than plenty others-- perhaps even the prettiest this group ever had the pleasure of seeing - but that was mostly due to the fact that no man has been here before.

No human could ruin the beauty of this safe haven. Not until today. But even so, they have yet to do anything to destroy the delicate balance in this area.

All was well.

Revan would be able to tell that there is nothing strange about this place... Or at the very least, there is nothing off with what he is capable of sensing.
[17:43] Since it seemed nothing would be amiss she would nod.. Treading lightly she would begin to lead them forward, guaranteeing herself as the one in the lead for the moment. "Let's just try to pass through... It's hard to trust beauty in a world so ugly.." She states, an observation perhaps to cynical for one so young.

"Everyone just keep your eyes open.. I think I'll honestly feel better once we're in the swamp."
(Makenna Byrne)
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[17:46] Hand on her hip- right over her blade, really, The Jade eyes would give a nod to Makenna as she would now start having another look around as the walk- up, down, left and right, as they were now slowly entering the actual swamp.. The.. Damn swamp. There was an attempt to not disturb much with the upmost care, the eyes darting around for a moment, before focusing on the path ahead once more.

Simply following Makenna, and staying careful and keeping her attention to her surroundings. Be it by visuals, or hearing.

"Let's get in then..."
(Fenes)
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[17:46] It felt like a simple forest, an ancienct place forgotten by man and his devices. Standing up and opening his eyes, he would look towards Makenna.

"Just.. Seems like natural beauty.. Untouched by man.. I'll follow your lead and keep an eye out behind us."

Revan would think back to the Sagas of Thorgil, and how he made his start traversing through mystical swamps. Would this be where the young Fireblooded would make his start?
(Revan Task)
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[17:46] Clicking his teeth he'd give a slow nod after Revan's assertion. If there's nothing amiss then what's the issue in going forth. "Mh, not a clue what lies before us after all." An idle, obvious observation that he'd still toss on out there.

Soon enough he's tailing the group, his gaze traveling around them to keep an eye on their surroundings.
(Bay)
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[17:49] {NARRATION} And the group chooses to continue.

Into the swamp they go, where mud begins to cover their feet and stain their clothes. It could not be avoided-- save for those who could fly or levitate. But would anyone bother to bring potions along for such a trip?

Attuning to nature meant to keep things -natural-, and in this journey, such a value was key to finding what they were searching for.

With each step they take, the closer they get - however - a feral growl can be heard from behind. The very same direction they came from-- the beautiful forest. If one was to turn around, they would see nothing. But for each step they take, another growl echoes through the area.

It sounds like it's getting closer.
[17:54] Fenes's hand would stay over the hilt of the blade, more a resting position than an active aggressive one, The beastkin ears would twitch, moving around as to try to find the origin of the sound- Of the growl. Yet somehow it always seemed to come from behind, even if it was growing closer. Was this some sort of trick of the swamp, maybe?

The Jade eyes would first look up, trying to see some shape or another through the sky, before The eyes looked down at the swamp water- behind them. She tried to see any disturbance or reflection within it in silence. This was either an illusion, or something was magically hiding from them.

If the rest was to keep walking, though, she would follow.
(Fenes)
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[17:56] She didn't mind the mud and stench of the swamp, it was in the marshes West of Osrona she had first felt the truth of her bond to the Huntress.. Wading without a care she maintained her steady search for danger, something that soon revealed the growl that erupted from behind them..

Glancing back she saw nothing, and her ears flattened to the sides of her head, the edges of her lips curling back.. It was obvious something was trailing them, and whatever it was happened to be in a class all it's own when it came to being undetected it would seem.

"We're going to move in a ring, no side left unwatched, slow and steady will win the race. Whatever it is, it likely lives here and holds the advantage as a result.." If it were more than some mere beast.. but then again..?

No normal beast could just conceal itself from her.

"We'll have to react quickly if and when it exposes itself, so everyone be prepared." Praying everyone followed orders she shifts herself towards the direction of the growling, the others keeping the rest of their cardinal points under surveillance.

Though if that didn't happen..? They would keep moving slowly forward.
(Makenna Byrne)
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[17:57] The bandaged Task was not one adverse to getting dirty, one had to put in the work to obtain strength that no other could. Mud rising up his nyeshk boots, he would continue to trudge forward.

He could feel the breeze rolling through the trees with his every breath, his waist now planted in the mud, he could more easily connect with the life force of that which weaved around him.

".. If my first journey with Spirits taught me anything.. It's that things are not always what they appear to be."

Where was the growling coming from? He was trying to pinpoint it with each step, but all he could feel was the looming presence of a predator.

Dipping into a low and defensive stance, he'd keep his hands ready to defend, or strike as he huddled into the ring Makenna spoke of.

"I suppose our trial begins with blood."
(Revan Task)
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[17:58] Trudging through the mud wasn't all too awful, really. Sure, it slowed things down to an extent, but getting dirty wasn't something he was afraid of. One hand remained upon the six-shooter on his hip as he held a hum.

That hum stops, of course, with the distant growling behind them.

Letting his jaw clench the Rhoynish merely pays Makenna a glance. If anything this would be a good sign that they were going in the right direction. An issue remained, of course, if those gathered could out dance a beast like that.

While part of him wanted to chime out something witty it was probably best to keep a smidge quiet! Clicking his tongue at Makenna's instruction he'd give a firm nod to her strategy.

"Fitting given where we're headed, isn't it?" Bay murmured, soon enough taking the right side of the ring should it be needed. He'd follow along as they progressed of course.
(Bay)
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[18:10] {NARRATION} Perhaps it was just a ghost.

Perhaps an illusion of the forest to keep them from reaching the shrine.

Whichever it is - it seemed as if the source of the growl did not reveal itself. It sought to intimidate the group but only through its voice. Their formation adjusts into that of a ring - where each side is covered and the front is led by a single person.

Revan.

He is tasked with leading the group and spotting the danger ahead first - but he fails to do so remarkably.

Despite the stirring water, something else catches his attention- and he is unable to spot what arrives next.

From beneath the group - the swamp itself - begins to shake and rattle. It rises without any warning.

Not one from Revan.
Not one from the earth itself that seemed to shift.

It splits asunder as a giant golem covered by mud, thick vines, and mushrooms rises into a stand to reveal his true form.

Unfortunately, unlike the rest of his group, Revan is the slowest to act. The golem manages to hurl him away with a mere swing of his fists.
The thrown man meets the ground with a loud thud. It is sure to leave a bruise, but nothing permanent.
[Temp for four days]

However, the dangerous being is anything but satisfied with hurting only one of them. The ground begins to shake again as it prepares its next attack..!
[18:13] ** DaniDM has inflicted an injury upon Revan Task. ("Back Bruises", "After being launched away by a giant golem - Revan found himself landing upon his back. It managed to leave quite a mark on his skin and even his bones were rattled by the force of the large creation, leaving the member of the Task family injured and wounded.", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[18:16] She had been too slow to stop the golem, her attention focused on what she believed to be trailing them.. The eruption stirring her into action, the feline dissolving with a crack of thunder only to appear with her gun drawn in a branch some dozen feet away. "Fuck, Revan!" A call out to her friend, he wasn't dead.. but who knew how much damage had been done?

There was a glowing light flowing into her gun's barrel from the feline, the soft white luminescence that surrounded the moon on a clear night.. "Say goodnight, time to put you back into the mud but for good this time."

Her gun cracks, a beam of condensed moonlight splitting the air between she and the automatonic creature.. Something sure to deal some heavy damage were it to land. She had been the one to fell Barsburg's monstrosity.. surely this would be easy by comparison..?

Though she doubted it. "Give Revan time to recover, focus your efforts on drawing it's attention so it opens it's sides to the others!" The tactic of wolves when hunting prey larger or stronger than themselves.
(Makenna Byrne)
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[18:17] It's not the growling that has him on edge, no, it's the silence between the growling that has him on high alert. Within those brief moments of reprieve they very well could be repositioning or preparing for their strike.

Golden eyes scan their right side for a time - Eyeing the water and muk around them for any disturbances. Really, if anything the source might even be in the trees...

Well, that was until Revan gets sidelined by the splitting earth. With a sudden huff of surprise escaping him he'd scramble on back to prepare for the first strike!

Revan's slow, sadly, and the stalwart Rhoynur can't help but smile at that. For once he wasn't the slowest!

Drawing forth his six-shooter and staff in both of his hands he'd let out a light chuckle. "A dance it is then! Up and at them Rev, c'mon now, don't keep the pretty lady waiting like the last one." Bay joked, the ground pushing the man on up to his feet.

"Way ahead of you, Mak!" The Rhoynur barked back, leveling the flaming barrel of his revolver as he let out the first shot towards the mossy golem.
(Bay)
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[18:18] A jump back as she now took a fighting stance, hand gripping on the hilt of the sword. The danger of this place was already being shown when The sight of the golem came to them- The Jade eyes would go wide ash she saw Revan get thrown back- her eyes would go wide as she unsheathed her blade- No, no need to get upset, stay calm and focus.

"Revan! the lax essence!"

Was that growl actually a rumble of the earth itself being split apart? Who knows, there was another focus for now.

The air around the Ookami would start to grow sickly, poisonous, taking her fighting stance As she Would nimbly move across the swamp- A nod was given to Makenna, As she would now Try to get its attention, a bead of sweat on her forehead.

"here then, You big pile of rocks!"
(Fenes)
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[18:20] Despite the threat of death snarling through the woods, Revan would still find himself enraptured in the energies around him. The jungle was such a place of power and strength, nothing in it could hope to survive unless it had perfected something to out do another.

This would be a painful reminder in that lesson as something much larger, rose from the ground, shifting and cracking beneath the very Task's feet.

"AH Yes! A worthy oppo-"

It had been the third golem he had faced, but it was the first to strike at him before he made a move against it. Sent flying, the son of Dun would be stopped by a tree, uprooting it from the force of his launch.

The others would shout and yell orders, but Revan would just hear a high pitched ringing in his ears. His azure mana would surge around him as he stumbled to his feet.

"I'm gonna SHATTER that thing!"

He'd shout through grit teeth, his voiceseething with battlelust. There was adrenaline pumping through his veins, he didn't expect such a challenge to be laid before him- but he dared not shy away from it now.
(Revan Task)
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[18:41] {Won Dangerous RPB against DaniDM}
[18:41] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[18:50] {NARRATION} Despite the sluggish movements of the golem, it is sturdy. Each blow comes at such a speed that makes it easy for them to anticipate it and escape - but it is easier said than done, is it not?

The ground shakes when they approach.

Sharpnel of sand shoots everywhere with each time the armor of the golem is broken into more.

Waves and waves of mud are sent at them, an endless assault of the guardian of the swamp. It refuses to allow anyone to pass.

But if one was to pay attention - they would notice that it did not speak. It did not growl. In fact, the Golem created no sound. Its actions did, of course - but no grunt of pain left this creature.

Bay manages to evade a close meeting with the creature's fist, the golem narrowly misses the Rhoynish as a barrier of sand erects to protect him from the blow.

Revan is as fortunate as Bay, it seemed - as he also managed to escape the Golem's fist.

The first time, that is. Who would expect the creature to focus them twice? His other fist reaches the energy-magi and once more, hurls him away. For something in this size-- they were no more than dolls. Throwing them around seemed fitting. [TEMP, 4 days.]

And lastly, Fenes. She is the least fortunate in the group as it is not the creature fist that reaches her - but its mud. For almost a whole minute, it keeps her under a river of mud with the sole intention of seeing her choke-- and once she does? Once mud is inhaled into her lungs? [TEMP, 4 days - cannot be healed.]

That is when Makenna manages to land the final, decisive blow upon the creature's head. The life of her friend is saved.
[18:52] ** DaniDM has inflicted an injury upon Revan Task. ("One Punch Golem", "Not long after proclaiming that he would be the one to shatter the golem - Revan found himself targeted by the same creation he had failed to notice. The earthy-being attempted to strike him once with its fist and missed. But by the second time, its aim proved to be true-- the force of the blow alone managing to send him flying away.", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[19:01] Her beam hardly pierced the stony hide it bore, a few chunks melting into slag before the shaking earth nearly knocked her from it's perch.. How had this thing even gotten here..? What created it..? Questions to worry about another time as her allies were assailed by the creature.

"We need to find a weak spot!" She calls out, but there didn't seem to be one.. All of them managing to begin to break it down, bit by bit, Bay narrowly avoiding injury.. Revan smacked away, Fenes.

Fenes.

It's mud consumed her, the Ookami smothering within.

Her wolf..

There was nothing to herald her arrival, no sign she had even moved, but she had. The cat descending from the skies at a blinding speed, her fist impacting the top of the things head with a thunderclap that echoed with a cacophony in the swamp. The ground in the immediate vicinity was blown into the air, that same shockwave blasting Fenes free of the mud as her lighting charged strike broke entirely through it's head. "YOU LEAVE HER ALONE! For a moment where anyone to glance upon her nothing resembling a human expression was upon her face, not until she rode it's falling body to the ground.. leaping free to check upon the wolf.

"Are you okay..?" She runs over, the sky above still echoing with the storm she had stirred in her wake.
(Makenna Byrne)
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[19:04] Sturdy earth meets the sturdy sand-magi. Grinning from ear to ear the Rhoynish merely chuckled as he fought back against the tides of sand that shot right on out of them. Gods, he loved to fight his own flavor of magic!

Letting his glass-like bullets ring off within the swamp as he shot time and time again he'd keep his eye on his mark. Despite it all it's the peculiarity of the lack of sound that's noted.

No growling.

Perhaps their dear hunter was still watching them after all. Continuing to feverishly jolt around the golem he'd guide waves of fire over the being's frame. It's then that the fist of the creature is noted and, with a sharp gasp, he'd slam his staff into the ground.

A dense THUMP! slams into his barrier of sand as he lets out a relieved exhale. By the gods he was a lucky one after all...

The same can't be said about a fair portion of the party though.

Makenna's the one to end it and with it his flames began to die back down. Emptying the shells from his revolver he'd fill them back up with sand; Holstering the weapon once it's ready.

Holding a soft hum at her grand show he'd flick his gaze towards Revan. They'd be fine - Probably. Nonetheless their story wasn't to be stalled over simple injuries. "Whenever you all are ready... Please. We've still got ground to cover- I think." Bay's brow furrows, eyeing towards the path they were walking down.

… Right, they still didn't know exactly where they are. Clicking his tongue he'd turn his gaze back towards everyone. "Surely everyone's at least brought lax with them."
(Bay)
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[19:07] Why did she always feel so weak, trying to help her friends? The hand on the blade would tighten as she would rush to try to break through the Stone of the golem- to try to push through whatever mud would try to encase her, Whenever she could , whenever her instincts wouldn't kick in, she would try to gain a more gaseous form, freeing herself from her grasp.

The Jade eyes would be darting across the battlefield to her friends- her guildmates- her family, even. She had a heavy breath to her, having had to try to escape attacks as much as she could- almost impossible for her to really rush in multiple times. The poison magic accompanying her would be what helped her the most her- But other than the fierce poisonous winds- did the poison event affect the Golem's circuits?

Her attention towards the other would put her at risk for herself. As mud would manage to push her over and start choking her- A whole river covering her. She couldn't hold herbreath for long, and the pain subjected by the mud filling her lungs was abhorrent. Trying to cough it out, She was unable to free herself from the river of mud- Was this it now? Was it over for her? She didn't even help anyone that much did she?

Her vision started to fade in the moment, before suddenly the river of mud wouldn't restrict her movements anymore, being blasted away- she would move to the side afterwards, coughing, even puking Mud out, multiple times, only hearing thunder and above for a moment as she tried to empty her lungs out.. To no avail. it was there to stay, for quite a while.

Trying to stand up, with the help provided by anyone near here, She would keep coughing into her hand, seeing more Mud, she'd look around, grunting, reaching into her back to Try to consume some lax essence. Her eyes would linger on Makenna for a moment, giving a slow nod, coughing once more.

"I'm- I'm fine, Mana. We better keep going..." the poisonous gas around the Ookami would die down, going back to breathable air, Although Fenes would have some difficulty breathing- the lax essence really barely having helped here.

"Damnit- Let's... Get this done, then."
(Fenes)
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[19:10] The golem had bested him once, but the prideful Task refused to let it happen again. Surrounded in his element, Revan would find himself swinging through the swamp's canopy, lashing the natural cordage around the dirt fiend's wrists, Revan would find himself scaling his opponent.

He truly looked like bug on comparison to this hulking behemoth, but that wouldn't stop him from being a painful one. Mana would surge through his musculature, and he would begin pile driving his fists into the side of it's earthy hide. As the Golem would turn to swat him, the bandaged teen would simply tug on some vines and relocate himself.

The ripping and roaring violently through it's terrain, the Task would find his task of shattering the moving rock interrupted as he was thrown from it's back, landing infront of it as it cocked a fist back, throwing it directly a Task and Bay.

Bay would be smart enough to dodge, however the bandaged teen with abruised back? He didn't have the ability to move his body that fast, as the fist would soar at him, Revan would fall back onto his pegleg, putting up his dukes defiantly.

The ultimate parry

A technique that stemmed from one's resolve made manifest, the fire of one's will igniting in the face of their opponent's wrath. The muddy stone would just about level the bandaged Task, but with a gentle pap of his hand against it's surface, all of Revan's mana that surged around him would be fed into his arms. It'd consume the force of the blow and redirect it back. Cracks would run up and send the arm in the direction it came from.

"HAH! Is that all you-"

It had a second arm, and it only flew at him faster as a counterbalance from the force of his redirected strike.

CRACK

More than bruises would be Revan's problem as he felt bones shifting. He couldn't help but watch as Makenna deliver the finishing blow, only able to sip on his lax essence so he could pull himself to his feet.

"This jungle is.. Unforgiving.. It is the greatest test.. I have yet to face." The young fireblooded would remark between pained groans.
(Revan Task)
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[19:11] {NARRATION} With Makenna delivering the final blow to the golem - it fell down.

It was incapable of doing anything else, after all. It was destroyed. Whatever magic fueled it was no longer flowing within the earthy-creation. The body of the golem seperated into boulders and other debrits, sinking into the mud of the swamp without care.

However, two chunks of Arcanium seemed to float there. Their shiny exterior stood out in complete contrast to the dark shades of the swamp.
[19:11] {Item} You picked up Arcanium..
[19:11] {Item} You picked up Arcanium..
[19:11] Makenna Byrne says, "Decide who takes it, I only care about what's inside the temple."
[19:12] {Item} You drop Arcanium x2.
[19:12] Fenes says, "...ALright."
[19:12] Revan Task asks, "You need it for your new sword.. yes?"
[19:12] Fenes says, "Y-yes..I...Need..it."
[19:15] Giving everyone a moment to breathe and apply some bandages and the like, they couldn't afford to waste more time than was absolutely necessary, keeping a close eye she scratches Fenes behind one ear in a show of affection before peering towards what she believed to be the route ahead..

"There's no telling what else is hiding here.. eyes peeled." She needed to lead them better, some guilt sinking in that her friends had already been hurt due to what she could only believe to be her negligence.

With that..? She would attempt to lead them onward, the wary feline scanning the area ahead as only a Beastkin and experienced hunter could.
(Makenna Byrne)
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[19:16] Fenes says, "Stay...alert."
[19:16] {NARRATION} Through the swamp they traverse, and for now-- there seems to be no danger lurking about.

Well, it was either that or it was hiding again - and who could ever stand being ambushed twice in a row?

Eventually, the river of mud is crossed and the group is left to either clean up or continue onwards without looking back.

And it is quiet.

Too quiet.

Eerie silence spreads across the forest until it reaches them and the swamp, and even the path ahead of it. However, despite such an oddity - they finally see it.

The shrine.

It is not far from where they stand.
And nothing seems to guard it.

. . But the silence is broken, finally, by yet another growl. One that sounds as if it came from directly behind the group. It is closer than ever.

It had to mean... Something.
[19:23] Rude? Sure, but the Rhoynish had always been like such to even those he considered friends. If they wanted their story to truly progress they wouldn't just wallow about and whine about their injuries.

With the river crossed he makes no means to clean himself. Maybe the growling stopped because they were covered in dirt? In a way that'd throw off their scent...

Well, hopefully it would.

Contining on their journey his gaze lazily drift about - Eyeing the trees and mud beside him. Would they be hit by another ambush? It would only be a matter of time.

Gradually they find their way to the shrine and, as much as he'd love to rush up and inspect it closer... He stops.

"... You thi--" The growl interrupts him, his lips pressing into a thin line. So this was what it felt like to be watched nigh constantly. Straightening up a bit he'd rest his hands on the grip of his gun and staff.

Bay's gaze is held on the shrine to at least commit the structure to memory. Details were important to his story, and as such he had to be sure to get every little thing for him to regale their dance through the forest.

All for the Huntress.

"Don't suppose you have an offering, Mak..?"
(Bay)
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[19:23] The Ookami's breathing was now... much more audible, as she had to take longer breaths to get through her difficult breathing, as the waddled through the mud to finally reach the shrine ahead, she would cough up a small amount of mud again, a groan reaching her as she would Hear the growl once more.

The hand would get back on her hip, right above the hilt of her sword. She wasn't really sure of what had to be done here, as her eyes would wander around the place, trying to pinpoint where the growling really came from, as it even felt closer than before. The Jade eyes kept a close eye to the ground, if there was any more mud tracks than those of them four, Then something might be following them, whatever it really was.

Another cough- shaking her head, she was clueless.

"Any... ideas...? Offering something you.. hunted, perhaps...?"

She would not to Bay, apparently they had the same idea.
(Fenes)
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[19:27] Crimson robes had been mottled with mud and blood as the battered and beaten Task continued behind the party. He was not concerned with cleaning off, too busy wrapping his bandages more snuggly, stiffening his muscles to hold him together for the remainder of the mission.

The quiet as too off putting.. One often got lost in the white noise of the forest, the chirp of birds, the buzz of bugs, the breath of the forest itself. Yet the absence of noise? It only made the eyes of the predator that hunted them all the more glaring, hiding in that one blind spot they could never quite find.

Spying the temple, Revan was unsure if he should be relieved or more on edge. What trials would face them once inside? His thoughts would be interrupted as the growling appeared again, others speaking of offerings.

"The spirits often thirst for blood."

It was the one lesson he had learned when meditating with Skoll, it was the liquid which they recognized asportal life, and to offer it to them was a good way of appeasing them. With many fresh would open, Revan would clench his fist, letting some blood spill to the soil.

Hopefully this doesn't just make me look like prey.
(Revan Task)
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[19:32] The trip forward resulted in no danger whatsoever, to an extent at least, the cat taking only the time to swat the worst of the mud from her form.. She didn't mind being dirty, as long as it didn't inhibit movement or weigh her down too much.

The silence was paradoxically deafening as they approach, but her eyes slowly set upon something in the distance. "..There it is.." She states quietly, but there was nothing between she and it, the growl erupts behind them all once more..

Directly behind them.

If it was anything at all, it had managed to sneak upon them all to the point they still couldn't see it.. could it be what she thought..? Never in a million years, right..? Though what else could it be?

The Shadow of the Jungle

Was it..? There was no way to be sure until she tried.

One razor sharp claw came across her palm, enough for blood to drip directly onto the ground, the scarlet fluid dripping onto the grass as she stared towards the origin of the sound once more. "..You've yet to reveal yourself, and so I may just be making myself a fool.. but our options are slim at this point."

More and more drips stain the earth beneath her.

"..I've sought this place for a long time.. years now.. since I was a younger child than I am even now."

"We have come, I have come so I can prove my devotion to the Huntress, to the one who's claws carved the moon.. To the one who picked me up when I was discarded, to the one in who's name I have fought some of the hardest prey to be found for the glory of the Hunt. To prove my worth." Her voice was steady, the golden flecks of her eyes expanding until the silver was swallowed entirely. "..If you are a trial, or even the Huntress herself, I will prove whatever I must to attain what I have sought in coming here."

She finally closes her fist, her blood an offering to whatever may lurk. "Reveal yourself, so I may face destiny.." Was she just some fool..? Perhaps.. but she felt that even if she were wrong about this, somehow her offering would be heard otherwise.
(Makenna Byrne)
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[19:37] {NARRATION} They were correct.

If there was a way to convince spirits to reveal themselves - it was this. A blood offering. The price of it could not be matched by anything else. The importance of it towered above any artifact a human would be able to bring here - and of course, it held the most magic in it.

Each drop of it allows a particular spirit to materialize more and more.

At first-- the growl of it becomes louder.
It can be heard easier.

And then it finally shows its face - a large panther with red, glowy eyes.

An Avatar of the huntress herself.
Ixchel.

It isn't often that it shows its face in this place-- no. It is used to Gehenna and the spirit realm - but ask and you shall receive.

Here it was.

"You..."

"You are not of the blessed of the Huntress."

It breathes.

And within a moment, the air grows cold and the clouds turn dark.

"What is it that you seek here?" Its tone is cold and disconnected - as if it was only partially here.

[19:48] Before them all it slowly came into view, the scarlet hued panther staring directly into her eyes. Gold and red meet, and despite showing some humility upon her face, there would be no fear.

It's words struck something deep within her, and the environment itself takes a darker cast.. as though it were preparing to strike them all down were she to give a wrong answer.

Which it very well may.

"I am not of her blessed, but I revere her all the same." Her stained hand still leaking the occasional drop onto the ground, a pause as the question was asked.. "I want to know more of her, want to understand more than I do.. In this land I am the only one to revere her I have found, I want to spread the call of the wild, and the Hunt."

"..Most of all..? I seek something to connect myself to her further, whatever form it may take."
(Makenna Byrne)
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[19:57] {NARRATION} "A child of Leonaus..."

The panther begins to pace around the group, traveling in a slow pace. It did not rush to action, it was not quick to judge, and it certainly did not pose any danger to them just yet.

However, their surroundings shifted all the same - sending a different message.

It was the predator.
They were the prey.

And it could not be changed.

"Reveres Ixchel."

It snarled, clearly not appreciating having to hear it-- let alone repeating it.
"Foolish. You know not of the tribes. You know not of her blessing and the men who've sworn to hunt the dead in her name." And yet, there Makenna was-- standing proud and tall before the avatar of the same goddess.

"You stand where you do not belong."

"You have invaded a shrine you are not welcomed in."

"You have destroyed the guardian of the temple."

Each of her crimes is listed.

"..And you dare ask to connect to her FURTHER?! THERE IS NO CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU!" With the panther's growl, lightning shoot from the heavens to strike the ground.

It would not warn them to leave.

But if they were to stay, things would turn grim.
[20:10] "..A child abandoned by Leonaus, A CHILD WHO FELT THE CALL IN THE WILD PLACES, A CHILD WHO IN A LAND FORIEGN TO THE HUNTRESS STILL SEEKS TO WORSHIP HER HONORABLY! IT'S NOT OUR FAULT WE WERE ATTACKED, IT"S NOT OUR FAULT I KNOW NOTHING!" Her own voice was a roar, her own lighting crackling around her form as her emotions slowly got the better of her.

Round pupils flatten, that same savage expression crossing her features, her voice falling to a tone as sharp as any blade, but quiet nonetheless. "I have come to learn of all of these things." There was very little she knew of Gehennan culture, Kit through her racism had only been able to properly convey so much... but there was one thing.

A glance towards her allies, this could turn south faster than it already was. "I won't ask any of you to remain if you do not wish to risk your lives, but this is the only way my intentions may be understood." moonlight radiating from her form in an ivory luminescence, what had been the beginning of her connection to the great Panther.

Unbeknownst to the cat, the original Blessed of Ixchel gained their blessing by proving their worthiness in nearly capturing the Panther for her pelt.. Makenna however knew none of this, but she understood that a fight would be the only way to prove her worth.

"I will not run, and I will not cower, but I will prove myself however I must." Thunder echoed from above, her own storm joining the fray, even if it could truly never compare. "I dance beneath the moon, and Leonaus does not shine upon me as their child."

"I will stand and fight until the truth of my intentions are understood, or I perish."

It was that simple.
(Makenna Byrne)
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[20:11] Remaining silent as the two share their dialogue the Rhoynish's gaze drifts between the two constantly. Makenna made her case and, in turn, the avatar spoke its own piece. Yet with each attempt at making amends to join the Huntress' pack...

There came a slow, downwards curve to denial.

Born from Leonaus, standing before a shrine not of her creator's, and the destruction of the guardian. There's a slow cock of his brow before a sharp crack of lightning strikes before them.

Both hands remain plastered to his weapons as his teeth click. This was either going to go many ways or one way entirely. Knowing Makenna it might very well just go straight into a brawl.

"If there's no connection between them, can there be one formed? An oath, a rite of passage... What have you." Tilting his head forward he'd let the questions lay on the air. Even if things got dicey he didn't mind sticking his nose where he shouldn't.

Why should he when he's writing history?

… Seems Makenna had a similar idea.
(Bay)
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[20:14] Golden hues would set on the panther as it made itself visible to the group, the first aspect of a deity the Task had ever seen. Despite his injuries, he would try to stand tall and proud, much akin to how a wounded animal did not want to show weakness.

It would snarl the deities name? Reveres? A few thoughts would come to his bruised brain, but it would soon begin to tear Makenna to shreds, verbally.. For now.

It seemed the Golem wasn't a trial, but a guardian for the temple. Revan would look towards Makenna as she made her intentions made.

Stand and fight.

That was all the Task needed to hear to bolster his resolve, if the aspect was to become their quarry, then he would have to rely on technique more so than raw strength.
(Revan Task)
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[20:14] The eyes of the Ookami would look at the panther circling them as the predator it was. A singular cough she couldn't control being heard- into her hand some more mud coughed up. The avatar of Makenna's goddess was denying her- Just like Leonaus did- didn't he? her hand would go to the back of her neck, Rubbing it for a moment uncertain of what to say here. Lighting would now start shooting around them, her hand still on her hip as she was prepared to do what might be necessary for Makenna to succeed, here.

"It...might be... a trial."

Those would be the only words coming from her, one of perseverance, maybe, whatever would be thrown at them. The guardian of the temple , the golem, was defending this place? It might have been an ancient structure to defend it, yes. Yet she wasn't sure of what Makenna wanted here.

Her eyes would slowly move towards Her, Even as the panther would shoot lightning around and throw an angry growl towards Them- Towards Mana.

She will protect her- Even if she told her she wasn't forced to stay. A chuckle escaped her.
"I'll stay, Mana...You can bet on it."

She stretched, taking as much as a deep breath as she could, before nodding. Another fight to come, then.
(Fenes)
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[20:19] {NARRATION} "You may denounce Leonaus."

"You may pretend that it is the Huntress' blessing that you seek."

"But it does not change your reality. You are not hers. You will never be hers. If you choose to stand alone in this world - without his blessing and without any. . ."

The panther smiled in a vicious way, revealing the two rows of its pointy teeth. Despite having not materialized until the sacrifice of blood, it seemed very much real now. It carried a threat.

"Then your life is forfeit."

"Mine to claim."

"You shall guard the temple in the name of the golem you've destroyed."

Lightning struck the ground another time - smoke rising from where such had occurred to mask the presence of the panther before it lunged itself at Makenna herself.
[20:20] Fenes says, "8Apprently something Bay wants"
[20:48] {Won Dangerous RPB against DaniDM}
[21:04] {NARRATION} Each growl of the panther called upon another storm.

Blizzards that are conjured within a blink of an eye, lightning that strikes down repeatedly and harshly - each time stronger than before. It is relentless. Even when it lunges at them with lightning that cackles across its form - it refuses to stop.

Their blows manage to push it back at times, but this assault cannot be stopped.

Slowed, maybe.

But nothing else.

Fenes managed to escape the wrath of the panther several times in a row, the servant of Ixchel missing her with its claws only by an inch or two.

The rest, however, are not as fortunate.

Makenna is assaulted from two different sides. From one, spikes of ice rush towards her with the clear intent of spiking her then and there - and from the other - wind blows against her body to force her to collide with the ice.

It is her foot that is impaled by one of the icy spikes - constricting her movements before the panther lunges at its next target... [TEMP, 4 days]

Revan.

The energy-magi has its back cut into by the claws of the ghastly panther, adding to the bruises that were already there three, sharp marks. They've reached far enough to draw blood from his body and perhaps even force him down to his knees. [TEMP, 4 days]

Lastly, Bay.

He is the least fortunate of them all.

When the panther lunges on the Rhoynish man, its gaze tells it all - it wants blood. It craves more of the sacrifice it had been given.

And it's what it gets.

The teeth of Ixchel's servant sink into the man's neck as it rips off some skin to allow blood to flow into its mouth. [PERM, 5 bit]

"FOOLS!"

"IDIOTS!"

"IMBECILES!"

It is blood it wanted, it is blood it got - and it is blood that leads to its downfall. When it is least attentive to the group and savors the taste of blood-- that is when Revan has the chance to deliver a final blow to the beast and send it away.

Killing it was impossible, but stopping it..?

It was their only option.
[21:12] ** DaniDM has inflicted an injury upon Revan Task. ("Marks of the Claws", "The beast of Ixchel's shrine managed to lunge at Revan when he was least prepared - forcing him to the ground as it clawed at the man's already injured back. Marks of the claws are sure to remain, but would pass with care of an experienced medic & time.", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[21:21] His father had always pushed him to the brink, for it is only on the edge could one see what they were made of. Constantly thrashed and beat upon, the son of Dun would be torn down, and still he rose up. He may not have been a hunter, but he was a fighter, putting his spirit into everything he was.

Frigid blizzard and bolts of lightning rushing through his plate armor. Even trying to keep up with the prowling beast was difficult, as Revan could only do his best to endure it's might and sneak in a jab himself.

Then he would remember why his Father made him wear his body out, the other tool he had forced him to train. Where the body will exhaust, the spirit will carry on. Claws would tear open the flesh of his back, forever etching this battle into his skin as he was knocked to his knees.

Pulling from the mana around him, roots that fed him life and gave him just enough energy to rise to his feet, the bandaged Task would push himself into a sprint at the hunter. As the panther clawed at him, Revan would throw himself closer, catching the paw on his forearm.

Senseing the lightning that crackled through the avatar, Revan's own mana would attune to it, forcing the flow to travel through his circuitry as he delivered the final blow, a crushing chop of his open hand to the night hunter's neck, sending it a good distance a way as it was struck with it's own static.

Fools? Idiots? Imbeciles?

A broken laughter would be heard from the Task as more offerings to the spirits spilled from his back. "We are none of those.. We are strong- We are worthy. Makenna has more than proved her worth and what she can offer to Ixchel." Palms facing outward as they dangled by his side. It took everything for him to to fall over.
(Revan Task)
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[21:21] Bay was a decently read man, but when it came to dancing against literal avatars of gods? He knew very little.

Rushing about the battlegrounds Bay grumbled under his breath - Each shot had to count, each step had to matter. Under the roar of the storm and haze of the blizzard he'd find his steps... Lacking. No matter what he did, no matter the shroud of sand, he always felt himself right in the middle of the storm.

What in the Hel did he get himself into?

"IF THIS IS TO BE A TRIAL, THEN BY ALL MEANS WE'RE NOT AGAINST IT. SHE'S HERE TO PROVE HERSELF!" Bay howled out just as the avatar darts before his form.

FUCK.

Teeth sink into his throat and skin's soon torn from him. Dropping his six-shooter he'd quickly place his hand to the wound - Attempting to stop the flow as it began.

"Any--… TIME. NOW." Bay gurgled on out, thrashing his staff towards the beast to send a wave of sand at Ixchel's servant. Revan saved most of their rears this day, and with it came the Rhoynur's descent down to the ground to gather his revolver.

His precious, precious family revolver.

Wheezing he'd slink the six-shooter into its holster. Golden hues shoot daggers towards the avatar lest they remove themselves from the area... Merely waiting for the next attack.
(Bay)
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[21:23] With a roar she threw herself into combat, arcing bolts deflecting the worst of the Avatar's own for the moment, but this was a storm she couldn't hope to endure forever.. The feline striking anytime there was an opening within it's tempest of thunder and ice, and assailing it as best she could from afar when able.

A spike of ice embeds itself deep into her foot, a sharp noise escaping as she casts her hand down.. A bolt splitting it enough for her to pull it out with a cry. "Fuck.."

But neither would she stop, her stride limping as her movements were much slower than normal, yet still much faster than most.. Trailing static visible as she zipped from place to place, she wouldn't back down, despite the blood filling her boot and the pain that came along with it. "I only want to revere her properly."

She tackled the Avatar only to be tossed to the side after a brief clash, it had been all she could endure, her breath stolen as she slams into the ground.. Gaining her feet a moment later, but still dazed as Revan launched a final assault.

Her blood ran freely onto the ground from the hole in her shoe, but she didn't think any offering would be enough.

She had nothing else to add, to say, everything she had devoted herself to.. risked her life for.. all that had defined the cat suddenly was hanging in the balance as she peered towards the Avatar a final time.

"..."
(Makenna Byrne)
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[21:24] What a fight against this avatar... Blizzard and winds, thunder and water. All that this powerful panther kept doing was lunge at them with the intent to draw blood- to hunt, to feed. Fenes had to stop in her tracks sometimes to cough up some more mud when the panther was preoccupied with someone else, before going back to throwing spells of poison and blood- making more of it drop on the soil in front of the shrine.

Was this what it wanted, was this what was needed, what the huntress would want to see, Blood being spilled in a hunt? the predator was the panther her, and it wanted to make sure to push the point across, as Fenes would this time be nimble enough to evade Two attacks done by the panther. Again- she could only throw spells from afar and not rush in as much as she would want.

The fight would be Ruthless, bloody for any of the others. Fenes couldn't help them, she snarled at her inability to help in any way. Makenna had been stuck in place by an ice spike for a moment before the beast would lunge at Revan, clawing at the Task's back. Fenes would keep throwing what she could to weaken it, try as she might, to fight it.

But she couldn't stop it from jumping on Bay, and taking a huge chunk out of his neck. She winced at the sight, having been put to the ground and catching her breath with difficulty, she would watch as Revan Would finish the Fight with the panther.

Still holding onto the blade, silently, she would stand up and look towards the others, then to Bay, wincing before looking back at Makenna.

Was she worthy, now?

Fenes wasn't able to speak, catching her breath.
(Fenes)
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[21:32] {NARRATION} Before the panther could continue with its meal and end the life of the Rhoynish then and there - Revan launched himself at the spirit and delivered a final blow that sent the beast flying elsewhere, away from its prey.

"She has seen stronger." It spoke for Ixchel as if it was a part of her-- as if the goddess herself planted such emotions and thoughts in her servant.

"And she would not grant her blessing to one who had given up on their own."

It sounded like this decision was final.

It paced closer, as if considering whether if it should attack again or not. Parts of its fur fell to the ground, and across the battlefield ice encased many different things.

The ground, rocks and fauna-- and a lone lightning that had been encased entirely by the cold element.

It no longer sought to speak to the rest - but directly to Makenna herself. The ruby-red eyes of the avatar were directed to the Felinae and none else.

"You have lost his blessing, and you will never earn hers."

"You will walk not under the light of his stars or the glow of her moon. You will walk alone and by yourself."

"In the dark."

A prophecy, or perhaps a promise, of sorts.

The final words of the beast are given before it begins to fade and return to where it belonged-- the spirit realm.

The Shrine of Ixchel - the same one they had came here for - began to disappear as well. It only took a couple of moments before it was gone entirely.

None of them shall enter it to pray for her.

They were alive - but they -lost-.
[21:42] "No.. She won't be alone..."

A small cough would come again as she tried to talk, she count's, clutching at the blade to her side for a moment- All this for nothing? She had been bathing in the moonlight of the huntress, hasn't she, and yet Leonaus had pushed her away... Fenes didn't understand, was this all to test her will?

her eyes would look towards Makenna for a moment, not sure as to what to say to anything has been told here, What Could she say? She was there, yet this panther, this avatar , servant of a literal deity, is saying that Ixchel won't accept her, ever... And yet...
The Jade eyes would look towards Makenna for a moment, the weak voice speaking up again.
"If she wouldn't be accepted, then why is she radiating a light similar to hers?", that would be the last comment she would be able to muster, starting to have a coughing fit afterwards, groaning and grunting at the exhaustion.

Makenna- she would be able to live without one of their blessings, couldn't she? Fenes was... just fine...
(Fenes)
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[21:44] Breathing was a pain, honestly, and whilst his hand remained pressed to his neck he'd narrow his gaze as the beast grew closer. Its decision, sadly, was final - A crushing blow more than likely to Makenna's faith in such a Huntress.

Was there truly no grand trial they could take for the beast?

Bay's gaze slowly trailed towards the bits of fur that had fallen to the ground; His gaze darting towards the frozen bolt of lightning. They'd fought something far above their pay grade honestly.

… Yet they tried. It was all he wanted to see, truthfully. An attempt made to make a grand mark on history - A Felinae into a Nagual.

As the being fades back into the Spirit Realm he'd clench his jaw. Once the shrine disperses and they were left before a now shrine-less area he'd slowly rose to a stand.

Weapons were holstered as he remained silent. A dead gaze held upon the bits of fur that lay on the ground... Tempted to merely grab it. Makenna might just dart to snag it all, though.

Greedy as he may be he still understood what impact this may have had on the Felinae.
(Bay)
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[21:48] Unsure if he could move, the founder would be seen remaining standing, refusing to fall to his knees again like when his back had been clawed in. The more the avatar spoke, the more piercing his glare would be. It reminded him the interactions he had brother, Valero, even in defeat, Revan found some morale high ground to hold himself over the redhead.

Here? It would seem that Makenna had been forsaken, not by one deity, but two. The Fireblooded couldn't imagine how crushing that would be for the felinae. He recalled her telling him how lost she was when the ritual gave her the insight that Leonaus had refused her, now they had traveled, battled, bled in search of Ixchel. It would be just at the temple doors they would be turned away.

"Alone.. In the dark?"

What sort of riddlelike threat was that? What were they to do now? Turn around and be thankful for their lives? The fire that raged within the sonof Dun would be fierce, though he would also acknowledge how close to death he really was thin.

Turning his head to Makenna, he would wonder what was going on in her mind? Would this kill her passion, or only ignite a new purpose within her?
(Revan Task)
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[21:54] She hadn't given up on Leonaus.. She had felt his rejection in the ritual in Alabastre, the very thing that had set her upon this path. And with every step, and every word, something inside of her began to harden further and further.

The words sounding as much like prophecy as a curse.

Her hands tightened into fists, her body shaking with an undefinable series of emotions, but one thing was clear. Despite a jaw so clenched veins were bulging from the sides of her head, the fist of many tears would begin to fall, the fearless cat being forced through what was likely her worst nightmare.

Then it stopped hardening, and instead..?

It snapped.

With a scream of unbridled fury the sky above them tore open once more, moonlight and lighting pouring down as though she was trying to destroy every inch of the place around her..

Her thoughts from earlier returning to mind.

A place so beautiful, doesn't belong in a world so ugly.

She didn't stop, wouldn't stop, even her allies would be forced to dodge or be destroyed by the cataclysm her rage had brought down upon the vicinity.

"Fine, fine, fine, fine, FINE!" She shrieks in an ear-piercing pitch, she had hunted the things of the dark, she had thought she had done everything right.. but it wasn't enough.

She was never enough.

"I don't need a Divine Spirit, I don't need a blessing."

She looked to her hands, settling upon the one that had been slashed open before bringing a rough tongue across it.. the taste of blood filling her mouth, a flavor she savored often.

Though the Avatar began to fade, and with it the shrine, the Felinae's final words echoing across to it's dissipating form. "...I don't fear the dark, but in time, you will." Had she just threatened the fragment of Ixchel..? It was very Makenna-like, but her tone surely held darker notes than had been their previous.

If no one stepped in her path she would grab the remnants of the mane, she had come to face her destiny, and it seems to have found her. There was no return of her silver eyes, not in the slightest.

Only bright gold remained in their place as she draped the fur across her shoulders like a mantle.
(Makenna Byrne)