bad moon rising

[soundsurfing]

Who: Beat + whoever wants to fight a crazed werewolf
What: It's the first Full Moon since he's been here, Beat wants to try out his Full Moon form. Oops. Flowers.
When: March 25th
Where: The Grove
Warnings: yikes. gonna be blood. violence. written big dogs with bared teeth. gore. saliva. description of flowers under the skin/coming through.


opening: i hear the voice of rage and ruin

Beat's excited, because this is the first Full Moon he's experienced since arriving in the Grove, and he really wants to see how many of his powers have made the cross over with him. Plus he's his strongest when it's Full. It fills him with energy. A desire to run around. He's given Josh a heads up about what he plans on doing.

He doesn't expect it to go so wrong.

The shift (cw: saliva, bared canine teeth) starts off perfectly fine. Limbs elongate, his aspect becomes more bestial, more wolf like. Fur blanches and silvers out, and his eyes glow with the light of the Moon. He lands on all four and shakes, feeling good. Strong, powerful. Itchy?

It starts as a crawl under his skin, something familiar, squirming underneath there. Like when the mushrooms sprouted. Worriedly, he begins to scratch at himself, turning his muzzle to chew. Slowly little purple bell like flowers begin to sprout throughout his fur following in the wake of his raking nails and teeth, peeking through the cuts and bites he makes. Dripping blood as they grow and sprout. Beautiful and deadly. Aconite. Monkshood. Wolfsbane. It doesn't take long for the flowering poison to seep into his blood, igniting burning pain. Driving him to claw at himself to try and rip it out, before his mind sinks into the grip of it as well. And another little voice, seeping in. Whispering. Urging him to let loose. Claw. Bite. Spread.

He was never good at resisting mental influences.

a. don't go round tonight, it's bound to take your life

[ With a loud wavering howl, Beat will put his incredible since of smell to use and begin the hunt. He won't attack those he already smells the Corruption on, but anyone else is fair game. It may be night, and people may be in bed or asleep, but that won't stop Beat from breaking and entering into buildings to stalk down his victims. The hunt is slow, deliberate.

And if he catches sight of someone who smells uncorrupted, fresh? He stops, stares. Eyes glowing, breathing coming out in a warm almost foggy manner. His posture hunched, arms closer to the ground. Seems to be waiting for something. Or thinking, pondering the environment.

Otherwise he moves around the building, claws scraping, motions deliberate as he stalks.

That's not creepy at all. ]

b. i know the end is coming soon

[ Though he will go inside to hunt his prey, he will mostly wander around outside, creating a horrible cacophony of howls and snarls. The Guardians he will try to avoid, especially Zahliya, quickly running from the Gargoyle if he attacks or comes too close. But outside, he's unrestricted as he would have been indoors. He's under the Moon, wild and free, and seems more keen on running around.

He smells of soil and decay, rot, and an underlying cloying scent. And blood, as by now he's undoubtedly injured, either by himself clawing or the fights he might have picked. And if anyone crosses his path, they will instantly have the Werewolf baring down on them. Teeth snapping, claws attempting to grab. The motion is almost rabid. A far cry from his deliberate actions while inside a building.

He will keep this up until the Moon goes down, or until he's successfully put down for a nap. ]

Comments

all night loooong (all night, all night)

[leggierissimo]

[Beat told him his plans, yes. It's perfectly normal thing for a werewolf to do on the full moon, and so he made no argument against it. Beat seemed to know what he was doing, and with some level of experience besides, so Josh was content to leave him to it.

But the second he hears that howl, he knows something isn't right.

When he finally tracks Beat down, he's met with a feral shadow of the typically cheerful werewolf he's come to know. No, more than that - it's something out of a horror movie, a mix of flora and fauna, unnatural and surreal like a fragment of a nightmare. There's blood, so much blood--

Well. Shit.

Attempts are made to slip in an Imprint, but each time, it doesn't stick. It's strange - he's not used to that, doesn't understand why it wouldn't be. Shields, too, are dodged with a shocking frequency. It's like he's dealing with a slippery eel, not a giant, rabid werewolf.

All that Joshua can do is follow Beat, try to distract him, try to keep him out of trouble until he can successfully manage an Imprint or a barrier. But it isn't working out as often as he'd like. And he's dead set on keeping Beat from being... well. Dead. No one is putting this werewolf down if he has any say in the matter. only he may control the rate at which shibuya people die]

[soundsurfing]

[ It's beginning to annoy the werewolf, every time he feels the subtle touch to his mind - which makes the False Sun whisper louder to drown it out - and every time he feels himself hit a wall he then has to quickly dodge away from.

So instead of dodging, Beat begins to go on the attack. He'll start small. Whips towards the smell of someone following him, and throws something in it's direction. A rock, a clod of dirt, anything he can get his clawed hands around. Force the thing to focus on incoming projectiles.

That doesn't work for long, and it drives Beat insane. So he begins to go more on the offensive. Hides in the shadows, or attempts too, sniffs out the other. Jumps as quietly onto roofs as he can. Ambush mode. But he won't go for a direct attack. Not really. He swipes at the air when he smells close enough, then quickly darts off. ]

[leggierissimo]

[The attacks are... well. It could be worse, frankly. Beat could be trying to attack him far more viciously. This, however, is just annoying, and after getting nearly pelted by a handful of dirt and grass, he takes to the sky.

The sky isn't much better, as it turns out. Beat has the advantage of a much more keen sense of smell, and all Josh can go off of are Beat's thin and scattered thoughts, when he can catch them. Even while invisible he has no real advantage. A swipe of claws on this roof, a swat from another.

It leaves him huffing mid-air, rendering himself visible again as his wings flap behind him to keep him airborne, arms folding across his chest.]

Are you done? You're acting like a child that doesn't want to stop playing.

[soundsurfing]

[ Ah, a voice. The smell drifted away so he was about to go on his merry way, when the voice speaks. Those ears twist towards it, and for a moment he crouches on the roof, staring at Josh as he becomes visible. There seems to be actual intelligence in those eyes. None of recognition. But in a calculating way.

Then those muscles bunch suddenly and he leaps towards Josh, his trajectory good, mouth open and claws out.

Yes, he's trying to chase the other away but if he can bite him and spread spread spread the singing in his head then hey, he'll be a good boy.

And maybe he can have a snack. ]

[leggierissimo]

[Oh. Well shit.

Thankfully, being in midair, Josh can shift and dodge a lot quicker than he could on his feet. Back, then up, just a few feet further and hopefully a little more out of Beat's range. Not quick enough, unfortunately, to avoid claws raking the leg of his pants and scratching through to skin, unfortunately, and Josh hisses softly and jerks back further. At least he's in the air, where he doesn't have to put weight on it.

This could be bad, if he lets Beat get too close. He knows the myths about what happens if you're bitten by a werewolf, but something here seems distinctly Off.]

Rude. That was my favorite pair.

[If Beat tries it again, hopefully he's too high up to reach... But Josh is prepared with a barrier nonetheless.]

[soundsurfing]

[ Oooh. When he lands, Beat licks at his claws, tasting the blood, before beginning to circle around underneath him, staring upwards. Hm. Maybe that was enough into scaring the other into staying away? He needs to infect him, the desire demands it, but...

Crouching again, Beat springs straight upwards, claws outstretched to try and give himself extra reach. But even at almost twelve feet, he can't quite get the other. He lands with a hard huff, then turns to begin lopping away, moving on hands and feet. ]

[leggierissimo]

[... huh.

There's the tiniest of fizzling static bleeding outward and up from the scratches on his leg now, along with the blood beginning to soak the edges of the torn fabric, but Josh pays it no mind. It's nothing serious. He'll recover from a scratch.

What has his interest is the fact that Beat seems to want to scare him off and stay out of his space. Is he finally getting tired out? Maybe his chance is coming.

So, he goes invisible again. Follows behind Beat as he lopes off, silent and above. If he can catch him at the right time...]

open to Josh invervention if needed!

[winterfrosting]

[Cacao has always slept lightly. And more than once it had saved his life or those he was protecting. So when something starts scratching around the windows of Vanilla's house he snaps awake instantly. Sword in hand he starts checking the entries, still in the sleep clothing Vanilla gave him to use until he could get his own.

That's when he spots the wolf beast sneaking in. His Souljam gleams in the dark]

You. Leave. Now.

[You have one chance to retreat, Beat]

[soundsurfing]

[ The thing doesn't seem to recognize the command. It stares in return, breathing heavily. Seems to be thinking. It's hunched over, the house isn't as big as it'd like it to be, hands on the ground.

There's no rational thought behind the eyes, glowing grey in the night.

It's muzzle parts and it snarls, before powerfully springing forward, claws digging into floor for leverage. ]

[winterfrosting]

[ah, so it may have the proportions of a werehound, like Beat- but it lacks an aware mind. This knowledge lands in Cacao's mind, calm and cool even as the beast attacks. The sword, always at the ready, moves with practiced ease even in this new body, and with a twist of his wrist he shifts it mid swing so the flat of the blade is what will strike the beast. Less a killing slice and more like getting slapped with a massive chunk of chocolate iron.

He would rather avoid getting blood-jam in Vanilla's home, after all.]

[soundsurfing]

[ The Werewolf is not having a good night. Some part of it is thankful for the turning of the sword, the collision hurts but not as much as being chunked in half might have. And it sends him off his feet and into some furniture, causing a ruckus. Which in turn wakes Pure Vanilla, his voice drifting down from upstairs in panic and worry.

Now the Werewolf has a problem. It's inside, already less maneuverable, and now that's possibly a second unknown factor. It still desires to bite, but to bite it'll have to get close, as it rights itself and leaves claw marks in the chocolate-looking wood. And that big man moves a lot faster than it thought he would with a blade as large as he is tall.

It doesn't leave, however, not yet. Teeth remained bare as it ducks down, using furniture to break up the motions of it's body as it moves. His eyesight in the night isn't perfect without the Moon, but probably a lot better than this mans. And he will apologize later and fix the side table he lifts and throws at Dark Cacao, before lunging forward again. ]

[winterfrosting]

[Sorry Vanilla, he doesn't have the time to call out and warn him, having a table aimed at his head and all. His blade sings, smashing the furniture before it hits him-

-but is unable to counter Beat's attack because of it. The wolf lunges at him, and Cacao has to make a snap choice- he weapon is powerful, but even with his super-cookie abilities there's no way to bring it up and around fast enough.

So he does the only sane thing: drops it and brings both arms up to meet the attack, trying to fend off the beast from his face]

[soundsurfing]

[ Cacao is about to get the most comical expression out of the Werewolf, as the exCookie grapples with him. It seems to surprise the creature into something of a more humanoid expression, eyebrows coming up, mouth shutting briefly on the end of his tongue. Then it disappears into almost rapid glee as the Werewolf snaps at him, fighting against the hold on him to try and dig teeth into soft flesh. Anywhere, he doesn't care, throwing his strength back against the strength holding him - far more impressive he will notice slowly - and tries to drag claws across skin. Infect! He's RIGHT THERE. He will take his pound of flesh!

Pure Vanilla's voice is cautious from the top of the stairs, a question, the tap of a staff. Beats ears swivel. A distraction. ]

[amethystic]

( you ever go to vibe in the moonlight and then there's a fucking werewolf? and not even those fucked up patch-wolves, but an honest to god werewolf. logically, she'd probably realize that it's beat and something is wrong. mostly she's just really fucking scared though- her main goal is to get the fuck inside and not involved, not when she knows the moment she sees fangs she'll freeze and lash out.

...


the grove will not survive "lashing out" after early winter. not with this.

the moment she sees him, felicity freezes, eyes wide in an old terror renwed. and an entirely new terror. she's not having a great night. and the moment he moves, a pink translucent flower blooms around her, encasing her before simplifying into a simple sphere- but it's a damn strong shield, so. she'll be fine, probably. )

[soundsurfing]

[ Oh what's that? No thought, head empty, and thus the Werewolf - snarling and growling and charging angrily - collides with the shield like it's a glass door and he's too excited to come inside to stop and consider. Face smushed in for a brief moment and everything.

It makes a pretty impressive thud noise, and the Werewolf lands on his hands and feet to ... crouch there for a moment. Before shaking himself briskly, one hand actually rubbing at his face and head where he collided.

When that stops hurting, he begins to circle this new treat enrichment device, sniffing along the bubble. Then lowers his head and head butts it hard, before trying to bite it, clawing at it. Have you seen a dog lick glass? Yeah he's trying that too.

He knows you're in there, little snack, and he'll get you out. ]

[amethystic]

... Bad dog.

( she is absolutely terrified, but what witch acts scared? even if it takes more time than usual for her to straighten herself out and stand tall again. ... this is probably not great though.

actually no this sucks so fucking much and she wants a hug so badly later. who is she comfortable asking for a hug. fuck.

after a moment, she'll jerk her hand up and a shadow will rise to physically push beat back. )

[soundsurfing]

[ HE IS NOT HOW DARE.

He pauses mid-lick to being scolded, those eyes empty and devoid of thought as the wolfsbane crawls through his fur, then goes back to trying to get hold of the sphere. How to bite circle? Jaw cannot fit round it. Claw? Claw.... push! Push the sphere!

Before he can start rolling Fel around like a hamster inside a ball, the shadow rises to push him back. He whips his head around with startling speed to try and bite it, growling aggressively, hackles raised.

Tastes like. Nothing? ]

[amethystic]

( ugggghhh beat's been so nice, and despite this being. the worst. she genuinely doesn't want to hurt him. but at the same time the only thing she can maintain securely is her own shield- if she could get distance and calm down, then she could trap him, but...

for now, she's going to continue keeping him away with her shadows- something tells her moonlight from the full moon isn't the best thing to attack a werewolf with. otherwise, she takes a few steps back.




yes it's like a giant hamster ball this is a serious and dangerous event happening. )

[soundsurfing]

[ This is lame. Beat will find the spot where the shadows stop shoving him back and begin to consider. He moves with her as she moves and begins to circle, dropping easily onto all fours as he lops around.

Frustratedly he digs at the ground occasionally, his eyes locked on her within her little hamster ball.

Some dim part of him remembers the panic. Panic means no thinking right. Can't let her think right.

So he circles, aiming for her blind spot, then charges forward, tries to dodge the shadows. If he can, this time he'll hit the shield deliberately with a jump and kick off it. Trying to see if he can send her flying. ]

A) cw: brief corpse mention in brackets

[sesa]

[Sesa should be in bed asleep. But as he often is, he's staying up later tonight, working diligently in his usual space in the lab. He isn't working on his weapons today though, but instead is drawing up blueprints for something else entirely. A building of sorts, connected off from another. He'd been hard at work, scratching down notes, erasing them, tapping his cheek with his pencil...until the sound of a distant howl outside grabs his attention.

He has not soon forgotten the attack on the Grove. He has not forgotten the monsters that poured into it like water, threatening their already tenuous way of life.

He thinks about Mizuki, likely asleep at Elsword's home. Elliot, sleeping in their shared bedroom. He remembers the burned town, with the burnt corpses in the ransacked, burnt through buildings.

And he thinks that he isn't simply going to sit there and wait for something to come to them.

His reluctance to fight is known by most who know him well, but that doesn't mean he won't if pressed. It's why he picks up his grenade launcher before he heads outside, having lacked similar weaponry in the last attack. He refuses to be caught unawares this time, and he thinks...perhaps, if whatever this is can be driven back with a well-placed shell of warning, then all the better.

Sesa spins the ammunition barrel as he steps outside, eyes flickering across the moonlit grounds until he hears him before he sees him.]

Show yourself, beast.

[soundsurfing]

[ And show itself it does. The Werewolf almost materializes out of some deeper shadow, standing at it's full height, a whopping eleven and a half or so feet. It stands there for a moment, simply staring, before - it grows taller. Beat's noticed the weapon and registered it for what it is - something to harm him - and is activating his boon. Muscles creak loudly in the night air, ripping, tearing, growing. As well as his height, stretching another foot as he drops to his hands and feet, limbs long enough to support the position naturally.

The Werewolf digs his fingers into the ground below him, raking through it, as he crouches low and bunches up before beginning to move. A quiet slow circling, eyes locked on the other. The weapon looks like a gun. May container silver. He's almost eerily silent now, beyond the quiet whuff of his breathing leaving him as he moves. ]

[sesa]

[For what it's worth, Sesa doesn't immediately pull the trigger, despite knowing that he could be in very real danger here up against something Corrupted. He's not used to fighting on the ground. He's not meant to be in the front line. His job is to stand as far back as possible and lob shells over the heads of his comrades to break the ranks of Reunion ahead of them. Some might call it cowardly, but he would call it support.

So, to be facing down an opponent this close...it's nerve wracking, even if he manages to not let it show in his expression. His gun clicks dully as he spins the chamber again, hefting it in one hand.]

It would be wise for you to go back where you came. I do not want to hurt you.

[He knows it's likely he won't be understood. But he has to at least try.]

[soundsurfing]

[ Sadly words do go right in one pointed ear and out the other. On some level, Beat hears them, but they're like the charlie brown teachers right now. Wah wah wah. Louder is the thing in his head telling him to bite. Aren't the flowers on him pretty? Seeping into his blood, staining him purple, poisoning him? Wouldn't he like to share it? Spread it? He should. He should bite. Bite. Bite!

The lunge is sudden and quick. A quick sudden tightening of muscles and then the werewolf is bearing down towards Sesa, muzzle wrinkled back and opened, gaping teeth dripping saliva. Claws outstretched with every leaping bound forward. Close the distance, get in close. He may get shot, but he can power through it.

Unaware what's in that thing is not mere bullets. ]

[sesa]

[Sesa's only saving grace is that there is still distance between himself and the Werewolf. He still has a chance to fire, but only one. And maybe, this would be over in an instant if he were the type to strike true.

But he isn't.

His arm moves in an instant, gun flicking down to fire a shell directly in the path Beat is headed, a veritable bomb that explodes between him and the Vouivre. It goes off like a land mine, sending a cascade of earth and stones directly up into the air. Whether or not he ends up in the crossfire of the debris fully depends on how quick he is to react.]

[soundsurfing]

[ The explosion causes the Werewolf to veer hard to the side, and is there a bit of panic in those silver glowing eyes? There and gone again, when there's no follow up fire. But it's enough to have the Werewolf pause at a safer distance, shaking itself briskly. Checking itself over for damage in the way it moves.

Huh.

It seems it wasn't injured, but now it has a good idea what the other is packing. Time to play how good is the lizards aim. Slowly it begins to circle again, a light lopping motion, it's eyes never leaving Sesa. This time, when it attacks, it zig's and zag's, tightening it's circle as it does, but constantly moving and not in a straight line. ]