Werewolf VS. Avatar:
A Duel by Moonlight

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Whisperpurr River - Forest Edge
The river flows by languidly as it slowly widens and becomes a bit more shallow. At this point in the river it's safe to wade in and swim along the banks. Every so often you can see a large fish jump or come close the surface in the dappled shade. Tall wispy willows line the banks and few oaks and evergreens add their touch to scenery. The far bank is higher, looking like a small version of a cliff face, with small hummocks of grass and dirt hanging over the side. Small holes in the side of the river bank, look to be home for animals. The small forest lining this river is like any other, filled with birds, deer and squirrels. The flowers growing in and along the river banks draw hummingbirds from all over. Vines cling to some of the trees, showing off their huge white flowers and giving off a sweet strong scent.

Weather report for the Old Woods:
Time of Day - night Season - fall Cloud Cover - mostly cloudy Moon - full Precipitation - none
Wind Direction - northerly Wind Speed - strong winds at 12 mph Temperature - cold

Obvious Exits:
[S]outh[E]ast to a shallow stream [S]outh to a knoll [U]priver
[D]own river [W]est to a stream
Contents:
Asha
Prophet
NightShade


Asha blinks, mouth open slightly in uncertain reply as she hesitates, ears turning pink. Grinning helplessly, she shakes her head and ums, shifting a bit. "I wouldn't know." she chuckles, glancing over sideways. "And...well, yeah. I'm a bit of an artist...at least try. Mostly with paint, and been trying to teach Elnin to use those."

Prophet hardly seems to pay attention to anything in his surroundings. The cold gusts of wind breaking through the trees whips his cloak and hair back, and the approaching night sky hardly seems to affect him. "What do you usually use as a subject?" he asks, caught up in the female's alluring features.

Asha grins a bit, still shyly uncertain of his glance and interest but her connection to the subject making her voice lighter. Ears perking a bit, she shrugs and chuckles, pondering. "Well...I've used a couple friends as victims..." she smiles softly, glancing at the river as she thinks back. "A lot of it was just design or experimental with no real subject....I, I'm not sure."

As the wind blows the clouds across the night sky, it carries a dark shadow along with them. Silent and swift, its presense barely known to the ground dwellers until it lands someplace in the forest. Only then can it be detected as feline.

Prophet smirks slightly, nodding in understanding. "I'd be quite interested in seeing what you can do. Talent is certainly something I don't like to pass by." His ears seem to perk up unconsciouly, and his nose takes a sharp sniff of the air. His expression changes to that of brief suspicion, as he tries to keep up the conversation. "You mentioned an 'Elnin'... A friend of yours, I assume?"

Asha stretches her legs, leaning back on her paws against the rock, calmly gazing around. As the wolf speaks, her ears tilt a bit, blue-grey eyes holding his gaze. She smiles a bit and nods, slightly puzzled at his expression, then bites her lip at the last statement and chuckles softly, shaking her head. "Yes. Well, actually he's my mate."

Prophet takes a slow breath, feeling his hopes drop with her response, but he keeps up a friendly demeanor for Asha. "Lucky for him," the wolf chuckles. Yet his senses continue to be pulled away from the feline, out somewhere in the woods. Ever so slowly, a knot begins to twist in his stomach as the time passes.

The normal noises to be found in the forest continue. Screeches of owls, grunts of night creatures and the buzz of the last few insects out in the season. Still, the sense that something is out there toys with those atuned to it.

Asha quietly watches, nodding and tentatively pats then shifts back. Glancing around the forest, she ponders how long to stay, not as familiar with this one as much as her own, not sure what to make of the mood.

Prophet sees the sky darkening, his thoughts and attention too distracted to notice the moon. "Well, I think I've kept you for too long," he states, his ears reddening. "A young girl like you probably shouldn't be out too late on a cold night like this." He offers his paw. "I'd be happy to accompany you to your home, if you please."

Asha grins sheepishly and nods, softly gazing over as she takes it. Stepping lightly down, she brushes a bit of headfur out of her face and smiles. "Don't have to, but thank you."

Just as the clouds part some, giving the forest an etheral look, a shadow parts itself from the brush and trees a short distance down stream. Larger than most night predators, this once moves with the supple grace of a cat.

Prophet folds his ears back, grinning to Asha and taking her paw firmly. "I'd be a fool not to." He helps the lithe feline down, and takes one last glance at her stunning figure, before looking into her eyes. "Point out the way, m'lady."

Asha smiles back at him in cheerful sheepishness, landing and relaxes her arms. Holding his gaze a moment, she frowns in thought at the question, taking a moment to pull back her sense of direction in the different lighting, gazing around. "Right now, I believe we're a bit east of town, right? My forest is southwest of it."

Prophet feels the tightness in his stomach tug sharply, but hides it. His uneasiness increases, sensing that the two of them are not alone as they have their backs turned to the large cat. "Well," he says with an acknowledging smile, "We should hurry then. These woods get very dangerous on dark nights." He ushers her forward politely, but quickly, not paying heed to the light of the full moon.

With its own back to the pair, the cat doesn't see them until the wind shifts, bringing their scents to its nose. With slow precision, it turns and focuses on them then begins to stalk their way on silent paws.

Asha nods, hesitating slightly as a night bird catches her eye, then steps forward. Uncertainly studying his face, she seems unaware of any difference in surroundings, not as familiar with them, but much more so with the actions of others. The dim light flickers on her silvery fur, uncertainly nodding and walks with him, heading downriver.

Prophet leads Asha down a broad path through the woods, his pace quick but not rushed. His stomach continues to knot itself, the wolf's brow furrowing as his anxiety heightens. Giving the feline a reassuring smile, he asks, "I don't suppose you'd mind showing off some of your art, when you return home? I'm... curious to see your talents." His pause muffles a groan, as he starts to feel sicker.

The feline follows quietly, gradually closing the gap on the pair.

Asha easily follows alongside him, lithe legs taking long steps as they move along. Grinning in flattered sheepishness back, she shakes her head. "Of course not..." she speaks quickly, breathing lightly and glances over. About to speak again, she hesitates and puzzedly furrows her brow at the sound of his voice, keen ears tilting forward slightly. "You ok?"

Prophet smirks to Asha, looking to her from the corners of his eyes. "Would you like to hear the true answer to that question, or maintain your sense of security?" he murmurs.

Little by little, the stealthy cat comes closer. With the pair paused, its all the easier and as soon as its close, the cat slips into the surrounding shadows just as the clouds block the moonlight once more.

Asha arches a brow at the reply, walking and considers it a moment as the corner of her mouth quirks in a wryly amused grin. "Umm...bad thing to ask." she chuckles and makes a face, thinking as they move. "Cats love both."

Prophet takes a deep breath, biting his lower lip as he urges Asha to keep moving. "Well, an old 'friend' of mine," he mutters, with gruff emphasis, "isn't too far behind us."

Just to accent the wolf's words, two bright blazing points of light appear just ahead along with the low soft growl of a hunter cornering its prey.

"... Oh, bugger."

Asha's eyes flicker in concerned confusion, trying to pay attention to him and quickly walk at the same time. Sharply lifting her head forward at the light, she halts suddenly and blinks.

Prophet abruptly pulls Asha, yanking her behind him as he shields her sight of NightShade. "Not now, you damned beast," he growls. "You will not harm her."

A soft smirk comes from the show as the eyes brighten and the cat moves forward. As the shadows part from his golden pelt, he flicks his gaze to the cat then shrugs his wings, "She is of no concern of mine, but.." and he flicks his gaze to the wolf once more, ".. you are."

Asha stumbles behind Prophet, letting go of his paw and steps back, gazing out and remains quiet, frowning puzzedly.

Prophet slowly wraps his paw around the hilt of his sheathed sword. "Stand down. I really don't care to deal with you... tonight." He chokes back a groan, feeling himself tighten as the clouds seem to part from the moon. "Leave me be!"

NightShade comes to a stop just a few feet in front of Prophet, his eyes brightening with the moonlight, "No.. I think not. We will meet sometime or another, and I prefer to take care of this now."

Prophet's paw moves from his sword to his stomach and chest, as he lets out a low growl to the demonic feline. His head snaps back to see the full moon emerging from the cloudy night sky, and he groans. "Oh, Gods..."

Asha awkwardly shifts her weight on her feet, standing close behind Prophet and moves back a bit, warily studying both of them. Frowning, she listens to the other feline, tail flicking. "But....can't..." she ventures, trailing off as she notices the wolf shifting and mwrfs, furrowing brow. "What?"

NightShade lowers his head some as he pins his ears back. His eyes watch the wolf intently as he shifts his stance, tensed and ready as he growls, "Be best if you found a safe haven, young lady. It won't be safe for you much longer."

Prophet takes a deep shuddering breath, as though fighting to wrench himself free of some unseen force. He quickly turns to Asha, his teeth gritted with pain. "Asha - Run, Run now!"

Asha earfolds, shifting back a bit, gaze narrowed at the feline as he talks and frowns. "Why can't you leave alone for now?" she demands, eyes flashing nervously, then blinks at the wolf. Torn, she hesitates and squirms a bit, stepping further back in confused concern and nods, trying to listen but merfs. "But, you...."

NightShade snarls at Asha, "He said run. Now go!!" then advances a single step towards Prophet.

Prophet's ears fold back, as he shudders heavily. The wolf groans, looking back to Asha. "Please, Go! You're in Danger!" he cries, with eyes that seem wholly unnatural...

Asha sharply turns her gaze to Night, eyes flashing in nervous anger and opens her mouth to reply. Attention caught by Prophet as he moves and speaks, she goes quiet, turning anxious and steps back further, torn and not wanting to just skip out on him. Growing uncomfortable, she swallows and nervously meets his glance, nodding and hurries off to a distant tree, pausing and glances back.

Prophet's jaw quivers, as he slumps to his knees on the ground. "RUN, DAMN IT!" he snarls, his back arching. He turns back to Asha, eyes taking on a dull yellow glow, as his teeth appear unusually large in his muzzle. "I... I'm sorry."

NightShade opens his wings then leaps, landing just behind Prophet and growls at the younger feline. he has every intention of scaring her off towards safety before turning his attention to the changing wolf. When she pauses, he growls low and deep, "Get to cliff, now!!! Don't turn back!" then whips around to face the wolf and snarls.

Prophet gnashes his teeth as the beast leaps behind him, taking the opportunity to whip out his blade just as NightShade turns. The hilt of the blade swings directly at the feline's neck with a flash of speed.

NightShade yowls as the blade bites flesh, slicing through his tough hide as he ducks. As the moonlight brightens, the cat's pelt turns smooth and shiny, only a hint of the fur in the metallic sheen. Where the gash was, fluid metal fills it in as the cat shifts to a more armored state to face this crazy wolf.

Prophet gasps and huffs, his chest rising and falling dramatically. "Not anymore... Monster," he snarls. "I will not be taken tonight." He quickly leaps to his feet, gripping the sword fiercely.

NightShade creaks slightly as he lowers into a crouch, the very tip of hs tail twitching back and forth and wings rustle. Softly, he chuckles through a snarl, "I'm not the one who's a monster."

Prophet bites his lower lip sharply, taking a step back from NightShade, his weapon waving tauntingly in the adversary's direction. "Oh?" he growls through gritted teeth. "Then let me hear you clap, 4-legs."

NightShade smirks, "Foolish cub," The big golden cat steps back out of range of the sword then rises onto his hind legs and slaps his front paws together with a loud clang several times, sounding much like a bell.

Prophet quickly rushes the monstrosity, thrusting his shoulder into his chest and slicing upward with his blade with a deafening warcry.

Clang of metal on metal rings out through the trees, silencing all creatures close by. First instinct by the great cat is to sink his teeth into the wolf's neck while huge taloned paws come slamming down on his back. Off balance, the golden cat takes the wolf with him to the ground.

Prophet's mouth stretches wide to scream in pain, NightShade's Fangs tearing into his skin. He wrenches away, leaving a spatter of blood fly into the beast's face as he rolls away.

NightShade hisses as he rolls back onto his feet and shakes out his wings. Growling, the gold cat begins to circle the wolf, watching his every move while he licks the blood splatters from his muzzle.

Prophet stays at a low crouch, keeping his distance from the demonic feline. He seems to choke back something for a split second, as blood stains his tunic. "... Not tonight," he mutters, growling with the fury of a caged animal.

NightShade continues his slow circuit around the wolf, his eyes ablaze with his own internal fires. Though his hide is now pure metal, it moves just like skin, rippling with the powerful muscles beneath it. There's nothing demonic about him, except for the wings his goddess had given him upon his ascendancy to his new station in life ages ago.

Prophet brings his sword up to a cautioned position, waiting for NightShade to strike. He clenches his muscles tightly, wheezing out groans as his own fur seems to ripple and quiver beneath the light of the moon. His tail lashes violently behind him, slapping against the tall grasses.

NightShade's growling lowers to a rumble, a warning to anything close by he's found his prey. His circuit shortens as the moon brightens and forces the wolf's change. Every move is measured carefully, almost daring the wolf to leap at his exposed side. He can smell the fear of wolf and the few aminals frozen and watching.

Prophet huffs dearly, his paws shaking as he tries with all his might to maintain control of himself. Every muscle clenches, his body throbbing with the undeniable need to release. His maw slowly starts to force itself open, a slow whine emerging from his lips as his jaws seem to expand. "Nooooooo.... Please, NOT NOW," He snarls.

NightShade smirks as the change takes a hold on the wolf. The circle he walks closes in further, coming in very close to him now. Brave or insane, experienced or foolish, remains to be seen as this cat finally makes a feint towards the wolf, swiping a paw within a hair's breadth of the sword and paw to test the wolf's control.

Prophet, eyes closed, body tightening, hardly senses the beast's approach as he fights off the metamorphosis. Yet, just as the feline's claws whisper against the blade, the wolf wildly springs forward, spewing foam from his mouth as he hacks against the wings of his foe with tooth, claw, and steel.

NightShade goes low as his wings are attacked, swiping his paws at the wolf's exposed legs. As soon as teeth are felt again his wings, he curls his lithe body around the wolf and uses the same tooth and claw tactics, going for what ever is closest.

Prophet lets out a roaring howl, crying out through the forests as his control slips away. His rapidly growing claws slash violently at anything he can connect with, as he attempts to tear away at the beast's wings with his teeth. The pains of NightShade's assaults seem to subside, overridden by the pain of transforming. His body grows larger around his foe, wheezing and huffing as muscles expand.

The golden metal hide of the avatar's body resists much of the werewolf's assault. Where the growing claws and teeth dig in, slash marks appear. The worst begin to fill with liquid metal, coating portions of Prophet's claws and teeth in gold. With the distraction of transforming, NightShade doubles his assaults, boxing the wolf with his hindpaws and slashing with his sharpened claws and teeth.

Prophet snarls wildly, giving in slowly to the urgent need to unleash the monster within him. A thick, foul odor of decay begins to grow in the air, as the wolf's fur becomes grayer and stringy. His jaws expand violently, bloodcurdling cries accompanying the sound of stretching bone. His mauling continues, practically numb to the attacks of his opponent. He roughly begins to force the avatar to the ground, tearing at the metal hide with razor-sharp fangs.

NightShade growls with a metallic sound, a sign the metal he's using to protect himself is working deeper into his body. As he's forced to the ground, he twists and bites at the arms and legs of the changing beast while trying to knock him away from his most vulnerable places.

Prophet yanks his limbs from Nightshade violently, snarling with fury as thick, dark red blood splashes from his wounds. The monster snaps his jaws and roars in the face of Nightshade, as the last bits of Prophet seem to fade away in the growing hulk of mass towering over NightShade.

NightShade scrambles to move as soon as he's released, then puts everal feet between himself and Prophet. The gold cat's jaws gape as he scents the werewolf and pulls in air to fuel the healing wounds. His wings open wide, reaching to just about their fullest extent as he braces his legs and digs his claws into the ground then roars his challenge to the beast before him.

Prophet stares at NightShade with unholy yellow eyes, pacing now on all fours as he lets out a thundering growl to the metal beast. Pacing low to the ground with a pool of foam forming beneath his jaws, he stares down his enemy with cold intensity.

NightShade strengthens his stance as he lowers his head and flattens his ears tight against his skull. As he hisses, droplets of gold drip from his long canines to the ground and burn the dry grass. As easy as it would be for him to take to the air and attack, he doesn't, instead keeping to the ground. With a loud metallic roar, he charges the wolfbeast and molds his wings into his body.

Prophet glares intently as Nightshade charges him, growling and snarling ferociously, his claws buried into the ground. As the avatar approaches, the fierce muzzle of the wolf suddenly curls into a sly grin, and it almost sounds as though he's chuckling.

NightShade bunches his muscles just as he's about to leap at the wolfbeast, but instead of targeting him, the cat jumps to a tree then launches from the trunk onto the wolfbeast's back. Sharp claws extend and sharpen while he bares his teeth with a low ferocious snarl.

Prophet suddenly throws himself off to the side as NightShade nearly tackles him, but instead sees the beast leap into a tree. The wolf still within range of the feline's attack, he leaps up to meet NightShade in mid-air, tooth and claw bared with a brutal howl ringing through the forest.

Just as the wolfbeast and metallic clash, the cat swipes a taloned paw across his opponent's chest while he twists to catch the closest paw in his gaping maw. While NightShade's body swings around with his twisting, he uses his tail like a whip against Prophet's hind legs and exposed stomach.

Prophet yowls deeply at the pain of NightShade's assaults, just as his jaws bare down on the monster's neck. As the two tumble back to the ground, Prophet wraps himself around NightShade, slashing and chomping at him wildly.

NightShade growls deep and loud while he bares down and jerks his head side to side, worrying at the flesh and hide of the wolfbeast's shoulder. The soft, almost liquid, gold of his neck allows Prophet's teeth to sink in little by little. Claws rake down his sides and legs while the cat's tail coils around one thigh then squeezes like a constrictor.

Prophet's large, lumbering body jerks and fiercely scrambles against NightShade's. At every tear the feline makes, thick, black blood emerges from his wounds, the wolf's lifeforce already congealed. Heavy, stifled grunts and snarls react to the cat's bites and slashes; yet the wild beast assails the avatar unabated, forcing the two to roll in the tall grasses of the riverbank, continually trying to pin the metalbeast down.

NightShade flicks an ear towards the sound of water so very close as he boxes at the wolfbeast's stomach with his hind paws. With each jerk of his jaws, more of the cat's liquid metal leaks into the Prophet's body, barring the healing the immediate area of his teeth. The cat's eyes narrow as an idea comes to him then lurches his body, forcing the roll closer to the riverbank and sinking his claws deeper into the wolfbeast's healing flesh.

For each kick of Nightshade's legs into Prophet's torso, the wolf's own thick back paws swipe blindly at the hind quarters of the avatar. Still, the wolf continues to tumble wildly with Nightshade, unrelenting as the pair draw closer to the edge of the deep waterbed. Just as they find themselves teetering near the river's boarders, Prophet suddenly tears his gold-stained fangs from Nightshade's neck, and jerks his head away with a horrible ripping of wolf flesh, before clamping his jaws down like vice grips around Nightshade's muzzle.

Gold and blood both drip from the avatar's fangs as he snarls fiercly at Prophet. Once his muzzle is clamped shut, he growls deeply and grins while his eyes take on an eerie glow. The cat jerks his body, forcing the precariously balanced pair into the rushing water. With his body turned mostly into metal, he has no need for air and counts on that fact.

Prophet falls into the water, locked in a deadly embrace with NightShade. The pair sink down to the water's depths, the heft of NightShade's metal body dragging them to the rocks and mud of the riverbed. Slowly, the force of the water pushes them forward, giving the wolf just enough momentum to fling the metal cat headfirst into a broad stone embedded in the basin.

The sharp ring of metal again stone, then the eruptions of bubbles from the bottom of the rushing river mark the moment when the golden cat strikes the stone. Though the strike rings the cat's ears, it does little damage to him, but plenty to the stone, cracking it and sending a cloud of dust into the water. Before the wolf can get close to the surface, the cat's tail tightens around the wolfbeast's thigh and drags him back under. Only the faint glow of gold beneath the dark and murky waters show where the cat is walking along the deepest part of the channel, using his claws as anchors.

Prophet yanks and jerks violently as he is held captive. Beneath the water, the dull yellow glow of the beast's eyes intensifies, as Prophet struggles to free himself. As the glow grows, the water seems to slowly grow warmer...

NightShade makes his way into the deepest part of the river where the bed is the oldest. As the golden cat turns, he pulls the wolf down closer to him, bringing him within reach of the cat's claws. With no need for air, he stays under without any trouble or worry, and the growing warmth of the water causes him no concern, it only allows him to move easier.

The heat continues to increase exponentially, as the wolf's eyes burn brighter as the cat pulls him closer. No bubbles leave his mouth or nostrils, and his flailing seems to have ceased. But As the feline's grip around the wolf continues, NightShade's tail feels the increasing heat radiating through him.

The cat warms slowly with the water rushing over his metalic body. As he warms, his body begins to glow, turning the murky waters bright with his yellow light. Green gems where his eyes would be glitter amid the golden glow of NighShade's face. Muscles bunch through the metal making up his body a moment before he launches himself through the water to make his strike at the wolfbeast, relentless though the wolfbeast looks nearly dead, the cat knows better.

Prophet stays still, even as his body becomes scaldingly hot beneath the surface of the rolling river. The metal feline tackles the wolf without reprisal, as he remains still and burning with heat.

NightShade remains wary as he sinks his teeth into the wolfbeast's shoulder then, inspite of the rising heat around him, he drags the wolf out of the water. A low metallic growl echos through his chest as he drops the wolf on the riverbank then moves off several paces to cool his almost overheated body, burning pawprints into the dry grass.

As his foe walks off to cool, Prophet's body lies unmoving on the ground, seemingly dead. All around the monster wolf's body, the grass sizzles and smokes from the heat he generates.

Further downriver, a barely visible silver feline is high in a tree, holding tightly to a branch. Resting for a moment, she furrows her brow and blinks, staring at the river as it....glows? Her tail twitches a bit, otherwise still.

NightShade waits and watches intently, still wary about the seemingly dead werewolf. Experience tells him to not state a werebeast as dead until their body parts are strewn across the countryside and the head burned. The heat is all the proof he needs that Prophet is still alive in that drowned mess of fur. Dry within only a few minutes of sitting, his body is still warm and cooling quickly in the rising winds.

With the slow gust of warm wind, a light cackling quietly passes by NightShade's ears...

NightShade flicks an ear, then rises to his feet, sure something is going to happen now. If he wasn't mostly metal, his hackles would rise, instead visible tension plays across the taught muscles of his neck and shoulders.

Seemingly carried on the passing winds, the whispered laughter crosses by each of NightShade's ears, assailing him from all sides in a sudden crescendo.

NightShade cuts his eyes from side to side as the laughter teases his ears. With a sly grin of his own, he turns his gaze to the body not too far from him, but doesn't move towards it. Not yet at least.

Soon, the laughter is joined by a chorus of low wailing, the howls and cries of the damned, all echoing in NightShade's ears. Voices of lost souls. Familiar voices.

NightShade smirks then growls, "Do not think I can be tortured by the ones I've killed before my sleep. It won't work."

Slowly, the figure of the beast changes, shifting from its grotesque form. Huge talons receed into reforming fingers, huge bestial muscles return to smaller humanoid contructs, and the fearsome snarl of a monster becomes once more the gentle face of a son, mate, and protector.

NightShade cautiously approaches the still form of Prophet. Though tensed and ready for anything, he sniffs curiously at the wolf while still keeping some distance between him and Proph.

Prophet quietly sputters, "nooo..." The wolf seems to cough up half the river water, his body quivering in its exposed state. "not just your victims." The screams and laughter and howls bury themselves within NightShade's auditory senses. "... Mine as well."

NightShade takes a step back, giving the wolf room out of instinct as he recovers from being nearly drowned. He flicks one ear, then the other at the many sounds then simply shrugs them off. He was born a killer and still is, though under tighter control.

There is one voice that will not be shrugged off. It began without sound, and slowly crawled to a whisper in the feline's ears. Slower still do the words "Join Us," begin to beat itself into his conscious mind. As the wolf's coughing ceases, his wheezes shudder into a weak, crazed laugh. "you... you killed the monster, you fool..."

NightShade tilts his head slightly to the one voice then ignores it, regardless of how insistant it may become. Slowly, the cat begins a circuit around Prophet, watching his every move and flicking an ear in response to his voice. With a soft chuckle, he states, "I've killed nothing, yet. I merely showed the beast his place."

Prophet looks over at NightShade, his chuckling growing. "Y-You're Right... It's not dead..." He howls with laughter, holding his sides as he laughs at the feline, clearly maddened. "I think he's found his place!"

JOIN US... JOIN US...

NightShade smirks, though he sees no humor in the moment. One ear pins back as the voice grows louder. He's been too long in the service of his goddess to be swayed easily, and so far, she's provided him everything his nature demands from the moment he accepted her gifts. His eyes narrow as he snarls, "Who ever dares beg the oldest of Mother Bast's avatars to join had best stop, for she will not be pleased if I'm driven to disobey her orders."

Prophet laughs and chortles as he watches NightShade. The wolf slowly shakes his head, and groans in a jovial tone, "I don't think they care."

Power... Power for you... More power than you've dreamed of... Power to destroy... Power to control...

NightShade smirks, shrugging in a way that looks like he's rolling his shoulders, "I have the power all but the Guardian possess, and its been granted by Her, the first of all cats, the bane of all canines. FireFoot herself could not be more proud of her son. I create, destroy, and control at will, and have done so for more centuries than any werewolf will ever hope to see."

You will Join... JOIN US... WE HAVE YOU...

Prophet smirks. "I think that was the wrong answer."

NightShade smirks as an evil smile spreads across his muzzle, "To join them, would mean their utter destruction. I have far too much against werebeasts to let them live for long." He then holds his head high with a haughty expression, "My decision is made. I /will/ stay with Mother Bast and select new avatars to replace my lost brothers, sisters, and children."

Prophet sighs slowly, muttering, "Obviously you don't realize... There isn't a choice."

NightShade whispers harshly, "Oh.. but there is."

A powerful surge of energy strikes at every nerve in NightShade's body. The voices continue, unrelenting, and the feeling of tearing away at bone fills NightShade from head to tail.

NightShade roars as he's racked with an unknown pain then calls out to his goddess for her aid. His wings reform and spread wide as the liquid metal of his body constricts around him.

The pains dig deep into the feline's bones, and soon working it's way out, eating away at metal like acid.

Prophet lets out a groan while he lifts himself up, casually watching the avatar struggle with the demon cast inside him. "Might as well give in," he mutters. "It only gets worse."

The human-like scream that erupts from the feline's muzzle resounds through the forest, alerting the most keen of hearing in the closest towns. As he rises onto his hind paws and flaps his wings balance, a bolt of lightening strikes NightShade between the shoulders. Power, strength, and pure electricty course through his metallic body, turning his hide into pure liquid fire from the heat generated and reforming as he glows almost as brightly as the sun.

Asha is halfway through climbing down the tree she was in, having seen nor heard nothing for a while and warily pondering moving back a bit. At the scream, she startles and nearly loses her hold, claws clinging to bark as her head snaps in their direction, vainly trying to see and blinks.

Prophet slowly pushes himself onto his feet, dusting himself off casually while NightShade struggles to fight off the change. He quietly rubs the back of his head, searching over the ground for something...

It continues to feed at the very core of NightShade's being unabated, melting and rejecting the liquid metal hide of the beast in favor of a heavy, hulking mass of flesh. Still the voices ring out, JOIN US... ACCEPT THE POWER...

While the molten liquid of NightShade's body pulses and glows, he calls out... MOTHER..., ending his call with another human-like scream that echos among the trees. Around him, the winds whirl, picking up leaves and small debris as his body grows and reforms, maintaining the sleek lines of a predatory cat as two different powers wage war within him. Amid the voices, an ancient indian chant rises while within the bright glow of the cat's body, an apparition of another feline appears, looking very much like himself, but without the metal or wings.

Prophet stumbles over the muddy grasses, mumbling quietly to himself as he searches the ground, his ears laying flat in reflex to NightShade's screams.

The power continues outwards, expanding the cat's body, building muscle upon muscle, and fighting to melt metal back into flesh. Thoughts force their way into NightShade's mind, not his own... Thoughts of grand-scale decimation, begging to be accepted by his consciousness. JOIN US... CAST OFF THE FRAIL DEITY...

The cat has called for his mother out of pain, instinctive for any animal or being. But he didn't call on Bast. The chant grows louder, drowing out the voices as the feline paces around the struggling form of NightShade. Soon, elf-like apparitions appear, dancing around him as they chant, the very people that named him before he became an avatar. Out of the sky, another bolt of lightening joins the first, forking, then striking the cat's ears. In the very core of his mind, he holds on tight to the promises he was given by both the cat pacing around him and the goddess he has dedicated his life to. Brighter, and brighter, he glows, blinding all close to him as the changes happening to his lithe body are obscured, leaving just the pacing ghost cat and the dancing indian ghosts visible against the golden light.

Prophet pays little attention to the commotion as he rubs his forehead quietly, searching. His eyes widen at the ground before him. He picks up the lost item, carrying it back to the avatar. He approaches NightShade, weilding the sword calmly. "NightShade... NightShade. Calm down," he mutters, gazing at the tormented feline and the strange beings around him. "I can help you. I can take the demon away, right now. No fuss, No Muss. Would you like that?"

The evil still makes way inside NightShade, undaunted by the resistance. It eats at all it can find, tearing away the avatar's insides...

Prophet bites his lower lip. "If I don't stop it now, there's no telling what will happen to you. Your 'Mother' can only do so much."

The feline apparition stops then eyes Prophet for a moment before leaving the tortured avatar and her fellow ghosts. In her gaze, she sizes up the wolf, seeming to sniff at him then looks back at the growing ball of light that is NightShade. He's beyond answering, but the entity is there, watching with suspicious eyes, not trusting the wolf for a moment.

Prophet takes a deep sigh. "I will take the demon back. It will be quick and harmless, I promise." He glares back at the ghost, muttering, "Back off."

The feline hisses and places herself between the avatar and the wolf, moving as the light presses outward from Nightshade's body and hides the dancing indians within his glow. The ghostly feline takes on a protective stance and bares her fangs, watching for any aggresive move.

Prophet takes a defiant step towards NightShade, and glowers at the spirit. "Let me do my job," he growls. His sword stays low to his side, kept for protection. "The only way he can stop it is with my help."

The appararition pins her ears back and hisses again, loud enough to sound like a rush of wind over all the ruckus. Her eyes flick towards the sword before she looks back at NightShade, seeing through the brilliant light to the actual cat inside then moves aside. As she returns to pacing around the perimieter of the glow, another human-like scream rings through the forest.

Prophet nods to the ghost. "Good. Let me have my space." He eyes the glowing form of NightShade, squinting a bit to make out his form through the radiance. The wolf quickly flexes his neck a bit, stretching himself out, before taking a firm stance and clearing his throat. With a flash of steel, the wolf suddenly raises his sword and slices into the avatar's neck for a split-second beheading.

The power within him has weakened NightShade's metal hide just enough that the sword cuts through the avatar's neck like a knife through butter. As the head and body separate, the intense glow suddenly blasts out at the closest target: Prophet.

The wolf is knocked back, rocketing him straight into a tree.

The moment the sword slices through the cat's neck, his scream stops, shocked out of his torture. As the sword comes free from the glow, a coating of gold, and silver, along with sizzling blood covers the blade. From out of the slowly dimming glow, the ghostly cat leaps, snarling her displeasure at the wolf, but doesn't attack, she just glares at him and stays protectively close to the avatar as he falls to the ground. Only a thump of a heavy body is heard since the glow is still far too bright to see into directly.

Prophet is suspended in air, smashed against the bark of the tree as the glow surrounds him, and fades into him. As the illumination disappears, the wolf falls face-first to the ground in a heap.

Not about to give up on her only avatar, the unseen feline goddess weaves her powers into the fading glow around NightShade while the ghostly cat watches ever closely. As the glow centers and conforms around the unconscience cat, the neck wound is healed and the gold creating his hide and body turned to silver. Around the cat, where the perimeter of the glow was, the indian dancers continue their dancing and chanting while the cat apparition looks over NightShade then lays down in the same pose as he is, disappearing into his body, then soon followed by the rest of the ghosts.

Silence decends upon the forest once again. The two foes lie still on the ground, each having experienced the demon's touch. Only the quiet babbling of the river fluctuates through the stillness. That is, until the sound of a whimpering groan emerges from the wolf.

NightShade lays as still as death itself, though there is no sign of any wound on the still sleek body. He didn't come through completely untouched. The cat is about half again as big in proprotion and now sports a deadly looking set of sabor fangs. Even his wings have grown, looking more dragon-like with a claw where the 'thumb' would be. Were his claws exposed, they would be shining a paler silver than his current hide, but still, his paws are coated in blood, and so is his muzzle.

Asha remains motionless against a tree slightly closer, but still far enough to only see the shadows and glows before they disappear. Rubbing her eyes, she wonders if she's seeing things and stares quietly, blue-grey eyes flickering in the dim light.

Prophet slowly pushes himself up, grunting with aches and pains. "Agh... Goddess..." he curses, stretching himself out a bit. "NightShade," mutters the wolf, as he works his way to his feet. "NightShade... Come on, stop playing dead." The wolf slowly paces towards the feline, a tired expression plastered on his face. He picks up his sword along the way, only to drop it again at the scorching heat radiating from the hilt.

The cat remains still, only the shimmer of the metal as it begins to receed into the NightShade's body, leaving him with his natural color of fur and skin except for his claws, which remain the same pale silver. Shallow panting breaths turn into heaves as he begins to awaken much more slowly than the wolf.

Prophet stands over NightShade, rubbing his eyes slowly. With his neck craned forward and his back bent to accomodate his soreness, the wolf asks, "Hey... How are you feeling, cat?" with some genuine concern.

NightShade snorts as his whole body jerks into awakening at once, but he doesn't move anything except for a single eyelid. Little by little, the hidden orb is revealed. Instead of the normal eye of green and gold, there is a solid wall of faintly glowing green, but the sense that he is looking directly at the wolf is evident. As he finally raises his head, he smirks, "I've fought wolverines that packed a harder punch."

Prophet nods slowly, sighing. "Yes, yes, that's nice." He arches his back, groaning slightly as he works the kinks out. "So, are you done with me?"

NightShade hauls himself up until he's laying on his stomach then eyes the wolf, "Are you dead yet?"

Asha peers uncertainly into the distance where the area is now only faintly lit by the moon. Rubbing her eyes again, she frowns and shakes her head, glancing at the tree next to her before skirting her way up the trunk. The higher view doesn't reveal a whole lot more except teasing shadows as she settles on a low branch.

Prophet rolls his eyes. "Well, I think I might have died once or twice..." He kneels down on his haunches, looking eye to eye with NightShade. "Come on. You've done your job. You tested me. Have I passed, or do we actually need to continue this horseshit some more?" He smirks. "Certainly you must have bigger fish to fry than me."

NightShade curls one paw, glancing at the claws as they come out of their sheaths then grins, "You wouldn't survive the next round." Finally, the big cat lurches to his paws and shakes his wings back into their folded position at his sides then starts to stalk off into the forest, saying only, "The only reason you are alive now is because I was ordered not to kill you. I could have easily left you in the river to drown and wash away to the sea. We will meet again another day." then begins to laugh. His laughter fades as he disappears among the trees towards where ever he has made his lair.

Prophet shakes his head slowly, watching the avatar depart. "Rrrff... Arrogant little bastard."

Prophet sighs, shaking himself off a bit. He goes about collecting his things, and carefully sheathing his still hot sword. He attempts to don his tattered clothing, but finds it torn to rags. Still, he ties on his cloak and slowly trudges upriver, approaching you. "You can come down now, Asha."

Asha was in the middle of standing upright on the strong lower branch, leaning a bit to try and pull herself further up to see better as her ears catch the strange laughter. Tail lashing for balance, she doesn't seem to notice the silence in her concentration until the wolf's voice materializes much closer. The feline acks and glances sharply down, swaying a bit on the branch before pushing herself upright on the trunk and smirks, narrowing her gaze in wry amusement. "Gee, thanks." she quips back, the sarcasm lost from anxious fatigue.

Asha arches a brow in curious interest, giving him a studied glance as she gracefully twirls around on her feet to face him. Living outdoors, she's fairly adept in moving around in it, but shrugs, crouching on the branch. Silver hair falling over shoulders, she holds tightly with her paws, swinging over the side of the branch and falling a bit before letting go of her grasp. Hitting the ground with an audible thump with her feet, she stumbles slightly and instinctively raises her paws for balance catching one of his arms breifly before sheepishly letting go, meeting gaze.

Prophet smirks, and eyes you for a moment. "Very nice, dear." He takes a deep breath, rubbing his forehead, and stifles a yawn. "Now then, we should be getting home... it's nearly daybreak." He clears his throat, and offers his paw to you. "Care to lead the way?"

Asha returns the smirk, pulling her hair back and takes a step to the side, glancing at his paw. Studying his face for a moment, she quirks a bemused grin. "Home where?" she teases. "Not a bit far for you to walk after....all that?" she trails off, brow furrowed slightly in question, staying quiet.

Prophet closes his eyes for a moment, sighing. The wolf is nothing short of a mess, his hair and fur tousled, reeking of blood and sweat, beaten half to death, and nearly naked. "My home is anywhere, at the moment. I'd just like to see you get home safely." He nods slowly. "I can make the trek... But I'll certainly need a nap afterwards."

Asha nods slowly, quietly regarding him then glances downriver, taking a step in that direction. "I'm sure you could..." she notes, gingerly touching his shoulder and glances at the fur before meeting his gaze. "Although the river might be better able to handle helping you in other ways than my forest could.....although we have a lake nearby." she notes.

Prophet waves a paw dismissively. "I can handle myself, don't worry." He lightly urges you on, muttering softly, "Please, lead the way."

Asha hesitates, then nods, sheepishly glancing down before strongly lifting her chin, tilting her head in motion. She walks along the river at an even pace in silence, glancing sideways at him after a moment. "How...did you know I was over there?" she mwrrs.

Prophet smirks, walking alongside you at an easy stride. He tries to make no notice of his slight limp, simply keeping the pace with you. "I could smell you up there."

[Quiet travel through the forest towards the southwest of Cat's Haven]

Asha walks slower as she grows tired, but continues steadily as she sees the redwoods again in relief, checking around. Nearly stopping, she pauses to gaze back at him, quiet for much of their walk and tilts her head in curious uncertainty. "Well...this is my small corner of things, although there's more elsewhere." she grins a bit, then shifts as she stands on feet, pondering. "Where're you comfortable staying?"

Prophet holds back a yawn as he gazes at your cottage, smiling softly. "A very adequate home, miss." He turns to you. "Well, I wouldn't think of asking to take up any room in your home... It would be better if I just took a tree branch to sleep in." He looks to you sheepishly. "After all the danger I put you in, I wouldn't think of imposing."

Asha bites her lip to hold back a yawn, quiet for a moment as she nods, turning her gaze towards the forest. The silver kitty glances back at him with a wry smirk and nods, lifting one shoulder in a half-shrug. "Thanks...I like it well enough, anyway. Just enough space for art, visitors, and our bedroom." she takes a glance at the cabin in mention and shrugs again, giving him a wry grin. "No worries. As long as every meeting isn't like this..." she chuckles.

Prophet shakes his head slowly. "No... Really, I'm very sorry... what happened was something that no fur should need to be so callously exposed to." He bites his lower lip. "I put you in grave danger... I'm sorry."

Asha nods slowly, expression mixed as she stares over for a moment, then glances down. Exhaling softly, her eyes flicker up to his face as she hesitates, then smiles faintly. "Don't worry about it....you didn't plan it, and -did- tell me to leave."

Prophet looks up to the thinning night sky, as the darkness begins to fade by the gradually emerging light of the sun. "Just... Remember to steer clear of me when the moon is full. It's not safe to be in my company when I start foaming at the mouth."

Asha bites her lip, corners of her muzzle quirked up a bit and chuckles wryly, nodding. Unable to think of a reply, she wearily shifts her weight, running a paw through her hair. "Understood. And....I guess, I'll tell you more about art tomorrow?" she asks, almost sounding unsure.

Prophet nods slowly, his own weariness dragging him down. His posture has begun to droop, his tail completely listless, and even his ears flopped over. "Yes, Yes... Tomorrow. Tomorrow would be good..."

Prophet looks around the house. "Would it be out of the question to ask if perhaps I could simply sleep outside your door?" he murmurs, feeling too drained to climb a tree.

Asha smiles a bit and nods, stepping back slightly towards home and watches. "Then, I....thanks. Good night. I mean, good morning..." she chuckles, embarassed, then blinks as he speaks and shyly nods, firmly glancing over. "I...of course."

Prophet nods slowly. "Thank you... I'll try not to mark my territory too much," he mutters, making a poor attempt at humor. His eyelids are barely able to stay open. "Good Night, Miss."

Asha manages a tired grin and nods, awkwardly hesitating before lightly patting, eagerly walking up to the door and opens it. Slightly inside, she breifly glances over with a small wave and chuckles. "Actually, my name's Asha. You too."

Prophet slowly crawls on all fours to the space beside your front door, groaning softly as he curls up into a small ball of fur. "And, Asha...?" He asks, stopping you as you open the door.

Prophet clears his throat. "Thank you... for not being afraid."

Asha blinks, brightly staring down as her ears tilt at the words, lost for a reply. Fumbling breifly, she shakes her head and can't help but sheepishly grin, shrugging and mwrfs, biting a lip. "It...well, thanks. Not a big deal....t'care."

Prophet nods slowly. "You too..." And with that, he buries his head, and dozes off on the ground.

Asha nods in reply and exhales softly, quietly shutting the door behind her.

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