The Broken Shard ((Open))

[sinn]

(OCC: Z took hasn't posted yet, but I'm just keeping the ball rolling.)

Viktor shuffled in place as he looked at the shifter, "This 'hunk of junk' could stop your attacks with no injury to me...But it's fairly easy to remove. There are two straps around the waist, grab them and pull them apart. Two more are on my shoulders, do the same. The bag on my back should follow as well." Viktor's ears twitched as the shifter asked, 

"By the way.. How do you feel? Hungry? Thirsty? Extremely sick?"

"Seeing as I vomited from the shift and my body is aching in pain...That'd be a solid yes." he chuckled as he sighed and tried to shift his wait to get the strap connected to his M107 off his shoulder. He leaned up a bit as the rifle fell off his back and the strap with it. The large, black rifle made a loud thud as it smacked the ground and made an accidental discharge. The weapon flew back from the recoil as the round ripped a large hole in three trees directly in the path of the round. Viktor looked at the weapon with surprise as he spoke to the two infront  of him, "Sorry...It seems the weapon isn't all broken." Viktor looked at the Shifter as he took yet another deep sigh, "I've gone through too much to deal with this bull sh*t. I never wanted to be here in the first place...I just wish I could return home, my boss is probably flipping out...Nevermind. Anyway, you know who I am. But I'd like to know who you are."

[ulrica]

_{((OOC: If you'd like to, we can start another thread while Z is gone to pass the time?))}[/color]

[Mama Z]

(just continue goin with it. Im busy with my kidlette anyways..)

[ulrica]

<sub>Misae couldn't understand how he saw his armor as anywhere near adequate. It left his arms bare as well as his head and neck. So many vital arteries which could be easily severed with the right tools... Still, the dragoness kept silent. Ignorance was bliss and she was unwilling to shatter what small bit of ignorance he still held onto subconsciously. Better for him to find out on his own... She decided, moving to follow his instructions in removing the strange armor.

"Seeing as I vomited from the shift and my body is aching in pain...That'd be a solid yes." Misae snorted, her brow furrowing a bit. "No need for the sarcasm, pup..." She grumbled irritatedly before raising her voice and speaking again, "You should get up and walk around some. It would probably be a good idea for you to eat as well.." The woman fell silent as the shifter began to move, shrugging the strap of his weapon from his shoulder. This was all well and good, had the gun not suddenly discharged upon hitting the ground. Misae snarled, the noise much too feral for such a human face, and her wings stabbed out of instinct. The bark of three trees shattered into the air as the bullet passed through them, the deadly bolt burying itself deep within the wood of a fourth. The dragoness's breathing came in short gasps, a hand instinctively pressed into her side. Guns were bad, very bad. They brought pain and blood and weakness. Guns were bad. Looking down, Misae's eyes widened, the spikes of her wings had dug fully into the ground not even inches on either side of the wolf. She quickly yanked back, running a hand down her face and trying to get the adrenaline coursing through her racing blood to recede.

"Forgive me... I wasn't expecting that..." The woman breathed, slowly approaching Viktor again, her eyes watching the gun with obvious anxiety. "Sorry...It seems the weapon isn't all broken." Misae snorted indignantly. "Ya think?!" She hissed, delicately curved fangs showing with the action. The newly changed wolf sighed, a sound which caused Sae's head to cock a bit to the right. He spoke again, his words not helping the ageless woman's mental picture of him any. Gone through too much, eh? Puh, you are ignorant... Stupid like a child... Keep feeling sorry for yourself and this world will eat you alive... She thought with some annoyance, memories flashing back briefly to her own past. The death of her parents, the cruel hand of her adopted father and mentor... A shudder ran down her back and Misae reached for the straps Viktor had mentioned to keep her hands from shaking. She replied as she undid the armor which held him to the ground. "I have many names, but the one most call me in this life-time is Misae. It means white sun or white flame, I suppose it depends on what village you come from..." The dragoness stood, placing her hands on her hip as she undid the last strap. "There. Any other questions will have to wait. You need to learn your new body, feel your muscles and test your strengths. A wolf who cannot move is a dead wolf."</sub>

[sinn]

Years of being trained to watch body signs and react accordingly paid off as Viktor examined the shifter in front of him, he could tell she thought of him as ignorant and slow. He shook his head as he slowly moved around and got baring for the new body. His mind was already running through his mistakes as a kid, the people he failed to save. Viktor tried to forces the thoughts out of his head as he broke into a slow jog. They still chased him like a rabid animal. He ran faster until his legs screamed in pain, but he didn't care. Pain was just a weakness, a weakness that needs to be dealt with. Finally he stopped as his mind continued to batter him with the face of a child. A child he couldn't save.

"Alright. I'm up and moving, now what?" he gritted his teeth as his entire mouth aced from the pain of change. He ignored the discomfort as he looked around the snow-covered forest, "I suggest we find food, or somewhere to rest before the cold sets in for the night." Viktor walked around as he pushed through the burn of his muscles being reintroduced to walking, he slowly started to trust this shifter, not fully, but it was something.

[ulrica]

<sub>Misae sighed as Viktor took off, her shoulders slumping downward. "Baby steps fledgling, baby steps.." She groaned, running a hand down her face before starting forward. Her body was shifting, each step bringing her closer and closer to a complete form. Finally, four paws padded swiftly over the frozen terrain with death-like silence. The panther's eyes searching for the form of the wolf who had ran. The feline was a fast creature, more agile than any wolf could ever wish to be, but she couldn't match their speed. It took a short while for Misae to catch up with the male and when she did, it was only because he had stopped.

"Alright. I'm up and moving, now what? I suggest we find food, or somewhere to rest before the cold sets in for the night." Misae snorted, her mouth open slightly as she panted to reveal pointed fangs, long and sharp enough to tear off a man's arm. "Oh aye, up and moving. Have you never heard of taking it slow? Testing your limits? You are a fool to run ahead like that. You may be able to move well enough, but you lack the fighting skill you once had. Sure the basics are there, but if anything smarter than a rabbit decided you would be an easy meal you would die a slow and painful death." The dragoness chastised irritably, violet flames flashing within her fur covered skull. Misae sighed and shook her coat out, following the wolf as he walked around with her eyes. "Food is a good idea... But you don't need to worry about the cold, that coat looks thick enough." She lifted her nose into the air, daintily sniffing for any hint of prey. "There are deer close by, the nest of a few quail, and if I am not mistaken," which she rarely was, "then there is a rabbit burrow not far. Take your pick. But be warned, the smell of fresh kill will draw other creatures. Something you can't eat in one setting will most likely be taken from you or fought for. It isn't a good idea to gorge yourself anyhow... Do what you want though." The large feline yawned, a low growl escaping as she shut her jaws again. Falling back on her haunches Misae watched Viktor intently to await his decision, the last few inches of her tail slowly curling and uncurling.</sub>[/color]

[sinn]

"Limits need to be broken if you are to find your potential, but you are right. No more of that." Viktor closed his eyes a took a deep inhale through his nose as he could make a mental image of the many scents. He figured the best bet was something that wasn't too small, but at the same time wasn't too large. She obviously knew the forest much better than he did, and knew how to hunt far better than he could ever hoped. He followed the scent through the snow as he began slowly moving toward the quail. His past training as a sniper paid off as he patiently crawled to the target. His mind was calm as his blood heightened to the thrill of a kill. He took a deep breath and a long exhale, slowly considering his plan of attack. He finally leaped from the heavy brush as he took the first quail with ease, but it wasn't without a problem, his body screamed at the sudden use of physical force. It wanted to quit, but if Special Forces taught him one thing, it was to push yourself and never give in to the body's overwhelming will to quit. He managed to take down a second and third one with a bit more trouble as he panted from fatigue. He cracked a smirk as he dropped to the ground, he chuckled as he looked to the shifter, "Three down. I think one will be enough for me." He finally got up and looked at the dead quail with an arched brow, "Damn, I wish I could cook this thing. So..Where can I eat and where can't I on it? I mean, does it matter at all?"

[ulrica]

<sub>Misae smiled, pleased that her young pupil had chosen correctly. Deer tasted the best by far, but this time of year their flesh would be tough and their bodies thin. There was also the factor that they were much larger than the wolf needed. Rabbit was a better choice, but they would be long gone before Viktor could dig a large enough crater into their burrow to reach them. Quail, on the other hand, were ground nesting birds and that was their demise. They couldn't take off quickly enough to avoid the wolf's deadly jaws. He downed three, the other escaping to live until another creature came and tested their abilities. "Three down. I think one will be enough for me." The panther could have purred. "Very good youngling. Good hunting." She said, her voice smooth with happiness as she padded silently toward the male.

"Damn, I wish I could cook this thing. So..Where can I eat and where can't I on it? I mean, does it matter at all?" Misae chuckled good naturedly, slowly lowering herself onto her belly; the black of her fur standing out drastically against the white snow. "Eat it all until you are full, starting from the middle and working your way out. I would advise trying not to swallow too many feathers, however. They tend to linger in one's throat.." She crossed her front paws, her tail curling and uncurling lazily as it had before. "Go on now, I assure you it will taste wonderful." Misae nodded her head, her tone one of encouragement as she watched the shifter closely. The sweet smell of blood caressed her nose and permeated her senses, the panther's mouth watering with anticipation. But she wouldn't eat. Not until Viktor had first chosen his quail, tasted it, and found that it was rich and delightful in flavor. This was the law of the forest, you followed it and that was that. End of discussion. There were some laws even she would not break.</sub>

[sinn]

Viktor found his tail wagging as she assured him of his hunting, at first he didn't catch it nor did he feel it. He hid the sign of joy as he turned to the dead bird bit deeply into it, expecting the taste of iron and flesh. To his surprise, the meat was actually good. Maybe it was his body not caring due to a lack of protein, or it could have been his heighten senses that changed the taste of food. Viktor found that the quail was plenty for him as he ripped his canines into the quail as he chewed straight to the bone. He finally stopped as he stretched his aching legs and plopped down to rest. He was physically drained and his body needed the sleep.

"You know humans aren't all bad. Do not get me wrong, there are plenty of humans that deserve to die. But there are others who...Just make mistakes, and they pay for it. What I'm trying to say is; Humans are as different as you and I. Some are hospitable, others...Well...They're not." Viktor yawned as he curled in a ball and watched the world move in it's own natural way. Viktor never payed attention to it before, he never watched the trees or animals. He was always in forests, laying in foliage, covered in a ghillue suit for days sometimes weeks at a time. But this was the first time he truly saw it for what it was, this time he wasn't watching a single area through a scope, despite it being a whole different demension.

[ulrica]

<sub>Misae dug in as soon as she saw that Viktor was accepting his meal. This pleased her, giving her the satisfaction she would have received if she had forced him to enjoy the quail. The small wag of his tail he had given also pleased her as it gave her the knowledge that she had also made him happy with her praise. This people-skill stuff isn't so hard. The dragoness thought triumphantly, proud of her first encounter with another living creature, other than a meal that is, in a long while. However, there were other matters to attend to, like a meal. She didn't have time to worry about how this male thought of her.

The first bird disappeared with a few massive bites of the panther's jaws, her jagged fangs tearing easily through the soft flesh before swallowing each bite almost completely whole. The second was eaten slower, and a bit more delicately. She actually took the time to taste it rather than just scarfing it down. "You know humans aren't all bad..." Misae looked up, her head cocking to the side as she watched Viktor and listened to his words. He was young, naive, he couldn't be expected to understand the falseness of his conclusion. But the dragoness had lived many years and she understood the viciousness of the human race; had seen it and even experienced it first hand. A fact cemented in proof by the many scars which covered her body, hidden by the clothes of her humanoid form and the fur or scales of her others.

Misae was silent for a while, slowly finishing her meal before replying softly. "You will change your mind about that before long... Soon you will learn that humans are only humane to the humanoid. Beasts fall in the second chair, looking up at a world constantly beating us down..." Her words were based on experience, the sorrow filled notes bringing a haunting tone to her voice. She sounded worn down, tired...old. One might wonder exactly how many years she had seen to make such a statement. Then again, with Misae, one was rarely given the time to wonder anything. Learn fast or die, that was her way. "Come along, youngling. There is a den not far from here I often stay in. Follow me, unless you plan on sleeping here alone.." The shadowy panther stood, completely oblivious to Viktor's revelation, shaking snow from her thick coat before padding off toward the small, rocky alcove she had spoken of.</sub>[/color]

[sinn]

Viktor quickly shuffled up as he followed Misae, "And even to Humans they are still inhumane. A long time ago these fairly-funded men took a school, and held many people hostage. I was sent in with my Spetsnaz team to deal with it. I...I lost a great deal of friends that day." He continued to follow her as he walked through the heavy snow, "I got tired of being told to stay back as innocent people died, as children were being killed." He looked to the ground and shook his head, "I killed five men, men who deserved it. My action allowed two dozen people to escape, but...One small girl, I couldn't save. And to this day...Her face haunts me." He stopped as he sighed as he relived his mistake. Viktor rushed foward to catch up as he continued to follow the Shifter.

Viktor never really trusted anyone, nor did he wish to. But this shifter took him in with no questions, even after she knew what he did. Viktor slacked his jaw to relieve the discomfort that filled his mouth, the sudden sharpening and widening of his teeth prevented him from chewing on anything hard. He continued to press his tongue on the teeth to avoid the pain that came with new teeth, Viktor finally thought it out. He was teething, like a child. He ignored it as he continued to follow Misae to her den.

[ulrica]

<sub>Viktor's story was touching, but it must have been a replay of every creature's past from Shinkou to Giaku. Death was as much a part of life in the land as life itself was. Still, Misae listened to each word, cataloging each sentence within the depths of her mind where it could be recalled at a moment's notice. "You should forget about the past, it can only bring you down here." The panther called over her shoulder to the wolf hurrying to catch her. Oh and who are you to give advice on moving on? A voice sneered within the female's mind, each word dripping with contempt. Yes, when it came to hypocrisy, Misae was most definitely one of the best.

The tree wasn't very big, in fact it was a rather scraggly looking thing, but the rocks tangled within its upturned roots where what Misae's sharp eyes scanned. She scented the air, so far it seemed as if they were still alone. "Look sharp, be silent." The female ordered, cautiously approaching the den. She was within feet of the small, dark entrance and still there were no strange scents. It was empty. "Alright, it appears safe but keep your eyes and ears open just in case." The dragoness ducked inside then, her eyes instantly adjusting to the lighting or lack-there-of. The cave widened greatly once one had crawled through a short tunnel and dropped the couple feet into the main room. The ceiling would be high enough for Viktor to stand up straight, and there was enough room for two panthers to stretch out tail to noise without bending.

Misae yawned, stretching before flopping down onto her side, sending up a puff of dirt as she did so. "It isn't much, but it is warm and dry, and there is plenty of room. You can stay here as long as you like." The panther said, her violet eyes closing slowly. Oh how wonderful it would be to simply fall asleep... A noise caught the female's attention, it might have been the wolf following her in, but she opened her eyes once again to scan the room. Just to be safe.</sub>[/color]

[sinn]

Viktor kept low as he followed Misae into the cave as he yawned after her. He spoke under as he scratched his hear, "Thanks. I appreciate this. I'll find some way to repay you for your help." He closed his eyes as he drifted into sleep, but past training allowed him to sleep lightly while still catching the needed hours of sleep. He managed to keep his dream subtle, and less
horrifying in terms of the same image he'd seen since Beslan.

Alexia took Viktor's hand as they walked down the long stretch of land, every night she was a young child, and she always spoke for Viktor's subconcious and reflected his decisions when all was well. When it wasn't, he re-lived his biggest mistake. This time was different, it may have started bad but it ended well and gave him hope. Alexia smiled as she asked, "Why did you kill that poor wolf? She had a pup, you know."

"I assume you figured that? You don't know for sure."

She shrugged, "Still, it wasn't right. You deserve to see what they see. Best way to open one's eyes is to indoctrinate them." she smiled as she looked to Viktor, "Besides I think you look cute as a wolf." Viktor chuckled as he shook his head,

"My own sub-conscious thinks I'm cute? I know I'm going insane now. Perhaps it's the new instincts?" Unlike the real world, Viktor was how he was before he entered this world. He sighed as he looked to Alexia, "What of Misae? Do you trust her? I need to make sure my entire mind is in agreement."

"She helped you expecting nothing, and she let you sleep in her home. I'd say she's worth trusting. And hey, it'd be a first for you."

Viktor ran his fingers through his scalp as the world began to fade, the white slowly turned black and Alexia began to fly away bit by bit as she said; "Just becareful, you're still pretty bad at being a wolf." Viktor turned to her he gave a basil salute and faded into the real world.

Viktor awoke in a field, beautiful and green with rolling hills
And spotted trees. The gentle beat it's heat into the plain as Viktor stood up, he wasn't sure where he was or
how he got here, all he knew is that his pain was gone and he was moving freely. A rabbit caught his eye as it chewed on something Viktor couldn't see. Suddenly something told him to run, just chase it with eveuthing he had. Viktor lurched down as he ran at the rabbit on all fours at full speeds. The plain past in a green blur as the rabbit began to start a chase. Viktor never felt this alive...this free. It was intoxicating, he didn't even care if he caught the rabbit...he just wanted to run. Anyone outside his dream would have seen a wolf, running in place on its side.

Viktor's dream began to fade once again as slowly began to regain his consciousness. He awoke to a sore body and a cold breeze, an accidental whine escape Viktor's lungs as he stood up. He sighed as he sat down and watched the moonlight, he was done with what little sleep he got.

[ulrica]

<sub>Misae's eyes found Viktor sitting up and starring out at the stars. Guess I fell asleep after all... The dragoness thought disappointingly, she needed to be more careful. He may be ignorant and new to his body, but every wolf has fangs...

"Unable to sleep?" The female asked, her voice filling up a silence which suddenly seemed bloated with noise. Even the smallest of breezes was able to coax a whistling moan from the den mouth, the sound filling the panther's head and causing her ears to ring loudly. It was a frustrated thing, such a high-pitched monotonous noise. However, Misae ignored it for the sake of Viktor. He was new to this world and she needed to show him that not everyone was a grump. Hypocrite... Well, she would try to hide her irritation anyhow...

Velveteen paws silently carried the shadowy feline to the wolf's side where she dropped back to her belly with a huff. Her front paws would cross in front of her, while both hind legs would straighten out to the side away from the male. Misae's body went completely still save for the last few inches of her tail slowly curling and uncurling, and her ears flicking every few seconds as a new sound demanded the shifter's attention. "If you do not mind me asking... Where did you come from? And how did you come to be in this world? I am not trying to pry or open fresh wounds, but you seem so foreign; it is hard to imagine that you have ever taken another skin let alone see a creature who shares that ability. Who are you, Viktor?" As her words ended, violet gems would turn to look upon the male's form. Tracing the muscles beneath his thick fur which twisted and tensed with even the smallest of movements. He was a marvelous creature, but most shifters were. Perfect in their impurities.

A jolt of shyness coursed through the female's thoughts, she shouldn't stare at him so. Misae turned her gaze to follow Viktor's, looking out at the stars. Even though her wings were tucked away somewhere in the anatomy of this form, the dragoness imagined for a moment that they were stretched wide and she soared endlessly through the starry sky. How long had it been since she had flown? A day? A week? A month? It didn't matter, it had been far too long. But I cannot leave him here on his own and unprotected... There is no telling what could happen... A noise to the female's left drew her attention and Misae looked at Viktor to listen to his reply.</sub>[/color]

[sinn]

Viktor shrugged and spoke in his usual Russian accent voice, "It is no problem, you just need answers. I can understand." Viktor flicked his tail as he recalled his history, "I was born in the Soviet Union, or Russia now. I am a mercenary for a company named Ion. Last thing I remember is I working in Bolivia to find this cartel drug lord or something like that. I never pay attention to the briefings. Anyway, I was riding in a Helicopter, a large flying machine that uses...blades and a turbine to keep it aloft, and the helicopter took a missile, things that kill the flying machines. I watched the world spin and fade into black as fire consumed the inside...But I woke up here. Now, my world and your world are very different. You use swords and spears, and the guns here are crude and obsolete. Our guns are powerful, plentiful, and worst if all...Fully automatic." He yawned as he continued to watch the stars, "And in my world, changing from one form to another is never seen, so naturally I'm stumped at what to do..."

The night was calm for the most part as the wind was blowing sharp, but subtle stings into his muzzle. He sighed for what he counted the sixth time. He thought of his mission back home, and how the ones he cares about likely worried for him, "But it's just one more thing that has gone wrong, no sense on letting it get to me. I just have to roll with the punches." He looked to her and smiled after he finished, more of to keep both their nerves off edge.