Returned To Fight

[Felypsa]

Istariel looked back at Fiendark, startled by his own fury. But before she could inquire as to its cause, Phoebus shot down like a missile to the ground. She trusted his instinct and followed him, though more sedately, less crazily. Before long, the leaves of the trees parted slightly, and she could see her good friend Ammolite standing with a wolf she had never before seen - she assumed this must be the vile "Spectre." She was surprised by how large Phoebus had grown, but did not let the surprise show. She became a princess the moment she landed. "Ammolite, my friend," she said kindly, "please detach yourself from such a creature. I have sources that he is not to be trusted."[/color]

Fiendark was much less diplomatic, landing between Phoebus and the cave-demon princess. His nostrils flared, he snarled, and his eyes flashed angrily. His claws dug into the earth, wounding the ground. "You soul-stealing bastard," he spat at Spectre. "You are the source of all my troubles in my life!"[/color]

Azarak clambered onto the top of Fiendark's head, narrowing his ruby-red eyes at Spectre. "It seems you're outnumbered," he said to the thief. "Hawk and Zues will be joining us any minute. We all mean business. Step away from Ammolite or you will greatly regret it, I'm sure." It might have sounded funny, such a threat coming from such a small creature, but it was impossible to doubt Azarak with his blazing eyes.[/color]

Ammolite thought she would die of shock. Suddenly, her friends came raining down from the sky! "Phoebus, Istariel, Azarak, Daddy!" she cried, seemingly unable to register their moods, just happy to see them all. She looked up eagerly. "Zues and...and Hawk are here too? Oh, this is fantas - " She paused, suddenly listening to her friends' accusations, her eyes wide. They were the red and orange; she was both greatly afraid and confused. "What's going on? Why are you so hostile to Spectre? He's helped me here; without him I wouldn't have survived here!" She did not move away from Spectre. A fatal decision.[/color]

Spectre took a step back as everyone landed at once. He had expected Fiendark, but not the angry, mistrustful hawk from before, nor this beautiful demoness, nor the funny-looking angry lizard. And there were more? He was daunted by their numbers, but at Ammolite's words he grew more confident. This could still work. He was a native, after all. "Your words would be impressive, if they were to be backed up by actions," he retorted. A moment later, he was in cobra-form and seized Ammolite in his coils. He touched the ground with his snout, and it turned fluid at his touch. He immediately plunged into the ground, still grasping the frightened Ammolite. An instant later, they had vanished underground, and the earth solidified once Spectre had made his escape.[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk shot down to the earth. Yet he was not quick enough. Just as the ground hardened, he slammed into it forcefully. With a roar of anger at Spectre's treachery, he struck and claws at the ground angrily. The force of the blows he sent to the earth were amazing as was his frustration. Again he had to watch a friend of his taken away from him before his very eyes. Desperately he clawed at the dirt, trying to dig down to wherever they had disapeared to in hopes of rescuing Ammolite.

Zues landed on the ground with a thud just as Ammolite and Spectre disapeared. He looked around quickly at the others. "What happened? There'd they go?"
Phoebus let loose a cry of anger as he jumped at Zues and struck him across the maw with his wing. "Shut up you git! Can't you see they just bloody ran away!?"
Zues snarled at the large hawk, his agitation growing as the bird struck him. "I've about had it with your nonsense Phoebus! One more word from you and I'll...I'll.."
Phoebus sneered at the wold maliciously, snapping his beak in a taunting manor. "You'll what? Stutter me to death?"

[Felypsa]

"Peace!" Istariel cried, coming in between Zues and Phoebus, separating them. "We must not quarrel, not now. We have enough trouble in our paws without fighting amongst ourselves. Now, cease this ridiculous quarrel!" She seemed truly princessly in that moment; commanding but fair.[/color]

Fiendark let out a roar similar to Hawk's, but did not join the other's fruitless activity. Ammolite's father was beyond words to express his rage. He stormed off into the jungle, all but vanishing among the dense vegetation. I will tie him into a knot, then skin him alive, then tear him limb from limb, then scatter his entrails over the Rift, then burn the rest of him into oblivion. As long as there is a breath in my body, I will. I will.[/color]

Azarak was slightly alarmed at being atop a frenzied demon, but he kept his head throughout the crazy situation. Before he and Fiendark were separated completely from the others, he called back, "Follow us! I think I know where Spectre is going. The Pyre. It's ideal. Hurry, though! If he's traveling underground as a serpent, he'll be there momentarily. Come, come!"[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Phoebus glared past Istariel at Zues. His head snapped to Azarak as they spoke. With an indignant grunt, he took off into the air, purposely sending a rather harsh downdrift onto the mascu. It was not long untill all he was, was a golden miniature of himself soaring the the sky. Yes, it was reckless to stray so far away, yet he seemed determined to rescue Ammolite.
Zues snarled as his body was pressed to the earth by the strong winds. His ears lay flat as he closed his eyes to avoid dirt flying into them. When he looked up and saw Phoebus so far up, he only let all emotion fall from his face. He shot a glance at Istariel before taking off quickly. The warrior was much faster than Hawk, but it was apparent he did not possess the same ammount of discipline.

Hawk pounded the ground one last time forlornly. As the other's ran off, he remained slumped over the spot. The long, golden fur that adorned his head held over his eyes. The golden, hawk-like wings that came forth from his spine were drooped slightly. For that moment, with the light cascading upon him and casting shadows across his face, this mascu resembled an angel as mythology described them. Yet the scene did not last long, for after only a moment (which seemed like an eternity to him) he rose and ran off after the rest. His facial features were blank and chilling to one's blood.

[Felypsa]

Spectre indeed traveled underground swiftly, making the earth liquid as he passed through it, keeping Ammolite in a tight grip. All pretense of friendliness and courtship was gone. Spectre knew what he wanted, and he was going to get it. He burst out onto the surface, in front of the Pyre, as Azarak had correctly predicted. He was still a good ten minutes ahead of his pursuers, however. He uncoiled and dropped Ammolite on the stone table, then stood back and stared at her.[/color]

Ammolite's eyes were so dark red they appeared black, the color of panic, and navy blue, the color of despair. She was beyond reason, beyond helping herself. Her good friend had betrayed her, completely disrupting her mentality and rending her emotions. And as Spectre, the cobra, stared at her, she made the mistake of looking back into his hypnotic eyes. The moment she did, she was lost, chained by her own immobility and hopelessness to the Pyre, her death Pyre.[/color]

Istariel was about to bound after the others when she caught sight of Hawk, despairing in the sunlight. She was struck by the vision, even though it lasted only an instant before vanishing, and Hawk was back again. Or was he? His expression was terrifying. "Hawk?" she called tentatively, but he was already running after the others. She wasted no time. She knew what she had seen, and pitied the poor fool Spectre once they caught up to him. Her own features hardening, she raced after the rest of the party, eyes blazing.[/color]

Fiendark practically flew across the ground, unaware of anyone else around him. His opal directed him, and he effortlessly dodged around tricksome vines and branches. At one point, a strange creature, an inhabitant to the Spirit World, had the misfortune of wandering into Fiendark's path. He tore through it mercilessly, letting nothing stand in his way. He left it collapsed and wounded, keening a high-pitched, pained cry. But the cave-demon took no notice. He was almost at the Pyre. Almost...there...to tear through Spectre...to burn...to kill...to destroy...[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Quite suddenly, Phoebus shot down from the sky. His talons were extended almost hungrily as he swooped down toward Spectre. He moved silently and swiftly, his wings pinned to his side. At the last moment he let loose a loud cry. It was hard to resist such an exclamation, his anger so great. The bird of prey attempted to rake his sharp claws at the foe's eyes. His voice bellowed out in indignant yells. " You blackheart! I'll rip out your eyes and feast on them myself! You dare to kidnap such a sweet, innocent soul!? You'll pay!"

Zues tore through the woods. Yet he was not as swift as the angered demon that led their group. His black and red body was held low to the ground. Heavy paws fell unto the earth at a quick pace. He knew not the story behind their chase, or atleast not it's entirity. Yet he did know that their foe had stolen the spirit of another. This was a crime he personally intended to see punished. Suddenly he almost lost his balance as a streak of gold tore past him.

Hawk seemed possessed by a fierce determination. It wasn't long before he was beside Fiendark, running at an amazing pace. Yet his facial features were still blank. Not a lick of emotion passed over his visage as he tore off through the woods. However, it would be a false statement to say that this mascu held no emotions at this time. No, he simply hid them from the word. His veins boiled with utter hatred and loathing to this Spectre. Quite suddenly he heard the shouts of Phoebus, heralding that they were near. As the Pyre grew closer, Hawk visibly tensed for battle as he ran on unaware of all those about him.

[Felypsa]

Spectre let out a terrible hiss as Phoebus attacked him. "You - meddling - bird!" He ducked his head away from the hawk's harsh talons, his hood flaring and his eyes fiery. He lashed out at the bird with his venomous fangs, hoping to seize Phoebus and pump deadly poison into his body. He was incredibly swift, as cobras are wont to be. It would take a near-miracle for Phoebus to dodge his fangs in time.[/color]

But Phoebus had managed to distract Spectre from Ammolite, who was free of Spectre's hypnosis - momentarily. She was still paralyzed by fright and the feeling of utmost betrayal. She could only stare at the battle between the cobra and the hawk. Somewhere inside, her mind was screaming at her to get up and run away - but she could not find the strength to obey. Dimly she could hear the others approaching. Hurry, hurry...[/color]

Fiendark barely took notice of Hawk, as enraged as he was, beside him. Azarak clung to his back for dear life, but Fiendark ignored the lizard. A few moments later, he burst through the last bit of vegetation, beholding the Pyre before them. There was Spectre, fighting with Phoebus. With a roar of fury, the cave-demon launched himself at the giant snake, his claws flashing and tearing into serpentine scales.[/color]

Thus came the near-miracle that saved Phoebus from Spectre's poison. Spectre buckled under the sudden attack of Fiendark, missing the bird just barely. Hissing in fury, he coiled his flexible body around the winged demon, while Fiendark fought back valiantly, clawing and biting the snake wherever he could. Azarak had long since abandoned Fiendark's back, scuttling towards Ammolite on the Pyre in hopes of freeing her.[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Phoebus attempted to dodge the attack sent his way. Even though it was destined not to hit due to Fiendark, the bird lost control of his speed and went flying into a tree. He crumpled against the spire of wood, slowly shrinking down to his normal size. The little bird lay on the ground, seemingly lifeless. Yet in truth he was simply unconscious. The force of hitting the trunk had knocked him out cold. His golden wings laid spread out at odd angles, the tip of his left appendage was jutting out gruesomely.

Hawk only paused to watch in distraught as his guardian flew head first into the tree. He mistook the lack of motion for death. With a roar of anger the mascu leaped at the battling Fiendark and Spectre. His face no longer lacked emotion as he tried to tear at the cobra. A look of pure loathing and hatred possessed the mascu as he struck left and right at the foe. The odd light of the spirit realm gleamed dully off the male wolf's fangs as he was taken over by the need for blood. It was frightening to see such a kind and caring soul so angry and blood thirsty. Yet he did his best not to let his attempted blow to fall upon his comrade.

Zues saw no opportunity to join in the fight. Instead he skirted around the bout and went to Ammolite and Azarak. He knew not how he could help. The bulky mascu felt rather weak. Usually there was atleast a hint of something for him to do in situations such as this. Yet he could find none at the moment. It was thus that he stood before the lizard, shooting them a questioning look. At that moment he would do anything at all that could be a help to their cause. His fierce yellow eyes were heavily ladened with his agitation at feeling more like a burden than an aid.

[Felypsa]

"Zues," Azarak called, poking Ammolite and getting no response except a dull blink. "Are you strong enough to carry Ammolite again? She seems to be...incapable of much of anything at this point. We need to get her away from that soul-stealing bastard...away from this Pyre and back home." At that moment the lizard noticed Phoebus's unconscious form, and his eyes flashed angrily. "That does it. We're getting out of here. Istariel! Where the hell is a princess when you need her?"[/color]

"Here! Here! I'm here," Istariel gasped, just then entering the fray. Her eyes widened when she saw the fierce battle raging between Spectre and Fiendark and Hawk, and Phoebus's crumpled form. "Kor, this is terrible," she whispered, hurrying over to the fallen bird.[/color]

Spectre was attacked on all sides, by Fiendark and Hawk. He was bleeding heavily, and could not seem to strangle the fighting, clawing demon. Nor could he land a bite on either of his attackers. It was time to use another tactic. Spectre managed to weave himself free of Fiendark's grasp, and avoid one of Hawk's blows, though he was severely wounded and his flesh was torn in several places. But before anyone could move again, he lunged for Ammolite's neck, his fangs outstretched. Instead of biting her, however, his teeth tore at the amulet around her neck, wrenching it free. A moment later, he was in wolf form, the precious gemstone in his mouth, his eyes glittering fiercely. "One more move," he managed to say around the pendant in his mouth, "and I'll destroy this. Ammolite will be gone forever, beyond anyone's reach."[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Zues nodded to Azarak, but before he could lift the femme unto his back the foe leaped at her. He was not quick enough to stop the enemy and at the words that rang out, he froze. The mascu did not dare move even though he was close. His eyes darted over to Hawk and Fiendark. It was possible that he could use his unnatural swiftness to strike Spectre, yet would it be swift enough to halt them from destroying the gem. The last thing he wanted to do was be the fault of Ammolite's death. It was thus that he stood still, waiting some sort of opportunity.

Hawk was halfway through a step when the opponent spoke. With a slight snarl he halted. The golden mascu's chest heaved as he looked around slowly. He noticed the discrete look Zues gave him and gave the smallest of shakes to his cranium. The communication between the two wolfs was so small and hidden it would be a marvelous feat to notice it. Those fierce, golden eyes darted back to Spectre as he stood still. His sinewy muscles were tense as all he wished for was to leap forth and tear the throat from that vile creature. Yet he did not do so. This was a delicate situation in which diplomacy would be more useful than a show of blood and battle.

[Felypsa]

This alone stopped Fiendark's frenzy, and rationality returned. He stopped and growled, but did not move. He glowered at his nemesis. "Bastard," he spat. "What do you want? If you destroy that amulet, Ammolite's soul will be lost to you as well. Would you dare to deprive yourself as well as us of what we most desire?"[/color]

Spectre's mouth curved into a sinister smirk around the object in his mouth. "Unlike you, I am willing to 'deprive myself,' as you so call it. I will sacrifice 'what I most desire,' because, really, half of the joy of receiving Ammolite's soul would be to watch your pain as it vanishes from your reach. If I destroy this," he shook the pendant for effect, "I may not get her lovely spirit as my own, but I will be able to cause you agony, which is enough." His jaws tightened on the ammolite gem. "Now, give me one good reason why I shouldn't destroy this now."[/color]

Seeing Spectre with her beloved amulet in his mouth seemed to snap Ammolite out of her paralysis. Her eyes cleared and became a dark purple color, indicating hatred. Her eyes shot daggers at her benefactor-turned-enemy. "Give me back my amulet," she said in a voice never heard before, a voice filled with cold fury.[/color]

Spectre viewed her mockingly. "Why should I, my beauty?" He seemed unaffected by the icy passion in Ammolite's eyes.[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

Zues remained silent as his yellow, fierce eyes began to pulsate softly with a glow. Ever so slowy he moved towards Spectre. Each movement was disguised by his breath. With ever shift he only moved maybe a centimeter at a time. Yet he was patient, taking his time to avoid being noticed. He was already close to the foe, and all he needed was to get a few more inches closer. Silence captivated as he stopped, finally in position. Now all he needed was the right time to unleash his ability and knock the amulet free.

Hawk knew Zues well and knew the Defender would be doing thus. Yet he couldn't see the movements himself, even though he knew they were taking place. He decided he needed to do his best to keep Spectre's attention away from the black and red wolf. "Why is it you loathe Fiendark? Why would your hatred be so great that you would desire to harm such an innocent soul? What is it you can gain from simple vengeance? Better yet, why do you desire vengeance, assuming that is what you want." His golden eyes darted to Azarak, recalling the game of mind he and the lizard had played so long ago.

[Felypsa]

Spectre turned his gaze to Hawk, heedless of Zues's slow motions towards him. "Ah...you want me to start a monologue, don't you." He smirked. "Well, those are nice questions. I could get all riled up and passionate about my cause, but that would be distracting. I see you are curious, however. So you know, I am not the thief among us. No, not I...Fiendark made the first steal. To be fair, I stole from him; he stole from me again. Now I'm going to steal from him for the last time. I'm going to steal everything from him. He deserves it, for his first incriminating action is all the worse..."[/color]

"I did not steal from you," Fiendark snarled. "Kha'Verna made her own choice. She chose to love me, not you. You never had her love in the first place. You scarred her past. You destroyed her heart. No wonder she would not love you. And she is dead now. She is dead! Don't you know, she's dead!"[/color]

"Dead...so I do know. All the more reason for me to take her daughter, who is as lovely as she is." Spectre smiled at Ammolite, gazing past Zues, not seeing him.[/color]

Ammolite's eyes blazed, but she was speechless with rage. Spectre was a horrible beast; more horrible than she could have imagined. And she had almost fallen into his slimy grasp! As Ammolite's fury mounted higher, the amulet in Spectre's mouth began to glow.[/color]

[Monkey Monk]

It was then that Zues went into action. His fierce eyes glowed brightly as he used his ability of speed. If Spectre were to dodge, it would have to be preemptive. For Zues moved faster than light for the split second he needed. He dashed forth with that amazing speed and batted his paw towards the other's maw powerfully in an attempt to know the amulet from their grasp. Yet so many things could go wrong in the attempt. Spectre could have noticed the attack before it was enacted, or he could had gripped the amulet to tightly for the blow to knock it from his maw (assuming the attack suceeded) or he could have grabbed it once more after it could have been knocked from his maw.

If the amulet was sent forth from Spectre's grip, Hawk would leap forth in an attempt to grab it into safety. However, if the foe tried to regain it after it was stolen from his grasp (again assuming Zues' attempts were a success) the golden mascu would try and knock his foe aside. Even if none of the aforemention activities did not succeed, Hawk would let his voice rumble out angrily towards the creature. "All this is because you were not chosen by a female? You fool! You can not force love! Love is something of purity and the heart! You can never force it upon another, atleast not it's true form!"

OOC: I hope atleast some of this post makes sense. o.O

[Felypsa]

oOc| yes it did make sense! and forgive me, but i laughed. it's so funny. you certainly covered all the bases XD[/color]

Before Spectre knew what was happening, the amulet was forced from his mouth. He blinked, surprised by Zues's sudden agility. But he recovered an instant afterwards, attempting to regain the lost prize from Zues. But Hawk was there, plowing into him, sending him reeling backwards. He ignored what Hawk had said, though. The downward spiral had already begun.[/color]

Fiendark had leaped into action the moment Zues had taken the amulet from the thief. Hawk had sent Spectre backward, right into Fiendark's whirlwind of fury. The demon's claws were everywhere, opening more wounds on Spectre's body, his teeth tearing the thief's flesh mercilessly. It seemed he was making good on his promise to himself to tear Spectre apart limb by limb.[/color]

But Spectre was not completely lost. Though hurt severely by Fiendark's attacks, he managed to turn into a cobra, twisting around and evading the other's blows. He was losing copious amounts of blood, and his eyes were dulled, but he still had some strength left. In a final burst of energy, he dodged Fiendark's claws and twisted his head around until he could sink his fangs into Fiendark's back. He succeeded, pumping deadly venom into the cave-demon's body.[/color]

Fiendark knew he was lost, feeling the lethal toxin enter his system. But with one last effort, he turned around, teeth flashing in the Spirit World's strange light, sinking into the cobra's neck. Fiendark tore away Spectre's throat, killing the snake-wolf instantly. The lifeless form of the serpent seemed to deflate, sinking onto the ground like a punctured balloon. With the deed completed, Fiendark collapsed, breathing heavily. He only had a few moments left to live, and knew it. But he had saved his daughter. That was all that mattered.[/color]

"Daddy!" Ammolite screamed, rushing to the fallen demon's side, her eyes bloodred, dark orange, and blue all at once.[/color]