Rast had found herself wondering for the better part of her first cycle. The tunnels and rooms were all very interesting. Orion was still her favorite! That was actually right where she was heading too. It seemed fitting to go back to the place she hatched to celebrate her second cycle. Her coat had lost its fluffy appearance and started to appear more sleek. She still had some cub-like characteristics of course. Her paws were still a bit large for her body and her tail was still thick with fluffy fur.
The young snow leopard was returning from Polaris. The quickest way back was through the tunnel that smelled sweet and had moss all over the walls. She had also heard rumor of a rather nasty bunch that lived there. But she was sure she could handle a scrap, not that she had ever been in one before.
She was nearing the middle of the tunnel when the smell of smoke tickled her nostrils. The scent made her sneeze, but she continued forward. Perhaps there was a small fire ahead. The spotted cat plodded onward until she saw what had caused that smoke. Ahead of her she saw a creature that was low to the ground. It looked as though it had armor on it's body. It's appearance struck no fear into her, in fact, it was in her way.
"Hey!" She hissed, coming forward briskly.
"Do you mind cutting out that smoke and letting me pass?" It was phrased as a question, sure, but her tone implied a challenge. More of a
get out of my way or else.
@hellberry
An amused snort escaped the cat.
Give me hell? She didn't even know what Hell was but by the way this little reptile said it made it sound unpleasant. What was this little thing going to do? It was about as long as she was if she didn't have a tail. It was almost
cute.
"Oh no! Is the big bad... whatever you are gonna get me from all the way down there?" She crouched down, as if trying to add to the insult.
"You're so sm-"
The snow leopards words were cut off when the little thing moved towards her in a blur of motion. The next thing she knew was pain. It shot down her spine and burned in veins like fire. A high pitched sound escaped the cat. It almost sounded other wordly. She back peddled, unable to think past the pain that exploded out of the side of her face.
Her vision was completely off. For some reason she was seeing a blurry image of the tunnel floor but she knew she was looking forward. Her eye had left it's socket and was now dangling loosely by the remains of its optic nerve. Blood wept from the empty socket like crimson tears.
No thoughts were being processed, only actions. She swung both paws wildly, claws out, looking to strike the other creature. When her claws sank into the creatures thick skin, the pain had begun to change to a wild rush of adrenaline.
Round I of Combat
Attempting to claw Hellberry without seeing
Defense: Fight back
Injuries: Right side of face torn up, dangly christmas ornament eyeball
@Hellberry
Another screech tore from her maw as her eye completely disconnected. Her word was black, there was nothing. Nothing but pain and adrenaline. She was hardly able to dislodge her claws from the things dense scales before one of her legs was knocked from under her. The impact of her body on the cave floor left her even more disoriented. What was up and what was down? The young leopard struggled to get her legs back under her.
She could hear him taunting her. Rast lunged to the sound. Her instincts told her to use the adrenaline while she had it. Completely blind and disoriented, not even the taunting sound of the crocodiles voice could guide her. Her paws landed on nothing but the cave floor and the impact sent her sprawling. Now she truly had no idea where her enemy was. Panic was setting in along with the fear, adding to the adrenaline. Any more of this and she may end up going into shock.
"Please!" Rast's voice was shrill with fear.
"No more!" This was a battle she would not win.
This thing will kill me.
Round II of Combat
Attempt to land on Hellberry and claw him again
Defense, try to plead with him
Empty eye socket, bruised leg, torn face
@hellberry
Her pleas were met with more savagery.
"I was just passing through!" She cried, sounding weaker with each word.
"I was just going home!" Rasts voice wavered, on the verge of tears. Once again she attempted to stand up, but as she did so a sharp, searing pain tore at her side. That creature was biting her once more. Luckily, because she was still growing her skin was loose allowing it to give enough to avoid anything vital. Instead, the skin just tore leaving a small flap of skin in its wake.
This time the pain woke her up and with what little strength she had she twisted around. Her aim was towards the site of her pain and hopefully his head. Disappointment lanced through her veins with the pain that had already made its home there. Her sharp teeth closed on nothing. When this happen she tried to roll away towards the mossy wall of the cave. Or at least, she thought thats where she was rolling. She had no idea where she was in relation to anything anymore.
Round III of Combat
Attempt to bite Hellberry's face
Defense, roll away
Injuries:Empty eye socket, torn face, bruised leg, open flesh wound on left side
@Hellberry
A laugh echoed in the snow leopards ears. It was hopeless. For a moment, nothing happened. Rast was left to marinate in her pain and darkness. Her thoughts were still coming in fragments through the echoing of her own pained cries.
The end. Never to go home. The end. The thoughts haunted her. It was only the voice of the demon that had ruined her that pulled her from them
"Yes! I promise." The words fell out of her mouth faster than before. Her head hung low as she remained lying on her side.
"I will never return. You will never see me again." She was panting now. Rast willed herself to find shelter against the cave wall. However, her paws would not move. Her conscious mind was threatening to give in to the darkness that had already sunk its teeth into her vision.
Round IV of Combat
Attempts: Hide against the wall of the tunnel
Defense use the wall as protection
Injury: Empty eye socket, torn face, bruised leg, open flesh wound on left side, starting to feel affects of blood loss
@hellberry