Fire.

It had not yet truly encountered the stuff before, especially not of the corrupted variety. But something deep and primal reacted to the scent of smoke and burning flesh before Creosote itself even registered what was happening. Terror made it run away from the thrashing, rapidly combusting being and the fire (it shouldn't look like that, shouldn't be so cold, but Creosote didn't know why) it ran until it met a wall and then pressed against it as it watched the fire grow and the fleshy form of it's opponent diminish into red, meaty stone.

The first time that Effluvium had ever protected it. Nobody tell the poor thing that it wasn't even intentional.

It reacted with just as much displeasure and confusion to Nemean's lights and fireworks as it had the previous times. It ducked away from the crown, all of it's squinted eyes darting around. Through the lights and still-dissipating smoke it saw the hole it had exited from, what had lead it to this place and what would lead it out again.

Safety.

Like any sensible creature, it darted towards the safe little nook as fast as it could.

I let my horns grow longer
I observed my skin get redder

(Exit Thread)

Fracture my spine

One part horror show and another part cookout, it should be no surprise that introducing fire to combat produced, to say the least, an atypical reaction.

"Aaaawwwwwww. Fluuuuuvvvvvvvvv."

Karambit's disappointment could be measured by the sheer length of its low wail. Antennae drooped as it lowered closer to its seat in the stands, and hunching over, mandibles flexed and forelegs crossed in a monstrous approximation of a child's pout. The strings of drool pouring from numerous jaws made the image no better, an involuntary response to the rising aroma of grilled flesh.

If only Effluvium had lasted longer instead of retreating to its pretty stone shelter. It'd so wanted to greet it after Creo.

But still, praise was due for the clever sibling. "Crrrrreeeeeoooo! Verrrrry goood!"

The hatred between parent and offspring had escaped it entirely, so topsy-turvy was its perspective. Used to associating violence with affection, squeals had encouraged the limbs littering the arena, and though it cared, Creosote's screams had elicited bafflement as much as concern. Would it have known the true extent of the distress below, perhaps it'd have been keen to descend and embrace its kin. Perhaps its bulk might have been used to protect it from the blinding lights and that ghastly golden crown.

That was the plight of this monster though: obliviousness, to its own suffering and to others'. A shame, as its heart was so large.

And swear that you're mine

-Exit Karambit