Alone in the Forest [invite only]

[Statues]

Sierra Kardis


Kards watched the sorry group as they scattered. The eruption of sound and the smell of sulfur that emerged from the female human’s shiny stick were sickening to her senses. She had sprang away from the resounding booms as soon as they begun, only glancing back once to see that it was the violent male who had been damaged by the noise. ‘Humans truly are despicable. They even turn on their own kind.’ She thought to herself, eyes narrowed as she sank to the ground and slipped into one of her many tunnels. It was time to head to the home den. Warm and safe, it would shield her from the rain that had begun to fall in fat drops upon the earth. With so many new creatures and sounds in the forest today, all she wanted was to curl up and be warm, especially with the heavy pain that had been stabbing at her ribs from the butt of the violent human’s stick.

When she emerged from her tunnel, she found herself in a familiar sector of the forest she called home. This was a place with water, rich greenery, and caves. This was the place she made her home. However, something was still amiss in this area. There were two things she noticed straight off the bat. The smell of fire, burning flesh, and the shifter, who had been in the distance earlier, graced her olfactory glands. The ermine had to wonder if even a proud beast such as a tiger would stoop so low as to become friends with a human, as the others had. ‘No… burned flesh? More likely that lovely lady has killed the vile beast by throwing him in his own flame.’ She thought to herself contentedly. She moved in a large circle around the area, heading to the cave where she made her home den. She paused when the scene came in sight, eyes drinking in the richness of the licking flames. But there was no charred body dying in them, unfortunately.

It did not, however, take her long to spot the white tiger. Her rippling muscles and dagger claws made her into a perfect killing machine. What a splendid creature to be with so many threats hanging about. She padded towards the female shifter on silent feet. She had no fear of her own kind, as shifters were generally peaceful towards one another.
“How do you plan to kill this abomination, tiger?”
She whispered in assumption, eyes glinting in the fire. Her ribs were in too poor of a condition for her to consider killing the human herself but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t watch the show.

[Januarys Doll]

【 Zachella Claw 】
Raven: The Mistress in Black



Three shots pierced the air around her and the fumes that were produced penetrated her nostrils violently. Zachella had assumed the worst, that it was Fredd who had shot from his weapon. She hadn't felt any pain, but she clenched her teeth, assuming that the adrenaline was delaying her nervous system and soon she would be writhing in pain. The stood frozen, waiting for pain to reach her, but instead the first thing she felt was a hand grabbing and pulling violently at her arm. Curses flew from the bearded assailant's mouth and Zachella realized that it was he who was shot. A feeling of relief washed over her as looked over at Nova, pulling her away. Her legs obeyed without her realizing and soon, the injured man was just a shadow behind the trees.

With each step they took, more and more droplets of rain began to strike the ground around them. Soon the forest became a mess of mud and puddles. The floor beneath them became soft and Zac found it increasingly hard to keep her footing. She looked over to Nova, her boots and pants were not distinguishable from the mud around them. She felt bits of dirt fly up and hit her arms and even her face as they raced through the pouring rain. She felt bad, her clothes were shabby and she didn't even have shoes to dirty in the first place, but Nova... Nova! Her clothes were something of a different kind. Zac doubt it would be easy to find replacements for her garments and blushed at the thought that she might have to lend her sub-par clothing to Nova. She'll definitely catch a cold if she stays in those wet clothes of hers,

Caught up in her moment of fantasy, Zac hadn't noticed the dark looming figure behind them. The bearded man was approaching. What Zac did manage to pick out through the heavy rain was the shape of the fox-girl and Eric. She wiped the rain drops from her eyes, her long lashes heavy with moisture, and blinked rapidly. Yes! It is them! She grabs Nova's hand leads her along, noticing her struggle with vision as well in the storm, and finally reaches them. Her body dripped with rain water and her hair was plastered against her face, but she was just relieved to be away from that human.

[Super Fluffy Walrus]

【 Ikanova Poklonskaya 】
Lieutenant


With every step Ikanova takes, she realizes the true gravity of what she has just done. Ikanova has made her choice. As Ikanova's uniform soon becomes tattered from crashing through the heavily forested area at ever increasing speeds. Tears begins falling from Ikanova's eyes as she realizes that this would be the last time that she would ever wear her lieutenant's uniform and she definitely will not be getting her captain's uniform much less the general's outfit that was always her dream. But this mission has changed her dream, she is no longer the patriotic girl who will do anything for her country instead now she wished to protect this forest and all its inhabitants. Ikanova found it increasingly difficult to keep her footing as the rain turning the hard unyielding dirt into soft mud, as she continued forth in her preset direction Ikanova loses her footing slightly and twists her ankle causing her curse under her breath. Frustrated Ikanova slows to their pace to a steady march as she cries to herself silently hoping that the sound of rainfall would cover her tears.

As Ikanova is about give up her search of Petrov and completely breakdown in front of Zachella for the second time in two days, Zachella asks her hand as she says she will lead her in the direction Zachella said she sees Petrov. The sky rumbles with such intensity Ikanova was afraid that perhaps she did not disable Freddie's weapon to the degree that it was inoperable. Ikanova was unable to discern anything around her as the flurry of water battered at her swollen eyes, but deep inside she knew that Freddie will stop at nothing to capture and kill Zachella and probably herself as well. Ikanova literally puts her life in Zachella's hands as she begins to lead Ikanova fowards.

[Lain R]

【 Thylia Amora 】
The Colourless Fox

Even in the rain she could see the pair coming closer, suddenly the blond girl loses her balance. She sees Nova limping as Zachella tugs her towards Eric. Wanting to help she dashes towards them. Shocking Nova as she reaches, they both stop in place. Thylia goes to Nova's other side and pulls Nova's arm over her shoulder giving her support so she could use less force on her injured leg. Even though the rain makes her red hair fall and cover her face, she trudges on, making her way towards Eric. Soon they reach him, indicating he can see them too now, he smiles.

[Disvibe]

【 "Eric Petrov" 】
"Corporal"
{ Disvibe }

Everything happened so fast; one moment they were being shot at by a fellow hunter, the next they were being chased by a tiger shape shifter. This just proves that not one side is all good. This was something Eric learned in his time in the forest. The shape shifters that had killed his comrades were nothing like the shape shifters that protect him now. Eric watched with a puzzled expression as Thylia rain into the forest. “She’s probably going to check on the others.” he thought. He felt a raindrop on his head and knew that soon there would be a down pour. The clouds had blotted out the sun making the forest even darker than it already was. This time, Eric knew that near rivers is a horrible place to be in a storm. That’s what got him in this mess. But he has that bit of misjudgement to thank or else he would not have met Thylia. Eric looked to the distance and saw three figures walking in his direction. Making out there silhouettes he concluded that it was nova, the crow girl and Thylia. “Thank goodness everyone was safe.” he thought. As they approached, a thought struck through Eric’s head; were they going to bring the crow girl back to HQ as part of the mission? Was nova just pretending to be all goody goody with her to earn her trust? He would have to speak with her privately later but for now they should celebrate the fact that none of them died.

[Januarys Doll]

【 Zachella Claw 】
Raven: The Mistress in Black



Zac watches as the fox-girl approaches them. To Zac's displeasure, the shapeshifter takes Nova's arm and slings it across her shoulders. Looking towards her, Zac noticed that the rain had caused her long red hair to become matted down and limp, That's not a good look for you, Zac thought bitterly. She held her tongue before she could voice any of her negative thoughts and told herself to be thankful, as the redhead was helping Nova.

The female shapeshifter lead them to the edge of a slope. Zac was incredulous, did she actually expect them to go down this mud-slide in this kind of weather? Zac sighed in disbelief, which nobody heard or saw. Thunder roared above them and Zac squeaked a bit, grabbing onto Ikanova with both hands. Her cheeks flushed warmly even though the cold air blew at their wet, sopping clothes.

Looking down towards Eric, Zac knew that getting to lower ground would be safer, if anything. She carefully lowered herself to the ground, letting go of Nova, and pushed off the slope. The ground was more slippery than she had expected. She tried to slow herself down with her hands and feet, but all that resulted was mud slashing up to her face and hair. Her dress rode up her back, exposing her midriff. Zac cries for help as she can see herself barreling straight toward Eric.

[Disvibe]

【 "Eric Petrov" 】
"Corporal"
{ Disvibe }

Eric watched as the crow girl slipped down the slope straight at him. In what seemed like slow motion, she slammed into him pushing both of them to the ground. Eric opened his eyes to see this girl lying on top of him. They were both covered in mud and soaked. “Well that was fun.” he said “I’m Eric by the way, Eric Petrov. And what might your name be.” Eric could see that the crow girl was visibly embarrassed from slamming into him. He looked up to see Thylia and Nova descend from the slope with ease and walking towards them. The rain was not letting up, they would have to find shelter soon or the events of yesterday were going to repeat itself. Eric took another look at the crow girl. “I wonder where her and Thylia were going to go when the helicopter arrives.” he thought.

[Lain R]

【 Thylia Amora 】
The Colourless Fox

As Zachella crashes and lands on top of Eric , she feels a slight throbbing inside her chest and wonders why. Why am I sad when I see this intimacy?, she wonders as rubs the throbbing in her chest. She frowns as she sees Zach looking embarrassed and flustered...still on top of him. Thylia looks toward the girl next to her and slowly helps her lower herself, so she could slide down more easily. As the girl lands beside Thylia, she sees Eric staring at Zach. This makes Thylia turn away and busies herself by helping the blond haired female get up.
By then, Zach and Eric had untangled themselves and gotten up too. "Let find shelter." Thylia says in an emotionless tone. She begins to walk ahead of the group towards a destination where she knows she will find a small cave made from the shifted rock ground. She hears the others following.

[Super Fluffy Walrus]

【 Ikanova Poklonskaya 】
Lieutenant


As Zachella slips away from her, Ikanova feels the same resolve she felt when Freddie threatened to take her life. Attempting to jump down after Zachella, Ikanova begins to push off a sturdy log, however before Ikanova's feet leave the softened ground she is forcefully stopped by the redhead and is lead down a winding albeit safer route down the cliff. Ikanova goes more and more irate at the girl in front of her as she timidly tests each step forward before taking her step. Ikanova wonders what will happen if she was to gently nudge the girl to the side so she could make her was to the bottom faster. Putting that thought aside, Zachella probably will not be too happy if a fellow shapeshifter suddenly fell off the side of a cliff, Ikanova steady continues down the path until she could just make out the faint impression of Zachella and Petrov. To Ikanova's relief Zachella seemed more embarrassed that she'd landed on top of Petrov than anything else. Turning to the redhead, Ikanova begins to thank her for safely guiding her down the steep walls of the cliff. Before the words come out of Iksnova's mouth the girl cuts Ikanova off and abruptly suggests that they find shelter from the storm. I'm already soaked, shelter can wait reasons Ikanova as she approaches Zachella and embraces her again. As tears of relief fall from Ikanova's eyes she prays for two things, that Zachella will choose to stay with her when she has to leave in 11 days, and that the rain will cover up her tears. She wasn't afraid to be vulnerable around Zachella but she also didn't want Petrov or that other girl think that she was weak and unfit to lead.

[Januarys Doll]

【 Zachella Claw 】
Raven: The Mistress in Black



Zachella closed her eyes as she felt herself slam into Eric. Her weight and speed causing enough force to push him to the ground. She opened her eyes slowly and found herself on top of him, face buried into his chest. She let out a small gasp and pushed herself up onto all fours, straddling him. Her eyes were staring dumbly at him, waiting for some sort of accusation. Instead, his eyes turned soft and playful. The rain poured down around them and muddy water dripped from Zac's face and hair onto Eric. The front of her dress sagged from the weight of the water, revealing a little too much. When she noticed, she quickly grabbed a handful of her dress collar and held it to her body, blushing vividly in the cold air.

"I'm really sorry, Eric! And ah.. my name is Zachella! But please call me Zac, only if you want to though!" Zac stammered, finally getting up from her distressing position. She was careful not to press on Eric's body as she managed herself into a standing position. She offered her hand to him, but before he could take it, the fox-girl spoke up. Her tone was strange, almost frightening, and she began to walk away from them. Zac's hand shrunk away, scared for a moment at the shapeshifter's sudden hostility. Her fear melted suddenly, when she felt wet -- but warm -- arms around her. "Ikanova..." She breathed out. Her breath came out as a fog. The air was getting chillier as the sun dropped lower to the horizon. The rain around them didn't seem to mind, as it kept up profusely around them. Zac wanted to enjoy this embrace but she knew they were all cold, and would be getting colder. The fox-shifter was right. A shelter is of utmost importance right now and then a fire. She felt slight shakes from Nova, and she looked down to see moist eyes. Zac's heart melts a little at Nova's concern. Taking a chance, she brushed her lips lightly over Nova's damp hair and squeezed her slightly, before letting go and running to catch up to the fox shifter.

[I Desire I]

【†Yokoru†】
Spiritual Dragon

As the rain began over the soft greens, that washed across the forest in varying shades, a milk white figure was seen winding through the bushes. He stood inches off of the earth, but extended a few dozen trees back. With his length, he looked liked a sort of fog or the trailing smoke of burning incense that peeked through the low branches as they rustled and parted. The dirt beneath Yokoru's paws was satiny and wet, which caused the young dragon to smile. Often he would stop to lay on his belly and play with clumps of it. There were clouds overhead to block the sun from heating the oncoming storm away and keep the light around him shady and grey.
Koru found serenity in the quiet pattering of the drizzle and low exhale of wind against his snout. Cool and calm air lifted his whiskers and swept through the snowy mane along his spine. It chilled his scaly skin, keeping the Ryu from having to stop. As he traveled further into the woodlands, Koru's obsidian eyes took in the visual euphoria that made up his surroundings. All of its patterns and flow shifted subtly, but kept in its familiarity (though the dragon had never been here before.). At some point it began to shower, raining heavier now as he finally reached the heart of the storm. He padded into a clearing, lifting his head to let the water clean away any dirt left on his snout and chin. There was no falter in his mellow temperament, as he was untroubled by most anything that presented itself. Looking on though, he was able to make out a few figures hiking towards the bottom of a rather steep slope. They were clumped together and distant, but clear enough to Yokoru to be distinguished as human. Koru's heart thudded nervously.
...What if I have to talk with them?..
Huffing gently, he searched for somewhere to hide until they had passed. Off to the side there was modest cove/cave crafted by the hands of time into the side of an

ample expanse of stone. He slipped across the clearing and headed inside.

[Disvibe]

【 "Eric Petrov" 】
"Corporal"
{ Disvibe }

Eric couldn't help but smile seeing Zac frantically trying to get up while at the same time straddling him. Water was dripping from her face and hair onto him but he did not mind. His eyes had instinctively looked at the section of her dress that was weighed down by water. Its in a man's nature to take a peak when ever possible, especially for a man like Eric. Her embarrassed face was cute in the way that he did not want to look away. But he had to before things got too awkward. Eric got up from his place on the floor and hurried up to catch up with the rest of the group. He followed closely behind Thylia but she ignored him whenever he tried to talk to her. “Did I do something wrong?” Eric thought “We were fine just a minute ago.” Eric’s worried face quickly twisted into a smirk as he realised that she’s probably jealous about what happened with him and Zac. He decided to leave it until they got to the cave. Thylia lead the group to a small cave that was dry and protected from the rain. Eric wasted no time in taking off his jacket and shirt which were both soaked and dirty. Once again his pants were fine due to them being water proof. He kicked off his boots and laid his socks to dry. Eric sat down and leaned against a medium sized rock, his bare back cold against the stone. He was incredibly exhausted after the day’s ordeal. Almost getting murdered twice wasn’t exactly on his to do list. In his state, he did not realize there was a fifth person inside the cave.

[I Desire I]

【†Yokoru†】
Spiritual Dragon

When the others had entered, Yokoru shrunk back into his hole. The stone had fractured just wide enough to fit his body warmly and it provided a sound position to observe them without being seen. They dried themselves off, a worried air about them, and hardly spoke. Raising a brow, the dragon shifted forward and eyed the closest one curiously. He wore clothes far beyond what any simple villager would wear, Koru could tell even by the articles that had been peeled away from his skin and set to dry. The male's pants remained untouched by the rain, despite any severity of the weather, which caused Koru to move again to get a closer look. His eyes shifted up to the others, in awe, they all looked different. Though they may not have noticed it, the fabric that dressed the group varied in style and color as if they had traveled from farthest reaches of Earth to meet here. There were two adorned simply, the first male had an official look to him and when the Ryu looked over the last one, he realized that she did too.
Did they come from the same place? He wondered, taking her in slowly. As his eyes drifted lower, they caught sight of her pistol. It was very foreign and glinted in its peak of interest to Yokoru. There was a small cluster of rocks closer to the woman with the amazing new object and the dragon lowered himself, attempting to move quickly. A sharp clattering sounded from behind him though, as he had begun to move one of his claws had knocked into a few unstable pebbles. He froze, his heart pounding.

[Shineesky]

【 Zachella Claw 】
Raven: The Mistress in Black



A hostile air was still around the fox-female. Zac could see the way she avoided Eric when he tried to speak with her. Zac was confused, what had happened in the last few moments that caused this? I hope Nova hadn't done or said anything to cause her to get this riled up, Zac sighed and tried to alleviate the tension around them. "I'm Zachella, and I never caught your name?" She tried to sound friendly, but her voice was timid.

The rain pattered around them relentlessly. Zac looked over at Nova and grabbed her hand, giving it a small squeeze. It was cold, but the tiny amount of heat that radiated from Nova's soft, strong hands were comforting. Zac had wondered if the fox-shifter knew where they were headed, but she was a little scared to ask. Thunder cracked around them, sending the darkening sky ablaze. Zac shivered and pulled herself close enough to Nova that their shoulders bumped. The forest around them became sparser and soon Zac's eyes found the shape of a cave opening in a clearing. She rushed forward with Nova's hand still encased in her own, paranoid of the lightning.

Upon reaching the inside of the cave, Zac could hear tiny noises that didn't fit in. Was something in here with us? Zac's eyes adjusted to the darkness within a moment, but she wasn't able to make out anything out of the ordinary. She looked over and saw Eric begin to undress. His body was built and she had trouble taking her eyes off him. She had never taken a very good look at his figure, but now her eyes grazed every inch of his skin with curiosity. As her eyes fell on his neck, she noticed a scar and shuddered at the thought of how he came to have it. Her fingers flew to her own scar, on her shoulder. The wound Nova gave her, but she had already forgiven her for that. It wasn't on purpose, of course. A noise suddenly woke her from her reverie. Her eyes immediately darted in that direction and she saw a white creature. It wasn't something she had seen in the forest before, but it didn't look vicious, at least not in this moment.

Timidly, Zac approached the creature, "Hello? Who.. are you?"

Myung Ki

[Lain R]

【 Thylia Amora 】
The Colourless Fox

The familiar playful expression on Eric's face as Zachella sat on top of him replayed again and again in Thylia's mind making her oblivious to the voices that were trying to reach her. She wanted to know where she has seen that expression before; an expression that is causing her pain now and confused her before. She thought back to where she could have seen that same expression before and suddenly remembers it was when they first met; when he took that first step forward and started chasing after her. I am jealous. I like Eric...but Her heart flutters painfully inside her chest as she is now aware of her own feelings. However, at that same moment his expression from a few moments ago makes her realize something more. Something about how Eric feels, He... doesn't like me, or maybe she is over-thinking but all she recognizes right now is the hollowness inside her rib cage. She wants to leave soon and continue her search once more; she wants to rid herself of this hole that was being dug at, dug at by no one but herself. A tear rolls down her cheek, but she pulls herself together as a thunder cracks as if disciplining her and telling her not to be weak.
As they approach the cave she smelled something off, but it didn't smell like a shifter or a human being. Yet with the lightning storm raging around them as they walk through tall trees, she decides to risk it as her curiosity persuades her to it as well. Suddenly just as they enter the cave, Thylia registers that Zach had asked her for her name. She turns her head slightly towards Zachella and in a composed tone, "My name is Thylia, Zach and sorry about earlier... err something was bothering me."
In the cave, after Eric had taken off his clothes Thylia tries to avoid to look at Eric... or just anybody as she attempts to hold herself together while trying to see if anything was amiss. Just then, Zach notices something as well and walks towards what she had heard. Thylia sees a long white creature, unable to make out what it was.