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The strike to the face disorients the bird long enough for her to move to the left. Behind her the building guards her back but gives her distance to use the whip to its full advantage. She keeps the bird's position in view as she pulls her arm back. The moment it seems to regain its graceful flight she flings her whip towards it and knocks the leather against the damn thing's back. It opens its beak in a squawk as it launches a feather towards her.

There's no avoiding the feather. Instead she covers her face and grits her teeth to keep from hissing as the metal pokes a shallow cut into her abdomen. She has the distinct memory of watching some of the ballet students crowed around a Nintendo Gamecube and watching as a cartoon Link hefted a hammer to bash a massive bird's face off. The desire for her own hammer to mimic that wells up.

Marisol's Health: 42 - 5 = 37 HP
Bird's Health: 21 - (100% x 4) = 17 HP

Marisol's Weapon: Whip (4 Base; +1 Hit)

The next feather is expected and while she doesn't avoid it, she doesn't pay it much notice either. Instead she focuses on trying to do as much damage as possible. She feints, pretending to throw the whip, and rejoices when the bird pumps its wings to lift itself up higher. With a clear shot, she cracks the whip against its exposed chest.

On the snow below, a strange color appears and the bird seems to be having trouble keeping itself up. It'll be dead soon. Just one more hit.

Marisol's Health: 32 - 5 = 27 HP
Bird's Health: 9 - (200% x 4) = 1 HP

Marisol's Weapon: Whip (4 Base; +1 Hit)

Marisol approaches the carcass--gives it a firm kick to make sure it's down--before she crouches down to give it a better look. The metallic sheen is disconcerting up close. There doesn't seem to be anything natural about it, not even the lone feather that has dropped beside it.

She takes it carefully. The edges are like a razor blade and she finds it strange how light it is. There's an obvious heft to it--it is metal--but it's no more heavy than the throwing stars she tried out so long ago. It feels like it's been years since that day she first tried to practice against a dummy but she knows it hasn't even been a month. She isn't sure how to feel about that.

With a shake of her head, she pockets the feather carefully and then turns away. It's dead and she isn't going to be dragging it around with her. No one ever said anything about collecting specimens; she's here to help these people, kill birds, and rescue anyone who has been run off. If she's honest, she just doesn't want to touch the damn things at all. Even the feather was a risk; one she shouldn't have taken but if those are a danger she's already been exposed.

She gives one last glance at it, unsettled by its stillness, before she turns her back to it. She moves towards the hotel at a quick pace and does another survey of the fortifications before she slips around the side. She keeps her shoulders and head down as she moves towards the unlocked door. Feels anxiety creep in before her hand touches the latch and she lets herself in, then leans against the door to settle herself. Releasing a breath, she turns and begins to build up the wall that keeps this door shut.

100: Metal Feather: Once per battle, you can backstab with this small dagger. Add 2 to your final damage. This item is reusable, and remains in your inventory.