|
Post by max on Apr 23, 2010 22:46:39 GMT -5
Finally, finally...Retz decided to be upfront about his dual nature. Max unfolded his arms and smiled. He looked down at Retz’s tattoo, his eyebrows rising in surprise. His eyes subtly traced the scars on his wrists. Should he ask out of concern? No, that’s his private business. “You have a tattoo like that as well? That’s kinda weird, mine looks exactly like that. Mine’s on my shoulder blade.” Max pulled off his coat quickly, then removed his shirt. He turned around to show Retz the tattoo, suddenly feeling a trusting connection with this guy. He was a shifter as well. Not some weird ... whatever else he had suggested. Researcher? Did those really exist? A moment later, Max turned around and put his shirt and coat back on. While he did so, he spoke, his voice a little muffled under his shirt. “So you’re what, a leopard or something?” he asked, pulling his shirt over his face. He put his coat back on, glad for the warmth it provided. The wind was starting to become a little chilly as the evening turned into night. Fully clothed, Max ran his fingers through his hair, then let it fall back around his face. It was never going to look tidy, no matter what he did with it.
Max nodded when Retz spoke of how lucky he was. He shrugged also. “I heard there were other types of shifter, but I’ve only met another dog, like me.” His voice grew a little distant, and he swallowed, studying the ground for a moment. She had been his girlfriend at the time. And she had disappeared, after telling him she didn’t want to be with him anymore in words that were harsh enough to make him believe it was his fault. Yet some suspicious thoughts had been growing in his mind over the months, that she had been trying to protect him against something. At the mention of Retz’s form, Max bought himself back to the present. A hyena? Not a leopard. “Oh right, a hyena. I guess people would be a bit nervous. I wouldn’t wanna take you on. That’s...that kind of sucks, mate.” He frowned. “I mean you can’t really just go running the way I do. It’s dangerous enough for me, with the dislike for stray dogs or dogs off leashes around some parts of the city, but for you it must be hard to get out and run at all.” Max tried not to sound too pitying. People didn’t like that, but his face showed true concern. To not be able to run would be a terrible thing. Max grew restless if he didn’t shift at least a few times a week. It was better if he did it every day, even in his apartment for a couple of hours.
Max’s eyebrows creased again in concern. He wanted to ask what people would want to hurt him, but the look on Retz’s face made him stop. It was an intense look of sorrow, one Max didn’t want to help him remember if he didn’t want to. He reluctantly allowed the subject to move onto the superhero talk. He nodded in agreement, though he didn’t look happy about it. “I guess. Lay low. But I just think we could do something you know. And...well no, you’re the second I’ve met. I mean other than my...my ex girlfriend.” Those words felt bitter on his tongue. Max scratched his neck under his collar in agitation, but the morose feeling passed and a second later he was avid with hope again. “Look I’m glad we met. I’ve been here for two months and you’re the first person like me that I’ve bumped into. I mean we could help each other. All I know about this...this...whatever we are, is that there are more like us here, and that we have twelve hours in our animal forms. Approximately twelve, anyway. I’m not sure if there’s a one minute here and there...”
A sudden sound interrupted their conversation. Max turned, surprised that someone else would be out here at this time of night, for it had grown dark. His eyes narrowed as a woman came into view. She looked like she could take care of herself; Max had seen girls like her before. He had worked with one while doing his degree in social work. Piercings, jewellery, a casual, almost mean look to an otherwise pretty face. She could have been anywhere between seventeen and his age; it was a little hard to tell. You’re being judgemental, Max thought. Profiling. Max was generally accepting of people from all walks of life, but it was human nature...and animal nature...to instinctively profile a person judging on what they looked like, or how they smelled. A matter of precaution, sizing up the other. Unlike the general public, Max often tried to get to know a person despite first appearances. It didn’t help that she didn’t appear to be an accommodating personality. Not that he could tell from a first meeting, but something about her made him feel instinctively cautious and even a little nervous and defensive. “I’m...Max,” he said automatically out of politeness, but his muscles were tense, his eyes focused on the newcomer ... Noxx ... intensely. She was a shifter. Something about the other piece of information she had given him was important. Assassin. What did that mean? Max had only been here for a mere two months, and he had never come across another shifter other than Retz the hyena. Thus, he knew nothing of Assassins and Thieves. He shot Retz a quick glance, then looked back at the woman. “Assassin?” he echoed. “If it’s not too rude to ask, what do you mean by that?” He wanted to say, ‘nice to meet you’, but the words wouldn’t come from his mouth. Her appearance did nothing more than make him feel defensive.
|
|
Sky♦
Hasn't Posted IC
Posts: 0
|
Post by Sky♦ on Apr 24, 2010 8:35:48 GMT -5
Retz [/u];; She had gone unnoticed, as Retz listened to Max ramble on as he did. He nodded silently as Max went on speaking, not bothering to use his voice again. As he brought up being unsure of what they were, and how it worked, the little druggie made a mentle note to explain what he knew later. It wasn't because he didn't want to interrupt, no...
It was because of Noxx. She appeared seemingly out of nowhere, though Retz had that feeling in his mind that she had been listening in. A cheetah... and an assassin? "Pleasure to meet yah, Noxx..." a pleasent greeting, but not a pleasent expression. Instantly he was unsure of her; her appearance reminded him of his pre-shelpey days, back when he looked the part. There was no doubt in his mind that this person was a shade more of a druggie then him, just by the appearance alone. (He always did judge by appearance...)
She's dangerous... How long has she been listening in?
"Max, maybe we shouldn't ask that..." He groaned as he got to his feet, meeting her eyes with a cold stare. "We should be asking what all she heard, and why she was listening in so... intently." Defensive, for sure. But for good reason; she might claim to be a shifter, and though he held little doubt of it, you could only be sure by the mark and actually seeing the change. "I've heard rumors from the alley scum. Can't trust everyone." Max was harmless. That much he knew. But she was far from it...
..but oh how he was torn! Despite his outlook on who she probably was, that nagging burn in the back of his mind told him not to piss her off or treat her with disrespect. Standing also wasn't his best idea, being tired and sore from a long night previous. It showed in a slight swaying motion. "Prove your claim, Noxx."
[/size][/color] Muse: Blaaahhhhh~ Notes: Welcome to the fun, Noxx. xD [/blockquote]
|
|
-иoxx
Full Member
AND WALKED
Posts: 104
|
Post by -иoxx on Apr 24, 2010 21:54:01 GMT -5
Max. Oh yes. He looked old, obedient, and oblivious. How did you end up in Shelpey, not meet other shifters, and not know what the assassins and thieves were? Tut Tut my child, that won't do. But, in a way, Max should be damn lucky down to his socks. On so many other relevations, he would be dead. If he wasn't a shifter, he'd be dead. If he was indeed a Theive, he'd be head. If he had a cocky attitude on sight, he'd be dead. If his pure appearance, and the way he spoke didn't bring mild humor to Noxx, he'd be dead. She could go on and on from the way he dressed, to his eye and hair color. But no, attention was diverted away by Retz.
Ohh... this child doesn't know anything. But in reality, she was flustered that her prey was smart enough to slip beneath her clutches. Wanting to snarl and attack, twisted her insides to hitch a small smile on her face. Something of a mischievous nature, as if she was an innocent soul. Or a prostitute looking for work. Both were false, of course. But still, the resemblance was uncanny.
Stepping forward, towards Retz, approached him with a steady walk. Maybe her approaching him would fluster the poor boy, making him easy to tear apart emotionally. Why NOT tell her everything she wanted to know? Why NOT act like Max and his obedience hitched around his neck, etched in leather. Why NOT be afraid of this girl? All were good questions, but as her tongue found words, her mock innocence did not at all match her ominous look.
'We should be asking what all she heard, and why she was listening in so... intently.' Intently... look who's being intent! 'I've heard rumors from the alley scum. Can't trust everyone.' Stopping in her path, clenched her fists. This boy did not know where he belongs in the hierarchy of Shelpey. "Listen here boy!" Drawing up a finger, pointed it at him. "If you even imply that I'm alley scum, then you'll have the entire of Assassins on your tail! For I find it much more enjoyable to play with my food before I eat it!" Instinctively snarling, revealed her abnormally long canines, or... were they lengthening.
Mild rage pulsating through her body, wanting to shift to attack, but at the same time not wanting to give away herself. Sure they knew she was a cheetah, but when it came to shifters the sizes vary. 'Prove your claim, Noxx.' Taken aback, said abruptly, "Are you BLIND boy?" Raising her chin, pointed to the tattoo on her neck, plainly visible. It just proved how oblivious and poor their senses were. But let's not get off on the wrong foot. Taking a step back, and twirling on the spot, smiled at the duo. Some would call it bipolar, others acting. In Noxx's book, this was acting. "I'm sorry for my rude actions... err... I didn't mean to come off that defensive." Shrugging her shoulders in a 'it happens' kind of way, addressed the duo.
"Now... Assassins and Thieves are something of... gangs amongst the shifters. They fight each other, kill, steal, the whole deal. But we are also enemies with the humans as well, the police know us by sight, or some of us." Pausing for dramatic effect, looked at both Max and Ret individually. "Anywho, bottom line in this city, when it comes down to it. We are all that we've got. At least in Assassins, we're a family. Despite our differences. With our own hierarchy. Guilded shifters are higher placed than rogues. But hey... you're still considered tourists from the lack of knowledge" she finished, smiling sweetly.
{617 Words} {Noxx in Human Form} {Non Hostile}
|
|
|
Post by max on Apr 25, 2010 22:35:58 GMT -5
In all his naivety and ignorance, Max was nothing more than a useless bystander in a world he clearly did not understand, try as he might. Retz was clearly more street smart ... shifter smart? ... than poor Max, who looked at the ground and slipped his hands back into his coat pockets, feeling thoroughly out of his depth. Did Retz know more than he was letting on? I feel outta my league...this girl means business... To make matters worse, Max had the uncomfortable feeling that this Noxx woman was sizing him up, mocking him. Or was he just being paranoid and insecure?
It was well and truly night now. A chilly wind had certainly picked up, dragging the few remaining leaves off the gnarled trees surrounding the three shifters. The moon had risen above the tree line now. It was half-full, certainly bright enough to cast a light upon the graveyard. Max looked back up at Noxx, the moon’s light making his hazel eyes appear to change from dark brown to green. He wore an uncertain look upon his face, but also a wary one, especially as Noxx stepped forward. Max’s muscles tensed again, preparation for flight or fight. I don’t like this girl... There was a definite snarl in the woman’s tone as she accused Retz of calling her alley scum. Max glared at her. “Hey, listen up, he didn’t call you alley scum, alright? It sounded like he meant he’d heard things from alley scum and that doesn’t necessarily mean you.” His heart pounded almost painfully as he spoke, a mixture of indignation and nerves. Max didn’t like the way she was pointing at Retz threateningly. He didn’t know Retz very well, but he trusted him already, and Max felt protective over his new friend.
The tattoo did nothing to make Max feel any better. He didn’t like the thought that she could turn into a large carnivorous feline at any moment. He doubted he could take her on. Surely Retz and he were more than enough? Max knew cheetahs were built more for speed than strength, but he didn’t want to get into a fight. Nonetheless, he was ready for one, and was surprised when Noxx appeared to stand down and apologise. A ploy. No way was this real. Max wanted to leave. He looked around, then back at the girl as she explained everything she knew. Now this was interesting; it was the sort of information Max had been waiting for, but he felt as though she were making some sort of point. Was she going to use those canines to accentuate her point? He almost growled defensively, but he bit it back and gave her an incredulous look.
“So, basically, if we’re not in a guild, we’re just the alley scum Retz was talking about? Is that it? What if we don’t want to be part of a guild? Though I do appreciate you telling us what they are.” He wondered if he was going too far, but he continued, “what if we decide not to join any guild? Killing isn’t something I do.” He tried to look as though he could take care of himself, but he was aware he probably wasn’t much of a threat to her. Even with Retz by his side. He didn’t know Retz, and the hyena seemed to know more than he did. Would he stand his ground, or would he agree with Max, that the whole idea of these ‘guilds’ was abhorrent? He did not, however, question her comment on humans. Max knew what the answer would be. He watched plenty of movies, read a lot of books; humans could do terrible things to anything different to them, though Max as a general rule had an optimistic outlook on life and on other people in general. He did not want to be anybody’s enemy. To his way of thinking, joining a ‘guild’ or group of any kind that specifically enhanced that enemy status was foolish. How would ‘humans’ react to such a group? [/color] OOC: Changed Max’s age. He is now 18 turning 19 in September, hence in his first year of college. He can relate a bit better to the characters now I think. Besides it’s been ages since I’ve played a teenage character.
|
|
Sky♦
Hasn't Posted IC
Posts: 0
|
Post by Sky♦ on Apr 26, 2010 14:25:35 GMT -5
Retz;;
Retz held his own the entire time.
Her finger came up near his face, and he felt the corner of his mouth twitch instinctively, the urge to bite bubbling up under his cold, defensive stare. But he kept his jaws shut as she ranted on, even as Max finally acted his age... sort of. The older, but gentler, man corrected her, and Retz felt like slapping him; idiot should keep his mouth shut. But luckily, she kept on.
After her version of 'sorry', she went on to explain more of the groups here in Shelpey. Her words sparked a sudden burst of interest, though it only showed in his slowly tilting head. His eyes snapped from her to the ground momentarily, then to Max as he denied the idea. Retz listened in silently, then, when both were done, spoke his mind.
"Hold on Max. We're not talking about gangs, here. We're talking about..." His eyes traveled over to the cheetah woman. "...we're talking about packs." The term of course, came from his natural instincts; hyenas craved groups. It was safer, easier to hunt, and... "Think like a wolf for a second Max. She's right to say they're like families. Or at least, this.. Assassins group is." His vision moved slowly over to the woman, those darkly framed, dual-colored eyes gleaming with interest and thought. "The humans will find loners easily. And if one is targetted..."
A sudden look of... fear? Old fear... like a bad memory, overcame the hyena. His lips pulled back in a silent, humanoid snarl, his eyes staring suddenly at nothing. T-That's why they killed Cody! That's.. why... he died. We were.. alone.. he was... alone. His hand that held the notebook tightened more, bending the pages a bit. If we had been in a guild like this... at least he would've had a better chance.
"....Nexx." Those thoughts took only a moment, surprisingly, and he looked up at her now with a determined stare. One that held a mixture of realization and anger, with a hint-most of hope. I won't lose myself like Cody was lost. They won't take me. I won't live this life alone... maybe...
"Is Assassins looking for more members?"
[/color][/size] [OOC] Aaaand Retz comes into realization! Heh, he would've been so much slower if he were high. xDD [/blockquote]
|
|
-иoxx
Full Member
AND WALKED
Posts: 104
|
Post by -иoxx on Apr 26, 2010 18:05:50 GMT -5
Dear Maxy with his waxy tone! It made her want to vomit, not just vomit, but to smear his brains on the ground. It was only natural, at least to her. Fiddling around with her nails in a I-really-do-not-care aura about her, found herself slowly coming to like Retz more. He put up with her arrogance, and seemed to accept her more than Max. Who was fired up ready to go. But either way, it didn't mean that she trusted them. If anything they were the two blind mice in this huge city. The two, mutated, blind mice.
'...we're talking about packs.' It was humorous how Retz had to simple it down to Max's capacity. But it was true, guilds were packs, with a hierarchy and all. Kind of zoning out, fingers playing around her gun belt absent minded, wondered what Rohj was doing, or Nia, or Sin. It didn't matter, as long as they weren't dead or traitors. Though, Retz voice, addressing her name, brought her out of her little thought bubble. "Hmmm?"
'Is Assassins looking for more members?' Giving a small smirk, liked this kid even more. Nonchalantly speaking in a tone of no real importance. "Ney... yes and no. Depends your skill. Shifted and with a weapon. I'm a Cheetah, I've got weapons shifted or not." Turning to the soft-ball Max said, "And you don't have to kill, you just better make sure that you're not dead meat yourself!"
Giving a small laugh! Stretched her front arms, bare against the cold night. But the chilly air was nothing to her with the comfort that if it really became too uncomfortable, she could shift into a fur coat at any time. "So." Eying the two of them. "Up to it? Your orientation?"
{Too-ashamed-to-count Words} {Noxx in Human Form} {Non Hostile}
|
|
|
Post by max on Apr 26, 2010 19:44:16 GMT -5
Pack. It was an archaic word, but one Max understand. He quickly switched his view of thinking in the context of the current situation, though he resented the fact the others probably thought him stupid or naive. The whole idea of ‘packs’ for shifters was not a new idea to the wolf dog. He had often wondered if such groups existed and whether he would join one. He had decided early on that it depended on the nature of the pack and had then decided that he was happiest living as he was living without such obligations. Of course, if a good offer were to come along, one that Max felt safe with and happy with, he would be willing to check it out. Instead of speaking, Max this time stayed silent and mostly still. He listened to Retz, though his cautious eyes followed Noxx’s every move. The woman frustrated him. She was crude and evidently not a compassionate soul, though that was another aspect of her he was assuming upon first sight.
Max felt a small jolt of disappointment and insecurity as Retz asked about joining this group with its dubious name. So quickly did Retz shift his interests from his friendship to this girl that Max no longer felt safe here. The hyena wasn’t his friend. He barely knew him; why had he bothered, as usual, to get his hopes up? However, if Max felt insecure, he barely showed it as his mind became defensive again and he pushed his emotions into the background. He was well aware that he was potentially in danger here. These weren’t ordinary people. They were like him, something from a storybook. And hence they were dangerous. Why do I always trust too easily? I should leave... And more often than not, the ever-insecure Max shut that trust down very quickly when he felt threatened.
Clearly, this girl was insane. Did not have to kill? It sounded as though the group did so anyway, and Max, even if he couldn’t kill, did not want to be part of a group that partook in such activities. He tried to put himself into the perspective of someone who might kill. What if someone went after his family? Then, and only then, might he kill for them. That was the only time. Noxx’s offer to them did nothing to make Max more comfortable. He was well aware that she probably thought of him as some pathetic dog. Or was he just being too sensitive? He almost always saw the good in people, but it was becoming harder and harder tonight in the present company.
Fuck, I should’ve stayed home and done my homework. Where would I stand in a pack anyway? Omega wolf? Geez...no, screw that. Surely they would, like any animal or human group, exist as a hierarchy. And that meant fighting to get a good position. In a high school situation, it was more about guts and image, but in a pack situation, in a group of people who could change forms and who would kill...it probably meant sheer, bloody violence. Huh, this is a bad situation, even if my imagination is going wild on me. Max scratched the back of his neck underneath the dog collar, then straightened up, his eyes connecting with Noxx’s again. “I don’t really know enough about it, sorry, I just like to look before I leap,” he said cautiously, looking at Retz briefly before returning his gaze to the cheetah. Did Retz know what he was doing? Of course he does. He’s more at home with this...this crap than I am. I’ve barely been shifting for a year. [/color] (OOC: - I just realised that now Max is 18, he’s actually younger than Noxx and Retz – o.o and he’s only been shape-shifting for a year. Which is fine, but I just realised. And I hate this post, I apologise...it sucks.)
|
|
Sky♦
Hasn't Posted IC
Posts: 0
|
Post by Sky♦ on Apr 26, 2010 20:17:46 GMT -5
Retz;;
Retz felt his face curl into a grin, though devious and sly. Unlike his friend's opinions of the woman, Retz found himself, despite her breed, enjoying her more and more. She wasn't someone he wanted to instantly flirt with, and that made it possible for him to be himself instead of a suck-up. That, or I'm sober.
"I'm more then happy to prove my skill," he began, standing up straighter, and tensing. An arm snaked out while Max held his attention on Noxx, grabbing the other boy up by the shoulders and tugging him over almost like best friends might. "We both are." He brought his head closer to Max's, clenching his teeth.
"Unless you want to end up an easy target, this might be your best way out. Think of it as Ninja versus Pirates, and loners are the victims.
[/i]" He kept his eyes on Noxx as he whispered this to his would-be friend. " I like yah, Max. But I'd rather us not turn out like my now dead buddy, m'kay?[/i]" He released, and stood straight again, hands at his pockets. " Sorry about that, trying to talk sense into my half-domestic buddy here. Ah, but, might I ask?" His sudden change in attitude was based purely on that chance of being safe. He wanted to be alert too, and being stuck in serious meany-face mode wouldn't help with that. " What might I have to do?" He kept his animal form to himself for a reason; that was part of his own tatic, the element of surprise. (He's ready to become ninja, sensai Noxx. ) C'mon, Maxie... you can't pass this up. They'll have full reason to blow our brains out if we know this much and walk! She didn't come here without the intention of leaving us living loners, you book-worm idiot! Nah, Retz was fond of the wolf-dog now. He still needed that apartment too, right? What he wanted was to go into this beside his fellow canine, instead of alone where he might end up Max's enemy in the near future. Show me that college kid brain, man... do not let me down...[/blockquote][/size][/color] [OOC] Retz does NOT want to leave another dog behind, man~ xD [/blockquote]
|
|
-иoxx
Full Member
AND WALKED
Posts: 104
|
Post by -иoxx on Apr 27, 2010 15:45:48 GMT -5
Retz was almost as annoying as Max at the moment. For he might as well be a fox with his cunning ability. But this whole idea of 'talking' was growing very boring to Noxx. What she wouldn't do for a nice, juicy, raw loin or something. Looking upward at the sky, noticed the misty clouds overhead. Barley anything at all, transparent. 'I don’t really know enough about it, sorry, I just like to look before I leap' Scoffing, looked back at Max. Who ever said she was inviting him to participate in orientation, let alone join Assassins. But if there was more bite to this child's bark, consideration would be at hand. After all, Noxx wasn't really in a position to officially accept members. She was bored and thought it funny to pull the duo back to Rohj.
'Sorry about that, trying to talk sense into my half-domestic buddy here. Ah, but, might I ask?' Blah blah blah, but she did give a small smile at he half-domestic bit. What a ploy this guy was, a fox and a panda all in one. 'What might I have to do?' Did these children not listen? "Orientation." She repeated. But of course they had no idea what was expected of them during orientation, so she's have to show them. Why exert such energy on these two? But hey, there wasn't anything to loose. It's not like she had a set out schedule for the night.
Nodding, to no one in particular, flashed a millisecond glare at Retz. In that small portion of time, crystal blue eyes turned into slits, her canines lengthened, nails thinned and curved, from her hair spouted the tips of two tiny ears, as did a tail from her tailbone, just above her jeans. Legs bunching up, sprang at Retz. It was fun to see how much control Noxx had over her shifting. For by the time she was airborne in her lunge, a cheetah was attacking Retz. A full grown, light golden cheetah with crystal eyes that had turned into slits. A low growl bubbling from her throat.
If this boy was smart, he would move out of the way. But all the same, she tried to scratch his arm with her long claws. Landing upon the ground, swung her tail around so she could pivot upon landing to stare threateningly at Retz. Let's toy with him, see how much he wanted. Claws were once again sheathed, safe inside her paws. Shoulder blades poking through her hide, pulled her lip back and gave a quick growl. If he didn't immediately attack back, it would be time to circle and prowl. No matter what Retz was, it was always speed and sharp quick bites for Noxx.
{xD Because I'm a nerd I've done my research on a Cheetah vs Hyena. And the Hyena would win because of the muscle, strong bones, and strong jaw vs the cheetahs thin fragile bones, short teeth and etc. But yeah ^^ Let's not break any bones now D: ♥♥♥}
{Too-ashamed-to-count-again Words} {Noxx in Human/ Cheetah Form} {Hostile}
|
|
|
Post by max on Apr 27, 2010 19:03:26 GMT -5
It seemed there would be no logical, non-violent way out of this situation. Max was a little surprised when Retz’s arm snaked around his shoulders, so he barely resisted when he was pulled sideways in what could only have been a brotherly hug. He frowned, disconcerted, but he listened to Retz without complaint. Irritation flared. Regardless of this, Max merely watched Noxx as Retz spoke. Who is the coward here? Me or Retz? he thought to himself. Retz, he decided. The guy was cunning, and that was admirable, but he was just going to go along with this crap rather than stand his ground? And he was leaving Max no choice but to follow suit. He had the suspicious feeling that the hyena was using him. He wanted to feel that Retz really did like him, but it was hard at this point not to question his motives.
As soon as he was released, the wolf dog also straightened, but didn’t move from where he was standing. He felt embarrassed. Half-domestic? Did he really need to resort to patronising him, treating him like a stupid little brother just to get what he wanted? Max’s face went slightly red, his eyes glinting in anger. He knew better than to speak. Perhaps later, he would tell Retz just what he thought of his methods, but for now it was safer to just stay silent. Even if he was quick to grow defensive, Max was certainly not stupid. Ignorant, yes, but not stupid.
Suddenly, the hairs on Max’s arms and neck stood up. He glanced quickly at Noxx again, his heart starting to beat a little faster when he realised just what she was doing. She’s shifting. Shit. She was a fluid, graceful shape-changer, the shift coming upon her in an instant. For a moment, she stood half-cheetah, half-woman, an almost beautiful yet strange-looking creature. Those claws... Without warning, Noxx leapt towards them. Max might have tried to knock Retz out of the way if he hadn’t tripped over another stone upon moving. He stumbled, almost falling onto the rocky ground beneath.
Catching his balance, Max spun around to see the large cat staring at Retz. She had attacked them. There was no holding back now. Max had only ever fought once in his animal form. It had been a large dog, bigger than him, but not equipped with the same strength in its jaws as he was. Being half wolf had its perks. On the other hand, neither dog had won, either; both had been hosed with water by an angry human, forcing them to go their separate ways. Max had been relieved. There was no choice now. He didn’t know what use he would be against this feline. He could see her tail flicking side to side, those muscles rippling beneath a heavily spotted golden coat. Even with her claws sheathed, she looked dangerous.
Quickly making a decision, Max pulled his coat off and managed to remove his running shoes. He had only been doing this for a little over a year, so his efforts might not be as well-refined as Noxx’s, but he had grown good at changing rapidly and even gracefully. There was no need to speak. The first obvious change was in his face and hands. Hazel eyes, so green in the moonlight, changed to a deep amber. His canines lengthened slightly, and a light fur coat began to creep up from his thickening hands, fingers growing shorter, nails turning into claws. As the change flew over him, Max felt the usual sense of adrenaline and euphoria that came with it. His spine lengthened, forming a long, bushy tail. The thin fur coat on his arms and cheeks grew darker and coarser until it was almost black. He fell down onto all fours as the rest of his body became canine.
In full animal form, Max stood at about the height of a male German shepherd. He was not a large dog, but not a small one either. At first, one seeing a canine wearing a collar would assume that he was a black dog. But on closer inspection, the wolf was evident; his snout was narrower, more refined; those bone crushing jaws were made for chewing through the thick hides of large prey, not dog biscuits. His tail was longer than it should be, making him look almost disproportionate. He had shepherd-like ears, larger than a wolf’s but smaller than a shepherd’s. Instead of the usual dog-like stockiness, he had a wolf’s leanness, a wolf’s large paws. Flecks of brown scattered his dark coat, which in the sunlight would appear to be a dark brown. He shook his fur, which helped him become quickly acquainted with his second form, muscles warming up, ready to go. The wolf dog drew his lips back in a snarl. His hackles rose, ridged along his back down to his puffed-up tail. Ears flattened back, Max took a couple of cautious steps, ready to fight if necessary. He didn’t have a lot of confidence in winning, but underneath his gentle, ‘half-domestic’ nature lay a stoic bravery. He would protect Retz, no matter what his hidden motives were. He could only hope the hyena didn’t turn on him. [/color] ((OOC: -Shame- I have to go to work, this is a messy, hurried post again, I apologise! Noxx – don’t worry, I’m a nerd too I looked it up also; I am sure a hyena would beat a wolf, but a wolf would beat a cheetah - more powerfully built and more hardy. Whether Max, inexperienced, would have as much of a chance as a fully-grown grey wolf...remains to be seen....))
|
|