"Forget this!" Soka said, having his weapons return with to liquid form and go back in his sword case. "I do need to be able to move or else these vines will keep catching me. I can't believe that little plant dodged one of my strongest attacks!" Somehow he didn't think these small things would be such a hard fight, but now he was completely annoyed. "Forget advice, I'll do this my way." With his blades from before now back in his case, he began to construct metal of his own. It was a much longer process than simply commanding metal as he had been before. While he concentrated, a new weapon began to appear.

"Yup, made it to orientation just in time. Hit it off with a bunch of other students too." Said Abigael, as a lay relaxed in his dorm bed. This was of course, a lie, as he arrived after orientation, and headed directly towards the dorm to unpack and relax. For an entire day. He figured there was no point in leaving the dorm if there weren't any classes to go to or assignments to complete. His mother called to see how he was handling life at the academy the day after he had arrived. "Uh-huh, finished classes a while ago. You called me in the middle of an assignment, actually. We're hunting uh... A thing. I forgot the name of it. We're still looking for it." This was another lie. He had stayed in his dorm the entire day up to this point, faking a stomach ache so he wouldn't get dragged to classes. He took a hand full of chips from a bag at his side and shoved them in his face. "Huh? Oh, that's me eating. We're taking a small break to eat. Gotta keep that energy up, right?" He proceeded to take a large swig of soda, trying his best to make it sound like he was drinking from a water canteen. After a while of listening, he choked up a little. "Huh?! A report already?!" He had forgotten all about that deal. If he wanted to keep using the glaive, he needed to send regular reports back explaining how Beat and the glaive behaved. "R-right, yeah, that's no problem. Yeah, I should definitely have a lot to report about after this hunt! Totally! Uh..." He started shaking the chip bag to make a rattling/rustling noise. "I gotta go mom, there's something in the bushes, talk to you later!" He hung up and sighed. Cripes... He knew he had to do something, and his parents would definitely see through a false report. If he was going to last at all in the academy, he needed that weapon. Guess I should start looking for some work... He jumped out of bed, brushed himself off and looked at the time. Classes are about the end. Thankfully he had showered beforehand. He waited a few minutes for classes to properly end, and made his way down to the entrance lobby of the main building. Jeez... All these missions sound like hard work... He sighed. He didn't like the sound of any of them. There was no way he was going into a dangerous environment, so the blighted woods was out of the question. Plus, his parents are expecting a report of how the glaive fared again a large monster, so the fire rats weren't gonna make the cut. All that was left was the cockatrice... Three people recommended... Where am I gonna find two other chumps to... His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a loud crash. He looked over and saw a group of kids, one of them looked to be a girl that threw a punch, and one seemed to be a boy that received it. Well I certainly don't plan on scamming her. He continued in thought. Cockatrice... Group... Cockatrice... Group... Eventually those words started repeating, until he realized that he wasn't thinking them anymore, he was hearing them. Another group of kids had been talking about grouping up to hunt the cockatrice. Four kids in total, as it seemed. They had already started making their way towards the teleporter. "... Perfect." He accepted the quest from the board - At least, he thought he did. He didn't quite understand how to use the board, but continued anyways. If I just follow these guys, I can jump in the battle and join 'em. There's only for of them anyways, so a fifth member shouldn't be too troublesome. I'll just hit the monster a few times, let 'em do most of the work, and bam! Easy peasy. I'll have a report to give, I'll hopefully come out with a few credits and materials, and I'd be doing minimal work. Abigael waited a while after the group teleported away, so that he wouldn't be caught following them. He then hopped in, and immediately ducked for cover as he flashed onto the island. He spotted the group heading for the cornfields, and followed after them. He waited just outside the field, where he had a clear view of them. What the hell are they doing? They're just standing there doing no- He then heard a loud roar that made him jump. A few moments later he saw the beast heading straight for the group. Perfect! Now to just wait while they rough him up a little... Abigael looked onto the group waiting to see how the battle turns out. Durig this time, Beat emerges from the blade and begins buzzing around, zipping back and forth around Abigael. Abigael stared at Beat for a while, wondering why now of all times did he come out, but he sighed and looked on, paying no mind to the mechanical bug, but now looking towards the fight with a more concerned face. That this IS really big... Maybe I should just help now... He continued to stare, debating in his head if he should jump in or not.

Ryouta heard the terrible screech that responded to his lure, like an omen of things to come. He knew it was now in the fields and he squinted - but all he could see was the occasional bobbing of something red ...coming towards him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When the Cockatrice leapt high into the air, Ryouta raised his sword before him horizontally and used both his hands to support it. He saw Rian casting a spell to it but Ryouta had little time to see what happened before the creature bore it's claws down on him, the first attack landed on the sheath of his weapon, sliding off in a loud metal clink. The second attack struck true and tore Ryouta's left sleeve, rending kevlar and a little bit of flesh with it. It was clear that the senior felt it but he kept his cool with only a grimace. Ryouta gazed into it's beady eyes, almost taunting it with his stare, that seemed to say: "That's all?". Then when it raised it's claws the third time, he merely lIfted a foot off the ground and let himself fall backwards, Suddenly, when he seemed to loose balance - he faded fRom view. Leaving a soft blue glow in his place and particles of light that suffused the air briefly before too fading away. The cockatrice's talons dug deep into the earth, leaving three large scars in the ground. But nothng else ... In the boughs of a nearby tree, Ryouta reappeared standing upright, harbingered by that same light that seemed to mask his pressence while he moved. He tapped the sides of his visor and it began recording, "MRS #20XB, commencing." Then he tapped his watch again, this time the Rooster's crow played even louder then before. Ryouta now watched his opponent's reactions carefully, his forearm started started welling up with a bit of blood but he did not falter. —----------------------------- (OOC: Ryouta Himonaga took 10 physical damage from suprise attack! Used 10 MP for "Flash Step" and readies a second action.)

Seeing the cockatrice reveal itself as it made its first attack towards Ryouta, Winnifred readied her gun, taking aim. Even though its attack had clearly connected with Ryouta, Winnifred was somewhat surprised and a bit impressed to see him pull some sort of teleporting escape out of the beast's claws. As soon as she saw Rian finish casting a spell, and the monster faltered in its movement, Winnifred took it as her chance. She focused a shot, studying the monster's movements closely, and tried to aim for its head. With a deep breath to steady herself, she pulled the trigger as she gave the command, "Bang!" She fired a shot at the cockatrice's head, hoping to land an effective hit right away and make this battle even easier, though she had enough experience with exbeasts to know it usually wasn't that simple.

Ryouta thought up a pretty good plan to lure him out with one of his devices. She hasn't seen it before but it seemed to be a mp3 of some sorts that worked on electricity or magic. "As expected from my senpai" She folded her arms and gave a smile of approval "I'm in." When Ryouta played the sound from his mp3 there was almost an immediate response of the bird. A loud shriek sounded from the field and a cloud of dust above the corn could be seen from Haruka's view. When the others were distracted by the bird's screeching Haruka dashed and jumped away into the corn field without probably no one noticing and waited for the gigantic bird to pass by. After only some mere seconds passes by as the stamping of the bird sounded louder and eventually the bird ran past her and was starting to fight her team. Haruka quietly whispered to herself "Assassinate" as her eyes glowed bright red and unsheathed the katana that was holstered in a holster attached to her waist hanging behind her back. She holded the katana just like a dagger with one hand and pointed towards the back and took a jump onto the fence between her and the bird, trusting herself towards the back of the huge beast. Haruka slung her right arm left upwards trying to slice the beast and hopefully cutting her blade deeply into the beast. It took her a moment to get her footing on the back of the beast and ran to the top of his head and jumped, landing with a roll on the ground. Her mp was now down to 40 and the beast was likely to be still standing. She sheathed her katana in the holster again and glanced at the person behind them, that has been following them for over a while now over her shoulder, tiling her mouth corner up a little while she was at it. She reached with her hand to one of her kunai and trew it up in the air from her leg holster. It was spinning rapidly in the air above her and she caught it in mid air when it reached her arm height again "Let's finish this show."

"W-Wait... Did she say 'finish this show'?! Already?!" Abigael gets up and runs towards the cockatrice, hoping it isn't too late. I gotta get a hit in now! If I don't, I might not get credit! Beat keeps up with Abigael, still managing to buzz back and forth around him. C'mon... Just a little more... He's about 8 meters away. Just a little closer and... When Abigael gets close enough, he points directly at the monster's legs. "Tag 'em, Beat! Weaken his strength by going for the legs! That looks like his main way of attacking!" On this command, Beat rushes directly towards the cockatrice, thrusting out pincer like blades from its front. The mechanical bug grabs onto the legs of the beast with its pincers, then begins to glow a bright red color. After that, Beat retreats back to Abigael, placing itself on the glaive, spreading its color to the whole weapon. Abigael continues his advance on the cockatrice, getting closer and spinning his weapon about with clearly more ease than before. (OOC: If Beat hit the cockatrice, his attack is reduced by 20. He also takes 2 damage. Am I doing combat right?)

The Twig Blight, already battered from its exchanges with the Striker and weakened from the friendly fire, could do little as Hazel charged in with death in her eyes. Her sword swept its head from its body with a snicker-snack, and as the head bounced between the trees, the corpse collapsed into a bundle of dead wood. The Twig Blight's legs were no good to it, and it was thrown to the hard earth before Joe put his full weight on its chest and let the fists fly. It was barely able to shield itself from the first few blows, but its skinny arms soon gave out just like its legs had from repeated strikes, and from there on it was almost cruel how the Striker beat his opponent to death blow by blow. Eventually the Twig Blight was little more than kindling. When he felt satisfied, Joe moved to help out the party's summoner... When John cried out for help, Joe came running. Grappled by two at once, the Twig Blight's struggles were for naught as John held it so Joe could break its legs, something that seemed to be turning into a favorite tactic. The Needle Blight, seeing that its last attack had worked, was about to prepare a second volley when it saw the Cactus Cat coming for it. With a cackle it made to move out of the way--only for Joe to swing its companion into it with a crunching impact! The Cactus Cat's thorned kick slashed across both monsters and sent them sprawling. They were tangled together, and slow to get up from this vulnerable position... [Needle Blight and Twig Blight have low HP!] "Don't lose focus!" Hayato shouted back when he heard Soka's anger. But the Adept seemed to be planning something big, and given that most of his metal attacks were as good as a sword, he might be able to turn the tides if he had time to finish the spell. Well, that was what Knights were for, wasn't it!? Hayato jumped in front of Soka as the Vine Blights continued to lash at them, using his sword to slash and deflect what he could and taking the hits with his body when he couldn't. Vines lashed across his shoulders and arms, tearing his blazer and the undershirt beneath to leave welts and shallow cuts on his flesh, but he grit his teeth and pressed on. Not a single blow reached Soka, not even when the Needle Blight, unable to move on the ground, managed to fire another round of projectiles. The needles embedded themselves in Hayato's non dominant arm, not enough to disable him but enough to slightly throw off his swordsmanship, and a vine whipped across his face, causing a steady drip of blood that blurred his vision in one eye. My first trip to Excaledvol isn't going so great, bro... he thought, refusing to budge and slashing another vine that came at him. But you're somewhere out here, aren't you? So I can't give up, not before I've even taken the first step! Vine Blight A sent out a lash that wrapped around his left arm, the same one injured by the needles. Hayato let out a roar of defiance and pulled, dragging the creature towards him so that he could run it through the face with his sword. The monster gave a loud screech, and Hayato pulled it in front of a second volley from the Needle Blight, then tossed the corpse aside when it went heavily limp. "Lookin' forward to that spell!" he yelled over his shoulder. The rat that Taeion hadn't targeted leaped out of the way, up to the top of a pile of barrels, but the other wasn't so lucky. The ninjato skewered it, and though it was tougher than an earthly rat the bleedout from the wound was just too much. It died scrabbling at the blade of the sword, and now Taeion only had one opponent to deal with. However, at his back, there was a sudden bout of shouting from the docks, and a thick plume of black smoke rose from somewhere to the west. The remaining Fire Rat turned and began to run, but the barrel it was on wasn't quite stable, and began to roll underneath it. With a worried squeak, the rodent put on a burst of speed and finally managed to hop away; in the process, it sent an avalanche of heavy aluminum containers towards Taeion. Thanks to Rian's spells and Ryouta's distraction, the Cockatrice barely even saw the rest of the group coming; Winnifred's blast took it in the eye, blinding it one one side, and Haruka's attacks left a long slash mark down its back. As the strange bug began draining its energy, the creature let out another screech and stumbled. When Ryouta played the rooster's crow again, the Cockatrice froze up. The call wasn't fatal to it like the stories said, but something about it was like a dog whistle, driving the beast mad with pain. It screeched again and began rubbing its head against the ground in an attempt to block its ears, as it couldn't cover them with its "hands" like a human could. When it rose again its head was covered with bits of dirt and grass, making it look ridiculous but dulling the sound. Opening its beak wide, it spat its poison at Rian, the one slowing it down so much and preventing it from evading the other's attacks. [Cockatrice uses Petrifying Spit on Rian!]

Hazel grinned as she got her second kill. She wheeled her head around, eyeing her companions, deciding quickly who to help. She saw Hayato struggling against the large number of enemies around him and John. Hazel pulled her sword from the former neck of the now dead Twig Blight and ran for Vine Blight B. "That's what I like to see Hayato! You're not as bad of a Knight as I thought you were!" She called out. She was still grinning. Her sword raised, she neared the Ving Blight. She used her momentum to skid across the bed of leaves that coated the forest floor, keeping her balance in check as she came past the Vine Blight. She aimed her sword for the creatures neck, doing her best to preform a drive-by decapitation.

"I get the twig blight. You can handle the needle.", Joe would be pleased if he wasn't forced to punch needles with his naked hands. Leaping in the air he would throw a downwards attack similar to the one he did in the beginning of the fight. Using gravity and his full body weight to throw a strike with maximum power and knock this twig blight out in one shot. Even if it didn't he would be in the mount position and capable of ground and pounding his opponent till they were knocked out. From there on he would stand up and give a smile to John. From there on he would stand and look for possibly more enemies, if there weren't he would go help the others.

"Attack its head and remove the blockage! Its dulling the sound!" Abigael rushes towards the cockatrice and swings at its face with his glaive, hoping to either hurt it or clear up some of the dirt so the rooster's crow wouldn't be dulled. Thanks to his new strength borrowed from the cockatrice, he slams the blade once against its face. This thing ain't so bad! I'll probably come out of this without a scratch! Abigael notices the opening mouth and quickly steps towards the cockatrice's side. He wasn't sure who the it was aiming at, but he hoped it wasn't him.

Soka watched as Hayato took a number of hits to guard him. He wanted to tell him to evade the attacks, but he focused on the spell he had been doing. Finally, it was ready. "Equip metal!" A pointed double-edged blade equipped to Soka's right arm. "Hey, don't worry about me! I'll be fine. Thanks for buying me some time," he said, beginning to cut the vines that had been restraining him. Even if he only managed to free himself by the time the others had finished off the creatures, it would be better than being stuck here and having someone else defend him. "Finish them off if you can! I'm a bit tied up here."

Rian clicked his tongue as he watched the Beast tear a number of bloody gashes in Ryouta's arm. They didn't look too bad, but it was his job to heal them even if it wasn't exactly necessary in his opinion. Nonetheless, he gave his staff a small twirl and began to chant, but something caused him to sputter and lose the spell. Some random AcadeMMO student, going by his appearance, charged out of nowhere towards the Cockatrice and landed a few hits on it. If Rian had seemed slightly annoyed at the fact that Ryouta and Haruka had joined the party, then he was downright angry at this scumbag who thought he could just sneak in and get rewards after realizing it was safe to do so. 'Oh hell no,' he thought bitterly, as he easily sidestepped the Cockatrice's spit attack. Its aim was good, given that Rian had to actually move, but it telegraphed its intent and acted on it so slowly that the Cleric was already moving before the spit had even left its mouth. Stepping away from even the drops that splattered when the projectile hit the ground, the glow that surrounded his staff's head wasn't green that signalled healing for Ryouta, but the same black aura that he'd just used moments ago. “Weakness revealed, vulnerabilities exposed, Frailty of Strength and Speed.” Muttering the chant, the aura streamed forward from his staff to surround and swallow Abigael, weighing down his entire body and draining his arms of any strength in them. At that point he didn't even care about what the others who were part of the "party" might have thought of his actions. Rian simply saw someone who was trying to take advantage of a situation that had been in control and reap the benefits. _______________ ((OOC: Abigael should have his Attack get dropped to 0, and his Speed to 4.))

"Wh-what the hell?!" Abigael stopped what he was doing, terrified of what just happened. Suddenly he felt all his strength fade and his speed drop. He looked at his glaive, now feeling heavier than normal, thinking that this was some side effect or the boost ran out, but the color was still there. He looked around and saw the staff pointed at him, and put two and two together. Immediately he began to worry. Ah cripes, did I get found out that fast? Abigael was in a rough spot. He couldn't take anything from the cockatrice since his staff was already filled with a now useless aspect. "Well, if at the very least... I can try this!" Abigael started hollering and waving towards the cockatrice, attempting to distract it, hoping to be set up as a decoy. He probably wouldn't be able to dodge his attacks in time, but hopefully he can take a stab or two, maybe even a few of those petrifying spits. If anything, he's at least keeping the Exbeast from attacking with its claws effectively for now. If he can keep that going he'll still make it out of this fight in decent shape.

As soon as Winnifred fire's the first shot getting a hit on the cockatrice's eye, she begins to aim again, only to be distracted for a moment by the sudden appearance of a fifth student, one she didn't recognize at all. Trying to keep an eye on both the other student and the cockatrice's movements as it tried to aim its venomous spit at Rian. Thankfully Rian was far too fast for it, so Winnifred at least didn't need to worry any about the team's healer getting petrified. She turned her attention back to the cockatrice, although she was still rather confused as she wasn't used to people suddenly appearing in the middle of assignments and it looked as though Rian was casting a spell targeted on the new arrival as well. Winnifred couldn't spare much attention to it though, as she was more concerned at the moment by the fact that the cockatrice had already started resorting to its petrifying spit. Something like that had to be stopped right quick. She took another deep breath, aiming at the cockatrice's head again. With any luck, this thing would go down any second. "Bang!" she said again, firing the second crippling shot. Winnifred was aware she'd already used up a good chunk of her energy with these charged shots, but she was sure she'd be able to use a couple more if she needed to.

The team was working out like a well oiled machine so far. There was Winnifred, the sniper who let loose high caliber slugs at it's critical areas and clearly took her toll on it. While Haruka took the chance to use a vicious technique and ran her weapon down it's back, causing grievious injuries. There was also a debilitation placed on the beast to slow it down, all while Ryouta kept it's attention on him. But then ...there was also someone else. A student! He certainly came as an unexpected suprise ....What's worse though was now Rian was attacking HIM instead of the monster. The monster, which had shown an unusual amount of intelligence, by making ear plugs out of the soil and grass beneath it. Things were getting chaotic ....... Ryouta Himonaga took a moment to assess the situation, he put one and two together and soon saw why this was happening:There was plenty of food, like the corn fields, somewhere there must have been a chicken coop which roused the monster's ire too! No wonder it was attacking this area! Not that this information was going to be useful right now, but maybe with it's intelligence, it could be reasoned with? The thought crossed his mind as more a favourable outcome, provided that they don't end it now. The creature was not being intentionally malicious afterall, unless there were casualities, otherwise it was just trying to survive. This thought made Ryouta choose to act differently, initially wanting to strike with his sword, he now instead held it ceremoniously by his side and took a long breath before shaking the talisman that clung to it. No longer was the Rooster's crow being played anymore, instead there was the sound of several small bells ringing... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- He suddenly began singing slowly in a grand, resonating bass. The hymn echoed through the fields. The very air itself seemed to stand still in it's wake, like it was paying respects to the song's arrival. The winds stopped blowing and the last wisps of moving air whispered in Ryouta's ear... There was a second chime, this time the faint sound of drums could be heard. The Binder stepped off the branch and gently landed on his feet, caught by a swirl of air that ushered his descent. He began slowly walking towards it ... All who heard it would be awashed with a sense of enveloping quietude, a calmness only felt on the most pleasant of days - in the very heat of this battle. That was the nature of the song they heard. The Prayer they heard. But the cockatrice it would feel the effects more strongly than any other. The Hymn was sung for it. This rushed ceremony was done in it's honor. Though dulled, it would seep through the pores of dirt and grass and reach foR it's soul. If the ceremony worked, all it's thoughts would be focused on the memory of the song and nothing else. Leaving it standing still in a tranquil daze. Success would be indicated by several faint lines of light and shadow that will begin weaving themselves around the creature in a divine symbol depicting the four cardinal directions (四神) where it stood. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (OOC: Ryouta used this whole turn to cast "Prayer foR Calmness", his speciality, using 10 MP in the process. The enchantment works by using his Magic Stat against the target's Resistance Stat. It might also help neutralize the hostilities of students towards each other as a side effect.)

Taeion had managed to narrowly dodge the aluminium avalanche by sprinting to the other side of the wooden crate, opposite to where the charred hole was. 'That was lucky.' He thought to himself. It was quite clear to him that these rats were more destructive than he had originally thought. He climbed atop the wooden crate, and leapt onto some of the now-fallen aluminium containers, attempting to scout out the fleeing rat. His perception was fairly good when he focused, and surely enough, he was able to see the rat running away. He wouldn't allow that. It'd probably start another fire if he did. "Deft." Taeion said, activating his ability once more, dashing in the direction that the rat went. The fleeing Fire Rat was just out of reach, and he wasn't able to stab it like he did to it's partner. Instead, he was forced to pick out another shuriken, and toss it towards the fleeing rodent with killing intent. As he did this, the fire in the west likely raged on. Hopefully the dockworkers had another water hose over there.

Abigael looked over at the strange singing student in confusion at the beginning of the prayer. The heck is this guy doing?! We're in the middle of a fight here and he's si- His thoughts were cut off by a sudden feeling of calmness. His hollers and taunts were halted as he calmly stood still in front of the cockatrice, realizing that this was some sort of pacifying spell. I dunno what this guy's planning, but I hope it works... Maybe it'll get that one chick to call off her spell on me too.

"Thanks for the help."The first thing John did when he no longer needed to worry about keeping the Twig Blight busy ,was to check the arm where it scratched him earlier. Its claws had left medium sized cuts, but nothing serious. He wondered if he should help the Cactus-Cat with the Needle Blight like the Striker suggested, but he had no intention of punching something covered in needles either. After looking how the others were doing, he could think of only one way to help. "You keep the good work." Taking the Summoner's word to heart, the catlike Ex-Beast decided to take his opponent down as fast he could. Remembering how effective its last attack was the Cactus-Cat one again tried to kick the Needle Blight this time in the direction its new ally wasn't in. After all it was smart to realize that might be a stupid idea. John meanwhile tried to sneak to the two party members caught by the Vine Blights without drawing the attention of any other hostile Ex-Beasts, hoping to help free them.

Haruka saw the boy suddenly running up to the beast, was he trying to kill himself? Even though this assignment is a rank D the bird is still lethal if it hits you in the right spot. She looked at the weird bug flying around the guy, it looked a little like an summoned exbeast, so that would mean he himself was a summoner. She didn't know any other classes that would make use of exbeasts and just assumed he was for now. Haruka looked back at the bird and it was just about to spit something out, she squinted her eyes at the beast his beak opening as her own mouth opened "Paralysing agent" She trew the kunai that she still was holding in her hand covered in paralysing chemicals at the beast his mouth, attempting to hit it inside him. She hadn't noticed till now that the beast has blocked his own ears with some dirt to keep out the sound. The new guy in front of her suddenly tried to take the lead and Rian didn't look all to happy about him doing so "How fun, a new enemy it seems" she smirked at the guy that had Rian his spell cast on him. She didn't know what the spell did exactly but even though the guy had this spell on him he still tried to take on the bird in front of him "This guy has guts." She dashed unseen at the new guy behind his back and took out some invisible wire out of her jacket that was commonly used to make traps, but it can be used in different ways to. Some swift arm movement were made by Haruka without making to much sound. It only took a moment to make a few proper knots to try and attempt to bind the guy in one instance. Haruka threw the 8 circles of wire over his head and pulled all of them in the next second binding his arms to his upper body and his legs to each other, making it unable to move his arms nor legs. If she made one or two knots wrong he would likely be able to escape the trap she made. She pushed his back with one hand lightly attempting to make him fall and smiled calmly at her party "I think we don't need to worry about him anymore."

Hearing Hazel's voice, the Vine Blight started to turn towards the new threat, only to have Hayato suddenly charge towards it with a roar. It turned back, surprised that after taking so many lashes the human was still coming after it with twice the fury blazing in his one good eye. Both Knights swept their blades through the plant's body, Hayato at its midsection and Hazel through its neck. The severed pieces flew in different directions, dripping sticky sap. Hayato turned back to see that Soka had completed his spell...which was some kind of Full Metal Alchemist-style arm blade or something? Hayato suddenly threw both arms up, sending bits of sap flying off his sword. "Why didn't you make, like, a flying buzz saw or a bladed chain whip or something that doesn't require you to be in close range!?" While he was talking, however, the Needle Blight on the ground took aim at both him and Hazel, letting loose a wide shot... The Cactus Cat and Joe both pressed their advantage as the enemies finally disentangled themselves. Before either could get up, Joe came down with a flying axe kick that cracked the Twig Blight's head into a scattering of splinters, and the Cactus Cat's thorny hind legs split its target's chest wide open, spilling sap onto the ground as it collapsed and ceased to move. With their opponents down, they were free to join John in heading towards Hayato, Soka, and Hazel--just in time to see the two Knights about to be attacked... The shuriken slashed the Fire Rat open along its side, a long, painful looking gash that bled profusely. Where the blood drops hit the ground, a small flame flickered slightly above them, like fumes from gasoline or the vapor from candle wax. The bleeding was so severe that the creature would likely soon die, but the Fire Rat, knowing this itself, seemed to be determined to make one last stand against its killer. It suddenly turned back, even though Taeion was charging at it with enhanced speed, and leaped at him. His momentum would make it harder for him to pull to a stop in order to avoid it, as it tried to sink its fangs deep into his arm... [OOC: Liferusher, I know Sour Grape's character is currently debuffed to the point where he couldn't dodge, but it's a little bit unfair to completely tie him up and take him out of the situation. I'd like to ask you to edit, please, or at least make it an attempt instead of an auto-hit.] As Ryouta began to chant, the Cockatrice looked at him, the magical ripples of the words through the air reaching it even through its clogged ears. It was just beginning to calm down, then Winnifred shot it in the face again, shattering the top half of its beak on one side. Blood spurted through the air as the monster shook its head weakly back and forth, almost as if it had been drugged by Ryouta's spell. Combined with Rian's magic, it was completely helpless. Haruka's knife struck true as well, piercing its throat, and the creature's next scream turned into a bloody cough. It tried to attack again, but its movements were so drunken thanks to the combinations of magics that it could barely raise one foot without falling over... [Critical Hit! The Cockatrice's HP is low!]