Auriel nodded as Emlyn explained his weapon. He was glad to be correct about its ranged capabilities, and its ability to function as a shield was useful. Slowly, the mountain started to level as the pair continued onward. Relieved at the slowly decreasing burden that walking was putting on him, Auriel walked over to a small grouping of rocks and put one foot on them, as if conquering the mountain. "We're almost at the top. Hah. Just a few more minutes of walking...and we'll be there. Oh man, I'm pretty excited." Removing his foot, Auriel turned around only to have his face darken and drop as if he'd just seen a pack of vicious Grimm about to eat them. Because he had. "Hey, Emlyn. I really hope you're good at fighting Itzamna. Cause....there's some Itzamna behind you." 

His arms exploding from his sides to arm himself, Auriel stepped forward to put himself beside Emlyn as the raptors attacked, ducking behind his shield as the first reached him, its massive talons scraping against the metal of his shield. Groaning, he stepped to the side, the Grimm landing harshly after having its balance shifted. As it turned to face Auriel, swiping one of its hands, he rushed into it, stabbing his rapidly spinning sword through its side. Blood splashed over his armor, his face and his weapon as the Itzamna was torn apart by the sword.

Yanking himself out of the Grimm, Auriel spun about, trying to get a sense of where the rest were. It was too late that he saw the feathered beast midair, and he was pinned to the ground, his sword arm pinned at the forearm beneath a massive leg. As the other leg swung down, its hooked talon aimed at his throat, Auriel protected himself the only way he could: by using his left arm, which had still been holding his shield, thankfully. The impact jarred his shoulder and elbow, but Auriel decided now was the time to get out of there. Instantly, he appeared a scant three of four feet to the side, free of the Itzamna's grasp. Quickly launching himself onto his feet, Auriel jerked his head to his partner, hoping he'd be faring at least as well as he did. His arm ached from the two impacts he'd blocked, but he was unharmed. So far, so good. His sword still spinning, Auriel kept his vision flickering between each enemy in sight, to prevent himself from developing tunnel vision. [i]Come on, ya damned birds, let's get this over with![/i]