The creatures did not disappoint.  Before Highball's eyes, Paul and Kenji joined the battle to assist Donny, and a few of the monsters met the challenge.  When it became apparent that the 'God Hands' were not human but in fact men with dog heads, in the manner of some twisted Egyptian divinity, Highball remained remarkably unfazed.  All along, she had expected that a dream world's inhabitants would not make sense, and in truth the fact that the vast majority of the people she'd met so far were normal surprised her more.  Sitting upon her well, Highball pondered the significance of the beasts' name.  If the calls from the neighboring houses a few moments ago constituted anything if significance, these 'God Hands', despite their monstrous appearance, seemed to be performing a service for the people.  Of course, Highball could neither envision nor want to find out more about whatever ritualistic savagery awaited this woman, but the event created a unique idea of perspective.  Either this woman did indeed have crimes of a spiritual nature to answer for, or she was the lone spot of light in a town lost to darkness and corruption.  Given what Highball new of the World of Wasted Dreams so far, she admittedly anticipated the latter.  Plus, it stimulated her imagination to think of what kind of lumbering, vile god these freakish monsters could serve as peons for.

Unfortunately, the semi-canines also came through for Highball's other guess: they offered no challenge to the newly-minted hunters.  For a moment it appeared as though Donny might be in some sort of peril, pinned beneath the noteworthy might of the God Hand that assailed him, but Kenji's spear negated the threat.  After getting to his feet, Donny sprinted away while Highball watched, wondering if a single foul-breathed beast was enough to break his will.  Only a moment later, the man's acquisition of his rope answered her question.  Kenji's struggle with the impaled monster came to an abrupt end thanks to the end of Donny's brick flail, and Highball raised her hands to salute the frothing fiend's passing with a soft, though somewhat sarcastic, clap.  

Highball's mock celebration was interrupted by Maria, however, who presumed to needle her with patronizing suggestions.  A look of incredulous indignation flew the mannequin’s way, saying without words [i]What?  Waste my energy on these worthless things?  They're pathetic.  How much value is there in those flea-bitten hides?  Especially to go at them like piranhas in a shoal.  They're not even attacking.[/i]  Barely stronger than an adult male, not large or intimidating, and not keen to attack as a pack even while their numbers dwindled.  Did Maria also think it would be worth it if five poachers worked together to shoot a single passive deer?  Highball would fight when she saw a worthwhile take, or a chance to have some real fun.

Still, she deigned to watch as Maria assaulted one of the God Hands herself.  Highball observed through half-closed hazel eyes as the thing failed to land a single hit on Maria, who taunted all the while.  The mannequin's quips brought a smile to Highball's face.  [i]Wow, really sticking it to that brainless dog, tough girl.[/i]  She looked away when Maria began to use the dying thing for pleasure.  [i]No kill like overkill, I suppose—especially for psychos.[/i]  The next thing she knew, a rotten head sailed her way like some grotesque sports ball.  Not pleased with the prospect of touching it, Highball quickly maneuvered her cane into the object's path, switching it to rake form as she did.  Upon the nasty tines the severed head snagged and hung, odious and odorous both.  The only thing that displeased Highball more than the object was the pity that had sent it soaring.  With the slightest of efforts, she tipped the rake and let the viscera plop messily to the cobblestones.  [i]Not just pity, but a pity loan.  I'm not lazy or gutless, lady.  I'm discerning.[/i]  After rejecting Maria's offering, she leaned on the upright rake and looked back at the other group.  Kenji and Paul had already dispatched more foes.  Highball decided that in short order she'd strike out on her own to find her own prey.