[center][color=c0c0c0][b][u]Slayer[/u][/b][/color]
Level 5 || Day 3 – Morning || On the Doom Train
[@Zarkun] [@Majoras End] [@Tenma Tendo] [@ONL]
[b]Experience: [color=orange]||||||||||||||||[/color][color=black]||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||[/color] (16/50)[/b]
Word count: 596[/center]

Claws of keratin met claws of flame, sending up sparks as the two sets of weapons slid off one another rather than clanging together.  The tremendous momentum of both combatants carried through to strike the other's chest, and the next instant the force slid the two apart.  Thanks to the odd impact, their slashing blows managed to convey pushing power rather than cutting power, creating the distance between them.  Slayer glanced down at his chest, then at his lupine opponent.  Some satisfaction tickled him as he noticed that Warwick got the worse deal out of their exchange by a long shot, but the damage to his suit jacket and tie disgruntled him to such a degree that any joy was buried.  Complaining could come later, however; for now, Slayer had a fight to win.  Through gritted teeth, he told the werewolf, [color=c0c0c0]”I admit I respect your ferocity, but I've gotten a bead on your one-track mind.  Steady yourself; this may get rough.”[/color]  He clenched his fist and began to move.

The next second, the PA sounded off once again, interrupting the four-way fight.  Its first words brought an official end to the warm-up battle.  With a wry smile, Slayer relaxed his stance, slipping his hands into his pockets.  [color=c0c0c0]”Color me surprised that you lot would think so little of us,”[/color] he told Warwick, who turned his back and limped away in a huff.  One by one the other fighters departed, all except the Death Knight, whose approach bespoke of a bonus of conversation.  [color=c0c0c0]”Should I have the time, I'd be happy to lend a hand,”[/color] he said in response to the warrior's request.  His gaze grew more interested as his acquaintance's speech shifted to strategy.  An intangible enemy, eh?  [color=c0c0c0]”Gracious of you t'let me know.  I'll keep that in mind.”[/color]  With a slight bow of his head, he bid the Death Knight farewell.  It wasn't long at all before the train, already slowing down, came to a halt.  The nearby doors slid open, and Slayer strode up to the car's edge.

Before him lay a grim vista; twisted black trees, spectral blue flame, a wrought-iron gate, and a house that looked physically warped all screamed 'haunted'.  Even the grass, a touch off-color, gave off an eerie vibe.  Add to that a miasma of dark mist that made whatever lay on its other side wobble back and forth like jello and the scene could scarcely be more surreal.  It made Slayer smile.  [color=c0c0c0]”Wouldja look at that!”[/color]  He allowed the skeletons to lead him out at the head of his group, gesturing to the haunted mansion as he turned part-way around.  [color=c0c0c0]”Classic stuff.  Perfect blend of barren and spooky, not too heavy on the décor, and the waverin' effect given by the mist makes it seem all dream-like.  Jack-O'd have a fit, I'm sure.”[/color]  He paused in his assessment as the Headless Horseman approached to talk about schedules—both his and theirs.  As the Horseman spoke, Slayer adjusted what remained of his tie and dusted his jacket off.   [color=c0c0c0]”Six hours?  Goodness, I hope it doesn't take that long.”[/color]  By the time he finished, the Horseman was already gone, and with an ominous whistle the fabled Doom Train was rolling once more.

Slayer stroked his goatee, considering the path that lay before him.  [color=c0c0c0]”Hmm...well, we have nothin' if not time.”[/color]  Holding his labels, he performed an about-face to address the group.   [color=c0c0c0]”Are you all well?  I failed to pay as much attention to your fights as I should've.  If everyone's in good shape, we can proceed with our little hunt.”[/color]