[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/b3RmLjcyLmRmNTNhNC5RV3RwYTI4Z1RXbGhlbUZyYVEsLC4w/jessen.mittel-14.png[/img][/center][hr]

Shit! Akiko was able to be prepared for the attack as soon as it came due to whatever sense of smell she had from her wolf stunt, but she wasn't ready in any physical capacity! Her Serei cards weren't summoned and these hounds were about to attack! She desperately fanned through her cards looking for Lorelai, when one hound suddenly leapt at her...!

[color=red][ Cease. ][/color]

But, only visible to Kanbaru and Akiko, a paw came rocketing out of a purple cloud and promptly smashed into the bush hound, knocking it right at the wall and smashing it's head into dust, promptly killing it. Akiko was dumbfounded. What that voice... was that what just rocketed out of the cloud? Speaking of that cloud, the purple smoke began to grow and solidify into something... more. Something greater.

At first, it was humanoid in shape, but as it began to stretch and grow its form began to swap and change to fit what it really was. Two large ears sprouted on top of it's feline head, the body accompanying it lithe, yet toned. What would've been hands on this figure were no more than large paws, complete with razor-sharp nails and, somehow, thumbs. It had cuffs on, almost like it had been broken free from arrest, and the same cuffs were around it's knees, if you wanted to call them that. They were more... digitigrade in nature, paws at the end instead of human feet and toes. This was... odd, but considering who it was protecting...

[color=red][ You won't get near. ][/color] It's voice was almost like Akiko's, but it seemed to echo with a darker, male tone. Like, it left a masculine aftertaste to it.

Akiko staggered backward. [color=hotpink]"What... what [i]are[/i] you..?"[/color] 

The being responded accordingly, though only Akiko and Kanbaru could acknowledge it. [color=red][ I am your subconscious, your psyche, your soul, and the manifestation of your fighting spirit. Normally, someone like you wouldn't be able to have something like me, but this Tower of Fables has helped you reach greater potential. You are a pacifist, but that doesn't stop you from wanting to fight when you have to. ][/color] The being stood fast, another hound approaching, and knocked it to the side without any worry, this hound leaving a sizable crater in the wall. Of course, nobody could see it, but it was really cool to see Akiko 'knock' these babies aside.

[color=red][ I am your Stand, brought about by the arrow. I am [url=https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/416211743639994369/763208528982442024/image0.jpg?width=545&height=677]Castle.[/url] ][/color] The figure said, its eyes gleaming with a red tint. [color=red][ I fight close by, and any cards you have summoned I will keep their abilities, so you may utilize your newfound strengths even if you choose to leave this tower. I will not leave you. ][/color] Castle moved to behind Akiko, taking place behind her and raising its hands to fight. 

[color=hotpink]"So... that's what that arrow did..."[/color] Akiko offered a smile, dashing forward to another hound and knocking it once again to the side with Castle. As she batted it aside, she caught Rose kicking back as if she was watching a movie. She frowned. [color=hotpink]"Good to see you're helping, Fortis."[/color] Akiko chafed. She didn't really need any help with Castle at her side, but her point still stood.